The business, GloboWrapCorp, currently sells between 97 and 98 percent of all of the duct tape and plastic sheeting in the world, according to estimates. While Cheney’s ties to the oil-services company Halliburton raised some eyebrows during the 2000 campaign, his investment in GloboWrapCorp has gone almost entirely unnoticed.
But with recent calls from government officials urging the public to stock up on these materials, lawmakers on Capitol Hill today raised pointed questions about Cheney’s control of what amounts to a global duct-tape/plastic-sheeting monopoly.
“According to information provided to me, almost every dollar spent on these supplies goes directly into Dick Cheney’s pocket,” said Democratic leader Tom Daschle. “If that’s not a conflict of interest, then I’m Jennifer Aniston.”
While Vice President Cheney released a brief statement disavowing any conflict of interest, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge came under renewed pressure to explain precisely how duct tape and plastic sheeting could be used in the war against terror.
“If you see someone you suspect is a terrorist, sneak up behind him and wrap him up tightly,” Ridge said. “This is a simple thing each and every one of us can do.”
