Denise Tiller, Midwest Voices Panelist 2008
The Government Accountability Office reported a review of government credit card purchases from 2005-2006 found millions of dollars of charges for Internet dating, tailor-made suits, lingerie, and other questionable itesm. In a sample of $2.7 million in purchases, it couldn't find $1.8 million worth of computers, cameras, and iPods. It reported that 41% of purchases were unauthorized or improperly received.
I know some govenment employees need laptops and a few need cameras, but iPods? External hard drives can be just as small and far less expensive for a data storage device. As for computers and cameras, wouldn't it be cheaper to centralize purchasing? I would have a better computer and camera if some one else paid for it and let me pick it out. Given the expense and sensitive nature of data on these items, shouldn't we know where they are?
I thought the story was shocking until I researched it and found the problem has continued since a supposed crackdown on improper credit card use in 2002.
In 2002, Congressional investigators found governement cards were used at brothels and adult clubs, jewelry and electronics stores, concerts, and Internet Porn sites. The Department of Education found charges for limo rentals, vets, and casinos. Executives at the Los Alamos National Laboratory charged $5 million in underwear, golf balls and jewelry. The government vowed to fix the problem, but the recent review isn't encouraging.
I have to question the Bush administrations hiring policies. It takes a combination of gall and stupidity to charge porn, prostitues, and dating services to your employer, not to mention $5 million in underwear, golf balls, and jewelry. Wasn't this adminstration elected on a family values platform? You can't run a business with such sloppy expense control. How can you run a country this way?
Denise Tiller, Midwest Voices 2008
