Politicians who buy non-America first are BEMRs

Well, if a foreign-made inflight refueling aircraft is good enough for the US Air Force (EADS) then foreign-made crystal is good enough for our US Diplomats.


http://www.nypost.com/f/print/news/national/hill_nub_of_ny_firm_is_crystal_clear_FYR65jDt5RHnO4X4CLOaFL


Updated: Mon., Mar. 15, 2010, 9:51 AM


Hill's $nub of U.S. companies in purchase of crystal stemware is clear
By GEOFF EARLE Post Correspondent
Last Updated: 9:51 AM, March 15, 2010
Posted: 3:36 AM, March 15, 2010


WASHINGTON --- Hillary Rodham Clinton's State Department is spending $5.4 million to buy fine crystal stemware for American embassies -- but it won't give the US economy much of a boost.
The contract was given to a tiny Washington, DC, interior designer, which in turn subcontracted the crystal work to a Swedish firm -- snubbing such US companies as the famous manufacturer in Clinton's own back yard, Steuben Crystal of upstate Corning.


The firm didn't even get a chance to bid on the contract, which will outfit embassies and ambassadors' residences with fancy crystal for ritzy functions.


Ironically, under the no-bid contract, some of the crystal is to be custom-crafted to include the seal of the United States, although Swedes will do all of the manufacturing.


Contracting rules require any American firms that subcontract work to use a domestic firm or get a waiver.


The firm that got the contract, Systems Design Inc., is a small interior-design firm in tony Georgetown. The company, which is eligible for minority small-business contracts, does not appear to have done any similar work.


After getting the contract in September, the firm subcontracted to Swedish glassmaker Orrefors/Kosta Boda USA.


Department spokesman Darby Holladay said Systems Design couldn't find a domestic producer who could meet the 100 percent lead-free requirement, although a Steuben spokesman said it does manufacture lead-free crystal.


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Now, as a good person, ask a chemist about lead leaching from crystal into a drink. It's almost a certain as being struck by lightning thrice. And ask about US Diplomats leeching... 


What's the matter, Hillary, didn't steal enough crystal when you left the White House? 


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Hillary and politicians who buy non-America first are BEMRs. 


BEMR