Oct. 2, 2007 WASHINGTON -- On Sept. 16, 2007, a convoy of Blackwater contractors guarding State Department employees entered a crowded square near the Mansour district in Baghdad, Iraq. But versions of what caused the ensuing bloodshed diverge.
I am not trying to argue anything, except that it is weird that the United States is using mercenaries. Guarding the State Department employees is the job of the United States Marines. It is a proud and honorable job they have done since World War II. They are the face of the US State Department, not steroid fueled, sunglasses hiding mercenaries.
If Iraq is the central war on terror. Or critical to our security. Or important enough for US kids to die for. Why aren't we fighting it?
Let's say for a minute that I agree this is critical to the safety of our country. As the President of our country says, Iraq is the 2000's equivalent of the cold war or World War II. It is the defining moment of our country in the new century. Then why aren't we having a draft and fighting it? Why aren't we cutting back and making sacrifices for the war effort? Why are we doing it on the cheap and outsourcing it? Why is this the face of America in Iraq?
Yup, that's our Ambassador to Iraq - not guarded by Marines but by hired guns.
Yep, another State Department Official.
These guys would scare the poop out of me too, if I lived in Iraq. Our Soldiers are protecting life, helping to secure cities and these guys are killing families that won't get out of the way quick enough (that is the whole scandel - fyi). And, the administration contract with them puts them out of reach of American Law. And, they have no contract - so therefore no oversight - by the Iraqui government. They are free to do and kill as they please.
Your tax dollars at work.