As the United States continues to grapple with openly corrupt officials and businesses in Afghanistan and Iraq who have stolen billions in aid, the notoriously corrupt Ukrainian system appears eager to outdo their counterparts. The poster boy of Ukrainian corruption is Vladimir Belonog who has been openly selling meals ready to eat (MREs) that were shipping only days before to the country to support its besieged military. Belonog is selling the MREs with the U.S. markings still on them and the warning “U.S. Government Property, commercial resale is unlawful.” What is most remarkable is that he has not been arrested after selling the aid in plain view of the government. Diplomats and experts have described Ukraine under Presidents Kuchma and Yushchenko as a virtual kleptocracy, or government of thieves.
The United States and its European allies are about to pour billions into one of the most corrupt governments in Europe. Belonog is an example of the utter depravity of these dealers. His county is threatened with attack. It has lost a huge chunk of territory to Russia. Yet, Belonog is siphoning off military aid to feather his own nest — clearly with the assistance of Ukrainian public officials. Corruption is so acceptable that he even gave an interview for the article below — though he removed the MREs off his page after the TIME interview.
In 2012, Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index Ukraine was ranked 144th out of the 176 countries as one of the most corrupt nations in the world — tied with such countries as Bangladesh, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Syria). That same year, Ernst & Young ranked Ukraine among the three most corrupt nations of the world. Sounds perfect for U.S. aid given our allies in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ukrainian media is reporting that MREs were being sold by the caseload almost immediately after they were delivered to the Ukraine. What is distressing is that this was the easy stuff to secure. It was a relatively small shipment in comparison to billions coming down pipeline. Yet, despite the infusion of MREs on the open market, Alexei Mazepa, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, insists that “The meals are safe and sound at our warehouses in Kiev. They have not even been distributed to the bases yet.” Hmmmm.
Source: Time
I chopped down a tree and then chopped it up. Took a lot of glue.
Anon,
You’ve heard the statement “hold your friends close and your enemy’s closer”…. This seems apt….. I guess they call those folks Frienemies…. When they unite in a cause against another….
Right back at ya, baby.
SWM understands and is cool w/ it, I’m quite certain. Go start a fire somewhere else, there’s no oxygen for it here.
And it starts again with a personal dig, albeit a mild one, by “Nick”.
Great positive comment and I would have SWM’s back anytime in a battle. That is the few times she’s on the right side, that is!!
Thank you, Professor.
I agree with you prof…..
jonathanturley
Swarthmoremom,
I have also deleted a number of your comments as well as comments from AY, Paul, and Nick. I am sorry that you have a goal of not spending much time on this site. You have often contributed strong and valuable insights. However, I would appreciate it if you would not continue to personalize comments or revisiting past personal disputes. If that is not possible, then I understand a need to find another site despite our interest in your views and a wide array of different views on this site.
I am trying to learn what not to do on this blog. It appears that this is the best example. How do you book mark these pages?
Eddie,
Swarthmoremom has been a long and valued commenter on this blog. She sometimes disagrees with me but I greatly value her and opposing views on this blog. As with the other cited posters, we all tend to stray from our civility rule in the midst of many of our more divisive political and moral debates. I ask people to simply try to avoid personalizing their comments. Deal with the merits. The motives or background of the poster should not matter. Most of us are really not interested in people scoring points with personal observations. There is a link above on our civility rule if you need further information.
Thanks.
If we don’t change directions soon, we’ll end up where we’re going.
You know Anon,
This used to be a joy to be on…. It was kind of like cheers…. You know the occasion jabs here and there….. But to continuously have snarks delivered just because you state something someone disagrees with…. Or an entourage of puppets attacking you…. Just makes it not as much fun…. Since I was told by one that it was there intention to get me banned…. Well that sets in a whole new set of rules for me…. I don’t run off….
And if anyone ever reveals personal information about me as they have in the past I will try and have cyber stalking charges issued…. They have been warned but it does not seem to phase them….
As someone once said….. It’s not the initial trouble maker that gets caught it’s the one responding to it…. I am pleased the professor finally shut down the attacks today….. But two were right back at it, after he left….
Of course there is a Census Bureau conspiracy. The conspiracy is to make things LOOK WORSE! They are a government entity and want more government. That’s what bureaucracies do, perpetuate themselves and get bigger. All those government employees have “living wages” and Cadillac benefits. They don’t give a rat’s ass about the poor. The more poor, the more government programs. This is basic civics, which is no longer taught in public schools.
AY,
(; Yep.
But as we know, the goaders are able to respond. Good for us to know the rules.
Goading is ok…. So long as you don’t respond to them…..