War profiteers are thankful for great golf and bundles of blood stained cash

This week, Americans get to spend time with family and friends to give thanks for all the good things in their lives. And the day after that, they get to shop like their hair is on fire.

Yes, with Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, it’s time to look at a group of people who have more to be thankful for and more money to shop then the rest of you. Plus, we’ll take a look at the amazing golf courses where these super-elite get to work on their game. It’s all here in …

A War-Profiteer’s Thanksgiving

1) Dick Cheney: Despite often being confused for one of the old Muppets in the balcony of the theater, Cheney has lots to be thankful for in 2006. He has seemingly survived any political pressure to replace him and maintains his position in the White House, which, critics say, could encompass anything from Vice-President to supreme ruler of the U.S. His oft-maligned heart held up, and no more of his children went gay on him.

The Golf: Despite representing Wyoming, Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. Located in Ogallala, Bayside Golf Course gets rave reviews from WorldGolf.com reader Rick Nave. “(It’s) unique Nebraska golf (that’s) under appreciated because of its location.”

The Blood Money: It’s no secret that Cheney spent his time out of politics as a VP of Halliburton, the company that never met a no-bid contract it wasn’t offered. In 2005, Halliburton received $5.8 billion in government contracts after receiving contracts for the rebuilding of Iraq in the neighborhood of $8 billion in 2004. For his part, Cheney still has stock options in Halliburton to the tune of $10 million.

2) Riley Bechtel: As one of the 50 richest men in the United States, Bechtel would be thankful if he knew who to be thankful to, having long ago bought out God in a hostile takeover. The chairman and CEO of the Bechtel Corporation, Bechtel sits on the boards of many other corporations, is a member of the Trilateral Commission and has been appointed to the President’s Export Council by George W. Bush.

The Golf: Bechtel is a member at the ultra-exclusive, all-male and host of the Masters, Augusta National Golf Club.

The Blood Money: Bechtel Corporation recently bailed out of Iraq, after pocketing $2.3 billion in contracts. More than 50 Bechtel workers were killed in Iraq, and most of its projects have fallen victim to the chaos in the country.

“Had Iraq been a calmer place while we were there, amazing things could have been done,” said a Bechtel executive.

3) Dianne Feinstein: Feinstein was the first and only female mayor of San Francisco, and has served as a U.S. Senator since 1992. With the 2006 elections ending in a Democratic wave, Feinstein has plenty to be thankful for, including her new position as head of the Rules Committee.

The Golf: Harding Park is one of the most famous municipal courses in the entire U.S. While some have gone on record saying it’s overrated, TravelGolf.com reader Dale C. summed up the feelings of many regarding Harding: “Harding is truly one of the great golf experiences that a public golfer can experience. When you are playing Harding there is no mistaking where you are. The place just oozes San Francisco.”

The Blood Money: Feinstein’s husband, Richard Blum, is director of URS. In 2001, URS defense contracts amounted to less than $200 million. It’s war contract booty is now sitting at $2 billion. Blum also has controlling interest in Perini Corporation, an engineering firm that rakes in U.S. government contracts for the Middle East.

4) David H. Brooks: Despite having his reputation be torn to pieces, Brooks has plenty to be thankful for, mostly due to the fact that he hasn’t been hung. Brooks made at least $70 million in salary for his DHB Industries in 2005, and has shown a willingness to spend that would normally embarrass one whose money is so blood stained. Brooks threw a lavish $10-million Bat Mitzvah party for his daughter, where he paid for Aerosmith, 50 Cent, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks to perform.

The Golf: Located in Pompano Beach, Fla., DHB Industries is near lots of great golf. Not far from Sawgrass, Florida resort golf lovers would be remiss to avoid the Ed Seay, Arnold Palmer creations they hold.

The Blood Money: Despite the fact that Brroks is on the sideline huddled with his lawyers, the government contracts keep coming DHB’s way, as the body armor champion has made serious bank from Iraq. Brooks has thus far dodged the SEC after dumping $186 million in DHB stock right before it collapsed.

The list goes on and on: Paul Wolfowitz, James Woolsey, Richard Perle, Donald Rumsfeld, the entire Bush family, Henry Kissinger, Jay Garner, and more. All people lining their pockets with money made from the deaths of U.S. soldiers and others.

So, when you sit down to enjoy Thanksgiving with those you love, give thanks to all the good in your life, and golfers, feel free to give thanks to all the great golf courses you have played or planned to play. Life is miraculous and there is always plenty to be thankful for, even if its just to be thankful that you have a soul and aren’t making yourself rich from the death and mutilation of others.

–WKW