http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/opinion/6902847.htmBad business
Former government insiders trade on their connections
This behavior is not new in Washington, and it's not against the law. It's also not right.
The case in point is a new consulting firm that will advise companies wishing to do business in Iraq, including those seeking access to tax-financed projects. The company, New Bridge Strategies, is led by people who have close ties to the Bush family and the incumbent Bush administration.
Chairman Joe Allbaugh, a veteran of Texas politics, was President Bush's campaign manager in 2000 and director of the Federal Energy Management Agency until March. Another principal was an aide to the first President Bush and an executive assistant to the White House chief of staff. Another also was an aide to the first President Bush and then an assistant secretary of education.
New Bridge President John Howland says the company is not trying to exploit its political connections. If not, he and his colleagues have chosen very curious vocabulary.
" ... No other existing firm has the necessary skills and experience," says their Web site, http://www.newbridgestrategies.com, "to be effective both in Washington, D.C., and on the ground in Iraq." Other parts of the Web site tout the principals' connections to President Bush and his father.
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