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Why does Bush seek privatization? Here are some of the reasons he and and other Republicans give: Privatization will make government smaller, get the work done more efficiently, improve the private sector economy and introduce flexibility into government operations.
What does flexibility mean? You could do without unions. You could show a better budget to Congress. You could hide some things from Congress and from citizens. You can hire outlaws. You could do things the law does not allow. You could allow activities that do not conform to American principles, like:
- Assassinating foreign leaders
- Depriving detainees of their human rights
- Interrogating (torturing) prisoners
Four mercenaries working for Blackwater were killed and that started the horrible battle in Fallujah. Now we hear of atrocities performed by those guarding prisoners at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison. Those guarding the prisoners were supposed to soften them up for the interrogators. Who were the interrogators? Civilians working for CACI International and for Titan.
Torture was privatized. Maybe some GIs will be court-martialed. But civilians working for "contractors"? Civilians cannot be court-martialed. Everyone knows that. How convenient?
Almost as good as privatization is relying on "friendly countries." So Mahar Agar, a Syrian-born Canadian, was sent to Syria for "interrogation." Others were not sent to Guantanomo Bay, but to Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Morocco for "interrogation." All are experts in the fine points of torture.
Bush still believes in privatization. The military will get after the "bad apples." All will be fine with the world. Except that the world is now comparing Bush with Saddam Hussein. America has lost the "hearts and minds" of the Arab world.
Privatization is terrible. It destroys our principles, our democracy and our way of life. Abroad it brings us enemies, terrorism and war. Privatization is not a cure but a curse. Let's get rid of it, especially in the armed forces.
