Progressive Minds

What are your views on Roe v. Wade? 

Did you vote for George W. Bush or Al Gore in 2000? 

Do you support the Bush Administration's 'war on terror?'

You might expect these questions to arise during dinner time conversations on politics, or in political chat rooms and message boards. 

This morning, the Washington Post writes that these very questions were asked of people seeking to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq after Sadaam Hussein was removed from power.

After Sadaam was toppled, people from all walks of life sought opportunities to participate in Iraq's reconstruction, including, according to the Washington Post, "restless professionals, Arabic-speaking academics, development specialists and war-zone adventurers."

Before they made their way to Baghdad, though, they had to pass through the office door of Jim O'Beirne at the Pentagon.

O'Beirne typically screens applicants for possible positions as political appointees within the Defense Department. 

But when it came time for him to get involved in awarding oppportunities to participate in Iraq reconstruction, you might expect him to look for individuals who were experts in Middle East affairs, or those with expertise in post-conflict reconstruction.  NOT!  Instead, he was looking for people with expressed loyalty to George W. Bush.

Two people said they were even asked their views on Roe v. Wade.  And what, pretell, does one's views on Roe v. Wade have to do with their ability to help rebuild Iraq?

And lest we forget, earlier this year the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) said it was launching an investigation into HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson.  During a speech before a Dallas business group in April of this year, Jackson said he rescinded a contract that had been awarded to a minority businessman, after the contractor expressed that he was not a supporter of George W. Bush.

Jackson said during his speech "He didn't get the contract. Why should I reward someone who doesn't like the president, so they can use funds to try to campaign against the president? Logic says they don't get the contract. That's the way I believe."

It's a violation of federal law to deny a contract on the basis of political affiliation. 

Ties to GOP trumped skill on Iraq team

In rebuilding effort, loyalty to Bush administration was paramount

Inspector General Probes HUD Chief Comment