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US contractors lose immunity in Iraq security deal
AP via SFGate ^ | 11/20/8 | MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer

Posted on 11/20/2008 4:09:13 PM PST by SmithL

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To: ataDude

Well, as a contractor with over 30yrs, I do.


21 posted on 11/20/2008 7:06:40 PM PST by stuartcr (If the end doesn't justify the means...why have different means?)
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To: Ramius

We need to be on our way out of there before OB takes office or he and the dems libs will claim they ended the war. I think the contractors saw this coming and they know whether that means they stay or go. Who better to know how it is on than ground there than them and our soldiers.


22 posted on 11/20/2008 7:47:59 PM PST by Kadanne (Truth and integrity in America, where did it all go?)
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To: TheZMan
Time to pack up and get out of there then.

So, you're going to leave? Most of us are going to stay.

23 posted on 11/20/2008 9:58:52 PM PST by Allegra
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To: redstateconfidential
Dang, and with the economy tanking 80k tax free sounds pretty good. Looks like I'm gonna have go back to pimpin!

It's 82k tax free and we're not "pimpin'."

24 posted on 11/20/2008 10:01:14 PM PST by Allegra
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To: TheZMan
I’d need a bit more than that to be in an (ex)warzone, but point taken. Keep your head down if some hijabs come walking by, however.

We make "a bit" more than that. It's the first 82k that is tax-free.

25 posted on 11/20/2008 10:02:24 PM PST by Allegra
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To: Lurker; null and void
Actually it isn't. That's why these private contractors are doing that sort of work in the first place. It's not so much the personnel costs as it is the logistical costs that are prohibitive.

What are you hearing Allegra?

You're right; it's not cheaper, plus the military doesn't have nearly enough personnel to run all of the activities here.

What we're hearing is a big shrug. We all knew this was coming once the country started attaining peace and stability. We're not concerned.

I've worked in and visited many countries around the world and was always subject to those countries' laws while there.

This is no different.

I think all of the people who are overreacting on this thread probably think Iraq's laws are like Saudi Arabia's and don't know much about how things are here.

Iraq's laws are relatively modern and western-friendly. Heck, even alcohol is legal here.

26 posted on 11/20/2008 10:39:58 PM PST by Allegra
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To: stuartcr
If it’s a cost-plus contract, they can just keep adding costs. Just as an example, say the contractor is getting $50/hr, his company could easily be charging the govt $250/hr.

The variance isn't that high, and these things are monitored by DCMA and others (although as a Contracts Manager with integrity, I'd like to see it monitored much more).

Keep in mind that these companies are not only paying our salaries, but are also paying for our comprehensive medical physicals, innoculations, training and orientation, food and lodging while in the U.S. during same, travel, body armor, our security expenses as we travel within Iraq and other costs.

There is also a profit margin for this, but there is a cap. These companies are in business to make money just like any other.

Therefore, yes, these companies are paying us XXX and marking the cost up when billing the government.

27 posted on 11/20/2008 11:43:25 PM PST by Allegra
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To: Allegra

I wasn’t talkin’ about your excellent and noble work Allegra,(now under assault by these new agreements). I was talkin about the wonderful opportunities stateside via the Obamantion and his new “economic policies”! ;) I had considered overseas contract work an option until they put a bullseyes on the Iraq contractors with the loss of immunity.


28 posted on 11/21/2008 6:01:47 AM PST by redstateconfidential (" An American Idol President")
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To: Allegra

I agree, but I also know that the military really could do it cheaper, but that would require many changes that, for whatever reason, they will not make.


29 posted on 11/21/2008 7:28:00 AM PST by stuartcr (If the end doesn't justify the means...why have different means?)
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To: SmithL

Cancel my contract:
Cancel any more imports of supplies.
Cancel all employment contracts.
Cancel any new hires.
Cancel food purchases.
Cancel all other contracts for support of contracts.
See me in court about sueing me over my cancelling the contracts.

YOU breached the contract when you took away my protection.


30 posted on 11/21/2008 12:31:43 PM PST by ridesthemiles
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To: stuartcr

I don’t understand the concern for this. Foreign workers in our country are subject to our laws. This is pretty much standard everywhere in the world.””

correct me if I am wrong-—but I don’t think “foreign workers” here (who are here legally) are working in conditions where bullets are flying all over the place.


31 posted on 11/21/2008 12:33:09 PM PST by ridesthemiles
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To: ridesthemiles

You are correct, but I would think that with all the extra exposure, we should be even more concerned that our workers obey the laws.


32 posted on 11/21/2008 3:10:15 PM PST by stuartcr (If the end doesn't justify the means...why have different means?)
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To: SmithL
Thousands of contractors, both private Americans and non-Iraqi foreigners working in key roles for the United States in Iraq, will lose immunity and be subject to Iraqi law under new security arrangements, Bush administration officials say.

Thousands of contractors need to start resigning immediately.

33 posted on 11/21/2008 3:13:03 PM PST by Centurion2000 (To protect and defend ... against all enemies, foreign and domestic .... by any means necessary.)
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To: panthermom
You are exactly right. With this kind of ruling, diplomats will be sitting ducks.

Would you care to guess where President Obama will be sending his Secretary of State Hillary first?

34 posted on 11/21/2008 3:14:42 PM PST by Centurion2000 (To protect and defend ... against all enemies, foreign and domestic .... by any means necessary.)
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