pourit

$22,500 a month: Iraq MPs do little, earn lots Lawmakers' lavish salaries and privileges spark deep resentment Advertisement | ad info Muhannad Fala'ah / Getty Images file An Iraqi lawmaker's basic monthly salary is $10,000 — just $4,500 short of that of rank-and-file members of the U.S. Congress. In addition, Iraqi MPs get a $12,500 monthly allowance for housing and security arrangements, for a combined total of $22,500. They also get to spend nights free at Baghdad's Rasheed Hotel.By BARBARA SURK The Associated Press updated 11/1/2010 6:12:51 AM ET 2010-11-01T10:12:51 Share Print Font: + - BAGHDAD — Iraqi lawmakers have collected their $90,000 stipend, they're raking in $22,500 a month in salaries and allowances, and they're spending free nights in Baghdad's finest hotel — and they've only worked about 20 minutes this year, without passing a single law. As the parliament prepares to hold what will be only its second session since the inconclusive election in March, lawmakers' lavish salaries and privileges are deepening resentment among Iraqis struggling to make ends meet and frustrated with the political deadlock. The Shiite religious leadership — always tuned into sentiment among the Iraqi religious majority — has warned politicians against living the high life while ordinary people lack basic services, such as electricity and water. In contrast, a mid-level government employee makes around $600 a month. 'They keep turning a blind eye to it' <BR itxtvisited="1">In a mosque sermon Friday, an aide to Iraq's top Shiite cleric urged parliament to lower their salaries when they next meet. "It's reasonable to request the lawmakers' salaries do not reach a lavish level," Ahmed al-Safi said. "This is a very important issue ... I do not know why they keep turning a blind eye to it." Since June, when the lawmakers first met for 20 minutes, Iraq's second elected parliament since the 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime has failed to convene. Sharp divisions among political blocs have prevented the formation of a new government, and not a single law has been debated, much less passed. Related content 58 die in siege on Catholic church in Iraq Official: Saudi initiative complicates Iraqi talks French airline makes landmark flight to Baghdad advertisement | ad info Advertisement | ad infoAdvertisement | ad infoStill, the 325 lawmakers collect their cash and perks. "Iraqi politics has turned into business," said Wael Abdul-Latif, an independent Shiite politician and former lawmaker from Iraq's second largest city of Basra. "Many of the lawmakers would not even have bothered to run for the parliament" if salaries were not so high, he said. The lawmakers' June meeting consisted of a Quranic reading, the playing of the national anthem and the swearing-in of new members. It produced one decision: to leave the session open but unattended — a technicality to allow more time to choose a new leadership since the election failed to give any party a ruling majority. Bitterness <BR itxtvisited="1">After the session, lawmakers collected the $90,000 stipend they are allotted for their four-year term to cover personal expenses. Lawmakers are preparing to hold a second session, likely in the coming week, only because the Supreme Court last week ordered them to return to work . Meanwhile, Iraqis who voted in large numbers in hope of strengthening their nascent democracy after years of authoritarian rule, war and sectarian violence have grown bitter at the politicians they chose to represent their interests. "Instead of working hard and doing a good job, they are enjoying a paid vacation," said Jalal Mohammed, a retired clerk for the administrative council in the southern city of Basra. "I think the parliament members should only be paid if they do something useful for their country." Only on msnbc.com An Iraqi lawmaker's basic monthly salary is $10,000 — just $4,500 short of that of rank-and-file members of the U.S. Congress. In addition, Iraqi MPs get a $12,500 monthly allowance for housing and security arrangements, for a combined total of $22,500. Lawmakers pay only six percent of their $10,000 base salary in taxes. They also get to spend nights free at Baghdad's Rasheed Hotel in the relatively safe environment of the Green Zone, regardless of whether parliament is in session. They collect a $600 per diem when traveling inside or out of Iraq. Once out of office, they get 80 percent of their salary monthly for life, and for eight years they can keep the diplomatic passports that they — and often their families — are issued. 'Violent incidents' <BR itxtvisited="1">In contrast, a high school teacher or a doctor in a public hospital each earns about $650 a month. A Baghdad taxi driver can make up to $700 in a good month. In the government — Iraq's biggest employer — a mid-level employee's basic salary rarely exceeds $600. Lawmakers justify high salaries and benefits saying they risk their lives participating in the political process. advertisement | ad info Advertisement | ad infoAdvertisement | ad info"We are exposed to violent incidents in our houses, on the streets, and even in the parliament," said Sheik Haidar al-Jorani, a Basra lawmaker with the prime minister's State of Law party. He said he had to repair his family home in Basra after it was damaged by a nearby bomb blast. Most popular Moving around the country safely and frequent trips abroad cost money, as do the formal receptions and parties lawmakers are expected to hold, he added. But many Iraqis feel parliament members just want their posts out of greed, not an urge to serve the country. 'Legalized corruption' <BR itxtvisited="1">The disconnect in pay makes lower-level government employees feel justified in taking bribes, said Judge Raheem Hassan al-Uqailee, president of the independent Commission of Integrity, which fights government corruption. The absence of a law regulating salaries leaves lawmakers to determine their own paychecks, he said. "We consider this legalized corruption." Aliyah Nisayef, an MP who sits on the legislature's 13-member Anti-Corruption Committee, said she and a group of other lawmakers tried several times during the previous parliament to pass a law cutting salaries and perks. Resistance was so fierce that not only did the bill fail to pass, but lawmakers who supported it received death threats, Nisayef said. "Corruption is an epidemic," Nisayef said. "We are no match for them." She would not detail her own salary, but noted some lawmakers give large amounts to charity. Recently, the Iraqi press reported that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki awarded cabinet ministers with plots of land in prime Baghdad districts. Far from criticizing him for the blatant patronage, lawmakers publicly demanded the premier put them on the distribution list. "How can we hold others accountable if we as legislators have no integrity?" Nisayef said Updated 69 minutes ago 11/3/2010 6:04:46 AM +00:00 Divided Congress on tap as GOP takes House, NBC projects Updated 17 minutes ago 11/3/2010 6:56:43 AM +00:00 In bruising Calif. race, Brown wins governor's job Updated 32 minutes ago 11/3/2010 6:40:57 AM +00:00 Buzzkill! Pro-pot initiative fails in Calif. 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THANKS FOR THE POST AND THANK YOU TOO SCOOTER. POURITFORWARD

Just because most people on this site are struggleing doesn't mean everyone is. Look at it this way...When this comes together...and many have 10 to 50 or a 100 million .....when another great opportunity comes along it's not much of a stretch to think they may invest a million or two. I'm not rich but looking into two investments that will require large sums. Remember...just because your broke doesn't mean that a lot of rich people don't exist. POURITFORWARD

Of course he will say the losses wern't focused on him or the Democratic party mandate but the votes were against all polotics. ya...right. POURITFORWARD

Thank you and others for all your kind words. I do believe we are very close. I just hope this will change everyone's life for the positive. POURITFORWARD

I have NOT made millions....however...I was told to buy the Kuwait dinars about 20 years ago and didn't listen. The guy that told me became a millionaire. About 6 years ago I was told to buy the Iraqi dinars. I thought I might be smart to listen this time. I was a skeptic but I am now ALL IN. After about 1500 hours of research.....I am 100% that this will happen.................and VERY SOON. And besides...show me someone that can't come up with less than $170 for 100,000 dinars and I will show you someone that is probably lazy. Have a garage sale...or skip the mocas for a few days...sacrifice a little. Here is the choice...buy dinars...or go to work for the next 20 to 40 years and get a vase and a certificate for all your hard work. Never has the statement " if your ship comes in...don't be at the airport" been more appropriate. POURITFORWARD

I POSTED THIS ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO...THANKS FOR POSTING AGAIN...IT'S GREAT. POURITFORWARD.

**** CHENEY IS A HUNTER...AND I'M SURE A DINAR HOLDER...DOUBT HE WOULD WANT TO SHOOT THIS DOWN THOUGH. HMMMMM....POURITFORWARD.

EXCELLENT POST...I APPRECIATE IT. I COULD ANSWER MANY QUESTIONS BUT I HAVE TO RUN FOR NOW. GOOD JOB. POURITFORWARD

SAY IT IS SO...POURIT

AGAIN...THANK YOU ADAM ...AND THANKS TO OUR SOLDIERS AND ALL VETS. POURITFORWARD

THANKS DOC...APPRECIATED. POURITFORWARD

THANKS STEVE...APPRECIATE YOUR POST. POURITFORWARD

GOI = RV...........................WRONG IMF AND CBI = RV............RIGHT PLEASE LOG THIS IN YOUR MINDS !!! POURITFORWARD

MY PREDICTION FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTIION IN A HUNDRED YEARS IS......8 % POSITIVE RATING PELOSI WILL BE GONE....YAHOOOOOOO!.......HOUSE...61 NEW SEATS......SENATE...8 NEW SEATS....(TWO SHORT UNFORTUNATELY) POURITFORWARD PS...THEN OF COURSE THE D'S WILL SAY WE VOTED AGAINST THE WHOLE POLITICAL PROCESS...NOT BO. WRONG !!!

WE'RE CLOSE EVERYONE...CHECK OUT THE PART I HIGHLIGHTED..POURITFORWARD * Political Blocs Agreed to Hold Two Meetings a Day in Preparation For the Parliamentary Session November 1st, 2010 11:55 am · Posted in NEWS Agreed by the representatives of the political blocs, on Sunday, in a new meeting was held in Baghdad, to hold two meetings a day to prepare for the next parliamentary session, according to a statement after the meeting. The statement read out by the member of a coalition Kurdish blocs Rose Nuri Shaways yesterday evening that “the conferees agreed to hold two meetings every day, morning and evening sessions starting Monday, in order to finalize the finishing touches to form a government as soon as possible because of the circumstances pressing, primarily the Federal Court decision Supreme convene a meeting of Parliament. ” The statement added that “the conferees decided to make each block written proposals with respect to the subject of genuine partnership and particularly the National Council for the strategic policy and rules of procedure of the Council of Ministers during the morning session, but in the evening For the blocks to make proposals on the principle of consensus in the joint

Thank you all so much for the kind words. We have had all the tricks...it's time for a TREAT. Happy Halloween POURITFORWARD

I wouldn't worry about it...everything you own is made with a petroleum product...like your tires...highway roads...your toothbrush... POURITFORWARD

FACTS.....RUMORS.....COMMON SENSE.....RV.......OPINION ! OK...HERE WE GO. FACTS REPORTED... 1) IRAQI'S WITHOUT JOBS/BASIC NECESSITIES.......................POVERTY 2) GW BUSH / MATT LAUER INTERVIEW.....NOV 8 TH 3) GW BUSH ON OPRAH..... ......................NOV 9 TH 4) GCC MEETINGS ........SHABBI HAS BEEN ATTENDING 5) IRAQ HAS 3 RD LARGEST PROVEN OIL RESERVES IN THE WORLD 6) 20,000 TROOPS HEADED TO IRAQ...MOVEMENT CALLED "NEW DAWN" ...COOL NAME BY THE WAY 7) 28,000,000 PEOPLE IN IRAQ.....WILL ALL GO TO THE BANK AFTER RV 8) HUNDREDS OF CONTRACTS AWARDED...EXAMPLE: RUSSIANS TO BUILD BAGHDAD MONORAIL 9) CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (FOREIGN) NO CORP TAXES FOR 10 YEARS 10) OIL CONTRACTS END TONIGHT...... 11) UNLESS EXTENDED...195 BILLION DUE BY 11/2 12) GOVERNMENT TO BE AT MEETINGS...EXAMPLE : DEMARCATION OF BOARDERS MEETING TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK ON TIGRESS/EUPHRATES FLOW INTO PERSIAN GULF 13) IRAQ NEGOTIATING WITH CZECH REPUBLIC ON 25 JETS (US MUST APPROVE) 14) IRAQI JAMAL WATERMELON STATES " IF R'S WIN US CONGRESS....IT WILL HAVE POSITIVE IMPACT ON IRAQ. 15) IMF STATES " IRAQ ECONOMY WILL GROW 7% PER YEAR FOR NEXT FEW YEARS. 16) ABU DHABI ...OWNER OF HIGH END INVESTMENT PROGRAM ( CALLED INVEST AD) SAYS IRAQ CANNOT/WILL NOT BE A COUNTRY ALLOWED NOT TO SUCCEED 17) MANY CURRENCIES AROUND THE WORLD AT VERY LOW LEVELS.....VIETNAM DONG....LOWEST EVER. DEVALUED 3 TIMES SINCE NOVEMBER 18) NOVEMBER IS CONSIDERED GRATITUDE MONTH...JUST SAYING..... RUMORS.... 1) SMALL DENOMINATIONS HEADED TO IRAQ FROM THE UK...( THEY PRINT THE IRAQI MONEY) 2) AL MADDEN SAYS EXCELLENT SOURCE SAYS TWO BANKS SHOWED 3.86 BEFORE IMF SHUT THEM DOWN 3) THE US IS ABOUT TO BEGIN THE 2 ND ROUND OF QE2...(QUANTITATIVE MONEY EASING IN THE US) THIS IS BASICALLY PRINTING LOTS OF NEW $$$$$ AND AT LEAST FOR A SHORT TIME WILL STRONGLY BE POSITIVE FOR PRECIOUS METALS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES 4) THIS IS PROBABLY TRUTH...BUT WITH ALL THE WEIRD NEWS SOURCES WHO KNOWS AS THEY CHANGE THEIR MINDS AS FAST AS A KID IN A CANDY STORE. .....THE "LIST" WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN MALIKI GOVERNMENT...AND THE SUPREME COUNSEL WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN A GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A PARTNERSHIP. 5) BOOTS ON THE GROUND SAY THE PEOPLE WANT MALIKI (I HAVE NO IDEA WHY) COMMON SENSE THE 20,000 US TROOPS THAT WERE SENT OVER ( OR CAME FROM KUWAIT ) MAY JUST BE TROOPS THAT ARE ROTATING THROUGH AS OTHERS COME HOME, BUT THIS WILL GIVE THEM 70,000 US TROOPS AT LEAST FOR A SHORT PERIOD NOT TO MENTION THE IRAQI TROOPS WHICH I HAVE READ ARE MUCH MORE DISCIPLINED THAN EVER BEFORE.. I HAVE READ ALSO THEY HAVE HAD SPECIAL SECURITY TRAINING. (COULD THIS BE TO CHECK FOR WEAPONS/BOMBS ON THE 28,000,000 THAT WILL BE HEADED TO THE BANK) ? IT'S POSSIBLE THEY MAY WANT TO DOUBLE UP DURING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER TO PREVENT ANY KINK OF A COUPAS WELL. NOVEMBER 2 ND IS THE US ELECTION .....AND EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NO LONGER THE REPUBLIC WE WERE MEANT TO BE WHEN THE CONSTITUTION WAS WRITTEN......AT LEAST WE ARE A DEMOCRACY AND YOUR VOTE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I ONLY ASK YOU TO REMEMBER THIS. THE UNITED NATIONS HAS NEVER FREED ANYONE. OUR US SOLDIERS ARE THE ONES THAT LIBERATED THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS...AND THE FRENCH...AND COUNTLESS OTHERS THROUGHOUT HISTORY. PRAY FOR AND RESPECT THEM. AND VOTE. THIS TRULY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION IN AMERICAN HISTORY. WE ALL KNOW AMERICA WITH ITS GREED AND POWER IS NOT PERFECT...BUT SHOW ME A COUNTRY WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCELL LIKE AMERICA....YOU WON'T FIND IT. IN FACT...DON'T JUST VOTE...TAKE OTHERS TO THE POLLS WITH YOU. POURITFORWARD SAYS : .....THE PERFECT STORM LOOKS LIKE IT IS HERE . HIGH OIL PRICES...HIGH GOLD PRICES...SECURITY TROOPS AND SMALL DENOMINATIONS HEADED TO IRAQ. DEADLINES EVERYWHERE. WORLD CURRENCIES FALLING. IN MY LAST POST..."SOMETHING BIG ABOUT TO HAPPEN" I STATED THAT THE ENTIRE WORLD IS IN FOR A SHAKEUP (WAKEUP) IN EARLY NOVEMBER. I NOW HAVE A STRONGER BELIEF THAN EVER THAT BY NOV 15TH OUR LIVES WILL CHANGE . ....BIGTIME. SOME SAY AN RV WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW...SOME SAY NEXT WEEK. I DON'T KNOW WHEN EXACTLY....BUT I BELIEVE IF THE GOI ISN'T SET IN THE NEXT 10 DAYS...IT WILL BE A MOOT POINT. GET READY TO CASH IN.....HAVE YOUR PLAN READY. IT IS COMING FAST NOW...IN MY OPINION. MOST IMPORTANTLY...DON'T FORGET TO SHARE. IT'S THE LEAST WE CAN DO. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN THEIR ALL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY...AND THEY HAVE SUFFERED ENOUGH, I PRAY FOR YOUR HEALTH AND SUCCESS. POURITFORWARD !!!

POURITFORWARD SAYS POURITFORWARD.....!!! IN MY POST LAST WEEK "SOMETHING BIG ABOUT TO HAPPEN" I SAID NOVEMBER WAS GOING TO BE A MONTH TO GO DOWN IN HISTORY...I HOPE WEDNESDAY IS THE BEGINNING OF IT. POURITFORWARD THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE POST.

LITTLE MISS GRITS......I CAN ANSWER THAT...AS MUCH AS I LOVE DINAR VETS SITE...THERE ARE OTHER SITES THAT DO CONFERENCE CALLS ALL THE TIME. DINAR VETS DOES NOT. THEY HAVE GREAT GUESTS LIKE ...ALI FROM D TRADE...TY...FROM D BANKER...GOLD DEALERS AMD MORE. ONE NIGHT THIS TIAC WAS ON AND IT BECAME VERY CLEAR TO ME THAT SHE NOT ONLY HAD CONTACTS BUT THAT SHE KNEW 100 TIMES MORE THAN I'M SURE 99% OF US ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST. yOU SEE...I AM A STAUNCH REPUBLICAN BUT IF ALL I LISTES TO IS FOX NEWS...I CAN'T GET A VERY IMPARTIAL VIEW OF THE WORLD....POURITFORWARD

HEY EVERYONE...I KNOW YOU ALL DON'T BELIEVE IN THE THINGS THIS LADY HAS TO SAY BUT THIS IS A PRETTY BOLD STATEMTNT AN I FOR ONE HOPE SHE IS 100% RIGHT AS IT WOULD BE HARD TO RECOVER FROM THIS ONE. POURITFORWARD TiaC] Hello all hope everyone is having a pleasant weekend. There comes time when it is time to bid a-dieu to a great group of individuals, their fearless leader and his assistants. Thank you for your gracious reception when I have visited, truck loads of love, and most of all the abundant respect you have show to me throughout this incredible experience I call the Dinar Watch. I have shared with you all that I could...there is nothing more I can give to you except my fondest best wishes for a bright and very successful future. IMO and only in my opinion all is done...a short space time I am more than confident you will be receiving the long anticipated rewards from your IQD investment. I assure you, my leaving has nothing to do with any of the bashers or naysayers...it is time to say goodbye because IT is done...then it is DONE. TiaC signing out...............

Thanks Woody...If that is their choice...let's rock and roll.....POURITFORWARD

Hey penquin...I grew up in the 60's too and have a kid that believes in this. Of course I actually know a mystic that personally told me the RV would be Nov 3rd. Interestingly...he told me that a couple of months ago. I am pulling for either one...the 3rd or the 11th. What I want to know is you said you grew up in the 60's and knew no hippies.....where did you live? Under your bed or in the closet. I don't know about pirateoflight but in the 60's wacky tobacy was the choice. And pirateof light...I hope you are right and make millions. Who knows...maybe we'll meet someday soon.

Sorry I don't but like I said...I truly will try to get it to you tomorrow. POURITFORWARD.