I'm seriously thinking about...

[ricebike]

... trying to find a job to work in Iraq...

http://www.publicintegrity.org...urces

google search gave me this list... are there a better sites?I just started the search for this, so any help from you guys would be great.

earning tax-free $ is a good enough incentive for me; it'll be a great start if i survive the contract's "tour-of-duty" :ylsuper

seriously though... this isn't a deathwish; i know the risks.

Heck, it's riskier to ride a motorcycle on the roads of south jersey... after only about 2 weeks from settling down <i thought nyc had crazy drivers> i saw 3-4 motorcycle accidents on the news... for example... that old dude who got ran over by a white SUV on route 55 & another who met w/ a tanker truck...

side note: life insurance... is it like the military?... u can't get 1 from a private-company if you're active 'cause the gov't has their own life insurance policy?

[blacks13ek]

K, maybe you havent hurt the latest new out of Iraq... click here http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/....html

[ricebike]

blacks,

ya & it didn't faze me a bit from my consideration... he knew the risks goin' in & I don't mind as well.

sure, u can goto reality shows like "fear factor" to get a quick buck, but goin' to Iraq takes more ballz & i'll be helping out to clean up Bush's Mess... what a dumb@$$

it'll probably be ~2months while i get my shizz together <like make a living will & what not so my 240sx & other stuff won't go to the gov't>

[JESTER]

Dude, you are out of your mind.

Now, I know you guys up in New York can hold your own against the best but Iraq is a suicide mission for civilians. It is bad now, but I fear it is going to get a whole lot worse.

Take awhile and think about it. At least until we hand the government back over to the Iraqi people. That is what a month and a half away?

Anyway, if you go, be carefull. And I know all of us will put a word in for you with the big guy up stairs.

[ricebike]

"At least until we hand the government back over to the Iraqi people. That is what a month and a half away?"

yep, exactly, Jester... that's Y i'm researching which companies I should apply to, get my will made up, set up life insurance mods, etc... ~ 2 months B4 I send applications

hopefully, by that time, i'm settled down again in cherry hill NJ <hated my 6-year stay in nyc, btw; originally from philly>

heh, i'll prob stick out like a sore thumb since i'm a flip, but I'll see how this summer would turn out B4 committing myself to Iraq.

[JESTER]

Philly?!?! They are crazier than New Yorkers. No wonder you want to go to Iraq. Looks like a walk in the park to you. J/K Aint enough trees to hide behind and shoot from for this southern boy.

Anyway, best of luck with what you decide.

[nametakennow]

I'm gonna be the jack*** who asks: Can I have your 240?

Seriously though, as long as you know the risks then go for it. The bad stuff is overhyped, to be blunt. Yeah, bad stuff is happening (like the beheading), but I think the vast majority is safe. All we hear is bad news because bad news sells, kinda like sex, in a twisted sort of way.

[Toms240420]

have you ever been to another counrty? do you know what it is REALLY like to watch your back? Have you ever SERIOUSLY feared for your life? even a armed soldier is afraid, But other than that it would be a good experience to work in a country like iraq. It would give you great perspective of our life here and what we take for granted.

[yashin]

money is not worth your life

don't do it

[nametakennow]

have you ever been to another counrty? do you know what it is REALLY like to watch your back? Have you ever SERIOUSLY feared for your life? even a armed soldier is afraid, But other than that it would be a good experience to work in a country like iraq. It would give you great perspective of our life here and what we take for granted.

I've been in other countries on vacations, but not in this circumstance, no. I'll freely admit that. However, if he sees the risk as not as great, and the rewards worthy, why not do it?

Don't you realize that the media plays everything out as dramatically as possible, and thus bad news is news, good news is just thrown in once in a blue moon in order to appease the public's want for a happy ending?I realize that stuff in Iraq is ugly. However, take the number of those killed as civilian workers and put it over the number of people living perfectly normal working lives there. Divide those numbers, I bet the percentage of those killed, kidnapped, etc is FAR lower than you'd think.

As far as money not being worth your life, this is very true. However, it's not guaranteed that he'll die. Not everyone who goes to Iraq dies, most (the VAST majority) return fine and dandy.

Don't over dramaticize everything.

[flohtingPoint]

000000000

[Fish240]

you can work for Haliburton/ Kellog Brown in Route in other countries as well. My father was about Afganistan, they are also in Yugoslavia and other coutnries. 6 figures tax free is nice

[ricebike]

thanx for your perspectives on this...

i've seen the other somewhat related thread as well & still thinks that yea, there's risks in everything we do...

but, after reading some replies in the other discussion, i know those Iraquis would be goin for low-threat americans instead of facing US troops... & still know what i'll be getting into.

keep 'em coming

[Nismo_Freak]

I know a few people from Iraq who lived in the Saddam regime, you gotta always be on your toes over there and I don't mean like you're in a bad hood. These people are vindictive and as a whole are hardened by growing up in the mess.

[[Zero-S]]

What ever you decide, be careful. And rest assured that you have a family of 15000 to support you if things get rough.

[hannibal]

My cousin in NYC joined the fire dept (he used to be paramedic) after 9/11. I told him he was crazy...You are insane. Its been less than a week since a 24 yr American was beheaded and you decide thats the place you wanna be. Did you see the pics of what we did at the prision? Do you think killing one American would make them think we're even?? BTW i found the berg video and that wasnt pretty...

Forgot all this stuff about greater chances of getting in a cycle wreck than getting fvcked up over there. Your only saving grace is your ethnicity. They might have to hear you speak before they realize your an American and then you'll become an easy target.

Do you understand the US destroyed the govt of Iraqi? That creates a state of lawlessness (kinda like the old west) with a long road to organization. Instability in an area full of people that resent American presence is not a pleasant atmosphere for a new job.

If this is really about money (and not being a hero or 'life in the fast lane') sell a kidney dude. Theres much less risk involved...

[Nathan]

Did you see the pics of what we did at the prision?

Bah, that was gross nekkid weaksauce, they need to learn the RIGHT way to abuse prisoners and stop taking pictures of it! Ricebike, if you think your up for the task, more power too you, enjoy the money and be as safe as possible

[hannibal]

Bah, that was gross nekkid weaksauce, they need to learn the RIGHT way to abuse prisoners

I'm sure this has been perfected. Besides, we only know what happen in those pictures. I'm convinced there was much worse going on

Quote »and stop taking pictures of it![/quote]I cant quite figure out why they took pics. You cant put those in your scrapbook on the coffee table...

[Mr1der]

money is not worth your life

going out and changing the world is.

[JESTER]

going out and changing the world is.

Perhapse. I would go to Iraq if I was a soldier and probally get my *** killed. I would do it, because of duty. To be honest, I am a bit ashamed that I never joined the military and did my part for my country. My one major regret in my life to this point.

But to go as civilian, hmm, no. I can get killed right here with out having to go to a hostile foreign country. But six figures tax exempt does make a good argument to take the risk.

Let me see, Iraqi survival kit........Kevlar, and lots of it. M14 with scope and a sh1t load of extra ammo. A company of Marines. That just about covers it.

[180crafter]

Change the world???

I'd like to see that. The change required is one that not one man, not one group, not one platoon, not one country, and not one race can do. The changes required to fix the world can only be made by h0m0 Sapien as a whole.

Unfortunately, any good you have in your heart, no matter how Disney you think you are, is tainted by the premise of greed. Couple that with your inability to make a dent in the giant mass that is organized crime, sorry-some people call it "government", and your life is as valuable as the fart that I just threw.

I wish you the best of luck. Shlt I might even do it. But to say the reason behind your decision is the good of the world, take that and shove it.

To live in Iraq and be American, is a matter of luck. If you work and live in some kind of guarded area, under tight security, I would do it. I know my greed compels me. But thats it...

The security of the US, the diversity of people, and the fact that I can get punani here, are more than enough reasons to stay.

For a jolt, just lok at another popular thread, the one about the most beautiful women. Now ask an Iraqi to find that.

Nuff Said.

[180crafter]

Oh and Jester, I can understand how you feel. I would most definitely go if I was drafted, as I would completely understand the need for me to defend my country. But to go on my own free will to get killed invaiding a country cause my bosses dad said so? Fuk that.

[nametakennow]

Wow, it seems many of you are dead set that going to Iraq is certain death. It's not, I'll say it time and time again (actually, I'm tired of saying it, so just this once more).

Far, far more people go to Iraq and come back fine than are killed, injured, kidnapped, etc.

[Mr1der]

Change the world???

I'd like to see that. The change required is one that not one man, not one group, not one platoon, not one country, and not one race can do. The changes required to fix the world can only be made by h0m0 Sapien as a whole.

Unfortunately, any good you have in your heart, no matter how Disney you think you are, is tainted by the premise of greed. Couple that with your inability to make a dent in the giant mass that is organized crime, sorry-some people call it "government", and your life is as valuable as the fart that I just threw.

I wish you the best of luck. Shlt I might even do it. But to say the reason behind your decision is the good of the world, take that and shove it.

To live in Iraq and be American, is a matter of luck. If you work and live in some kind of guarded area, under tight security, I would do it. I know my greed compels me. But thats it...

The security of the US, the diversity of people, and the fact that I can get punani here, are more than enough reasons to stay.

For a jolt, just lok at another popular thread, the one about the most beautiful women. Now ask an Iraqi to find that.

Nuff Said.

well bubba, you sure as hell can't sit around and wait on the rest of the world, if that were the case, we'd be loafin' cuz if one person starts loafin' the rest of the team will loaf, and then we'll be nothin' but a team of loafers!

loafers get nowhere and they sure as hell don't win the superbowl.

[JESTER]

Wow, it seems many of you are dead set that going to Iraq is certain death. It's not, I'll say it time and time again (actually, I'm tired of saying it, so just this once more).

Far, far more people go to Iraq and come back fine than are killed, injured, kidnapped, etc.

No no. You have us wrong. (Or me at least) We are set that WE would get killed, not everyone. Personally I have that kind of luck. It is amazing I have made it this long.

To die in combat, for a worthy cause, is exceptable for me. To be blown to bits over my personal greed, well, that would just be wrong. Not to mention my family would be pissed at me for getting killed over something as worthless as money. I mean really, I can just go print some more when I need it anyway.

[180crafter]

Wow, it seems many of you are dead set that going to Iraq is certain death. It's not, I'll say it time and time again (actually, I'm tired of saying it, so just this once more).

Far, far more people go to Iraq and come back fine than are killed, injured, kidnapped, etc.

Thats true. Most americans in Iraq are soldiers that have groups and support from other people. They have Medics if something happens to them. What would you have? Nothing. You would be a sitting duck, waiting to be picked off. If you didnt, consider yourself lucky. And it wll only get worse.

In 2 months, if it is given to the people, Iraq will be controlled by separate factions bent on control. Most will be worse than Saddam in form and function. Who do you think will be the first ones to be exterminated? Its a known political fact that the extremist groups, however small, make more of a political impact than the quiet grateful Iraqis.

Iraq will not get better. Not any time soon. Not in your lifetime, especially of you expire alittle earlier due to "political differences".

Oh, BTW, Im not just waiting around for humans to evolve to then do something. For evolution to occur, a certain percentage of the human race needs to reach a certain conscience. This will make a buffer big enough to bring the rest of us Dumbas5es to the other side. I really didnt want to get into this, and I wont right now, but I do try to change the world. Educate and uneducated person, help someone overcome a fear, and show love to someone without. Thats as Disney as can be...

[nametakennow]

Jester: How is simply wanting a good job greed? There is a line (albeit a fine one) between being greedy and wanting a high state of well being. In today's society, unfortunately, you must make a nice amount of cash in order to achieve the upper echelons of well being.

180: He would have that same military support, along with rentacops (the latter being useless, but oh well). American soldiers are dedicated to maintaining order, particularly when the lives of Americans are threatened.

I agree entirely that Iraq will not get better in a while. No matter what we do, the infighting between the competing groups will continue on for a long time to come.

It's entirely true that the human race itself needs to change, but that will take a very long time as well. Indeed, we'll probably die out first.

All I am saying is that it is likely he will come back fine if he decided to do this. There is the chance of being killed, but I could be killed (and all too often almost am) driving to school, work, social events, etc.

[ricebike]

thanx for your points peeps,

ya, 1 man can't change the world... but i'm willing to be part of history; the $ is a bonus <i didn't know u can get upwards to 6 figures> i'm not even looking for much... just wanna go for the experience.

heck, someone's gotta do it... i'm still settling down in NJ rite now to pursue it further... how about links to getting a job???--------"I'm gonna be the jack*** who asks: Can I have your 240?"

name, sorry, it's going to my lil brother, who'll probably get killed by wrapping it around a tree/light pole trying to drift-- mad tyte

[JESTER]

Jester: How is simply wanting a good job greed? There is a line (albeit a fine one) between being greedy and wanting a high state of well being. In today's society, unfortunately, you must make a nice amount of cash in order to achieve the upper echelons of well being.

Wanting a good job is one thing, but wanting to go to a distant place where you and your people are hated with a passion, and have prices on your head, all for the pursuit of money, sounds a little like greed to me.

Now dont get me wrong. I can be some what of a greedy bastard myself. But money aint worth getting your head chopped off, or getting burnt to death and hung from a bridge.

Maybe selfish is better to describe this situation than greedy. No offense Ricebike. My family would consider me selfish for doing something like this. Because I would probally get killed and they would be upset. Then they would be upset at me for them getting upset over my stupidity. Even if I didn't get killed, think of all the worry they would go through. Moms don't understand why we do stupid things. They just worry about us, reguardless. Even if we tell them not too.

[nametakennow]

You don't have to go to a distant place to be hated with a passion. It doesn't matter where you are, someone is going to hate you. The fact that they hate you while your working a great job in a distant land isn't grounds for calling it greed or selfishness. Going to a distant land shows that you really want to be the best you can be.

Moreover, if you really boil it down, everything is selfish. In the end, 99.9% of the things you do end up having some reciprocative effect upon you, your future, your monetary wealth, your social life, etc.