Cheney's Paycheck.

[Some Friggin Guy]

This is old news, and is probably referenced somewhere else, but I've been awake for 35 hours and I can't quite figure out how to browse for this.

This link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,912515,00.html) shows that VP Cheney is still being paid by Haliburton. This seems to me to be a conflict of interest (whether the war happened or not, owing to Haliburton's status as a potential government contractor.). I am aware that the VP hasd nothing official to do with the contract process, but he can obviously exersize a tremendous amount of influence on those who do make the decisions.

Am I missing something? Is this something which shouldn't even be questioned? At face value, this is striaght-up corruption, yet it's being allowed.

So someone please tell me what I'm missing here.

[no one in particular]

Originally posted by Some Friggin Guy

Am I missing something? Perhaps this?When he left Halliburton in 2000 to become George Bush's running mate, he opted not to receive his leaving payment in a lump sum but instead have it paid to him over five years, possibly for tax reasons. It is money that they already owed him; a severance package of sorts. I presume that he worked the dollar figure into his contract, along with his preferred payment option, before he ever started working for them.

[Some Friggin Guy]

I did read that. It just strikes me that the possible appearence of impropriety is bad in and of itself. Add into it the potential ethical issues, I would have to ask (were I in his position) if the money could be held for me while I was in office.

Just an opinion.

[Otther]

Couldn't that also look bad? Some people might start saying Cheney pushed hard for a tax cut so he could get more of the money when he left office.

And now that you mention it... Bush really shouldn't drive any american made cars so no one starts to think that he has more protectionist plans.

[Some Friggin Guy]

Point made. As I said, I'm running on empty sleep and wanted opinions.

[fishbob]

I think for Cheney, Halliburton was a stepping stone into a political position of power. I doubt that he is in politics to help Halliburton, although I do not doubt that he helps out his old friends from behind the scenes.

[crackmonkey]

Cheney was the Secretary of Defense before he worked for Halliburton. It wasn't much of a stepping stone, unless he was stepping down...

[fishbob]

VP for Bush 2 is a step up from Sec. of Def for Bush 1. He certainly didn't expect any position of power from Clinton 1. Halliburton was most likely a fall back position where he could make some good money, stay in the circle of corporate power, and wait for another high level job in politics. Better than unemployment - I wish I could be CEO on between jobs.