DISQUS

Brave New Films: Blackwater Runs Red

  • dirk · 3 years ago
    war whore ?? wow........ so let me understand this. erik prince is a war whore and profiteer but the maker of this film is not ?? im sorry i dont see the difference. well wait a minute. there is a slight difference. the maker of this film sits behind a desk in california makeing phone calls to people and scrapeing the bottom of the the sewers for anything he can get to complete his film. then there is erik prince. thats right he was a NAVY SEAL. ok not much difference there. your right. the maker of this film doesnt " PROFITE " from war. but yet his movie is all about it. hmmm kinda makes me wonder. then there is erik prince who makes all his money from war. im sorry i just really havent found a difference yet. ok wait i think im getting an idea here. ok yes i have found it. blackwater works in private security protecting people in hostile and non hostile inviroments. so what that means is. if a person meaning any one in the world, seems to think that for some reason they need protection they can hire blackwater contractors to protect them. that means they can do what the united stated military can not. then there was the part about some guy complaining about not haveing a job cause he lost it to kbr. granted its not his fault. but you know what, its people like the guy makeing this film that does nothing to make sure the soldiers get payed more money. but rather sit back and make a stupid ass " NON-WAR-PROFITEERING " movie. talk about the pot calling the kettle black. then he shows a video trying to reach the owners of these companys. i mean seriously would you answer your phone to help some one make a million off of you ? didnt think so. then what about all the good things that blackwater has done. saveing the lives of hundreds of U.S. SOLDIERS because they were not prepared to fight in a combat situation. wow who would have thought the military not prepared. haha. oh and then there was the embassy that was being over run in najaf. who saved that. oh yea a handful of blackwater boys. where is that video? it blatantly shows a soldier being afraid to fire his weapon while a damn building is being over run. so who saves the day? this guy is makeing money off of a film the shows nothing but violence and ignorance of a select few. which the videos of the stupid ass people that he is showing IS NOT EVEN BLACKWATER. so once again some one makes money off the lives that are lost by so many yet spits in the face of the patriots that allow them this freedom. no wonder the rest of the world hates this damn country.
  • Bob Charon · 3 years ago
    Whoever this Dirk dirtbag is should take a refresher in spelling. He really shows his level of intelligence. He just does not get it! Possibly too stupid?
  • Kane Mortlock · 3 years ago
    Bob. Without stating my position: It should take a lot more than criticising someone's spelling and playing the man instead of the ball to persuade people of the correctness of a point of view.
    Lift the standard of the debate!

    Perhaps some of the issues raised were:

    1. If Greenwald makes a profit from selling "Iraq for Sale," isn't he a war profiteer as well?
    An answer might be: "No. At worst he'd be a "war profiteer profiteer" or someone who made a profit by making a film about those making a profit from the war, (as opposed to making a film about the war itself). Hence Greenwald wouldn't be profiting from the war itself, but from those who are doing so."
    A followup argument could be: "And what effect on the immorality of profiting financially from a war would it have if Greenwald had done the same thing?" (This is essentially asking "What's your point?" War profiteering is generally wrong (In My Honest Opinion). Whether Greenwald engages in it or not doesn't effect this fact that war profiteering is wrong. So what's your point of saying "Greenwald's doing it too"?) Two wrongs wouldn't make a right, and the real issue of the immorality of war profiteering should not be avoidable as easily as saying "He's doing it too."

    2. Erik Prince is an ex-Navy SEAL (profiting from the war seems to be admitted here), Greenwald is a film maker scraping the bottom of the sewers for anything he can get to finish his film (allegedly) profiting from the war. Where's the difference?

    Okay. So whether Prince is an ex-Navy SEAL or not is completely irrelevant to whether war profiteering is immoral or not (and I think generally speaking it is). This is another instance of playing the man instead of the ball (commonly understood phrase in Australia - hope it is in the US too; it is when people attack the person making an argument instead of addressing the argument itself). Portraying Greenwald as a (mere) film maker sitting behind a desk in contradistinction to ex-Navy SEAL (actual solider risking life type thing) Prince is the same thing again. Irrelevant personal attack without bearing on the issue of war profiteering. The last bit, however, that Greenwald is "scraping the bottom of the sewers for anything he can get to finish his film" is an issue that I think may have any merit. Greenwald has made representations about his attempts to allow Blackwater, et. al. to represent themselves and put their point of view forwards in his film - something it seems they refused to attempt to do. But the representation by Greenwald on this issue seems clear: He has attempted to even-handedly allow the companies allegedly involved in war profiteering to present their side because he is an all-round nice guy, unopinionated film-maker etc. who wants to portray the whole story of war profiteering. Perhaps in the light of this representation of his objectivity Mr Greenwald would like to explain this quote from his website on the "Blackwater Runs Red Movie Blog" page (http://iraqforsale.org/diaries/2006/08/blackwat...

    "Erik is notorious for his media-shy demeanor and preference to stay out of the lime light. What better way to send him a message about his company’s practices in Iraq than by casting him under the spotlight he seeks to avoid. Please contact us with any insights into this otherwise secretive and reclusive war whore."

    The statement "...secretive and reclusive war whore" (!) is a terribly positioned, statement. This statement does not make it sound like Mr Greenwald is actually after all sides of the story to construct an "objective," "value-free" presentation of the facts that speak for themselves at all ... (A historian once said that the facts do NOT speak for themselves. People select which "facts" to portray (and which ones not to) and how exactly to portray them). If I were Mr Prince and I was described on a fim-maker's website as a "secretive and reclusive war whore," God willing I would decline your invitation to be interviewed as well on the basis that I feared I would not be given a fair hearing.

    I'm not sure that name-calling ever got anyone anywhere ...

    3. The solider who was trained to repair radios using tax-payers money who then had to train private contractors to do the same job at a much higher cost to taxpayers, making his own skills redundant.

    Our friend Dirk seemed to think this utterly unacceptable situation was okay? on the unrelated grounds that it's people like Mr Greenwald who make films highlighting such sitations that do nothing to make sure the soliders get more money. Umm. I thought making a film that highlighted this important issue, the unnecessary and wasteful expenditure of taxpayer money via the inappropriate privatisation of clearly public activities, was doing something (as opposed to doing nothing)? If making a film that highlights this issue (and the soldier dissatisfaction with pay disparity between themselves and private contractors) is not doing something to get the soliders more money, what is?

    I await my copy of "Iraq for Sale" before commenting further. It appears to be aimed at some very important issues central to the nature of democracy in the current age. Transparency. Profiteering. Corruption. The unacceptable intertwining of public and private interests. The appropriate boundaries of public and private activities. These are issues that could be debated determinedly.
  • Jeff · 3 years ago
    I think Dirk misses the entire point.

    Of course Mr. Greenwald has a bias. He's against people who profit directly from this illegal war. Unlike Mr. Prince, Mr. Greenwald is profiting on reporting the reprehensible actions of Mr. Prince, Halliburton, KBR, etc.

    Here's the distinguishing factor: Had Mr. Greenwald been in charge of the government, as CheneyBush & Associates is, and he chose to go to war in Iraq, thereby enabling the war profiteers to profit, then he turns around and makes a film on the war profiteers, that, my friends, makes him just as accountable as CheneyBush & Associates. In that case, he would be a war profiteer. This, fortunately, is not the case.

    He is bringing us, THE PUBLIC the story. We deserve that much. We need people to be outspoken on this. Is Mr. Greenwald misrepresenting any facts? If so, which facts and how?

    Why don't you attack the premise of his film as opposed to the ad hominem attacks against Mr. Greenwald. It shows you don't have much of a valid counter-argument when you resort to these types of attacks as well as showing your ignorance in policy-making, grammar, and spelling.
  • Spade · 3 years ago
    This all assumes, of course, that Mr. Greenwald is, indeed, making a profit from this film. Perhaps he could chime in here and put that to bed.

    For my part, if so many people buy/watch this film that Mr. Greenwald never has to work another day in his life, I say, "please enjoy your retirement to its fullest, Mr. Greenwald. You deserve it." His profit comes then on the backs of those that have betrayed the public trust. I can only hope that this exposition of that betrayal would be simply the beginning of their miserable run of luck most foul. They deserve that. At the very least...
  • Matt O. · 3 years ago
    As the author of this post, I should mention that any problems with the phrasing, or specific wording should be directed to me, and to me alone. I wrote it, use my name, not Robert's.
  • Evening Star · 3 years ago
    The problem I see is that these people are for hire to kill other people and do they care who the people are that they kill? They are not fighting for their desire to protect their own people, to serve; they fight solely for a paycheck and historically what loyalty do such people have to their employers, and when the going gets tough maybe they will just get going the other way. From your description of their employers and founders, I do not believe these people believe in what I believe in; education for all, health care for all, democracy. They worship greed, government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich, the rest of us are ants unworthy of consideration or clean air. I remember studying the history of Rome and how Rome hired Germanic mercenaries to guard their boarder and thinking, my isnt that stupid,what would ever keep those hired from attacking Rome if they wanted more money? No wonder these people dont want an educated electorate. But what to do about this mess? I also remember studying the holocaust and thinking about the Jews, couldnt they see what was coming, take your family and run away. So here am I, in the same predicament as those Jews, I see what is coming, torture legalized, detention camps built, the military broken, the national guard broken, propaganda distributed by the government, corporate media dispensing propaganda as news, religion and the state becoming intertwined, surveillance. Well the past is prologue I suppose. All the brave souls who post here and are willing to reflect on current events give me hope. One of my ancestors served in the American Revolution, others served in the War of 1812, Civil War, WWII. I served in the Peace Corps, got to watch Marcos get ousted, yet here I am so afraid of what is happening and even posting here I do believe is frightening because I dont think Bush II takes to well to dissent. My poor, poor country, hey maybe thats the key, 9 trillion in debt we will have to declare bankruptcy and then blackwater wont work for us because we wont have the money to pay them. Hooray!!!!
  • Nadia · 3 years ago
    Sounds like we need a democratic revolution right here in beloved America so that we can oust all these corrupt and greedy politicians and start fresh and hopefully build a kinder, gentler friendlier America. Prosecute all these war profiteers and war criminals and set the record straight and set an example for the the future - Americans will not tolerate greed, murder, torture, war profiteering, lies and huge tax breaks for the super rich!!!!!! Enough is enough - stand up and fight back my fellow citizens - take back america from the Satans.
  • dr navey · 3 years ago
    We who support films such as this and the open dialogue that begins to emerge out of our national sleepiness may feel righteous and secure in our position, but most Americans (even those who oppose the war) seem to feel satisfied with status quo. Granted, this November may see a turn in the political direction however slight, but the 'man in the street' remains conflicted. He appears to have reason to oppose the war, but he is afraid of taking a moral position that will negatively impact his bank account. Even when he is shown that the war is costing him and his children money, he continues emotionally reticent. As a psychologist, i have often read and discussed the idea that money is the post-modern sex - i.e., whereas people once felt protective of the privacy of their sex life, now people are most hesitant to discuss their finances. Personality inventory items such as, "i believe people should grab everything they want in this world" and "If i had to hurt someone to succeed, i would" (i'm paraphrasing because the actual items are copywrite protected) are increasingly endorsed and are in some sense losing their relevance as the predictors of antisocial personality that they once were because these ideas are becoming accepted as normal and right (not just right-wing). From a human factors perspective, Americans as a group seem to be willing to endorse or at least passively permit any amount of antisocial behavior in the name of profit without seeing this as essentially immoral. I am bothered by the rampant profiteering that has gone on since the inception of this illegal and anti-Christian terrorist activity that we have agreed to call a war, but i am frankly more bothered in my soul by the fact that whatever their feelings about politics, Americans seem to have grown so empty of anything but consumerism that we have agreed to tolerate evil in the name of profit (even if the profit is being realized to our detriment). The war will eventually end, but this is a pattern in the American psyche that may persist with even more disasterous consequences if not checked.
  • CPT EO · 3 years ago
    The issue of mercenary accountability should be a very serious concern for all americans. These people represent our country as they kill people for pay but there is not nearly the level, if any, oversight of their actions. There is not a formalized chain of command or Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ-the laws that govern our soldier's behavior) to enforce accountability for their actions. Many people will do the right thing on their own but it is the bad apples (that generally couldn't hack the military anyways) that will exploit this, and thus our nation, in the process. The killer for hire business model that Black Water operates under exposes our Nation to an incredible level of ethical risk.
  • G-Man · 3 years ago
    ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN...MANY, MANY. MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL DIE BEFORE ANY OF THIS IS RESOLVED! WHAT A SHAME AND WASTE.........................
  • BW · 2 years ago
    Naughty Blackwater
    On xmas eve (2006) here in the Green Zone a Blackwater employee got into a scuffle with an Iraqi personal guard that was guarding a judge and shot him ten times and killed him. The Blackwater employee was drunk. Why did he have is weapon on him? He has been whisked out of Iraq as fast as possible so the local authorities could not get a hold of him. Blackwater is trying to keep it all hush-hush so the media doesn't find out about it and dirty their already dirty reputation. Now all the Blackwater employees are pissed off cause they have installed a no alcohol ban on all BW employees. Spread the word. I hope a reporter gets a hold of this story and runs with it.
  • Romodan · 2 years ago
    the above post is wakadoo bull pucky. Lie, and do it often, the weak will believe it.

    Romodan.
  • ED · 2 years ago
    all this is, is just left wing propoganda.
  • Generic · 2 years ago
    I just got to view this film's work. It's ok. and it's disturbing as well, for both sides of the coin. I'm glad this kind of media is available vs the mainstream media outlets. Welcome to America, God Bless us all.

    But what's new, this isnt the first time or the last time such events will happen. The point's that I did enjoy was in the extra's section. "Votes".

    The small view points to see how some of the instances were done over there. But you have to remember, the entire outlook, sure folks arent happy they went there for the "Patriotic" duties, but overall they all went there to make more monies, including everyone who had done the testimonials, maybe perhaps with the exception for the US troops, as they really don't have a say in the situation, don't get me wrong either, I don't agree with the current war we are in, but since our USA troops are overthere, giving up thier lives for us over here, I will always support our USA troops., just not the Politicians/Government that put them there.

    we have no one to blame but ourselves as USA citizens, we put them there, gave them power, what do you expect?

    Just another reviewer of this Movie.
  • Chris · 2 years ago
    Just to add a comment. Blackwater provides PSD teams, etc, without companies like them this war would come to a screeching halt. Civilians take care of almost everything over here and without them the Army would fail, thats just the way it is. Chow halls, Convoys, Convoy Security, Aircraft Maintenance, Laundry, Mail, Housing, Base Maintenance, etc, etc, etc. Although maybe your right, civilians shouldn't be here. Then the number of dead and injured GI's would shoot up and you would all have something else to bitch about!!!!! Oh and to CPT EO, maybe you should check the hiring process for BW then re read your comment about not being able to "Hack" the military anyway.
  • M.A.D.JAX · 2 years ago
    Just a few of the disturbing observations I've made over some time now...

    1966 Tegu, Korea: Peering through a chain-link & razor-wire barrier to see the Human squalor and desparation...apparent even to a five year old...that existed on the other side of the fence from the sanctity of our "Dependants Compound" in Tegu, Korea.

    1969 San Francisco Bay Area: My brother, his friends, and many others questioning the validity of The Vietnam War for it's costs in lives and the disruption of Families.

    1972: Kuwait is created by and in the interests of whom?

    1974: Meeting my "Vietnamese Family" that got out (Parents split the sheets in '66 'cause Dad wanted a Villa in Manilla for it's relatively cheap cost of living...) after the fall of Saigon.

    1979: Iran takes U.S. Hostages, and right when I got pissed enough to consider joining the Army to fight them, I realized that it was a popular majority of THEM that wanted US to leave their country (taking "The Shaw" we'd instilled) alone and intact with their culture...Then, Iraq came out of nowhere as a U.S. alli to start a war with them...and the whole issue kinda died shortly after we reinstitutede draft registration here in the U.S. because Iraq was apparantly doing THAT dirty work for us.

    1982: During the time period those "Atrocities" that just got Saddam Hussien, et. el., hung for being "Crimes against Humanity", who was giving (Saddam) the leader of Iraq a pretty set of Silver Spurs to prod his favorite Arabian with for being such a friend to our nation? Was it Bush or Cheney.

    Late 1980's: Didn't Iraq really piss-off OPEC when, in it's non-compliant responce to an impending plan by OPEC to (again, as it had in '73, etc.) manipulate the world oil-market production, they stated Iraq as a self-soverign nation would sell it's oil to whatever market it wished, for whatever price it decided prudent?

    "Bout the same time: Iraq indicated they would also be withdrawing from the use of International Oil Service Corporations (ie: Haliburton, K.B.R., et.el.) to begin formally themselves procuring the prodution, servicing, transportation/delivery their Oil to the market.

    1988: Iraq is denied an International Forum by the U.S., Brittan, and France when, on more than one occasion, it seeks to discuss the legality of Kuwait draining the oil fields from beneath their lands.

    1989: Iraq (Saddam Hussien) stupidly takes the bait and attacks Kuwait...

    1990: Former CIA/Big-Oil Man/President of U.S.A. George Bush initiates Desert Storm "To protect our Interests".

    1992: Bush Sr. assasination attempt in Middle East is soon met with Shelling of Iraq upon direction of Pres. Bill Clinton. Arn't the assasins are found to be Saudi and Kuwaiti Nationals?

    1994: Former Sec. State Frank Carlucci tapped to head "The Carlyle Group" international investment firm that only some really heavy hitters (BIG $$$) can jump into...if they're invited.

    Two weeks later: Carlyle aquires United Defense L.P. (Heavy Arms Manufacturer) for dimes on the dollar of value...and I start really wondering what the hell does HE know that make this such a good investment at a time when "War" is going "Stratigic" in terms of Economic Sanctions and Laser-Satalites vs. "Heavy & on the ground"?

    The 90's: America prospers a lot...on paper in the stock market.

    2000: G.W. Bush election scandal

    2001: 9-11 terrorists (mostly Saudis?) atttac targets that do appear to be the entities promulgating "The New World Order" ie: "Global Market" policies put forth by International Corporate interests and defended/enforced by the CIA controlled Pentagon and Washington. Bush says "If your not with us, your against us" in his (Plausibly deniable?) march to "War against Terror" with Afganistan to get to Iraq.

    2002: Bin Laden Family withdraws their share of investment money from Carlyle Group for "Conflict of Interest"...ya think! And shortly after I read THAT in The Mobile Register, I learn of the George Bush Sr. relationship with Carlyle Group, Dick Cheyne and Haliburton, and I start remembering all the stories my Dad (who use to work for Vinell Corp.) and others had told me regarding the real "How & Why" of our nations involvement in War for politics that has occoured the last three or four generations.

    Then thru ??? What can I say...we're a Nation of Lemmings!

    Look at todays news of the number of Iraqi Civillians killed just this last year, and the devistation of infrastructure in any photo of that country, their hopelessness for what's to come with the impending Civil War...Hussein was in Check, so what real good has George Bush done, in the name of either revenge for his father, or for Humanity?

    If what comes around goes around, that Cowboy should get what he deserves...As such, he should "Fly with the Crows"...Hang 'em High!

    I'm not a writer, and I gotta go to work now...but, I'll bet I'm preachin' with the choir when I DO finally see this movie. Michael Moore hit a few points, but also missed too many. So, I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of propaganda THIS one pushes...I don't trust "everything" from anybody.

    Jacky G.
  • Bonnie · 2 years ago
    Sounds to me like the author of this article doesn't like that Mr. Prince is a Christian or a Republican, who happens to be providing a service for our government and also giving well paying jobs to ex-servicemen. I've read that it's actually less expensive to deploy a brigade of Blackwater contractors to a war zone than it is to send a military brigade, thus it would seem to save our government money for short term wars such as that in Somalia.

    I happen to know several Blackwater contractors who are all quiet professionals, ex-US Special Ops, intelligent, well spoken and take their job very seriously. In fact, their life is pretty much devoted to their jobs and they don't have much of a personal life. They face danger day in and day out and never complain about it. Being that they are ex-military, they are devout patriots who love their country and feel they're doing a patriotic duty. They are not what would be typecast as a dirty mercenary. One is saving his money to become a surgeon and has his clothes custom made in Rome. Some have children they need to put thru college. They are every day Americans who happen to have special skills and courage the average man does not possess. I greatly admire them and Mr. Prince for making Blackwater into another American success story which is also beneficial and necessary for the security of our country. Blackwater also puts their potential employees thru a thorough background check and screening process before even being considered. Security Contractors can not even have one DUI, financial problems, domestic violence charges, or psychiatric problems.

    I do see the authors point, but his criticism of Blackwater is unfounded. I am not a fan of Halliburton though, and feel criticism of that company is warranted.
  • Michael Johnson · 2 years ago
    Well...I have to say this much. To the person who is running their mouth with all of their "friendly blackwater information"...god I hope you never work in the national security realm. You are truly worthless...and god forbid one of your BW friends finds out you are the piece of shit. You seriously need to support some of that information with facts from other sources before posting...you make me sick.

    To those who want to sit back and bash BW...one of two things has happened to you: You either attempted to pass vetting with BW and failed miserably, thus fueling your hate and discontent....or you applied but your bio didn't support even a call back from them. Either way...you too are worthless and should get your facts straight. BW has rescued more coolition personnel than any other contracting company in history...one of you worthless individuals may need those services some day...I pray that is not what it takes to stop your useless babbling. Check your status...and when your shit is 100% then by all means...feel free to spread your hatefull and completely destructive rhetoric.
  • George Arndt · 2 years ago
    Erik Prince is yet another self-described "Christian" yet, seems to be almost "anti-Christian" in the way he behaves. Jesus, after all, preached against war and the lust for money, and advocated tolerance. Things which Mr. Prince and his ilk have not concept of. They use faith in a very self-serving and egocentric way, not as a means of humility and selflessness.
  • chuck · 2 years ago
    i see no where does Erik describe himself as a Christian but others desribe him this way. how can you judge him with out knowing him. "Judge not lest ye be judged" i am so sick of the hypocrits that pen these responses yet can hide behinds their computers. unless you know the person and can discuss your problems with them face to face it is a sin to talk behinds someones back and to slander them.
  • waltcallie · 2 years ago
    i am all for freedom of speech but this film took more than one scene and dialogue out of context. re: hostage scene with dubbed over dialogue, helicopter scene, and rooftop shoot-out. compare mr. greenwalds film with the originals on youtube and you will see for yourself. pretty impressive editing, but that's about all.
  • Stu · 2 years ago
    Where is the accountability for these guys?.........20,000 mercenaries working on behalf of the elected government?.Sounds very similar to the birth of the SS to me.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    I liked your work, but I don't agree with much of the defamation I thought you and others have directed toward Blackwater. If the Mothers want to sue, then they can sue, and that does not make Blackwater corrupt. If the United States decides to use private security companies, then that money is better spent on American private security companies than with Aegis or the other British firms that are being paid more money than our Blackwater(econ 101). And Britain is pulling its official army out of Iraq on one hand, and signing contracts with the U.S. government for private security with the other hand. Go after those guys and see how fast your news organization gets no air time. You know the players. Jeromy Scahill has taken cheap shots at Blackwater, but has stopped short of worse behavior, because he has no facts that they are doing anything wrong in supplying our country with a commodity the American people chose to need. One of the conditions that the Democrats and the media had for giving President Bush the opportunity to chose this war, was that there would be no draft. That alone ushered in the war as much as anything else for the Democrats and their quietly supportive constituents. And yes the media was instrumental in ushering in this war. Most of these men that work for Blackwater are decent, calm, respectful, individuals that can have the soul scared out of them just as easy as any of us. They are humbled daily, but they still keep doing that job and are very mission oriented. The bottom line on Blackwater is this: They have not lost a client yet in an environment that is as unpredictable as almost any past war can claim to have been, and their clients are seriously and aggressively targeted. This has become too political and the real proof of that comes in the form of the lack of scrutiny applied to the British, Canadian, and Australian firms there. Your program was more balanced than some I have seen, since I did witness one that had some dullard exchanging the word corrupt in and out of the dialogue, which was nothing short of liable, and filling in people's comments with his own distain as if they were saying his words. Thanks for reporting, but stay fair to the process and admit that we chose to fight a war, and that the U.S.Army with all of the staff of wine and cheese officers to account for this war has yet to produce accurate and complete documents of where the money went and is going. I have heard of no facts implicating Blackwater with corruption, and that is another bottom line we need to find before we shift this entire industry to Britain with the bathwater, and almost entirely for political reasons. Also, a billionaire's son, like Erik Prince is, can do just about whatever he wants to do, and he chose to be yelled at by Navy drill instructors, carry logs on a beach, navigate under water for extremely long distances, and bob up and down in the water for hours with little equipment or body heat, until most men would have quit,and a high percentage do. Think about it. And until campaign finance reform is dealt with by both parties, he has as much right to his first amendment right as JFK had, and financially more right than most of us, just as JFK had, but I hope his family doesn't pay to have a movie made of him. Be good to your fellow countrymen until you are certain that you have walked close enough to their shoes, and I think they will work to do good as well. Everything in life is quid pro quo, everything, including life itself sometimes.
  • Dezolitzol · 2 years ago
    To the blackwater supporters, for me the bottom line is not wether prince is a right wing christian nut or wether BW are a great bunch of guys who are really keeping things together over in Iraq. The bottom line is that the amount that BW employees make and the amount that this country pays the firm is ridiculous when compared to what a US soldier makes. Can't we all agree that rather than having some unaccountable private corporation, that wether you want to call them mercenarys or not do have the right to kill human beings, we should give all the money being paid to these contractors to the US military. I'm sure all the flag waving patriots would be lining up to join the military if they could get paid a little more (or even 3-4 times more). New Rule: If the US military doesn't have enough soldiers to be at war independent of over 100,000 contractors then it can't go to war! Roosevelt said that he didn't want to see a single millionare created by the war. He would be ashamed to see it has become an industry of billionaires.
    P.S.- The difference between Greenwald profiting and Blackwater Profiting: when Greenwald profits, no one dies.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Dezolitzol:

    I hope you are not a foreigner benefitting from this war and investing your pensions in the U.S. cheap labor market. That would make you either very ignorrant or very greedy or both.

    Roosevelt is dead.

    The military kills people.

    Greenwald profis at the expense of others, sometimes health expenses not rendered by keeping thieves and sell-outs in power.

    This is Protective Services, not mercenary service. Big difference here, whether you want to sensationalize it or not.

    Some of these guys are chicken shit and don't do much but cover their own asses just like most politicians.

    They get paid whatever the market can bare.

    The weasals making decisions should have thought of this before we went to war, and the citizens should have read more history before they decided to go to war.

    If you stick your head in the sand and claim that you are too busy to get involved, or in this case most Americans were too scared of their own government to get involved, then you must pay for your cowardly lazy ways. You were not too busy.

    Now the icing on the cake is that Homeland Security is paying to beef up the Police and firemenand any other agencies that will accept bribe money, so they can run and hide in the hills like they did during the LA riots. Read history.

    The trash talkers are many and the ones that gitter dun are few.

    The military is full of career officers and NCO's that are more politician than soldier, and these are the ones that can squish any succcessful operation. And they do. Then our government unanimously confirms them as Secretary of State or National Security Advisor, or something more important that they are even less qualified to do. You bought into it, and will again next time, so you can blend in at work and go unnoticed under the bosses' desk(s). You reap what you soe, spoogeface.

    Remember these decisions are made in this country like soundbits and socio-political statements. Not because there are men and women who can actually do the job, so don't be surprised when you get in over your head yourself, just like they do.

    Bottom line is that they are needed and will be needed there for a long time, so get used to it. Ask British Petroleum and Dutch Shell why that is? They will ignore you, and buy more votes for your favorite sell-out. You should have gotten used to that by now as well.

    We could always start the draft, and replace them with you or your children.

    The thugs and media sell-outs will make sure the politicians kids and key government repressors kids won't go. Or go anywhere dangerous.

    Maybe next time you will think outside of the box, before you help us get boxed in.

    Assuming you are even an American.
  • RepubliCans4Jesus · 2 years ago
    It's sad that some haze filled hippie (or actor who knows) once said Make love not war. They give war such a dirty rap. Make it seem so unchristianlike. I love Jesus. I do. But WWJD? Some say, he sure wuldn't be sending his beloved Americans to fight a war. He moved outta that forsaken part of the world that lynched him in the first place. His people are here now, in the land of freedom, and moral values, and all that is truly holy and righteous. We are the ones that pushed his Christian agenda, we Americans are the ones that deserve the glory, and we should be the ones to take over the Middle East. We've already taken over this country piecemeal, so instead of spreading your blah, blah left wing rhetoric, you should join us, as our leader sez, You are either with us or against us. God Praise Bush. I love Jesus. I do. But if Bush sends us to fight his big oil war then we must go, we all have SUV's. I don't want to pay $4 a gallon. Do you? Blasphemy! Onward Christian Soldiers! Instead of all of us fighting and contradicting each other over this whole BW thing, why don't we simply send Blackwater to rid us of all the naysayers, i.e.abortionists, stem cell advocates, and those annoying people on cable t.v. that only want to report on the Plame outing, or the misuse of the Patriot Act, or the firings of the prosecutors by that nice Mr. Gonzales, or the mistreatment of detainees in Gitmo, or poor lil ole Cheney, or Scooter Libby, or Karl Rove. So they're chatty? Boys will be boys. WWJD? He would vote Republican and ensure that we remain One Nation Under God and all Other Nations Under Us. That's the only way to spread His Word, Keep Corporate America Profitable, and Steady the Price of Oil. Amen.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    When Jesus returns, according to the Book of Revelation, all but 144,000 humans will be killed in any number of disasters and wars. That's WJWD. My guess is that few have ever even met one of these 144,000, so don't worry your little head over it.

    It is an easy read, and you can probably read it on the internet. The number is likely interpreted accurately, so maybe you better slow down the recruiting before you do yourself out of one of the open spots to eternal salvation.

    There are only 143,999 spots left available.

    Godspeed!
  • random viewer · 2 years ago
    I don't understand how people feel so comfortable taking sentences /phrases/numbers/images out of the bible and throwing them into whatever context they feel like. I'm even more perplexed by those who claim they are part of the "144,000" that "Jesus" will grant eternal life when he returns with "any number of disasters and wars." Somehow, out of the billions of people who are (or have been) on earth, of all the innocent lives that have been slaughterred on any random day, let alone during wars, YOU are so sure that YOU are the "chosen" who will be (and should be) treated mercifully while others are abandoned to whatever scraps of mercy that falls off Jesus' table.

    By what criteria do we make such claims? By what criteria do we know 'what jesus would do' concerning such complex events? I'm sorry, but I don't consider random selections of biblical texts to be answers to our problems. It belittles the present day issues and makes a mockery of sacred texts people have investigated for centuries. If you like war, just say you like war. If you are proud of our country's military might, so be it. But please, let's be careful about using "God" or "Jesus" as the justifications for it. It's quite disturbing that folks don't see how this self-righteous position renders the rest of the world (well, everyone but the 144,000) disposable.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Random Viewer:

    I was being humorous I thought to what I read as sarcasm from "republiCans4jesus". Actually, there are no less than four thousand recognized religions in the world, so as much as I can respect people and their religious beliefs, I try to keep them from making them a serious endeavor with respect to politics. I have to side with Abe Lincoln on that one.

    Only 6% of Europeans attend religious services or ceremonies regularily, while some 60% claim to in the U.S.A.. We have a much larger number of violent crimes commited against each other than do any European countries. We have 285 times, not percent here, Times as many people encarcerated per capita as Germany does. Remember it is a sporting event here, not justice. And 450 Times as many encarcerated per capita than the Netherlands has, 300 Times as many as Switzerland, 300 Times as many per capita encarcerated than any Scandanavian country, etc.etc.etc.. It sells newspapers and scares labor to death.

    Must be the water, huh? It is the politics, and the lack of sound reason, and it keeps labor cheap for the foriegnors to invest their pensions in us, so they can retire comfortably while we work until we are 75 or 80. Real fart smellers we are. Go to Finland, Sweden, or Switzerland and count the number of BMW's and Mercedes Benz automobiles you see per vehicle or per capita per-se. You will shit your pants trying to figure out why socialists can afford such luxuries while you are under your rented couch, hiding from the bank. They cost more there as well, so there goes that excuse. They all have medical care and pensions by the way, so how could that possibly be?????

    Me being one of the 144,000, which is an exact and good interpretation from Arabic to King James English, which is all English by the way, was a tongue and cheek joke. It is also a play on the words, and rep4jesus talked about Jesus leaving the Arab,middle-eastern lands. Actually, I have maybe, on a smalll chance, met one human being that would be representative of the 144,000 as I understand what the parable. And I have traveled to 30 or 40 different countries, and not for a company or for work. Ihave done it to study people, and size their likes and differences up, as well as travel to see their land and geology and geography. Also notto get college credit or to impress those uneducated dullards at the University doctoral level. those idiots cannot even contribute within their own highly decentralized field(s).

    The joke was also intended for all of the crusaders that want to get people to join your religious interpretation of the world(yours is the only correct one out of 4000, remember?), because if there were only a small percentage that are worthy beyond their phony lies and rhetoric, then maybe you would have better odds of God or Jesus not noticing how much of a blasphemis scoundell you were. You meaning mankind, not you personally.

    Sorrry you missed the point, because I made it unclear as part of the sarcasm and satire as well. If the rules and verses are so clear than why do we have so many problems?? The 144,000 is one of the clear translations and interpretations in the Bible, so I am always curious who those people may be, but I am not sure. I am very sure who they are not though, and that is almost everyone I have met so far. A damn hell of a lot more people of various races, types, and vocations than you have met and evaluated.

    Read!!!! Or don't vote. We have enough do nothing nobodys, claiming they know something, running our government, and this will caste dispersion on all of us, all by itself.

    Ok, this is off topic more than usual, and I will refrain from further comments. Sorry if it offended your religious beliefs.
  • RepubliCans4Jesus · 2 years ago
    My bad...I was being sarcastic, good catch Kunferman, and I took your posted reply in the same spirit. I also apologize if I tread on any religious sensibilities. The topic is Blackwater....WWJD? He'd settle back with a good hot cup of java and get back to the point of the debate. Sorry for the inconvenience Random Viewer, you made a very good point. I too believe the good Lord has a place for ALL of us in heaven, including Newt Gingrich, Dick Cheney, and possibly, but not really sure, Dubya Bush, depending if'n he can pass the entrance exams..... but I'll try not to worry my pretty little head about that one too much, and focus on more important things, like - should I bake a cake to commemorate the 4th year anniversary of the war? And if so, what should I wear? Let's try to remember the matter at hand, an illegal war, and whether Blackwater is truly helping our troops, or making a profit at their expense, or does the truth fall somewhere in the middle. Ok, debate back on....
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    I have spoken my peace.
  • scared $^!tless · 2 years ago
    This scares me, immensely. Black Water paying combatants more than our own military pays their men? How can that motivate anbody to fight for our country and not Black Water? Who wouldn't want to fight for Black Water? Where is the accountability with Black Water? Who do they fight for? Who do they answer to for their misbehavior? Do they answer to their management or the U.S.? This scares the it out of me, and that's without the sh in front of it.

    Is this company really founded by a Christian? I think this "Christian", (Prince) needs to read the Gospal of John....again, if he's read it in the first place....and if he hasn't, how can he claim to be a Christian? This has nothing to do with Jesus' commandment to us. I have to wonder how many "Christians" have conveniently forgot this commandment or just remember it on Sundays? For those who have forgot it you need to read it again it's John 13:34. I also wonder also how many of you so called Christians will look up this verse?

    How does this set us apart from other terrorists? Does this mean that our country is paying our tax dollars to a private company for their terrorist actions? If anybody can explain to me how this is not terrorism, please tell me. American Heritage defines terrorism as: n. The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.

    I know that some of you are going to tell me that our actions are not unlawful. Again I ask, how are they not unlawful. What did Iraq do to the U.S. to provoke us to invade them?

    I know that money moves American industry to do what it wants to do. Wherever money can be made, that's where American industry goes. How much money is being made by this illegal war? Who's making the most money from it? It used to be that the Military Industrial Complex was companies that just made weapons of war and mass destruction. Now it's become companies that make war. Where's it going to stop? Will tomorrows companies of the Military Industrial Complex be initiating war? Or are they now?
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Response to scaredpoopyless:

    Have you asked your representatives and senators these questions? They are the ones who have not even defined terrorist within the laws they are passing, so you should direct these questions to them. They won't be able to define anything except campaign contributions.

    I don't think anything you have asked is germane to whether contractors have a niche in this war, or whether it is unlawful or immoral in some way for a christian American to own a company and provide a service like this.

    It's important to realize that there is a very fine line between a freedom fighter and a terrorist, and sometimes this relies on the eye of the beholder. Or just ask them, and realize it depends on what they desire.

    I tried to have this explained early on before the war started, because it is a curious question you would expect lawmakers to be able to answer. Their reply was to make a file on me and search my library records and tap my phones. Silly Wabbits.

    Now I have adopted the don't axe don't tell policy, because it was not economically feasible for either party to define it, and still is not. There is no money in leaving people alone. Follow the money trail. Good Luck!

    This is a question of whether people can hire a firm to protect them and their interests and principles. Nothing more nothing less. You have intentionally confused their purpose.
  • scared $^!tless · 2 years ago
    Response to Robert Kunferman:

    Are you saying that if I don't have the money to contribute to my senators or congressman that the MIC has, that I can fear having them make a file on me, tap my phone and check my Library records?

    I'm just a disabled American trying to get by as best as I can. I don't even make enough money to buy a 15 yr old junker to drive around in. How am I going to persuade any congressman or senator that what they're doing is not only illegal, but immoral. But then, they didn't start this war, they only gave the power to the one who did.

    Granted, I have a vote and maybe that vote counts, but one vote does no elect a congressman or senator, money does. Whoever contributes to their campaiign buys their allegience and thus the major reason that the MIC is part of every state in the U.S. When every congressman or senator is beholden to the MIC, who's going to vote against them.

    Immoral lesson #1: If you want to get rich, be part of the Military Industrial Complex. As long as the U.S. is willing to spend money, let them spend it your way. And, get tax breaks along the way.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to scaredtopoop:

    Neither party cares about you if you don't bring money, and they tap your phones and look at your library records because it makes them look like they have a purpose, and it scares the hell out of most Americans just to hear about it on the news, and that is why they tell you about it.

    All people have skeletons in their closets, so they bury their heads in their jobs and buy cheap electronic devices that break in the store, so they buy two more, and head home to hide.

    Frankly, it works quite well. Don't waste your time with them if you don't have money, especially being disabled. Their rods and cones can only see green. Turn off the television and find some real cheap hobbies. Even most working people apologize to them for ????, because they are afraid of them, especially since Sept.11. It works quite well. Some would say it is the perfect system. For them and their children it is.

    I have written too much on here, so I cannot explain anything beyond, follow the money trail, there is no money in leaving people alone, and nobody does anything without their own self interest in mind. Anything. The rest is really off subject.

    The fact of the matter at hand is that we obviously need PSS, WPPS, and PSD contractors and they are not going away. And they are certainly not going away, because the public wants to blame them for the very small amount of this war budget they consume. Very small part of the budget.

    I will do the numbers for you soon and post somewhere on here, but the war is very expensive all by itself, without this personal security contractor distraction people are ranting about in these blogs. And we should definitely try to steer money to our American contractors, even though the British and others are very good as well.

    Vote all of the experienced politicians out and you will have a better country. Unrealistic, since they may not even count the votes. That is a shame, but it has likely been true for well over twenty years.

    First, turn off the televison and their talking heads, and read facts. Read only for facts. They are few and far between. Your interests will go from what they want to what you need very quickly, and you will see your fellow citizens in a better light. If they havn't all been jailed yet for not being productive enough.
  • JEFF PRICE · 2 years ago
    I'M BEGINNING TO WONDER JUST HOW MANY SO-CALLED AMERICANS HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT 9-11.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    I'M BEGINNING TO WONDER JUST HOW MANY SO-CALLED AMERICANS HAVE FORGOTTEN WHAT IT IS TO BE AN AMERICAN. IT SURE ISN'T SITTING STILL WHILE PABLUM PUKING PUNKS SPY ON PEOPLE THEY KNOW ARE AMERICANS. PERSONALLY, I WOULD PREFER TO SMEAR THEIR FACES IN A BIG PILE OF DOGSHIT. THEN YOU COULD LICK THEIR BOOTS WHILE THE BETTER DOG WATCHED HIS SHIT BEING INGESTED.
  • TG · 2 years ago
    UNLESS YOU HAVE ACTUALLY WORKED FOR BLACKWATER OR HAD CONTACT "OVER THERE" WITH BLACKWATER OR ACTUALLY SEEN THE POWER THEY HAVE IN ACTION - YOU HAVE NO IDEA WITH WHAT OR WHOM YOU ARE DEALING WITH - IT IS A VERY SCARY THOUGHT THE AMOUNT OF POWER AND HOW FAR THAT POWER REACHES. AND AS AN FYI THE BLACKWATER BOYS ALL LOVE TO DRINK - THAT IS JUST HOW ITS DONE. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON'T HAVE A CLUE BUT THEY BETTER GET ONE - THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT MONEY IT IS ALSO ABOUT THE POWER.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    You can never feel better than hunting with your fellow dogs that hunt well and give you power, especially from a helicopter. You will never be more alive.

    You have five years to straighten your country out or you will need these guys to keep it together. This may become a problem.

    The political power is there with or without Blackwater. Period. If you don't beleive that, then you don't realize that both parties voted to take your bill of rights away and have succeeded in that. And they did not do it for security reasons. Period. So, if I agree with you, it is not on party lines.

    The Europeans refused to spy on Americans, there and traveling through the EU, in June of 2006, because it violated a basic human right, and a lot of the people they were spying on were safer than the ones we were allowing to immigrate here to cheapen labor.

    Our government can't wait to create problems that they cannot solve for large sums of our money. That old fashioned political game needs to be stopped soon. Other countries rarely function that way. It is a waste of resources.

    As for power, it is quite easy to make a biological concoction, it is cheaper than all of the showboating toys, and it would only take 60 to 100 people to deliver it throughout this country in every major city simultaneously.

    The problem with this scenario is that in every major city it would be delivered in, the Homeland security teams would run for the hills just like the cops and firemen did during the LA riots. No matter how many toys and SQUAT team outfits you buy these squeeky clean phoneys, that probably don't drink. Whatever that has to do with anything. I prefer not to drink myself, but not on silly moral grounds. The British can drink and smoke cigs all day and still climb a mountain. Good for them, not for me.

    Every hospital would be overwhelmed. They are throwing paraplegics on the street behind the dumpster already at the Episcopalean hospital in California/LA again.

    If you think the lazy, conundrum spewing, selfish academiacs at your University are going to hang around to get sick and save you at the same time you are wrong. Neither are the nurses and doctors, no matter what they are paid, since it is already the hipocritic oath of medicine in action. The University types could give a 1 hour and 23.4 minute 1/50th of a credit class on how to sharpen a pencil, and it would still end up too dull to write with. It is called the education industry. It is not real enough to protect you.

    I understand how serious this is and I understand the mechanical weapons, the biological and chemical weapons, and the socio-political self inflicted weapons that have already weakened the system. And we John Wayne it through the media, and pablum our way back when we are sure the draft will never happen.

    I don't need to be working on my third government retirement pension, and be an ex-military bureaucrat to know this. Neither does anybody else for that matter. It is high time we got rid of a lot of that waste of flesh in the government ranks as well.

    There is absolutely no accountability within the government for the laws broken in the process. Maybe that is the best place to start if you plan on fixing a very serious weakness.

    Bottom line, I prefer people next to me, that can and do perform, and have to, because the rest of the jobs and education are just BS artist work. It is simpler that way. I am not affiliated with any organization. Not even the NRA, or AA.

    I can make it more complicated if you prefer that. The people who start that scenario may not be the ones with the turbines, or on that side of the wall or fence. Boys will be boys and they like their toys. Not much is more sexxy than an airplane or helicopter. That is our real power. Hope that helps.

    No I have not worked nor had contact with anybody who has.
  • Tony Bland · 2 years ago
    Illegal war in Iraq? I think NOT!!! Congress voted to go to war with Iraq, with the same intelligence that GW looked at. Congress knew full well what they were doing. To tell America that they were lied too is complete CRAP!! Most Americans are sheep and can't think for themselves. They take what the Media tells them as Gospel, as if Jesus himself were broadcasting the information. The media is the anti-christ if you ask me.

    Let's talk about Blackwater and the whole war in Iraq. Let's pull all our military, Blackwater, KBR, etc.. out of Iraq, put them to work in the United States of America, protecting our borders and hunting down all the illegal aliens, over 30 million of them. They are a plague, a virus, sucking billions of taxpayers dollars. These illegals are sending non-taxed wages to Mexico and other countries. They cry about tolerance, diversity and equal oppurtunity while stealing your very last dollar out of your pocket. Now you cry cause BW employees make alot of money. Yes they do, and everyone of you who bitch about it, would be right there too, if BW would hire you. I was a soldier who spent a year in Iraq. My platoon had to rescue some BW personnel after they had been hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Yes they made more money than me and we knew it. But these were our American brothers in need. Just as I would do today, for any legal person here in the US.

    Let us pull all our resources out of Iraq, let terrorism thrive, let's have it in the United States, were people fear walking down the street. OH WAIT. We have it here already. It's called gang's. Many of these gang's are illegal aliens that thrive on our city's streets and business's. They terrorize neighborhood's, they paint everything with their grafitti, which cost taxpayers Ten's of Thousands of dollar's anually. They murder and kill without thought of who they take out. Let's put our billions of war dollars to work right here in the United States. Unleash our military on the gang war. Have curfews, like are in Iraq. Soldiers patrolling the streets, protecting all Americans. Yep, I think that is the answer.

    Next, we pull all foreign aid from every country, think of the billions of dollars we could put back in the US economy, to fund health care, vacations and health spa's for every working person in America. We could erradicate the homeless with job's for all. Anyone crossing the border would be shot on site, as it is in some countries (South and Central America). It would be Utopia, no one would be poor. We could have FREE education for all legal citizens. Wow, what a wonderful place.

    GET REAL. No good will ever come from the media being involved in the day to day reporting of war. People will always have opinions one way or the other. War is a bloody, nasty thing and should be avoided. Unfortunatley, war is a fact of life and will never go away. As long as man or woman has greed, envy, hate or want in his heart, there will always be conflict.

    A few parting thoughts, the President of the United States alone does not anything without Congress and Vice-Versa. So to blame GW, Clinton, George Bush Sr. or Ronald Reagan and not include Congress (the 20-50 year politicians) is ludicris. There is another war that receives relatively no coverage, that is the invasion of the United States by illegal aliens (and remember Congress voted to have your Social Security given to all illegals). The price of a Double chocolate Latte' is around $24-$30 a gallon. Who is getting rich there.

    And last but not least: We in the United States have what is called Freedom, If you don't like what is going on in the US, PLEASE EXERCISE your right to freedom and LEAVE!
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Tony Bland:

    Looks like you have been listening to those media swine yourself, and voting for Donald Duck over Mick.

    What makes you think that anyone in Washington gives a shit, or could possibly stuff their pockets with all of that election campaign money, if they did not import labor to do their bidding.

    Two-thirds of our foreign aid goes to one country.

    At this point we have to import labor.

    Why would they take all your money, then give some back????

    Most Americans cannot afford to love it or leave it. Many who can afford to, do leave it for at least part of the year. It clears the head and let's you know what it is like to live in a democracy.

    If you can get past airport security (TSA) to leave it.

    Now they are building a big fence to not keep Mexicans out, and force us to work harder for them.

    Don't sweat the small stuff. Watch JackassII and realize that we have it all. And vote the swine out, and teabag the ballot right in front of the election supervisors.

    I've got their chad hangin.

    If they don't let you leave, then get mad.
  • RepubliCans4Jesus · 2 years ago
    Kunferman we should bottle your brilliance....and put you on a lapel button for 2008.
  • RK · 2 years ago
    I couldn't hold a candle to their corruption without getting burned, and they can't count, but thank you. Nominate me, and I will run. Fast.
  • juanabe · 2 years ago
    Our country is based upon freedoms. We have the freedom to agree or disagree. Mr. Greenwald's film is an expression of his freedom. BlackWater's services are a part of our country's freedoms. Your opinion is no more important than mine but we should be careful on the demands being imposed on this war. The war is not popular, no war is, but think of the repercussions of a pullout prior to a successful resolution. Do we want more 9-11's? Do we want daily car bombings and suicide bombers in all of their idealic glory? There is a reason why our country has been mostly immune to these types of devastations where most other countries live with it on a continual basis. It's because we have a history of fighting for a rightous cause. And that cause is simply... FREEDOM. Is Mr. Greenwald willing to die to defend his movie? Probably not. Freedom is not cheap. Not here, not in Iraq, not in Sudan. But freedom...is the holy grail that everyone wants. Both sides of the issue can sling mud all you want, but everyone is still excercising a simple concept that many have died over.....FREEDOM.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Juanabe:

    Us going over there did not have anything to do with freedom. That should be obvious. But we do want their oil privatized, then we can retreat, and "cut-n-run" after Dutch Shell and British Petroleum stake their respective claims.

    Your a funny guy Juanabe, in a sort of Jerry Springer kind of way. You should turn off the TV, before the other part of your skull starts to turn in on itself.

    Is that why the Congress has wiped their asses on our Bill of Rights? Because we believe in freedom so much? Think or don't vote. Nice try, repeating that Springer stuff. Sounde good to the rest of the park.
  • Juanabe · 2 years ago
    Mr. Kunferman:

    It's a shame that a person's opinion is attacked in such a crude manner. I find it amusing that you referenced my opinion to "Jerry Springer." I can only wonder how you would know, but apparently you have lots of time on your hands. Your ramblings remind me of a certain manefesto I once read by a man named Ted. Yup, none other than Theodore Kaczynski. I too find you "funny" but I guess I should be careful or a package addressed to me from you may end up in my mail box. Enjoy your conspiracy theories but leave me out of your delusions.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Delusions?? You are the idiot that thinks that we will have more sept 11, other than the one that comes once per year. You too are the one that thinks we will be having car bombings everyday in our streets. And the freedom that you fail to define other than spewing the party line. Oh, and you think you are in direct contact and understanding with the Unibomber,Ted. Despite the fact that Ted is 1 per 300,000,000. So, go ahead and watch the reruns of Springer, because at this point it should be obvious that you cannot tell the difference between fact and television, and further damage to a brain of such pitiful lack of depth is impossible. If you cannot read beyond the occasional subtitle on Jerry, than don't misconstrue fact for conspirousy. I don't have Homerland Securities number for you to call them about me, but look on your refrigerator, right next to the guys number that prescribes your meds. Keep up the hollow beating of the tin horn, and we will pray that nobody attacks you for your thin bland line. Silly wabbit.

    I hear that you can get reruns of the old Jeraldo as well, but they are harder to cum by. Read or don't vote. Follow the money trail or don't vote. Obviously, you don't even have to pay attention. That took me 4 minutes while I was pooping. Its called wireless(warrliss where your from). So I do have tons of time. Add it all up, and you will learn to love the efficiency. Gotta wipe, Bye.
  • juanabe · 2 years ago
    Wow, what an unprovoked attack from such a pitiful floundering soul. And the fact you took the time to type while sitting on the toilet only tells me how fantastically multi talented you are. You must have been a circus clown because you keep me laughing and laughing. Oh, and don't bother me with your hollow prayers...the last thing I need is a Ted Wannabe praying for my "tin horn." And by the way, what you old timers call that new fangled "wireless" thing, the rest of the world calls WiFi.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Unprovoked?? I think you should go back and read your post. There is no "successful resolution". You failed to define it, and repeated the television pablum you were fed, and you still cannot define what would constitute a "successful resolution". The television plays to a fifth grade mind, and those that repeat it blindly should not be allowed to vote. Opinion or not. I was joking about the praying part. I knew it was your construct, again off of the television. Either way, enough said. Ted was a smart guy, but I never did read any of his manifesto. You must be closer to a juanabe Ted than I am. Speaking of poor souls, his brother turned him in and collected a reward. There must be a classic Greek novel that has that sort of betrayal in it. I have never heard of WiFi. Does it come in quadrophonic or eight track? Gotta wipe, the ass clowns are waiting. Bye.
  • big dave · 2 years ago
    Erik Prince, a BILLIONAIRE but joined the Navy SEALS....and people want to rip him?

    There are some messed up people in this country. Prince is 1,000x the person an Al Gore is. Yes, Al Gore, big liar like Clinton. Hypocrite. Ultra Millionaire that makes the little people think he's just like them. Talks about saving the planet, meanwhile, the guy wastes 100x the energy that everyone else does!!

    Democrats are ruining the country with their lies and hypocrisy.
  • Questioning · 2 years ago
    It concerns me that Blackwater contractors are paid higher wages than U.S. soldiers. It does seem like that would encourage a drain from our U.S. forces. Not having military oversight/accountability when working in the conflict zones can't be a good thing either - how can the overall mission be coordinated, or effective? And what guards against the slippery slope from 'force protection' to active combat? If it's accurate that much of this contractor work is awarded via non-competed contracts, that is yet another cause for concern. The whole thing feels like a back-door strategy for avoiding restrictions or limitations on our military. And then there is the age old issue: Does Might necessarily = Right? The players who can afford Blackwater security are those with lots of money - not necessarily just legitimate governments (the 'good guys?'), but the opposition/rebels/warlords (the 'bad guys?'). Doesn't this easy access to armed forces ensure a continuation, even escalation, of armed conflict vice diplomatic resolution? I imagine the weapons manufacturers are big proponents of Blackwater?
  • sally Donoviel · 2 years ago
    I have been afraid of this for sometime, in fact shortly after bush took office there was too much happening that didn't and shouldn't sit well with any America. You could see a definite plan for control and fear if you spoke against the adm. you were call communist etc. Little by little they have take contol and taken away our rights, it is scary.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to questiong Sally:

    Your concerns are viable in every way, but this is not just Blackwater, which has been something I have noted a skew for. So, let's shift this argument to all contractors and still stay in context. War is hell. when you read that in fifth grade, you thought it because of the blood and guts. Well, there is very little blood and guts in this conflict. Except where the military police drive away from a stranded trucker calling over the radio to come back for him. That sticks in my craw a bit.

    As a matter of fact, a very large portion of these gate guards and Tower watchers over their in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan are just MP's and ex Police officers. You know, those holsom fellows that never lie, or falsify evidence, or lie under oath. The rest are ex-military types. This is assuming now that it is this "mercenary" element of contractors you are concerned with, not the truck drivers, skilled trades, and cooks.

    The MP/Police element of many of the contractors is networked in with the Federal and State governments as they claim to be. This in part explains why the focus stays central on Blackwater. Well, that and the name. Blackwater has a connection with civilian law enforcement as well. Evident in the New Orleans contract they were awarded to Police the citizens of Louisiana. The uppercrust loved them, the other people, probably had indirect resentment for them, due to feeling repressed when they walked into a government building to find these guys protecting the staff. Seemed passive security to me, and fairly well done on short notice. This tells me they don't mange using idiots and blowhards like some of the other bigger outfits do.

    Might does make right. Period. Political Science 101. Also in Political Science 101, is taught the "iron law of oligarchy". Where the people on the top, only talk to the people on the top, and the rest are beneath them. This is why you have a constituional governemnt with government and police accountability. That is not our present status. We grant all government immunity. Right down to the last low life dishonest local cop in Northern Wisconsin.

    Here are your choices as citizens when the thugs return and both the Democrats and Republicans embrace the power they gain from them. When you sit on a jury, assume anything the prosecuter and Police officers are saying is false. You should have learned this by now anyway. You should also take any of their forensics evidence in even greater speculation, because it will have been obtained under clandestine methods, they think they do not have to disclose. And only a handful of states allow private objective forensic labs. Almost all forensic labs in this country are from the government side, as are the few private ones, ex government side. That is not science, that is purely prosecutorial piling on. The other thing is clearly vote people in that are going to get rid of the two party system and its corrupt grip on our rights.

    Having to have two thirds of the world's lawyers in this country rehashing silly television ushered in laws is anarchy. Simply put we are in a state of anarchy with respect to our legal system. And it is rotten corrupt to the core. Period.

    If you had ever heard what MP's and Police officers from over there, think about you citizens back here, you would be scared as hell of them. And they are networked in with other military clandestine units. Your fears are valid, and possibly true at this point. This is a non military economic coup, and both Democrats and the Republicans are enjoying the benefits of it.

    You have a dollar so week, that you own nothing in this country anymore. Foriegn investors own it now. Your pensions are locked up in flim flam operations.

    The best military type contractors split the training between military types and the police officer types. they seperate those people as much as can be so the lines are less blurred and public safety and rights are less compromised. I think that Blackwater is run like this to their credit. Some are entirely opposite, and use ex Special Forces to train their want to be cops. I won't disclose them here.

    It was not until 1983 or so, until our governemnt approved having Police trained by military personnel. Thus SWAT was born in the US. Where European countries have a handful of SWAT teams, the U.S. has them handing out traffic tickets, Remember you have to pay for your rights here, and the identity of SWAT members are hidden and becoming more secret every day.

    So try to defend yourself in court, and have the secret squat team members cross examined for breaking into your house, when they were looking for your neighbor. It happens daily by the way. No need to pay you, because you should have reported on them more. Maybe even prosecute you instead. Far fetched. No.

    I was opposed to training them in military tactics back in 1984 and still am. Why? Because it was the silly fake drug wars that ushered it in through the media, using false and inflated language and statistics. I could tell I was being lied to back then quite easily. Anybody who can't walk in and arrest a drug dealer without twenty overdressed guys, isn't trying hard enough. Usually they are drugged up, just like the guys they are arresting. Kidding.

    You must be able to ascertain it is International drug interdiction that allows their training of other people's homeland security types, that also have secret identities to scare people with. They use American Special Operations to train those police in drug interdiction as well. And then they find 250,000 skulls in the hills with bullet holes in their heads. And helecoptors, corrupt sell-out politicians, etc. to enhance the soap, phantom of the, opera effects.

    Now we have beefed them up in our own country by ten fold using Homerland security money. Not to protect you by the way. If a serious biological attack takes place, these guys will hide in the hills faster than the LA Police Department did during the LA riots. It is human nature by the way, not me degrading their choice. Their presence in the United States is intended to terrorize or scare you in my opinion. FEAR and GREED motivate. Also Political Science 101.

    Everything I have written is outside of Blackwater's control, and in my humble opinion, blackwater seperates the military better from the MP/Police groups. This means mission wise, and hopefully politically. Many of the other companies are the ones I would fear. They have this intermixing which leads to some funny sounding interpretations of your constitutional rights. And secretive Freedom of Information practices that hide them from any accountability.

    In closing, WE should insist that this military contractor business be seperated between Police and Military type actions. Blackwater pretty much tries to do that so they are ahead of the game. Second, the returning police types need to be looked at very closely, and their records made open, and whatever it takes to assure that it is clear that you are dealing with militant police, possibly not able to report evidence accurately, or to control themselves. Simply put, accountability and jail terms, not immunity. That is paramount to avoiding a police state as you fears suggest is the very thing that scares you. It is already here, and accountability in government is the only thing that will clean it up. Federal accountability, not good ole boy economic non-accountability. All other nations first world nations have it or let the police and people know it won't benefit society or them to practice a police run state.

    Most Police types are just glorified security guards that like to take a lot of photos in Iraq, posing with guns. This makes them some kind of mall guard we are not used to. And they clearly don't respect your rights, and are likely too dumb to know why they should. Try to tell them that you are not the enemy and you are a Democrat at the same time. They have a license to carry a weapon, so if you resist, they may falsify evidence because you did not back down. This clogs the courts with idiot cases. Lawyers, and their friends the prosecuters, don't mind clooged courts in the least bit. Job security to these selfish weasals. Don't shoot the messenger please. If they have a short enough name they will be elected judges one day. Sad but shamefully true.

    We don't need further blurred lines and military Iraqi style rule here at home. This has been in the making since the early eighties. We have no business mixing military and military tactics with traffic ticket writers. That is a recipe for total unaccountability, and power hungry imps procreating. Seperate military missions and Police missions, and pay the military types well, and the police types like security guards. It would save money, and keep the men seperate from the politicians in blue-green guarding a tower. and be a bridge closer to resolving this contractor bashing.

    We need the military replaced and respected, but we would never have a draft. This gate guard and tower watching work is a fake show of force, but it works for now, and needs to be continued. The rest of the guys that can ride and shoot, are a very small number, but of that number Blackwater provides the best. And they would not leave a trucker or anybody else behind. They have not lost a client. The other companies are less good at this. Give them credit for good management that is replaced when they can't do the job. I am sure it takes time to figure out that old retired green berets and gunneys can't always actually do the job. Blowhard idiots can get people killed in this game and have. And they hire better, smarter flesh to fill the seats. I am guessing, but the proof is in the pudding usually.

    I hope that you look and find that there are at least five other companies other than Blackwater, that are by far more geared toward training a military police force, and are networked in very closely with domestic intelligence. It does not make me feel safer. Most of it is silly, expensive foolishness. Some call themselves the quiet professionals. Whatever the hell that gun toting oxymoron means. Silly Wabbits.

    Careful who you blame for this. It has been in the making for years now. Back when Blackwater was still swinging from ball to ball ammo, so to speak. Long before Blackwater was even a company. Look at the older companies, and some of the newest ones, and you will wonder why.
  • Questioning · 2 years ago
    Robert K - just out of curiosity . . . do you now have or in the past had any affiliation with Blackwater? Not intended to be an insult - just want to be clear. Thanks very much.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Questioning:

    No. Never have.

    Now, you know some dullard is going to write: Yous is a blakwarter want to be that is scaired of his own shaddoe......

    Yadah yadah yadah.

    No, but the media is skewed toward attacking them, and for the most part I think it is their catchey name, and worse, it may ybe because they actually answered and took meetings with the press, where the other firms refused to comment.
    As far as I can tell, they run better overall than most. And most people in the biz want to work for them. There are only two kinds of publicity; none and good. They receive a lot of applications, daily, I would guess from this and others that use their catchey name.

    Just guessing again, but this is one of the better run, don't foul up your pay, don't micromanage your person companies in the biz. There are at least two companies that don't pay well, charge the government a ton, and seriously treat their employees as worthless idiots. The poor fools have to work all day for 14 hours to answer to a dumb fat MP, when they get back for the day. You can find that on the web yourself.

    These companies have been around for a lot longer than Blackwater, and their contracts actually are much more likely to be awarded through the good ole boy network. In my opinion, they should be reviewed because the pay is high to the contractor company, then they hire guys so marginal for the job, that they can get away without paying them for the hours they worked. You can find that on the web yourself.

    Also I have never worked for any of these either, so clear that air as well.

    Now, wait for the rebuttal from some retired Special Forces clown telling you he is standing knee deep in hand grenade pins, with a specially encrypted browneyeberry, and did worse for his 27 years in the military. Somehow he survived it all and worked for a security contractor until they found out he was too good for them. Do the math. A Special Forces NCO carried beers to the Vietnam Veterans every night at the NCO club for the first ten years of his career, because he was not a Vietnam vet. Then did a desk job in the first miniature golf war to finally get some fake combat patches and ribbons. I have had experience with these incompetent types. Won't find that on the web.

    Leave it at that before they show up at my door and I have to let my wife run them off. And, there are extremely good NCO's that come from these ranks, but how much can you beat flanking maneuvers, accurate fierce return fire, and cover and concealment to death. Then came the advanced distractions, and death ray, etc..... Sort of has been beaten to death the last 4 years or so, and is unfair to the guys that are just plain good at it.

    I suggested above that this may be why BW is successful. Less coaches trying to take credit for other people's work and good skills. practice and talent need to be used properly, and the BS is so thick that you need night vision goggles to see the guy next to you.

    Anyway, for some wierd reason, none of the other very large as hell contracts full of security guards are seldom talked about. You tell me why? I say, there must be something domestic to hide. BW is one of the better ones. Just my imperfect opinion in a less than perfect world.

    There is no real secret to this boom bang stuff. The real threats in the future are what they are gearing for, and I fear this country is way too third world to properly deal with it.
    Not my fault.
  • Edward · 2 years ago
    Wow ....Seems like there is no end to the unleashing of hell on earth!!
    All of this is going to backfire at some piont! Just what the world needs is another military orginization...When the creator of the monster can no longer feed it..I guarentee the monster will still eat!! Unleashing a dogmatic christian orginization heavily armed and trained..is dangerous!! It makes perfect sence to those of the same bent but the rest of us real people surely will suffer for it!! America propagates pure hate!!
    the media propaganda machine is unabashed in it spreading pure hatred in the name of a sick form of justice...People are buying in...What do you think its purpose is? Someday the hypocracy will unleash and you perfect people will be justified in your destruction of everyone else!! Making you the biggest monster murderous evil people in history!! I do not believe it will change or be stopped!! The blood lust and hatred are an American addiction! Complete with riotous sadistic enjoyment!
    We are all sucked in!! Even I pray for the earth to wake up and destroy these war mongers,religions,governments!
    I see it as the only freedom will truley come when cataclism strikes and everything comes undone! everything!!
    The remaining people...if there be any will have freedom!
    What they do with it is on them!
  • Edward · 2 years ago
    Wow ....Seems like there is no end to the unleashing of hell on earth!!
    All of this is going to backfire at some piont! Just what the world needs is another military orginization...When the creator of the monster can no longer feed it..I guarentee the monster will still eat!! Unleashing a dogmatic christian orginization heavily armed and trained..is dangerous!! It makes perfect sence to those of the same bent but the rest of us real people surely will suffer for it!! America propagates pure hate!!
    the media propaganda machine is unabashed in it spreading pure hatred in the name of a sick form of justice...People are buying in...What do you think its purpose is? Someday the hypocracy will unleash and you perfect people will be justified in your destruction of everyone else!! Making you the biggest monster murderous evil people in history!! I do not believe it will change or be stopped!! The blood lust and hatred are an American addiction! Complete with riotous sadistic enjoyment!
    We are all sucked in!! Even I pray for the earth to wake up and destroy these war mongers,religions,governments!
    I see it as the only freedom will truley come when cataclism strikes and everything comes undone! everything!!
    The remaining people...if there be any will have freedom!
    What they do with it is on them!
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Edward:
    Yup, yup, yep, and wee!

    History repeats itself, and I would have to say none of this is new. If you are looking at the greedy people in Washington that spy on us at a higher rate than any other perceived threat, than you are not in the true land of reasonably hopeful either. These idiots can only make it worse.

    The armagedon/revelation has been wished for by many throughout history, which makes John's writings of the Book of Revelation less religious and more reaction to me.

    You have already been taxed and fleeced beyond what you will be able to pay for, and we still have tons upon tons of unnecessary over equipment to fix, replace, and bring home, and a dollar so weak, that we have to stay here to suck up the problems created by the idiots.

    With so many useless and dug in layers of beaurocracy, it will never get better. Fear and greed motivate, so the hatred is just the catalyst to get the reactions going. It would be best in my mind to repeal all of the Patriot Act, get rid of the Homerland security do nothings, and re-establish the constitution before it is too late.

    And to rid ourselves of the hate, we could start by letting those that were involved in taking our rights an option to leave and never return to this country again. And they can take the budget we are strapped with out of their salaries, and savings, not hire more imigrants that have and will add more negative draw on our society.
  • Tony Bland · 2 years ago
    It is very apparent that Robert Kunferman doesn't believe that people are entitled to have an opinion. He has torn most every person down that has posted a comment on here. And if you don't agree with him, than you are so very wrong. He is not for freedom, or the american way of life. Robert wants to be a DICTATOR. He follows Satans path. You are great if your opinion agrees with his, but heaven forbid, if you don't see things his way, you are blind and stupid. You are not able to think for yourself because, he thinks we are mindless media zombies. He wants you to think his way is the only way. A true servant of Satan. All dictators, as Robert Kunferman wants to be, have fallen. As will he. Robert, you are a "legend in your own mind." Get over yourself and quit trying to make everyone believe as you do. Because if everyone else is wrong except you, than you are no better than Hitler himself or Sadam, Gangus Khan, etc... I already know, you will spew your crap while sitting on the toilet, tearing my comments down, and telling me how I am blinded by the establishment. All this will do is prove my point. It is 'believe your way or don't bother posting an opinion'. God almighty cast Satan out of heaven for pulling the same crap you are doing in this forum. So enjoy yourself, tearing my comments down and proving to the rest of the people in this blog, that you are truly no better than the rest of the Dictators and Rulers in this world. The ROBERT KUNFERMAN CREED: "See it my way or I will cast you down and belittle you, for your opinion is not worth the crap on the bottom of my shoe." Long Live Dictator Robert Kunferman.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Tony,
    Well, your wrong again. Everybody knows that the devil has horns. Evidently you really can't read, but you should have at least looked at the pictures.
  • Janet Levy · 2 years ago
    Gary Bauer is a patriotic American who is has dedicated his efforts to protecting the rights of the innocent. The pro-abortionists discredit him because he supports life and is pro-family. Mr. Bauer received his law degree from Georgetown University and proudly served in the unparalled Reagan administration for eight years.
  • Rose · 2 years ago
    Why do conservatives insist on taking the "blue pill"? Refusing to see the truth about this administration and the warmongering profiteers it helps enrich. Their denial is frightening. Do they really not see the destruction that these people have brought on this world?

    REAL Christians do not make millions off death. REAL Christians do not try to force their intolerance, hatred, greed, wars, etc. on others. The "so-called" churches of today aren't about following Christ's words they're just Sunday social clubs. "God created religion and then the Devil organized it".

    Satan is the "great deceiver", the "father of lies" sound like any one familiar (hint: someone whose initials are GWB).

    Real Christians need to start speaking out against those that claim to be Christians, but really are not. You can spot one by their actions rather than their words. Christianity is a club you join so you won't be left out. It's living by example. And if you look it our prez you'll see the real example he has set.
  • Rose · 2 years ago
    Ooopps - misspelling, meant to say "Christianity ISN'T a club you join". It requires real commitment. Commitment most Americans don't have. Don't believe it-try instituting a draft for this illegal war.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    That was four different posts just for you to imply that you understand the 1000 Christian sects better than the next nut. In other words four posts to say nothing worth correcting.

    So, now you know why the conservatives like things extremely simple and equally as ineffective. They can't even find their blue pills, but they do like spending my money just like the idiotic democrats do.

    Governs least governs best, and stay out of my business and pocketbook.
  • Birdman · 2 years ago
    My Christian friends spout the Hannity and Limbaugh jargon that Halliburton is the only company that could 'do the job'. What? Are you telling me that if you gave Donald Trump $100,000,000 (yes 100 billion dollars) he could not build schools, municipal buildings and utility services. Come on! My other take is that, if things are going so well why do we need all this security? AND if we paid the Military, who are well trained and capable of doing almost anything, the same type fees, couldn't they build things? I am against this war 100% and I think Bush and Cheney and their cronies are much worse than Clinton ever thought of being, but I am also 100% with the troops--they are the only truly Patriotic ones.
  • birdman · 2 years ago
    To Janet Levy

    Surely you just pulled your head out of the sand to comment on Bauer and Reagan. Its painfully ironic that the Christian Right abhor abortion but support War! Reagan left us in debt, broke the law( Iran-Contra) and started all this terrorism mess. Where do think all this comes from--it comes from America is best--even though we've only been at the helm for 400 years +/_, we can do it better! If we didn't need oil, because we are a lazy bunch of people, who are indifferent to everything except celebrities, would we be over there? I think not.
  • Steve · 2 years ago
    For those out there who are reading this blog, I have been to 8-12 countries outside of this one. That does not make my opinion 8-12 times more relevant than yours. For those who think the Democrats are not as corrupt as the Republicans, sorry. We are in a real mess. I have no answers.
  • Mike C · 2 years ago
    When enough time has passed for us all to have an unobjective look at the situation Iraq has become, I believe most people might be sickened by what comes to light.The rush to take the WAR ON TERROR to the country of Iraq was in all likelyhood,an incredibly corrupt way to gain wealth by a select few at the cost of thousands of American lives and probably hundreds of thousands of Iraqis,mainly civilians.Instead of waiting for the hindsight that the future has to offer we should all take an honest look into what is happening right now and question everything,its your right.
  • Klaus · 2 years ago
    I stumbled onto this blog and was interested but I had to look again at the URL. There for a moment I thought I had stumbled onto RobertKunferman.nut, I mean net. I don't think I have ever seen anyone so afraid of being discounted or ignored. Instead of posting one's opinion and letting it stand on its merits, he feels he has to defend it from all comers. Ah, the fever of the underachiever! I have this vision of a man (perhaps) sitting in his bedroom on his computer dressed only in his dirty underwear, sweat pouring down his face, pounding the keyboard for all he's worth (little I imagine) while waiting for the callback for his second interview for the local Taco Bell. Free advice is always worth what you pay for it. With that in mind: Robert, get a life!
  • Klaus · 2 years ago
    Oh, and what's with the obsession about wiping your behind? Momma didn't pay enough attention to it? Or too much? Hmmmm. Nevermind, I've come to the conclusion it's because you have no balls to scratch. Time to find something else more interesting and challenging. I think I have managed to convey my opinion in only 2 blogs. Take notes Bob. Farewell all.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Thanks for taking an interest in my balls,Klaus.

    Now, next time post your full real name before you commit to nothing.

    And put your opinions down with your full name bfore you call someone else a coward.

    I am retired, and don't eat Taco Bell or any other of your favorites.
  • TIMOTHY B · 2 years ago
    Imagine, someone profiting from war. Seems hard to believe. Americans finding a way to exploit the situation and generate absurd income, while the underclass gives their life for the flag. This is the American way folks. When you are no longer on the bottom, you can enjoy the deficits in the years to come from a costly war on terror. While we still send patrols aimlessly down highways to be blown to bits. All our technology can't catch them planting these bombs. We can't put observation post in the desert along the highways to catch these worms. Something stinks about this war and the tactics being used.
  • Jay · 2 years ago
    Robert Kuntferman has to be an alias for Erik Prince-Rightwingnuts-R-US!And you wonder why the once loved United States is now compared to the likes of North Korea and Iran!
  • Todd · 2 years ago
    This may be far fetched, but if Blackwater is part of the neo-conservative right wing Republican religious cronyism, what would happen if the Democrats took the white house in 08? Would Blackwater under the guise of protecting America stage a take over, or some sort of temporary halt in the election process to extend the Bush term in the name of patriotism, and the war on terrorism? To much money invested in Iraq now to let the Democrats ruin it. One way or the other I'll bet money that the Democrats lose the 08 elections....any takers?
  • Hangemhigh · 2 years ago
    Backwater are War whores more dangerous to the United States than Bin Laden ever was or is. As long as these monsters are buying politicians and making billions off the citizens of the US we will alway have war. So Prince is part of the Christian Coalition huh! no surprise! Hypocrites to boot! When it comes to Insurgents VS Blackwater, I will be pulling for the insurgents!
  • Snake eater · 2 years ago
    Erick Prince was a Navy seal, yes. He also left "early." Unless you have met him, served with him, or watched him shoot, just say he successfully made it thru BUDS, his follow on schools and got his "budweiser."
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to pvtsendba,

    I realize that it is beneath you to debate on the internet, but let me help you find more treasonous acts that "back in the day" would have been prosecuted. Bear with me for a moment, just for self-esteem sake.

    Realize that generally speaking, the military is a bunch of boot lickers that will do whatever it takes to get a promotion. "Thin Red Line" portrays this well. Of course the military is SNAFU. For the most part it is a bunch of under-opportunitied young people with a very low average level of formal and informal education or experience with anything.

    The wine and cheese clubber officers in command are a bunch of boot licking, college educated not at the top of their class, weasals trying desperately to be in the right place to get promoted. Long hours of dreaming up nothing worth doing to do. Fraternal and maternal buffoons, with a hierarchy so deeply engrained in them that it is similar to the Catholic church.

    For the most part, all Armies are a bungling bunch of idiots within a bubble of an accident waiting to happen. Be careful of the enquisitions.

    Most of the contractors are only slightly better, but that is evidently enough to find better results and people than any military can achieve.

    We will be in Iraq for at least another five years, and the news will only report the troops coming home, not the fresh contractors going over there. We cannot leave until the privatized oil is controlled by the biggest players, and the American tax payers are picking up the enormous bill, while the British are buying into our country like it is a "fire sale".

    We have been printing money to pay for the protection of that oil, and to hire protection for our rich and government. Also to pay for this war, we have to print money, because we don't have it otherwise. Thus, your weak currency creating a "fire sale" of your rights, property, and any voice within earshod of our government.

    This is to say,"Get used to this contractor business turning into the new NAFTA and GHAT Police." And if they ever run out of work to do in Iraq, then the British will find work for them in any one of their other colonies. Maybe the U.S. Colony.

    Dutch and British Troops were stationed on board U.S. Navy ships outside of New Orleans, during Catrina, to protect Dutch Shell and British Petroleum assets against American citizens attacking those assets. That or they thought our governemnt may not be trusted. Either way, the U.S. Navy helps Britain and the Netherlands, and is willing to kill or help to kill any Americans who don't agree with this.

    The NSA is a private organization owned by foriegn investers. It is allowed to dictate to our Navy and Air Force already, and they have had special plans for governing the U.S. during crisis.

    Your government has sold you out to the lowest bidders.

    You are still a colony run by the British. Read.

    Paul Revere
  • Jmurphy · 2 years ago
    Bush has alot to say about this:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6Z1tevub9I&mode...
  • ABnorml · 2 years ago
    The face of warfare has changed. Our soldiers have too much BS to deal with plus, they all want the politicians dead so you have to have a private security detail w/ carte blanche ROEs. What the f$$k? The whole GD war should be using mercenaries all bankrolled by EXXON, then we wouldn't be in a recession. Don't believe the hype folks, our economy is soooooooooooooooo f**cked that only time and and end to this stupid farce in the mideast will fix it, or legalized drugs (to take the profits from the colombians and mexicans) who knows?
  • emmarose · 2 years ago
    it just sucks that these brats from rich families continue to keep family wealth by completely robbing our government, other governments..etc...under the guise of "christian values" and all that BS. this kid/man has never had to work for anything. he's just connected with the right people, never had to worry about anything really, and will continue being a thief for the rest of his life because he doesn't know any better any way. prince is a sad sad man and i hope he lives a short life since his existence has never mattered any way except to steal and kill. what accomplishments.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Emmarose:

    Your concern should be how you get your cut of the nation's wealth, not how others got it.

    The British would love to run this "kid/man" out of the contractor business and get more of OUR tax dollars into their British economy. The British are also trying to manipulate the Iraqis into not allowing Blackwater to compete for contracts in Iraq any longer.

    This is cutting deep into your share.

    Actually, I assume Blackwater had a hard time making payrole when the company first started just like so many companies do.

    The Brits want the whole lucrative business, and already are taking U.S. Dollars at a very fast rate. They will make the new rules with the Iraqis, and receive the contracts as the only qualified people under the new rules. Watch and learn how dirty we English speakers are in matters of business. The Krauts are pretty dirty and hard to get to pay out as well, but the British are outright thieves. They talk nice though. Fancy thugs, so to speak.

    I prefer they keep the American contractors in strong employ first and formost. I also prefer we make limits on how many foriegn operatives our tax dollars employ. Period. We have enough economic trouble, and we need no more investment from foriegnors into our politics and cheap politicians.

    Ask the Democrats if they are willing to make laws that prevent us from colonializing any other countries in the future. They will not commit to this, because this has been our policy for over fifty years, no matter which party was in the Whitehouse. Scahill had too little facts in his book(actually nearly none)for me to accept his thin line of reason for concern. Say nothing and get on the "Best Seller List"???? That is a country of unknown grounding, and let's hope the British don't try to uproot us any more than they have. Sure hate to have to run their pastey face,no bootey, imbred asses out of this country again, cuz they sure have their claws in us deep, just like before 1776.
  • hds · 2 years ago
    i was just at the 911 memorial in norfolk and blackwater was there for PR. THEY ARE JUST AS BAD AT KILLING AS THOSE OF 911 HIJACKERS. KILLING PEOPLE. WARMONGERS ALL OFF THEM .MOST HAVE BAD SOULS AND NO SKILLS EXECPT TO KILL...SHAME ON THE BUSH GOVERMENT.WE ARE NOT WELL LIKED AROUND THE WORLD.HEALTH CARE STINKS,EDUCATION IS POOR ,ROADS ARE BAD,AND ARE GOOD WILL : IS WHAT ? GUNMAN FOR HIRE...
  • RJC · 2 years ago
    I haven't seen the film, however I do know this much; there are those that make a profit doing business with the Department of Defense (amongst other US Govt agencies), and those that make a profit propogating war.

    Eric Prince is part of the inner circle of ultra right wing, neocon, christian conservative, uber-rich republicans (no caps on purpose). He uses his political connections to further his ideological and profit motives. The return on the $150K in political donations is astronomical. I wish I could find a mutual fund that gave the kind of return. He supports groups that want to shove their moral and religous beliefs down every Americans throat. Erik and people like him are beyond the fringe of normality, they just don't know it yet.

    Erik was a Navy SEAL, that doesn't make him a god. He is still no better than anyone else who has served their country. By the way, how come he didn't make it through the Naval Academy, or finish his contractual obligation to the Navy. I'm sure his daddy's money and connections got him out of that situation. A "regular Joe" would have gotten screwed.....

    This is the kind of guy that should have choked to death on his silver spoon when he was an infant.

    RJC
  • tired · 2 years ago
    Take the case of the Blackwater guard who got drunk at a Green Zone party last Christmas Eve and reportedly boasted to his friends that he was going to kill someone. According to both Iraqi and U.S. officials, he stumbled out and headed provocatively over to the “Little Venice” section, a lovely area of canals where Iraqi officials live. He had an argument with an Iraqi guard, then shot him once in the chest and three times in the back. The next day Blackwater put him on a private plane out of the country—probably only because the incident involved a rare killing inside the Green Zone and the victim was a security guard for a high-ranking politician. That was it. The company has refused to disclose his name. (Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell did not return phone calls seeking comment.) Then there was last week’s incident, when Blackwater guards killed between 10 and 20 Iraqis at a traffic stop, including a woman and a child. The company later said in a statement that “the ‘civilians’ reportedly fired upon by Blackwater professionals were in fact armed enemies … Blackwater professionals heroically defended American lives in a war zone on Sunday.” However, even President Bush acknowledged at a news conference Thursday that “evidently” innocent lives were lost in the incident.

    Newsweek
    Updated: 2:12 p.m. ET Sept 20, 2007
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    It must be the catchey name, because BW sure can attract disproportional flak from all sides. Change the name to some Greek God and the idiots will be so confused they can't respond.

    You are not running with any balance for the other 30-300 military security type contractors, and I am now starting to think that people are submitting the same tripe under different names.

    There is an agenda here and it is pure politics. probably both sides are to blame for dirty tricks rendered.

    Now, let's take care of the matter at hand and let the investigation be fair. Not that I suspect Republicans care in the least bit about fair, so maybe the silly machine will take an arm.

    I would rather lose an arm than be shot by an enemy combatant. Good luck, if it was a mistake. Anybody could accidently start a fire fight, with no particularized ill will towards anybody, and then it is every man for himself until the smokeless powder clears.

    Some of these guys are your own countryman. Don't treat them unfairly over this sort of silly political tripe.
  • Joe · 2 years ago
    OIL IS THE REASON FOR THIS WAR AND IT IS A GOOD REASON. THE COMPUTERS THAT ALL YOU OXYGEN THIEVES ARE TYPING ON ARE MADE FROM OIL. THAT PLASTIC MUG YOU DRINK YOUR LATTE OUT OF IS MADE FROM OIL. YOUR CAR IF YOU DRIVE, YOUR BIKE IF YOU RIDE, YOUR GD SHOES ARE ALL MADE WITH OIL. YOUR PEN THAT IS "MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD" IS MADE FROM OIL. WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, OIL IS THE LIFE BLOOD OF THIS WORLD. THE U.S. AND EVERY OTHER NATION RELIES DESPERATELY ON THIS RESOURCE. THAT WOULD MAKE IT A NATIONAL INTEREST. WHY DO WE FIGHT WARS...NO, NOT TO END SLAVERY, LIKE YOUR LIBERAL CLOSE-MINDED PROFESSORS TAUGHT YOU...NO, NOT BECAUSE THE JEWS WERE KILLED BY THE MILLIONS(THOUGH THAT IS A GOOD REASON)...WE FIGHT WARS TO DEFEND OUR INTERESTS, FORIEGN AND DOMESTIC.

    IT IS A SHAME THAT THIS WORLD'S MASSIVE OIL RESERVES LIE IN THE FESTERING LANDS OF ISLAMO-FASCISTS. I WOULD LOVE TO GO INTO A GRAND DISCUSSION ON STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY BUT YOU ALL OBVIOUSLY CANNOT SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS WAR, SO I DOUBT YOU WOULD GRASP THE CONCEPTS. BUT KNOW THIS IF WE DO NOT SECURE OUR INTERESTS OVER THEIR, THE WESTERN WORLD WILL GRIND TO A HALT. GAS WILL COST SO MUCH THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE YOURSELVES TO YOUR PROTEST RALLIES.

    BLACKWATER SERVES A GREAT PURPOSE OVERSEAS. BLACKWATER OPERATIVES SERVE IN WAYS THAT SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, SO THAT OUR TROOPS CAN REMAIN FOCUSED ON THEIR TASK OF FIGHTING THIS WAR, WINNING THIS WAR AND STAYING ALIVE. THEY PROTECT DIPLOMATS AND CONTRACTORS THAT ARE BUILDING THE NEW DEMOCRACY. AND YOU KNOW WHAT, THEY DO A DAMN GOOD JOB. THEY SAVE ALL YOU LIBERALS TAX MONEY SO THAT YOU CAN SPEND IT ON YOUR TOUCHY, FEEL PORK PROJECTS THAT EFFEMINATE AMERICA. FOR EXAMPLE, I AM AN INFANTRYMAN IN THE U.S. ARMY. I JUST GOT BACK FROM THE MIDDLE-EAST IN JUNE. TO SUPPORT ONE SOLDIER LIKE ME IN MY MISSION, THERE ARE AT LEAST 15 MORE BEHIND ME PUSHING THE LOGISTICAL TRAIN. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS REQUIRE ONE THIRD OF THIS. PLUS THEY DO NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH ALL OF THE BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE THAT SOLDIERS HAVE TO. THEY ARE SAVING THIS COUNTRY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS. YES, THEY DO GET COMPENSATED WELL. BUT WHY? WELL THEY TAKE ALOT OF RISK. NOBODY IS THEIR TO GET THEIR BACK. THEY DO NOT GET LIFE INSURANCE. THEY DO NOT GET EQUIPMENT ISSUED TO THEM. THEY GET "X" DOLLARS TO GET "Y" JOB DONE AND THEY DO IT. THEY DO IT WELL, THEY DO IT EFFICIENTLY AND THEY DO IT CHEAP. OH AND ONE MORE THING 90% OF THE PEOPLE WHO WORK IN BLACKWATER ARE RETIRED MILITARY VETERANS. WHO HAVE SERVED THEIR COUNTRY. SO PLEASE KEEP SMEARING THIS ORGANIZATION THAT IS HELPING THIS NATION REMAIN THE BEST NATION IN THE WORLD.
  • JOE · 2 years ago
    OH AND BY THE WAY...abNORMAL...IF YOU READ THE POLLS AND TALK ANY NUMBER OF SOLDIERS, YOU WOULD FIND THAT THE VAST MAJORITY SUPPORT THIS WAR, THE PRESIDENT AND HIS CABINET. SO PLEASE DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME OR MY FELLOW COMRADES YOU SCUMBAG...I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW LONG YOU WOULD CLING TO THE ROE OVER THERE...AND THE DEFICIT???THANK YOUR TAX AND SPEND DEMOCRATS FOR THAT...AT LEAST THIS WAR, IF WON WILL SERVE A PURPOSE TO OUR NATION'S FUTURE.
  • JOE · 2 years ago
    RESPONSE FOR DEZOLITZOL...

    GREENWALD DOES NOT MAKE HIS PROFITS OFF OF KILLING...BUT WHAT HE MADE HIS PROFITS OFF OF EMBOLDENS THESE ISLAMO-FASCISTS AND GIVE GROUND TO THEIR CAUSE. HIS PROFIT-MAKER WILL CAUSE MORE U.S. TROOPS TO DIE.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to JOE,

    If it were that black and white and that cut and dried, it would be simply a matter of what benefits the U.S.. From what I can tell, six billion of my tax dollars wasted every two weeks, going to an occupation that benefits the British and other foriegn interests, can never pay back the outlay we have for this occupation.

    It will take us 15 years to still find ourselves in debt over this thing, and that means we will have far less money to run and influence OUR government.

    Clearly our government(republicrats and demopublicans) are for sale to foriegn business interests and have been for quite some time now.

    Both parties are quite cheap to buy for foriegnors, and as the dollar weakens they are getting just that much cheaper. Without foriegn people pulling their strings they would only be capable of devious and cunning behavior.

    We are now a colony, not a soveriegn nation any longer.

    Likely, without foriegn people running our government, the people and their silly representatives would run the thing into the ground like a second generation businessman does.

    Considerring that we are paying for this occupation and rebuilding of a totally bombed out country, we cannot possibly gain from this.

    But, as a soldier or a mercenary, that is not important to your daily existence and financial benefit.

    We are so broke as a nation that we are a fire sale for the foriegn bargain hunters buying influence in our country.

    Politicians and judges don't care who bribes them, and neither do most people I know in the education system, so let me inform you, their are few people in the education system that care or even know anything beyond what makes them appear smart(social consensus on a very shallow basis),and how much money they can make by selling-out the United States. They are just as much shallow back-patters as the military is. You pat me, I pat you.

    Liberals????? In the education system???? These spineless money grubbers would kill anybody to get money and power into their corridor of operation. They are greedy and full of shit, and so lazy in avoiding manual labor that they are dangerous.

    Their interests in money are the same as yours. This makes them seek whatever status they can obtain on paper to get closer and grab more money in their circle of equally disingenuous people chasing the pile of money offered by foriegnors to sell the U.S. out as fast as possible.

    Follow the money trail, and it will lead to the same room full of thieves and sell-outs. You would be hard pressed to tell which are demopublicans and which are republicrats.

    Some people have no soul. These people exist quite effectively in all realms life. This makes them quite predictable though, and from what I can tell, that means they are easily exploited.

    All humans have feet of clay, so governs least governs best.

    Those that attacked our Bill of Rights are obviously traitors.

    Figure it out before they attack the entire Bill of Rights.

    Then they can define America on their terms, and history would have that be a hell of another mess.

    One thing you may want to ask: Why are the same people cycled in and out of jobs in Washington, leaving one mess then being in charge of the next mess. Then the next generation of them(Powell's offspring for example) get given high status and paying jobs to fail like pops did? Must be a real shortage of qualified people to run a popcorn stand.
  • JOE · 2 years ago
    THE IMMEDIATE SOLUTION TO THE MIDDLE EAST IS TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOURCE. WE NEED TO GET OVER OUR NUCLEAR FEARS.(THANKS HANOI JANE) WE NEED TO INVEST MORE MONEY INTO EMERGING ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND REMOVE OUR INTERESTS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST. THAT IS AN IMMEDIATE SOLUTION FOR OUR INTERESTS.

    NOW FOR THE LONG TERM, WE FACE THE SPREAD OF THE ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY. WHETHER YOU WANT TO ADMIT IT OR NOT. THE "RELIGION OF PEACE" IS COMING. THEIR DRIVE IS A COLLECTIVE WORLD UNDER ISLAMIC SHARIA LAW. WE CAN CONTINUE TO CONTAIN THIS RADICAL MOVEMENT AND SECURE OUR OIL INTERESTS NOW, OR WE CAN PULL OUT AND LET IRAN MOVE IN TO SECURE MORE LAND, MORE SUPPORT AND MORE INFLUENCE TO EXECUTE THEIR ENDLESS JIHAD. IF WE STAY AND DEMOCRATIZE IRAQ AND LET IT BECOME THE EXAMPLE OF HOW GREAT WESTERN CIVILIZATION IS, WE WILL DEAL A SERIOUS BLOW TO THE ISLAMO-FASCIST PHILOSOPHY. IF WE PULL OUT AND LET THAT NATION FALL TO RUIN, THEY WILL BLAME US, HAVE A REASON TO JUMP ON THE ISLAMO-FASCIST BAND WAGON AND STRENGTHEN THE RESOLVE OF OUR ENEMIES. YEP, AGAIN IT IS CUT AND DRY, BLACK AND WHITE AND EASY TO THROW AROUND ON THIS STUPID BLOG, BUT IT IS A GOAL WE NEED TO SEEK. IT WILL NOT BE EASY, IT WILL NOT BE A SHORT BATTLE. WE ARE IN A NEW COLD WAR. IRAQ IS THE FIRST BATTLE OF THIS WAR. IT WILL SET THE TONE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WAR. ALL YOU FICKLE PEOPLE NEED TO OPEN YOUR EYES, GET OFF YOUR HEELS AND EDUCATE YOURSELVES ON THE THREAT OF ISLAM.
    I AM SURE SOME WILL SAY THAT I AM FEAR MONGERING, AND THAT ISLAM IS A HARMLESS RELIGION THAT IS PLAGUED WITH FANATICS. I HAVE SEVERAL MUSLIMS THAT ARE CLOSE FRIENDS. MEN THAT HAVE SERVED BY MY SIDE IN COMBAT AGAINST THE BRAINWASHED BRETHREN OF THEIR OWN FAITH. THEY ARE MY FRIENDS BUT I DO NOT TRUST THEM. THEY FIGHT BECAUSE WE PAY THEM. THEY ARE MODERATES WHEN IT COMES TO THE ISLAMIC FAITH. THEY SUPPORT THE U.S. ONLY BECAUSE IT IS IMMEDIATELY BENEFITING THEM. YOU BRING UP RELIGION WITH THEM AND THEY WILL IMMEDIATELY BECOME MY ENEMY. THEY ARE THE MODERATES, THIS RELIGION, THIS BULLDOZER OF A RELIGION IS COMPLETELY UNITED. THEY HAVE ONE GOAL TO SPREAD ISLAM. THE MODERATE QUIETLY GIVE CONSENT TO WHAT THE FANATICAL BUNCH DO.
    THEY ARE FEARLESS. THEY HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE. NOTHING TO LIVE FOR. SO WHO DO THEY LIVE FOR? A CROOK FROM 1300 YEARS AGO WHO STARTED A DEMOGOGUE CALLED ISLAM, MOHAMMED. WE NEED TO GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR BESIDES THIS RELIGION OF MURDER. IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN ARE THE FIRST PLACES THAT WE CAN DO THAT. MAKE THESE NATIONS CONTRIBUTING DEMOCRACIES THAT DO NOTHING BUT BENEFIT BY PARTICIPATING IN THE DEMOCRATIC WORLD FORUM. HOPEFULLY THEY WILL DEMONSTRATE TO THE THEOCRATIC NATIONS LIKE SYRIA AND IRAN THAT THEIR COWARDLY LEADERS ARE LYING TO THEM AND REVOLT. YEP..IT IS A LONG SHOT BUT THE ALTERNATIVES:
    SHARIA LAW
    DHIMMITUDE
    HONOR KILLINGS
    SUPPRESSION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONOR OF A SHAM RELIGION...
    ...THE ALTERNATIVES ARE A SCARY THOUGHT.
  • Joe · 2 years ago
    downw/bush,
    WHO ARE YOU GETTING YOUR POLL DATA FROM, PROBABLY A CNN OR VIACOM FUNDED POLL. PLEASE DO NOT ASSOCIATE ME AS YOUR FRIEND. I CANNOT QUOTE ANY POLL BECAUSE THERE IS NO POLL THAT WOULD ACCURATELY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF OUR MILITARY. THEY ARE OUT SERVING OUR COUNTRY INSTEAD OF B!TCHING ABOUT IT. BUT I WILL REFERENCE THE FACT THAT IN MY BATTALION ALONE, WE MET OUR RE-ENLISTMENT IN RECORD TIME AND HAD OVER 150 SOLDIERS THAT WANTED TO RE-ENLIST BUT DID NOT BECAUSE ALL OF THE BONUS MONEY WAS GONE. THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE NEXT DEPLOYMENT TO RE-ENLIST, AND I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT THAT WE WILL HAVE ANY ISSUES MEETING OUR QUOTA. THESE ARE ALL COMBAT VETERANS, MANY WITH MULTIPLE DEPLOYMENTS UNDER THEIR BELTS, THEY SEE THE PURPOSE THAT THEY ARE SERVING OVER THEIR AND THEY WILLING TO CONTINUE THEIR SACRIFICE BECAUSE YELLOW SWINE LIKE YOU ARE NOT. KEEP DRINKING YOUR KOOLAID, I HOPE YOU HAVE NO PROBLEM PRAYING FIVE TIMES A DAY, I HOPE YOU HAVE NO PROBLEM GIVING UP THE FREE SPEECH THAT YOU SO IGNORANTLY THROW AROUND ON THIS FORUM, BECAUSE IF AMERICA STARTS THINKING LIKE YOU, IT WILL HAPPEN.
  • H · 2 years ago
    blackwater are the new crusaders. and there will be a reply, eventually.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    JOE,

    Most everything you say is what I expect a good military soldier to say. And that is good. I am not a liberal(democrat)at all, and generally see most of what is on here as twisted politics, likey brought about by people outside of the USA.

    That being said, it is very obvious that Islam is not effecting us here at home or hardly anyplace abroad. Our government imigrated a ton of them here, and then acted stupid about it after Sept.11. They had special immigration status for a decade or more. Go to the east coast, Boston region, and see how many got paid to come here. Also realize that Massachusetts has, is, and always will be a tool for the British to manipulate our economy. new York is as well, so that is why they chose to hit there where this may be brought to light.

    Blame the traitors in those cities for weakening us with respect to Islam, because the terrorists knew where our corrupt system was vulnerable to the truth. Not the lies, but vulnerable to the truth. Again, no prosecution of the traitors in any way. Also, Boston is where they flew out from on Sept. 11. Not suggesting a conspiracy here, just letting you know who is at fault for letting it happen, and who was not held accountable for 100% failure of airport security. All airport security companies were Texas based, and awarded contracts unfairly(actually pure corruption), but no prosecution there either.

    The one thing I take issue with is that you think that we need that oil. We could turn the place to glass, reopen the wells within a few months, and have all the oil we wanted anytime we wanted it. It would be a hell of a lot cheaper that way, but we did not do that, because we get 60% plus of our oil from Canada, and can easily get the other 30% or 40% anywhere near and at home. Yup, even got oil in Alaska,Texas, etc to make up for what we don't get from the Canadian tar fields.

    This is to say that we are doing somebody elses dirty work for profit, similar to Vietnam. I don't mind, but you got to call it what it is.

    We don't need the oil, and if we ever got in such a jam where we did need it,we could turn Iraq to glass and take it for a fuck of a lot cheaper than we are now.

    What I do mind is that us Americans are getting stiffed with the bill for it, and we benefit absolutely nothing at the end of the day. Just like Vietnam. Well, other than the combat infantry badges and right shoulder patches needed in our form of military to impress the new dumbassed recruits. I was one once as well. Still, that is a very expensive benefit in and of itself.

    Also, what I do mind is that this is now becoming much clearer that this is an economic coup. Colin Powell is worth some 30 million dollars, and whoever paid him for that is not American. He is one of many people cycled around Washington to make sure no real Americans can get in the driver's seat. You go figure who pays this guy and what for. More retired generals and admirals are running our government than was ever expected or even should happen under any circumstance. they don't work for Americans though, and that should be very obvious at this point.

    Don't shoot the messenger. Your a good solier and deserve the truth.

    When you get back home and foriegnors are standing next to you in ranks helping you protect their countries assets here in the USA, I expect you will run a scabbbard from under their chin to the top of their head. Just for George Washington's sake if not for our sake. We need to return to a soverign nation before we lose it all.

    Good luck, and I sincerely respect your patriotism.
  • Lester Louis · 2 years ago
    Blackwater has the right idea about has this war in Iraq should be conducted. If the US Army would follow their lead, this conflict would be over tomorrow. It is not our job to rebuild Iraq. It is time that America start conducting itself like the Empire that it is.

    Maybe, if the Us Army followed Blackwater example, there would be fewer dead Americans in Iraq. It time to stop the flow of American blood, by any means necessary.
    We won; the resource of Iraq should belong to the US. Anyone that gets in our way should be taken care of, just like those people who got in the way of the convoy that Blackwater was protecting. In fact, they should have done more damage. Let the Iraq people know how is in charge.

    Time to stop trying to be the good guy all the time and protect our interest in that country.

    It's not our problem that God put our oil under their country.

    Lester Louis
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    But it appears to have become a problem. Take it or leave it.
  • Barb Paul · 2 years ago
    Alas. It has always been true, if one doesn't like the message........kill the messenger. Those of us in the middle keep getting squeezed by the far left Reds or the un Christ-like, far right "Christians".
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    I am neither red, nor do I believe in fairy tales. Nor would I prosecute or persecute anybody for not believing in those fairytales. I am simply an American who wants this country returned to soveriegn rule.

    We fought a revolutionary war that had many traitors squealing to the British that some of our countryman were planning to go against the king and his blue-blooded friends.

    This made it very risky to start a war against those people ruling and stealing from our colonial efforts, and once the revolutionary war started it was nip and tuck to win it.

    Now we squander that away like water on the ground, because the press tells us to or we will be jailed, beaten, fined, you name it.

    I attack the large swings in either direction because three things still ring true:
    1.)Everybody does everything with their own self interest in mind.
    2.) There is no money to be made in leaving people alone.
    3.) Follow the money trail until you find the problem or the answer to the problem.

    P.S. Vote the trash out in both parties, and let's see if we can have some trials for treason on both sides. The evidence is there, but who can define our enemies?

    Anybody manipulating our economy for personal gain and to undermine our freedom may be enough to classify them as an enemy combatant.

    Just because nobody has to fire a shot, does not mean that they are incapable of trying to destroy our country.

    Or should I say, Our fair share of this country.

    Some are in uniform serving, albeit ice cream, in Iraq. What else is there to do?
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    I missed a point.

    Your government has now decided to do the worst thing that could possibly be done.

    They have chosen to let BP and Dutch Shell get away with not sharing oil revenues with the Iraqi's, or at least not at a sufficient level for this to take less than 20 years to be corrected. They have decided to tax us at $198 Billion dollars per year or more to rebuild Iraq.

    To put this in perspective, Bush also refuses to fund CHIP at the $6 Billion dollars to provide health care for disadvantaged American children.

    I agree with him not taxing tobacco to do this, but it dwarfs compared to what Bush and the congress is willing to spend on Iraq, so BP and Shell can get the entire oil profits and revenues.

    I have never read the zillions of pages this S-CHIP program involves, but that is to give an idea of how foolishly wasteful, orrupt, and pitiful our government policies in Iraq and at home have become.

    The annual budget given to rebuild Iraq, so as to buy off the Iraqi citizens away from their religious and social structure, is so enormous that it alone would have solved tons of problems at home.

    Although, considering that we are paying a lot of politicians over a quarter million dollars a year to be campaigning for their party and the presidency, we must not have any problems worth their time to solve.

    This economy is failing, and the buffons who should be planning to do the heavy lifting to correct it are campaigning for their party at about a fourth grade level.

    Say something serious about these serious problems or get back to work to correct them.

    It's a matter of time at this point. The economy and our autonomy is very seriously at risk of total collapse.

    The alternative to leaving Iraq has clearly become a total waste of Americn assets and ability to govern itself for the benefit of Americans.

    This is what happens when you vote idiots into office because the media made them into pseudo-icons.

    Time to ask Kerry if he has anything to offer other than JOBS, JOBS, JOBS. How did someone who has never worked a day in his life get to the point where he is an expert on JOBS?? He didn't. He married money. He must be hung like Frankenstein.

    The idiots on the other side of the isle, are destroying families right and left with their foolish policies, then using the word family as if that will help anything.

    These fools could fuck-up a steel ball with a rubber mallet.
  • Blackwater Sucks · 2 years ago
    Looks like Lester Louis needs to stop riding Blackwater's DICK.
  • Karel Vereycken · 2 years ago
    MERCENARIES WITHOUT BORDERS,
    the “dogs of war” of financial globalization
    By Karel Vereycken

    “While greed may be good, war is better”
    Forbes.com, comment on DynCorp’s financial profits on the stock markets.


    Prologue

    For many today, the mere term mercenary evokes inevitably the image of individual “soldiers of fortune” and other “dogs of war”. But the public generally ignores a far more horrific new reality: the fast growing role of Private Military Contractors (PMC’s).

    With the collapse of the soviet system in 1989, a new reality appeared. If in the past, some wild-eyed killers for rent or “soldiers of fortune” sold their skills to despots and dictators threatened to be kicked out of power, reactionary company owners out for having a militia capable to break strikes often and early or murky secret service special ops gurus, today, it are the “civilized” states, in full daylight, which sign the contracts: the Pentagon, the State Department, the UN, the OSCE, the African Union and even some NGO’s and the Red Cross!

    The scandal of the century that rocks the United Kingdom and the USA, involving huge financial and political corruption around the weapons for oil contracts of BAE Systems with Saudi Arabia, lifted some part of the veil of the fascist policies the international financial oligarchy tries to impose on the world. It is an imperial model inspired by the British East India Company, which with its commercial and financial monopoly and its armies “ruled the waves” of “an empire on which the sun never sets.”

    Today, as yesterday, the game is to unite a giant cartel of financiers, which by allying financial, military, technological and IT power, impose their rule on the resources, peoples and nations of the world. As the pirates of yesterday, the private military contractors perform the dirty jobs of the empire which glory they carry.

    A short look at the careers of the current managers of BAE Systems, as well as on their address-books, confirms we are not any longer dealing with a normal corporation, but with a cartel uniting high tech weaponry (BAE Systems, United Defense Industries, Lockheed Martin), with speculative financiers (Lazard Frères, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank), together with raw material cartels (British Petroleum, Shell Oil) with on the ground, SMP’s.

    The private military company DynCorp which trains thousands of policemen around the world, and about which we will talk later, is also nearly a grotesque caricature of the criminal wedding between huge financial speculators and large mercenary corporations. The main shareholder of DynCorp has been for a long time Capricorn Holdings a company directed by Herbert S. Winokur Jr., who’s a director at DynCorp and chairman of the financial board of Enron, the Texan energy giant known for a vast energy scam. Early 2007, DynCorp was bought by the investment fund Veritas Capital, directed by Robert B. McKeon, former CEO of Wasserstein Perella Management Partners. His former partner, Bruce Wasserstein, now leads the synarchist bank Lazard Freres…

    If the fascist BAE cartel has nearly succeeded in deeply penetrating the core of the military industrial complex of the United States, it is the direct result of the limitless anglophilia of Dick and Lynne Cheney, as middlemen of the dangerous cult of neo-conservatives. The BAE scandal reveals to the world the real intentions and policies of this faction. Under the cover of a “revolution in military affaires” (RMA), a systematic policy of privatizations and outsourcing, together with a massive reduction in personnel coupled with the build up of space based “miracle” weapons developed secretly by a tiny elite of professionals, has created the explosion of the “marked” for PMC’s. As mad as it appears, this vast military apparatus, used as an instrument of blackmail, would give them the means to impose a “world government” keeping the planet hostage with space-based weaponry, while simultaneously controlling the chaos of world populations with mercenary entities, genetics without ethics, permanent disinformation and mind regulating drugs. This “scientific dictatorship”, a dangerous utopia of which dreamed George Orwell in his 1984 and Aldus Huxley in the Return of Brave New World, and largely popularized in comic strips, will become a reality unless we intervene.

    Felix Rohatyn and Middlebury

    On October 9, 2004, barely weeks before George W. Bush’s reelection, a conference took place in Middlebury, Vermont under the auspices of the “Rohatyn Center for International Affairs” on the theme of the “Privatization of National Security” (1)

    Felix “the fixer” Rohatyn, big shot of the synarchist Lazard Freres-Lehman Brothers banking nexus, a man who was at ITT when that company was backing Pinochet’s coup in Chile on September 11, 1973, shared the panel with a group of scholars, editors such as William Dobson, editor of “Foreign Affairs”, geopolitical whiz kids, such as Harvard’s Michael Ignatieff who thinks America should drop the republic and become “liberal imperial”, and a selection of high placed military that travel very often from the Pentagon to the very profitable business of PMC’s, an ambiguous name to polish the less brighter label of feudal mercenary companies.

    Lieutenant General Ed Soyster, for example, appeared on the program as a “Special assistant to the secretary of the Army”. In reality, Soyster, former head of D.I.A. (the Defense Intelligence Agency in charge of counter-intelligence operations) between 1988 and 1991, happens to be the current vice-president of Military Professionals Resources Inc. (MPRI), one of the largest PMC’s of the world. (2)

    Seven years earlier, on January 1997, the D.I.A. organized a closed-door symposium, "The Privatization of National Security Functions in Sub-Saharan Africa." According to Ken Silverstein, writing in The Nation of July 28, 1997, “On hand were M.P.R.I. and other U.S. private contractors, as well as Eeben Barlow, head of South Africa's notorious Executive Outcomes (EO), which in the past few years has provided mercenaries to the governments of Angola and Sierra Leone, and Timothy Spicer of Sandline International.” (3)

    One month after the conference, Rohatyn gave his thoughts on the matter in a co-authored article published in the Financial Times, “The Profit Motive Goes to War.” Since a decade, writes Rohatyn, a silent revolution is taking place. “In the first Gulf war, the ratio of American troops on the ground to private contractors was 50:1. In the 2003 Iraq war, that ratio was 10:1, as it was for the Clinton administration's interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo. As these figures reflect, key military functions have been outsourced to private companies; both Democratic and Republican presidents alike have steadily privatized crucial aspects of US national security. For a rough sense of the magnitude of this shift, Halliburton's total contracts in Iraq to date are estimated at $11bn-13bn, more than twice what the first Gulf war cost the US."
    "In the history of warfare," Rohatyn continued, "sub-contracting and the deployment of mercenaries are nothing new. The British built an empire with contracted soldiers, developing a citizens' army only in the latter half of the 19th century. But there are two major structural differences between the 19th century British and 21st century US empires. First, publicly quoted companies now conduct private military operations. Second, the market for this force is now genuinely global, which raises new accountability and normative concerns."

    A $100 billion market

    During the March 2003 military invasion of Iraq, US Navy troops were commanding American warships. But at their sides, stood private military personnel to operate some of the most sophisticated weaponry of the world. When the predatory Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV’s), the Hawks, and the Stealth heavy bombers engage in action, their systems are equally operated by PMC’s.

    In Iraq, the role of these PMC’s increased even more dramatically in the so-called “post-war” period. In 2003, of $87 billion spent on the war costs, nearly one third, i.e. $30 billions went to PMC’s. The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) estimated the number of PMC’s to be 60 with 25.000 people deployed while it went up to 181 PMC’s with over 48.000 people deployed by PMC’s in Iraq in 2006, more than four times the number of the 11.000 soldiers of the British contingent!

    The “Coalition of the willing” seemed outnumbered by the coalition of the “willing to get rich”. Flag officers of the British Army complain nearly daily about the great number of qualified military personnel of her majesty’s glorious army on the leave for jobs in the private sector paid generally five to twenty tiles as much as military personnel un the national army. A former commando of the highly trained SAS, Delta Force or other Special Forces can earn up to $1000 a day. Even the Pentagon was obliged in 2004, to stop the bleeding of its own forces by the PMC’s, to award an extra $150,000, paid immediately, for those non-commissioned officers willing to serve another six years.

    “Revolution in Military Affairs”

    This “revolution in military affaires” (RMA) described by Martin van Creveld’s “The Transformation of War” replacing nation-states by “war-making entities” is on the rise since years, but the magnitude of its dimension takes dramatic and worrisome dimensions now.

    First, if one steps a little bit back in time, one sees that since the end of the cold war, nearly six million armed forces have been thrown on the labor market having as unique skill their military experience. The giant armies Red Army, the east-German Volksarmee or South-Africa’s military forces have been massively shrunken. The US army did not resist to the global trend and reduced its troops from 2.1 million men in arms in 1990 to a mere 1.4 million in 2003, i.e. one third less! It is this massive reduction of the armed forces under Clinton, a downsizing even further increased by the Bush-Cheney administration that lead to the explosion of the private market. Thanks to Donald Rumsfeld, who said that one can outsource “everything except shooting”, the PMC’s conquered a market of about $100 billions a year which absorbs nearly one fourth of the US defense budget of 2006 that amounted to $439.3 billions. In a typical Orwellian doublespeak, the PMC’s created their own lobby to market their business, called the International Peace Operations Association.

    DynCorp, a “state within the state”

    Let us examine first the case of a large private military contractor DynCorp. Based in Fall Church, Virginia, DynCorp (of which former CIA boss James Woolsey was a shareholder) employs 26.000 people in dozens of countries around the globe. Bought up by Veritas Capital, a major private equity investment firm of the NYSE, DynCorp has become a “state within the state”. In charge of providing worldwide protective services for State Department employees, DynCorp is often hired to train foreign police forces. On June 12, 2007, DynCorp appointed Dwight M. Williams, the Chief Security Officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as its vice-president for security. DynCorp touts itself as an “Internet Corporation”.

    According to Catherine Austin Fitts, a Republican insider and financial specialist that left the first Bush administration after spending 18 months trying to clean up the $100 billion sized financial frauds (including BCCI, S&L;, Iran-Contra and HUD), DynCorp is the information computer system provider to the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and provides a substantial amount of computer and information systems for the DOJ and the FBI.

    According to some sources, DynCorp, by contract, manages the financial data and other electronic records for more than 30 U.S. government agencies, including the FBI, the State Department, the Department of Justice, the Defense Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Bureau of Prisons, and the Office of National Drug Policy. Catherine Fitts says that DynCorp uses “the most advanced version of the Prosecutor's Management Information System (PROMIS) software system. Theoretically, they have access to everybody’s bank account, onshore and offshore.” Reportedly the PROMIS Software has been used to “swipe” the bank accounts of Emmanuel Noriega and Ferdinand Marcos. Who wants more?

    Behind this aura of governmental imprimatur, far different motives appear. A confidential memorandum from the U.S. Embassy in Haiti dated January 1997 and addressed to the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the State Department stated that: "Over 300 police officers of the Haitian National Police (HNP) have received specialized training in crowd control.... Embassy officials expect crowd control to be a major HNP task in 1997 as the stagnant economy engenders greater frustration among the populace."

    Pratap Chatterjee of CorpWatch wrote that DynCorp's role in another State Department contract looks “designed to circumvent United States law.” Writing about DynCorp’s role in Latin America, he wrote that “In the Colombian conflict, Washington has supplied more than 70 Black Hawk and Huey helicopters and other military hardware that are maintained and flown by private contractors. Anxious to avoid the "secret wars" conducted by the Pentagon in Laos and Cambodia in the 1960s, Congress limited the number of US personnel that can operate in Colombia to 400 in uniform and 400 civilian contractors at any given time. US law also requires congressional notification before the government can approve the export of military services valued at $50 million or more. By limiting each individual contract to several million dollars; labeling them peace-keeping missions; employing retired CIA and Special Forces personnel working for private contractors as well as foreign nationals (to whom the 400 person ceiling does not apply), Congress does not have to be notified, making the contracts harder to oversee.”

    US Representative Janice Shakowsky, an Illinois democrat, told the press: “Is the US military privatizing its mission to avoid public controversy or to avoid embarrassment – to hide body bags from the media and shield the military from public opinion?”

    DynCorp is close to a caricature of the East India Company, the criminal wedding of large mercenary companies and great finance capital out for loot and power and war racketeering. DynCorp main shareholder has been over years Capricorn Holdings, a company directed by Herbert S. “Pug” Winokur Jr., who is a director of DynCorp while simultaneously the chairman of the finance committee of Enron’s board…Fitts believes one of the reasons why Winokur escaped going to jail for the Enron scam comes from DynCorp’s (i.e. Winokur’s) control over the government’s computer data files… Winukur is also director of the Harvard Endowment Fund, ($25.9 billion with a 19.2% return on investment for 2005), an entity close to the Bush dynasty.

    Catherine Fitts notes the interesting fact that “Enron SEC filings indicate that there are about 700 Enron subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands”, the world’s leading center of the Anglo-Dutch hedge-fund operations and dirty money laundering. Another director of DynCorp is Dudley Mecum, also a director at Capricorn. Mecum is on the board of one of the largest US banks, Citygroup. Early 2007, DynCorp was bought by the investment fund Veritas Capital, directed by Robert B. McKeon, former CEO of Wasserstein Perella Management Partners. His former partner, Bruce Wasserstein, now leads the synarchist bank Lazard Freres. On Veritas’ defense and aerospace advisory council sits Richard Armitage, former deputy secretary of state and another shadowy Irangate figure.

    Commenting the fabulous results of DynCorp on the NYSE, Forbes.com, cynically commented that “While greed may be good, war is better”, and added that “as conflict continues to dominate headlines analysts remain upbeat on military contractors.” In other words, if Cheney is impeached and the Iraq war brought to halt, war stock market values will collapse.

    PMC’s and “humanitarian aid”

    As we mentioned at the start, the ambiguous double-use of PMC’s has permitted them to obtain contracts from “highly respectable” entities such as the State Department, the Pentagon, the EU, the UN, the African Union, the OSCE, NGO’s and event the Red Cross.

    In France, before, “socialist” Bernard Kouchner became the new foreign affairs minister of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, he gave a hint to the integration of private armies in Inflexions, a prominent French Military journal of reference, where he stated that “The major question in effect is undoubtedly not to know if the humanitarian domain has to remain the exclusive one for the NGO’s (as if this would have ever been so), but rather to know how a growing number of actors involved in the rescue operations of victims – NGO, UN organizations, civil security, national and transnational military forces, private actors, etc. – can have mandates, approaches and perimeters of actions that answer in the most efficient way, and with the best cost/efficiency ratio the needs of the populations subjected to the crisis’s.” (4)

    As one sees here, for Kouchner, the question is not to create a dynamic that outlaws PMC’s or makes them unnecessary, but to benefit from the “best cost/efficiency ratio”, i.e. the market! To make this package something acceptable to French public opinion, often qualified to be backwardly “thirty years behind vis-à-vis the Anglo-Saxons”, certain former French military, eager to set up their own PMC, plead in favor of changing the name of PMC into “Strategic and Operational Support Company”. The message is clear: “Sir, la and behold, we’re no mercenaries, but serious professionals that work for a handful of dollars.” As usual, the revolution of word is in the making.

    French Law and the Geneva Conventions

    In France, a real opposition to the PMC phenomena exists. On April 3, 2003, few weeks after the beginning of the Iraq war, the French Members of Parliament, across party lines voted a new law prohibiting “active mercenary” activity. During the parliamentary debate, French Defense minister Michèle Alliot-Marie and many others expressed the good intuitions that dominate the French mindset. She declared: “Real war enterprises, often of Anglo-Saxon origin, have, in this context, appeared and fructify. ‘In hand’ war material is delivered by them to failing states and the means to achieve their ends is given to oppositions poorly respectful of any legal procedures. One has to note here, by the way, that we’re not talking about traditional mercenaries, as individuals, but about real commercial companies, the more so more fearsome as they dispose of powerful means.”

    The law adopted by French national assembly reformulated the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 8 June 1977, where it is stated:

    “Art 47. Mercenaries
    1. A mercenary shall not have the right to be a combatant or a prisoner of war.
    2. A mercenary is any person who:
    (a) is specially recruited locally or abroad in order to fight in an armed conflict;
    (b) does, in fact, take a direct part in the hostilities;
    (c) is motivated to take part in the hostilities essentially by the desire for private gain and, in fact, is promised, by or on behalf of a Party to the conflict, material compensation substantially in excess of that promised or paid to combatants of similar ranks and functions in the armed forces of that Party;
    (d) is neither a national of a Party to the conflict nor a resident of territory controlled by a Party to the conflict;
    (e) is not a member of the armed forces of a Party to the conflict; and
    (f) has not been sent by a State which is not a Party to the conflict on official duty as a member of its armed forces.”

    It should be noted that many countries, including the United States, are not signatories to the Protocol Additional GC 1977 (APGC77). So although it is the most widely accepted international definition of a mercenary, it is not definitive.

    Seen the cumulative nature of the six criteria, the French law is not very binding. It merely integrates the juridical qualification of “mercenary” into the French Code Pénal. In reality the law turns out to be useless since it restrains itself to individual mercenaries only, not PMC’s. In Ivory Coast, for example, France was unable to indict the Slavic mercenaries that bombarded the French military on November 6, 2004 in Ivory Coasts second largest city Bouaké, since they were legally they were paid to do so by that country’s army. Legally, the attack had become an act of military aggression of Ivory Coast against France left without any legal base for indicting the mercenaries they had arrested… Even worse, the new law does not forbid any private company to “contract” with the American army for protective missions that can be performed by experienced “former” military.

    In France, the former head of the French Foreign Intelligence Service DGSE, General Jean Heinrich created a fast growing company called Géos that employs about 120 former DGSE members. Géos got a contract to protect the pipeline that goes from Chad to Cameroon. Officially, its spokesman refuses to accept “missions belonging in principle to government agencies”, but in cases of emergency, and with the green light of the Quai d’Orsay, it operates “avoiding any direct involvement.”

    The warning: from Machiavelli to Eisenhower

    As in the times of imperial Rome when generals got themselves crowned emperor by buying the votes of the plebe by the loot of imperial conquest, the election of the Bush dynasty has largely benefited of the contributions and donations of the mercenary PMC’s and the investment funds that control them.

    It remains almost impossible to evaluate the total figures of the millions of dollars donated by Carlyle, BDM International, Enron, Halliburton, DynCorp or Blackwater USA to many candidates running the show of media politics. What is known is that DynCorp, Bechtel and Halliburton gave together over $2.2 millions to mostly republican candidates and the Bush campaign.

    Are we ready to sell our freedom and souls to the devils of war by accepting the “privatization” of one of the last state missions of our sovereign nation-states?

    One time, according to an eyewitness, Bush was asked at a forum at John Hopkins University by a student about bringing PMC’s under a system of law. Bush replied, laughing, that he was going to ask Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, “I was going to – I pick up the phone and say, Mr. Secretary, I’ve got an interesting question [laughter]. This is what delegation – I don’t mean to be dodging on the question, although it’s kind of convenient in this case, but never – [laughter] I really will – I’m going to call the Secretary and say you brought up a very valid question, and what are we doing about it? That’s how I work.”

    Two wiser voices of the past warn us against all excessive power of what was a military-industrial complex before and became military-financial now.

    One of the major warnings came from Leonardo da Vinci’s friend, the Florentine statesman Machiavelli, writing “The Prince”, published in 1532. Then, closer to us, there was the warning of a great friend of French General Charles DeGaulle, the U.S. President-General Dwight Eisenhower at his last speech in January 1961.

    Machiavelli, who realized that the condottieri and their mercenaries where the main cause for the ruin of Italy at his time, wrote in “The Prince”, chapter XIII, “Concerning Auxiliaries, Mixed Soldiery, And One's Own”:

    “Mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous; and if one holds his state based on these arms, he will stand neither firm nor safe; for they are disunited, ambitious and without discipline, unfaithful, valiant before friends, cowardly before enemies; they have neither the fear of God nor fidelity to men, and destruction is deferred only so long as the attack is; for in peace one is robbed by them, and in war by the enemy. The fact is, they have no other attraction or reason for keeping the field than a trifle of stipend, which is not sufficient to make them willing to die for you. They are ready enough to be your soldiers whilst you do not make war, but if war comes they take themselves off or run from the foe; which I should have little trouble to prove, for the ruin of Italy has been caused by nothing else than by resting all her hopes for many years on mercenaries, and although they formerly made some display and appeared valiant amongst themselves, yet when the foreigners came they showed what they were.”
    (…) “The mercenary captains are either capable men or they are not; if they are, you cannot trust them, because they always aspire to their own greatness, either by oppressing you, who are their master, or others, contrary to your intentions; but if the captain is not skilful, you are ruined in the usual way. And if it be urged that whoever is armed will act in the same way, whether mercenary or not, I reply that when arms have to be resorted to, either by a prince or a republic, then the prince ought to go in person and perform the duty of captain; the republic has to send its citizens, and when one is sent who does not turn out satisfactorily, it ought to recall him, and when one is worthy, to hold him by the laws so that he does not leave the command. And experience has shown princes and republics, single-handed, making the greatest progress and mercenaries doing nothing except damage; and it is more difficult to bring a republic, armed with its own arms, under the sway of one of its citizens than it is to bring one armed with foreign arms.”

    Finally, U.S. President General Dwight Eisenhower, on January 17, 1961, three days before the end of his mandate warned against the growing danger of a military industrial complex saying:

    “This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, and even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, and every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.“

    ----------------------
    Footnotes:

    (1) The conference took place in the context of the « Princeton Project on National Security” co-chaired by George Schultz and financed by the Ford Foundation, an organization that has been involved in “covert” operations since decades and remarkably generous for those lefties that specialize in impotent war contesting.

    (2) MPRI was bought in 2000 by L-3 Communications, a company that was set up by Lehman Brothers, a Wall Street bank that appointed Rohatyn to its board in august 2006. Unsurprisingly, BAE projected buying L-3 with the cash provided from its sale of the 20% shares of EADS. BAE has not taken over L3 so far.

    (3) Some months later, as by magic, a new law is adopted in March 1998 to give a legal frame to the PMC activity, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Any producer or exporter of military goods or services in the defense sector has to be registered at the Office of Defense Trade Control (ODTC). If his dossier is accepted he gets a license. The ITAR law permits to escape section 9 of the first article of the Constitution that outlines that any act of war needs approval of the Congress by defining that no green light of the Congress will be necessary for any contract below $50 million and that consequently, for any contract below $50 million, an simple authorization of the Pentagon is sufficient. As said an observer: “If the DoD was directly involve you’d have a whole network of Congressional offices providing oversight, even if it’s not always sufficient. But when you turn these tasks over to a contractor, the only oversight comes from an overworked civil servant in the federal bureaucracy.”

    (4) Bernard Kouchner, “Humanitaire et Militaire” in “Mutations et invariants, Partie III, Humanitaire et Militaire, Nouveaux Mercenariats“, “Inflexions“ N°5, Jan-May, 2007, published by the Documentation Française.



    End of main article


    BOX: BAE’s Tony Blair and his Pet Bulldogs take over

    With all these dark sunglasses carrying killer cowboys around, one easily understands why the area gets so dangerous. Many PMC’s themselves starts increasingly worry about deaths resulting from “friendly fire”. According to Iraq Casualties Org, 31.9% of SMP personnel get killed during ambushes with or without shooting. 23.7% is killed with IED’s and over 9% dies eventually from “friendly fire”, but these figures seem confused and underrated.

    The cohabitation among PMC’s and between PMC’s and the U.S. Army is often horrific. To diminish the death rate of “friendly fire” the United States had the right idea of installing a Centre for Operations and Reconstruction (COR). The centre had to function on a voluntary base and not everybody accepted to share its intelligence. Understandable, since the task was awarded to Aegis Defense Services, the inheritor of Executive Outcomes and Sandline International, directed by “Tony Blair’s Pet Bulldog”, Tim Spicer.

    Aegis is in a good position to become, to the great displeasure of the big American PMC’s, to become the most powerful PMC of the world and the Iraqi contract is said to have been obtained, according to a diplomatic source, after Tony Blair complained at a summit meeting with the Americans that the British companies had received scarcely any reward for the United Kingdom’s war effort…

    “The American companies are furious. Spicer will not be their boss, but he will have access to sensitive information from American military intelligence and will coordinate some of their activities” said a British consultant. “To have to go through this Brit with an adventurer’s reputation in order to deal with the Pentagon seems to them a heresy…”

    A correspondent of the French daily Le Monde commented the situation as follows: “After the attack on the Blackwater convoys in Falludja, the Pentagon proposed providing to the coordinating agency PMO – Program Management Office – and so today to Tim Spicer, air support for all the private military companies officially registered with the PMO. The program’s name is “Quarterback” It’s incredible. It’s the Wild West. Apache helicopters and ground attack fighters are going henceforth to be able to “clear” the roads for private companies”


    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Drift toward madness: ten study cases

    1) ANGOLA: payed with Diamonds
    Before the end of the cold war, the United States had been helping Jonas Savimbi’s UNITA forces to combat the pro-soviet Dos Santos MPLA regime. UNITA occupied the region where vast reserves of mineral resources are located. In 1992, the world had changed and the British private military contractor Executive Outcomes (EO) signs a contract to cleanse the region as to restart mining activities. Founded in 1989 by former members of David Stirling’s British SAS and South-Africa’s Special Forces, Executive Outcomes has to protect the oil fields and mines in Angola. As documented by EIR’s Roger Moore, “EO’s contracts, nominally with the respective governments, and in part underwritten by the IMF and the World Bank, were paid off with diamond concessions to EO’s founder Tony Buckingham’s front company, Branch Energy” (a company in the orbit of de Beers diamond cartel CSO). Operations were so “successful” that EO got two new $80 millions contracts with the Angolan government suddenly converted to free trade. In 1995, Bill Clinton ordered the Angolan government to break all contract with EO, whose brutal methods forced its disbandment in 1998 and the adoption of an anti-mercenary law in South Africa. Most of EO’s 1,000 member employees joined Timothy Spicer’s Sandline International, equally disbanded in 2004. Personnel moves then again, this time eventually to MPRI who takes over the contract from EO in Angola but mostly to Spicer’s new PMC: Aegis Defense Services (see box “BAE’s Tony Blair and his Pet Bulldogs take over”).

    (Sources : Revue Inflexions n°5, Jan-May 2007 ; Ken Silverstein, « Privatizing War », The Nation, July 28, 1997 ; Roger Moore, “Executive Outcomes : Arming For the Post-Nation State Era”, EIR, Aug. 22, 1997)

    2) CROATIA: “Help the Croatians join NATO” and « Operation Storm »
    Lieutenant General Harry E. Soyster, who headed the DIA between December 1988 and September 1991 and who was a scheduled speaker at the Middlebury conference, is the current vice-president of Military Professional Resources Inc. (MPRI) At MPRI, twenty-two corporate officers are former high-ranking military, notably General Carl E. Vuono, U.S. Army Chief of Staff during the invasion of Panama and the Gulf War and General Frederick Kroesen, former commander of U.S. army in Europe. Based in Alexandria, the company was created in 1987 by General Vernon Lewis. MPRI has a data bank of about 10,000 officers and non commanded officers, including 340 generals ready for missions at any point desired. They don’t have a permanent employment but can effectuate short missions in war theatres around the globe, as in Iraq. As goes the saying “There are more generals per square meter at MPRI than at the Pentagon.” MPRI has elaborated several official manuals for the US army.

    “The Croatians hope to join NATO” says Ed Soyster, and “if you want to join the club, you have to look like the members.” Violating the 1991 UN embargo on weapon sales to entities belonging to the former country of Yugoslavia, and leaving the Croatians on the ground defenseless in front of the Serbian rampage, MPRI was hired in 1994 by the US State Department to train overnight the Croatian military, until then bumbling and inept, and help them to “avoid excesses or atrocities in military operations.” After some months of training and a secret meeting with MPRI’s head General Vuono at the island of Brioni to map out the Krajina campaign, the Croatian army launched “Operation Storm”. The four days offensive provoked the departure of some 100.000 Serbian civilians. Investigators of the International Human Rights Tribunal of the UN have indicted creation officers for “murder and other inhuman activities.” Soyster says “no MPRI employee played a role in planning, monitoring or assisting operation Storm”, but admits that a couple of Croatians assisted at MPRI’s training sessions. MPRI had similar contracts with Bosnia, Macedonia and Kosovo where it performs similar services and has a contract to protect the Company ITT.

    Press reports also suspect the Zagreb regime from having bought weaponry from Ernst Werner Glatt, a German arms dealer who in the eighties bought cheap weapons in the East Bloc and shipped them to the Contra’s in Nicaragua or the Mujahedeen to fight communism. At one instance, Soyster reportedly arranged such a contract with Glatt.

    In France, during the parliamentary debate, the French deputy Paul Quilès, speaking for the socialist group, denounced the fact that PMC’s “give the opportunity for certain states to intervene without appearing publicly. In this way the United States succeeded in escaping from the UN embargo imposed in Rwanda by paying a company, Ronco, to do de-mining and deliver military equipment, and to intervene in Croatia in 1995, by means of MPRI, to train and equip the creation army.”

    (Sources : Ken Silverstein, « Privatizing War », The Nation, July 28, 1997 ; Leslie Wayne, “America's For-Profit Secret Army” , New York Times, October 13, 2002; press coverage of former SAS John Geddes book “Highway to Hell”)

    3) BOSNIA: Sex slavery
    As a precondition for the signing of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreements, the Bosnian government demanded, legitimately, an international effort to create a national army. The contract went to MPRI who got a $400 million program largely paid by donor countries Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Brunei and Malaysia who wired the money on a special account at the U.S. Treasury Department designated to pay MPRI. A journalist noted that “on the job, say guarding a peacekeepers’ compound in Tuzla, the civilian employees are subject to the same rules of engagement as foreign troops. But if an American GI draws and uses his weapon on an off-duty brawl, he will be subject to the US judicial military code. If an American guard employed by the US Company ITT in Tuzla dies the same, he answers to Bosnian law. By definition PMC’s are operating frequently in “failed states” where national law is notional.”

    The risk of slipping into illegal behavior was demonstrated by another major PMC, DynCorp, in charge of training the Bosnian police and the employer of the UN’s international contingent (Civpol) in Kosovo. Based at Falls Church, Virginia, DynCorp employs 26,000 people in dozens of countries around the world. Former CIA chief James Woolsey has been mentioned as a major shareholder before it went private. In Bosnia, certain employees were accused of rape and sex trafficking including a girl as young as 12. A number of employees were fired, but never prosecuted. The only court cases to result involved the two whistleblowers who exposed the episode and got sacked. Kathryn Bolkovic, a former US police officer working for DynCorp won her suit for wrongful dismissal. Ben Johnston charged that he “witnessed co-workers and supervisors literally buying and selling women for their own personal enjoyment, and employees would brag about the various ages and talents of the individual slaves they had purchased.”

    Madeleine Rees, the chief UN human rights officer in Sarajevo commented that “DynCorp should never have been awarded the Iraqi police contract.” In Bosnia, an official of the Bosnian army, in charge of relations with MPRI stated that “It’s a conflict of interest. I represent our national interest, but they’re businessmen. I would have preferred direct cooperation with state organizations like NATO or the OSCE. But we had no choice, we had to use MPRI.”

    (Sources: Ian Traynor, « The privatization of War », The Guardian, Dec.10, 2003; Catherine Fitts, “Enron, the anatomy of a cover-up”; Eric Leser, “L’armée américaine fait de plus en plus appel au secteur privé”, Le Monde, Feb., 10, 2003)

    4) COLOMBIA: War on Drugs?
    Repeatedly, the United States have committed themselves to assist Latin American countries in the “War on Drugs”, notably in Colombia, Peru or Bolivia. Paid $170 millions between 1996 and 2001 to destroy the coca fields? Answer: DynCorp, called by the pro mercenary magazine Soldiers of Fortune, “Colombia’s Coke-Bustin’ Broncos”.

    Remark: DynCorp Aerospace Technology subcontracts the defoliation job to another company: Eagle Aviation Services and Technology (EAST). Other remark: EAST and its founder Richard Gadd worked closely with Colonel Oliver North to deliver weapons to the Nicaraguan Contra. In exchange, and to pay for the weapons, the plains flew cocaine into the United States…

    Yet, one last remark: Dick Cheney has always been a strong supporter of Oliver North and a donator for North’s (failed) campaign for the Senate. On may 11, Oliver North attacked Nancy Pelosi for defending women and opposing the Iraq war by saying that “if Pelosi and her Democrat Party allies have their way -- 650 million women around the globe may well be abandoned to the most misogynistic abuse imaginable at the hands of radical Islamists” since, through the war in Iraq, the “principal protectors of Muslim women today [are]: the Armed Forces of the United States.”

    (Source: Ken Guggenheim, « Drug Fight in Colombia questioned », Associated Press, June 5, 2001.)

    5) LIBERIA: Kidnappers for hire
    In December 2003, a British PMC, Norhtbridge Services Group, said it had people ready to kidnap former Liberian president Charles Taylor, to claim a $2 million reward allegedly offered by the US Congress. Charles Taylor, who has been granted asylum in Nigeria, is wanted by the UN-backed court of Sierra Leone on war crimes charges and subject of an international arrest warrant by Interpol. In November 2003, George W. Bush signed a bill to provide funds totaling $87.5 billion for the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan, including a small portion for the provision of $2 millions reward money for the capture of an indictee of the Sierra Leone war crimes tribunal.

    (Source: BBC, « Firm seeks Charles Taylor Bounty », Dec., 11, 2003)

    6) EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Coup attempt
    On March 2004, an airplane coming from South-Africa is blocked in Zimbabwe. On board, about a hundred men and their leaders: the British Simon Mann and the South-African Nick Du Toit, two former bosses of Executive Outcomes. Target: bring down the government of Equatorial Guinea, a country nicknamed “the Kuwait of Africa” for its oil and other mineral resources.

    Who gave the orders for the operation: Mark Thatcher, son of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, equally arrested in South Africa on August 15, 2004. A Company related to Gary Hart, Mark Thatcher’s business associate and co-conspirer, reportedly benefited from over €20 million from BAE Systems.

    (Source: Philippe Leymarie, Le Monde Diplomatique, « En Afrique, une nouvelle génération de ‘Chiens de guerre’ », novembre 2004)

    7) KATRINA : do you drink Blackwater ?
    Some 150 men of Blackwater USA, carrying automatic assault weapons and guns strapped to their legs, flak jackets covered with pouches for extra ammunition, arrive in New Orleans shortly after hurricane Katrina to “join the humanitarian effort”, billing the government $950 per man, per day, raking at one point the government more than $240.000 a day. “I worked the security detail of both Bremer and Negroponte” says one of them. Their mission consists in “securing neighborhoods” and “confronting criminals”.

    Other PMC’s were ready to move in, such as the Israeli PMC Instinctive Shooting International (ISI) (sic). In Louisiana, in less than two weeks, the number of private security firms has increased from 185 to 235. Certain were acting for the Federal Government but many were just protecting private interests. If everybody paid his own security, taxes could be lowered?

    (Source: Jeremy Scahill, « Blackwater Down », The Nation, Oct.10, 2005)

    8) SOUDAN: Genocide for Oil
    In 1983, John Garang launched his rebellion in the oil rich Southern Sudan. In 2001, his movement, the SPLA signs a contract with DynCorp for $3 million and becomes a co-governing factor of the semi-autonomous government of Southern Sudan. As a reward, the SPLA will reattribute the oil concession of “Bloc B”, legally attributed to the French oil giant Total, to the British oil Company White Nile UK. In 2006, DynCorp renews it contract to transform the SPLA into a regular army. Several sources affirm that, through SPLA channels, DynCorp funnels weaponry to the myriad of rebellions in Southern Darfur, where other oilfields are waiting.

    In Darfur, when the 4,500 Nigerian and Rwandan soldiers of the African Union arrived, the US State Department signed a $20.6 million contract with two SMP’s: DynCorp and Pacific Architects & Engineers (PAE), another PMC known for overcharging its services in Democratic Republic of Congo. Note here that the African Union’s budget for 2004 was $43 million, the miserable equivalent of half the price of an Airbus A320 airplane…

    In 2005, DynCorp got a contract to arrange housing and transportation to the rebels who meet in Nairobi, Kenya to end the 21-year civil war between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM. A special staff was set up in Washington DC for the job. "Why are we using private contractors to do peace negotiations in Sudan? The answer is simple," says a senior United States government official, "We are not allowed to fund a political party or agenda under United States law, so by using private contractors, we can get around those provisions. Think of this as somewhere between a covert program run by the CIA and an overt program run by the United States Agency for International Development. It is a way to avoid oversight by Congress."

    (Source: Pratap Chatterjee, « Darfur diplomacy: Enter the Contractors », Oct., 21, 2004, CorpWatch)

    9) USA: get ready to go to a Halliburton jail
    Halliburton and DynCorp represent since years heavy weights on the largest market of the U.S.: private prisons. But on Jan. 24, 2006, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) component awarded Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR), a Halliburton Subsidiary an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinete Quantity $385 million contract to support ICE facilities “in the event of an emergency.” The building of immigrant detention facilities is part of a ten-year Homeland Security plan titled ENDGAME, which sets as its goal the removal of "all removable aliens" and "potential terrorists." In the 1980’s Richard Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld discussed similar emergency detention powers as part of a super-secret program of planning for what was euphemistically called "Continuity of Government" (COG) in the event of a nuclear disaster. The plan included the suspension of the Constitution, not just after nuclear attack, but for any "national security emergency," which they defined in Executive Order 12656 of 1988 as: "Any occurrence, including natural disaster, military attack, technological or other emergency that seriously degrades or seriously threatens the national security of the United States." Clearly 9/11 met such a definition and COG was instituted on that day. As the Washington Post explained on March 1, 2002, the order "dispatched a shadow government of about 100 senior civilian managers to live and work secretly outside Washington, activating for the first time long-standing plans" under the direction of Dick Cheney in charge of “ensure federal survival”. ENDGAME's goal of a capacious detention capability is remarkably similar to Oliver North's controversial Rex-84 "readiness exercise" for COG in 1984. It called for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to round up and detain 400,000 imaginary "refugees," in the context of "uncontrolled population movements" over the Mexican border into the United States.

    10) IRAQ: “Gold mine” for PMC’s
    Long time before the invasion of Iraq, PMC vultures were circling the about to be corps of Iraq. The case of the Texan oil and construction company Halliburton, which employs over 20,000 persons in more than 20 countries often reached the media. In effect, Dick Cheney, for five year the CEO of the company before becoming vice-president remains the largest individual stockholder shareholder detaining $45.5 million. When the “war was in the making”, Halliburton employed 1,800 persons to set up tent villages in Kuwait, while DynCorp body guards patrolled the area to keep away angry villagers and MPRI instructors trained soldiers. Miles from the front, in California, two other PMC’s prepared more secretive operations: Titan Corporation recruited spies and Kurdish translators, the infamous “cultural advisors” that gave great fame to the Abou Graib prison. Intelligence agencies subcontracted their activities, notably interrogations. If private “soldiers” are not subject of military discipline, their contracts are renewed on a pro rata basis, according to how much information is obtained… In the meantime, Science Applications International Corp was paid to set up an emergency government with exiled Iraqis, and Richard Perle advised clients of Goldman Sachs on the future reconstruction contracts in Iraq…

    After the “victory” of the coalition, General Jay Garner is promoted overlord in Baghdad. He proposes to use former combat units of the former Iraqi army for security missions in a new “free” country. The report of the General Accounting Office of June 2005 reports that the reconstruction companies “had planned minimal security in their contracts, limited at guards in charge of preventing people to steal on their wharfs.” The Pentagon rejected Garners proposal and nominates Paul Bremer as his successor on May 6, 2003. Bremer was a former assistant to Alexander Haig and a managing director of Kissinger Associates. His decision plunges Iraq into chaos and insecurity. Error or deliberate policy, this tragic decision will transform the country into what the PMC’s proudly called their “gold mine”. Unsurprisingly, Bremer was himself heading Marsh MCLellan, a company that owns Kroll Inc., a PMC that subcontracts with the U.S. government and defense industry. Unsurprisingly also, the fact that one of Bremer’s first decision was to make the PMC’s unaccountable to Iraqi law!

    Even if, since April 5, 2007, Halliburton brook its links with Kellogs, Brown & Roots (KBR), KBR has an overriding share of all logistics for the U.S. Army in Iraq. A $200 million contract pays KBR to house, feed and maintain about 100,000 soldiers, a contract signed in December 2001, barely a few weeks after 9/11. KBR also has to repair the oil facilities ($28.2 millions) and build detention centers. It got a $40,8 millions contract for the accommodations of the Iraqi Survey Group, the unit deployed to find the weapons of mass destruction. Noteworthy is the fact that during the Gulf war, then Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney paid $8.9 million to Brown & Root services to study how PMC’s coud support American combat in war zones. It is unnecessary to read the report to know its conclusions. In 2003, KBR got from the US Army Corps of Engineers a $7 BILLION contract to extinguish burning oil wells and restore petroleum production, since Iraq oil revenues have to pay for the “reconstruction of Iraq”, i.e. the PMC business. A short look on one of Bremers “advisors” tells it all: Philip J. Carroll was named by Bremer to head the advisory committee on oil. Carroll is a Texas oil man, former head of Shell Oil and Fluor (another mainly republican campaign contributor), and currently a director of BAE Systems.

    Paul Bremer also signed a $7.1 million contract for bodyguard missions with Blackwater USA. Together with DynCorp, Blackwater guarded many high personalities of the afghan Kharzai government. French Defense Minister, Michèle Alliot-Marie denounced the guards « aggressive attitude » when visiting Afghanistan.

    Blackwater USA was founded in 1997 by former navy SEAL and conservative “Christian” multimillionaire Erik Prince, whose phone started “ringing off the hook” after 9/11. Blackwater got a contract for “securizing” the streets of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Blackwater also trains Iraq police and army forces. A documentary film has pointed its responsibility in the Abou Graib torture scandal. According to a former Blackwater official, three providers, Blackwater, Regency and ESS, were engaged in a classic war-profiteering scheme. The News and Observer of North Carolina tells us that Blackwater was paying its men $600 a day but billing Regency $815. In addition, Blackwater billed Regency separately for all its overhead costs in Iraq. Regency would quote ESS a price, say $1,500 per man per day, and then tell Blackwater that it had quoted ESS $1,200. ESS then contracted with Halliburton subsidiary KBR which in turn billed the government an unknown amount for the same security services.

    But there is worse. In March 2004, a new contingent of U.S. Marines went into the Falludja area with the idea of having some kind of an active presence in the city, concentrated on “soft-patrolling” and out to reach hearts and minds by building cooperative relations with the population. On March 31, four logistical contractors got lost and drove through Falludja where their convoy gets ambushed. Several armed men approach the two vehicles and open fire from behind, repeatedly shooting the men at point-blank range. Within moments, their bodies are dragged from the vehicles and a crowd descends upon them, tearing them to pieces. Their corpses are chopped and burned. The remains of two of the men are strung up on a bridge over the Euphrates River left to dangle. The gruesome image is soon beamed across the globe. The incident immediately builds huge pressure on the Marines whose strategy is was shelved before it even had a chance to begin. The incident kicked Blackwater into high gear in Washington, and the day after the ambush, Prince hires the Alexander Strategy Group, a K Street lobbying group, run by former staffers of then majority leader Tom Delay before he went down with the Jack Abramoff scandal. After a series of meetings with powerful republicans overseeing military contracts such as Tom Delay and Porter Gross, and hardly a week to the day after the ambush, Erik Prince sat down with at least four senior members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including its chair. Two months later, Blackwater got one of the government’s valuable security contracts, worth more than $300 million. Unsurprisingly, Blackwater USA gave $2.4 million of donations to republican candidates, in particular to Tom Delay and Rick Santorum, two republican big wigs in charge of selecting the army’s military subcontractors... No wonder Fast Company magazine puts Blackwater USA on its list of the 50 companies offering the best growth perspectives. From 2002 to 2005, it had a cumulated growth of 600%. Wow!


    END
  • allen · 2 years ago
    Actually, the most frightening aspect of this horrible situation regarding Blackwater in Iraq is this: what happens to Blackwater when the war is over? That is if it is ever "over"? Does a corporation just say "oh well, war's over, time to fold up shop, thanks for the oppurtunity". I think not. The only way to continue to feed their profits is more war, endless war. Look who's pushing for war with Iran and then Syria? Neocons, the Israel lobby, Christian Zionists, and the mercenary corporations, all representing a wholly solid Republican base. An incestuous relationship that wants nothing more than to continue the big business of conflict couched in the fetishistic lingo of 'terror talk' delivered to the people as 'news' ala Fox and Clear Channel. This isn't conspiracy theory, this is hard reality. Are we going to allow our country to be in effect a country of war mongers and they're mercenary errand boys? Are you ready to live in a country defined by simple thuggery? Until Blackwater and they're ilk become a dirty word in this country I'm afraid this is just the beginning.
  • JOE · 2 years ago
    ...THEY CONTINUE TO PROTECT DIPLOMATS GOING TO SH!THOLE COUNTRIES. YOU IDIOTS FORGET THAT B.W. ONLY PURPOSE OVER THERE IS SECURITY AND PILOT OPERATIONS. N O T W A R F I G H T I N G
  • ungrateful sheltered liberal · 2 years ago
    You guys are way off base. You sit around criticizing the people (military) that are out paying for the freedoms Americans are granted with their blood. Freedom isn't free and the world isn't perfect, instead of criticizing the administration that has responded to a clear trend of terrorist actions against US and Isreali interest (bombing of marine barracks, assasination of Isreali olympians, bombing American airlines in the 80's, both attacks on the WTC, countless ats of aggression against Isreal) be thankful. You are lucky that other people are willing to make the sacrifice to guarantee your rights to go to a basebal game without someone blowing up the stadium, or for your children to takethe bus to school without it being boarded and them taken hostage, etc. Its called sacrifice of one's personal interests for those of the greater good. If you want to get up in arms, do so over all of the innocent Iraqi's being slaughtered by suicide bombers. Insurgents killing civilians, not soldiers.

    Your freedom is guaranteed and provided for by people that you never have the sense to thank or show gratitude to because you are spoiled with your family's money, selfish, bitter, and often mad at yourselves for simply being afraid to make the real sacrifice.
  • andy · 2 years ago
    there is definitely a new air of american fascism in this country, a good example of which is eric prince and the blackwater corporation. these guys HAVE to answer to government or all will be lost. i really think that what they're doing in iraq should be strictly relegated to our MILITARY. these contractors over charge our government (meaning ALL americans who pay taxes) with everything they're doing over there. just ask any average us troop, chances are they're disgusted by how much more these guys are being paid.. (what our troops and/or intelligence SHOULD be getting paid, if you really want to "support the troops")

    these guys HAVE to be stopped.
  • Rachel · 2 years ago
    The U.S. uses the most fossil fuel in the world. Our dependance on the Middle East's oil is extreme. Here's a conspiracy theory for all of you...
    The U.S. is afraid, and rightfully so, that the Middle East will raise the price of oil, to the point of bringing the U.S. to their knees. Because of this, the U.S. wants the leaders in the Middle East to be U.S. friendly. To do that the U.S. has to ensure that Iraq, etc. put acceptable leaders in charge. Leaders that pretty much do what ever the U.S. wants.
  • Tony Nagy · 2 years ago
    If i had the training(some) and money as does Mr. Prince, I would have created a similar organization as 'Blackwater'... In todays world of rampent and escalating terrorism, we need MORE companys like 'Blackwater'... Its time(over due) for GOOD MEN to stand up and take the fight to the terrorists, worldwide, before it comes to our front door again. I wish I could help in someway, to do my part... and YES!... I would shoot first, im not afraid....... Stand up for something of fall for anything !!!
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Karel Vereycken:

    Bobby likey!

    I have not read all of this, but I find it interesting. I linked to your web, but I cannot read French. Or any other language for that matter.

    I did send some nude photos of myself with only a jack-knife in my teeth so as not to offend you.

    I was sort of hoping you may want to tell me how all of this works in English, while licking my ears with all manner of Le French connections being made.
  • JOE · 2 years ago
    ...ALRIGHT EVERYBODY....SLOW CLAP FOR RACHEL AND ANDY. . . . . . . . . .
  • Stephen · 2 years ago
    Once again, the truth of the matter is obscured by the fanatical nature of the comments from both sides of the political spectrum. Here's my informed opinion;
    1. I did two tours in Baghdad (out on the streets, not safe in the Green Zone). As a Special Operations soldier, I also know several former coworkers who have joined B.W. and Triple Canopy as contractors. As a team leader, I identified the "mercs" (and I've always called them that) as one of the biggest threats to our guys while outside the wire. The risk of fractricide was high because there was no universally acceptable recognition signal, especially since we often operated in vehicles other than armored Hummvees. But even in full uniform and military vehicles, I've had guns pointed in my direction because the mercs lacked the training and discipline to point their muzzles down until they intented to fire. And the western heads of the individual security details hire Iraqis for convoy security. I've had these untrained idiots point machine guns at us with a finger on the trigger. Blackwater had a reputation for taking on cowboys and rejects who would not be welcome at other companies. Their quality control was suspect. I was alarmed that they had their own snipers and attack helicopters running around the city with no oversight from the military command.

    2. That being said, PSDs (Personnel Security Details) tie up an a huge amount of manpower for a very narrow mission. There is no military occupational field for this. It often falls to Green Berets (US Army Special Forces) and Navy SEALs, as it did initially in Iraq. These are the DoD forces most trained to discriminate between targets an urban shootout (we train for it), and to engage the threat with the appropriate level of firepower (to fire as few rounds as possible, and stop shooting when the threat goes away). No conventional troops or civilian contractor is going to be trained to the same level. But even if we had 300,00 troops on the ground, each soldier or Marine is of more value when doing the job he is trained and paid to do (cook, supply clerk, infantry, whatever) than guarding the secretary to the assistant deputy minister of energy.
    And the convoy security detail was criticized for leaving the scene of the shootout. Instead of doing what? waiting for the swarm of enraged Iraqis and insurgents to overwhelm them, kill the VIP and everyone else, and string them up from a bridge like the previous Blackwater detail? I have news for you, no military convoy engaged in a firefight (no matter who started it) is going to stop in the "kill zone", and try to sort out who is who and who got killed. A larger reaction force is summoned to secure the area and determine what happened. And I belive that innocent civilians died. But DO NOT be quick to accept the version being told by the Iraqi Police, and subsequently the inept and corrupt gov. officials. The Police are corrupt beyond belief. Some of them actively help insurgents plant IEDs, conduct ambushes, and conduct ethnic cleansing mass-murder. They lie about civilian casualties constantly to discredit US forces. If 5 civilians are killed (granted, that's 5 too many), they will claim 20-30. A group of masked gunman firing at a US convoy is later said to be a "wedding party". I think it is possible that the BW guards shot first. But, all of the networks are reporting the Iraqi version as if it is absolute fact, and a forgone conclusion instead of investigating first.
    So, are contractors necessary and useful? YES.
    Are there rogues and cowboys among the security details who weren't fit to were the uniform? YES, although most are fine Americans who were outstanding military members. Most are dedicated, disciplined, and sickened by what has happened. I feel for those good men who were lured away from our miserable pay by the hope of a better life for their families that a 6-figure salary would provide.
    And the vast majority of contractors in Iraq provide logistical support, communications support, etc. Even in the US military, the ratio of support troops to combat troops is about 9:1. They do our laundry, serve our meals, fix our radios, etc. I would like to see all of the "mercs" gone, but we couldn't operate without some of the support that other contractors provide. And there are dozens of gun-wielding security companies in Iraq that are hired by the Iraqi government, other nations, and private businesses. We have even less control over them, and there have been many incidents of shots fired between guards and coalition forces. They look like any other armed Iraqi insurgent.
    Anyway, don't buy into the hype on either side! The rise of Blackwater is not a good thing for US foreign policy, the military, and only adds to our utter failure in the fight for "hearts and minds".
    But, if you consider any armed force sent abroad to impose the political will of the US government "Jack-booted, fascist thugs and killers", then I fit that category as well. That is exactly how the Serbian government described us when president Clinton sent us to bomb them and kill if necessary to stop a nasty war in a country that posed even less of a threat to us than Iraq.
    And remember, you can read about what it's like to drive the road between the Baghdad Airport and the Green Zone (the most deadly road on earth), but I promise you that you have no idea what it's like to be in that situation, or how you would react if your car was shot at regularly. I submit that you would be scared shitless, and if you had an automatic weapon, might just empty a clip in any given direction. Because, like many of the contractors, you are not up to the task.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Stephen,

    No need to sugar coat any of this, and I see they still accept smart people in SF. Next Team?? Idiot Pilots??

    Not everybody in SF is up to snuff that way either, and it is easy to get killed by your own buffoons in any unit. Or by those clowns in the next unit.

    Let's not forget the Air Force swine hitting you(SF Teams) in a Kurd area, because of some dumbasses. Could wipe your training out in a micro-second, so now you know how the Iraqis feel. Honestly, if my own people fucked me or my friends up, I would be looking to erase anybody that freaken dumb, and their freaken bosses. Doesn't mean I would, but I have a low tolerance for incompetent support personel and their freaken dormatory politics. I could give a rats rip if I like them or not. Just do it up right, or you should get dragged out back and shot.

    Ammo conservation is critical everywhere. Taught in Vietnam/hardly ever practiced. Throwing reckless ammo does scare the hell out of most>>most enemy combatants. I think when you go home and replenish every night, you can throw some ammo around, so they do. Keeps the riff-raff out. They know what they are doing.

    70% of casualties caused by the U.S. Military are and always will be women and children. About the same number as Vietnam, WWII, and WWI.Or even worse in those glamorous wars.

    Nobody is stopping for them to check their age, and that is fine with me. They have a narrow mission to deliver the egg/principle/otherwise.

    BW contributed nothing significant to the overall women and children body count. Period. This is silly distractive politics that make Washington clowns look like they have something to do. Period. That is both parties by the way, not just the demapublicans. All a show for the idiots.

    It should be obvious that clients do not want to have you engage anybody unless you feel it necessary. Just guessing here. If for no other reason, they don't want to get burned by hot brass. It spoils their tea.

    The only difference between dems and repubes is the people they use my money to buy votes from. All people vote their pocketbooks. Period.

    I would be more afraid of friendly fire if I were there myself. I have seen how many idiots are in the military, and know where they end up when they leave. They have a right to pursue prosperity and happiness.

    I have little problem with Blackwater and their relatively minor incident, although Karol's post from above is more informative as to who is/are the benefactor(s) in these occupations.

    The British guard Brunei and keep the king(sultan) in power, and we guard the king(s) of Saudi Arabia, because we have treaties that state this. This agreement broke open OPEC (early 1980's), and keeps those kings in power, if and only if, they provide oil at less than the treaty threshold price. The Brits hire Nepalese to do it, because they are cheap. Now they don't even pay us to do their dirty work.

    I am little impressed by the occupation, and in WWII only 14% of the troops were infantrymen, with about a seven per ten to die in many battles, and subsequently overall. Estimated time one could mentally withstand combat was ~250 days. Period. Now you stay in this occupation for longer than was possible in real war.

    I went to one of the SF websites and shot the people there straight. Something I know better than to do, but was curious to know if the world as we don't know it was still the same. Don't confuse them with the facts, and don't tell the truth. Just follow the pecking order at the bar(s). I personally think you should all be warrant officers, and answer to few idiot NCO's and few Officers. Nothing has changed. They still ride roughshod over facts and the truth, but lie and brag about each other when it doesn't work-out too well.

    Back in the day they went to the bars with guns, but it gets boring listening to the less than accurate stories, even with the chance for some free entertainment. Mostly they try to get favored or favors.

    Here is the odd thing with it all. The new politically correct, play like a politician from guys that can endure and ignore a bit of killing. Who do you think you are fooling??

    I am not one for hipocracy, since I view the part of the world I have control over as my responsibility. Some of these retirees still think they are part-time recruiters. So full of themselves that they cannot help to be full of shit.

    This is an occupation; hardley a war.

    I prefer people to shoot me straight, so other than that I agree with most or all of what you say.

    No, I have never been there.
    Yes, I would be scared to hell.

    Those are the two reasons I would like to be there, though. Go figure. Sort of seems cowboy to me. Otherwise, I despise answerring to people dumber than I, so that cannot be a good reason to be there. All officers I met were dumber than I was. Different role, but not better on the ground/not more cunning, and not able to act alone.

    Not up to the task??? Your enemies' equipment is the equivalant to fighting boyscouts. Don't brag too much in other words. Be happy you are not fighting a real war, or you would not be up to the task either. Nobody is.

    Training?. I love that training BS. OJT, and snoop and poop avoids conflict. Try it without the aircraft and technology, and see how long you last. Give some credit where credit is due.

    Why would anybody trust anything Iraqi police say?????/ Why would anybody trust what any police say?????? It is odd to me you distinguish the difference and act like only one group of clowns exaggerates.

    Otherwise git r' dun.

    Your stealing oil for the Dutch and British who now run our entire government with insurance law and banking money. Follow the money trail. Soon we will be under some sort of marshal law.

    It obviously has nothing to do with freedom.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Oh, I forgot.

    Come on home! De Oppresso Liber!

    Don't forget.

    I saw a skydive demo near here, and I was proud to see the men/SF/AB guy flying the flag upside down. It took guts.

    Sort of says it all.

    That was three years ago. some are a little slow on the uptake.
  • Stephen · 2 years ago
    Wow, Kunferman, how bitter are you? And what did SF guys ever do you tha you paint all of us as lying, arrogant, unprofessional idiots?
    And funny you should mention Warrant Officers. I am one, after serving up to E-7 as an enlisted man. The reason I joined SF was due to the poor quality of leadership I served under. But that was the 80s and 90s.
    Most of us are realistic enough to know to know that the runup to the war and the management of the aftermatch were tragically flawed. And we talk about it openly. That being said, you can't pick and choose the missions. And unlike the few fair-weather Reservists who refused to deploy, I fully support anyone's decision to leave the service when their time is up if they do not agree with how they are employed.
    Most of us are not on the fringe of the political spectrum, and I will never say that dissent is unpatriotic.
    By the way, that flag thing; no one on that parachute demo team would intentionally direspect the flag just because he disagreed with the government. That guy was embarrassed that he hooked it up wrong. It's the same flag no matter who is in charge, and has nothing to do with current policy.

    Unfortunately, your last post devolved into a paranoid rant from how we couldn't win man-to-man on the ground without our technology, to some sort of global conspiracy involving the Dutch, who "run our government"? Wow!

    But, I appreciate your service. Sorry it didn't seem to work out for you. Although we disgree, I appreciate your support for the guys and girls still in service.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Stephen,

    Just yanking your chain, boss.

    I do realize though, that anybody and everybody involved knew that this occupation would meet resistance, especially SF-ers, since they perform behind enemy line resistance.

    No occupation in histroy has ever had no resistance movement. Especially, when the religion and culture is skewwed.

    The rest is just some stats I got from PBS, and many women and children dead is a good reason not to start a war that becomes an occupation that obviously meets resistance. Either no accountability for BW, or accountability for Powell, Rice, Rumsfeld, and Shrub.

    That being said, "They did nothing against me, but maybe helped me." I literally forgot how arrogant and full of shit a lot of these guys were, and maybe still are.

    Otherwise, they should treat there dogs better, cuz it is expensive to have them nuderred.

    Godspeed. I am glad you got the WO deserved your insight and necessary reflection.I wish I could Gulf 2.

    I am not sure about the flag. He may have been looking at it from his perspective. It did make me wonder, since I realize how easy it is to not get "all ok" at these demos.

    Upside down is a sign for a country in distress or over-run by another, not really against the signalling device.

    No true offense intended.

    Actually, They stole my asparagus recipe. Those freaken Sons-a-Bitches.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    I can usually tell where the thin red line is.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Terry,
    I'll let you know when I decide to relinquish my first amendment rights. It won't be because I am afraid to be jailed for it, or hung for it, so tell it to your coward friends at Walmart, not me.
    Just keep worrying about keeping the floors clean in the hanger.

    I've got your bits hangin'. Cum get-em. My lawn needs fertilizer anyway.

    I don't even trust God, so I have no real thing of value for them to take.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    OK Unkel Sam:
    I asume a female that wants to have every male she disagrees with thrown in jail by some other males dressed in blue. K, Kel?

    Since BW doesn't benefit her pocketbook, then she no likey.

    I am quite certain that the clowns she voted for(all of them) voted o allow Shrub to start this war for profit.

    She will vote for them again, because she thinks they benefit her pocketbook. Stupid is as stupid does.

    Take the time to read some of the previous posts, so you are at least aware of the foriegn influence that would love to destroy BW. I have smelled this rat for some time now, and it could not be more obvious by the slanted/skewed discourse toward BW.

    I was never for the war, never for giving Shrub monkey the right to wage war, knew Powell was lying, and I early on realized that we are barely an autonomous nation.

    I also don't fear terrorists in the least bit, nor do I need anybody to protect me from them.

    You do. And the clowns in blue cannot protect you by jailing the men you see that remind you of the men who conned you out of something you would have willingly given up for free. And probably did. Your guilt is not their fault.

    Either way, read Karel's post above, then come back. This involves a whole lot of bigger players than BW. Not BW's fault, nor is it the fault of their men. Just doing a job that gets jiggy once and awhile.

    Scahill should try some level factual discourse once and awhile, so we don't have to wonder why his say nothing book made the best seller's list.

    Your trusting the wrong people, Kel.

    If you are a man, lift up your skirt and prance away. You must appear better going than cumming. The English channel is on cable, so find it and suck on that pacifier until you starve more than just your brain. Freaken wadabee.
  • wade chappelear · 2 years ago
    yes
  • Lothar Sawall · 2 years ago
    Prince and Blackwater are war gangster and Bush is the same and worster than Adolf Hitler and they should be on te same trial as the former nazi gangsters as the Nürnberg crime court 1945
    "DEATH BY HANGING"
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Zort is too lazy to read. He likes TV lots, though. Bring something to the party at least, dullard.
  • Kelly S. · 2 years ago
    The current situation with Blackwater and other Private Military Firms (PMFs) in Iraq and Afghanistan is unfortunate, but it is war. It's urban and guerrilla war and given that the nation won't call up more troops because God forbid there be a conscription movement, or call up more reservists, and because of problems appropriating funds between DHS and securing our own borders, PMFs have become a necessary reality overseas. I don't necessarily want them always to be used in combat positions, but support positions make sense (cooking, vehicle maintenance, supplies movements and other logistics). However, they will be used in a military capacity for the known future, in part because it's profit and in part because the military is stretched thin and the military-industrial complex has made PMFs an integral part of the system. The situation isn't so easy to separate out- it's one of the things I'd work on for my doctoral thesis. I'm just saying, okay? I'm not a warhawk or a pacifist, I'm a concerned citizen.
  • hoover · 2 years ago
    Simple... two sides to the coin here. Blackwater helped many in need. So, you pay Blackwater hired men to protect you, that money goes to their paycheck and the corporation. The corporation, owned by Erik Prince, also funds the Republican party. The Republican party is prolonging this war. Hmmm. No one is happy. Many will be angry with this post, but it's no win win. If the army was so underprepared, then maybe we need to fix how we train. Why is it that it takes "private" corps to train ppl right? Was our army that unprepared? I think we just jumped into this war too quickly, jumped to the wrong place and they exausted our resources. Wow, we will stop at nothing to fund a trillion dollar war, but yet we still have sick people in our own country who can't afford healthcare. This country will turn into Mexico within the next few decades: The middle class will be exhausted with them paying most of the taxes, and we will only have the super rich or the super poor. How sad... I say we bust open the borders now and end the suspense.
    As Bill Maher put it, the terrorists weren't attacking us to really destroy the country through bombs and explosions... they wanted us to take ourselves apart...economically. And it is coming true.
  • DAN OATS · 2 years ago
    IF YOU HAVE EVER HEARD OF THE BILDERBURGER GROUP AND ITS FUNCTION MAYBE YOU KNOW IF BLACKWATER SUPPLIES THE SECURITY FOR THEIR PEOPLE AND THEIR MEETINGS?AND DOES ANYONE THINK THAT THIS BLACKWATER GROUP MAY HAVE MORE MANPOWER THAN OUR OWN MILITARY??
  • dan oats · 2 years ago
    All these post are plain crap.
  • JC · 2 years ago
    So disturbing. All of this. Bias or not, this kind of needs to come out. Why doesn't the public know more about this?
  • Haley · 2 years ago
    This article sounded very logical and put-together until the VERY END, when the author of this article restorted to petty name-calling. "War whore," indeed.

    These soldiers are doing the same thing U.S. soldiers are doing-they're just getting better pay for it. As capitalists, I don't know why you would mind that.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Dan Oats; I think what you are saying is that there is opportunity in confusion and changing markets. No need to try to guess why are country has always shit on the dumb peasants and squanders their efforts. this is systemic thieving by a corrupt government full of traitors. leave it at that. AND seriously>There is opportunity in it being messed up. Opportunity for those in power. Other countries quit doing this kind of behavior decades ago, since currency instability only benefits insider speculators.

    Halo, Angels are thinner an less visible than devils, so they get into the core of disception before the lazy overFED dogs can smell the rats.

    Reply to all others: I wipe from front to back in full rebellion to what Unkle Swine's media experts that try to force me to wipe side to side. I suggest you quit playing along with them and do the same instead. Ignor the press, and spit on them whenever you see them. Language is the toll to make you weak, and them strong. The Democrats and their "Apple Dumpling Gang" liars and cheaats are proof of that.
  • Robert Kunferman · 2 years ago
    Reply to Hoover:
    I live in Wisconsin and the amount of government waste is enormous, while we have insurance rules that make some healthcare unobtainable. This may be acceptable in a low tax state, so we would know to provide for ourselves, but we are a high tax state where both parties buy votes with my money.

    wisconsin has a pre-existing condition law that protects medical insurers by making it law that they don't have to pay for chronic illnesses if you change jobs to a different one. something most of us, except lazy government nonworkers, have to do in our lifetime. If you were treated for cancer, and lost your job, then the next job will still provide health insurance for you, but it will never cover the cancer.

    Try this Wisconsin Democratic party law. You get in a car accident and the other guy is at fault 100%, (fault state). When you arrive at the hospital or the doctor even days later, then you have to pay for all of this out of your pocket, and you are only allowed three years of recoverable damages, and you have to wait until you are certified as maximum recovery before you even can have the one and only chance to get compensation from the insurance. Another great favor from the Democrats to the health insurance industry that financed their campaign.

    I can go on and on here, but wht the point is here is that with or without a war these skumbags here have no intention of even giving us peasants that are dumb enough to live and WORK here(not including government weasals as work-ers)any rights to fair medical insurance. This is to say, that even us with insurance are treated unfairly and like shit. Few citizens even know these laws exist, because they are too lazy to read, and think the local news skumbags are going to inform them about this type of thing before it is too late. they are thieves, and with or without this war have been thieves here anyway, for a very long time. I have numerous accounts of this slanted/skewed thieving.

    Now, let's take a look at universal healthcare, the biggest lie being touted by our worthless government yet. It is immpossible to have universal health care in this country. People working for $6.50 per hour cannot possibly earn enough money to pay for immigrants and other citizens health care. That is in essence who has to pay. Each person has to pay the other citizen's health care. And in this backwards country, even the non-citizens healthcare. When one dislocated shoulder is billed at $10,000 just to pop it back in place, and the ambulance ride, etc. how is the service sector(65% of our economy) $6.50 cent/hour employee goint to be able to pay for his neighbors dislocated shoulder.

    The East Coast states are dying for this, because they are going to make every U.S. citizen have to pay the medical insurances premiums(just like mandatory car liability), but when you get hurt your co-pays will cost more that you can afford, so you will be taking out a loan. Yup.

    England has already intentionally screwed their citizens with a similar policy, stolen everything they owned, intentionallly failed in providing adequate medical coverage, and clowns like 20/20's John Stossel could lie to us and tell us it failed because it was too generous or because British peasants use too much medical care.

    Europeans have a very good socialized medical system, it pays everything, it is better healthcare by far than we get, and they also get 5 weeks paid vacation and guarenteed retirement payments. Stossel failed to mention how well there systems work, but they do limit what doctors can charge. the only way Universal medical care can work here is to severely limit doctro fees, and get insurance ourt of the game and seize their assets for all of the premiums they have collected from guys like me for 25 years, that they now don't want to or under Hillary will have to honor toward my healthcare.

    Now that the baby boomers will need medical care, the government(especially the east coasters) have accepted the bribes to let the British underwritten health insurance off the hook after collecting premiums all of these years.

    I am not sure why you people buy into the excuses our foriegn bribe taking politicians keep giving you. I hope you at least realize that all insurance in the U.S. is underwrittten and controllled by the British. Mostly through Massachusetts and New York, and both states have so many illegal immigrants that they have no idea who is voting. Period.

    With or without this waste of money excuse they have for this huge failure, these skumbags have absolutely no intention of giving you healthcare.

    My god would allow me to take action so as to get into federal prison where by law they have to treat your terminal desese. My advice would be for you to get right with your god, so they have to treat you on the way out. You deserve it, since you have paid for it over and over again.

    One more time for those of you that think you can spend promises these clowns don't even have to make to get elected(since they don't even count your votes): No matter what the excuse, they will never be able to use your money they have already spent on themselves and given to foriegn investors on your healthcare. The government doesn't have any money. Only you can pay for each other. AND at $6.50 per hour, you can't even pay for a $350.00 physical exam, and the insurance they make you have to purchase will cover nothing in full.

    One last note for you non-believers out there. We already could see physicians outside of the U.S. for less than what my co-pay is for the same services using good insurance. Most of your insurance, other than government weasal's insurance is worse than I am describing. I would not have to lie to them to avoid from getting fleeced by the insurance company records, especially in a no pre-existing injury clause state like Wisconsin, where you don't dare report it. The medical care outside the U.S. is nearly always better, and if for no other reason that you can have a full conversation with a neutral physician, and tell them the truth about all other matters. Anytime you have to lie to a physician to avoid being fucked by British insurance and the State skumbags that carry water for the insurance, you will likely get better care. Don't wait for the TV and their insurance company advertisers to tell you this, cuz it will never happen. massachusetts already employs a similar policy to this, and you cannot have access to medical without buying insurance. I bet if you stick a gun in the correct persons face before you go to the hospital, you can dictate your care. Follow the money trail, and in no way can this country and its corrupt government provide you care. The only universal healthcare provided by our politicians will be this kind: Get a gun and make them have to use their care first. Just kidding, but you people are old enough to know better by now I hope, and many have already paid premiums to companies that will never have to provide you health care. Get ready to mortgage your house again to pay for your medical care; universally.

    The government in either party will never ever in a million years cut the budget no matter how useless and digressive the government proves to be. Never. They need them to have examples of financially success by selling out yout fellow countrymen. That is old school colonialism at its' best right here in the British colony called the US of A.
    Godspeed
  • Robert Kunferman · 1 year ago
    Now my state made another whopping good deal for the government, not the people. they now have a healthcare agreement with the big insurers so that people have to buy their lousey product, and the idiot weasals living off the backs of others will get to be in the middle of all of that money.
  • DocB · 1 year ago
    Look, the above rants and raves of "Matt" above are not even close to the truth. I know Erik well and he is a caring family man who deeply loves his country. He is providing a service to this country and freeing up our military for other jobs. If Blackwater employees were not assisting in the GWOT cn you imagine how many more troops would be needed to continue the fight. Lets make no mistakes here, we will be involved in this fight for some time. Right, wrong, good or bad, we're in it for the long haul and to win it. Lets all remember back to 9/11 and how we all felt as we watched din horror at the collapse of the Twin Towers, the attack on the Penatgon, and the crash in Pa. Remember hard. How did you feel?

    Blackwater is only providing a service (and not just in a military type roll, go to their website and look it up...) that is helping our country. So what if they make $$ along the way? Isn't that the American Dream? I can tell you he Erik Prince is a man of excellent moral fiber and wants nothing more to serve his country to the best of his ability.
  • bpo · 1 year ago
    good here.
  • Bionic · 1 year ago
    Blackwater is awesome. Served over seas and worked hand in hand with these guys. They are totally legit. They work and act completely professional. Love the company and want to work for them. Do your own research, don't just take some morans artical as gospel.
  • Robert Kunferman · 12 months ago
    Looks like you all need to do some reading over at prisonplanet.com. "Fabled Enemies" and "Endgame" may help you figure out why they keep us peasants poor and sick. We will need them even more when our govt. starts to make us sick and blames that on terorists as well. There is big money in it for our government and the slugs that need their contracts, so they will again attack their own citizens, and force vaccines and medicines on you that will make you sick. That, or you will be imprisoned or not fed. My advice is to emmigrate, and don't look back at the falling buildings that our government brought down. Especially tower # 7 that was never struck by any airplane,. and obviously blew-up from the ground up, not the top down. As did at least one of the other towers of the two towers that the media talks about.