Bush to recommend Paul Wolfowitz for World Bank president

[doxieone]

CNN just now.

It is one of the topics George to discuss at news conference at 10:15.

No link yet.

EDIT: Jester below has listed a link to Reuters, but I can't open it - must be a pretty busy site at the moment.

Also from MSNBC breaking news:

------------------------------------------------------
MSNBC Breaking News
------------------------------------------------------

Bush to recommend Paul Wolfowitz for World Bank president -
Wolfowitz is currently deputy secretary of defense and a key strategist for the Iraq war.

[AlCzervik]

1. Worst choice ever.

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. Unbelievable. We have been taken over.

[AlCzervik]

6. yup, you lie about evidence that takes us to war

you are incompetent in your current job so lets move you over to an even higher profile job. So he'll head up the world bank and Bolton will be the un ambassador, what an awful duo. No one should ever wonder why they hate us.

[The Backlash Cometh]

13. Bolton, Wolfowitz and Bush. Now there's the real Tri-lateral Commission.

[0007]

28. Wait till they spring Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano

to replace Al Greenspan.

[The Backlash Cometh]

31. Well, you have to admit that the Mafia has far more experience

in free market ventures.

[KoKo]

71. A good one 0007....ROFL...they probably have thought of it, already!

[KoKo]

72. They have lost their minds....definite proof they are totally insane and

have been. I can't imagine this flying....If true it shows how desperate they are!

[Seabiscuit]

123. Yup. Back during Reagan's first year in office my friends and I used to

say the country's "gone to the dogs".

Well, the "dogs" have by now been replaced by "werewolfies".

[Snivi Yllom]

120. Look at it this way, he wont be trying to start any wars as a banker

silver cloud

[Media_Lies_Daily]

144. The World Bank will be used as an economic weapon once Wolfy....

...gets installed and the WB Board of Directors are properly and totally intimidated. Withholding money already promised by the WB, along with outright refusing to make loans to "enemies" of the American Reich are very effective ways of waging war.

[GHOSTDANCER]

149. It already is a weapon. Economic wars are waged every day. n/t

[Media_Lies_Daily]

173. No kidding? Really?

[FighttheFuture]

176. Exactly. Read John Perkins and...

"Confessions of an Economic Hitman". Very illuminating. More info at his site: http://www.johnperkins.org /
and
http://www.johnperkins.org/Books%20&%20Tapes/overview_o...

and Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/157675301... /

[GHOSTDANCER]

182. I saw Perkins on last weeks Now and listened to Coast2Coast episode.

can't wait to read the book.

[katty]

187. The Wolf running the WB-beyond PUTRID

[Bridget Burke]

5. So--it's totally consistent with Bush Regime policies!

At least there are some things you can depend upon....

[AlCzervik]

12. they're nothing if not consistent.

i bet Wolfowitz cut are funding to the IMF as his first order.

[chelsea0011]

20. And I said that about Hughes yesterday. I take it back.

[AlCzervik]

33. Well you know they always surprise us....in a bad way

their level of assholery never ceases to amaze me, it's like the worst nightmare ever.

[acmejack]

108. Assholism?

It's measured in units of Asshole Quotient (AQ). Wolfowitz is indeed a rarity-a perfect 10, a "Gaper"!

[hue]

52. DITTO!

Cronyism at its best!
I suppose we should have expected this!

[Name removed]

125. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Flubadubya]

132. PUHLEEZZZ....

GO AWAY!! UGH!!!

[AlCzervik]

133. a poster from little green footballs

i expect nothing more.

[Name removed]

134. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

141. Do yourself a favor before you embarrass yourself any further.....

...click on the following link:

<http://www.newamericancentury.org />

...and then click on the following link on the upper right of the homepage:

**Statement of Principles.

Note the names of the participants...do any of those names look familiar?

If you don't know anyting about PNAC, then I invite you to read the following:

<http://www.pnac.info />

This site does a very good job of cutting through the bs and telling you exactly what the PNACers believe and think.

After reading this material, I doubt seriously that you will consider Wolfowitz to be a good choice for anything that has to do with the US Government or any other assignment. IMHO, Wolfowitz and his PNAC friends are nothing more than the American version of the Nazi Party.

[JPZenger]

160. Qualifications Mean Nothing

Loyalty means everything. Qualifications mean nothing.

That is why we now have:

- a Texas local TV news reporter and spinmaster as Undersecretary of State in charge of improving relations with the Muslim World,

- someone who wanted to abolish the UN as UN Representative

- a math professor as head of the World Bank

- a bug exterminator as House Majority Leader

- someone who has never worked inside a school or college as Secretary of Education

- a person who felt that Geneva Convention was quaint and outdated as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the country.

---
P.S. - Do you think Wolfowitz understands the economic importance of Appropriate Technology in the Third World?

[Maat]

184. LOL (laughed out loud)! I loved your post!

Don't forget Negroponte (Mr. Death Squads).

[Knight of Ni]

205. And soon to have....

...a U.N. Ambassador who doesn't believe in the U.N.!

[niceypoo]

162. I don't believe its up to Bush who leads the world bank

There are 4 or 5 countries that run it and the last thing they would do is approve a NEOCON for such a position. He is just nominated.

[Nickster]

2. OMG, is it Rapture Time yet???

WTF is going on? How can they put that animal in charge?

[dbt]

10. More like REPTILE time.

The more I read "The News," the more sense David Icke makes.

[chenGOD]

99. Absolutely.

The lizard people are here....

TLC/Bilderberg/Skull&Bones

"...somebody has to take governments' place, and business seems to me to be a logical entity to do it." - David Rockefeller

[clem_c_rock]

110. F***ing shape-shifting freaks!!!

Yeah - I try to fight the David Icke alien side and some days it's very difficult.

Everything just gets more unreal everyday.

[katty]

188. Yes,the twilight zone of bushworld

these kinds of stunning events will only increase.

[Skarbrowe]

151. Ahh! Another David Icke reader. I do read him as Sci-Fi, BUT......

now I see reptiles everywhere. Even if the people David Icke says aren't reptillian or aliens from Mars, or some kind of mixture between those two and humans, they are just as scary and just as damaging.

I wonder. Are we truly doomed? Can this be stopped? Voting doesn't seem to make a difference.

Yep. It's just as bad as those 50's Sci-Fi movies.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

[AuntiBush]

93. I feel the same way! OMG!

The Tri-Lateral is now in place. This is long past bearable, intolerable, and justice - it's sick! Really, really sick!

Imagine. Any and everything we enjoyed as should be as Americans, has been gutted and derailed in a matter of months. Un-fricked believeable.

[katty]

190. bush has facilitated the Orwell World Government, just like

his father always wanted to do but could not finish. america is being deliberately crippled - all those who failed, who lied, and sent others to execute a land grab will be elevated for their service to the Puppet Masters. Everything is upside down. Black is white, white is black.

[underpants]

4. Are the moon colonies ready yet?

Yikes

[tom_paine]

7. It sounds as if BushPtuinism is about to reign supreme. The Age of

Totalitarianism has begun.

Will Freedom survive. I have to think so, but only time wil ltell if it can survive somewhere or if we are on the fast track to pre-Enlightenment.

Fucking world. They learned NOTHING from Hitler and are back to appeasing Nazis.

Let us know if that works out any better THIS time.

[Lerkfish]

8. but when I told people the neocons want to take over 4 yrs ago...

they made tinfoil hat comments and called me a conspiracy theorist....they also denied that neocons even existed.


I'm very, very sorry to have been right.

[Skittles]

18. I knew what their plans were when they ran that dipshit for governor

I knew what would come - endless war and a wrecked economy - I shudder to think of what is to come

[anarchy1999]

22. We are right there with you.

It hurts just a little/maybe a lot to have to sit here and watch this all happen.

We're sorry too.

Have you wallpapered yet in tin foil, it helps a little, (we've become able to come to terms with being "conspiracy" theorists), maybe now all we need is a group support organization like AA?

[Frederik]

50. The last 4 years

conspiracy theories have been better guides to predicting the future than coincidence theories. Sadly...

[qanda]

9. Totally unbelievable

[lse7581011]

73. But not surprising considering the source! n/t

[liberalmuse]

11. WTF, you say?

Slick is going to run the World Bank? That's it. I'm jumping out the window.

[berner59]

19. what a "club"...

They just move their members around... How nauseating is this???

[yorkiemommie1]

27. cross-pollinating

read 'confessions of an economic hit man' john perkins


edit to add: The Power Elite by C. Wright Mills

[Skarbrowe]

155. Read the book in one sitting last night. Needless to say, I'm bummed.

I had my doubts about Perkins as I was reading the book. Not about his facts or truth in what he was saying, just something about his self-aggrandizement. Then I realized that he would have had to have been that way to justify what he did all those years. No matter what I think of him as a person, I still believe the most important parts of his book and that belief has made me more jaded than ever.

I do remember reading about some of this years ago. I knew the World Bank policies were always detrimental to the poor countries they were supposed to have helped. The difference here, in this book, is that we hear it from someone who was actually doing it.

When I was in the military during the late 70's, I used to cry when we saluted the flag. God, if there is one out there, I would love to have that feeling once again.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

158. He said on Amy Goodman's show that he had a change of heart after 911

AMY GOODMAN: How closely did you work with the World Bank?

JOHN PERKINS: Very, very closely with the World Bank. The World Bank provides most of the money that’s used by economic hit men, it and the I.M.F. But when 9/11 struck, I had a change of heart. I knew the story had to be told because what happened at 9/11 is a direct result of what the economic hit men are doing. And the only way that we're going to feel secure in this country again and that we're going to feel good about ourselves is if we use these systems we’ve put into place to create positive change around the world. I really believe we can do that. I believe the World Bank and other institutions can be turned around and do what they were originally intended to do, which is help reconstruct devastated parts of the world. Help -- genuinely help poor people. There are twenty-four thousand people starving to death every day. We can change that.

[Skarbrowe]

166. Yes. Perkins says that from day one when he was recruited for his job

with MAIN that he had some misgivings, but he admits that the money and the power were too enticing. I did notice that just about every one of his "major" changes or small moves toward aleviating his conscience came after something happened in the company that would have possibly forced him to make a change anyway. He did have his eyes open to the struggle of the people his company and our country were screwing over because he had an innate interest in their diversity and culture. I'm assuming a lot of people doing what he did could have cared less about the "natives" and never ventured out of their 4 star hotels.

I can believe that over the years he honestly did see why we were hated by all these countries and that someday we would pay. He was warned many times about the growing anger seething in the Muslim nations.

For two weeks before September 11, 2001, I had been going to physical therapy and although the therapist had an odd picture of Jesus Christ on one of the desks,(odd only because it was on a desk, like a family photo) I knew they were all from the middle east. I was crazy about everyone in the office. I had an appt. the day after 9/11 and even I said something like "I guess we know how it feels now." My therapist looked me in the eye and slowly nodded.

I will always wonder about this guy. A few days before 9/11 he had not been his usually cheery self. He was always joking around, teasing people, a very friendly guy. On the Friday and Monday before 9/11, I noticed that he would go to his office with a man that had come into the clinic and close the door. His smiles were gone.

You never know. I moved just a few days after 9/11 and when I came back to where I was living at that time, his office was gone.

[liberalmuse]

It's worse than nauseating.

How in fuck's name did this happen??? Again, a HUGE, W*T*F??? I take a break from the Bushshit * for a couple of weeks and come back to see all hell has broken loose.

*You'll have to excuse my language, these bastards bring out the absolute worst in me.

[AuntiBush]

96. Because that are the ABSOLUTE WORSE!

Amazing isn't it. Everyday offers more and more fricked unbelievable wickedness. And not 1, think about this... not one Repub bends. They all think alike!?!?

This goes against all definitions of "normal" human behavior. What are they hiding? Or better yet, what is someone holding over each of them? Is that it?

[dweller]

42. pls move over

there's still room on that ledge for another...

i'm not scared of falling. It's landing that scares the sh*t out of me.

dp

[Catfight]

14. just think, right now he's probably licking his comb....nt

[yorkiemommie1]

29. and his chops

n/t

[anarchy1999]

30. Aw jeez, you had to bring that image up!

I almost lost my coffee onto keyboard with that one. DAMN!

Is there anyone out there that can stop this damned cabal of thieves and flat out sick criminals? Maybe China taking it down is a good thing?

[KarenS]

44. LOL ~ my thoughts EXACTLY,,,,,

when I think of him, this is the image I see

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am so disgusted with all that is happening ~ I am beyond words.

[AFSCME girl]

130. Pfffffffftttttttt!

Fellow DU'er etherealtruth goes crazy when I bring up that image! (It is quite disgusting)

[Jester_11218]

15. Link here

http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml ;jsessionid=2POIIPVLH5GCICRBAE0CFFA?type=topNews&storyID=7920007


Related: If you are interested in the Federal reserve and you want to know who owns this planet...
http://tvnewslies.org/cart/view_product.php?product=MON...

FYI.

[MadisonProgressive]

37. That link is broken - try this

link

[Pirate Smile]

16. Who makes this decision? Does anyone know the specifics about

how this choice is made and by whom?

[pinkpops]

40. I wondered too - here's from Yahoo news:

The United States is the World Bank's largest member nation. The bank traditionally has had an American president. Its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund (news - web sites), traditionally has been headed by a European

from Yahoo

[Pirate Smile]

43. Thanks. CNN just said "the President will appoint" PW to head the

World Bank.

That answers that question.

[RaleighNCDUer]

111. I think that US chooses, but Europe has to ratify. It can still be

stopped.

[CHIMO]

191. Wolfowitz in top World Bank post race

Deputy US Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, one of the main advocates for the Iraq war, is President George Bush's choice for World Bank president, according to administration officials.

Wolfowitz would replace outgoing World Bank chief James Wolfensohn, who said earlier this month that Wolfowitz was no longer in the running for the top job after a Pentagon official suggested he wanted to stay at the Defence Department.

Bush's choice of Wolfowitz must still be ratified by other World Bank members, a process that could prove unusually contentious.

Wolfowitz is a deeply controversial figure in Europe because of his role in designing and promoting the Iraq war.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/25043834-935C-44...

[cthrumatrix]

17. they have to keep crime "contained"...information is thier undoing

[sjgman9]

21. The Bush Administration: Failure Rewarded

If this post requires Senate Confirmation, let 'er rip!
Lets tar and feather Paul FullofSHIT with everything we got!

[Amaya]

23. How did this happen?

[sniffa]

24. makes perfect sense

i'm waiting for ashcroft, and reid, and a few of the other stepper-downers to be brought back for an even more-unquaLified post.

[GiovanniC]

35. Just Like Karen Hughes as a State Department Deputy?

[Edgewater_Joe]

46. But At Least Hughes' Failure Is Going To Be Funny

"What?! You mean the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth aren't believed by those ragheads?!?"

[acmejack]

147. But Joe,

Her failure has such serious repercussions for us. I have no use for KPH, but her task is of real importance to me. Of course, if it were as important to W he would appoint someone who was up to the task.

[yorkiemommie1]

25. oh. no.

every day a new insult.

[kentuck]

26. Bush has now found a way to screw the world economy....

just like he has the American economy...

[still_one]

32. 2 weeks ago he said he was withdrawing his name

what a bunch of fu*king lying scum bags

[Clark2008]

34. I'm literally crying

This is just HORRIBLE!

[DemoTex]

36. Will Wolfowitz get the Medal of Freedom like Franks, Tenet, and Bremer?

My guess is he will.

[pinkpops]

38. some one 'splain - is the "World Bank" a US institution? and

who confirms?

[mcscajun]

54. The World Bank is a multi-national institution with 184 member countries.

The president of the World Bank Group is chairman of the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors and president of five interrelated organizations. The President is selected by the Bank's Board of Executive Directors. The Articles of Agreement do not specify the nationality of the president, but by custom the United States executive director makes a nomination. By a long-standing, informal agreement, the president of the Bank is a United States national, while the managing director of the International Monetary Fund is a European. The initial term is five years while a second term could be five years or less.

More info on the World Bank here: http://tinyurl.com/5hel2

It is my understanding that this appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, but I could be wrong about that.

[Frederik]

63. Well, formally

he is selected by the Board of Executive Directors of the WB, so I doubt the US Senate gets a say in it? It's not a US govt. job, after all.

[Frederik]

59. Nominally, no.

It's inter-governmental, like the UN. But it has always been dominated by the US, who gets to choose its president.

[Seabiscuit]

128. According to the linked articles, no.

The U.S. gets to nominate the World Bank's president, which by informal agreement is an American, but the nomination must be "ratified" by other members who are from other nations, including European nations.

My take on this is Bush's move will backfire on him when the World Bank's members refuse to ratify Wolfowitz.

Then we'll have "freedom" paella, "freedom" kraut, "freedom" pie, "freedom" wine, "freedom" ale, "freedom" whiskey, "freedom" rice, etc., etc.

[cynatnite]

131. Didn't bush just take a trip to Europe not too long ago?

Maybe some dealing went on so he could insure PW's nomination being approved.

[Seabiscuit]

148. Maybe, maybe not.

Despite all the gee-howdy photo-ops, I don't think any European country has much respect for Dubya and his gang any more.

[Frederik]

152. Maybe

but that would be very unusual. Usually, the American candidate is selected. IMF chief Rodrigo Rato welcomed the nomination, calling Werewolfowitz "distinguished", so at least he has some supporters among the people he will be working with.

[Seabiscuit]

196. Is Rodrigo Rato any relation to Ratso Rizzo?

[morgan2]

39. maybe its for the best

What country wiil take the world bank loan sharks seriously with Wolfowitz at its head.

[Frederik]

66. That is true

More countries could follow Venezuela's example and just ditch them.

[mmonk]

114. Agree

this will destroy any legitimacy the World Bank enjoyed in the eyes of many nations. Could eventually mean its unraveling.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

41. Were he to get the job I will renounce my faith in God

[wildmanj]

55. renounce

hate to tell you this but MAMMON is GOD

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

65. um

ok

[Edgewater_Joe]

45. So John Bolton Will Have A Friend To Talk To.

Of course, this just puts more dirt on the World Bank's reputation as being a bunch of vampires sucking what little blood they can get out of the poorest of the poor countries ... which makes it a perfect BushCo offshoot.

The vile get more vile.

[hue]

98. They're all friends/cronies n/t (same ol' gang)

[HuckleB]

47. I am rolling all over the floor crying.

This is just bizarre. This guy has been incompetent at everything he has ever done and yet he continues to get new and ever more "important" work.

Ugh.

[Daphne08]

56. F*ck up, Move up!

[Frederik]

67. He hasn't been incompetent I think

I think he has accomplished much of what he was supposed to, from the PNAC's perspective (which is a little different from ordinary, sane people's perspective).

[DS1]

95. What, like Stimpy?

[emad]

48. Heaven help us all....

???

[eek]

49. anyone have the Pocket Guide to the PNAC handy?

Seriously.
I don't know their manifesto well enough to find the section that covers World Bank stuff.

[AG78]

57. It's there in general

The Project for the New American Century is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to a few fundamental propositions: that American leadership is good both for America and for the world; that such leadership requires military strength, diplomatic energy and commitment to moral principle; and that too few political leaders today are making the case for global leadership.

The Project for the New American Century intends, through issue briefs, research papers, advocacy journalism, conferences, and seminars, to explain what American world leadership entails. It will also strive to rally support for a vigorous and principled policy of American international involvement and to stimulate useful public debate on foreign and defense policy and America's role in the world.

William Kristol, Chairman

[coffeenap]

51. "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" provides

important insight into the situation--also, John Perkins needs to be heard from. (he wrote the book).

[spinbaby]

53. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse.

Worst choice ever.

[progressoid]

60. my thoughts exactly

[Clark2008]

70. My guess is this is only the beginning of the "worst."

The president's pancake makeup is struggling to cover the evil within.

[aquart]

58. Has Europe reacted yet? China? Latin America?

Because I don't think this will in any way impede dollar dumping.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

61. He is only RECOMMENDING Wolfowitz. He can't appoint him

Chill

[negativenihil]

62. Wtf?!?

This all really came out of left-feild if you ask me...

(err... or should that be "right-feild"? heh heh heh)

[Roland99]

64. Nice video on the Carlyle Group to go along with this thread

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3995.ht...

Note: The first one minute forty seven seconds of this program is in broadcast in Dutch, The remainder is in English.

Of particular note is their link to Citibank (where Wolfowitz worked before and where his buddy, Aziz, worked who is now the PM of Pakistan.)



BTW, NetTransport is a nice program to dl streaming video/audio.

[Catchawave]

68. I'm watching the press conference now....

as much as I try to respect the Office of the President...he is so painful to watch. What a horrible speaker.

[mod mom]

69. How low must our society fall before the American Sheeple wake up?

definitely a new low. Let's hope the position requires travel to unstable countries with less security and angry mobs.

[jwirr]

103. The appointment of these people

means nothing to the average American. We have educated ourselves to the politics of this administration. The ordinary people of this country will only understand when the results of the policies made now begin to effect their personal lives. Unfortunately, it may be too late by then.

[realFedUp]

74. Dictator distraction again

While the news might focus on Wolfowitz's
nomination, what's happening in the Senate
this week is more important to focus on.

[David__77]

75. WONDERFUL news!

Nothing else could help bury this foul "globalization" better than such a provocative choice.

[info being]

117. True

The sooner this school of thought is exposed for what it is...the better. Let them show their true colors. Progressives need to prepare themselves, personally, for a long winter...and then emerge strong when this is all over.

[LibertyLover]

76. Wolf at the Bank

I work for the Bank Group and this is a disastrous appointment - one of the worst in a long series of bad appointments and a new low, even for Bush. Even though the Bush cabal telegraphed their intent several weeks ago I kept hoping that it was a feint or a ruse. I should have known better. He wants to run the Bank into the ground as he did with all his other business enterprises and as he is doing to the US. I truly fear for the US now in a way I never have before - heck we made it through Nixon and Reagan. But now the malevolence and hatred towards the middle class in the US and the entire rest of the world that is such a strong part of this administration, coupled with the aristocratic disdain, blinkered mentality and unwillingness to compromise of Bush, are overwhelming. I am depressed. I have to go draft an agreement and I'm almost too depressed to even contemplate working because of this announcement.

[mod mom]

79. 3/19 WE MUST GET OUT AND PROTEST THESE THUGS!

[Lone Pawn]

85. Yeah, because Bush always listens to protestors...

[mod mom]

92. It's about media attention and getting people involved. Your ideas? nt

[Media_Lies_Daily]

146. When was the last time a protest was mentioned by the media in....

...anything but disparaging terms?

Here's an idea that will attract a LOT of attention...it's called a General Strike where everyone sympathetic to your cause stops working for a certain amount of time.

Can you imagine what several thousand stopped 18-wheelers on major highways around major cities would do? Or cabs stopped in NYC, Chicago, Washington, DC, and every other major city? Or autos stopped all across the country? Or pilots refusing to fly?

Economic warfare is the answer...but nobody has the guts to try it. The ringleaders would go to jail for a LONG time.

[Career Prole]

179. What we lack is a leader.

We need a Lech Walesa of our own.

[TankLV]

192. Like that'll ever happen!

Nice to dream tho.

[jbnow]

109. World Bank for dummies

Since this guy is not a financial wizard or economist, this doesn't even make sense to me. Is it a token position or should there be certain qualifications?

Can you explain to someone without expertise in this area...what is a person in this position expected to do? What would his role be?

What a nightmare time in the US...and those we affect. Another appointment of someone who is part of our deepest shames. I just don't understand what he is doing in this area.

[RaleighNCDUer]

He is just another front man for the shadow government --

like the Chimp himself. He's not there to bring his expertise and knowledge to the position, but to be a spokesman for the ones who are pulling the strings.

And those people are?

Maybe the less public names, the ones we don't know who are signitories to PNAC. The Carlyle board. The Heritage Foundation. Who knows.

That's why it's called a shadow government.

Conspiracy theories make sense where there's real conspiracies behind them.

[LibertyLover]

122. President's position at the Bank

According to the Articles of Agreement of the Bank, the president is chairman of the Executive Directors (who are appointed by our member countries) but only votes in the event of a tie. He may participate in meetings of the Board of Governors (usually the finance ministers of our member countries) but has no vote at those meetings. He is the chief of the operating staff of the Bank and conducts under the directions of the Exec. Directors, the ordinary business of the Bank. Subject to the general control of the Exec. Directors he is responsible for the organization, appointment and dismissal of officers and staff. The president owes his highest duty to the Bank and to no other authority. He shall respect the international character of his duty and refrain from all attempts to influence any of them in the discharge of his duties (the last two lines apply to all staff of the Bank). In appointing officers and staff the President shall, subject to the paramount importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency and competence, pay due regard to the importance of recruiting personnel on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

So basically he runs the day-to-day operations of the Bank, and by extension the Bank Group (IBRD, IFC, MIGA, ICSID), determines what areas he wants emphasis placed, etc. Jim Wolfensohn wanted the Bank Group to do more in Africa and more about AIDS, so we did. I know that some, perhaps many, here have issues with the Bank. I've been here almost 10 years and believe me, I have seen many changes in policy, most for the better. And all of us who work here believe passionately in our charge, which is to reduce poverty.

The branch of the Bank Group I work for, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is also looking for an Executive Vice President (EVP). The EVP runs the day to day operations of IFC and is usually a European. It will be interesting to see who gets it in light of this announcement.

[Algomas]

195. Hey Liberty...

Don't give your identity away. I am sure all of us here will be very interested in the inside scoop you can dish after PNAC takes the reins at the WB.
Stay anonymous for us please!

[bklyncowgirl]

199. Shit, even Bono was more qualified than Wolfowitz.

It probably wasn't a serious suggestion but at least he knows the third world.

[RaleighNCDUer]

115. Well said -

but I think your 'Wolf at the Bank' said it all.

[nolabels]

77. Will this require the use of extra monopoly money?

(snip)
You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print the money. Just click the link below if you don't already have it - its free
http://www.hasbro.com/monopoly/pl/page.treasurechest/dn...

[DeepModem Mom]

78. NYT/AP pic of World Bank head --

Charles Dharapak/Associated Press

[d_b]

80. Perfect place for that scumbag.

[bobthedrummer]

81. I've always been serious about talking of a coup here in the USA

that helped to install this administration, they are fascists capable of anything, Straussian zealots with their fingers on the nuclear trigger-and now the World Bank by decree of The War President.

Is there anyone still asleep?

Our US Constitution is our rallying point, as always. A military empire is not democracy, my father fought against military empires in WWII as a US Marine as did all WWII veterans.

Nazi war criminals were brought into the foundation of our US national security community to battle godless communism, they were given identities and jobs as Americans working in "national security".

Today the crazies claimed the World Bank-this is economic warfare to all that have been paying attention to the world's markets lately--this is a countermove to China's recent behavior imo.

God help US all.

[DemExpat]

82. Just when I think I am used to all of this......

I feel another kick in the stomach and sense of deepening dread for our world.



DemEx

[American in Asia]

102. exactly the words I used to hubby

tonight when he came home. We are demolishing a bottle of sake and trying to pretend that when we wake up in the morning this will have all been a bad nightmare.

I can't believe this is happening...nothing should surprise me at this point, but this one got me right between the eyes.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

83. send in the Jackals! read "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" JohnPerkins

i'm about to blackout/passout/squirrels are running around inside my head/head will eplode from all the evilness coming out of this admin!...i feel like i am going INSANE...who can save us and the world from so much darkness?

[AuntiBush]

94. Really. No. Double Really!

Isn't it making you sick!?!? Everyone I know is OUTRAGED! Republicans included! Trust me, they're soooo sorry they voted for (their words) this evil sick regime! We're talking very prominent world reknown doctors here saying this. They're depressed and angry over all of this, too.

[Wabbajack]

84. Why the hell

does BUSH get to appoint the head of the WORLD bank?

[Merlin]

86. Wow! Look for Colin Powell to begin spilling his guts now.

I'm stunned! This post goes to somebody they want to dump but whose mouth they want to keep shut. I thought sure that was Powell. I'm sure Powell thought so, too.

There's a hell of a story behind this one. All is not harmonious in neoconville.

[AuntiBush]

97. Like Powell, Is there ANYONE out HERE that can SAVE Us!

Anyone? Anyone willing to spill beans and save their fellow Americans? CIA?? FBI?? Somebody that knows things, like Powell.

[jhain]

87. Bush nominates hawk to World Bank

actual title from BBC alert:

President Bush confirms he has nominated hawkish US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz to head the World Bank.


For more details: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

The World despises Bush.

[Frederik]

154. Good one

"President Bush described Mr Wolfowitz as a "compassionate, decent man" committed to global development."

[burythehatchet]

88. In other news, bush names Ariel Sharon head of Dept of Housing

[Merlin]

89. Damn! I had him pegged for Bureau of Bulldozers.

Neverknow!

[TomClash]

90. SWEENEY TOOD goes to H Street

[Career Prole]

91. AFP now...Bush nominates Wolfowitz to head World Bank

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/2005...

Have you ever seen a really infested house getting fumigated...when they put a tent over the whole house?

We're suffering a PNACker infestation. This country's going to need the Democrats' "big tent", and soon.

[Fovea]

100. Welcome to the next world depression

They want the world to be weak enough to molest in the bathtub, after all.

[allemand]

101. Stiglitz: Wolfowitz has no training or experience in economic development

"The two names that have been floated so far — presumably leaked as trial balloons — are particularly disturbing. To put it bluntly, given the World Bank’s importance, consideration of either putative US candidate, Assistant Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz or former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carleton Fiorina, have been highly controversial around the world. Even if convention allows the American president to appoint the World Bank’s head, the organisation’s success depends on the confidence of others. Neither Wolfowitz nor Fiorina have any training or experience in economic development or financial markets."

Democracy in inaction at the World Bank —Joseph E Stiglitz
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_13-...

More quotes:
"How can advice on democratic reforms be taken seriously when the multilateral institutions that offer it do not subscribe to the same standards of openness, transparency, and participation that they advocate? Why should the search for Wolfensohn’s successor be limited to an American (and especially an American loyal to a particular political party)? Why is the search process going on behind closed doors? Shouldn’t these international public institutions be looking for the best-qualified person, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality?"

(...)

"It is time that the G-7 countries back up their democratic rhetoric with action. Many stood up to the US as it pushed for the war in Iraq. They were right to be sceptical about US claims of an imminent danger from weapons of mass destruction.

What is at stake here is no less important: the lives and well being of billions in the Third World depend on a global war on poverty. Choosing the right general in that war will not assure victory, but choosing the wrong one surely enhances the chances of failure."

[AuntiBush]

104. Here's where we're heading... Or maybe we're already there.

Sad.


http://news.globalfreepress.com/gallery/

[earth mom]

105. Can someone please explain all of the implications of this? TIA! eom

[rockedthevoteinMA]

174. TheGoldenRule I don't know much about it, other than what

I have read from Greg Palast's "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy." His chapter titled "Sell the Lexus, and Burn the Olive Tree" summed it up quite well.

Here's an excerpt from one of his interviews, there's some detail in it-but poke around his website, he's pretty on top of the World Bank/IMF scam.
http://www.gregpalast.com/detail.cfm?artid=128&row=1
Lloyd Hart: So there is a new word around these days. Maybe you could define neo-liberalism for me.

Gregory Palast: Yeah neo-liberalism, like new liberalism well it's very odd because what we think of as liberal is bleeding heart, concerned about the rest of the planet, about social and environmental issues, progressive and positive. Where as the term as it has been seized upon by the right wing, liberalism, liberalization, reform, all these new things are now related to selling off public property, privatizing and eliminating protections for the environment and consumers etc. So when they talk about reform they talk about smashing unions, eliminating state pensions, selling off state owned water systems. Neo-liberalism or new liberalism is Milton Freidman, Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and it's all about selling off public systems, eliminating controls on business, in what they call liberalization. Liberalization means removing barriers, well its just like removing the guard rails and speed limit signs on the highway and needless to say there are a lot of dead bodies on the side of globalization highway.

Lloyd Hart: Who is Joe Stiglitz?

Gregory Palast: Joe Stiglitz, he was the chief economist for the World Bank and he began to raise a couple questions about how the world bank was operating, because he knows that every where the World Bank imposed policy to reorganize a nation's economy the nation very quickly fell to it's knees and collapsed, gasping. And so he said, look we tried to help Bolivia, it went under. We tried to help Brazil, it exploded. We tried to help Indonesia, it was burning in riots. He said maybe there's a pattern here. And as chief economist he asked that some studies be conducted so that the neo-liberals, the privatizers, the proponents of the new global order could prove that their theories actually are producing economic miracles as they claim. They refused to do the studies because their own information was painting a clear picture. The only economies that seemed to be doing well were China, Vietnam, Botswana, Venezuela and the United States. What did all five of those economies have in common? All five told the IMF to go to hell and that includes the United States who does not listen to the IMF dictates at all. So Stiglitz said maybe we ought to change our methodology in dealing with the third world, in dealing with developing nations or even dealing with nations like Brazil. That our systems for eliminating barriers, eliminating unions, that cause pain, but not pain that which leads to gain, it's the pain that leads to collapse, failure and economic death. And for suggesting, simply suggesting that they reevaluate their positions, the World Bank fired him. He wasn't even allowed to resign, he was banished from the entire World Bank community. It was as if they cut off his head and stuck it on a pike and placed it outside the World Bank. But he may have had the last laugh as a couple of months ago he won the Nobel Prize for economics.
more at link

[bvar22]

106. This guy??? ...... Pres of World Bank????....

[mod mom]

118. Oh please, did you have to go and post that at lunchtime? nt

[bvar22]

127. This picture should be...

...mailed to all members of the World Bank, and all their staff members!

[ClintonTyree]

107. Bush probably did it so he wouldn't have to remember another nic-name.....

Wolfensohn........Wolfowitz........bush probably calls them BOTH "Wolfie". Now he won't need to remember another name.

"You can't have too much stuff cluterin' up a war presdents brain. I've got war thinkin' to do, and it's hard work. I can't be 'spected ta remember all them names and be a war presdent at the same time. That's why I picked Wolfie to replace Wolfie. I gots war thinkin' to do, and it's hard work".

[bitchkitty]

112. Holy shit! n/t

[democracyindanger]

113. INACCURATE HEADLINE

Only nominated.

[info being]

116. The world is fucked

There's truly nothing we can do. I'm dead serious.

[Zynx]

119. That doesn't even make sense.

Wolfowitz doesn't know anything about that.

[Beware the Beast Man]

121. ***** PEOPLE, HE HAS NOT BEEN APPOINTED!!! *****

His hat is in the ring, nothing more. This headline is inaccurate.

[Merlin]

137. Yes he has. POTUS nomination = appointment

If that equation doesn't work again, it will be really big news.

[tx_dem41]

140. That's not the way the World Bank works...

the board of the World Bank has to sign off on the nominee. Rumors are that Wolfowitz was rejected in an informal survey of the board a few weeks ago. How they'll officially vote is yet to be determined.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050316/pl...

[Media_Lies_Daily]

143. I see lots of people on the World Bank Board that can be "influenced"...

...to support Wolfy. Here's a .pdf document with the names of the current board members and how they were voted in:

<http://siteresources.worldbank.org/BODINT/Resources/b-e... [br />
On the other hand, I personally hope that you're correct.

[Merlin]

156. If he were bounced, it would be a first, would it not?

Not that it wouldn't be a spectacular first; a first to die for. But why would they risk failure?

[katty]

186. America usually gets its way on WB nominations

The idea of nominating this craven gnome is beyond stunning

[American in Asia]

204. Always, in fact, up until now..

And my reading is they will this time too, with the UK and Japan saying they will support it. I am so depressed. (Liberty if you're still reading, be careful !! Seriously...)

[blindpig]

124. correct me if I'm wrong but there is precedent:

Robert McNamara, another fucking warmonger. Though I doubt that this one will make belated apologies for his heinous crimes.

Do I see some sort of pattern here?

[Merlin]

135. But the pattern is in REBELLION.

The fact is McNamara was appointed to keep him from talking. He had privately changed his position on Vietnam and wanted us to pull out.

His appointment to the WB was to keep him from going public with his views.

[madmark]

126. Apparently if you know Bush you're qualified for anything

Isn't this Wolfowitz a foriegn policy/defense expert (albeit an incompetent one). I am unaware of him having any kind of economic or banking background (let alone international banking). Why the fuck would he be qualified to run the world bank.

Karen Hughes is a Texas political operative. What the fuck does she know about Middle East Diplomacy.

A tangent occurs here to me: The Nazi observations made towards Bush here are basically ridiculous, but the last major historical leader who made a disproportionate share of bizarre amateur or neophyte appointments was AH (AH distrusted expericenced professionals and preferred loyal amateurs or neophytes). That's one of the reasaons why WC ate his lunch. AH was a prima donna who got lucky with the rolls of the dice for a few years until he ran into a brilliantly qualified, experienced, and utterly determined pro. AH was dead man walking the moment WC got appointed in May 40.

[nolabels]

138. I guess you also don't understand how the majority of.....................

the republican congress is installed. Goes along all the other same lines of other Corporate acquisitions. The most able and contorting whore for the least amount of money as possible


http://www.bartcop.com/0503.htm

[Locut0s]

142. LOL

[KamaAina]

129. Any PNAC gems on world economics?

You know, like "absent some cataclysmic and catalyzing event -- like a new Pearl Harbor" from their 2000 classic "Rebuilding America's Defenses"?

http://www.newamericancentury.org/RebuildingAmericasDef... (p. 63 of PDF doc)

Ooh, here's one! Let's take a peek:

http://www.newamericancentury.org/globalmar1298.htm

Any re-funding of the IMF must be accompanied with an attempt to set out a series of fundamental measures that would apply this experience to global financial crises generally. Some of the major elements of such a program are considered below. Although additional reforms might be advisable, the following comprise the core of a program for making the world safe for today's global financial flows, and vice versa.


• First, there must be a minimum standard for rules and regulations dealing with the bankruptcy of private firms. While each country will have its own detailed procedures, they must all recognize a method of granting insolvent firms some form of protection against creditors, transferring equity to creditors to extinguish unrealistic debt burdens, and, most importantly, allowing the firm's productive assets to get back to work as soon as possible.

We just saw what "bankruptcy" means to Them. Ouch.

Here's the kicker:

• If this is to work on a global scale, then nations can no longer make distinctions between debt and equity investment by foreigners. In other words, if foreigners are allowed to lend money to a nation's businesses or banks, then they must be allowed to hold equity in them as well, generally on the same terms as domestic investors. Otherwise, the unwinding of excessive debt burdens will be too dependent on bail-outs by organizations such as the IMF, as is now the case. Of course, nations may wish to impose limited restrictions on this right: for example, the United States does not allow foreigners to hold equity in defense contractors or broadcasters on the same terms as citizens. In general, however, the nations that wish to enjoy the manifest advantages of global financial markets in the 21st century will have to recognize a similar globalization with respect to equity ownership of firms and banks.

Note that it's perfectly OK for US to impose these restrictions (Rupert Murdoch actually took out U.S. citizenship in order to circumvent them!), just not for those other countries.



edit: 2000, not 200. I don't think PNAC has been around that long! Even the Illuminati supposedly date only to 1776...

[Rainscents]

136. The reason why this news is announced today is distract ANWAR vote today.

Think about, why did they (Bush administration) broke this news today when there is hearing on ANWR in Congress. I HATE THESE PEOPLE!!!

[nolabels]

157. They must of been holding this one in the can for a few weeks at least

Distraction, distraction, distraction, I say you got a bingo there

[Locut0s]

139. Linkism!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4354839.stm

President Bush described Mr Wolfowitz as a "compassionate, decent man" committed to global development.

Translation:

"Mr Wolfowitz is compassionate about fucking the world over and as such is a perfect choice for this post. He is committed to global devolvement."

[yorkiemommie1]

189. economic hit man

that's what he is

" committed to global development is a loaded term "

[unhappycamper]

145. wonder when dubya's gonna give him the medal of freedom?

He's screwed up enough already. OH! Got it.......

He's going for oak leaf clusters at the bank.

[Robert Oak]

150. Neocon economic war, but the enemry is the US middle class! n/t

[Name removed]

153. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[0007]

159. This CNN poll shows how popular junior's decision is

The White House will be pulling this poll in the next few, you can bet.

Created: Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at 10:37:25 EST
Is Paul Wolfowitz the best choice to be president of the World Bank?

Yes 18%
10115 votes

No 82%
45192 votes

Total: 55307 votes

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

161. What happened to the missing $9 billion in Iraq?

How can Wolfowitz be seen to qualify for a position heading the World Bank if he can't even account for what his own Department Of Defense did with 5% of the money we've already spent on Iraq? And isn't Wolfowitz the one who said the war in Iraq would only cost about $15 billion and that it would eventually pay for itself, based on the U.S. exploitation of Iraq's oil fields?

[phoebe]

163. absorb this - new FCC Chairman's wife = Cheney's press secretary

Can you say Plame case??

[Cugel the Clever]

164. Scumbags on Parade

The steady stream of disastrously fucked up nominations now has a new leader prancing to the fore- Paul "Were" Wolfowitz. Or, as Bush Jr likes to call him, "El Loco Lobo" or "Wolfynutz".
You can't deny his sense of style- his novel coiffure techniques have inspired hordes of imitators. I find myself licking incessantly before grooming, like a cat- who doesn't? It's all the rage. Thank you, Wolfynutz!
Yes, this guy is good. The World just needs to fork over all the currency to the Wolf-man and let him work his Plan for the New Century. Demonstrated effectiveness, can't argue with that!

[methinks2]

165. the comment in my house was about monkeys picking

bugs off of other monkeys butts.

[Guckert]

167. tip for World Bank members, "dont borrow his saliva soaked comb to freshen

up before a meeting."

[penpal7]

168. remember the rest of the members have to vote him in first

[KamaAina]

169. They need to move that sculpture "Banker's Heart" to the World Bank

not its real name, but the hulking black granite sculpture outside the former B of A building in SF's Financial District. San Franciscans, with that ready sense of humor and progressive sensibilities, derisively if unofficially named it "Banker's Heart".

[daleo]

170. The nightmare is never ending.

Bolton in the U.N.
Wolfowitz in the World Bank.

Bush is packing every world body with the morons who came up with the Iraq invasion strategy. Unbelievable.

[w4rma]

171. At least this scumbag is out of the country. (nt)

[oxbow]

172. Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.

Don't get too upset y'all. There's nothing we can do about this. It's up to the other nations now. Worry about what you CAN change and work towards that.

My pet project is voting reform. (not the weak shit senators are trying to pass now, but REAL changes).

[worldbankpresident]

175. worldbankpresident.org

We're trying to cover all the angles on this story here: worldbankpresident.org

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

177. Wolfowitz was US Ambassador to Indonesia during worst part of violence

Wolfowitz was the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia when the worst part of the violence involving East Timor took place, including the 1991 Santa Cruz massacre, when the Indonesian Army slaughtered 271 unarmed people. In the past, Paul Wolfowitz has counted among his best friends Indonesia’s former dictator, General Suharto. Wolfie testified before Congress in 1997 and praised Suharto's "strong and remarkable leadership" during the events of the massacre. Yet, Bush cites as one of Wolfowitz' qualifications to head the World Bank, his experience as Ambassador to Indonesia. I guess supporting bloody dictators when they play ball and sell us their oil is okay.

[nonconformist]

178. Wolfowitz is the scummiest of the scum

And that's saying a lot with this bunch. A LOT.

[many a good man]

180. The American neocon problem is now the WORLD's neocon problem

They've busted the US Treasury and now they're aiming to bust the World Bank.

This is yet another SPIT IN YOUR FACE message to the United Nations of the world: Condi, Bolton, and now Wolfie. I think there's a good chance all the other governors will reject the nominee for lack of qualifications.

This could be a big fight around the world. Grab your torches and pitchforks and take to the streets.

[Name removed]

181. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bloom]

183. I'll always picture him slicking his hair down.

Thanks to Michael Moore.



More bad news.

[katty]

185. Alaska Drilling and the Wolf up for WB all in days evilcraft

America usually gets its own way on WB nominees. The symbolism is just too perfect-- The Wolf Running THE BANK.

[Anakin Skywalker]

193. May The Farce be with us!

This damned Bush admin. gets funnier by the day!

[President Kerry]

194. This is almost comical.. what's next,

O.J. Simpson for Attorney General? Oh wait, we've already got a torturer in that position.

Sigh.. this truly is a nightmare i can't wake up from.. Feels like Germany in 1937. The good news is it was a different Germany in 1947. So this too shall pass.

[artemisia1]

197. Say it isn't so...

Kick.

[Judi Lynn]

198. Thanks to those on this thread who reccommended "Confessions of an

Economic Hit Man." Ordered it, too. Looking forward to reading it.

[V Lee]

200. God help us all! Neocons as far as the eye can see ...

Brought to you by the Neo-Republican party ...

[CONN]

201. military option didn't pan out for neocons...

... so they grabbed hold of the money

[proud2BlibKansan]

202. I'm sorry but

I just can't get beyond that image of Wolfowitz licking his comb in F9/11. For that alone, I don't believe I can EVER take him seriously.

[Name removed]

203. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[paineinthearse]

206. Rumsfeld on Nomination of Paul Wolfowitz

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release


On the Web:
http://www.dod.gov/releases/2005/nr20050316-2235.html
Media contact: [phone] Public contact:
http://www.dod.mil/faq/comment.html
or [phone]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No. 260-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rumsfeld on Nomination of Paul Wolfowitz

“The President has made a superb choice to lead the World Bank, and I congratulate Dr. Wolfowitz on behalf of everyone in the Department of Defense.



“Dr. Wolfowitz is a gifted public servant. He is thoughtful, astute, and broadly experienced in world affairs through service in the Department of Defense and the Department of State, including as ambassador to Indonesia, and as the dean of The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.



“The Department of Defense will miss his talents, insights, and energy, and I will miss his daily counsel and friendship.”