Reply #22: Then there's the 450 Million dollar slush $$$ from Canada... [View All]

Bush 'Slush Fund,' Courtesy of Canada . "Want some wood? Heh-heh...hic burp"

"Softwood deal pours $450 million straight into White House", says U.S. lawyer.

...So, here we have the government of Canada requiring that Canadian private parties sign over $450 million to an escrow fund slated to be conveyed to the White House. The agreement does not mention Congress, and the Bush administration says that Congress will not be involved in any way with this agreement. The government of Canada thus is making a gift of $450 million to be spent by the president. That was more than a belt buckle, even more than a stetson, on July 6th. There is only one date certain in the deal: that the planned expenditure of the $450 million must be determined by September 1.

Political blowback?

Curious, that date, which traditionally is the kick-off for campaigns in the United States in election years. Yes, it's an election year, and the Republican control of Congress is considered in trouble. The entire Republican campaign war chest is less than $300 million. Canada will add to it by 150 per cent in funds to be expended for "meritorious initiatives." It does not require much imagination to foresee the strategic places where this money will be spent.

MUCH more here:
http://thetyee.ca/Views/2006/08/29/SlushFund/