I’m a smart-ass. Just can’t seem to help it.
Example: I received an email inviting me to become a member of the US Defense Industry Delegation to Iraq (USDID-Iraq). You know, US DID!
Of course, I jumped on the invitation, quick-like, responding: “Oh, my gosh! This sounds too good to be true. Sign me up! What's the next step and when do we leave!!!!”
Another email quickly followed, telling me to look at the attachment. There was none. So a return email went out: “What an honor! Tell me more. There was no attachment but it sounds interesting and educational and extremely bottom linecentric!!!!”
A nice lady named Carla Torres sent me the attachment and told me, “Reveiw (sic) the details of the delegation. The delegation goal is to provide market entry or increased sales in Iraq and access potential business partners. This has the full support of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Iraqi Military Commanders who are looking for the products and technologies that will strengthen Iraq’s Sovereignty and security. In addition, members will be able to meet Iraqi Procurement Specialist who are looking forward for the one-to-one meetings with the delegation as they know this will help them get their procurements faster and fairly in order to get the right equipment for the Iraqi Forces at the right price.”
She went on to explain that we’d arrive in Baghdad on July 25, stay at the Al-Rasheed Hotel (No, Rasheed Wallace doesn't own it -- I asked.)and then attend pre-scheduled meeting with “Senior Iraqi Government Officials” before leaving Baghdad on July 31. The price of the trip was $39,985.
She told me to sign the registration form to “finalize my seat.” I was informed that if I had any further questions to contact her. I did, so I did.
“Carla Torres. Project Team Leader:
“I will finalize my seat right this minute.
“Question: The trip costs $39,985! Who pays that? Is this part of the stimulus plan incentive? Man, I had my doubts about that Obama plan ... but not anymore. My form will be coming this afternoon!!!!!”
Carla was quick to get back to me. “The delegates pay the delegation fee.”
A cat-sneeze later, I emailed her: “Thank you! Which delegate should I thank. That is mighty generous!!!!!”
That was two days ago.
I am left with no information about the trip nor who is paying my $39,985 fee.
I now know how an abandoned puppy feels.
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Unless you have major corporate connections representing interest to gain...and I assume since it is sponsored by Defense it would pay to have weapons manufacturer's money, $40K is a chunk of change to come up with. Not to mention the risk you take of becoming a backstop for a bullet. Maybe you should feel like a puppy with a new owner.
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