By law, the intelligence budget has to be classified. The problem is, it can be figured out by deducting the known parts of the budget from the overall budget.
But if you buy enough hammers, coffee makers, etc., at off the shelf prices, then invoice them at hyper-inflated amounts, eventually you can hide a good chunk of change.
The hammer issue was ridiculous and extravagant, but the submarine toilet seat – not so much. Submarines don’t have normal toilets. So hundred of thousands of dollars each to redesign and install the toilets to accept normal seats, or couple thousand dollars to make a couple thousand or so custom seats.
When the military needs a special device, what makes it so expensive are the tooling charges. If you wanted a hammer made to your specifications, it would be just as expensive.
I remember being on Midway Island in’80-81. The toilet paper ‘scandal’! I was a women’s barracks PO and we couldn’t get enough TP for our heads, thank JC.
Myths. The hammer story involved a custom-designed-and-built hammer for use on the space shuttle. The toilet seat story was really about an entire toilet enclosure that was also purpose-built (for a plane, I think). It’s expensive to do custom work.
TStyle78 over 3 years ago
Those are good deals.
The Reader Premium Member over 3 years ago
That plane looks like it was used to roll back his air miles!
Imagine over 3 years ago
The taxpayer already paid for all that stuff.
Doug K over 3 years ago
This would be more real if the Pentagon/Government was the Buyer.
Waittilnxyr over 3 years ago
Gotta fund some shady deals
pathamil over 3 years ago
C’mon! It’s a yard sale! You’re supposed to price the stuff so you have room to negotiate it down…
Zebrastripes over 3 years ago
R. I. P.
O. F. F. !
Does anyone wonder where all change goes?
Nyckname over 3 years ago
By law, the intelligence budget has to be classified. The problem is, it can be figured out by deducting the known parts of the budget from the overall budget.
But if you buy enough hammers, coffee makers, etc., at off the shelf prices, then invoice them at hyper-inflated amounts, eventually you can hide a good chunk of change.
Bendarling1 over 3 years ago
Congress borrowed from those of us who pay taxes to buy that stuff from people who aren’t paying enough taxes.
drycurt over 3 years ago
The hammer issue was ridiculous and extravagant, but the submarine toilet seat – not so much. Submarines don’t have normal toilets. So hundred of thousands of dollars each to redesign and install the toilets to accept normal seats, or couple thousand dollars to make a couple thousand or so custom seats.
PO' DAWG over 3 years ago
Memories of when I was a kid buying stuff from army navy surplus. When we played “army” we were well equipped.
mrluke00 over 3 years ago
Sad but true . Wonder why we are trillions in debt. Politicians aren’t capable of running a hot dog stand
christelisbetty over 3 years ago
It was only used by a little old captain, who only drove nails on Sundays.
cuzinron47 over 3 years ago
Aw come on, you price gouging. Them hammers are only worth $2K.
Impkins Premium Member over 3 years ago
Is that a toilet seat????? :)
WilliamMedlock over 3 years ago
When the military needs a special device, what makes it so expensive are the tooling charges. If you wanted a hammer made to your specifications, it would be just as expensive.
DebUSNRet Premium Member over 3 years ago
I remember being on Midway Island in’80-81. The toilet paper ‘scandal’! I was a women’s barracks PO and we couldn’t get enough TP for our heads, thank JC.
Cactus-Pete over 3 years ago
Myths. The hammer story involved a custom-designed-and-built hammer for use on the space shuttle. The toilet seat story was really about an entire toilet enclosure that was also purpose-built (for a plane, I think). It’s expensive to do custom work.
Suny over 3 years ago
Does the Pentagon come with a yard sale? I’ll buy it for $19.95!