What is your reaction to the news
that the administration left a loophole in contractor accountability
legislation that gave immunity to overseas contractors like KBR for
any misdoing?
Honestly,
it makes no sense. To give immunity to these contractors clearly
gives no motivation for them to live up to their contracts. In this
case, KBR was supposed to be testing for chlorine three times a day,
however after looking at the reports and oversight hearings, it seems
that the water had been contaminated for as long as KBR had been
present on Camp Ramadi. Many studies and common sense observations
make it clear that contractor accountability should not be minimized.
For example, a study released by Blackwell Synergy’s Journal of
Travel Medicine discussed the self-reported description of diarrhea
among military populations in Operations Iraqi/Enduring Freedom. The
background of the study reports that infectious diarrhea is among the
most common medical problems associated with military deployments and
has been reported as a frequent problem for troops. Overall diarrhea
was reported from 2003 to 2004 by 76.8% of military personnel in
Iraq. It was “frequently severe” for 20.8% or associated with
fever (25.8%), vomiting (18%), persistent symptoms (9.8%) or chronic
symptoms (3.3%). Over 80% reported seeking care, usually at the
lowest echelon of care (field medic). The study concluded that the
issues are more common than in past conflicts in the region. Common
sense tells me it’s probable that the increased amount have been
due to contaminated water and that less accountability for
contractors giving troops basic necessities could prove detrimental
to force protection.
I knew that I would face risks while I
was in Iraq. It’s a part of the job description. But that risk
should never have involved behavior by contractors cutting corners
with such carelessness. In most wars, dysentery kills more soldiers
than combat. This in itself seems like a pretty good reason to hold
the contractors accountable. The contract and regulations to provide
clean water and to test it regularly to avoid contamination were
clearly stated. This wasn’t just one time on one camp, it was
widespread and exposed thousands of troops and civilians to a
potentially deadly threat.
After hearing Rachel's testimony, I can't help but wonder why the administration doesn't see the correlation between the lack of accountability in Iraq, and the lack of progress in Iraq. Rachel says herself that the neglect practiced by the contractors in providing basic necessities undermines the efforts to secure progress.
It's clear that the need for change is imminent. Policies such as these do not reflect the true American values of fairness, community and security. It's time we started truly supporting our troops by calling for measures of accountability for the contractors who are supposed to be taking care of them.
I'm sure you are as grateful as I am to Rachel for being the voice that has been silenced by the Pentagon and by the media. Rachel's story stands as an unequivocal call for consequences for those who have taken advantage of the soldiers on the front lines of the war. Please join Progressive Future's campaign to hold private contractors accountable by signing our Call for Consequences petition, and stay tuned for further ways to stay informed and active on this serious issue.
