Halliburton To The Rescue Again

[Morpheus]

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7119752/

Halliburton operates in Iran despite sanctions
How do U.S. contractors legally do business there?
By Lisa Myers & the NBC investigative unit
Updated: 12:24 a.m. ET March 8, 2005It's just another Halliburton oil and gas operation. The company name is emblazoned everywhere: On trucks, equipment, large storage silos and workers' uniforms.

But this isn't Texas. It's Iran. U.S. companies aren't supposed to do business here.

Yet, in January, Halliburton won a contract to drill at a huge Iranian gas field called Pars, which an Iranian government spokesman said "served the interests" of Iran.

"I am baffled that any American company would want to have employees operating in Iran," says Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. "I would think they'd be ashamed."

Halliburton says the operation — videotaped by NBC News — is entirely legal. It's run by a subsidiary called "Halliburton Products and Services Limited," based outside the U.S. In fact, the law allows foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations to do business in Iran under strict conditions.

Other U.S. oil services companies, like Weatherford and Baker Hughes, also are in Iran. And foreign subsidiaries of NBC's parent company, General Electric, have sold equipment to Iran, though the company says it will make no more sales. (MSNBC is a Microsoft-NBC joint venture.)

Still, Halliburton stands out because its operations in Iran are now under a federal criminal investigation. Government sources say the focus is on whether the company set out to illegally evade the sanctions imposed ten years ago.

"I am formally announcing my intention to cut off all trade and investment with Iran," announced President Bill Clinton in 1995.

Sources close to the Halliburton investigation tell NBC News that after that announcement, Halliburton decided that business with Iran, then conducted through at least five companies, would all be done through a subsidiary incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

"It's gotten around the sanctions and the very spirit and reasons for the sanctions," says Victor Comras, a former State Department expert on sanctions.

For Halliburton to have done this legally, the foreign subsidiary operating in Iran must be independent of the main operation in Texas. Yet, when an NBC producer approached managers in Iran, he was sent to company officials in Dubai. But they said only Halliburton headquarters in Houston could talk about operations in Iran. Still, Halliburton maintains its Iran subsidiary does make independent business decisions.

Why should Americans even care if U.S. companies circumvent the sanctions?

"The purpose of these sanctions is to dissuade Iran from supporting terrorism and from seeking to acquire weapons of mass destruction," says Comras.

There's a move in Congress to close the loophole.

"We don't want American companies propping up a government that's dedicated to our destruction," says Sen. Collins.

Halliburton says it is unfairly targeted because of politics, but recently announced it is pulling out of Iran because the business environment "is not conducive to our overall strategies and objectives."

However, that exit will be slow. Halliburton announced it was leaving Iran only three weeks after Iran announced the lucrative new gas deal, which industry sources say will take three years to complete.
Good ol' American free enterprise. I wonder what Dick Cheney has to say about it? He was CEO of Halliburton when the sanctions were imposed. He was also in charge when they opened their Caiman Island subsidiary to circumvent U.S. tax laws, and it appears now other U.S. laws.

[drbrumley]

Ouch!!!!!!

[drRansom]

Originally posted by Morpheus

Good ol' American free enterprise. I wonder what Dick Cheney has to say about it? He was CEO of Halliburton when the sanctions were imposed. He was also in charge when they opened their Caiman Island subsidiary to circumvent U.S. tax laws, and it appears now other U.S. laws.

Isn't Cheney still involved with Haliburton? On their board or something? I thought that I head that he was in some capacity.

[BillyBob]

From your own article:

Halliburton says the operation — videotaped by NBC News — is entirely legal. It's run by a subsidiary called "Halliburton Products and Services Limited," based outside the U.S. In fact, the law allows foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations to do business in Iran under strict conditions.

:darwinsm: You guys are idoits! :darwinsm:

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by Alice JaZeeera

Isn't Cheney still involved with Haliburton? On their board or something? I thought that I head that he was in some capacity.

You should learn to stop listening to those little commie voices in your head.

Put on a pink tutu and give Mopey a big, commie kiss.

On second thought, don't stop listening to them! :chuckle:

[drbrumley]

Oh how nice. Let's start a company here in the U.S., then said SAME company opens foreign enterprise for tax purposes, AND they are NOT the same company. Man, these guys are good.

[BillyBob]

And it's legal! :banana:

[drbrumley]

And Sad!!!!:rolleyes:

[BillyBob]

It's particularly sad that Mopey started a thread deriding Haliburton for doing business lawfully! Typical commie, even when things are fine, they have to invent a scandal or pretend that the sky is falling. They do the same with their stupid, dire proclomations about the economy.

That's what's sad!

:down:

[drbrumley]

So let me get this straight. It is perfectly ok in your book for an American company to KNOWINGLY do business with a so-called enemy, getting around the law by getting an overseas address proclaiming itself to be a non-USA company.

Just a yes or no will suffice!!!!

[drbrumley]

Originally posted by BillyBob

You should learn to stop listening to those little commie voices in your head.

Put on a pink tutu and give Mopey a big, commie kiss.

On second thought, don't stop listening to them! :chuckle:

It's ok drRansom, keep listening to the voices of LIBERTY and defend the truth and expose the deceitful people on our shores.

[drbrumley]

So the answer is? I hear crickets!!!!!

[elected4ever]

Billy Bob, If push comes to shove you better have your guns handy. Your support of the traitors that have disregard for the people of the US or our Constitution in favor of the enrichment of themselves has given you the same consideration I would give to these traitors. You are dishonorable to the core. I cannot respect you or people like you. That goes for the President and Vice President also if nothing is done forthwith. Indeed it is getting close to the time that violence may be the only alternative if the government does not act speedily and honorably.:mad:

[drRansom]

Originally posted by drbrumley

It's ok drRansom, keep listening to the voices of LIBERTY and defend the truth and expose the deceitful people on our shores.

It's ok, drbrumley. My (our) vindication will come on judgment day when ninny's like BillyBoob have to stand before the living God and give an account for their actions. His evasion of the truth will catch up with him. Hope he wakes up for his sake...

[drbrumley]

Wonder who will come out and defend this crap from Halliburton? Art, Frankie, I already know Billy defends it.

[Morpheus]

As much as anything else, BB would praise a company like Halliburton for raping the taxpayers in Iraq with their illegally procured rebuilding and support contracts, http://www.independent-media.tv/itemprint.cfm?fmedia_id=10399&fcategory_desc=Under%20Reported . And it is good that they scam their way around paying their fair share of taxes while the rest of us are burdened with the task of padding their pockets. But then if a single parent family or a severely handicapped person need assistance we need to cut them off and leave them to their fate.

[BillyBob]

It's funny how much you guys despise free enterprise. Go live in Cuba, it suits you.

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by drbrumley

So let me get this straight. It is perfectly ok in your book for an American company to KNOWINGLY do business with a so-called enemy, getting around the law by getting an overseas address proclaiming itself to be a non-USA company.

Just a yes or no will suffice!!!!

The question is about legality. If you don't like it, change the law. Until then, stop whining about a company who is doing legal commerce.




Originally posted by drbrumley

So the answer is?

See above.


I hear crickets!!!!!

Ahhh, here's why.....:chz4brnz:

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by drRansom

It's ok, drbrumley. My (our) vindication will come on judgment day when ninny's like BillyBoob have to stand before the living God and give an account for their actions. His evasion of the truth will catch up with him. Hope he wakes up for his sake...

:darwinsm:

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by BillyBob

It's funny how much you guys despise free enterprise. Go live in Cuba, it suits you. It's funny that you despise social services so much. It's the law. If you don't like it go live in a third world country; they don't have as many.

[BillyBob]

It's even funnier that you guys would gladly trade your freedom for social services. OK, it's not funny, it's tragic. :down:

[elected4ever]

Originally posted by BillyBob

It's funny how much you guys despise free enterprise. Go live in Cuba, it suits you. Free enterprise is one thing and treachery is another. On the one hand you have Halliburton collecting money from the American Government in an unbid defense contract and then helping an enemy develop its natural resources against Federal law on the other. You see no conflict there. I guess there is no conflict among thieves.No honor ether. You are the type of person I have despised all my life. If Iran was CUBA would you feel the same way?

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by elected4ever

Free enterprise is one thing and treachery is another. One the one hand you have Halliburton collecting money from the American Government in an unbid defense contract

Unbid contracts are not unusual. Besides, Haliburton is a unique company, I don't know of any other American company capable of providing the services of haliburton.

and then helping an enemy develop its natural resources against Federal law. You see no conflict there.

Apparently Haliburton is doing nothing illegal.

I guess there is no conflict among thieves.

Don't tell me you hate free enterprise, too???

No honor ether. You are the type of person I have despised all my life.

You despise capitalists?

If Iran was CUBA would you feel the same way?

I don't know what you mean.

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by BillyBob

Unbid contracts are not unusual. Besides, Haliburton is a unique company, I don't know of any other American company capable of providing the services of haliburton.
In this case they were illegal.


Apparently Haliburton is doing nothing illegal. (see above) and the rest is yet to be determined.



Don't tell me you hate free enterprise, too???
You despise capitalists? So you admit capitalists are thieves.



I don't know what you mean. :dunce:

[elected4ever]

Originally posted by BillyBob

It's even funnier that you guys would gladly trade your freedom for social services. OK, it's not funny, it's tragic. :down: You are a blatant bald face lier. You are the one who supports Gdub's socialism.:kookoo:

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by elected4ever

You are a blatant bald face lier.

What am I lying about?



You are the one who supports Gdub's socialism.:kookoo:

I do? Please direct me to that post.


Waiting...........



.....waiting.........



.....waiting.........




:yawn:

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by Morpheus

In this case they were illegal.

We'll see.



So you admit capitalists are thieves.

No, that's your position.

[Gerald]

Originally posted by BillyBob
The question is about legality.Well, aren't we the stickler...?
If you don't like it, change the law. Until then, stop whining about a company who is doing legal commerce.With laws and lawmakers that the company purchased! How cool is that?

Now, before you try to call me a commie, BB, understand that I ain't sayin' such a practice is good or bad, it's just how the game is played.

After all, if you could get legislation passed to your advantage by buying some lawmakers, you'd do it in a heartbeat.

And don't you dare lie and claim you wouldn't!

[elected4ever]

Most whores respond to the Johns that by them. Its human nature.

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by BillyBob

I do? Please direct me to that post.


Waiting...........



.....waiting.........



.....waiting.........




:yawn: Unbid contracts are not unusual. Besides, Haliburton is a unique company, I don't know of any other American company capable of providing the services of haliburton. Giving unbid contracts to a company that doesn't even pay taxes is an example of corporate welfare, e.g. socialism.

[BillyBob]

The more you post, the more you find it necessary to twist words and meanings, Michael Moorepheus.

How about trying to stick with what I actually said, huh?

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by BillyBob

The more you post, the more you find it necessary to twist words and meanings, Michael Moorepheus.

How about trying to stick with what I actually said, huh? I'm not twisting anything. Just pointing out the obvious from your quotes.

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by Morpheus

I'm not twisting anything. Just pointing out the obvious from your quotes.

You have twisted my posts so often, you can't even keep track of the original topic and response! :doh:


e4e said I support Bush's 'socialist' programs. I asked him to provide a single post in which I said as much. He can't because it isn't true, but that doesn't stop you from inventing some ridiculous inference such as Halliburton's business legal practices as being a socialistic program of George Bush's. Halliburton was in business long before Bush ever came to office and Clinton used them, also.

The socialist programs that e4e was referring to are the domestic, commie programs that you libs love and that a good Republican would never agree to. George Bush has let us down on these issues, but over all, I support him.

Now, go back to your whining about freedom, free enterprise, the military and the price of gas if you like, but stop twisting peoples words just because you cannot win a debate otherwise.

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by BillyBob

You have twisted my posts so often, you can't even keep track of the original topic and response! :doh:


e4e said I support Bush's 'socialist' programs. I asked him to provide a single post in which I said as much. He can't because it isn't true, but that doesn't stop you from inventing some ridiculous inference such as Halliburton's business legal practices as being a socialistic program of George Bush's. Halliburton was in business long before Bush ever came to office and Clinton used them, also.

The socialist programs that e4e was referring to are the domestic, commie programs that you libs love and that a good Republican would never agree to. George Bush has let us down on these issues, but over all, I support him.

Now, go back to your whining about freedom, free enterprise, the military and the price of gas if you like, but stop twisting peoples words just because you cannot win a debate otherwise. I don't differentiate in the definition of "socialist program". When the government gets in the business of artificially supporting business they are socialist programs as much as programs to feed or house the poor are. I just believe that caring for individuals and families who have come on hard times can a good thing. I see no good that comes from granting special favors to businesses except in very special cases because they are not actually in need.

[BillyBob]

In other words, you hate big businesses and love communism.

You hate free enterprise and love unfair taxation.

Right?

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by BillyBob

In other words, you hate big businesses and love communism.

You hate free enterprise and love unfair taxation.

Right? Nice try. I am against social Darwinism. Like real Darwinism, someone has to be eaten for the strong to get fat.

[BillyBob]

I have no problem with that. All the more reason to make sure you're not the one getting eaten!

[Gerald]

Originally posted by BillyBob
I have no problem with that. All the more reason to make sure you're not the one getting eaten! But, unlike me, you wouldn't deliberate set out to screw someone over, even if doing so would net you a tidy profit.

[elected4ever]

Originally posted by Gerald

But, unlike me, you wouldn't deliberate set out to screw someone over, even if doing so would net you a tidy profit. That is why staining the ground with your blood would be no grate loss:cool:

[Gerald]

Originally posted by elected4ever
That is why staining the ground with your blood would be no grate loss:cool: Many have tried. All have failed. Think you can break that losing streak?

Remember, I play dirty. If you play dirty back it makes you no better than me... :nono:

[elected4ever]

Originally posted by Gerald

Many have tried. All have failed. Think you can break that losing streak?

Remember, I play dirty. If you play dirty back it makes you no better than me... :nono: Never said i was "BETTER" than you.:p

[Gerald]

Originally posted by elected4ever
Never said i was "BETTER" than you.:p So, you are willing to abandon the moral high ground to defeat an opponent?

Remember, if you use evil to fight evil you become evil.

[elected4ever]

Killing is not necessarily evil.

[Gerald]

Originally posted by elected4ever
Killing is not necessarily evil. So, being a selfish opportunist with a propensity for cheating and dirty pool is a capital crime in your book, is it?

[elected4ever]

Originally posted by Gerald

So, being a selfish opportunist with a propensity for cheating and dirty pool is a capital crime in your book, is it? It would be if we didn't have laws that I am obliged to obey. Unlike you. I respect your life and you do not respect life not even your own. Therein lies the difference. That is why you would not be a great loss to me. Trust me, there is a very thin line that protect people like you from people like me and vise a versa. I would not push it to for in my activities. Some have less tolerance than me.:chuckle:

[Gerald]

Originally posted by elected4ever
It would be if we didn't have laws that I am obliged to obey.And these laws you speak of, are they those delineated on the Book of Exodus, or are they of more recent vintage?
I respect your life...I have only your word on that. How do I know you're not lying?
...and you do not respect life not even your own.I presume that you know this due to a divinely-imparted Power of Discernment™, right?
Trust me, there is a very thin line that protect people like you from people like me and vise a versa.And what line would that be? What is it that stops you from hunting me down and cutting out my cheatin' heart?
I would not push it to for in my activities. Some have less tolerance than me.:chuckle: So, what is the worst thing you've ever done to someone who played you for a chump? What did he do to you? And what did you do to him?

[BillyBob]

Originally posted by Gerald

But, unlike me, you wouldn't deliberate set out to screw someone over, even if doing so would net you a tidy profit.

That is true, I would not. I also have my doubts whether you would, either.

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by BillyBob

That is true, I would not. I also have my doubts whether you would, either. That is why, when I trash capitalism, it is in the broader sense. Many small businesses are honorable and that is to be admired. I passed on taking over my father's business. He was honest. My father-in-law was third generation owner of his family business and started three of his brothers in business. He and two of his brothers were honest. My mother-in-law would put her thumb on the meat scale. You should be proud that you have ethics. You are no Halliburton.

[Gerald]

Originally posted by BillyBob
That is true, I would not. I also have my doubts whether you would, either. There are two main variables involved with such an action:

1.) The size of the profit to be made, and

2.) The likelihood of such an action turning around and biting me.