Deck 37: War Profiteering: Iraq and Halliburton

Question 1

Rothe notes that C. W. Mills (1956) in his book The Power Elite described the "revolving door" effect by which he meant

A) executives from major military contractors assume government positions resulting in state interests competing with corporate loyalties.
B) in war as in politics, generals must become executive managers of combat operations to ensure success; to do so they have to rely upon civilian executives.
C) military generals plan a second war before they have concluded the first as the double wars in Iraq and Afghanistan illustrate.
D) war is a revolving door since combat requires extensive logistical support.

Answer 1

executives from major military contractors assume government positions resulting in state interests competing with corporate loyalties.

Question 2

A history of Halliburton corporation reveals all of the following illegalities and misdeeds EXCEPT

A) fraud and overcharging military for work and supplies in the Balkans and in military installations in the U.S.
B) illegally paid $180 million in bribes to Nigerian government for contract to build gas plant.
C) illegally traded with Iraq 1997 to 2000 in violation of international trade sanctions.
D) since 2001 has engaged in pattern of sexual harassment against female employees in connection with cost-plus contracts.

Answer 2

since 2001 has engaged in pattern of sexual harassment against female employees in connection with cost-plus contracts.

Question 3

Rothe suggests that state-initiated war profiteering is reflected by

A) close, personal relationship between administration officials and Halliburton corporation.
B) fraud and overcharging military for work and supplies in the Balkans and in military installations in the U.S.
C) illegally trading with Iraq 1997 to 2000 in violation of international trade sanctions.
D) lobbying efforts to secure contracts.

Answer 3

close, personal relationship between administration officials and Halliburton corporation.

Question 4

State facilitation of corporate crime is represented by

A) is single largest private contractor in Iraq.
B) lax government regulations and enforcement coupled with Halliburton engaging in pattern of systematic overcharging for goods and services.
C) provided millions of gallons of fuel to Iraqi citizens.
D) won 10 year, $3.8 billion contract to provide food, deliver mail, and wash clothes for the military in Iraq.

Question 5

Cost-plus contracts received by Halliburton since 2001 are

A) contracts designed to limit the cost of goods and services provided by company to reasonable amounts.
B) essentially blank checks for ensuring the company is reimbursed for whatever it bills for its services plus 2%-7% profit.
C) illegal but tolerated anyway.
D) reasonable and customary charges for doing business in difficult environments.

Question 6

In spite of receiving extremely large and generous contracts to provide basic services and supplies like food to U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Halliburton

A) always put the welfare of U.S. military personnel ahead of corporate profit.
B) engaged in a few questionable cases of overcharging but for the most part performed honestly.
C) engaged in widespread overcharging involving many millions of dollars without any apparent sanctions or penalties.
D) has continued to demonstrate the need for and value of its goods and services.

Question 7

Discuss the close personal relationship between Vice President Cheney and Halliburton. Do you believe this type of relationship is ethical or should be legal? Why or why not? What change, if any, would you like to see made?

Question 8

Discuss the apparent war profiteering, overcharging and virtual immunity enjoyed by Halliburton. How do you feel, as a citizen and tax payer, about this situation? What do you think should be done?-and why? Explain.