Thursday, April 10, 2003

Disengenuous Statement #2 Bob Herbert's excellent column in today's New York Times details the links between the administration and companies poised to sign huge contracts to rebuild Iraq. Former Secretary of State George Schultz, chairman of the advisory board of the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq, is also on the board of the Bechtel Group, one of the contenders for a contract to rebuild the shattered nation. But when Herbert asked the former Secretary if he felt there was a conflict of interest in being "an advocate for war while sitting on the board of a company that would benefit from it," Schultz replied: "I don't know that Bechtel would particularly benefit from it," he said. "But if there's work that's needed to be done, Bechtel is the type of company that could do it. But nobody looks at it as something you benefit from." No one looks at it as something you would benefit from? Does this mean Bechtel will be doing the work pro bono? Since when is winning a multi-billion dollar contract not considered a benefit? 11:49:11 AM    Oh yeah? [] Disengenuous Statement #1 Telcos and wireless companies are making a last ditch bid to stop number portability -- customers being able to retain the same phone number when switching carriers. Lack of portability is a major factor in keeping customers tied to their existing provider, no matter how poor the service. The industry is claiming poverty, based in part on new regulations requiring wireless carriers to upgrade their network so that emergency workers can trace calls to 911 operators. In a further attempt to stave off portability, wireless executives say they just can't afford it. "I would rather see our resources devoted to safety of life and protection of property rather than addressing regulations of convenience," said Brian Fontes, vice president for federal regulations for Cingular Wireless. Forgotten in this absurd statement is how many roadblocks the industry put up fighting the very regulations they're now using as a defense. 11:38:22 AM    Oh yeah? []