Blackwater's ugly Americans

Paul, Miami, Florida — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:54:59 GMT

This is what happens when we have arrogant President Bush, demonstarting his inability to understand that human beings exist beyond the borders of Texas too. If he is the benchmark for US Troops and Contractors then this incident is just a minor decision made in Oval office. The value of 17 Iraqi civilians is far less important than one hour earning of his Republican buddy that owns Blackwater. What a disgrace? Who is the worst Terrorist, Binladen who is responsible for not more than 5000 lives or Bush who is responsible for over 100,000 lives.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

John Ditter — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:09:37 GMT

Blackwater: Coming soon to a US city near you!! Happy Friday!!!! :) :) :)

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Laurence L. Phoenix, Arizona — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:18:06 GMT

We need a professional army only, not mercenaries. We need a draft to prevent military privatization by Bush and we need responsibilty in government to prevent another Iraq!

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Laurel, Leonardtown, Maryland, USA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:22:08 GMT

We must hold our military and our contractors to the same standard we would if they were working here in the United States. We cannot continue to excuse the inexcusable, simply because we are at war. Mistakes are sometimes made, yes, but they should not occur out of recklessness, or disregard for others. Maybe some of these offenders need to be rotated back to the States. Maybe they have been in country too long, and have lost perspective. I'm sure lots of people will disagree with me, and vehemently so. Your blog is always a lightning rod for extremely negative comments, both pro and con. I would beg everyone to remember that our actions define us, and so we should care about the behaviors of those we send to do our bidding. As the saying goes, "What you give out will surely come back to you."

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kurt, durham, nc — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:28:44 GMT

disgusting. winning the hearts and minds and its finest. Since when was it okay to use mercenaries anyways?

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Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:30:59 GMT

Blackwater-Creating the finest Iraqi insurgents using only the finest American made munitions.

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Betsey — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:36:03 GMT

Thank you, Richard. My husband is Lt Col with 22 years in the USAF. He's been in many war zones, including Iraq. He's in Afghanistan at this time and long before this incident, he said these guys don't believe the rules apply to them...

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Ali Osman, Tucson, AZ — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:36:36 GMT

Killers should be punished. Simple as that. End of story.

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Howard S. Blum, Encino, California — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:36:49 GMT

Donald Rumsfeld once asked (in a moment of candor) whether we were creating more insurgents in Iraq than we were killing. Put yourself in Abu Razak's shoes and try to decide how you would feel about Americans, their contractors and the war.

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Ozzi, Warsaw Virginia — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:38:08 GMT

I agree with Lawrence L of Arizona.

We need a draft. Privatization is only bringing in the gunslingers and outlaws looking for a big paycheck and a lot of action. These corporations don't represent US interests only their own.

Yet, the American government and its military get stuck with the blame.

In regards to the photos, it looks like someone has played Halo too many times.

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LaLaMeeka Chadwalli, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:39:00 GMT

If those folks in Iraq would stop shooting at Americans, perhaps they would not shoot back!

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Charles R. Barbour, Richmond, VA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:41:00 GMT

Some years ago I was watching Mike Tyson fight Tyrell Bigs, and Mike showed his real character in the way that he proseduted that fight. ain short, he cheated when there was no reason. He head butted the guy and thumbed him in the eye, because he was a mean spirited bully who was trying to when a fight as much as he was trying to harm another human being. I turned and told my wife, if this guy was in the ring where he's authorized to hurt people, he'd be in prison.
The question is, where would most of these so-called security operators be if they weren't in Iraq?

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Ken, Midwest City, Okla — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:43:03 GMT

Paul - why don't you put your money where your mouth is - you too, Laurence. Go enlist, pick up a rifle, and join our troops on the front lines if you can do better. I did - for twenty years, in the USN. Or better yet, run for president.
Opinions are like noses - everyone's got one.

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Fred Young Alameda Ca. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:46:42 GMT

Contract workers is a term used to deceive alot of people including me. I thought these are the workders that will do construction work after we obliterated Iraq.But when I heard that the PENTAGON, (the nest place for has been generals)cannot declare war without the consent of the contract workers I was flabbergasted Who are these people, that will not unswer to anyone, free to do what ever they want. Contract worker is now called Blackwater. If you are not responsible to anyone what do you expect.

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Gary, Houston, TX — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:53:26 GMT

What's even more alarming is that many Blackwater employees (rented soldiers) get paid 10 times as much as US military... doing the same job. But then again who really care how many hundreds of billions of US tax dollars are wasted on the ongoing disaster in Iraq, as long as US Corps like Blackwater, Halliburton, Bechtel, etc... are getting incredibly wealthy in the tragic process???

And since Blackwater does not have to answer to the military code of justice or the laws of Iraq or the US, they can and do act like cowboys, which in turn creates even more hatred and security problems for the brave, misused and underpaid US soldiers.

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buford — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:54:07 GMT

let this be a lesson to america, its nice to have an idiot who you feel equal to as your leader; but the concequences are enormous; let us be more careful in the future.

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Jim Mckenzie — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:57:37 GMT

I have a ten year old son.......George Bush has cost this country, Iraq, far more grief and sorrow than Saddam ever did...... He should be shot. Not like the innocent ten year was......Jim, Pickens S.C.

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John Koehler, Kansas City, MO — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:59:01 GMT

Vice-President and Tough Guy, Dick Cheney (old five deferment Dick) probably gets a big kick out of the abuse by these "Thugs", but most Americans find it sick and shameful. As a Vietnam Vet I can only say, the sooner we're out the better we'll all be. I feel so sorry for our troops under this kinder and gentle conservative White House.

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Sterling Ives, Chico,Ca — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:59:06 GMT

Since the beginning of this war, bush has had 'contractors' (mercenaries to real folks) in Iraq to do the BRUTAL business of intel.. The reason for this is simple....as contractors, their actions cannot be translated into COURT actions against bush and the rest of those blood-thirsty b*strds in his administration.

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Bill in Chicago — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:01:39 GMT

What makes this all the more tragic, and nauseating, is that the Iraqi people have never lifted a finger against the U.S. Yes, Saddam Hussein was a belligerent jackass. But the Iraqi people had nothing to do with that, nor with Al Qaeda, nor with 9/11.

Vice Pres. Cheney thought we would be welcomed with open arms and greeted as liberators. I suspect he knew full well we were invading the wrong stinkin' country:

www.asecondlookatthesaudis.com

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Gary, mid-Missouri — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:05:22 GMT

Were any of you there? In the United States that I live in, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Blaming the President for the actions of any contractor is assinine. Did you blame Clinton for the actions of any person in Kosovo? Until you have been in the shoes of a combat soldier, or in a combat situation, don't judge, volunteer!

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Free — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:05:44 GMT

Many of the Blackwater employees are retired Seals, Rangers, and Green Berets and they've been doing a tough job for years now. Now all of a sudden calling them "ugly americans" without any first hand knowledge of the incident is irresponsible.

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Jason, Stamford, CT — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:08:11 GMT

While I don't necessarily agree with Blackwater's tatics, the fact is simple that we are at war with an enemy that wears no uniform, uses women and children as human shields/bombs and is playing by their own rules. they do not follow the Geneva Convention/etc.

I do agree, however, that it's time to stop pussy-footing around with these terrorists just because we are supposed to play by rules nobody else is following. it's unfair that innocent civilians get hurt or killed, but it's also unfair that we are the only ones playing by the rules. you think the terrorists give even a microsecond thought of their collateral damage with their IEDs? they kill/mame/behead innocent civilians EVERYDAY! you think the terrorists would play by the rules if they invaded our country? Dont think so.

But there is an easy solution, for us to vacate Iraq and let THEIR people determine what happens in their country. Let THEM stand up for once! We come home, Blackwater doesn't have a nice kickback contract and our respectable men & women in US Armed Forces uniforms can come home to their families. Problem solved.

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gary, mid-Missouri — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:10:20 GMT

Kinda funny, only comments negative to the President or the war are posted....you even allowed someone to post a comment comparing President Bush to Osama Bin Laden.....I guess MSNBC Worldblog could be compared to Herr Goebbels propaganda organs 65 years ago!

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George Freeman — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:22:34 GMT

How much trickle down to the war will the $50 billion be after Bush and Cheney's special interests take their cut? As far as Black Water paid mercenaries and all the other contractors that seem to outnumber the military.

After having did a tour of duty in Vietnam as a Dog soldier and grunt in the Airborne recon. I can't believe all the ammenities bestowed at what price it cost us tax payers. I was getting less than a $1000 a month, slept on the ground and ate C-rations most of my tour. My poncho was my bed? What ever happened to
KP duty? The lowest paid contractor gets over $100 g's and lives in luxury compared to military personel.

We got our booty kicked in the Nam and we will never beat the indigenious people in their own back yard. These people are fighting back unlike the Native Americans who tried to accomadate the Americans.

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Rusty C — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:22:57 GMT

Remember the kid in school that was always talking about guns or violence, or knowing karate even if he really didn't? Maybe he wasn't the biggest or toughest but seemed inoridinately obsessed with weapons, killing, violence, etc. Most grew out of it, but I can remember a few, including one in particular, who stayed like that into college. They'd subscribe to Soldier of Fortune and other magazines like that.

Those are many of the kinds of people drawn to a firm like Blackwater. In a perfect world Blackwater would be more selective and responsible and try to filter them out in the hiring process. But now that everybody knows we were definitely NOT welcomed as liberators in Iraq, the distinct possibility of being killed has no doubt impaired Blackwater's ability to recruit selectively. So it's no surprise if the would-be Rambos are the ones most likely to stay on.

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Barry,LA,CA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:23:55 GMT

have any of you clowns ever been in a firefight? no you have not. no you have never felt the sheer terror of some one trying to kill you. you would probable freeze up and crap your pants. you should not comment on things you have no experience.

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Sherrie , Mukilteo, WA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:26:12 GMT

Everyone please read "Blackwater USA" by Jeremy Scahill, then pass it on to friends. Something else to know is that Blackwater also hires non-US citizens, such as Pinochet-type thugs from South America. Please don't belittle the scope of this disaster by calling these mercenaries "macho." Please. It's not manly to murder people.

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Pam Blum, San Diego CA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:28:45 GMT

No Laurel. I agree with you. How can we hope to gain any trust value in other countries let alone Iraq if we allow such behavior by ANYONE with the last name United States either by birth or on contract. This private military has to be controlled. Blackwater is trying to open a new training center here in California. It's neighbors are vehemently fighting against it. Way too many secrets and unanswered questions. They are not the US Military, and should not have the same right of privilege for security reasons which the military enjoys. All private security companies seeking access to work in foreign lands should be subjet to their contract being pulled and management finding themselves in court for situations like this one. If the story being told by Mr. Razak is true, it's murder, pure and simple. Not war, murder. The punishment needs to fit the crime.

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Henry Seegers — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:31:26 GMT

I think we should WAIT UNTIL ALL THE FACTS ARE IN.

If Blackwater errored..its a war, maybe your viewers should watch WAR on ch 13 tonight...then maybe you may start to realize what our fathers, brothers, uncles, mothers, sisters and children went through in the WAR.

I truly would like to know how many of your viewers where in combat?

Henry Seegers
VET
Port Washington, NY

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Marge, NJ — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:31:40 GMT

My God, How long is it, if ever, going to take us to get back to what we believe ourselves to be as a country? Where is this Christian Right that gave us this administration? We have outsourced our ability to distinguish basic human right from wrong, good from evil.

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Marge, NJ — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:32:26 GMT

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Nony Prudent — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:36:47 GMT

He who controls the mercenaries controls it all!!. A formidable "army" motivated by money and fueled by private interests is a recipe for disater. I cringe at the thought of the tremendous power held by it's puppet master.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:36:58 GMT

Dear Richard, This just seems to be getting worse and worse. How can that security guard keep shooting after his colleague ordered him to stop. These men have got to pay the price of what they are doing. It is horrible what happened to this man's son. It is just in inexcusable behavior. I agree that I hope there are not too many negative comments, but it puts a bad name on all security companies. There are good guards in these companies, yet a few will ruin it for all. Keep us posted on the investigation Richard. Thank you for your fine reporting. Please always keep yourself safe!!

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Rick Praml, Winchester, VA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:38:24 GMT

Some of the above comments show an arrogance that exceeds what they think about the President. It is so easy to criticize the military while you guys sit home nice and safe. The use of mercenaries was made because people like those above don't really care what happens anywhere else as long it does not affect them or their communities. I agree that we need to apply standards to both the military and contractors, but if you spend some time studying how dangerous it is, you would understand why people are so gun shy. Yes we made a great many mistakes, but the greatest one was that we really thought that the Iraqis would be willing to help us help them.

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Sami — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:39:47 GMT

disgusting, from Americans tying to teach us "Human rights" only you have children ! don't you ?

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C. Andrews, Dallas, TX — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:41:18 GMT

I can tell you from experience that if it makes the US look bad, Iraqis of most tribes (wait for it) LIE! Yep, I've had plenty tell me that their houses were destroyed by "US helicopters" when I know it was an insurgent car bomb. Why? Because our government reimburses Iraqis for damages done by us. Yep, Pres. Bush (same guy who spent more for Malaria prevention in Africa than anyone in history, I guess he does like black people) helps Iraqis. Hmm, Al Qaeda in Iraq doesn't do that. So, I'm not surprised that they would blame the US looking for money. Besides, more Iraqis die at the hands of other Iraqis in an hour than Blackwater has killed in the whole war. What a crock. People who haven't actually BEEN to Iraq need to not act like experts because they read a NY Times article. I don't claim to be a doctor after watching Grey's Anatomy.

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Eric Wessman, Taos, NM — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:44:50 GMT

The question of why Blackwater actually exists needs to to be asked by everyone. Based on the information that exists, it seems they can be identified as a group whose actual mission is to create right wing para-military force that may be used by the fanatical Christian movement in the U.S., through threat or actual use of force to change our government from a constitutional democracy to that of a theocracy. Iraq is merely a training ground for Blackwater, they may very well show up here, in force. Doubtful?? then research their background and political connections, Ralph Reed, Karl Rove, Cofer Black and Kennith Star for starters. Note affiliations with the organization of the Knights of Malta, congressional and administration backers and funding sources. Investigate, read, cross-check and speak out.

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D Fiore, San Diego, CA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:50:37 GMT

I think you should all get facts from the people who are there not elitist college grads who write blogs about experiences they themselves have never had. As for Blackwater, those guys used to be part of the "real" army, until they realized you, the American Citizen care more about what some fat director has to say and how much a baseball player makes then ensuring that the vets receive healthcare and decent wages for hard days work.

Bottom line is if that place falls becuase there is no government infrastructure and the people who live there are to scared (and don't know how) to rebuild on their own, then the terrorists will take it back and we'll end up right back where we were on 9/11 saying "how?' and "why?"

When that happens you liberal arm chair quarterbacks have no one to blame but yourselves....so zip it until you have more of an information base than what you hear or read in the obviously biased media.

God Bless America. God Bles our boys and God Bless Blackwater.

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Ken, O Fallon, MO — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:54:53 GMT

The mindset of our country and our President is "Kill them all and let God sort them out." That is shameful! I am ashamed of us. This type of cowboy attitude is what made the world hate us. This President has told the world that we value the lives of others much less than we value money and oil. American have told the world that we are ok with our corrupt gov't as long as they are willing to lower taxes on a few of us. Shameful!!!

I believe it was Thomas Jefferson who said (I paraphrase)"Those who give up their freedom for a little security get neither and deserve neither. God Help Us!!!

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Nasr Abrahan — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:55:47 GMT

Hi,
Richard Engel, you should know better than taking the words of Iraqi witensses. They come out of no-where When anything bad happens and We "Americans" are involved; You will get a 1000 witness. But when an Iraqi does anything bad, NO ONE saw anything. This is the only way to deal with Iraqis. I am on BLACKWATER side!

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John Pollard — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:57:47 GMT

Greetings,

To my knowledge the administration insured that private security contractors could not be tried in Iraq or in the US for violations of any laws. They are a law to themselves. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely - as shown by these examples. It is a sad situation and paints a horrible picture of "the ugly american"

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Julie, Oregon — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:00:07 GMT

I think it's appalling that we have turned these "private contractors" loose on the Iraqi population with no controls and no legal recourse for misconduct. Did no one in the administration think of this? Oh, I forgot - they were too busy staging press conferences about all those weapons of mass destruction...

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Colin Cooper, Orange, CA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:02:02 GMT

I think a couple of things need to be said in the defense of Blackhawk.
No person they have been hired to protect in Iraq
has ever been killed.

Saying that "civilians" were killed is misleading
and meaningless because all the terrorists are
civilians.

The presence of a professional organization such
as Blackhawk must be an acute embarrassment to the
Iraqis because it makes the corruption and
incompetence of their own security forces all the
more apparent.

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Mark Lavalier, Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:11:11 GMT

Blackwater is doing what our politicians don't have the guts to do over there. All I am hearing is the we have to pull our troops and I hate Bush crowd.

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John Coe,Seattle,Wash — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:12:47 GMT

<MSNBC a liberal Democratic mouthpiece

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Fred Immediato Denver, CO — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:13:12 GMT

The Blackwater USA reputation has been well known and well documented for several years. Why only now are we beginning to question the value of mercenaries and investigate the the brutality that marks their combat, security and off-duty fun actions? And considering how military inquiries are conducted by our forces, the Iraqis are smart to suspect a cover up in progress.

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Julie, Oregon — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:13:16 GMT

To Colin Cooper - it's BLACKWATER, not BLACKHAWK (that's a helicopter.) Do you really mean to say that you consider all civilians terrorists? Just because you consider all terrorists civilians does not justify killing all civilians (including 10-year-old children riding with their parent) because they might be terrorists.

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Jason — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:16:43 GMT

Wow, talk about a bunch of angry, leftist, anti-military fringe kooks coming out of the woodwork on a Friday! BTW - Jim McKenzie sent an email saying that the president should be shot...I think threatning a president is against the law Jim.

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Eric Blair, Vancouver BC — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:18:49 GMT

A must-read is Jeremy Scahill's fantastic book "Blackwater : The Rise Of The World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army" [ISBN 1-56025-979-5]

Not only does it cover the origins and dirty dealings of Blackwater USA, it also connects Blackwater and its founders to the current US Administration, and to some of the top players in the far-Right Evangelical Christian movement.

I read this book three months ago, and am glad to see Blackwater USA taken to task for its flagrant human-rights abuses.

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Philip Tuttle Atlanta, GA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:21:11 GMT

Blackwater does a good job. A bunch of them have been killed in Iraq in the line of duty. Don't get me wrong, I'm not getting soft just because a few guys are killed. It's part of their job. They know it and everyone knows it. So let's not worry too much about people we probably don't want in our society anyway. Better they get killed than soldiers....less people miss them when they're gone. Good job Blackwater. Keep fighting for our freedom and keep up the good work.

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Trudy, San Diego CA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:24:40 GMT

The world is much less safe now than it was before the war.
I am surprised that impeachment has not been mentioned, as the US is creating such hatred against itself, it may never gain the global respect it once had. And all of this in a matter of a few years.
Since the US's policy now is shoot first, ask questions later, or not, many countries feel that diplomacy with us is futile.
It's a scary brave new world and we seriously need to get out and start peaceful negotiations with people we don't necessarily agree with.

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M. Foley, Florida. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:26:00 GMT

Dear Collin Cooper,

You seem to be an expert on Blackhawk; but I think that everyone else is discussing Blackwater. Brilliant!

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sgt james, Arizona — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:26:49 GMT

I was in Iraq 2005-2006... I can tell you 100% every soldier hates those guys. I know I do, and I'm in a room right now with about 20 soldiers who agree.
From KBR to Triple Canopy to Black water to whatever other war profiteer who is milking our nation like a stolen cow.

And by the way, they like to shoot at us too...

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Alan F, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:28:31 GMT

IMO, if a war is important enough to need fighting, it should be fought by real, trained, American troops, not mercenaries. If there is a true need for a war, the necessary troop levels should be achieved with a fair draft that takes men and women from all levels of society. The presence of these "security contractors" in Iraq is a blot on our democratic ideals.

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M. Foley, Florida. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:29:02 GMT

Dear Henry Seegers,
You say Errored, I say Murdered.

You say wait until the facts come in and immediately start making excuses, "fog of war" My A___

When has our Country ever used mercenaries?

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:29:40 GMT

Dear Richard, I viewed your report on Nightly News and it was heartwrenching to hear that father talk about the attack and the video he showed you of his bullet damaged car. Seeing the photogragh of his young son was heartbreaking because this is a innocent victim and he did not deserve this fate. This shows how the actions of a few can ruin the reputation of all others doing a good job. One hopes the investigation will find justice for everyone involved in the matter. As I said before, Always keep safe Richard!! Fine reporting! Peace to all!

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Real American — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:30:52 GMT

this is our disgusting CIA at work. on one hand we espouse freedom, justice, and value for life... on the other hand we have secret prisons where we torture and assassins called "blackwater"... disgusting.

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Paul, Seattle, Wa — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:30:57 GMT

Anything that comes out of Iraq these days is free fodder to rag on Bush, the military, your ugly aunt, or the late pizza delivery boy.

Perhaps you should go to Iraq, rent a car, and take a tour of Anbar province. By yourselves, no weapons, and take a petition to stop the war with you. When you get back (if you get back)you will know whether contractors like Blackwater are useful.

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R Price, Dallas,Texas — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:31:28 GMT

War is a nasty business, we killed thousands of
people by mistake even our own men, but it is so easy
for some to say its crime or ask questions while you
are setting nice and safe while listening to the progandist spew their hate of Bush and the war for
political reasons while all that voted for this war
pretend they are blameless. One thing you better
understand the people who want to murder you hipocrits will be happy when they kill you and
I`m not sure that many who fight to defend you
will give a hoot either!

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Get Out of Iraq! — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:33:31 GMT

Blackwater has 800 million in CURRENT contracts and they have "about" 800 employees... there go my tax dollars, given tax-free to a bunch of wannabe THUGS!

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Switchblade, Alaska — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:34:17 GMT

Wow, lots of strong and valid points on this one. Lots of issues on one action. I wish we didn't hire out privately. That seems unamerican and divided. I do agree that opinons without having the experience of visiting Irag are hard to validate.

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Moses — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:34:23 GMT

It is great to see that the USA President is creating jobs where none were before or needed. His friends must really love him now. Why does he not go against the real Anti-Americans the Iranians, Syrians and the worst of the bunch his buddies the Saudis. They are the ones who are giving ARMS and MONEY to the terrorists. God bless the American soldier too bad he is in the wrong battle field. The Emperor has no clothes. Nuff said

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Joe Speranzi, Spokane, Wash. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:35:21 GMT

If Bill Clinton were President and this was going on...well, first off, it would have never happened.
Time to stop this nonsence and bring home every American and put the Blackwater criminals on trial for murder....

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Impeach Cheney — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:35:25 GMT

America has turned into TRASH. Blackwater epitomizes how pathetic things have become under the leadership of the war-mongering NEO-CONS!

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Brendan Florida — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:36:54 GMT

hey msnbc contractors are hired to PROTECT american officials, and this particular company has never failed at that. Is it the contractors fault that they are hired for what they know? Mercenaries have been around forever as war has..anyone ever heard of the flight of the wild geese? Over a period of 40 years Irish mercenaries were hired by a long list of countries to fight for their diffrent causes and 120,000 irish mercenaries died in battle. This is nothing new.

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Bruce, Boston — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:39:03 GMT

I cannot believe how uninformed most of the people are who decided they needed to write a comment on this story. If these people had any idea what Blackwater actually does and what the situation is over there, they would understand but they dont. In fact most of the journalists dont either. The arrogance and ignorance is apparent in your sweeping damnations of things you dont have a clue about.

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Rob, Springfield, Mo — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:44:27 GMT

I honestly have no idea where people get off thinking they know everything about everything. It's not the U.S. military's job to ensure that private trade is secured. What that means is; private security contracters are needed to perform private security details. I think we all forget that we do have a responsibility to other people in the world regardless of borders or skin color to offer others the same freedoms we have. Every single educated person I met in Iraq was more than pleased to have us there. Don't pretend you know what's going on based on the words of a few. Most of you were unwilling or unable to serve your country in it's highest capacity. Don't undermind those that do.

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Chris Dexter — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:45:49 GMT

Wow, we're really demonstrating the ideals of a "Christian" nation, aren't we?

Or would that be a rich, arrogant, apostate, hypocritical Christian nation?

One that passed over a real combat veteran for drunken draft dodging frat boy from Connecticut pretending to be a religious fighter pilot from Texas.

I'm not sure how much more democracy the Iraqis can take.

Brown shirts have a new name now. It's Blackwater.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Robyn — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:46:16 GMT

Private contractors are used when the military is unsuccessful and are hired by political officials for protection. Do we not remember our men being dragged through the streets, burned and hanged from bridges?? They commit horrible atrocities - most of which are not publicized, yet when our military is fighting in another country against an invisible enemy, they are continuously chastized for doing their job. My nephew is a navy seal in iraq and is on his third deployment. The American public has NO IDEA what is really happening over there and unspeakable horrors they have to see and live daily. It is sickening how our men are being treated , represented in the media and unsupported due to the ignorance of the uninformed American Public. Thank god for Blackwater, private contractors and our military. We are privileged to live in this country, have our wonderful, blessed lives and know that we are protected and free. The American public needs a lesson in gratitude and humility.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

jeff, san diego, ca — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:48:30 GMT

there are no rules in war. that is why we lose wars, because our citizens at home in their cozy houses think we should fight according to their rules.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jeremy Edge, The Little Blue Dot in the Middle of Texas — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:49:13 GMT

Americans who support the actions of this administration and lawless organizations like Blackwater only need to look in the mirror when asking "How?" and "Why?" after the next terrorist attack on American soil. It's your ignorance in excusing the killing of 100,000+ innocents in Iraq by thugs like this that breeds terrorism and the hatred of America that inspired 9/11. Every person who supports this administration either overtly or by sitting in silence in front of their TV have the blood of every innocent life that is lost on their hands.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Joe Speranzi, Spokane, Wash. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:50:23 GMT

Hey, Bruce, oh wise one...fill us ignorant, uninformed, concerned Americans in, will you?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

dirtlovinghippie, Flagstaff, AZ — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:51:25 GMT

I wish the press would quit calling these guys "contractors" or "hired security forces" and start calling them what they are..."mercenaries" I think opinions on the moderate right would quickly sway.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Thomas, Maryland — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:56:37 GMT

We tell how superior is our democratic values as well as the founding and governing principles of our nation. We tell the rest of the world and they should all import our democratic values into their country. If we look closely, we have killed more people in Iraq and send more people as refugees in a short time than Sadaam did the same in his life time.

I regret to say the justice rendered in the military and civilian verdicts associated with Iraq murder and abuses is such a sham that if we use the same guidelines in our country, we can empty 75% of our current prison population in 7 days! George Washington and Thomas Jefferson should be crying from heaven on our moral ineptitude!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Rodney Lamprey, jr., Ogden, Utah — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:57:16 GMT

Everybody is jumping to conclusions to convict these Blackwater guys just because there is lots of evidence and testimony that they killed a large number of innocent civilians. Why can't everybody just wait a couple of years for investigations to be completed and let these killings be forgotten by the media. I'm sure that Mohammed Abu Razak will soon forget that some American terrorists shot the brains out of his 10 year old son all over him. Can't we just give Mr. Razak an American Flag lapel pin for his inconvenience and move on? Doesn't Mr. Razak understand that President Bush is only doing this to make him free?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Karl-Atlanta Georgia — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:01:18 GMT

Private security companies are used by a vast number of nations around the world. Most of these guys are trained ex-military, and very adept at their jobs. They put their necks on the line day after day and most of you whining liberals don't even realise what hell they go through. Yes they are paid more than soldiers and marines but they also do the "dirty work" alot of the time.
We also know that in this country you can only believe about 40% of what you read or see i the media so what happened to innocent untill proven guilty. If they are found guilty of a crime then they will be dealt with but untill then they are guilty of nothing.
As a ex-paratrooper who saw action in Northern Ireland, Desert Storm and Bosnia we are sick of all you wannabe experts who don't even have the right to an opinion. Once you have served your country and been in a firefight then we will listen to you.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Kerre Brooks, FOB Warhorse, Iraq — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:01:31 GMT

If you have not been there, have not been in those extremely terrifying, confusing, and dangerous situations out on the streets, highways, farmland and neighborhoods in Iraq as a combatant who wants to come home alive, then do not be too critical until the investigation is complete. You are embarrassing yourselves and you are deluded. It's easy to be critical in your cushy little world in Miami, or Canada or wherever. You don't have any idea!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Luis, Houston, TX — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:01:40 GMT

I do not approve killing of innocent civilians...But, for all of you that write from your confortable chair in your dining room...No one knows how difficult is to protect diplomats and others in the streets of Bagdhag...Some iraquis and insurgents would give anything to kidnapp one our diplomats and behade them or kill any American (Soldier, private contractor, white, black, hispanic, man, woman...)And believe me, I know what I am talking about...So, get real and let them do the job...I do agree thou that private contractors should be under the supervision of the military.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Ryan, Newport Beach, California — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:01:56 GMT

Listen to everyone with half baked criticism for something they know next to nothing about. I'm only interested in hearing comments from people who have been in a war or a position where they had to protect others with their own life and blood. Lets see what all the details yeild and then offer our opinions while recognizing they mean very little from this prospective. All these griping ninny's are starting to bug...grow some backbone please

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Ivan — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:01:59 GMT

Remember when the military used to do all this? Why did they ever contract this stuff out?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jason Young, Frisco, TX — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:03:23 GMT

An "insurgent" becomes a "civilian" the second someone takes the rifle out of his dead hands. These guys are not wearing uniforms. Let's not forget that this is a media war from both sides. The first account of this story that I read the morning after it happened (from an Iraqi bystander) said he heard a boom followed by 20 minutes of gunfire. If they were not being shot at, then who were they shooting at?? FURTHERMORE, Blackwater, like many other security firms, only hire elite former soldiers, Marines, and SEALS, or police with special skills (SWAT, sniper training, etc). So if there is a 20 minute one-sided shootout, how did they ONLY kill 17? I say "only" because 20 minutes is a long time to be firing wildly and not kill 5 times as many people. That kid at VA Tech had two pistols and did more damage single handedly. If no one is shooting back there is no need to take cover and therefore should be able to take more well-aimed shots. These guys were in a fire fight, plain and simple. I would bet that half if not more (if not all) the casualties were caused by round coming UP range at the contractors. I know these guys can be cowboys at times....but murderers they are not. Their biggest contract is with the State Dept. you think an ambassador or visiting dignitary will not say anything if his security force is out massacring for sport? I think people are so quick to judge because they want more ammunition (pardon the pun) to bash an unpopular war. Don't be so naive. There are people trying to kill Americans in Iraq and they are allowed to defend themselves. And the last time I checked, they were innocent until proven guilty.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Bill, Monterey CA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:03:51 GMT

Most comments here are pathetically anti-America. Considering the "Yankee go home" and "Americans are the bad ones in the GWOT" indoctrination from MSNBC, CNN and their European America hating counterparts I suppose its no longer a surprise.
If I were employed or deployed in Iraq, and knowing what happened to the contractors in Fallujah as well as to our brave soldiers that were mistreated by these murderous terror pukes (AKA "insurgents"), I would also shoot first and ask questions later. Lets remember American soldiers do not hide behind skirts and children unlike the ilk many of you here are rooting for. Shame on you.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Eric, Az. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:05:54 GMT

This was a terrible incident, by all reports. What has been under-reported/dare I say misconstrued was the Fallujah(sorry if misspelled)debacle. Am I the only one who thought the onslaught by Marines that followed that incident was a result of them losing their own. Now I'm far away from saying that Blackwater's losses in that incident weren't worth reprisals. But first things first. #1, after the fact, everyone knew that zone was hot as hell. #2, Blackwater sent that crew into the zone, undermanned(they were short one crew-member in at least one of the vehicles). And finally, maybe something like this was wanted/needed to give a reason for locking down Fallujah for a solid month, it was afterall a recognized resistance boiling pot.
Watch the power of nightmares, loose change, and Zeitgeist on the internet, my friends to see how the power of cause and effect have been used and abused to legitimize attrocities. Signed, a securtity guard on his way down to the border to do what the government won't. One day I'd be honored to join Blackwater, wherever they work.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Toby — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:07:51 GMT

Blackwater was hired to protect Americans and they did their job well. Are you willing to wait for that day when the 10 year old boy actually has a gun and he might hurt an American? Just like we had to start a war with Iraq over the weapons that they didn't have, it is best if Blackwater kills civilians in case there might be a terrorist some time. Once the Iraqis are free, they will understand that an American life is worth thousands of Iraqi lives. that is just the way it is.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mark Laman, Holland, MI — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:10:40 GMT

Nobody is talking about Blackwater's close ties to Bush and the Republican party. Erik Prince, founder and CEO, is part of a huge donor family, inlucding his sister Betsy DeVos, former chair of the MI Republican party, and his brother-in-law, billionaire Republican gubernatorial loser Dick DeVos. Its not a coincidence that they've gotten this far and made so much money.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Sam, Madison, WI — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:12:03 GMT

Excess? You must be kidding me.

These are WAR CRIMES and should be prosecuted as such by the international court.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

C R A F T, Chicago — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:14:41 GMT

To answer the question about the pay differences:

Blackwater hires only people who have been honorably discharged from one of the militaries SOCOM units (Navy SEALs, Marine RECON, Air Force Pararescue, Army Rangers, Special Forces, ect)or police SWAT. These are people with special skills and knowledge.

Just like your accountant, doctor, electrician, or other skilled tradesman.

They don't do the same job either; The military hunts the insurgents, Blackwater protects convoys and diplomats.

The average soldier doesn't get the training and equipment to perform these tasks.

As for a real dispairity in pay, look at what a military doctor makes versus an equally experienced doctor in private practice. Or lawyer vs JAG.

Most in the military do it out of pride and a sense of duty. Giving back to the nation that gives them so much.

I'm not trying to change any minds here, just let people who haven't done the research know why there is such a difference.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Charles Miller Camp Verde az — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:16:39 GMT

Maybe companies like Blackwater are here because the generation of people in the US, from the Hippie generation lack the coping skills to pass on to their childeren and so on. We as a whole(Americans),have become the easiest kids on the block to pick on, because we cry and wimper everytime we face adversity.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Ken, Dallas, Tx — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:20:00 GMT

Blackwater is the face of America. A Bully, answerable to NO man. A stain on the fabric of our nation. They, the company and they the shooters MUST be held accountable. I am paying for these people to kill in my name? I think not. I will not cede one penny for these Blackwater thugs to do these crimes against humanity. The problem I am having is that they ARE doing in my name. NO WAY. I am opting out. Bushies hear this. Thinking people are in need of a wake up call. I think we ALL have a problem here. There's nobody in charge. Let's get these Blackwater thugs out of there and let's put the nation on a proper war footing and if need be, start a DRAFT to put the military in charge. Let's start a diplomatic blitz to get us otta there. Is anybody listening? What a fiasco.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mr. Mann, Mesa, Arizona — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:22:55 GMT

I think that these guys are doing what our troops are unable to do. The rules of engagement for these guys is totally different. They are there to protect people. If some innocent people get killed so be it, the only way to win this fight is with collateral damage. I the insurgents kill hundreds of people it might get a sound bite, if a few people get killed in the course of someone or something being protected, it is front page news. Everyone should get over it or pick up a weapon yourself.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Barry Collins Ravenwood, Missouri — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:22:56 GMT

Lawrence L. I agree about the draft as long as all young men and women are equal in the selection no deferments no special treatment and no more Vietnam era politics - won't happen in your or my lifetime, so stump for that.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Believe It — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:30:03 GMT

So....why do you think these "security officers" went off their rockers and started shooting? Think...and then read....

ROME - Italian police seized 215,000 doses of prohibited substances as they smashed a ring that supplied steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs to customers around the world, including American soldiers in Iraq, a police official said Monday.

The U.S. military in Iraq had no immediate comment, but the popularity of steroid abuse has long been discussed as American troops and contractors in Iraq work out in gyms set up in bases and even in the mirrored halls of one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces.

Joe Donahue, program director for the Vietnam Vets of America Foundation, who spent 16 months in Iraq - often lifting weights in the Green Zone gyms - said steroids were on offer for those who wanted them.

"I had them offered to me by an Iraqi guy who sure as hell looked like he was using them," Donahue said. "There were guys I'm pretty sure were juicing, but not a lot of them."

He said a pair of Iraqi bodybuilders known casually as "the large brothers" sold steroids and other supplements in the Green Zone building where he worked. "I can say with no equivocation, I was offered steroids," Donahue told The Associated Press.

Private security contractors told AP that steroid use also is a problem among their employees because the drugs are readily available in Iraq - as easy as buying a soda from the local stores, according to one contractor.

Yep - roid rage. It's not just for athletes, it is to keep the troops and "contractors" in condition and able to withstand the rigors of duty. Endurance.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

John M — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:30:14 GMT

I never thought I'd say this, Having served my country proudly for years, but it's getting to the point where I'm ashamed to be an American. We, ALL OF US, are responsible for what is happening.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Sam- E.C., In — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:31:12 GMT

Everyone, the actions & reactions of the contractors were the same as if a military force was present at the time. The individuals came under attack. They returned fire to protect the principal and themselves. They reacted to a situation that no one can judge until they have been in it themselves. Yes, innocent people died I am sure, but who is to say it was not the attacking force. They blend in with the general population, once they are killed their bodies are left behind but their weapons retieved and all you have left is a corpse that appears to be a civilian. To judge not knowing the full story is ignorance. These security contractors are defensive and reactionary; not offensive and that is the difference between a contractor and a mercenary.
Yes there are some who over react to a situation; it happens with our military and it happens here at home with our law enforcement. The environment where your life depends on your reaction to survive sometimes people just get caught up in the momment.
This situation is very sensative right now, many people dislike these contractors for different reasons; if they new there significant role with the U.S. military they would be appreciated by the American society. They are our veterans who have demonstrated and proved themselves honorably in the military and law enforcement field. They are not killers; if you received reports of every military engagement and the amount of innocent lives lost; your feelings on our government and military would change aswell I guarantee. These people are being targeted at this time.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mahtab, NC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:32:16 GMT

Blackwater are terrorists. They are trigger happy murders. What is wrong with this country when Americans believe that killing civilians is jusitifed. Why, because they are Muslims? Or because they are not Americans? This is not war this is genocide and Americans need to wake up and realize this.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Wake UP — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:46:57 GMT

"When has our Country ever used mercenaries?"

The Revolutionary War
The War of 1812
WWI
WWII (europe and pacific)
The Korean War
The Vietnam War
Gulf War I

getting the picture??

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Richard, Fort Worth, Texas — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:47:19 GMT

Under any other circumstance, a Company such as Blackwater would have already been replace. Is Mr. Bush so tide with this Company that it is dragging his feet?
How much more damage is Mr. Bush or his Administration going to allow to happen?

Pull them out, and get rid of them ASAP!

They are only a Contractor who has gone beyond its boundary. Or will we have to pay them off to get out.;

Save what little face out Country has left Mr. Bush.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Dan Portland, Oregon — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:49:49 GMT

As if the world does not hate us enough already... Now we have these armed idiots acting like cowboys in someone else's country we so boldly, arrogantly and stupidly invaded under a flag-n-a-lie. What if the Iraqi's sign electronic petitions on the Internet and start filing class action lawsuits against individual Americans randmomly here in the US using our judicial system to do so which is their right in reality. Wait until the Iraqi people realize they can do this. The US military industrial complex will be held to account then, of which redneck, filthy Blackwater is all a big part of as we all know by now. It is disgusting to see how little some Americans value a human life. It is evil. Pure and simple. If Americans are allowed to file a lawsuit against Saudi Arabia for 9/11 and the country of Yemen in the Middle East for the USS Cole bombing back in October of 2000, then why can't Iraqi civilians file lawsuits in America against Blackwater, the Bush Administration and the American people as individuals which is shocking that this is possible in fact. Wait until this happens. It may very well end up happening soon. The Iraqi people through a massive class action lawsuit, could put Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and others in the poor house forever which is fine by me since we can't seem to be able to impeach them or throw them in jail where they truly belong as we all know.
The only way to stop evil is to punch it in the face very hard. Blackwater should be down on the canvas with a standing 8 count about over for it. These idiots are a disgrace to the American nation, the American people and to our American history and global reputation that is in the toilet now since the Bush Administration so wickedly allowed 9/11 to happen after being warned about it well in advance and then to use the fears and emotional vulnerabilities of the American people to coerce them into invading Iraq when Bush and his cronies knew there were NO weapons of mass destruction in Iraq back in 2002 and early 2003. Read CIA director George Tenet's book. He tells the truth: the Bush Administration knew about 9/11 happening in the near future and they also knew there was no WMD in Iraq as well. We were played on both parts and Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld should be put against the wall and shot for what they have done to the American people and our good military as well. Our America global reputation is destroyed for the rest of the 21st Century I firmly believe right now. It is tragic to say the least.
Dan

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Richard, Fort Worth, TX — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:51:24 GMT

“The presence of a professional organization such
as Blackhawk must be an acute embarrassment to the
Iraqis because it makes the corruption and
incompetence of their own security forces all the
more apparent”

How about an embarrassment to the United States?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Michael G. Smith,Bennet, Nebraska — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:53:16 GMT

Gee.....You don't think Islamic Rads would lie about this sort of thing..........Do ya?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

June, Savannah, Ga — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:54:38 GMT

Some people can find a reason for anything, just read how it ia alright to kill, bomb and watch a country being looted and driven back to the stone age. Our service men deserve more from Washington than what the White House is doing. Now we are giving this group the power to walk in to Iran, I pray for our country, This president is such a simple minded man. God help him, he has no common sense.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Steele, Salt Lake City, Ut — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:57:41 GMT

Lets see, where to start. Do you know who the real arrogant people are? The ones who are unwilling to sacrifice for people who are held down by murders and thugs. I believe that each Black Water soldier is a protector of freedom, extending past years of dedicated service to You and I.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Kerry Johns, Nantucket, MA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:57:47 GMT

Good job Blackwater. Anytime the libtards get upset about anything you do - you know you're doing the right thing!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

John Bosinger Thunder Bay Ont. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:59:23 GMT

War is Hell. If you ignore the past you are bound to repeat the mistakes. All nations fall, all empires crumble. History is our teacher, we are poor students.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Clint, Lawrence, KS — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:00:40 GMT

Here's a thought -- nationalize the private security industry. There are nine new justices since Eisenhower did it with the steel industry, and the instrumentalities of war are probably more related to executive power than anything else, so they would likely get more deference. It would be cheaper. Those that signed up to fight for the United States would be able to be there. The military would have direct control over their actions, thus avoiding the pass-the-buck issue of not taking responsibility for any actions that the federal government doesn't want to condone.

But that is precisely why they wouldn't do that, or draft, or do anything else to bring these folks under control -- accountability. The Bush administration has made it quite clear that they believe international standards of combat are antiquated and unnecessary in the era of terrorism (international guerilla warfare). They simply recongize it is easier to let other people break those practices than to take the heat for it themselves.

The reality is that this is massively undemocratic. If effectively ignoring international law is the way we want to go, then it should be subject to public debate and not backdoored through hiring somebody else to do it. Make Congress and the President commit to that decision openly and publicly, and then allow the electorate determine whether to ratify it through our open election process. And to those who make the "you aren't over there; you don't know what is happening" crowd, the point here is that there are really only two reasons to hire mercenaries. 1) We don't have enough of a force in Iraq to meet our needs and we are unwilling to institute a draft for political reasons. 2) There is some sort of constraint on the forces we have there that prevents them from doing what is necessary. In either case, there is a public policy decision that is being made that is important and made without public discussion. That violates even the most basic notion of what a free democracy is. A government making those sorts of decisions in that fashion is no more a democracy than the former communist bloc countries where elections were not about issues, but purely about parties.

There is nothing that is less appropriate for privatization than war. It is the most fundamentally public instrument of a society. This is a massive error in judgment representing a perverse belief in free market capitalism that is so extensive, it seeks out the traditionally public and tries to privatize it. This was a lot less troubling when it was schools, medicare, social security, or any of the other private functions that are now quasi-public. Encouraging this reverses the flow and the consequences could be immense.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

chickintheknow, west coast — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:19:02 GMT

I know one of these guys, and they are SERIOUS live wires. Some are former US military assassins. Seriously. There is a reason they aren't in the professional military. And they are being paid outrageous amounts of money because of the unliklihood they'll ever make it back. VERY sad and VERY scarey.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

SHARON ANN — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:37:32 GMT

bush doesnt care about we the people he likes war i cant stand him. cant wait until he is out BRING OUR MEN HOME FOR GOD SAKES ENOUGH OF KILLING ENOUGH OF THIS WAR

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Milt, Western Massachusetts — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:42:39 GMT

Hey Jason,

I don't think the president should be shot. That would be too kind. I think he and the rest of his crew should be whisked away by the CIA to some unknown destination to be held naked and hooded, and be beaten and tortured daily for the rest of their pathetic lives. And that would only be the beginning of the long lost concept that we used to call justice.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Brian, St. Paul, MN — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:43:19 GMT

It's not an "opinion" that the sinking of the Titanic was a disaster. Ditto for the disaster in Iraq.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Doc, E' Town, IL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:45:38 GMT

In what reality do you, the liberal democratic nitwits, not understand "combat zone!" In every Possible reality, obviously. Why do we even need a "private security contractor" force, hmmmm? Because since Jimmy "peanut" Carter stripped the guts from the military and our intel programs. If the Blackwater crew is guilty of murder.. Hang 'em. Until YOU know what is real and what is BS from the Iraqi "civilians" shut up and go walk your chihuahua or take a pill. The military is not at fault here, Blackwater will get its due...or it won't. YOU elected all of these self-centered "law makers" now YOU deal with your selection. It is the arrogance of a bloated, stumbling, liberal society that needs to have its a$$ kicked. It is truly horrible that that man lost his son. Remember, this IS A COMBAT ZONE! If you can pick up a weapon and defend yourself, fine! If not, just get in line for your next ration of terrorism.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mike Hunt USA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:49:45 GMT

I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of the blackwater staff two years ago in the gulf coast. The federal government did not have enough resources to meet the needs of its existing protection services. I consider it a privledge to have worked with the staff I did. They were professional and diligent at all times.
The assignment they have now is in a place where they are not wanted by the local people. They preform the duties entrusted to them and right away the media paints a picture of horror and shame. And the Lemming liberals who can not thing for themselves jump on the wagon and start point the shame on you finger. Lets see some of those same "Shame on you" people go over there and stand a post. Right quick will the story change.
These events are just the way of war. We are still at war and in a war conflicts happen. I don't bleed for the inocents over there.....remember, they targeted over three thousand inocents here to start the war in the first place.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Brian, St. Paul, MN — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:50:22 GMT

Hey Jason -
You don't have to be angry or a leftist to see that Iraq is a monumental disaster. I suppose you think it was just angry leftists and kooks that were against the Vietnam war, too? Or, maybe you haven't heard of Vietnam? Better read up.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Scott, Denver, Colo. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:51:35 GMT

"Leftist, anti-military fringe..." Jason? I'm pretty sure referring to the 65 - 70% of the country who in polls are against this "war" as the "fringe" puts you in even a smaller "fringe" group. Namely, the Nazis running the country right now and their dubious supporters. When these folks are tried for treason like they should be, I wonder what you'll be calling the rest of us then?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Carlos, San Juan, Puerto Rico — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:52:04 GMT

Blackwater is being associated with a killing of a US citizen in Puerto Rico who was alleged to be a independence movement sympathizer. This outfit operated under the secret umbrella of the FBI while ambushing and murdering the alleged political organizer. A private organization participating in an assualt on a private residence under the federal authorities just does not sound right to me or anyone else. Why is this not investigated??? Blackwater, Cheney does it sound familiar??

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Craig Scott, Buffalo, New York — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:56:15 GMT

Bush,Cheney, and their private terrorist militia should all face trial for these war crimes being inflicted upon the Iraqi people. In the eyes of the rest of the world , the U.S. government is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Ken Kansas City — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:01:24 GMT

Let me see...hostile war zone, Iraqi "civilians" who change from insurrgent to civilian in the blink of an eye (including children) and a group of brave people working in unthinkable conditions doing an extremely dangerous task. Now, the criticism coming from overprivileged people sitting on their highly placed pedestal passing Monday morning judgements on topics they know nothing about. move out of your mothers basement, go enlist, then come and give an educated opinion. GO BLACKWATER

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Samir, HYC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:13:04 GMT

Yes these Blackwater hired thugs and murderers are "ugly Americans." The Iraqis have every moral justification to kill these hired killers like the evil scum they are.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Louis Castilleja, Tri Cities, Washington — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:16:15 GMT

God bless our blackwater guys, if they would stop shooting at us we wouldnt have this problem. Shoot at a suv full of blackwater or other security operators see what you get!!!!!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Craig Z, Columbus Ohio — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:26:25 GMT

Although I am sure an investigation will ensue, why don't the people of Iraq protesting all the suicide bombings that kill their own people, or to try to stop all the IED's? The President is in trouble as Iraq is turning out to be another Vietnam. When you don't know who your enemy is, how due you fight fair? Let the country right itself without the United States? What about the neutral status the United States used to have? I support our troops wherever they are but even they are beginning to wonder if it will ever end.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

PSD.J0K3R — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:26:29 GMT

BLACKWATER IS DOING JUST FINE!!!!! UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE THOSE PEOPLE WHO DO THOSE TASKS THAT THE PUBLIC.....DOESN'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mary Basombrio — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:35:49 GMT

Indeed be vigilant of new phenomena.Eric in Vancouver said exactly what I was going to enter.It's connections should be of concern to us all & our attention drawn to it now.History is full of lessons to learn.Why do we have illusions that it could never happen here ?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

ed klein — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:41:37 GMT

How about the SUPPORTERS of the War who have never "joined
up"?

Why don't you super duper
patriots attack them?

Why didnt Bush want to fly
in Vietnam?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Andrew Lee, Shanghai — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:44:55 GMT

I do not care about politically correct statements. Make it simple. Find these Blackwater Thugs as well as those supports their action, trial them, if guilty, execute them. US cannot make enemies out of everybody because of a few bad apples. These Blackwater Thugs are no different than what we called religious extremists or terrorists. And their leaders are no different than Tyrants such as the Juntas in Burma or Mr. Bin Laden

Blackwater's ugly Americans

John Doe, Off the Grid, Nowhere — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:09:50 GMT

Very soon I expect a few things to happen.
Legislation will be introduced to abolish term limits for the executive branch. No-one will protest. The Secret Service will start hiring Blackwater agents to 'supplement' their ranks. Bush will start using Blackwater almost exclusively during publice outings. Since no-one in the US seems to remember the lessons past dictators have taught their people, Bush and Blackwater will re-enact "The night of the long knives" for y'all.

Also those crazy US senators who want to build a big wall on the Canadian border will find no resistance from the Canadians.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mark, Yakama, WA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:11:49 GMT

Well now that we are in this mess how do we get out??
1. Reduce the size of the Merc Army and increase the size of "Professional (17yr old soldier)Army"? These "boys" are barely functional high school grads with no experience with other worldy cultures, but at least they have laws to follow (Geneva Convention of War).

2. Create a requirement of 17-19yr old teenagers who have graduated to serve a minimum of two years active duty and six years in inactive reserves and then the rest of their life as available for any War of defense of the motherland! (Not to be sent at the whim of a president to a foriegn land for objectives that will never be reached!
3. Impeach the vice president since he is the one advising the president on middle eastern matters since he was Daddy Bush's Sec Def during Gulf War #1.

It was Cheney's urging that we reduce the size of the military and increase the size of the reserves to meet any need we might have had to fight a war.

Plus it was under Cheney's watch as Sec Def that Donald Rumsfeld sold Iraq the Chemical weapons to fight the Iranians and then used against the Kurds and this President felt he still had some left over and they wanted the evidence back so that the world court would not be able to file a claim against US for selling the Chemicals to Saddam Hussien in the first place...

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mac, columbus, ohio — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:12:22 GMT

good for blackwater it's about time they see that the more we kill the less there will be to fight. If you have never carried a rifle you should not put down these men. taking a life can be a hard thing to do. time will tell who was right and who was wrong. If it"s me or them it will always be them. I am a 12b and have been there for America when they need me. And you can leave Bush alone it's not his fault he got bad advise on the hole Iraq thing from the get go.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Drill Sergeant — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:15:52 GMT

Here is the bottom line for ALL of you bleeding heart liberals... CiVILIANS DO NOT SHOOT AT YOU OR CARRY WEAPONS. I especially like how its everyone elses fault that in a country that is full of TERRORIST'S (thats the bad guys that try to kill our troops as well as innocent civilians WITH GUNS)that we defend OUR lives... You know, the troops and contractors that are trying to stabilize that region themselves, when they actually end up killing someone else because in an environment that is HOSTILE, someone is carrying a tool that will kill US... its a GUN.
I also like the whole "bleeding heart" liberal thinking of "PEACE AT ANY PRICE". Thats why YOUR sorry assed President Clinton did such a shitty job in military matters. OLD SLICK WILLY. Go somewhere else and live... get away from it... be in another country and then DAMN the way we do things... I sure wish Reagan was around. He was the absolute best President that has happened to this country in over 50 years. Take that to a bank. Oh, and by the way... IF YOU WONT JOIN THE MILITARY>>> SHUT THE FUCK UP!
signed,
Your just average MILITARY MEMBER!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jimbo U.S.A — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:20:28 GMT

Blackwater will increase the hatred!They are into many terrible,bad things.They are part of Armageddon!This is how it gets started.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Bobby L. Hern, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:20:38 GMT

I'm probably wasting energy and time here, the people that actually believe what they read in our media and see on 24 hour news programs have already made up their minds. As a former "contractor" in Iraq for over two years I can tell you, I was shot at and had more explosions directed towards me and the people in my charge than I experienced in almost 26 years in Special Forces. I tried to teach patience and due diligence to my Iraqi personnel as well as the US ex-pats that worked with me. We taught target identification and threat analysis and we controlled our personnel. Authorization to fire (in self defense) was always given by one of the Americans in the convoy. For the most part when we were fired upon, we simply attempted to out drive the insurgents and get away from the point of contact. But, you folks have made up your mind and ALL contractors associated with Iraq and Afghanistan are no more than mere thugs looking to extract some adrenalin fix from serving in yet another combat zone. I've read a lot of quotes in the above blogs but I wonder, how many of you have carried the responsibility of protecting the lives of people that are actually trying to help the Iraqi people achieve a better standard of living. How many of you have seen how devastating a roadside bomb or suicide vehicle borne explosive device is on the local population. Yes, I will agree that Blackwater and some of the other larger companies started out with a select group of professionals but events overwhelmed them and the quality of their employees has taken a hit. But by far, most "contractors" operating in these theaters are professional and do not merit the opinionated, second guessing from a bunch of folks that are just looking for an excuse to condemn the current administration. Oh yeah, you don't hear much about this but I have had over a dozen Iraqi and Afghan friends killed by insurgent activity and the main reason they are dead is because they had the audacity to try to improve the conditions of their existing homelands. I guess I should blame their deaths on President Bush but I prefer to put the blame where it belongs, Al Quaeda, the Taliban and other fanatical Muslim groups but what do I know? I've only spent eight years in Bosnia, Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan. The literary elite and academia have a much better picture than this illiterate and mislead "mercenary".

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jim, Atlanta, GA. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:25:55 GMT

Wow, has anyone else figured out this is a war... DEATH happens in wars. It happened in Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korea, WWII,WWI,Spanish American, Civil, due I need to go on? By disgracing the people that are fighting for the RIGHTS that you have you are as well disgracing the people that fought for the all the way back to the beginning. Until you do it, until you make the sacrifice and serve this country you have no real opinion as far as I am concerned. You would be better served as a dish rag.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

a viewer — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:29:27 GMT

Dear Richard,
Really tragic about Ali's death. Please let his father know that he and his loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers during these dark times. Richard, I can’t stress this enough- please, please be careful. Never ever become arrogant about your safety.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jim Atlanta, Ga — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:34:10 GMT

Gary said it well, he wrote...Were any of you there? In the United States that I live in, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Blaming the President for the actions of any contractor is assinine. Did you blame Clinton for the actions of any person in Kosovo? Until you have been in the shoes of a combat soldier, or in a combat situation, don't judge, volunteer!

The only problem Gary is the same people you speak of are the same MORONS that show only the bad news on TV, the same MORONS that don't remember the situation that our troops were put in in Kosovo. The same MORONS that would cry like little babies 4 days into BASIC COMBAT TRAINING... I think we ALL know the name that speaks volumes about you all.. it starts with a P and ends in a Y it has 2 S's in it as well... know what iy missing... U, each one of you that have something negative to say here. Go to France... they all seem to congregate there anyway.
USA all the way... Our President, Troops and Blackwater are doing a fine job!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Rik, Pensacola, Florida — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:37:42 GMT

Alrigth all you whiners about how bad all of this is. Do you really care? It's not your children fighting over there. You have no steak in what is going down and you will never go! Perhaps if the military got the support and money it needed we would not need so many Private Military Contractors. Remember, Mercenaries perform Offensive missions for money, not Defensive. Non of the PMCs conduct offensive strikes. Send your children or your selfs, the Army accepts upto 35 now I believe, and help out over there. And if anyone dare says the Army doesn't pay enough, then why do you think former Spec Ops go to PMCs.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Adrian Jackson — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:38:30 GMT

This is a black eye! No Doubt, The Only Plan our president has is friends and family,People Wise up otherwise!!!!! This Administration has destroyed our Great Nation! I am a retired marine officer, Do Not Believe nothing in the media that favours our idiot President,Time to vote all these bastards that drum up war including some democrats, Watch for all those special interests from overseas that we give our hard earned american Tax dollars and Big Military Aid..These are the people we are protecting, NOT US INTEREST..something to think about folks

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Coop, Baghdad — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:42:39 GMT

I think you guys are misinformed. I am PSC in Baghdad and that is not what happened. The medis is not reporting this correctly and giving all the "evil mercenary" facade. We have the same rules as the military and go over ROE's and weapon saftey every day. Why dont they report that BW got hit with an EFP less than a week before the shooting and had 3 guys wounded. This is a joke. If you have not been to Iraq, have seen combat or worked for a PSC, please dont comment on things you know nothing about. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and contractors read everyday about whats published in the media. Its funny to sit in a chow hall and hear the crap that is put out there. Its simple, if you were not there, just keep your femanazi opinion to your self. Remember if you want peace, prepare for war. The days of red on blue WWII style fighting is long over. This is the new battle field, its hard, long and confusing.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Dave,AK — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:47:39 GMT

Ok seems like thier are a lot of experts talking about this.
Lets work with just the facts.
1 blackwater has no accontability of any kind!!
2 the Iraq's hate them??
3 our goverment has no info on them, I mean none!!
4 no one knows thier rules of engadgment??
now lets work with this for a min
a very big clue is the Iraq's (they do live thier)
now it is important to rember Falligu (4 mercs on a bridge)
now if you can add just a litle bit (take off your shoes if nesacery) The facts are saying somthing
but nobody is getting it.
do you rely think a brand new Iraq goverment (still sucking up to Bush) would make such a statment without
a very good reason?
Or say that Blackwater has been thier for quit some time and mabey the Iraq's know more than us
Bottom line use you head and think first.
no assuming anything.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Louis, Norfolk, VA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:47:40 GMT

How would you feel if a foreign country, for no reason other than greed (oil and "rebuilding" profits), invaded the U.S. and proceeded to totally destroy your cities, kill your friends and loved ones, and eliminate any chance of the normal life you had before they invaded? You would fight back, resist at all costs, and do whatever it takes to regain your homeland. Bush needs to admit he made a huge mistake, withdraw all of our people ASAP, and let the Iraqi people reclaim their country and government! Oh, and working with them and paying for the rebuilding of their country we have destroyed would be a decent, ethical gesture of goodwill as well and be a start in improving relations with the citizens.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Joe Berkowitz, Silver Spring, MD — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:52:35 GMT

Referring to Joe Cole's comment--what's wrong with a "Liberal Democratic Mouthpiece". It seems to me that for far too long the right wing of this country has had its way with the press and our government. And that the words "Liberal" and "Democrat" have become swear words to some people.

There is nothing wrong with a free exchange of ideas, its what this country is based on. Read "The Federalist Papers", "The Declaration of Independence", "The Bill of Rights" and "The Constitution". Look at how our system of government was set up, and watch how its being torn down by this presidency through fear and intimidation.

Mr. Coles, you may call MSNBC a "Liberal Democratic mouthpiece", what I call it is--about time.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Kim Herndon — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:55:24 GMT

I am a woman in the private security business, what I see many of you calling the "mercenary" business. From an insider's perspective, I can tell you that Blackwater is known as being the best equipped, best trained, most effective company out there. They are the elite. I would be proud to work for them, and have been proud to work with their independent contractors--again, what many of you term mercenaries.

But I find the term offensive. Mercenaries, to me, are military trained persons who sell out to the highest bidder, and work for anyone. Blackwater employees are some of the most patriotic, pro-American human beings you will ever meet. Mercenaries' loyalties are for sale. Blackwater employees get paid well to give their talents to a country to which they are unfailingly faithful and loyal.

Operatives hired by Blackwater are required to either have former military experience in a combat trained function, or former law enforcement experience. So consider that every time you are maligning "Blackwater" as a whole, you are also maligning experienced U.S. Army, Marine, Air Force and Navy veterans and experienced law enforcement officers. And not only are they trained extensively by those agencies before they join Blackwater, but Blackwater itself has some of the most incredible training in the planet.

Blackwater does a dirty job that no one else is capable or willing to do. They do it well, and they do it with valor. I don't know the facts of this case. Neither do you. You weren't there. And since Blackwater's representatives are keeping a calm and quiet stance until the facts are all in, we are all only hearing one side of it.

Please note that Blackwater is the same company that invited federal investigators to look into weapons violations by their own employees, after they (Blackwater) discovered it. Does that sound like a company that covers up crime? Please! They also rescued 121 people during Hurricane Katrina and provided a helicopter for free to the U.S. Coast Guard rescue missions. They held a silent auction to raise money for the Red Cross. In other words, they give back too.

Let's not judge what we don't know. Blackwater, I am sure, has good employees and bad employees, like any other large group. Let's give time a chance to sort out the facts in this particular case. Please try to refrain from a vitriolic rush to judgment.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

lake stevens, wa — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:56:19 GMT

Is our country so divided along political lines that we cannot see right from wrong being smacked in our face? Of the little details that are out there about this incident, the picture looks familiar. We have hotshot police in our country abusing their power why not civilian security in a hostile country? From what it sounds like even our soldiers hanging up the BlackWater poster see some truth in the accusations. Irony in comedy? To Joe in Seattle, reality does in fact have a noticeably liberal bias.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Dave, Lexington Park, MD — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:02:26 GMT

Companies like Blackwater wouldn't exist if we hadn't downsized our military to the point where one small conflict in Iraq has stretched our military to it's breaking point. Those of you calling for a draft should get off your butts and head to the nearest recruiting office. Too many people want to lay blame and make accusations when not only do they not know the facts, they also have never been in that situation, and therefore don't really know what they are talking about. I've been to Iraq, twice, and I am scheduled to go again next year. I've also trained at Blackwater and found the folks there to be extremely professional. I've also worked with and around a lot of Iraqis (civilians, military and police) and haven't found them to be the most honest people either. It's a damn shame when any accusation against an American in Iraq, however baseless, is taken as fact.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Louis, Norfolk, VA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:06:00 GMT

The solution to eliminating the relatively small group of hard core terrorists is easy. The U.S. govt needs to use all of its technology and resources to find the various terrorists and terror cells throughout the world and sytematically eliminate them using elite hunter/killer teams (aka hit squads). Occupying and destroying entire countries (afghanistan and iraq) in the supposed name of the "war on terror" for a small group of individuals is assinine! Let the citizens have peace and a normal life and focus on the terrorists themselves, who are mobile and have no country and thus must be hunted and exterminated! Think of the movie "Swordfish" where John Travoltas character is doing exactly this and says that when you do this you make anyone even thinking of screwing with American citizens or our way of life so scared they run like hell. Israel has quietly been doing it for years with great success....lets follow their lead but kick it up to a new level!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

TUNY MUSTAFA,PLANO,TX — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:18:46 GMT

Hi gyes,you don't know how damaging was Busch policy
for USA, I came to United States from komunist country
During cold war USA was example for democracy,now Busch destroyed the good image of USA.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Doc, New York — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:22:57 GMT

'Jericho's' plotline of a society gone mad in its disintegration of law and order, has already interwoven the 'Blackwater' factor, perhaps as a warning.

One wonders at a society which decries war, murder and mayhem in so many quarters yet lobbies to be the frist in line for the next video, paintball, or laser tag ctechnology which permits them to play at same.

'Blackwater' and its ilk is the step up to the real thing for those who have had their fill of fantasy games and are prepared to leave the proving grounds behind.

They are also the very same individuals who intend to be the survivors should that awful day arrive when 'Jericho' becomes a reality.

Alas. Babylon!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

RB, Baghdad Iraq — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:23:40 GMT

Ignorance, and mob mentality. You would think we were talking about Iraq, but it's sitting right there in our own country. I am a contractor in Iraq. I do not carry a gun, I have not killed anyone, and I'm doing a job that most of you are too afraid to do for fear you just might get hurt. The military needs us, hey, they're the one's paying for us to be here, not our President. DO I make good money -- yes, but it all depends on how you want to look at it. I work 100 hours/week on average, compared to 40 for most readers in the US. I live in the same housing my military bretheren do, eat the same mediocre food, and get incoming around the clock just like they do. For all that, lets not forget that we contractors also have to deal with family separation like the military. So, I work 2.5 times as much as the average American, in a hardship and dangerous location, and come home with twice what someone in the US would, and I'm the one milking the government. I still pay my taxes, live in a tent, and am paying for a house for may family like the rest of you. Grow up... The military also makes more over here than their bretheren in the States, so should we all be damned by the ignorant masses back home that we're being treated "special", and the military unfairly? I hardly think so. The military has a tough, and at times rotten job. They knew that going in, as I did, and they continue to do an admirable job (as do I.) I've seen the same arrogance in our volunteer military that I've seen in the Blackwater type companies, and I marvel that the top generals over here use these contractors for their security rather than a crack team of military security specialists. Perhaps because they're better, and more cost effective. None of the contractors get a pension. The media has an agenda, and if you can't see it, you're either blind, or oblivious to anything more than 5 miles away from you. Someone also said there are more contractors than soldiers over here -- I would hope so, as the US hires tens of thousands of local Iraqis, and other third country nationals. I suspect that many just didn't read down far enough past the sensationalist writing to see that there are only about 22,000 US contractors in this country, the other 160,000 are non-Americans, and not doing military jobs. I think that means the US military still outnumbers us US contractors, and believe me they still are very much in countrol of things here. To think otherwise is just plain foolish. State Department personnel are on a completly differernt standard than those working for DOD, and I marvelled at that double standard during my time working in and around the Embassy in the Green Zone. Yes, Blackwater guys are arrogant, they also have some pride in who they are, and in what they do. They do their job well. No one has said any differrent. THey may like their job, but where's the crime in that -- aren't we all entitled to like what we do for a living? Some become firemen, some police officers, and some military. While you can't always win, you sure as hell don't want to lose in one of those jobs, so you do your best. These are guys being paid to do an ugly job, in an ugly country, dealing with some pretty ugly mo-fo's. For every one of you that complains about what they do, and what they get paid for doing it, pick your butt up and get in there and do it for minimum wage. Any takers -- I didn't think so. This war has been going on for 7 years now. That's longer than any enlistment, excluding your initial statutory obligation. You either could have gotten out by now, or shouldn't have gone in, if you don't like how things are. The military chose to be what they are, and part of that means going where and when you're told. I've been there myself. I've listened to many military complain about how much contractors get paid (mostly by young kids with a year of experience thinking they're worth as much as someone with 20) but very few are willing to give up their military retirements to give in early and join us. I'm always amazed at the level of ignorance in the world, and once again I sit in awe at the magnitude of it here. As I always tell my wife -- I sterotype groups, but not individuals, so if the shoe fits, wear it. You want a witch-hunt -- come over here and join al-Qeada. No one knows what happened in the Blackwater shootout for sure, the investigations are still being done. I don't care if you're red or blue, we still have due process, and innocent until proven guilty as basic tenants of our society. This is an emotional topic to many of you, and not one borne of reason. Our diplomats could be getting killed at the same rate as others within Iraq, but they aren't -- kudos to Blackwater for a job well done. Are the locals intimidated -- I sure hope so, because as soon as Blackwater is no longer feared, our diplomats will begin to die. Iraq can't, and won't, protect them. Most of you won't either...

Blackwater's ugly Americans

S Roberts — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:27:37 GMT

So we have a bunch of maroons who function under no law, representing the US, or at least US companies in a foreign land. It's no wonder the rest of the world feels we are arrogant and ignorant to them. Little do they know it's only the bad child in the white house that is arrogant and ignorant.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

sue kolberg, pewaukee, wi — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:43:06 GMT

I believe in Blackwater, my brother belongs to Blackwater and did two tours over in Fulija and let me tell you that if everyone with a negative opinion about Blackwater wants to do the job they do, have at it. Step back and realize the job they do, and how they plac their life in harms way at all times. So, refrane from your narrow minded opinions, and realize where you live and the soil that you walk on. Freedom.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Ranting, Cornfield, Illinois — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:58:12 GMT

Who CARES what Blackwater is doing? Its like standing on the Titanic and complaining about the toilets overflowing. Like standing in a forest fire and eyeballing your campfire ring with concern. Are we already bored with car bombs,death squads, assasinations and what not? Maybe we should zoom out at bit and be a little concerned with Iran, Syria, Pakistan, Afganistan and Turkey? I guess my only real concern is if they actually escorted 1800+ diplomatic missions this year. I'd say we didn't get much return on our tax dollars there boys. Unless "diplomatic mission" is code for running guns and money to every wannabe dictator er.. I mean lawfully elected official in Iraq. What if we actually gave one of em enough edge to kill all his competitors, everyone of a different ethnic or religeous backround (except us)and all their friends and family back 3 generations? Would the price of oil go back down? Would they kick the crap outta those pesky Iranians? Would my joy then know no bounds? I think it would! Then my friends, we could force everyone who ever doubted or nay-sayed the idea of private security firms value in a global war to say "I'm sorry. I was foolish to have doubted." Heck, we could probably make them wear paper bags on their heads, with FOOL printed on it, in public, for a week. Meteing out that kind of punishment makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. FORGET BLACKWATER. Lets focus on the real problem in Iraq, whatever it is.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Gordon Brown, Driggs, Idaho — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:10:48 GMT

This sorry eppisode was brought to you by the same credtin who strutted his flight suit enhaced cahones on the deck of the air craft carrier for Mission Accomplished and who shortly thereaffer, when asked about the increase in resistance arrongantly said, "Bring em'on." This is not the United States I believed in when I served in Vietnam in 1966-67. Gordon Brown. Driggs, Idaho

Blackwater's ugly Americans

johnjohn, bozeman, MT — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:12:25 GMT

Blackwater is under the guise of the US State Department, folks. That means they operate under quite strict rules of engagement and conduct. Very hard to do in a combat zone, I can personally assure you. Every "incident" is investigated by DOS personnel and superiors. Nothing, not even a traffic accident goes unreported to DOS. No security contracto is going to ruin their career trying to cover up mistakes made by people under him. So forget the conspiracies. BW gets a lot of bad press because they are nearest all the press and diplomats(read liberals) in Baghdad.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jason Rice, Houston TEXAS — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:20:59 GMT

I have recently come back from Iraq and don't believe Blackwater is all that bad. The do not have to follow the ROE like we did. Our ROE are to strict for military but they do tend to shoot first then ask questions later and as for the civilians getting killed well sad to say that is war and alot of the time what happens is the 10 year old boys are the ones shooting at you then when you shoot back a crowd comes by and swarms you as you get away then when you come back they(insurgents) take the weapons off the young boy and say see what the americans have done.
So if we are going to fight then fight not just stand there with our hands tied because of ROE wont let us prestrike. We were told once over there about ROE and they said like this is a Iraqi was rinding their camel with alot of explosives or guns we could not do anything they could just be a civilian taking their ammunition or explosives for a nice wlak in the dessert. So the good with the bad personaly i think local commanders in Iraq should make ROE not politicians back home who have never served

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Ken.... Petoskey.....Michigan — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:31:23 GMT

We have a Blackwater starting up here in Northern Michigan (Pellston) called Sovereign Deed.
(All being built with tax payers money.)
The founder and C.E.O. Barrett Moore is also the founder of Triple Canopy which is even bigger than Blackwater.
Read about them at Northernmichiganupdate.com (in the news link)
Look where the connections lead to. (The State Dept.)
The local people are being hoodwinked by them calling themselves a "Private Civil Defense firm."
They have stated that they know how to profit from national disasters.
No one can seem to get a straight answer to what their true intent is. All investigations have come to a dead end.
Soon we will all have Blackwaters in our back yard so when Shrub decides to enforce P-51 and declare martial law against the Revolution (Operation Democracy) he will have the resources to do it.
Time to wake up people about these private mercenaries. We have three times as many of them hired by our government in Iraq as we do troops there right now. (450,000 of them)
They will be coming to your home town soon.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

x-Jarhed, FBX, AK — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:39:40 GMT

Try this on for size: I think we should draft, and put under military discipline (and PAY), ALL 'contractors', immediately and without appeal. If I was over there, I'd *HATE* these m.f.s, getting paid ten times the rate to satisfy there sadistic stearks, make me scads of new enemies, and leave whenever they want to. Merc pieces of crap...

Blackwater's ugly Americans

john — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:41:09 GMT

The blackwater mercenaries are killers, thugs and a danger to our own troops. They need to stop being funded with our taxes and prosecuted for their crimes.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jack — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:06:25 GMT

All you cry babies just shut up! Do you know the mission of Blackwater? Probably not. Do you know the circumstances that let up to the shoot out, or are you so ignornat to believe that they just went in shooting? Why don't you do a little fact finding before placing guilt on people protecting dipolmats of YOUR country! Morons!!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Harry Victor — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:12:13 GMT

I cannot possibly believe that citizens of the United States are so out of it that they believe that it is wrong for contractors like Blackwater to be involved in that debacle. This crap sounds like Vietnam error crap wait to get shot at first then respond...these goddarn terrorist bastards will blow the hell out any of you citizens given the chance and cut off your heads and set them next to ya....BLACKWATER KEEP BLASTIN AND ALL MILITARY FORCES GOD BLESS

Blackwater's ugly Americans

mario, denver, co — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:30:29 GMT

Why is everyone treating them as they have been convicted already. Wait until after the investigation before you hang them. They were probably just defending themselves. Dont judge them, if you were being shot at you would probably do the same.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

N Vic, Somewhere, Iraq — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:32:35 GMT

Don't lump us all together w/ Blackwater, I've been a securtiy contactor in Iraq for over 2yrs. We operate as true professionals and I can tell you that in hundreds of missions we have not killed one innocent Iraqi. We are not cowboys and take every consceiveable precaution to reduce threats w/out the loss of life.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:32:48 GMT

Blackwater, the American Jinjaweed...

Blackwater's ugly Americans

John Roos Jr., Houston Texas — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:41:46 GMT

It's unbelievable how on September 11th, 2001, the nation was subjected to brutality of the worst kind. Yet, some folks just dont get it. For all of your information, Blackwater is a first class paramilitary organization. The execute their work fearlessly in the face of danger and are true patriots. They have field tested some of the very finest ammunition in the world. So what if they might have gone on a few Roust-a-bouts and killed some civilians, we must remember that this is a war ! And War is about killing ! It's about killing the desire of the enemy to fight as well as to fill their cemetaries. And yes, there may be some collateral damage. Just thank your lucky stars that it isn't you this time. It's funny how people who are warm in their beds only want peace at the expense of further attacks on our nation. However, peace is for the WEAK, and the WOMEN. Empires are forged by war ! There are still many many insurgents out there in the world, and It's high time we kill them all.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

SFODDvirginiaArmy — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:47:08 GMT

I would not want to have to one day stand before the Lord and explain why I was killing folks for a bit of money. Forget the argument about 'serving'; if that were true, they'd be in uniform with the rest of our combat troops that get paid a whole lotta nothing but do it for country and flag. I am ashamed for my own nation when we send thugs like these abroad. Filth. Pure mercenary filth. This is coming from a combat soldier, not a 'hippie'. No accountability at all; at present, at least. There will be an accounting one day, and Lord, please let it come quickly.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Bill-Baghdad — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:51:25 GMT

Hey Sgt James,

KBR shot at you? Wow they are not even armed. No they are too busy cooking your meals, delivering your fuel, doing things the military cant do. Yes the corporate big shots are making huge profits.

Glad you and your troops made it home safe and sound so you can state your opinion, of course you would feel differently if everyone grouped all soldiers like those being tried for murder wwouldnt you?

Not all contractors are Blackwater cowboys (and yes they do think quite highly of themselves and they should be tried if evidence supports it and imprisoned if guilty) nor are they armed. Please dont lump everyone under the same hat.

I certainly wouldnt do that to you and your fellow soldiers.

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Hamdy Khalil, Arlington, TX — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:54:17 GMT

So, why isn't the US government listing this BlackWater as a terrorist organization? Do you still ask yourself why people abroad hate Americans?

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Cormac O'Riordan — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:58:56 GMT

One thing I learned after doing two combat tours in Iraq is this: You should never let your judgements run ahead of the facts. Before we condemn Blackwater, let's get the absolute truth about all the incidents. If they killed Iraqis without legitimate cause then, yes, they should be punished, and punsihed severely. War is ugly and chaotic enough... we don't need contactors over there who are trigger-happy yahoos.
I will say this... Iraq has a lot of terrorists. I saw them, fought them, and captured not a few of them. Whomsever thinks that we shouldn't be in Iraq fighting terrorists because there are no terrorists or Al Queda in Iraq, is sadly misguided and misinformed. Don't believe me? Go there for yourself and find out. Instead of lambasting our President, our government, and our country, why don't you take the time to realize that we are at war with global terrorism. This war is in Afghanistan, in Iraq, it could be in Iran, Syria, Pakistan; it doesn't matter. What matters is that the U.S. is finally doing something about rampant terrorism. The school-yard bully is only a bully to those kids who are easy targets, don't defend themselves, and stand idle after repeated attacks. The bully backs down from the kid who fights back.

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Leif, Minneapois, MN — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 07:19:38 GMT

Blackwater........Hmmmmm. Sounds like a euphemism for OIL!

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Phillip Fouche,Groblersdal,South Africa — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 08:34:38 GMT

You "Aint No Hero When You Kill A Child And You Cannot Cry"(John Edmond)

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Jack, Lebanon — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:16:17 GMT

Who are you americans to talk abt human rights when since the 1960's your government had bombed people in their own countries. Take Vietnam and iraq for example? How would u feel when your love ones were killed by the so called "made in america" bombs and bullets? I tell u what do a statistic on how many civilians had died from american bombs including your boss ISREAL all over the world prior to 9/11 and then talk abt human right. That would be so digusting and filthy.

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Jordan, Austin, Texas — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:28:35 GMT

Blackwater is awesome, that poster is the greatest. Rock on guys!!!!!

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Daniel Wright, Kirkuk, Iraq — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:43:28 GMT

PEOPLE, I am in Iraq for a second tour and go outside of the wire 5 days a week. I also am on my 6th combat tour and oh yah!!! I worked with Blackwater in Baghdad for a year in 05-06. Gentlemen don't be fooled WE ARE IN A WAR. What would be the reaction if all of the there passengers were killed instead - the people would have had a celeberation. I am sure that the Iraqi government would not be conducting an investigation over our dead DOS personnel.
One thing I have never heard from the Iraqi's or any other person in the last 4+ years in Iraq is an active and agressive daily I/O (Information Campaign)telling the Iraqi's to DUCK when they hear gunfire. We (THE ARMY) also use warning shoots, drive agressively, go counterflow (drive aginst traffic patterns) ect... The alternative is in many cases DIEING. The problem is that one never knows when the blast or gunfire will come or from where. Remember we have been here for 4+ years and if the local people cannot read or do not know the rules for keeping Soldiers and themselves safe then I blame the Iraqi government. We operate under the presumption that after 4+ years that they do and that either the driver heading to us is a suicide VBIED driver or just stupid. I will give him a warning shoot then it get's serious.
Life sucks, We are at WAR - LIVE WITH IT OR DIE.

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David Hood Hertford,NC. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:03:08 GMT

I remember meeting a man from Blackwater USA a few years ago he had a display at a gun show. I told him I was a range safety officer. He just laughted at me and I have found out now. They dont want people to come to target shoot. They teach people how to kill one another. The dont have any NRA matches or any ranges where they have shoots for the public. Everything is a big secret and they have armed guards at the gate here in Moyock,North Carolina. I have talked people that work in that area say they are the most arrogant people they have ever seen!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Lucky to Be Alive — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:16:20 GMT

People i know what its like to be hunted by death, that said I can say my two cents. Alot of you know very little of whats going on behind the scenes. Our country as of this moment and times back in Nam have been and are REALLY getting ripped off. People have been getting some air time to speak out about it. Its not a good example of how crookedly we get ripped off in front of the Iraqi people. These agencys do the work that Iraqis or our military can do for a fraction of the cost they charge. Haliburton for instance charged $100 per laundry bag to be washed, and they didnt do good work either. Thats just laundry! Do some homework, we heard all the plus, find the neg and your jaw will drop. I did a search on youtube and saw a video of Blackwater Contractors/Workers/mercenaries driving around and filming themselves randomly shooting other cars. Looks like they were killing by the way cars were crashing. As for the president long ago a young american asian student asked Bush at a press conference about who keeps these guys in check, LOOK (this guy is good at acting dumb)www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6Z1tevub9I&mode=related&search=
Yes the terrorists dont play by the rulesand we need some dirty work one but NOT A WHOLE PRIVATE MILATARY OF MERCENARIES! When you see a foreigner doing almost whatever he wants in your country and nothing gets done about it, you start to hate everything linked to him. Im surprised that the Iraqi people have finally had enough of these guys and I really think that our goverment has finally no choice but to act like they didnt know, this investigation thats going on is a front to make us think the people on top dont know *hit. The networks are so complicated, those profiting from it have so much pull that these guys cant really be stopped. Look it up its really easy to find. All these rip off companies are really ruining our image.

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Chris, Baghdad, Iraq — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:44:36 GMT

Guess what, no governement person has ever been injuried in Iraq under the care of Blackwater. They are doing a fantastic job.

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John — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:53:54 GMT

The Bush Administration arrogantly destroyed many years of hard work by previous administration that gave us respect throughout the entire world.

Blackwater destroyed the respect that many of our soldiers died for and gave their lives to protect freedom and the innocent.

Bush, Blackwater, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Abu Ghaib and the Guantanamo prison will be remembered in History as an American Failure and irresponsibility.

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Former U.S Marine New York — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:19:46 GMT

Before everyone is so quick to critsize these guys, ask yourself could I do thier job? They do the jobs that our military dosent have the man power to do. These are guys who have already served in the military and do this for the paycheck that we should be giving to the men and women in uniform. If you want a real shocker look up how many of these guys have lost thier lives over there doing thier job. The numbers are shocking, but you never hear about these guys in the paper, they get no medals.

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RND — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:52:29 GMT

Let's ELIMINATE all the Blackwaters - BRING BACK THE DRAFT! All American men and women should give two or three years of service to their country. Blackwater exists because we are too rich and self-centered to fight our own battles.

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Steve Wilson — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:18:13 GMT

One more reason to vote the Republicans out in 08 and I am a Republcian. This has to be the biggest disaster and debacle in Amercian history. What a huge waste our brave soldiers and it will be a trillion dollars plus for the world to hate us more. When does it soak in these morons, Bush and Cheney, who never served that we are broke and can no longer afford to be police the world. Get real, anybody who signs up for private security in Iraq is one sick suck and another Rambo want to be. Why the hell tax payers pay for these freaks at $150K while we have military who are professionaly trained can do it $30K. One more reason to get these out of touch idiots out of office in 08.

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Bill — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:19:21 GMT

I can tell that none of you Bush basher's have ever been in a war, and at every moment, you are looking over your shoulder to see who is going to be shooting at you next. OK, they are potentially a renegade bunch, but until you have been there, you have no idea what it's about. By the way, Jim, it is a federal crime for you to say that Bush should be shot. Maybe the feds will be showing up at your door soon????

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Lucky — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:24:28 GMT

Jason, Jim is simply saying that this president is doing whatever he wants. Where in his sentence did he himself threaten to shoot the president? Maybe hes implying the death penalty and thats not a crime to say. And in my mind he has commited treason, he let our jobs go overseas, he wants to let mexican truckers do business with US corperations on our own soil(knowing damn well we cant compete with their prices) and he obviously bu*lshi*ted us into this war with WMD and the word terror. You wanna tell me that one vague report convinced him? He also used to say "oh its not a civil war" my a**! Its worse! EVERY GROUP out there is fighting each other, its like a gang land. No wonder Powell distanced himself from the Bush Administration. Honestly do you belive everything you read or see on TV or what? Do you think your goverment never lies to you? We once were told that our troops never went into Cambodia during Nam, but now of course we all know that was a lie amoung some other big lies. I am not a leftist nor am I saying they are always lieing but I do my homework and I see a lot of BS going on....we can win this war but companies like this destroy our honor & purpose. Ciscocst@hotmail

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Sherry, Norfolk Va. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:28:27 GMT

I Think most of you are crazy! War is WAR! My brother was in nam, and the things he has told me were horrible.Have YOU ever been shot at? Have you ever seen a child walk up to your friend & then blow him up, because your friend liked kids & didn't want to hurt one?Try to imagine being shot at from different directions all at the same time from people who look just like everbody else around you.
When The bad guys came on 911 did anyone say hay it's ok to do that? Well if someone was trying to kill me I would shoot back!How can you tell the enemy from friend when the friend turns into the enemy when you turn your back? If i told you to stop your car & I had a gun Would you? Knowing if you don't i'm going to shoot? Would you still keep comeing? Thank God you are not defending our homeland, We would all be speaking another language.

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sue o, coral springs, FL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:40:35 GMT

All I can say is what is the difference between Blackwater and Saddam Hussein? Why did we get rid of Saddam if we are just putting someone else in there that is not accountable for the fear and for the killing that they do. Aren't we over their to protect the Iraqi's from this kind of situation? Should they start erecting Blackwater statues along the roads in Iraq? I believe that will be the next step.

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Lucky — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:43:53 GMT

Colin Cooper your wrong, many contracters/mercenaries are killed all the time but the company (and other contracters)does not release that info to the public and sometimes not even to the families. I can show you videotaped sessions of families at a commitee seeking answers that i also found on youtube. (they dont have to disclose that info) and the most famous proof to show you that your wrong is when i think two, contractors (blackwater employees/mercenaries)we caught off guard driving through Fallujah, ambushed and set ablaze, dragged in the streets on TV, mutilated and chopped up and the pieces hung high in the air. At the time the media said they were contracted employees but i later found out they were actually contracted mercenaries (even back then people really I mean really hated the men in black uniform more than any other soldier)

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Rick P. Chattanooga — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:48:48 GMT

Hey mister Impeach Cheney, let's get one thing straight America is not and never will be "trash" if you think it is then get the hell out now. You are trash if you belive that the actions of others make a country of 300 million trash.

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Paul Deuth, Andover, CT — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:55:41 GMT

The war against Iraq and the Iraqis is unjustified - we have not been offered a justification for the invasion, destruction, and occupation of Iraq and the killing and subjugation of the Iraqi people. This is the starting point for any discussion.
If a beligerent foreign nation were to invade and destroy my country, killing my friends and family, I would take up arms against them, as a civilian. These are the people we like to call insurgents or terrorists. They sound more like a resistance or, even, freedom fighters when you accept that this war is unjustified. (I omit the civil war aspects from this discussion for the sake of clarity around the issue of the US presence there and our use of mercenaries.)
The leaders of the war against the Iraqis, the Bush administration and Bush in particular, can't help but to run their political agenda on everything they touch. Privitization, that is, the placing of public money in private hands, is a key platform. Sure, it's institutionalized corruption, but they have it figured to be good for our nation.
At the same time the drive for power and wealth without accountibility moves this nexus to another level. These dynamics are ideological and pervasive in everything Bush, et al, touch. The serving of their very private interests can only conflict with public welfare in time. It's a set-up, it's fated, it's karma. It can be no other way.
Bush, et al, will defend their "right" to plunder society at will, to take for themselves what they will, when they want it. They do not have the stuff to simply stop, no less go back to a more realistic public policy. Things will get worse, it can be no other way.

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Brendan — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:01:05 GMT

I am a sergeant in the US army and can say with impunity that more oversight needs to be on these security contractors. That said, apparently, there are plenty of people out there that seem to think that the only contractors that are serving our country, honorably or not, are the heavily armed security contractors. This, however is not the case. The security contractors are only around 5% of the total contract labor force. Contractors cook our food, repair our vehicles, wash our laundry, etc... Of the ones I have met and worked with, most of them are highly professional, loyal Americans. I am ashamed of those who act like this and feel that they do certainly need to be held fully accountible, if not to the UCMJ, then to either the Iraqi justice system or our own.

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lucky — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:06:53 GMT

Hey buddy before Bush there was no problem with going over there, i could have drove there with no weapons or anything. And of course i might die if i go now, duh its a freakin WAR and guess what our dumbasses are trying to help people who a majority now hates us and wants us out! Lemme tell you something I can take that same ride right now but i still wont think BLACKWATER IS USEFUL BECAUSE AMERICAN TROOPS CAN BE JUST AS USEFUL. All blackwater does it get in the way by luring ex us special forces soldiers from their uniform into a more lucrative way to make money and not have to worry so much if you do something bad in front of a camera because you supposedly dont represent the american people. The only respect these guys have from iraqis insurgents or civilians is out of fear. And considering the stories ive heard from many soldiers these guys are ruining it for us. Point is that we never should have gone into this war with most of the world protesting, we are pretty much alone in this for a reason. All i know is that we need some new leadership to manage this war better.

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Dave Taylor, Beaufort NC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:15:20 GMT

Blackwater contracts people who have had extensive training in warfare/killing. They are not supposed to be diplomats. Consider what one of their contractors said when he was in the streets of New Orleans after Katrina. Over the phone he told one of his buddies not to bother to come down there because there wasn't enough "action". Those mercs made over $300/day while Homeland Security paid Blackwater about $1000 a day per man. Those are YOUR tax dollars supporting a paramilitary business with little or NO oversight. They are a private army with powerful connections in this administration. It's no wonder Iraq can't shake them loose when Bush and his administration are in a kind of partnership with Erik Prince and his gang of goons - onward "Christian Soldiers"...

Check out http://blackwaterwatch.net/ Read Scahill's book, Google Blackwater. Get some information from someone who's not in cahoots with these guys.

And pre-emptively for you war freak detractors of the truth - I am a veteran of five years during Viet Nam. I'm also a member of Veterans For Peace who wants to see our troops come home alive and whole, not screwed up like so many vets of our generation still are.

TROOPS OUT NOW! Cut off Blackwater's no-bid contracts!! Impeach Bush & Cheney

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Mr Hugh Mungus, FOB Warhorse, Iraq — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:17:33 GMT

Somebody needs to fire back at the insurgents. The Army usually runs away from hostile action. Without firing a single shot. Is that the way to win a war?
If you were not there that day then how can you pass judgement? Most of you have no clue as to what goes on over there. The enemy is a bunch of cowards that hide behind ambushes, ied's, and snipers so the only way to make it through the day is to suspect everyone...

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Randy Allan — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:20:39 GMT

How petty and shallow some of these responses sound. Hopefully, everyone reading this cross-section of American dialouge will stepback and realize that whenever you put any kind of people in a bad situation, most likely bad things will happen. It is not a complete reflection of their persona; it is a reflection of a mistake that was made some years ago. If this was a well supported and just conflict, we would have the volunteers and not have to rely on mercenaries. Americans have always rose to defend our freedoms and homeland when there was a genuine threat, and always been very good at it. Face the real facts; we lowered our guard, allowed the 9-11 operatives to infiltrate our nation and commit a dispicable act. Then in a "punch-first" mentality (as if we had to strike first to avoid their first strike? Eye for eye etc.), we allowed the invasion of Iraq to occur. We should all accept part of the guilt, remember this lesson well (as if Vietnam never existed? duh!), and select our leaders more carefully.

Leave Iraq. Let them establish and define the character of their nation as we did over a hundred years (Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War) by paying with our treasure. Let them pay the price with their treasure for what they truly want, not what we want with our treasure. If they had any sense of nationality, why have so many affluent Iraqi's fled their homeland, deserted their cause (is it really their cause now?)? If we truly protected our country well, would we really be that at risk again?

I just hope that the same administration that is assuring me that the measures have been taken to protect us has a somewhat different mindset than the one that brought us to this point in the first place!

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Bill. Cheyenne Wy — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:27:56 GMT

Blackwater was put in Iraq to protect the US embassy
and to transport US and Iraqi Diplomats throughout Iraq. They get fired upon! All the time! They get killed! Just like our US troops do. It's war! Citizens
get killed that are in the path of fire fights! It's war! It happens. Until you have known some of these fine men don't pass judgement!

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Rodney Parrish, Spokane, Wash. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:28:44 GMT

WAR IS HELL, deal with it. Or maybe you would want them to come over here and kill us here !!!!! All of you quit whining.

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Name Withheld, St. Louis, MO — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:41:40 GMT

The level of abject ignorance spouted in some of these posts regarding Blackwater being (mis) characterized as a "mercenary army" or simple "hired guns" is laughable.

Blackwater is providing critical protection services that the US military establishment is either unable or unwilling to perform on its own. The US military's mission in Iraq, absent Blackwater and the dozens of other private security firms operating in there, would simply be impossible to accomplish.

Blackwater is not a "mercenary army." Blackwater's operators consist largely of former US Special Forces operators with Top Secret clearance levels; patriots who risk their lives performing missions that are essential to US and Iraqi national security interests. Blackwater provides protection services and other missions exclusively to the US, her allies and other friendly countries and organizations.

Blackwater has performed thousands of missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and dozens of other hot spots with very little notoriety and relatively little loss of life, friend or foe. However, in many cases, they ARE serving in some of the most dangerous places on earth, and the application of deadly force can and does become necessary from time-to-time.

Blackwater is, at the moment, being used as a political shill by leftist, anti-war propagandists with an all-too-transparent agenda.

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Navy wife — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:51:06 GMT

Everyone complains about companies like Blackwater, but if more people enlisted in our military instead of ranting and raving then companies like Blackwater wouldn't be needed. 1% of the population defending the other 99%. Seems a little lop sided to me.

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Walter Miami FL. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:56:51 GMT

What is the proportion of Blackwater men killed compared to U.S military personell? If the numbers are drastically different the reason is Blackwwater creates fear simply with its presence. It is easier to kick a dog who has no teeth.

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Martin, Middleburg FL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:01:57 GMT

Everyone of you bashing Blackwater should be ashamed. How many of you will come here and risk your lives to defend your fellow Americans & service members? They help provide a services to an already over taxed force here in Iraq. I am a soldier and my job has some pretty unbelievable risks, but they are here to help defend. How many of you will do that? These folks are are just like anyone else. They get shot at and blown up same as us in uniform. God forbid that a little confusion may happen while people are trying to kill you. Its already so messed up that sometimes you may go to jail no matter if what you did was the right thing, and you only believe the story of the Iraqi's filming and participating in attacking Americans. This is what they want, and if you, the mass majority believe everyting the media tries to do to villify these folks, then you as ignorant Americans are not worth defending. I say shut the F^$% up, pick up a weapon and contribute to bringing us all home.
But in the same breath you're the same folks not helping out our bretheren in uniform. Denying them employment or not giving them back there jobs because America has called on them. AMERICA, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO SACRIFICE FOR THOSE WHO SACRIFICE FOR YOU????

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rb, Detroit — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:20:10 GMT

Bruce from Boston, you hide behind anonymity and pretend to have credentials the rest of the posters in here do not. Please tell us what credentials are necessary to recognize evil, since we are all just a bunch of dumb bleeding hearts. Here's one that I have. War Vet. Vietnam and I hope I get forgiveness for the evil I helped inflict back then. I only hope that I'm not judged by the standards set by Bush, Cheney and Blackwater. Those people ARE destined for hell. I pray for the forgiveness I need not to be sitting with them for eternity

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Drew, Frisco Tx — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:28:40 GMT

I think ya'll forget that they are at war in a war zone, the insurgents don't play by any rules, and we don't hear about half the stuff that they do. With that said there are only two real rules in a war. 1. Survive. 2. Win.

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Brian, Indianola, IA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:34:47 GMT

It is very sad that so many of you have forgotten the killing, dragging and hanging of members of the Blackwater group. I am sure that after that incident, the Blackwater group came together and said "Never Again!!!" Have any of you been to Iraq??? I have, and seen the barbaric natrue of a people who resent the very fact that we are attempting to bring them a better way of life. You can argue the value or "justness" of the war in Iraq; but shame on all of you for denying these brave men the right to keep themselves and their employers safe in a war zone.

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Tor, Washington, DC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:41:39 GMT

The US is fighting for Isreal and the control of the US government by the jewish lobby was the leading factor for the invasion of Iraq. Look at who pays the campaign tab. Isreali lobbists. Remember where we got the "intel" to go to war in the first place? Who pays for all of Isreal's tanks to fight the Muslims? There are only two countries in the world that are standing by the US. Wake up.

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GW — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:44:04 GMT

War is not pretty or pleasant.
There have been civilian casualties in every war. 2749 CIVILIANS died on American soil in a single terrorist attack on Sept 11, 2001.
Thousands more Americans have died since... or is that irrelevant?

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ZUK, New Delhi, India — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:47:38 GMT

The Blackwater saga reminds me of the British East India Company that ruled India on behalf of the British Empire. This company's brutality and insensitivity towards the Indians led to the mutiny of 1857 that caused enormous damage to British interests. The British were quick to realize their mistake and the Crown removed the British East India Company from the picture and took direct control of the Indian subcontinent. Will president Bush heed the lesson of history remove Blackwater from Iraq as the British removed the British East India Company from India? Only time will tell.

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steve franklin ky — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:54:03 GMT

to julie and all the rest of the people who dont have a real clue what there talking about where were you people when the four blackwater contractors were pulled from there car at the beginning of the war in falluja and killed and ther bodies mutilated on tv when they surrenderd did you ever stop to think that the guys over there now remember this and dont want to end up like that also if the iraq army would man up and take responsibility they would not need them over there. they are protecting civillians that are being killed.

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Kim, Arkansas — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:55:03 GMT

You cannot judge all the people that work for Blackwater over these events. It just like having a bad cop in with alot of good ones who get the blame for someone elses mistakes. Most of these men are good and follow rules and do care about the people. Don't forget many of these men were in the military prior to working for Blackwater.

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Joe, AZ — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:02:47 GMT

It is amazing to me how many armchair experts exist to criticize people they likely know nothing about except for what they've read of someone elses opinion. Do you really know the facts of what happened? Also, how many times have our military forces been involved in similar incidents, where they were accused of killing innocent civilians? In a war where the opposition doesn't wear a uniform, civilian casualties are inevitable.

As for those who make comments like "less people will miss them when they're gone" and this war should be fount "by real, trained, American troops, not mercenaries". Your comments are nothing short of ignorant. Remember that the majority of Blackwater personnel are ex-specops guys with years of training and also that they are someones father, brother, or son. A close family member of mine is now serving with Blackwater in Iraq after a long career as a very highly respected operator as a Navy SEAL. Plenty of people would miss him if he were gone.

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Chet R. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:20:24 GMT

The facts have not all come out, I don't agree or disagree at this point. Are companies like Blackwater needed, yes. We don't have the military manpower to provide security for every company , diplomat, etc; in a war zone. In war , things like this happen, it's unfortunate. But, it happens, you have been living in a sleeping bag if you don't understand that. OUR military has killed many civilians, that too is unfortunate. Unless you live and work in a war zone on a daily basis, you have no business judging what it is like or what may happen at any given moment. As far as George's comment about Vietnam. I should hope he made less than a 1000 a month. I was a L/CPL in Vietnam and made 165 a month INCLUDING Combat Pay, or Hostile Fire Pay as it was officially called. His story is a little shaky there. As far as the political rhetoric. Yes, I believe we should get the hell out of Iraq. I am sorry,but when we leave there, it won't be one damn bit better, and we will have lost several thousand FINE Americans, as well as countless thousands forever scarred and then wondering in future years what it was for. I felt as PO'd as anyone after 9/11, but staying in Afghanistan and Iraq has not solved that problem and won't. Most of the insurgents in Iraq are not even FROM IRAQ! You are dead wrong, if you think once we leave, that Iraq will turn into some kind of God fearing democracy, not going to happen. We need to stay home, protect our borders and OUR country and only risk American lives when there are DIRECT threats to our interests. IRAQ is NOT Osama Bin Laden.

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Paul, New York, New York — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:23:19 GMT

it was Benjamin Franklin that said "Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" but Jefferson said some wise things also :)

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Chocolate Cowgirl — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:29:05 GMT

Does anyone remember when we were the good guys?

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ken balduff, Seattle, WA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:36:29 GMT

I note that Blackwater has a very good record of protecting our diplomatic people as they go about the business at hand, in what can only be described as a very dangerous and volatile country. If the people that BW they protects, wanted them to stop and hand out candy to kids, they could request that they do so! Not likely. With car bombs and crazies with bombs strapped to their bodies, I'm not sure how a protective "zone" could be safely maintained using other tactics. I note that there is a claim that BW has fired only 56 times in nearly 1,900 missions this year...seems quite low given the circumstances of operations. I wonder how many times that they have been fired upon? I bet that most of us simply cannot imagine the conditions of this work, have ever been fired upon or feel the responsibility of having to guard someones else's life, at the expense of your own.

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C Brown, Tampa, FL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:38:55 GMT

The issue here is whether the U.S. stands for the rule of law. As it stands, Blackwater operatives and other contractors in Iraq are immune from ANY law. The Status Of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the Iraqi government protects U.S. contractors from prosecution in Iraqi courts. Contractors are not covered by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which covers our military overseas and here in the U.S. Because these acts occurred outside our borders, they are not subject to U.S. criminal jurisdiction.

The result is 180,000 Americans in Iraq - the contractors outnumber our military - whose actions cannot be prosecuted in ANY court: not Iraqi courts, not U.S. military courts, not U.S. criminal courts.
From testimony presented to Congress, the contractors know they are immune from any law, and they act on that knowledge.

That is, quite simply, un-American. We are a nation of laws. Our elections are revolutions-by-law, e.g.: President Bush will leave office in 2009, not because he is forced out by a better-armed opponent, but because the law requires him to do so. The idea that no American is above the law is fundamental to our notion of civilized self-government.

Regardless of the facts of this tragic event, we must bring military contractors operating overseas under the rule of law. The use and threat of violence by non-state actors, operating outside any law, is the very definition of "terrorism."

As things stand, Blackwater is by definition a terrorist organization. I say that not to impugn their operators or management - nor to judge their actions in this case - but simply as a fact of their current legal status. If we are indeed fighting a global war on terrorism - a global war to bring all violence under the rule of law - we cannot exempt our own PMCs or their operators. They must be subject to the rule of law.

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Charles Palmer, Arnold, MD — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:39:22 GMT

Hey, what's wrong with mercenaries? The British used them in 1776, Hessian's, remember. Wait a minute, the British lost that war come to think of it.

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SFC Justin MacEwen, Fort Gordon, Georgia — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:43:43 GMT

If you dislike Bush then okay fine, dislike Bush, but what really ticks US troops off is when some people hear will go out of their way to blame the military, US policy, or anyone not voting Democrat, to talk about the Iraqi death toll. Having "been there" and walked down the streets of Baghdad picking through the mounds of bodies that other Arabs killed, tortured, beheaded, shot, strangled, ran over, used power tools, etc. all ages, men, women, kids, old people, I have come up with one answer:

If you have never been to Iraq you need to do more than watch 5 minutes on the television and think you know more than the rest of us who have actually been over there. Your concepts are weak and regardless if we got rid of Saddam or not, he still was killing thousands of Iraqis on a montly basis. Why don't you people stop blaming President Bush for the Iraqi dead and start blaming the weak and corrupt United Nations that allowed Saddam to let millions starve to death while he built 45 palaces...? Oh yeah, the Democratic Left is so well informed, it will be interesting when you people elect Hillary and think that all of these problems will just go away? Grow up and get your head out of the sand. The problem is here and it will be here long after anyone of else are dead and buried.

You don't like what I say, fine, enlist, grab a weapon and stand on a checkpoint along Route Irish in downtown Baghdad, then I will respect your "insight".

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Eric, Troy, NY — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:44:42 GMT

It is amazing how fast propaganda spreads. Has anyone stopped to think that nobody wants the US to lose this Iraq rebuilding effort more than many Iraqis themselves? Many of these anti americans are very intelligent and plan elaborate schemes to create public unrest while sacrificing even their own families in the process.

Blackwater is just a business. Men are men. War is hell. Nobody placed in a warzone can be expected to die by the rules. Only people who pretend to be experts with all the answers will mouth off before the facts are all in and reviewed. That isn't a coverup, its uncovering what many would cover up.

By the way, that video, was that a body shop? or a bomb shop?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Justin MacEwen — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:48:10 GMT

Yeah if President Clinton was in office he would have never gotten the US in Iraq, but then again he would have done much after 9/11 either. Maybe bomb another group of empty tents or just let Bin Laden slip away again and again and again, oh yeah and again. I am sure Hillary will do the same thing if elected.

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JW, North Central Iraq — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:49:24 GMT

I've had the misfortune to work with Blackwater USA several times over the years. In my opinion, for the most part, they are animals and idiots fueled by greed and lust for power.

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George, San Antonio — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:51:18 GMT

This HAS to be the controversy that all Americans have to absorb and understand in order to comprehend the mental disease that has been propagated by the most corrupt and evil administration in our country's short history. It has been done for no other reason than greed. The Bush cabal and the war profiteers that funded its rise to power needed an excuse to create another threat that would scare those weak minded voters into believing "Might is right".

In the process, the international image of our formerly great nation has become an open sewer like this army of lawless mercernaries called Blackwater.

This disease has infected the weakened minds of more than a third of our population. The disease is HATE and FEAR based but is a completely voluntary mental state. Those Americans that say "Kill them all and let God sort them out" have already been predisposed to this illness because they were raised in a racist society. Sad but true in this age is that this hate has been distributed by using religion.I pray that these God fearing people will allow reason to cleanse their confused minds.

It is time for Americans with a conscience to register and vote in the next election to insure that there will be no obstructions in the House and Senate for investigations toward ACCOUNTABILITY for the cabal and its criminal cohorts.

Vietnam vet saddened by America's lack of conscience

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Robert LeJeune, Lafayette, Louisiana — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:54:11 GMT

Corporate armies, how are they accountable? Who is accountable? By our law no one, at least not a real person. Limited liability, a technicality, what slime. There needs to be a real checks and balance on these entities. If a solder did the same thing he would be liable, our government would be liable, and when a corporation does it the government points a finger, gives them another billion-dollar contract and then turns its back. Nevertheless, this is our country, this is how we export our intentions, and this is what defines what America is globally. This is Despicable. How do we change this within our democratic system?

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Resolute Protector, San Diego, California — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:01:18 GMT

I am sick and tired of hearing that our military is fighting to keep us free. In my neighborhood this year, there have been 8 murders, 74 robberies, 12 rapes, 3 sexual assualts on children, and over 300 drug realted arrests. Going out after dark around here is a DEADLY proposition. Where are these so called freedom fighters? Why are they not protecting the innocent people of my neighborhood? I have NO freedom! Unless it is to die at the hand of criminals exercising thier freedom! I am sick and tired of the so called American way. It is really just ignorance, apathy and arrogance. This is what happens to a country whose leaders are more interested in making money than protecting US civilians. Impeach Bush NOW!

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mike kushman, ft. worth, tx — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:06:43 GMT

Everyone has an opinion on these political issues, but who out there actually does something about it? If you have a problem with the way things are, what are you doing about it? I hope you aren't just watching the news, internet, etc. and going to work and doing the normal things that you'd be doing if the country wasn't at war.
Whether we like it or not, this war is all of ours. If we live in this country and pay our taxes and purchase goods and services and consume, then we are the ones that are funding this debacle. If we live in this country and allow OUR "elected" politicians to commit the types of acts that they are known for without reprimand then WE are responsible for permitting this atmosphere to exist. All of these claims are based on the idea that we(the people) are truly in power and can make change. We the people of the United States of America, do have the power, don't we?

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Robert LeJeune, Lafayette, Louisiana — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:06:50 GMT

To Mark Lavalier, this is a democracy. Backwater does not have the right to do anything above what our government is permitted to do by law and by the limits placed by the constitution. This is not liberal; this is the basic principle of our country. By allowing corporate armies, you allow a corporation to have power over congress and over the constitution and you do this with no oversight. Have you lost your mind? Not only do we allow this, our government funds this, completely corrupt.

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RHW, RICHMOND, VA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:12:15 GMT

In a country where you can't tell the good citizens from the terrorists, in a country where the enemy will explode a car bomb next to a school just to make sure they get the soldiers next to it, in a country where the locals like to kill each other for believing a slightly different version of the same religion................................
I can fully understand the policy of US soldiers and private security forces to shoot first and then see if it was a threat.

Just as it was when I was in Vietnam, the attitude to have is one of "They all look the same and I ain't risking going home in a box just to figure which one's the bad guy !, Shoot 'em all and sort it out later.!"

If you can't tell the enemy by sight, you have to assume they all are enemy !

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Tom Barthelemy, Pinewood MN — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:19:18 GMT

1-For those mewling along that no one critical of BushCheneyBlackwater deserves to speak because "they haven't been there" OK boys, take a look at how many Viet Nam vets there are in the comments above. No, everyone isn't a combat veteran [Bush, Cheney, Rummie] but American asked to pay for this mess deserves an opinion.
2] If the law allows someone to carry and use a weapon then that person has to be held accountable. That's how it is for the US military, American police forces, armed guards of all sorts. The Blackwater situation is one more case of the Bushies thinking that no rule of God or man applies to them.

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John, Charlotte,NC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:21:22 GMT

The last sentence in the article says the video shows bullet holes from all different directions in the vehicle. So I guess its the special bullets that was used on JFK? I doubt that. Or maybe no one here, even the author of this article, actually knows what happened. And we should wait until the actual report comes out. Just like the news media and the liberal reporters at NBC to speculate and report on things they dont know all the facts on or is onesided.

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Joel, Catheys Valley, CA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:25:29 GMT

Looks like one more incident where the American media looks to trash any and everything American...Bet ya money several years from now there will be trial...just like Haditha, intentionally intellectually dishonest reporting makes American and American's "ugly, bad guys". So..tell me if everything American does in Iraq is wrong, is'nt the media guilty by association...oh, yeah I forgot the media and most especially msnbc is unbiased..who do you guys think your kidding? Yeah, we've got some people over there who are doing things they should'nt be doing, and the same holds true for the reporting. I say poor American people..can't trust anyone!

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Douglas Adams, Pinehurst, Texas — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:33:06 GMT

Blackwater should be chided for not having done more ops like this. Bush should have deported all ragheads in the U.S. to iraq/iran/syria and turned the place into a self-illuminating glass parking lot.

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Robert LeJeune, Lafayette, Louisiana — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:34:12 GMT

Who cares if any of us have been in combat, what difference does that make? What an arrogant meathead statement, if I flex my muscle harder will you all run away? This is a democracy; we have a voice and will not be intimidated by comments like that. I personally am not going to turn my back and allow this process to go any further with out speaking up. If you have been in a firefight, it was in Vietnam or the first gulf war, and you were in the military, not in a corporate war machine with no allegiance to our red, white and blue but funded by our government. This is not how our system was set up to work, plain and simple. Liberal or conservative.

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d kin, Winston-Salem, NC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:44:09 GMT

Iraq is not a just "war" and to compare the actions of the American military, the American government & the American citizens actions during WWII to Iraq is a great slander to those who were a part of WWII, a just war. To compare the two only shows a willful ignorance. Our present volunteer military has overall shown itself equal in courage and fighting ability as any military America has ever fielded. Those who spout off about "left-wing liberals" not knowing or ever having experience of military service, their heroes-Pres Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld-where did they serve? "Left-wing liberals" John Kerry, Jim Webb, Max Cleland?
And while these Bushies name call and ignore the facts of why people are dying in Iraq our lawful American military is being put in harm's way without adequate armour, weaponary, ammunition or pay. Check out how much Blackwater is profiting from this war and guess who is paying them, the American taxpayer. If you care so much about the American military why aren't you screaming about the unfair treatment between pay scales?
Have planted a "victory garden", Pres. Bush told the American people to "go shopping" and now there is surprise that that's what the people are doing, some of the shopping is for body armour for our family members as they are deployed to one of the war fronts. Bush has not called for a draft purely for polictical reasons, duh, guess what those reasons are.

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John Detroit, MI — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:44:20 GMT

I guess everyone has forgotten the Blackwater men who were hung from the bridge.....

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Terry Peterson, Georgetown, TX — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:47:33 GMT

Contractors are our administrations solution to a draw down. Add those numbers to the number of troops over there, include the ones that come and go on specialized short missions and you'll see we are well over 300,000 fighting this war in Iraq. I was there in 2003 and this whole thing is now out of control. We need to move out of the citites, secure the borders to keep out insurgents and let the fight come to us. Iraq can figure this out on their own which the've been doing for thousands of years.

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John Cannon, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:51:15 GMT

I agree completely with the very first comment listed here.

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Rick, Indiana — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:56:02 GMT

This makes me sick! I cannot believe some of the comments I've read. There will be colateral damage, that just the reality of war. All of you leftist, liberal idiots seem to have forgotten what happened on 9/11.....or maybe you just do not care because it did not affect you directly?! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!

God bless America. (Yes, even you leftist liberal idiots.)

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RR, Portsmouth, VA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:02:00 GMT

My old job used to send security guards to Blackwater for training, for which we paid handsomely. After all, we were told they were the best. After less than 6 months, they hired away - during training - an entire class of guards whose training we'd already paid for. When we protested, they said it was only business. Shows you what kind of people they are - karma's a beast.

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TOM DOE VANCOUVER ,BC ,CANADA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:04:48 GMT

How many people have been killed since U.S invaded IRAQ?Is it Less then SADAM killed his own people? How many Iraq people are living in the refuge camps? Did SADAM do it ? Who invited AMERICAN to IRAQ .Be honest give me the answers .Stupid D FIORE.SAN DIEGO CA

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John, Chicago, IL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:04:49 GMT

"Since when was it okay to use mercenaries anyways?", in the USA? The Revolutionary War, for starters. Free people, making informed decisions is the backbone of Democracy.

No one forced Blackwater Employees to go to Iraq, and both countries are stronger for the voluntary dedication to Democracy.

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Gordon, Brackendale BC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:17:52 GMT

Fred from Denver you are on the mark. The killing spee Blackwater is on goes back to 2004. These mercs MURDERED some Iraqis in Falluja, and a couple of days latter the Iraqi sought revenge, in the form of an ambush. The bodies displayed hanging from a bridge. What I find sickening about this, is NO ONE asked, or investigated, what was the precurser to this. Why did this happen? No, bush ordered an offensive in Falluja, Where the MARINES got there as#es kicked. Thousands of Iraqi civilians were killed ( Dispite propoganda from the Admin./MSM all of the people of Falluja did NOT leave) along with 78 Marines. All because BLACKWATER was on a killing spree. This is just another case were the MSM are totally lacking in their obligations to the public. Would we even be talking about this, or would it have been reported, if the Iraqis did not throw a fit and threaten to kick out the Mercs. Remember originally the story was "IRAQIS THREATEN TO EXPELL SECURITY COMPANY." The POST wouldn't even print the companies name. SICKENING.

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Patrick, NY,NY — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:21:23 GMT

barry in la la land:

Iv'e been in three firefights and been shot a total of five times. It's not fun I didn't freeze up or crap my pants(until later after the shaking stopped).
My point is even in the heat of battle we didn't fire randomly we identified targets they should have to do the same.

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Watercloset — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:22:05 GMT

Thanks Eric for mentioning that book, "blackwater... These private mercenaries are a disgrace to the US as a nation, but that, apparently is what this administration likes. Their image as swaggering, tough, gun-toting redneck wildmen out there shooting everything down is what Bush/Cheney and company really love, along with their ability to steal millions from US taxpayers, which is greatly admired by the GOP that has got this down to a fine art. But if these John Wayne's were not in Blackwater making huge dollars and shooting everything that they can, they would probably be on our streets, gunning down innocents at schools or on Main Street to satisfy their egos.

How can I move to Canada? This country is ridiculous now.

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Louis — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:22:27 GMT

These are war crimes, simple as that. The Bush administration has seen fit to exclude criminal actions by the contractors from prosecution. Why doesn't the world form a Irag War Crimes tribunal?

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Dave, Fresno CA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:22:35 GMT

Blackwater is there because we don't have enough REAL soilders in Iraq.

It's time for the DRAFT.

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LTC John J — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:27:14 GMT

1. Why do we need mercenaries if we are at war? Has it ever happened before?
2. Why does the military have to offer bonuses of $100,000+ for special forces reenlistment, if we are at war? Where are the citizens in the "citizen army?"
3.Who, exactly, are we defending our country against?
4. Does it make sense to say, "if we fight them there, we dont fight them here?" Does that mean terrorists cant use a plane if they are somewhere else?

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Bob R — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:28:53 GMT

What do we have to look forward to when these Blackwater Inc. mercenaries come home and dont get their way in a normal society?

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GaryGuillermo, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:35:22 GMT

Every day the deaths pile up. Only the Americans are accountable. Let the lawyers fight the war.

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Gordon, Brackendale BC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:36:54 GMT

Fred from Denver you are on the mark. The killing spee Blackwater is on goes back to 2004. These mercs MURDERED some Iraqis in Falluja, and a couple of days latter the Iraqis sought revenge, in the form of an ambush. The bodies displayed hanging from a bridge. What I find sickening about this, is NO ONE asked, or investigated, what was the precurser to this. Why did this happen? No, bush ordered an offensive in Falluja, Where the MARINES got there as#es kicked. Thousands of Iraqi civilians were killed ( Dispite propoganda from the Admin./MSM all of the people of Falluja did NOT leave) along with 78 Marines. All because BLACKWATER was on a killing spree. This is just another case were the MSM are totally lacking in their obligations to the public. Would we even be talking about this, or would it have been reported, if the Iraqis did not throw a fit and threaten to kick out the Mercs. Remember originally the story was "IRAQIS THREATEN TO EXPELL SECURITY COMPANY." The POST wouldn't even print the companies name. SICKENING.

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Linda * Illinois * usa — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:41:50 GMT

It is a terrible thing for this man to have had his son die in that way, at any age. But to be honest, the young boy was not the target. IN many cities in America, young children are killed by 'crossfire' on a daily basis. Where is your outrage? I have a good friend who was in Pakistan, helping the refugees, because he is a Christian, one day 'on the way to the market' his jeep was riddled w/ bullets, he threw his 5 year old son to the floor, he was hit in the head but survived. Tragedy happens. Do not let your judgments be made on emotions, we all have them. Whether or not we 'agree' about Iraq, we have Americans fighting on foreign soil. When you bash their President you are degrading their morale. Talk is cheap, if you feel strongly, vote, if you think you can do it better. Go for it. Run for office. It is like one man said, "opinions are like noses, everyone has one". You may be right in what you think, make it count... just do it the right way that will benefit all. sincerely, linda k.
P.S. thank you to all the vets...you are appreciated... :)

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Arif, Atlanta — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:41:58 GMT

If its proven that Blackwater killed innocent Iraqi then they should be tried in Iraq by Iraqi law. Hopefully the punishment would be death by hanging.

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Freddy Nightliker — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:06:03 GMT

Smedly Darlington Butler: 'Old Gimlet Eye'; most decorated marine in U.S. history at the time of his death.

He would put you blow-hard vets to shame. Read his book 'War is a Racket'.

Incidentally, the 'liberal media' myth is astonishing, given the complicity to lie after lie after lie that led to a war that conjurs up images of a walrus sexually assaulting a kitten.

Come off it weirdos with poor grammar who profess knowledge of a liberal conspiracy. True things are true. It's MUCH easier to tell the truth, and it's quicker too.

If first we practice to deceive
OH
what a tangled web we weave

If you preach to the choir
the CONGREGATION will stab you in the back

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H S, toronto ontario — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:16:02 GMT

unfortunately most americans are too stupid to realize what is happening in there own country let alond going in and liberating another country. As long as Bush is in power he will take care of all his friends that own companies such as blackwater, enron and etc. May god save as all from being blind and not knowing what is wrong or what is right. And as far as these people standing up for blackwater WOW. Only if it were you in that car with your own child. These poor iraqis never attacked the U.S the only reason they are blowing themselves up is because of arrogant actions like this from the U.S. How do you think that father feels right now his world has been taken away from him why shouldn't he try to blow himself up and take some americans with him.

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LG , Littlerock AFB, AR — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:33:25 GMT

It infuriates me to see such ignorance and most of it is on the leftist side. You need to understand that Blackwater IS a security company and they carry weapons to provide security to themselves and those they protect. They are not mercenaries, they do not do seek and destroy missions and if they do, it is to secure an area which they are to protect. They are providing the armed forces with much needed help. You also need to understand that being in a war zone after some time takes it's toll on you, no matter how smart or brave you think you are, you will make mistakes. whether they willingly committed crimes is yet to be seen, but I would like the truth to be known. Mistakes happen people and I'm sorry to say that sometimes those mistakes take lives of innocent people. They do not have to answer to the UCMJ because they are not in the military. They are very experienced soldiers who are getting paid for that experiance. They are however held to the laws of the United States but like most crimes, an investigation has to take place and because the law is spread thin over there, it is easy to manipulate by planting false evidence, testimonies, and whatnot.
If you thought the world was safer before the war you are dead wrong. You were just too damn ignorant to look into the plight of others. In 2000, the Philippines an American tourist was beheaded by Islamic extremists. His daughter was in my AF JROTC class. For years in Sri Lanka, a terror group known as the Tamil Tigers has been massacring innocent villagers. They have connections with Al Qaeda. In Chechnya, Kosovo, Yugoslavia. In Sierra Leone, children are kidnapped and forced into combat for the Lords Resistance Army, they are poisoned, raped, and forcefully amputated, or killed at the whim of their superiors. I would just like to see the ignorant open their eyes and see what is going on in the world and the uproot of these corrupt organizations.
I'm all for Blackwater, as long as they do the right thing. Those so called cowboy operations are eliminating those rats who drug themselves so they become harder to kill, who fake death to hide under a grenade and take you with them when you come near. That's why we have taken such extreme measures!
I'm sick and tired of hearing left wing fanatics crying about how the war is unfair or illegal. We ousted a dictator who killed thousands of his own people. DID YOU FORGET THAT ALREADY!? You selfish jerks, you think you know what we're fighting for? WE'RE NOT FIGHTING FOR US! WE'RE FIGHTING FOR THEM! AND FOR YOUR RIGHT TO SAY THOSE KINDS OF THINGS ABOUT US! ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM WHILE IT LASTS! YOU THINK YOU KNOW SO MUCH? SPEND 2-4 YEARS IN OUR BOOTS AND ENLIST!! You don't have to join the infantry but it will give you an eagle eye view of what goes on, join as a medic and see how many civilians you'll treat that were hurt by IEDs and suicide bombers. Join the reserves even, for four active years and only a few weeks a year, and a year in the sandbox you'll see! you can even go back to your old job when you're done.
If you think this war is all about oil, well think about this! If it is, Iraq is going to see billions more go into their economy. We would get better trades with them than we do with the Saudis so you can enjoy your SUV's and sports cars for less money. We would make Iraq a better off country if we see that their oil money is going to the community and not just corporate CEO's or their president.
Iranians hate America because we had ties with the Shah who wasn't such a great leader, but when brought him over to treat him for an illness in our hospitals, that's when all this "Down with America" started. Their new president is insane, worse than Castro. We can only do so much in so little time though. As soon as Castro and Kim Jung Il pass, there will be time for change in the world.
All I have left to say is you best thank the Lord that it isn't you over there and how lucky you are that someone is fighting in your place!

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Clive, Soquel CA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:51:13 GMT

17 civilians dead is not even the tip of the iceberg. The Department of Veterans Affairs Reports 73 Thousand U.S. Gulf War Vets Dead
see: http://www.libertyforlife.com/military-war/73_thousand_us_gulf_war_casualties.htm
The bottom line is the U.S. has no legal right to invade or occupy other nations. Have we all forgotten that Bush/Cheney were they guys who instigated 911 in the first place?

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Maurice, Auburn, AL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:00:32 GMT

Little Rock

You made many valid points, however it does not take a rocke scientist to know that our curent administration views this world through a narrow tunnel. I have served (8 years, USAF), I have ben to the "sandbox," and I am hardly a leftist. I am a realist and if you think that our missions and interests abroad are purely altruistic in nature, then you are as niave as a lamb who thinks lions don't eat meat. I love my country, I just wish everyone did to the extent that they would elect competent leaders to run our country. Iraq is a mess and will continue to be one with no good options. Companies like Blackwater are only fueling anti-american feelings, thus breeding new radicals and terrorists. Dude...wake-up

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George B. Chicago, IL — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:08:25 GMT

I agree that we should wait for the facts to come in. Meanwhile, those suspected of wrongdoing should be subject to the Iraqi legal system. Set bond or hold them pending charges. In an Iraqi jail. Of course, hold their passports and not allow them to leave the country. Tasteful black jumpsuits?

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Jim B, Indianapolis, IN — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:16:27 GMT

Here is the one problem that keeps bothering me.....A U.S. Diplomatic convoy came under attack. We admit it....the Iraqi's admit it. An IED was set off close by. A U.S. State Department vehicle was disabled in the attack. If the truth shows procedures were not followed, so be it. But, if a U.S. convoy comes under attack you HAVE TO SHOOT BACK! You have to defend yourself and the State Department Official you are assigned to protect. Somehow all of this speculative critisim seems to indicate that the security detail should have done nothing. That makes no sense.

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Paula, Cocoa Beach Fl. — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:27:10 GMT

Look what our government is doing to us, and
it's easy to believe whats happenind over there.

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Chris F, Baltimore, MD — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:03:06 GMT

Julie,
Not when the 10 year old kid is brandishing an AK-47 along with his parents.

To most of you here that will question the morality of the actions of the troops and mercenaries is like asking a quarterback why he passed the ball even though it seemed like he had an opportunity to rush it himself. You're not playing the ball game under stress, you wouldn't know what's going in their heads. And if you honestly believe that the troops and mercs are "all macho", you're dead wrong. Nobody's going to admit that they're scared shitless every time they step into a firefight, because thats the truth. You do things when you're scared shitless, but you have the knowlege, training, and equipment to deal with it to a certain extent. Its called COMBAT, and if you think its easy to behave yourself morally in combat, you need to go out and pick a fight with some inner city gangster and see how well behaved both of you are when you're trying to kill eachother.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

lnp, leonardtown, maryland, usa — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:14:42 GMT

Could we please respect each others right to hold differing opinions, without getting into the venomous personal attacks? I am tired of reading that persons such as myself are unpatriotic, cowardly, and/or stupid if I a) do not agree with our current policy in Iraq, or b) do not believe we should allow American citizens working in Iraq to engage in activities that show a blatant disregard for others lives and safety. According to what I read here, I must immediately make my way to the nearest recruitment station and join up, otherwise I am not "serving my country." I'm sorry, I serve my country by holding down a job, paying my taxes, taking care of my invalid mother, contributing to charity, voting in most primary and all general elections, and generally acting as a law-abiding citizen. I don't need, nor do others need to have some meathead define what constitutes patriotism, or serving one's country. Quit being close-minded.

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Don, Sammamish, WA — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:41:36 GMT

Blackwater is indeed the American at his ugliest. It, and the other mercenary fighter organizations roaming lawlessly around Iraq, exists in part to avoid the question of a draft. If a draft were necessary to provide these extra numbers, America would stop this war in a New York minute. Blackwater exists to stifle the political inconvenience of a draft.

Worse yet, of course, is the sort of person who becomes a mercenary soldier. These are older fighters who liked the taste of it. I know this may offend Blackwater families, but the truth is that they enjoy this stuff. They come from all over the world, and they have no particular loyalty to those around them, be they American soldiers or Iraqi innocents. They are in love with the use of force, and if it comes to a choice between them and our young honest fighters, never doubt that these folks will protect their own precious butts.

Figure it out, America! It's not always good because we're doing it! This isn't just rotten stuff, it's a symbol of how far we've strayed from our real values. We're incalculably diminished while we present these moral midgets as the defenders of freedom. Whose freedom, where? What freedoms did that Iraqi family in the car hold hostage?

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Sonya Bourne, Crab Orchard, KY — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 22:23:23 GMT

The End of America: A Letter of Warning To A Young Patriot - 2007 Naomi Wolf ISBN 1933392797 is about this topic and the other 9 steps toward a fscist government. This is so UNBELIEVABLE and it is REALLY happening to us right now!!

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Dick Heart — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 22:32:53 GMT

Again, you dumb asss Americans
Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11

Read a book, learn another language, learn about another culture, do something to expand your horizons. Most Americans couldn't tell you the differnece between Iran and Iraq, they still don't. Not to mention know anything about geography history and the like. Just Beer and football

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Keith Goodson — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 22:43:58 GMT

Our Congress is disfunctional. Do Something,just do something. We are in deep doo doo and you seem not to have a clue.

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Justin, Ontario, Canada — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:10:49 GMT

You need to quit blaming individuals, military or civilian for the problems in Iraq. The facts are the US is illegally occupying a country, the US illegally attacked in the first place. Your talking about accountability, what happen to accountability against the American people who let this travesty happen in the first place? What happen to accountability for the people in charge? It is not Blackwater's fault or of the US Military. It is the fault of those who chose to ignore International Law.

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Otto Reich Minonk, Il. — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:41:51 GMT

The changing mission statements of the Iraq War and occupation has been lies from the beginning. Neo-con zionists weave deceits according to their needs and deeds. The American people will recover our government and future when we create concensus, identify and isolate our domestic enemies in their seats of illegal power. Blackwater, Cheney , Bush , etc are just symptoms of a panicked oligarchy striking out in fear. 9/11 was a provocation rather than an attack. The disease within the Republic will be purged and the people will regain their government despite the flag wavers attempts to define patriotism. God deliver us from Zionists and greedy people and lead us back into freedom .

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dave ionno hartford ct — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:46:27 GMT

I am a combat veteran of Viet Nam. I am the first born son of a Col(ret) US Army. I spent 16 yrs in the Green machine, 13 yrs as a military brat and then 3yr enlistment-RA all the Way- and volunteered and went to Nam 70-71. I am married to the daughter of a 35 yr career NCO US Army. Her mother is Japanese and my children are mongrel Americans. Gustav Hasford another Nam vet says,"What you do, you become". Blackwater thugs are mercs, Praetorian guards selling the Republic to the highest bidder. The true veterans will take up arms, like Cincinnatus, and we will waste our enemies both foreign and domestic to protect and defend the Constitution and people of the United States of America.

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Norman, Singapore, Singapore — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:47:09 GMT

Make no mistake, these are the"freedoms they hate and want to kill us for."

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A viewer — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:37:15 GMT

Dear Richard,
Really tragic about Ali's death. That photograph of him with his innocent grin that only exists in childhood was especially heartbreaking. Please let his father know that he and his loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. Richard, I can’t stress this enough- please, please be careful. NEVER EVER become arrogant about your safety.

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Ross, Kimpo City, Republic of Korea — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:46:22 GMT

"I agree with Laurence L, of Phoenix. We need to go back to the military draft and make sure all soldiers are highly trained. You can't buy a REAL SOLDIER. My recommendation is to turn all military basic training over to the the United States Marine Corps. There's no EXCUSE for shooting innocent civilians and to do so, indicates to me, a complete lack of training, leadership and self-discipline."

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MagicStarER, Calvert City, KY — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 03:15:59 GMT

Remember this:
Hitler had his own private army, too.
Hitler ordered genocides, too.
Hitler stripped his citizens of their civil rights, too.

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SFC Justin MacEwen, Fort Gordon, Georgia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 06:25:17 GMT

The United Nations allowed millions of Iraqi citizens to die from lack of food, medical supplies, and clean water. The U.S protested and ask UN SECGEN Kofi Anann to research the now complete and utter failure UN "Oil for Food" Program. Billions of dollars that were emarked for basic goods and services intent for the Iraqi people were wasted, skimmed, and shifted by Saddam to top international UN leaders for serious kickbacks. Saddam was allowed by Germany, Russia, China, and France to increase spending on high tech weapons, ammunition, artillery, aircraft, and armor, all banned by the UN at the end of the 1991 GULF WAR. Billions were borrowed on credit by Saddam to these countries with a promise for high oil contract deals after the restrictions were lifted, but since America attempted to go into Iraq sooner than later, the UN blocked that vote (Russia, China, Germany, and France....go figure). France and Germany promoted a huge scale of anti-American views for political gains and re-elections, but before the start of operations, France provided early warning to the Iraqi military command of potential invasion plans. Russia provided advanced anti-armor weapons and assisted with technical training. I opened crates of new small arms shipments from Russia, North Korea, China, and Yugoslavia. Found new Russian anti-aircraft missiles as well as new French equipment.

How did Saddam get this stuff with such severe restricitions placed on his country? .....

Maybe because unlike the current popular belief that the United States is evil and money grabbing, the rest of the European and Russian community sat back and watched as countless Iraqi people died for easy shipments of Iraqi crude oil. Now France and Germany tells Bush that all is well and our differences are aside...blah blah blah.

The small 20 minute news brief or a quick nod by the media gives not even the tip of information on what the larger picture is as far as Iraq goes. The problems the US has found itself in is not based on the actions from March 2003 (start of the conflict) but from on-going, simmering religious and tribal issues that have been there since the end of World War One. We just found ourselves in the middle of the largest religious conflict since the days of chaotic Ireland. Same idea. You don't believe in my way of Islam so I am going to burn your house down, kill your entire family, and brutally murder you.

Blackwater?... there are so many more issues besides the actions of some armed contractors than this.

Blackwater does missions that are located in some of the most dangerous places in the Middle East. Oh by the way to the guy who stated the US Marines had their A** handed to them in Fallujah back in 2004, think again. Yeah they had Marines who were wounded and killed, but the ratio of insurgents killed were pretty hefty. I was there with a MIT team and I can say that the "bad guys" were getting whacked a lot more than our guys.

Everyone hates the U.S. because that is the simple way to turn attention from your own countries short-comings and problems.

Read a little and learn a few things besides what the media cranks out. They go back and forth on a daily basis. If you want to know the situation in Iraq:

Ask a veteran. Ask a Vietnam veteran as well. Same style of fighting but Vietnam was a civil war based on political ideas and reunification. Iraq is religious based with multiple factions gunning for control, with Syria and Iran using the country as a "proxy-war" against the US. But don't take my opinion it is only worth .10 cents.

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Justin MacEwen, Fort Gordon, Georgia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 06:34:51 GMT

HS in Toronto thinks that the reason Iraqi people are blowing themselves up is beacause the actions of the US troops and contractors. Wrong, because the bulk of suicide bombers in Iraq are foreign jihadist seeking to kill anyone who doesn't believe in strict Islamic beliefs. They may recruit an Iraqi but most likely they will capture a few family members of an Iraqi, force them to drive a truck into some compound or market place and if he blows himself up then his family will be released. Who is AL QADIA targeting? Well let's see, they seem really effective against unarmed kids in front of schools, people shopping in a fully packed market place, Iraqi police or fire stations, killing doctors and other trained medical staffs... the list goes on.

Iran supports the actions of HAMAS, ISLAMIC JIHAD, HEZBULLAH, and other terrorist organizations. Iran is supplying weapons and shaped charges to be used directly against US troops. Money, weapons smuggling, kidnapping, etc is being conducted by Iranian support.

The people running around firing on US troops is not always an Iraqi citizen ticked off with the US presences.

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Josh, Columbus, Georgia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 07:52:42 GMT

For those of you intensely scrutinizing and waiting for the "Facts" of this story to come out... Good luck getting them from MSNBC. You'll get the correspondent's personal political slant and opinion of it.

For those of you who are somehow trying to tie the current administration and the actions of Blackwater as a corporation, or most likely a few individuals within the organization together... Get serious... You'll find bad apples in every bushel. Blackwater is a private corporation. Once ALL the facts are known to those who need to know and make decisions, things will be taken care of. In any circumstance, the Iraqi's (who incidentally will not secure or defend themselves, and whose current government is completely corrupt and dysfunctional) will still have hurt feelings. Sometimes people make mistakes and do bad things. It doesn’t reflect corporate policy. All branches of the U.S. Armed Services occasionally have those folks who want to do their own thing and get caught. Who's to say this isn't the case here with Blackwater?

For those of you somehow thinking Blackwater is part of the "winning hearts and minds" policy and therefore should play nice somehow, you really need to learn and understand the nature of their mission, and that of the U.S. Military. Blackwater isn't in Iraq to further U.S. Policy goals, nor are they patrolling the streets and looking for insurgents and IEDs. Their entire focus and mission is to protect the "Principal" whoever that person may be. The escort and provide security for the Diplomatic Mission to Iraq. They aren't there to smile and make friends with anyone. That's the Job of the Diplomats they are protecting (who can’t do it effectively if they are dead) and of the Military forces in country. If one of the teams, or Army SF units were assigned to VIP protection duty, they would conduct business in the same way, because their assigned mission would then be to PROTECT THE VIP.

For those of you who are American jumping on the "ugly American" train... Shame on you! Blackwater is an American company, but also an equal opportunity employer. They hire qualified individuals from many countries for the security business. Additionally for those of you who are on board with the "Blackwater always hires those quiet kids with the subscription to Soldier of Fortune magazine and played with guns their whole lives" theory, yes, Blackwater does have admin and admin assistant positions available at their corporate offices. Seriously, their screening process and training requirements are on par with the US Special Forces requirements. In fact I believe Blackwater follows U.S. Navy SEAL requirements fairly closely if not over and above. Most of the Operational folks (Field Operators) working for Blackwater are retired or former Operators from many of the U.S. Special Forces., (Read disciplined and well trained) and would likely not immediately give up their morals and values upon being employed by Blackwater. Not everything is a George Bush conspiracy people. Just like General Petraeus is not standing over every single subordinate Captain and Sergeant 24 hours a day while on duty in Iraq, the CEO of Blackwater isn’t holding the hands of his people. Neither is George Bush looking over the shoulders of any security firm CEOs operationally nor his military commanders on the ground.

Bottom line is this: War is hell. Bad things happen in war, and people die and get their feelings hurt. If Iraq would take some responsibility for their own (like the Kurds in the North) and get serious and establish themselves the United States - AND Blackwater could go home. If the Iraqi President would realize that Iran is not their friend or a helpful influence and stop dealing with them... Perhaps there would be a change. Lots of what ifs... Meanwhile terrorists will continue to try to destabilize the country and kill diplomats. How can their be diplomacy if all the diplomats are dead?

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Bryan, High Desert So. Calif. — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:13:56 GMT

First of all the enemy is always going to give you a point of view that makes us look bad! When I was in Somalia the insurgents would stand behind WOMEN and shoot at us to TRY & prevent us from shooting back, and if the insurgent did get shot the woman would pick up the gun and run away with it!! I dont beieve a thing that comes from the N.Y.Times or the Washington Post! I'm sure they'll be printing plenty of AFTER the FACT PHOTO'S,& anonymis QUOTES! MUSLIMS Hijacked Planes in the 80's, Attacked the World Trade Centers in 1993, AND 2 Embasseys when BILL CLINTON WAS IN OFFICE! This is'nt George Bushs Fault! WE WERE ATTACKED ON SEP-11-2001, and when they say to kill JEWS&CRUSADERS they mean JEWS&CHRISTIANS! Muslims are killing CATHOLICS/Christians in the Philipines&MALASIA, Buddists in So. West Asia, Christians all over North and West Africa, Catholics in So. America, Orthadox in Russia! WHEN WILL AMERICA WAKE-UP AND REALIZE THIS IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM THATS BEEN GOING ON FOR 30 YEARS!

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concerned world citizen UK — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:23:17 GMT

This explains the fact that the only good american and isreli is a dead american and israeli, all Muslim countries should unite and swear to the destruction of israel and the u.s, terrorist states, nuke these bastard facists and the world will have peace. Can't the stupid Muslim countries see how these facist bastards are killing civilians and running gestapo camps, the only way to hit these bastards is to find their nulcleur arsenals and set them alight. There is no war between Shia's and Sunni's, it's these facist bastards that are causing the shism. I have always maintained that the only good american soldier and good israeli is one that is in bits in a body bag. If Russia and China dont wake up soon and nuke the u.s and israell they will suffer the same fate as the Muslim countries at the moment.

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Jim Ohio — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 11:16:25 GMT

We need to continue the all volunteer force we maintain. a draft is not the solution. To maintain the profesionalism in our military we can not force people who do not wish to serve to serve, look what happened in the 60's and 70's.I don't want my son's life jeperdized by a drafty who doesn't want to serve. As to the human rights, were are the human rights given to the persons captured by the terror groups, I guess lopping off heads is good human rights.In stead of whinning about what is happening why not serve in the place of the future drafty you want, volenteer to go over and see what is going on for yourself, you really won't find out in the media or on a blog you get to many personel feelings and not enough facts.
Semper Fi!!!

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Jason, Georgia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 11:27:54 GMT

This is collateral damage, "an unintentional damage or incidental damage affecting facilities, equipment or personnel, occurring as a result of military actions directed against targeted enemy forces or facilities. Such damage can occur to friendly, neutral, and even enemy forces." The enemy does not abide by the Geneva Conventions consisting of four treaties that set the standards for international law for humanitarian concerns, so why should we. We will never win this war because Americans have thier tails between thier legs and heads in the sand.

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pete w tioga nd — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 15:31:21 GMT

the thing i want to address is ied useing efd. the administration says the efd come from Iran. but shaped charges are used in the oil industry to perforate the well casing to allow for oil gas production. with an active oil industry in Iraq i'm sure the perforating charges could be easily procured localy. to me the charge that they come from iran is just to justify attacking iran.

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jimmy preston — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:20:04 GMT

as a soldier, seeing how these cotractors work is both fascinating and gut wrenching. it's amazing to me how well some of these guys move communicate shoot react and fight, on the other hand it's absolutely disgusting to see these guys in action, fighting ( if that's what you want to call it, i would prefer to call it killing)with no regard for the safety of the innocent, not identifying threats properly and just killing people on "instinct". these people aren't over there to make a difference, they really don't care about what happens as long as they can make some money but that's all that matters in this world anyway right, that you don't wander around broke. screw family friends kindness love and loyalty. nevermind courage honour duty or valour only soldiers can have any of those things right? blackwater needs to go.

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Name Withheld, St. Louis, MO — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:28:37 GMT

What's with the Canadians?

Isn't Canada the same country whose government doesn't even trust its citizens with the responsibility of owning handguns?

The fact of the matter is that Canada owes the protection of its national security thanks to the United States military establishment--and that includes companies like Blackwater.

That some of you Canadians would make such inflammatory and defamatory statements about the US military establishment in general, and Blackwater in particular, while living under the blanket of freedom provided by same is the very height of hypocrisy.

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Jeff Mcentire — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:44:55 GMT

We went to IRAQ to Find WMD,s ,BUSH ,Cheney False Propagenda, We got there under the Name of Jesus to Kill all muslims and spread Christianity, Blackwater are nothing but human Killers, should be punished, basically CIA outsourced! I wonder what JESUS would have done???
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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Joseph Dugan — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:48:28 GMT

We Christians should remember that BLACKWATER is only defending our faith, We are only saving the moslims from torch of hell fire.

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Amanda, Michigan — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 21:47:09 GMT

For those on Blackwaters side THANKS YOU! It is so frustrating that all the news is taking the Iraqi's side, anything to make a cover story right! How about how many security officers have died for our country? They are protecting Diplomats, is that not important? Blackwater has been there for years and the fact that they have had these few incidencies is small compared to the militaries. I am not argueing the war, that is a whole other story! But they are Americans, past military, who are trying to defend our citizens while over there. The people I do know over there as security contractors have never had to fire their weapons, but sometimes it is neccessary.

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Scooty from Winston-Salem — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:56:55 GMT

If there is going to be war, we should be grateful there are men available to fight it.... such as the employees of Blackwater. I'd much rather have a tough man with airborne/special forces/ranger experience with me than an 18 year old just out of basic training (no disrespect intended). Further, I dont understand why the liberal leftwing is complaining so much about Blackwater. All it has to do is get Nancy Pelosi and Cadaver Reid to convince Bush to terminate the Blackwater contract with the State Department. Sounds to me like all talk and no action by the lefty Democrats.

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Paul Riley, Houston, TX — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 23:10:41 GMT

If MSNBC reports on it, it is probably 99% wrong. You can find the same misleading information on their parent site Media Matters. They seem to wright MSNBC's scripts. Lets wait till we get the facts. Look at John Murtha he is now being sued for speaking without the facts. It would be nice if we could do the same to the media. But they all think they know everything.

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JOHN-CHICAGO, IL — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 23:57:24 GMT

I HAVE NEVER READ MORE IGNORANT COMMENTS IN MY LIFE!!!
OUR PRESIDENT SHOULD BE SHOT?? WHAT MUSHROOM ARE YOU LIVING UNDER?? FACT OF THE MATTER IS COMPANIES LIKE BLACKWATER EXIST FOR THE PROTECTION OF NOT ONLY U.S. COMPANIES BUT OUR ARMY CORP OF ENG. NOT ENOUGH VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS TO GO AROUND. A NECESSARY EVIL YES BUT STILL NECESSARY. DONT LIKE, PICK UP A WEAPON AND HELP- OTHERWISE KEEP YOUR SEWER HOLE CLOSED!!!

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Rick R. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:05:41 GMT

America needs to wake up we need to unite and stay that way. God Bless our troops keep them safe

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Seth, San Francsico, CA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:58:01 GMT

If you ask me, I think the insurgents are targeting the wrong people - should be Blackwater; not the U.S. Armed Forces.

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Beth — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:10:23 GMT

Hey Henry Seegers,
I was in Iraq last year... due for Afghanistan next year.

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Rich — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:47:37 GMT

Don't let Blackwater build a paramilitary base in your town. You know that pro wrestler who killed his wife and kid and then himself. If you let Blackwater build in your town, good luck. Take your chances.

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Mat777 — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 06:20:34 GMT

Who is the worst Terrorist, Bin laden who is responsible for not more than 5000 lives or Bush who is responsible for over 100,000 lives. WHAT A JOKE.
Bin laden has killed a lot more that, and the 3 tribes did almost ALL the 150.000 Killed so far, Shiite and Sunni and the Kurds, OPPPS Bid laden (al Qaeda) and the Taliban
YEP THIS is true:
Besides, more Iraqis die at the hands of other Iraqis in an hour than Blackwater has killed in the whole war. BULL THEY find them in the river, or piled up over the place They are killing them self’s and have been for 1000 years OPPS longer than that,
SAT WHAT??
This President has told the world that we value the lives of others much less than we value money and oil,
YA RIGHT THE FRENCH ARE GOING TO GET THE OIL DAA: If Iran doesn’t take it over FRIST:
My son is over there and he is a US Marine and lives in a real nice place with 46 others in a mud OUTPOST with 1200 Sunnis just across the street, Because of family problem I only made it to 10th grade,im 53 now AND most of are JUST DUMB, This is not a Iraq problem its the whole Middle East ,SMALL MINDS oh here is some thing :Gates is expected to appoint Bill Clinton's former deputy Defense secretary, John Hamre—a highly regarded technocrat :Rember the USS COLE GEE:
Did you blame Clinton for the actions of any person in Kosovo? NOPE EVER ONE FORGOT, If those folks in Iraq would stop shooting at Americans, perhaps they would not shoot back, I like that one,OK Blackwater are PROS, Most of the Blackwater employees are retired Seals, Rangers, All highly skilled. IT war and we are the ALWAYS saying SORRY, They Iraqis just kill each other and say YES 2 more tomorrow.
America Forgets don’t we:
God Bless America. God Bless our boys and God Bless Blackwater, Thanks for than D

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Gilbert — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:55:23 GMT

Haha, people that call for a draft are funny. The ones who call for a draft should be the ones volunteering, then maybe we wont need a draft.

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Jay, Phoenix, Arizona — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:31:42 GMT

Eric Blair.. you're from Canada...you shouldn't even breathe...wanna serve a purpose, come over here and see for yourself instead of being a Monday morning Quarterback. Yes the Book is interesting, but just like a book..can't judge it by it's cover..It's an opinion in some aspects.

But if you base your opinion from watching the news or reading book...You need to stay in Canada.

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Muslima in Cleveland — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:19:51 GMT

Who's to blame for the whole mess? Let's look at the facts:
(1) Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.
(2) Iraq was not making threats or plans against the United States or it's interests.
(3) G.W. Bush and Co. invented reasons to invade Iraq because Saddam "tried to kill my daddy" - oh yeah, they also have a heap of oil, and the American people were screaming about the administration not having made any progress in avenging 9/11.
(4) Bush and Co. sent an inadequate military force to invade a sovereign nation, with no clear objective and no exit strategy.
(5) Having realized that said inadequate military force was [uh] INADEQUATE, Bush & Co. contract with private mercenaries.
So...who's to blame for the whole mess?...intentional mis-information from Bush & Co...poorly formed invasion plan from Bush & Co...stop-gap measures involving private security firms implemented by Bush & Co...
HEY! Sure looks to me like the Beltway Boys are the ones to blame!
You take a bunch of pumped up, video game playing, wanna be or were soldiers and put them in a situation like Iraq, and they're going to act like they're going to act like they are the Gods of War - what else can you expect? However, we SHOULD expect more of the supposedly educated, worldly, morally upright, mature men put us all in this situation.
And a note to those of you that say MSNBC doesn't post comments from pro-Bush people: (1) they posted your's, didn't they, and (2) maybe they don't post pro-Bush comments because people don't MAKE pro-Bush comments.

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Muslima in Cleveland — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:33:39 GMT

To Justin MacEwen --- you're right on top of things, aren't you, Buddy? GOOD POINT about Clinton, yeah...it would have been a tragedy if he had been in charge and "let Bin Laden slip away again and again and again, oh yeah, and again."
Umm...gee I'm sorry, I must have missed the news the day that Bush caught Bin Laden. Exactly when was that? Was it before or after he declared that Bin Laden was "irrelevant"?
[please note - since you're obviously a bit dense, I feel the need to point this out - I'm being SARCASTIC. If you don't know what the word means, look it up]

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CPL R., Fort Drum, NY — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:00:43 GMT

To LG from Little Rock AFB: Let's take some of your "reasoning" point by point:

"In 2000, the Philippines an American tourist was beheaded by Islamic extremists. His daughter was in my AF JROTC class" --- A definite tragedy, and I'm sorry for your personal loss, but in August of 2001 my sister's roommate was raped and murdered by 2 African American men because they said she was "oh so horny Asian chick". Following your logic, that means that it's okay for all Asians to declare war on all African Americans then.

"For years in Sri Lanka, a terror group known as the Tamil Tigers has been massacring innocent villagers. They have connections with Al Qaeda." --- Fist, the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations has disproved any Tamil/Al Quaeda connection. Second, the Tamil/Sri Lankan confict is a civil issue that has been going on since the 1970's with little, if any, impact on the U.S. It is totally irrelevant with regard to the current situation in Iraq.

"In Chechnya, Kosovo, Yugoslavia. In Sierra Leone, children are kidnapped and forced into combat for the Lords Resistance Army, they are poisoned, raped, and forcefully amputated, or killed at the whim of their superiors." --- Again, horrible, but irrelevant with regard to the current situation with Iraq, the U.S. and Blackwater.

I certainly hope that you are more focused during operations than you were when you posted your comment. If not, I truly despair for any one - friend or foe - that is anywhere near you during a fire fight!

As to Blackwater, et al. -- the only troops I know that admire them, are the ones that want to BE them. Give it up Pal, you're probably not that tough.

[By the way, before you make any "walk a mile in my boots" comments: I did. 3 years, 10th Mountain, sent home this past June after a bullet shattered my ankle in Yusufiyah. I learned something during my time, too bad that you don't seem to be doing the same.]

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jorge — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:29:45 GMT

>>I think you should all get facts from the people who are there not elitist college grads who write blogs about experiences they themselves have never had.<<

But you do, right?

>>As for Blackwater, those guys used to be part of the "real" army, until they realized you, the American Citizen care more about what some fat director has to say and how much a baseball player makes then ensuring that the vets receive healthcare and decent wages for hard days work.<<

Right. They were regular military but became mercenaries not for money and having the power of life and death over a populace but because Americans only care about movies and baseball. What’s your IQ anyway? But then why am I asking you?

>>I can tell you from experience that if it makes the US look bad, Iraqis of most tribes (wait for it) LIE! Yep, I've had plenty tell me that their houses were destroyed by "US helicopters" when I know it was an insurgent car bomb. Why? Because our government reimburses Iraqis for damages done by us.<<

Oh, so it’s the Iraqis who are burying their dead and driving around with American bullet holes in their cars that are the liars. Amazing how you can make that determination. You must be there on the front lines and not one of these “elitist college grads who write blogs about experiences they themselves have never had” because everybody that’s only liberals who do that.

>>If Blackwater errored..its a war, maybe your viewers should watch WAR on ch 13 tonight.<<

I love that answer to every atrocity we commit: IT’S A WAR, STUPID! That makes it okay, I guess. We can shoot and kill anybody we want to because IT’S A WAR, STUPID! I wonder how acceptable you’d find that answer if terrorists did strike the US again and justified it with “IT’S A WAR, STUPID!

>>The world is much less safe now than it was before the war.<<

Thank you for that brilliant assessment. I’m sure too that you are not one of these “elitist college grads who write blogs about experiences they themselves have never had” and actually have some proof of what you speak.

>>Anything that comes out of Iraq these days is free fodder to rag on Bush, the military, your ugly aunt, or the late pizza delivery boy.<<

Well maybe wasn’t such a coward and get some balls and start drafting people—after all they reelected him—then maybe your hero could get some respect but you have totally failed to tell us why he deserves it.

>>They don't do the same job either; The military hunts the insurgents, Blackwater protects convoys and diplomats.<<

As a soldier, I would be infuriated to know that I’m the one who gets shot at engaging the enemy while Blackwater gets cushy security detail and received $1500 a week for it while my far more dangerous mission is nickel-and-diming me to death.

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Angel, Baltimore, MD — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:55:14 GMT

Unfortunate, YES... No one wants to kill 10 year old children. But let's not forget that all stories have 2 sides, and we are not there.. Most of these guys DO come from military backgrounds or at the very least law enforcement...They know what they know and do what the rest of us can't or won't!
Maybe they really did think they were in danger... It's so easy for everyone to pass judgement when they are SO FAR REMOVED from the situation. I have family there... A LOT of people I love are living there everyday, military and contractual.
We are a country always so quick to judge others in our own country so harshly and so gentle with the criminals and the enemies... What the hell?

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JW — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:09:43 GMT

my husband retired from the special forces the same year of 9/11. Wanting to defend the U.S., he signed on as a contractor for Blackwater. He provided personal security fulfulling multiple deployments to Iraq. As a military professional, he operated within the Rules of Engagement and the majority of contractors were experienced retired military from the special forces. My husband stopped working for Blackwater primarily because of the calibre of guys they were hiring. Now, alot of the contractors are guys that have only gone through the "Blackwater Academy" and have no prior military experience. They are Rambo wannabes and since they don't have the experience, panic in potential combat situations.

For a majority of the contractors - they are professional military men who operate within the specified rules of engagement - it's just these wannabes who give the other contractors a bad rap.

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Owen, Lewiston Idaho — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:20:57 GMT

I am an army officer. I have worked with Blackwater. Blackwater is doing a good job. They are not the bad guys. They are profesionals doing an important job form America, Iraq and the world.

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sgt shot, just got back from 2nd tour — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:33:33 GMT

This is an issue I am torn on. I believe that our only course of action needs to be complete victory, we do that by making the enemy so tired of war that even their kids never want to hear the words uttered. We need to use the United States Military to its maximum potential. That being said, I was offered a job by one of these private security companies, and it was ALOT of money. I had to think it over and while it was tempting, I decided that yes, I have killed people, but I have always been in uniform. I can justify that. I could not live with myself to kill for money. Say what you want about how effed up that sounds, but it is the way I feel. I can kill for my country but not for my pocketbook. I used to escort civilians through the shittiest parts of that hellhole called Iraq, I kept them safe, I put myself between them and the insurgents, I placed their needs above my own, and I did it for about 1/3 of the money they were getting paid. Now, I said I don't do it for the money, and I don't, but it is a slap in the face to know how much they are being paid, while my wife and children are at home trying to make ends meet. It is a slap in the face to know that I am required to lay down my life in their defense if called upon. I do not blame these carpet baggers personnally, they are just trying to support their families with the best paying job they can find, but the system that allows so many people to make such huge amounts of money, is obviously in need of review.

Blackwater gets a name for themselves by being private security, and top notch. The US soldiers get rotation after rotation after rotation. We had a stellar record for having such a dangerous job, we killed our enemy, saved our buddies, and kept our charges safe, always.

Take the private companies out of Iraq and beef up the US forces, let us finish the damn job. Let us, make the enemy so weary of war that they throw their hands in the air and beg for peace, sure there will be some holdouts that we will kill, but let us fight a war.

I know first hand, war is chaos, but by adding civilians with guns, we are not helping the fog of war get any clearer.

I am a sheepdog, always have been, always will be. I resemble the wolf but I have empathy for the sheep. The insurgents are wolves, they can kill and they have no empathy. The Sheep need protecting, let us sheepdogs hunt down and kill the wolves.

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kyle — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:43:07 GMT

Fox News is a front to Right-wing republican terrorism.

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SB — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:36:08 GMT

You people need to wait until the facts are in.
I talk to a friend of mine on the detail they had been ambushed 8 times in ten days prior to this event. It was a complexed ambush meant for the security contractors and their back up.
Wait for the facts to come in then decide.

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john, new york, new york — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:41:03 GMT

What would any of you know. If you haven't been in a war zone I don't believe you have the slightest clue about what our troops or contractors face daily.

It is also a wonder that people believe everything that the media reports.

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Rosey, Pompano Bch. Fl — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:16:37 GMT

Simply pathetic.........Here we are debating what's going on in Iraq and i'm willing to say that 100% of you with "NOTHING" positive to say have never even been to the middle east, much less stepped foot in Iraq! In every country, profession (cops, lawyers, teachers, and yes, Contractors) there are going to be bad apples. Overall, i could not be more proud to be American, more proud of our true hero's serving in distant countries so you clowns can run your mouths based on hearsay, NOT EXPERIENCE............you should be ashamed of yourselves, and in case your not, I'M ASHAMED OF YOU!!!!!!!!! Thank you US armed forces and families for your sacrifices, Thank you and Semper Fi!!!!

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Ann Nonymous, Ohio — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:19:40 GMT

To D FioreBottom who said...

"...if that place falls becuase there is no government infrastructure and the people who live there are to scared (and don't know how) to rebuild on their own, then the terrorists will take it back and we'll end up right back where we were on 9/11..."

As I recall, Iraq actually HAD a functioning government infrastructure until we showed up. A nasty one, to be certain, but it was working. And we'll end up right back where we were on 9/11 - which would be with a lot less enemies in the world, and a lot more global respect? - I'll take that over the fear, hatred, malice, violence and disgust that are currently being directed towards us.

- I'm not saying that we should not have fought back after 9/11, but I think we're currently fighting the wrong people for the wrong reasons.

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tvb — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:52:35 GMT

LoL, all you arm chair QB's, why dont we let the facts come in and then deal with them.. Thats my America.. send us to war then pull the rug out... you are all such hipocrats... Support the mission, free Iraq and keep troops over there in the middle east to fight the WOT.. some of you are so brain dead, your like sheep. Whiny "stop the war", "send them home", wah, wah, wah.. we are making progress, get on board and stop your sniveling.

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Mark Nelson, Chippewa Falls, WI — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:57:27 GMT

Having been there I can attest that the Blackwater kids run around Iraq like a bunch of cowboys. I’ll not forget a US Army operation they compromised and how close we were to exchanging gunfire with them all because they felt they had free run of the country and saw no need to inform anyone where they were or what they were doing.

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Prometheus — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:34:10 GMT

I can't help but let out a painful laugh at all you ignorant people supporting merciless killing and denying that it happens. Sure there may be a few Iraqis that lie but would you really believe that a mass of Iraqi civilians would together lie and blame the US for civilian deaths? And you complained about Ahminejad for denying the holocaust. What have you done diffrent? He denies that the jews were persecuted and killed and you deny the Iraqis were. Hypocrisy knows no bounds.

And quit complaining about liberals. I'm sick of conservative types who complain that liberals do nothing but blame them and they go on to blame everything wrong with the world on liberal types. Again with the hypocrisy. Liberals don't blame conservatives, just a few of them.

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rizona USA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:54:27 GMT

so do you anti-Blackwater bloggers even care or is that okay, when they kidnapped, dragged, ,decapitated and hung their security people before, no are all of us the ugly americans? or just when our troops and our security protect themselves, go to Iraq without them and see if you come out alive..there are a great number of ugly americans right here, and chicken ones too..everyone over there fights for your freedom while you sit on your anti american carcasses and criticise..who is an ugly american, take a long look into your eyes in the mirror...

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greg detroit michigan — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:15:26 GMT

Eric Prince, the owner of Blackwater, claims to be a good Christian and is a member of a powerful right wing Christian family. He interned at the White House under the first Bush and was given this contract without competition (No bid). Now his company treats people (Iraqies) like dirt and kills them without consious. On top of that he is making millions from an unnecessary war. I am sure that Mr. Prince has a special place next to God's heart.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:47:21 GMT

I agree with you LNP of Maryland. We do not need to personally attack eachother on this subject. It is a tragic occurrence and those responsible should be brought to justice. These Blackwater security guards should be held accountable for their actions when they are on the job. Anyway, lets please not attack eachother so much and try to have a reasonable discussion. I never think it is fair to personally attack either the blogger or the journalist who posted the blog. In the meantime as I always say stay extra safe Richard!! And thank you for this posting and your fine reporting. Peace to all!!

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Terry, Atlanta — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:31:16 GMT

Iraq is a testosterone fueled cowboy fest where the most aggressive are allow to thrive. These mercenarys are allowed to go freestyle with impunity.
It is out of control.

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J.L., Salt Lake, Utah — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:27:00 GMT

Blackwater getting what they deserve. Mercenary Wanna-Bes! They even drive 60mph ON THE BASE and run everybody off the road that is trying to get to the chow hall or almost run over people walking to the chow hall (me!). They embarrass us as Americans and I would like to see everyone of them turned over to the Iraqi Authorities and put in an Iraqi jail for a couple of years myself. Worthless company, worthless employees who have the mind of a grapefruit!

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D Johnson, Alexandria va. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:29:06 GMT

The U.S. has done nothing that it set out to do from 2001 untill 2007, but fail. it is time to rethink our place in this world order.
We are at the point we kill kids? We send our troops to jail when they shoot and kill the wrong person. The same should happen to the blackwater group.

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mark s. mariposa,ca. — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:29:28 GMT

Blackwater Security is not beyond the law nor are our soldiers. Prosecute anyone who violates the geneva codes and the rules of engagement.

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Paul — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:39:02 GMT

The incident should be investigated as many others have been, but, I dont believe anything the Iraqies say. They all seem to lie. The US has already unjustly prosecuted US servicemen for doing their jobs in a combat zone. Once again ,when politicians get involved in war everything becomes diluted and ambiguous. Let the military kill the enemy or get them out of there.

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Matias, Colorado City, CO — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:43:35 GMT

Evil is, evil does. Let the military take care of business with a media blackout and end the madness. Too many locker-room politicians spout their views with no credentials... oh, sounds like most of the beltway bandit losers. Lets get it together for real so we can live in happiness.

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John, Orange County, CA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:06:33 GMT

Jeremy Scahill's book "Blackwater" is a left wing, one-sided piece of trash. More Bush hating & bashing. Not a positive paragraph about Blackwater in the book; just negaitves. This is all I expect whenever I try to discuss issues with a liberal.

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Don, Sammamish, WA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:07:00 GMT

Hey "concerned world citizen UK", would you like to see some agreement between liberals and conservatives in America? How about we all gang up on you?

We're fighting here as brothers and sisters, but be real careful when you pick on us from outside. No one's about to be nuking anyone, so take it easy. It sounds like everyone here is much more concerned than you are, because we're hashing out this mess, and we're pretty mad.

You want to give up on the whole world and nuke everything? Great. You've got the answers, don't you, pal? Well, guess what. I'm all for spying on you, you asshole!

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Pat, Northeast USA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:08:23 GMT

First let me say this: I am a former Green Beret and also a former Marine Sniper. I served a total of 13 years in the military. I was enlisted (E6). In the past 5 years I served 3 tours in Afghanistan and 1 tour in Iraq. I am NOT an employee of Blackwater or any other private or public corporation, nor am I an employee of the US Government. I am a soon-to-be police officer in a quiet community in the NE United States.

I saw combat firsthand. I have been shot at and I have returned fire on enemy forces. On one occasion I was part of an assault on an enemy stronghold and my teammates and I were surrounded by the enemy. We fought our way out. I had an IED detonate right behind me once. I have a friend who is missing both of his legs from an IED back in 2004. He's still in the Army and plans on retiring in a few years. I have been woken out of my sleep by enemy 107mm rockets and 82mm mortars raining down on our A-Camp. I have friends who now reside in Arlington National Cemetary.

I have seen death, I have dodged it, and I actually managed to make it back in one piece with all of my fingers and toes. Combat wasn't my favorite thing to do in the world. When it was happening it was scary. Even when it wasn't happening it was scary, because we were always waiting for it to happen. But every day we put on our boots, threw on our kit, "manned-up", and we rolled out that gate to go and ply our trade.

Most of you haven't the slightest clue what you are talking about. I stand with my fellow bloggers who state that unless you wore the boots, picked up the rifle, and actually EXPERIENCED combat (not sitting in the FOB playing Xbox), then be quiet and let the adults handle this.

Out of all of the bloggers on here, who has actually worked with any of the Blackwater, Triple Canopy, or DynaCorp guys on a daily basis? Who on this posting has actually been to Moyock, NC or can find it on a map without using Mapquest? Who can tell me the approximate dollar ammount Blackwater pours into Currituck and Camden Counties annually? Who on this blog site can tell me how many countless people Blackwater saved during Hurricane Katrina? Out of ALL of you, who knows ONE person who works for Blackwater in any capacity? You talk about money - Do any of you know how much those guys get paid? Do you know what their benefits are? Do any of you realize that when you DIE it doesn't go with you?!

I am not defending their actions whatever they may have been. And I grant you there have been some non-desirables in their outfit at one time or another. But this is a fact of life in ANY organization. What I am defending are the men who wake up every day, put on those boots, pick up their rifles, and roll out to ply their trade in the defense of OUR nation - YOUR nation. Because no matter how much they make, no matter what the benefits are for them when they return home, NONE of it is worth losing life or limb over. The majority of them are former special operations members (Special Forces, SEALs, Rangers, Marines, Air Force CCT/PJs, and others). Some of their contractors are former police officers. I have yet to see "criminal" as a pre-requisite to become a Blackwater contractor. They receive many resumes, select only the most highly qualified, conduct a thorough background check, and have an even more thorough "scrubbing" process prior to deployment.

Therefore, the bottom line is this: These men are patriots and TRUE Americans that face adversity every day that NO civilian can ever imagine, and they should be treated as the courageous troopers that they are. God Bless them and God Bless our country.

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Mark,Baltimore Maryland — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:29:42 GMT

I hope most of the people responding have at least been to Iraq? and have had the awesome experience of having Blackwater,Dyncorp,Triple Canopy,Armor Group provide security for them? Just what i thought....the military cant handle that type of security situation.Ive been there numerous times both military and civilian and based upon my experience I truly beleive these guys are saving AMERICAN lives. Plain and simple. Navy Seals, Force Recon, Army Special Forcses,Blackwater, these guys are the best professional warfighters out their. Support them and the troops or go grab a gun yourself!

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thomas stevens — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:34:17 GMT

Wow, you mean the Iraqi people are'nt going to help us help them? I heard somewhere that you can't help someone who won't help themself. All we're accomplishing is creating more muslims that hate Americans.

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T. Taylor , Pa. — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:35:51 GMT

"WOW" As I sit here and read all these comments in the comfort of my home, it makes me think that most of you have been to more St. Patricks Day or Macy's Thanksgiving Parades than Veterens Day Parades and that my friends is a joke. These guys are highly motivated and focused individuals,the majority are ex special forces who have the toughest job in the world. So in November and March when your getting all gussied up to go to your Parades, Remember one thing if it wasnt for the Military and Blackwater you wouldnt be able to do what you do. And for the handful of Einsteins who after reading 50 or 60 posts still call them "BLACKHAWK" it is apparent to me that you have some of your own issues that you should be spending your time on. ROCK ON BLACKWATER, ROCK ON

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Rich Radke, las Vegas,NV — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:50:47 GMT

You people think this is new. Look up a little outfit
that was disbanded,supposedly called Executive Outcomes. Follow what they did in a little place called Sierra Leone. They make Blackwater look like toy soldiers. If we sent these guys to Iraq it would be done in a month. Not to say our soldiers could not do it if we fought it as a war and not a politically correct conflict. Also, to the little man who berates Soldier of Fortune Magazine, maybe if you actually read it these outfits would not be news to you. This process was started in the mid to late70's.

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ekolu kaukani, keaau,hawaii — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:51:02 GMT

it seems to me that the question should be is..if all these security "employees" were to come back to the states, dont you think they need to be treated for ptsd since they probably see more bloodshed. what if one unleashes its ptsd fury on one of our citizens here back home. a month ago a soldier who returned home from iraq killed an unborn child and his 10 year old son. right up the road from where i live..and the sickening part is..we live in hawaii..

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Dan Clark — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:05:51 GMT

BLACKWATER-the name says it all: what plumbers know as the effuluent from our toilets.

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lawrence a love juneau alaska — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:10:08 GMT

why dont all you anti american leftist stick your head into the sand and get a little muslum education;
well come on lets see a route of peacenik go to the middle east and i can guarantee you will not walk back.
blackwater is doing a very difficult job and wheather or not the shooting is justified or not YOU WERE NOT THERE IN THE PUCKER ZONE!!!!

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Jennifer Portland Oregon — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:13:18 GMT

Unfortuantley War is nothing but structured chaos, with brutal killings of soldiers,civilians and innocents along with the guilty. This war is without the majority of American's support, due to the lack of accountablity and faith in our current administration, or for justified reasons the majority of American's will accept. That is the reason it is being scrutinized. Do not forget all Wars are the brutal killing of others with no regards to humanity in relationship to compassion, as in World War I, or World War II. This war's only difference is lack of support as in the previous world wars the American people where willing to accept and tolerate for the good of their country and democracy.

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ginny Singapore — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:26:41 GMT

Pleased leaders around the world.Think carefully how do you feel if your own family's are the one who is dead on street.Because of the wrong doing of militarys young and old peoples don't enjoy thier life.Bring those criminals to the end.To much bloodshed anywhere, when all of this will stop.

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JKD — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 08:58:31 GMT

Do you people understand the hiring process for a Diplomatic Security Position with Blackwater, Dyncorp, or Triple Canopy? A Resume' is sent in to these companies BUT ARE FORWARDED TO THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT Diplomatic Security Service for approval. Then, if approved, the candidate is trained by the host company and once "vetted" is deployed to a zone. These positions exist because the Diplomatic Security Service is too small to support the broad Diplomatic mission world-wide. Once deployed, you fall under the Regional Security Officer (RSO) at the U.S.Embassy. An operator will cover diplomats which could be political, US AID, or a Congressional Deligation come for a so called "fact finding Tour". That is the job. You go everywhere and get ambushed on a regular basis. Why, (1) because the Iraqi's know you are coming because of prior coordination. (2) Most of the places you go are supporting the insurgency. (3) There only just so many routes to get to a specific location. How many ways can you take to get to you neighborhood Wal-Mart?
A good point was made earlier. The Iraqi people will lie at the drop of a hat OR FOR A DOLLAR. Anytime. I have seen it there first hand.
My advice is to wait till investigation is finished. Then believe half of what is printed because unless you were there, you will never really know what happened. I have seen personally, so called facts printed in the media that did not occur on the ground. I know, because I was there. Iraq is a violent place. You try to survive there running the roads for a year. Then cast an opinion.

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Lanny, Bagram AFB, Afghanistan — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:34:22 GMT

Did you now that Blackwater had aircraft doing hurrican relief missions in New Orleans or that they flew daily relief missions into Pakistan after the earthquake? New Orleans was free of charge. No that doesn't make news does it? Maybe they do have some cowboys that need to be reined in. Maybe some of you Monday morning quaterbacks ought to send your sons and daughters into harms way so the govt. won't have to relay on private contractors. I am a contractor in Afghanistan so I do have some idea what I'm talking about.

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Brandy, Afghanistan — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:42:53 GMT

Love this blog... alot of armchair experts that have never been to Middle East and believe everything they see on the news, because that 40 second news clip has to encompass all that happened, the media isn't biased. News flash, controversy sells! And News is big business.
Before you start judging this situation and these people, you might want to turn off the war movie you are watching and try to change the world yourself. Because this isn't some Hollywood movie or video game, where everything is black and white, and the "bad guys" all look like the Boogey man.
I'm currently stationed in Afghanistan, been here over a year, and when people start shooting at you things get crazy, and sometimes innocent people die; that is an ugly fact of war.
I know several Blackwater contractors, these aren't the "washouts" of society or "ugly Americans" many of the other blogs claim; these men are highly trained, most are ex Rangers, SEALS, Delta or Special Forces. These men became contractors because they got tired of getting shot at for below minimum wage and still wanted to serve their country, so they took a job, doing the exact same thing they were doing but now they get paid 7 to 8 times as much. And if there is anyone on this blog that says they wouldn’t do the same job they currently do for 7 to 8 times as much money, they are either stupid or they are lying… that is simple economics.
Before you judge and condemn these people you might want to get your wait for the whole story and get your facts straight (according to the news, no weapons were fired at the Blackwater convoy, yet one of their vehicles was disable, how did that happen?), or actually experience something first hand rather than vicariously threw your TV. Because what you see on the news isn't all that happens.
Here a few weeks ago, not more than 1000 meters from where I now sit, a 6 year old boy and his 4 year old little brother, were told to go to the front gate and push this "magic button" on his new "coat", when the soldiers came near. Luckily, the little boy was smart enough to know something wasn't right and told the Americans at the gate, and they got the suicide vest off the little boy, but since the little boy didn't blow up or an American Soldier wasn't forced to shoot him in order to save his live and the lives of his fellow soldiers, you will never see it on the news, because stories like that don’t sell, and just as contractors (and everyone else) is out to make money, so is the News.

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Adon Capone, Mannheim Germany — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:11:32 GMT

Gary of Mid Missouri: Let's get it straight it is true that President Bush is not personally responsible for the atrocities by Blackwater; however as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces he does have the power to initate laws the would punish and prevent such actions. If the military had done these actions the commander would have gotten reemed. What I mean by reemed is rotor rooter reemed; therefore why couldn't the commander in chief be held to the same standard? An unjust war and unjust actions should equal just punishment for the perpatrators.

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David LeGaye, The Woodlands, Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:03:10 GMT

For those of you who are asking when it was ok to use mercenaries, we have been doing it since the revolution and as a people in europe before that. Mercs are unfortunately necessary because the general populace in the United states dosent care if a mercenary company is over seas in combat fighting for their lives but if the army is overseas the nation is aghast that we would send our military to combat (its also the theory of keeping the knife against a wetstone to prevent it becoming dull or our troops from becoming complacent and unprepared) unless its defence only. Blackwater is ahead of most mercs because they contract almost exclusively with the USA and it is not simply to the highest bidder. Blackwater mercs have extensive training, supplies, personnel and are responsible for saving hundreds of lives during their stay. Blackwater is a needed force and like all things you should not judge the whole off a few "I AM SOLDIER" fighters who would rather shoot then think.

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Steven, Houston, TX — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:20:08 GMT

Blackwater employees should get paid more than soldiers. They're sent in to do the jobs that are seen as too dangerous for the U.S. Military. This is war, atroscities happen. Casualties are part of it. Blackwater and other mercenary companies are used to protect volunteer soldiers in extremely dangerous situations. I'm not saying we should be at war, becuase there is no justification for that. But don't expect to restructure the defintion of War. The fact of the matter is that these deranged people are need in a situation like this. Terrorist don't live by the same "rules" as our population. They're strapping bombs on their women and children. If you're going to combat something like that, you need people who aren't upheld by a moral standard.

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c.j. detroit ,mi — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:21:25 GMT

We are at WAR ????? When did congress declare war ????

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Herbert Ford — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:23:13 GMT

Send Russ Limbaugh there, he would fit in just fine with Blackwater. As for Bush and the State Department will cover this up, if we don't have any regards to the civilians there, then they should be kicked out of the country.

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Concerned citizen Rolla, Missouri — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:28:58 GMT

It is an easy thing for anyone sitting at home in the states to criticise troops and contractors, but until you have been there, on the recieving end of the fire, you don't need to pass judgment. If anyone thinks that they can do a better job as president, then they should step up to the plate in '08, elections are fee and open in this country to all who wish to run.

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Barry Higignbotham, Longview, Texas — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:29:45 GMT

As a few others have said, , IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN THERE AND BEEN SHOT AT, , , YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK.

If for one moment, anyone would believe that a group of Blackwater operatives would just say, , "Well, Let's SHOOT some people"!!!, that is the most assinine thing I can think of.

What have all of you "armchair" soldiers thought of the car bomb that, even the iraqis have admitted to, went off for? Was it just to celebrate? IT WAS TO KILL AMERICANS.

DO any of you "armchair" experts know how to identify a terrorist in Iraq? Do they wear signs saying TERRORIST HERE??? NO, they look and dress like CIVILIANS ! ! ! !

Who is to blame? Is anyone REALLY to blame? Sure some of you demorats, who really hate this country, are going to blame Bush and any and all republicrats. But we, as an American people need to stop playing games and win this war and yes, bring our soldiers home.

These terrorists have no regard for human life, whether it be Iraqi, American, or any other nationality. If they can cause the death to 500,000 and manage to get the US blamed, then they are happy.

Blackwater's job is to protect and prevent the death of their protectee, pure and simpe. It is NOT their job to hand out candy, to build toilets, or even make friends. It is their job to keep the protectee ALIVE and UNINJURED. So far, they have done a very good job of EXACTLY what they were retained to do.

My son is currently stationed in Iraq. S, YES, I do have a stake in the outcome.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

John Krawczyk Virgina Beach Virginia — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:40:49 GMT

To the best of my knowledge Blackwater is there to supplement the DSS (Deplomatic Security Service) who protect State Department Employees and is under the chain of command of the State Department. THe truth be known they would not be needed if the corrupt Iraqi government could protect its people and visiting gopvernment employees. WHy blame President Bush he had nothing to do with hiring them . As alot of other people have stated none of us were there and I agree if the US can belamed and money can be had these people will do anythiing to bad mouth us and make a buck. maybe we need to with draw everyone and let the people of Iraqi self distruct and see whyat happens after that. Some times you do have to take the stance of what ever happens happens. No one seems to care about all the IED's that are killing our troops and the Iraqi people. Blackwater isn't there to make friends just protect the State Department employess and their families. The heck with rules of engagement that is what caused the deaths of the USS Cole crew.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

cwah — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:42:24 GMT

So the arguments supporting Blackwater seems to be "let the facts come in before you judge" and "if your not there you don't know what you are talking about". In the world we live in today we cannot wait for the damage to be continue while we wait around for extensive and contentious investigations. We have to be proactive. This isn't the first time something like this has happened with Blackwater and they should have been under intense scrutiny long before this. They are a for profit company and should have to justify their actions, like any other company, to the people who hired them: Americans. No need to feel sorry for these overpaid cowboys. They knew what they were getting into when they signed their fat contracts. They are capitalists not patriots. They are apparently not too well liked by the real military so maybe we should be listening to those who are there and know what they are talking about. Let the "diplomats",oil reps, and Halliburton contractors get around in the always improving situation that is Iraq (as brought to us by the Bush administration) by themselves and then we'll see who really needs to be there.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

john florida — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:46:46 GMT

SOME BODY CALL MURTHA WE NEED MORE AMERICANS PRONOUNCED GUILTY !!
WHAT THEY DID WAS RACIST, UNCONSTITUTIONAL ,ILLEGAL,BIGOTED!!!!!!!LET'S JUST HANG THEM THEY MUST BE GUILTY AFTER ALL THEY ARE AMERICANS. AND WE ALL KNOW HOW BLOOD THIRSTY AMERICANS ARE. ANYTHING THAT CAN BE LINKED TO SOME KIND OF MILITARY AND IS AMERICAN MUST BE GUILTY. JUST ASK A LIBERAL DEM IN WASHINGTON. AFTER ALL WE TERRORIZE WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE DARK OF NIGHT, WE AIR RAID ENTIRE VILLAGES,AND SO ON.THE ONLY THING THAT STANDS IN THE WAY ARE THOSE PESKY LITTLE THINGS THAT WE CALL LAWS. WHAT DO YOU SAY WE HAVE A TRIAL, YOU KNOW PROOF OF GUILT OTHER THAN THE WE HATE BUSH CRAP. BEING IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY WEATHER YOU ARE IN THE ARMED FORCES OR A CONTRACTOR DOES NOT MAKE YOU AUTOMATICALY GUILTY.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

mike, el apso, tx — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:49:25 GMT

I wonder if Rush would call these guys "phony soldiers"....just a thought.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

harry,ath,gr — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:50:41 GMT

I feel sorry for the antiamerican elements who comment against Blackwater,the military,the peacemaking campaign in Iraq,which they systematically defame as "war ". Saddham & the terrorists wage war,u make peace...

Those r the people terrorists love to find in any nation. They d n have the mentality of belonging to the Superpower.

As for the draft,it is forced labour,almost like slave labour.It is a violation of the free will & the civil rights . It is no coincidence that the 2 extremes,the far right & the far left agree on reinstatment of forced labour. Only volunteers & well-paid ones can be freedom fighters.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Frank Rosenberg, Virginia — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:04:18 GMT

What has happened to the America I so loved and fought for? I love my country but I HATE Bush and everything associated with him. As far as I'm concerned he is the anti-christ! He has done more damage to our world than any other president. The world situation scares the hell out of me, because of some gun slinging thug we call BUSH!!! Why the heck are we spending BILLIONS to support our armed forces AND also supporting the hired thugs known as blackwater! It makes me sick also to see the massive building projects in work and proposed for Iraq. These were not some little projects either. These projects are no small potatoes either! I saw them on TV somewhere. Now, someone explain to me why we still have hundreds of people living in FEMA camps in New Orleans? That city is still a disaster, yet we have no problem rebuilding Iraq! I pray every night,when Bush goes to sleep, he gets visited by all 3500 or so dead men and women who were duped into this disaster called Iraq. And I hope he also gets visits from the dear mothers and fathers who have lost loved ones. Sooooo... can you tell how much I hate bush and his whitehouse?

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Steve, Warrenton, VA — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:04:38 GMT

A draft, terrific ... sorry, the only soldiers I would want to my left, right, and covering my six is ones who chose to be there, like me, not some piece of crap draftee.

I have to wonder if those who call for a draft are of draft-age or have sons and daughters (must have equal opportunity, you know) who are.

just my $0.02

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Michael, Miami Florida — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:04:59 GMT

Blackwater contractors are performing duties that the regular military cannot. Most are former special ops soldier with much experience. Ken is right. Why don't all of you put your money where your mouth is and enlist. Instead, you sit in a cushy office or in your parent's house and complain.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Bill, Huntersville , N.C. — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:12:16 GMT

We shouldn't jump to unfounded conclusions based upon video footage filmed after the event. Besides, we were not there and did not know what the Blackwater team was forced to endure while protecting an american from our state Department.
Let the facts when exposed speak for themselves.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Ace, Abu Dhabi UAE — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:13:08 GMT

If the idea was to protect US soldiers & save their lives, to start with they should not have been sent to invade (Afghanistan to kill hundreds of thousands &) then invade Iraq on the false pretext of finding WMD's & kill hundreds of thousands there.
In the process the US govt, the US forces, the US contractors & unfortunately (due to the behavior of these) the US people have made millions, if not billions of enemies globally, who now disrespect them.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Hector, Orlando, FL. — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:20:21 GMT

It's a known fact not all Black Water employees are prior military, or posses the proper high stress combat training, they only go thru an in-house training and off to war you go!!
Black Water needs to be held accountable for their actions.

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Mike, Tampa FL — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:38:20 GMT

My BIO 2 combat tours, your bio Computer blogs, We (US military) cant fight a war without contractors. EIther we use them or you put down your keyboard & Starbucks and sign up! Blackwter may have killed an innocent or two or ten. IT IS WAR PEOPLE! Since you have not been there you would not know how confusing REAL combat is. It is not a vidoe game. Espically when everyone lookes the same. Stupid ARMCHAIR LIBERALS!

Blackwater's ugly Americans

Jo Huddleston — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:44:28 GMT

If our troops and allies had worried about killing civilians during WWII, the Nazis and Japanese empirialists would be fighting over America and most of us living today, would not be! Hopefully, Blackwater defenders and protectors will realize it's in their best interest to NOT protect journalists like Mr. Engel, congressmen like Waxman and their ilk, who would LOVE to see us lose this war, so they could say "I told you so!".