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To: NormsRevenge
An odd pattern of corruption, overspending, and incompetence is being displayed on this project.

So out of character for a government/union construction project.

6 posted on 08/11/2005 9:27:54 AM PDT by dead (I've got my eye out for Mullah Omar.)
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To: dead

"An odd pattern of corruption, overspending, and incompetence is being displayed on this project."

Sounds alot like the construction of Denver International Airport.


19 posted on 08/11/2005 9:38:32 AM PDT by Hornet19 (Libs...Huh..Yeah!...What are they good for..Absolutely Nothing. (apologies to Edwin Starr))
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To: dead
Reminds me of the explanation I was given for all of the incomplete construction projects I saw in Beijing this summer...

Incomplete buildings anchor modern Beijing's economy. Bankers earn money by making under-the-table loans to developers, who may or may not pay back the whole loan but do take money under the table from their building contractors to settle competitive bids. Developers pay individuals in the city government for the privilege of developing Beijing's most expensive inner-city land parcels. Developers are often related to city officials, by blood if not by bank account, and the money comes from a bank loan no one has to pay off anyway. Demolition companies make money off every job, from breaking apartment windows as a warning that occupants should move out or else, to leveling brick flats to flat fields of bricks. Remodeling companies and furnishers earn big while the city's building business gives construction jobs to desperate migrants from rural China.
Important: Half-built China shows the one-party system's best contribution to progress. Rulers do not benefit from a strong legal system or a transparent business climate, as both would knock the party's own people out of power by allowing commoners to get a foothold in things. The Communist Party won't supervise corruption as long as key members can collect bribe income from it. Laws, transparency and cleaner government are what average Zhou's want most. But they also love the image of progress, so they tolerate construction. The system works well because Socialists are famous for building grand projects fast -- no wussy Western-style public hearings, zoning reviews or compensation debates, just send the wrecker in tomorrow.

73 posted on 08/11/2005 12:57:37 PM PDT by Teacher317
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