Pentagon Brass and Military Contractors' Gold (revolving door)

[PfcHammer]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/29/business/29door.html

Pentagon Brass and Military Contractors' Gold
By LESLIE WAYNE
Published: June 29, 2004

Edward C. Aldridge's storied career exemplifies the dizzying spins of the revolving door between the Pentagon and its military contractors. He has been secretary of the Air Force, president of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation and, most recently, an under secretary of defense.

Now, he is a member of the Lockheed Martin Corporation board, a detail that did not prevent him from being named to head President Bush's commission on space exploration. Lockheed is one of NASA's biggest contractors, and only Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, objected and called for Mr. Aldridge's removal, complaining of conflict of interest.

But Mr. Aldridge, who receives $155,000 a year from Lockheed and owns $115,000 in company stock, stayed put. Last month, the commission called for privatizing much of NASA. One of the biggest potential beneficiaries is United Space Alliance, a Lockheed company that operates the space shuttle and does more business with NASA than any other contractor.

Mr. Aldridge brushes off criticism of his roles, saying that his actions are in compliance with current ethics laws.

[tlcandie]

1. Change those ethics laws! LOTS of things needing changes in this

farce of a government!!!

[Moderator]

2. Duplicate, please discuss here, thanks

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=653400