"Iraq's Reconstruction Story is a mixed story." Stuart Brown on C-Span 1/31/2007

Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction is charged with examining the issues surrounding the efforts to provide relief and reconstruction in Iraq. SIGIR's oversight is accomplished via independent audits, field inspections, and criminal investigations into potential fraud, waste, and abuse of funds. Mr. Brown appeared on C-Span on Washington Journal 1/31/2007. You might find his interview informative.

Government Waste, Fraud and Abuse speech by Rep H Waxman to Press Club June 23, 2008

Describe one positive outcome in the efforts.

Consider the sections called Reconstruction Progress and Lessons Learned.

What is your opinion based on the facts?

In light of the rampant corruption and other challenges, what should be done?

How much more should the U.S. contribute to the reconstruction process?

Action:

Write a letter regarding this issue to one of the individuals that represents you in the U.S. Congress. Tell them how you feel about this issue and what you believe should be done about it. Endeavor to cite specific examples. Point to their previous voting record on this issue.

Your challenges include: finding their office address, using the correct salutation including title, as well as, following appropriate business letter writing format. Most legislators have their own web site use your online research skills to find it.

Proof the project. It is funny how speling errors and typeos sneak in to the bets work.

*Many elected officials have an email form/link in their web site. It is reasonable to use this, in lieu of paper and postage, but format and style expectations remain the same. Write the letter in word processing. Edit it as needed. Then copy .. paste it into the email form.

Some email forms have a maximum character limit. If that is the case, write the formal letter. Then drop the address heading and date from the email.

US soldier charged with rigging Iraq contracts

Government Integrity - The Power of facts from the Web

How to track Federal Legislation using THOMAS