its been awhile...part 2

Well looks like I lost track of time...backblogged once again. Nothing really exciting and/or interesting has happened since my last blog but I will try to exaggerate some stories for everyones amusement. I have learned over the last few days that the title "shrewd Arab traitor" which comes from this section of the world and reflects this cultures trading practices should probably be titled "shrewd Arab taker". I laughed as I worked with local officials to coordinate some last minute changes to a new building built by coalition forces for Iraqi government personnel. Prior to this meeting we had already discussed with the locals what needed to be changed/fixed and the actual site visit was simply to see where the proposed changes would be. Once we got there the list of needs suddenly grew ten fold and before we knew it the locals officials "so desperately" needed furniture, a new door, a kitchen, etc. It was like a theatrical production in how they described that the new change was a "requirement by Iraqi Law" or "we cant survive without it" or "the world will come to an end in its absence" (I paraphrased on that one)...add some women fainting or knight in shining armor and the drama would be fit for the stage in NYC. I told them, wow for needing these things so badly you failed to mention it over the last year of construction!! I just laughed at their attempts to persuade us to include the additional items on the list of fixes. Thank God I have been here before and could see it coming right when we got there. We finally called "cut cut" and stated we were here to fix the problems previously addressed...a hush fell over the crowd...they realized the production was over. Now I understand needs but once you've been here long enough you can begin to tell the difference between need and want...thus why I said "taker"...

In the spirit of the upcoming election I felt the need to provide a plan (with the appropriate double speak): I promise (not really) to provide one blog a week till I leave (not) and will undoubtedly (doubtful) give stories that will change your heart (or put you to sleep). Thank you for your support...(I'm sure my political rallies will attract tens of people).

I.D.