[B4Ranch]

>to control events in a manner to protect such financial interests.<

Have you ever seen what happens to the stock of a small company that wins a multimillion dollar military contract during a war? It takes off like a dog with his tail on fire.

How would you like to know a couple of weeks ahead of time that the bidding has been narrowed down to four, then three, then two companies? Remember when Hillary made that 100k in the market overnight? Seeing the picture yet?

[Czar]

As I said earlier, they're corrupt enough, but neither smart enough, quick enough or sufficiently in control of events to make it happen consistently.

Just my opinion.

[calcowgirl]

Have you ever seen what happens to the stock of a small company that wins a multimillion dollar military contract during a war?

I think there are opportunists in the mix, as you describe. But I don't think they are dominant in the military industrial complex. Most are small players in the big scheme of things.

As to advance knowledge of bidding, it doesn't even take that. I've watched some of the "green technology" stock prices after an Al Gore or Arnold Schwarzenegger make a public plug for some stupid penny-stock company. They pump it for everything its worth. They don't need to ever win a bid or even have a profitable company--the stock traders are making a mint off of this scam, all with the help of willing politicians.

Don't get me started on the Bill Jones' ethanol company.