Blackwater Still Getting Contracts From State Dept

The Nation:

Just days before two former Blackwater employees alleged in sworn statements filed in federal court that the company's owner, Erik Prince, "views himself as a Christian crusader tasked with eliminating Muslims and the Islamic faith from the globe," the Obama administration extended a contract with Blackwater for more than $20 million for "security services" in Iraq, according to federal contract data obtained by The Nation. The State Department contract is scheduled to run through September 3. In May, the State Department announced it was not renewing Blackwater's Iraq contract, and the Iraqi government has refused to issue the company an operating license.

Read the whole story: The Nation

Comments

[georgety]

Every other country, especially China and most of Europe have goverment incentives to protect it's industries. No matter what you call it it's a form of protectionism and its inevitable. We should stop being naive and take care of our own house. The only ones who win if we don't are the

hat tip to http://www.iamned.com t

[land2341]

Did no one at HuffPo connect their own two articles? Look above at the stories below the article about the gov't ENDING blackwater's contracts.­...

This quote in text:

"State Department Cancels Iraq Contract With Blackwater
The State Department will not renew Blackwater Worldwide's contract for securities services in Iraq, according to media reports today, ending one of the most controversial government deals in recent memory."

So which is "truthiest"?

[Paula Ann]

Not renewing contracts with Blackwater since BW has changed it's name to Xe; Xe is getting the contracts. Same $h!t, Different Day.

[land2341]

I agree Blackwater is full of war criminals and they should not be getting more contracts. BUT, having said that: who exactly do you think should/could/would take their place? Esp in the short term. What group is available to take on these tasks?

This organization is a danger to our nation and Prince should be prosecuted. But, who else is ready right now to take over their jobs? I think the Defense Dept is stuck in the short term while they try to create order out of corruption without creating chaos.

[Paula Ann]

If the Gov took the millions (billions?) spent on these Private Security Co.'s and reinvested in the Marines or Secrect Service, they could do it with extra benefit of being accountable to Codes of Conduct.

[loki]

and the surprise here is ??

[Tulka2]

Eric Prince is a cartoon villain. He would be laughable if his orcs were not armed to the teeth.

What will we do with all the men we have sent off to war who find they love war? They love blood. They love conflict and they can no longer abide in peace. We have created a generation of monsters. Eric Prince has a place for them.

[americaforme]

Too Big To Fail?? Or ideologys too Good to Fail??? Morally corrupt why is our Country doing business with them? Dont we care anymore to change this horrendous behavior? Money is put ahead of blatant, murderous, terrorist, agressive, primate actions.

[gakabani]

The contractual facts between the state department and blackwater give us a precedent, a very dangerous precedent, when other governments can claim the same to have so called protection being used to murder other people in foreign countries. If 9/11 is a case of terrorism for us, it may be used by others as a pretext under the same premise blackwater stands.

This is very dangerous when such organization become part of our own military infrastructure. They can in the future overthrow our own government.

[Tulka2]

I agree completely. You can not be too alarmist as long as Eric Prince walks a free man.

[Cogs]

Stay tuned. The feds are not finshed with Blackwater. A grand jury will likely be charged with hearing the evidence against this outlaw army.

[windup]

Change we can count on.

[bighat]

What has changed since Obama has taken over. He follows all of Bush's policies. But he gives a better speech. Is that what we voted for?

[Tulka2]

Truly, my friend. Don't be foolish please. Much has changed. Read the newspaper every morning. Obama is one man. Come on.

[bighat]

Does Obama have an original idea or does he follow every one of Bush's policies

[Bcasey11]

Delta force is BLackwater

[bighat]

Except the pay

[Meah]

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS!!!

[tahoegal]

How many more of our soliders will be electrocuted while taking a shower due to Blackwater faulty wiring? How many more murders will take place because Blackwater doesn't answer to the same laws as our soldiers? How much longer will this Bush-Cheney legacy of Blackwater be on our payroll? From the getgo, our soldiers have been paid a pittance compared to Blackwater troops - which is very demoralizing to our guys/gals. One of the best moves Obama could make right now is to get Blackwater the heck off of our payroll and out of the countries where our troops are stationed. They have given the U.S. a huge black eye and it just cannot continue. They are criminal.

[bighat]

Yet Hillary and Obama continue to hire them. Hmmmm!!!!

[Layman23]

Blackwater should be thrown out along with the bush administration officials who turned the military into a clown and funneled millions of dollars to these right wing christian shady companies.

[jasper321]

This is the scariest president started during the Bush years, and why is Obama allowing it to continue. Effectively a president can now 'hire his own army' to do what?? The answer is whatever he wants them to do. Is this America! I can't believe we are allowing this to go on, it's treasonous.