End No Bid Contracts, End Corruption: The Real Obama Legacy

Barack Obama took a major step towards fixing what is wrong with the Untied States this week when he announced the curtailing of no bid and cost plus contracts.   Obama promises to limit no-bid contracts says $40 billion could be saved every year:

"We will stop outsourcing services that should be performed by the government and open up the contracting process to small businesses," Obama said. "We will end unnecessary no-bid and cost-plus contracts that run up a bill that is paid by the American people. And we will strengthen oversight to maximize transparency and accountability."

The new administration argued that its Republican predecessor's spending on goods and services increased from $200 billion in 2000 to more than $500 billion in 2008.

There is nothing more phony than politicians clamoring to save money, calling for an end to government wasts, advocating competition, and demanding higher quality when they perpetuate the practice of no bid contracts.

It is the height of hypocrisy.

It encourages corruption, it creates an unnecessary distrust of govenment, and it encourages sloppy work. The legacy of the Bush Administration:

Dozens of people have been charged with bribery and other contract fraud crimes as part of a Justice Department crackdown on contract and procurement fraud. Fraud has been particularly prevalent following the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, where billions of dollars was spent quickly and often with little oversight. More than 140 investigations are underway into allegations of contract fraud in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

Historians will note that the Obama Administration took quick and decisive action in the adoption of the stimulus package but the more profound changes will result from management changes like these.

Comments

[Brian]

The real "scandal" of the Obama Administration is the continuation of Bush policy on the Middle East, South America, trade, occupation of Iraq, illegal threats ag. Iran, illegal bombing of Pakistan, the bloated military budget, imperialist foreign policy in general, etc.

[Brian]

Another signifcant element of Obama's legacy: making sure the for profit health insurance system stays in place.

[mgm]

Mark Twain reportedly said that to be virtuous is noble. To tell others to be virtuous is even nobler and far less trouble.

I will be amazed if the Obama Administration shows itself to be virtuous. Honest liberals are more critical than the compliant press.

[Squanto]

Speaking of height of hypocrisy, did you read Rick Berg's column in this week's Isthmus? It leaves the reader wondering if Rick just awoke from an 8 year coma.

[www.waxingamerica.com]

end no bid contracts end of corruption the real obama legacy .. Very nice :)