WHY AMERICA STARTS WARS

It's not about freedom or democracy or defending and protecting our borders.  It's about money; lot's of it, that those who hide in the shadows shovel into their off shore accounts at the expense of the American taxpayer.

THE REVOLVING DOOR FROM THE PENTAGON TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR

This report and short video, released in partnership with Brave New Foundation, reveal the extent of the Pentagon’s revolving door phenomenon, in which retired high-ranking generals and admirals cash in on their years of military experience by taking lucrative jobs with the defense industry. 

CREW found 70 percent of the 108 three-and-four star generals and admirals who retired between 2009 and 2011 took jobs with defense contractors or consultants.  In at least a few cases, these retirees have continued to advise the Department of Defense — all while on the payroll of the defense industry.

Key Findings:

• Retired generals can make more than their yearly military pay by serving on corporate boards
• Contractors have increased spending on lobbying for 40 percent in the last five years
• The U.S. government paid the top five defense contractors $113 billion in 2011
• As of early 2012, 68 percent of lobbyists for the top five defense contractors had prior public sector experience
• Pentagon rules prohibiting the revolving door are riddled with loopholes