I look smashing, dahling!
a Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers film review - 2 of 2 people found this not helpful
Ok, it’s a typical hatchet flick.
Mainly, it works on cheap shots and preaching to the choir – I can’t imagine this fantasy would influence anyone with a modicum of knowledge about private sector operations in conflict and post conflict environments. It leaves out oodles of relevant information (like KBR’s profit margin on their military support contract – 1%!) and then leaves the false impression that the industry didn’t want to appear.
How do I know this was a false impression? Because I’m in the movie (well, 2.3 seconds of me are). We had to track Greenwald down and shame him into doing an interview – actually a damn fine extended interview. After which, he made damn sure the facts didn’t get in the way of a ripping good bunch of nonsense. He was kind enough to include the interview transcript on the web site, but as near as I can tell, few viewers go that far to do any serious background research. It seems to be one of those flicks that plays well with folks who prefer their misperceptions to be reinforced.
Ok, it does get one star for the entertainment value (as would Xanadu I suppose), but for anyone trying to learn anything about the private sector operations in Iraq try the GAO (Government Accountability Office) reports which actually do their homework and present accurate and balanced information. But then you'd have to READ STUFF instead of WATCH ENTERTAINMENT.
Doug Brooks
DBrooks@IPOAonline.org
Mainly, it works on cheap shots and preaching to the choir – I can’t imagine this fantasy would influence anyone with a modicum of knowledge about private sector operations in conflict and post conflict environments. It leaves out oodles of relevant information (like KBR’s profit margin on their military support contract – 1%!) and then leaves the false impression that the industry didn’t want to appear.
How do I know this was a false impression? Because I’m in the movie (well, 2.3 seconds of me are). We had to track Greenwald down and shame him into doing an interview – actually a damn fine extended interview. After which, he made damn sure the facts didn’t get in the way of a ripping good bunch of nonsense. He was kind enough to include the interview transcript on the web site, but as near as I can tell, few viewers go that far to do any serious background research. It seems to be one of those flicks that plays well with folks who prefer their misperceptions to be reinforced.
Ok, it does get one star for the entertainment value (as would Xanadu I suppose), but for anyone trying to learn anything about the private sector operations in Iraq try the GAO (Government Accountability Office) reports which actually do their homework and present accurate and balanced information. But then you'd have to READ STUFF instead of WATCH ENTERTAINMENT.
Doug Brooks
DBrooks@IPOAonline.org
No wonder why he didn't like the film. Sounds like he has alot to gain through privatization.