Another Contract Fit for a Prince

The Iraqi PM wanted to kick Blackwater out of the country. BBC reports that the FBI’s sent a team of investigators to Baghdad to more deeply delve into the Sept 16 fatal shooting of 11 Iraqi civilians. Today, Blackwater founder Erik Prince testifies in response to a report released by a key congressional committee that characterized his company as an ‘out-of-control outfit indifferent to Iraqi civilian casualties’ according to an Associated Press article. Overall, it seems Blackwater’s official answer to critique is simple: We were hired to protect US diplomats and thus far, none have been killed on our watch.

So what’s your problem? Apparently killing innocent civilians of other nationalities is considered reasonable collateral damage. But how long before a US diplomat is caught in the crossfire of Blackwater’s trigger-happy thugs for hire? Then, will they be reined in by those that hired them? Interestingly, this whirlwind of controversy surrounding Blackwater’s less than stellar operating procedures didn’t stop the US Dept of Defense from awarding Blackwater a new $92 million contract to operate an aviation fleet in Central Asia as per an excerpt from the Wall Street Journal that appeared yesterday in the Huffington Post.

This somewhat blows my mind but then again, I’m not surprised. Nothing this administration does shocks me. The more interesting question with these guys always is: why?

Why was Condi Rice apologizing to the Iraqi PM for the trouble Blackwater caused during the Sept 16 incident? Last time I checked she’s the US Secretary of State and works for the US government, not Blackwater USA or are they one in the same? How else would a private firm get away with the stunts they’ve pulled and not only be allowed to continue servicing existing contracts but awarded new multi-million dollar contracts if there wasn't some other mutually beneficial relationship between Blackwater and the Bush admin. Salon recently examined some enlightening ties that possibly touches upon the 'why-factor.'

For starters, Blackwater's naughtiness isn't punishable by law whereas the same actions committed by military personnel would be criminal acts. Well now: If you can't do it yourself and get away with it, why not hire someone...................

Whatthefak-o-meter score: Off the charts for a combo of inexcusable behavior coupled with the amazing ability to keep getting away with it and becoming disgustingly rich in the process.