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 too apologize for any problems I have caused, Professor.
Sorry, Professor. I understand .
nick here is a link to the facts about McDonald’s employees: http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/07/fast-food-workers-strike-seven-cities-mcdonalds
Wow that is sick. No emails coming from me.
My comment was eaten.
You know I still have your emails going to spam…. Do you know how many you’ve sent…..
nick, My goal is to not spend much time on this blog but every once in awhile I slip up. 😉
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.
Nick, you need to come clean. Do your mea culpa! Now! Distracting us by insisting on the stats isn’t working to detract from your condescending opinion of the average worker. Do not wait until you hit bottom!
I only eat organic. That pretty much rules out every restaurant and all processed foods. I know I am NOT going to live forever, but I damn sure am not going to die prematurely at the hands of greedy food corporations and cheap-ass purveyors.
Oh, and NO ONE should happily pay $12 for a Big Mac, unless it’s a cure for cancer. Sadly, it causes cancer.
SWM, I knew you had a history, based on your comments. I did not know what that was. Thanks for letting me know. And, as Bubba would say, “I feel your pain.”
Samantha, You have me wrong. The only support I value are of people who really know me. There is NO ONE here who really knows me. I said on a thread yesterday, one of the greatest liberations in this world is not giving a rat’s ass what others say about you. I may have said it to you? I care deeply about what people who REALLY know Nick Spinelli think. There is no one here for whom I give a rat’s ass what they think of me. On a CONSTANT basis that is corroborated by my fellow commenters and stalkers telling me I am evil incarnate. I wear their scorn as a badge of honor. And, I’m still waiting for you backing up that 80% figure. I can battle w/ someone, dust myself off, and work w/ them the next day. When you work in the justice system for almost 40 years you MUST have that ability. If you don’t, you would not last 5 years, much less 40. Let me say, what I always say here in situations like this. We will simply have to disagree. No biggy. Ciao.
I’ve seen an increasing number of older and middle aged adults working at fast food and coffee places. It’s hardly a living wage when one is eligible for Medicaid. Walmart employees, how many get Medicaid and food benefits?
rafflaw, I don’t know the stats. Do you? But, I do know virtually every McDonald’s I go into has a lotta pimply faced kids working there. The other gig demo is Hispanics of ALL ages.
AY, consider the source and don’t take anything personally. (((Here’s a hug.)))
Sure, nick, you have patronized me. But it doesn’t mean I’m going to give you a free pass when you insult 80 percent of the workforce in this nation. If you value my support of you so much, then say something that isn’t so schmucky. You make it sound like I have written you off.
nick,
you may want to look at the figures of who is actually working at Macs and the median age.
Annie,
Have you been told yet that their single purpose is to get you banned from turley? It was directly stated to me yesterday…. How’s that grab you for one that plys the civility rule at will….. Serenity now…..
You should happily pay 12 dollars for a big mac, if it means a living wage for those who serve you. You make it sound like you’re perfectly content paying $5 for a shirt made in a sweat factory in India. Conflicted, you condemn the sweatshops but not the $2 Big Mac. You have a lot of misfiring neurons there, Nick.
Yes, indeed.
Annie,
Karma comes in many, many forms….