ThinkFast: August 28, 2008
“The United Says is spending more money than ever on private security contractors in Iraq as thousands of troops return home amid steady declines in insurgent attacks.” Over $1.2 billion will have been spent this year on “contractors, who protect diplomats, civilian facilities and supply convoys.”
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A Washington law firm “filed a lawsuit yesterday against KBR, one of the largest U.S. contractors in Iraq, alleging that the company and its Jordanian subcontractor engaged in the human trafficking of Nepali workers.” The firm says 13 Nepali men were recruited for kitchen work in Jordan only to have their passports seized upon arrival and “told they were being sent to a military facility in Iraq.”
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According to a new survey, 65 percent of American workers believe that this is a “bad time to find a quality job,” matching “the level of the 2001 recession.” In addition, “one third of workers stated they often don’t have enough money to make ends meet.”
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CNN reports that the number of people and businesses heading to bankruptcy court has spiked. “Bankruptcy filings surged 29% in the 12 months that ended June 30, according to government figures released Wednesday.”
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On the trail today: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will accept the Democratic Celebration’s nomination for president with a speech at Invesco Field tonight in Denver. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has no public events. (more…)