What does a $10 million Bat Mitzvah have to do with the War in Iraq?

Did you hear the one about the defense contractor in New York who threw a Bat Mitzvah for his daughter and lined up Steve Tyler and Joe Perry, Kenny G, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks etc. to perform for her? The defense contractor is none other than David H. Brooks, CEO of bulletproof vest maker DHB Industries.

Where did Mr. Brooks get all his money? In a report titled "Executive Excess 2005," it is reported that he "earned $70 million in 2004, 13,349% more than his 2001 compensation of $525,000," and "sold company stock worth about $186 million last year." So far he has pocketed over $250 million in windfall war profits. And for what? According to GNN,

According to a government memo uncovered in an eight-month investigation by the Marine Corps Times, the company's vests, made by DHB subsidiary Point Blank Body Armor, failed tests when they suffered "multiple complete penetrations" of 9mm pistol rounds and other ballistics. In the memo, government ballistics expert James MacKiewicz said his office "has little confidence in the performance" of the body armor.

The Marines later disputed the results of the tests.

A spokeperson for the Marines issued a statement at the time saying, "Even though they may not have met contract specifications there's no evidence to suggest (troops) would be or had been at risk."

Nevertheless, the Marines recalled 5,277 of the company's "Interceptor" vests in May.

'nuff said...