Published: May 09, 2008 12:12 pm         

Where was coverage of Senate's fraud hearings?

Am I the only one to see it? Were there no reporters present?

I'm talking about the Senate hearings about fraud by contractors and the military in Iraq.

It was despicable.

There was testimony from three persons who served in Iraq as civilians in different capacities. They reported millions of dollars in fraud. Estimated to be at least $18 billion.

There were roads being charged for that were never built. There was food charged for that never arrived. Ice, a real commodity in Iraq was only 1/3 delivered, but paid for in total, and a lot was traded for drugs or other favorite items to Iraqis

One glaring example was that of two young men from Florida. One 23, one 26. They had a $300 million contract to supply arms and ammunition to the military in Iraq. When the supply arrived the bullets and arms were over 40 years old and could not be used. Guess what happened to them. When discovered their contract was canceled. No penalty. Isn't fraud to the government a crime?

Shouldn't they have been indicted?

I bought four newspapers today and there was not one mention of these hearings reported in the press.

No wonder the Congress and the President have such low approval ratings. It's business as usual and the tax paying public can do nothing about it.

Jack Arch
Cumberland