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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 5, 2009 - 03:14pm PT
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America: The United States of Assassins . . .
The whole Erik Prince, Blackwater/Xe, CIA spying and assassins debacle:
Erik Prince, Blackwater CEO & CIA Operative, Under Fire
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x410026
Blackwater's Secret War in Pakistan: Jeremy Scahill (journalist) gets a call from Admiral Mike Mullan’s office before the article was published, and Jeremy took it as an act of intimidation.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x410219
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR5m4rZzvYw
Rachel Maddow MSNBC: Blackwater - Erik Prince - CIA assassins – Afghanistan
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x409975
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AozjJ8-jMp8
The Secret US War in Pakistan By Jeremy Scahill
November 23, 2009
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20091207/scahill
Vanity Fair
Scandal: Tycoon, Contractor, Soldier, Spy
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2010/01/blackwater-201001
This is how the CIA kills terrorists and civilians using predator drones. It’s EZ. No muss. No fuss.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x410069
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zg2A9M6QqY
America: The United States of Assassins
Erik Prince . . .
So called Christian (perhaps Caligula was a Christian too)
Former US Navy Seal
Founder of Blackwater/Xe
Billionaire
Mercenary
CIA Agent
Possible Assassin (?) or trained Blackwater/Xe assassins, which goes back to at least VP Dick Cheney.
Now he wants to be a High School History teacher . . . !!!!????? Are you for real?
Rrrriiiggghhttttt. I can just see it now, “Johnny, what do you mean you forgot your homework?,” as he snaps little Johnny’s neck. Certainly, he will not have any classroom control issues. His reputation will precede him no doubt. The students will be cowering the entire time. What idiot administrator would hire him? What parent who loves their child and respects the rule of law and being honest would want their child to even ever meet him?
America, we need to get on our knees and beg for GOD’s forgiveness and put a stop to this law-less-ness immediately.
President Obama what are you doing? This is not the change I voted for or that I can believe in. Truly, does anyone really wonder why any nation would hate us? Do we really even have to ask this question?
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Well, at least we're good at something.
(voted for change, ROTFLMAO!!!)
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Jingy
Social climber
Flatland, Ca
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Eric Prince is said to be a super conservative christian evangelist….
In his own words is how I like to think of him… Found this in Wiki:
He was an intern in the White House under President George H. W. Bush[9] and subsequently criticized that administration's policies to the Grand Rapids Press, saying: "I saw a lot of things I didn't agree with—homosexual groups being invited in, the budget agreement, the Clean Air Act, those kinds of bills."
So, inviting homosexuals to something is what he does not agree with…
He does not agree with the budget being agreed upon…
He does not believe in taking steps to keep the air clean in America….
These people make me sick….
Prince's mother, Elsa, sold the Prince Corporation for $1.3 billion to Johnson Controls, Inc. Prince moved to Virginia Beach and personally financed the formation of Blackwater Worldwide in 1997.[7][10] He bought 6,000 acres (24 km2) of the Great Dismal Swamp of North Carolina and set up a school for special operations operators.[11] The name "Blackwater" comes from the peat-colored bogs in which the school is located.
Are any one of us here on the Taco living this life? Even remotely? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that people should not have money.. no. I'm saying that when the end result is anything like Blackwater… and all that backwater has done "for America" (remember they got plenty of government contracts during Katrina, in Iraq, and Afghanistan).. I just have to say that this gives the idol rich a bad name…
It's not just Erik… its his whole family…
Prince's father co-founded the Family Research Council with Gary Bauer.[12] Prince is the brother of Betsy DeVos, a former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party and wife of former Alticor (Amway) president and Gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos[10], son of Richard DeVos, Sr. (listed by Forbes in 2007 as one of the world's richest men, with a net worth of $2.4 billion).[13]
Any women here work for Amway? I've heard a couple horror stories about that pyramid scheme… The idly rich with nothing to do but scheme money off the people, and get their dirty rich fingers into politics, in order to have even more access to power and influence, in order to pad their accounts just a little more each day.
Ah yes… What do they say? Put your money where your mouth is?
This next bit should frighten the open minded….
Prince serves as vice president of the Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation. Salon reports that "between July 2003 and July 2006, the foundation gave at least $670,000 to the Family Research Council, which his family founded, and $531,000 to Focus on the Family"[16] headed by James Dobson. The foundation is also a major donor to Calvin College[17], a Christian institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prince also serves as a board member of Christian Freedom International, a non-profit group with a mission of helping "Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ."
Once one starts, it may never stop. So, one of the richest Americans is providing half a mil to focus on the family. Yes, I no that some would say there is nothing wrong with this… But if you take a closer look at what focus on the family stands for, or better put what America/the World might be like if they had their way.. again..
Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has characterized Prince as one of George W. Bush's "political cronies."[23] Prince has denied using family clout to obtain contracts for Blackwater.
To this I say.. watch out who you chose as a friend… Both of these guys should be put on trial for fake war crimes.. Fake, because the entire reason for sending troops was for completely fake reasons….
By the way, because I know humans to be more like humans and less like little angels, I know that these 2 have swindled the country out of tons of money… this would yet another reason to hate the republican party…. they are thieves!
You may think I'm nuts.. Heck, I sometimes think I'm nuts… But I'm nothing like this.. WHich I say is one of the definitions of nuts….
Check out the paranoia exhibited by the rich…
Confidentiality agreements prohibit former Blackwater executives from talking about Prince.[25] He has been described by the press as "reclusive"[26] and "secretive".[27] Prince is noted for disliking having his photo taken and distributed; often using his hands to shield himself from photographers. While attending a technology conference in North Carolina, he was visibly uncomfortable when photographed on stage and officials asked that the images not be published.[18] He also frequently turns down interview requests
As an employee, DON'T even talk about me!!!! and being ex-navy seal.. I don't have to tell you the consequences if you do not adhere to the agreement…..
So what is my problem… The company is only as good and civic minded as it's leader… Blackwater guards were lead to do this:
On September 16, 2007, Blackwater guards shot and killed 17 Iraqi civilians in Nisour Square, Baghdad.[1] The fatalities occurred while a Blackwater Personal Security Detail (PSD) was escorting a convoy of U.S. State Department vehicles en route to a meeting in western Baghdad with United States Agency for International Development officials.
The next day, Blackwater Worldwide's license to operate in Iraq was revoked.[2] The US State Department has said that "innocent life was lost"[3] while U.S. military reports indicate Blackwater's guards opened fire without provocation and used excessive force.[4] Iraq's government vowed to punish Blackwater after an Iraqi inquiry found that the guards were "not touched even by a stone" when they opened fire on the civilians in Nisour Square.[5] The incident has sparked at least 5 investigations, with the FBI now saying it will begin a probe.[6]
A senior aide to al-Maliki said that three of the Blackwater guards were Iraqis and could be subject to prosecution. The aide also said that the Iraqi government was pushing for an apology, compensation for victims or their families and for the guards involved in the shooting to be held "accountable."[7] Robert Gates has testified before Congress that the Pentagon has sufficient legal authority to control its contractors, but that commanders lack sufficient "means and resources" to exercise adequate oversight.[2] The US House has passed a bill that would make all private contractors working in Iraq and other combat zones subject to prosecution by U.S. courts and Senate Democratic leaders have said they plan to send similar legislation as soon as possible.[8]
Don't get me wrong.. I'm not saying that Erik Prince told anybody to do these things.. But, the company was being run in such a way that the guards may have thought that this would be ok…. Just another day in the life of a Blackwater guard, right?
It's a damn shame!!!
This too.. This is the type of business that is supporting the American Freedoms:
Blackwater Worldwide – now called Xe – is a private military company and security firm founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark. It has alternatively been referred to as a mercenary organization by numerous reports in the international media[1][2][3][4][5] and has been the subject of arms smuggling allegations. On September 22, 2007, U.S. federal prosecutors announced an investigation into whether Blackwater employees illegally smuggled weapons into Iraq, that were later possibly transferred to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish Marxist-nationalist group designated a terrorist organization by the US, NATO and the European Union.[6][7][8]
The investigation is being handled by North Carolina United States Attorneys' Office with assistance from auditors of the Defense and State departments in accordance with the evidence that Turkey provided demanding clarification. Turkish security forces have started recovering US made rifles and pistols from dead PKK militants.[9] On September 22, The Associated Press reported that officials had stated that there is enough evidence to file charges.
Blackwater initially denied the claims and declared them baseless. [10] According to Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell, "Allegations that Blackwater was in any way associated or complicit in unlawful arms activities are baseless," and they have "no knowledge of any employee improperly exporting weapons."[11] In early 2007, two Blackwater employees pled guilty to illegally shipping weapons.[12] In November 2008, the U.S. State Department prepared to slap a multimillion-dollar fine on Blackwater for shipping hundreds of automatic weapons to Iraq without the necessary permits. Some of the weapons were believed to have ended up on the country’s black market.
Do you feel safer knowing this?
On September 22, 2007, Federal prosecutors announced an investigation into whether Blackwater employees illegally smuggled weapons into Iraq that were later possibly transferred to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish nationalist group designated a terrorist organization by the US, North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.
I know I don't!!!!!
The guy is a total religious zealot..
On August 3, 2009, two anonymous former Blackwater employees swore under oath that Prince may have murdered or facilitated the murder of individuals who were cooperating with federal authorities investigating the company. In addition, they said that Prince "views himself as a Christian crusader tasked with eliminating Muslims and the Islamic faith from the globe," and that Prince's companies "encouraged and rewarded the destruction of Iraqi life." The allegations surfaced in pre-trial motions in an Eastern District of Virginia civil lawsuit brought on behalf of Iraqi civilians by Susan Burke, a private attorney working in conjunction with the Center for Constitutional Rights.[3
Don't give me that "Well, that's what our enemies think of us, so it s ok if we think the same about them" speech….. We are supposed to be civilized, mature, human adults.. right?
Somebody get over to the Blackwater website and tell me if this is a real or shell company
http://www.xecompany.com/index.html
My talk can go on and on…
This company is bad for sure!!!
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adam d
climber
closer to waves than rock
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Jeremy Scahill is the man.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Mercenary soldiers per se are not evil. Some actually have principles and do some good.
In much the same way actual armed forces service personnel are not "good". It is a function of what they do and how they do it.
Unfortunately we live in the real world where lethal force is sometimes a necessary fact of life, like it or not.
Absolutism and other forms of polarizing labels do not help in seeking conflict resolution.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 5, 2009 - 05:06pm PT
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I worry for Jeremy Scahill. I pray for his safety. GOD please protect him. He is a brave soul. We need Congressmen as brave as this lone journalist.
If anything happens to him we know, and we can assume foul play.
This kinda stuff has been going on for far too long in the USA and now we have taken it (exported it) to the world -- assassins for hire.
Is there anyone who really has to question anymore who killed:
JFK?
RFK?
MLK Jr.? (Read the book: "Act of State")
John Lennon?
JFK Jr.?
Senator Paul Wellstone and his family
etc.
The list grows and grows, year by year sadly.
Who? What brave soul will put an end to this unconstitutional, immoral, illegal cabal, this out-of-control, Military-Industrial-Spy complex that Eisenhower warned us about who secretly pulls the strings and controls our government (no matter who is in office) out of sight, behind the public's back and with no oversight by our Congress? Who will be brave enough to stand-up and put a stop to all of this?
I thank GOD for people like Jeremy who tell us of the evil that is being done in our name. Heros all of them.
We need a superhero now . . .
Luke 12:1-5 (KJV)
[1] In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
[2] For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
[3] Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
[4] And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
[5] But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
We need someone who doesn't fear death and can take on and is willing to put an end to this secret illegal cabal that runs our government. I know in the end Jesus will be here and will put an end to it all, but in the meantime, the secret government runs unchecked and does the most immoral acts in our name. We have to work together to stop this.
They can not kill us all, although I'm sure they would like to try.
Eisenhower warns us of the military industrial complex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y06NSBBRtY
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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lethal force is sometimes a necessary fact of life And sometimes it's necessary to destroy villages, to save them - at least, to save them, in terms of the someone else's national goals, ideology and weltanschaung. Although possibly the villagers might not agree.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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nice post, Klimmer, you too, Jingy.
Listent to Amy Goodman on Democracy NOW!, she has Scahill as
a guest, and he usually breaks his reports there.
Unfortunately Xe is probably collecting more big contracts with
the 'surge' in Afghanistan too. . .
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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It's good to know we have a guy like that in the 'toolbox'....
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Do you fools know how many times people like him (sent bu the gov't) had Bin Laden in their sights and were told to 'stand down'? These orders were issued by Billy Jeff Clinton. We f*#king had him!!! The Spec Ops teams were itching to pull the trigger, that's what they were sent to do.
And then once they confirmed what they thought was a solid target, were told to back off..
We need people like this dude. We also need will to execute a plan. Look what happens when you don't.
Where's Healy??? This is what f*#king happens when you don't ASSASSINATE a terrorist when he's in your sights.
Carry on, peaceniks...hopefully you and your loved ones aren't subjected to violence at their hands, only other people.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 5, 2009 - 09:06pm PT
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bluering,
Do really think it is these Blackwater/Xe assassins only against sworn enemies of the US? Not that going after these guys lawlessly is OK. It isn't. There are the Geneva conventions to follow, there is the law.
The real danger is they can do this and they do it anywhere, even in this country. The radical rightwing GOP Neo-cons have their own private mercenaries and they will take out anyone whom they really want to including political foes who dissagree with them, including American citizens and patriots that love this country and abide by the laws and our Constitution. They don't care about you or me, or any American, they only care about their evil agenda and whoever gets in their way they will take out.
They are out of control.
And some people don't think a secret cabal in our country within our government would ever hurt or murder their own? Blackwater shot up citizens during Katrina in NOL. That is known and proven. No doubt those who really did the 9-11 inside job come from people of their caliber and like. Perhaps Blackwater et al. had another false-flag mission to perform just before and on 9-11? Without 9-11 and "The Endless War on Terror" Blackwater and these other Mercenary companies for hire weren't much. 9-11 gave companies like Blackwater everything they wanted, just like it did the Neo-cons. It is no surprise they are in bed together. The GOP have their own private armies! S-C-A-R-Y.
Our country sadly is going down the toilet fast as a result of all of this 100% USDA homegrown bovine dung. Where is the rule of law? Who will stand up to these thugs that are raping our country and shredding our Constitution and then walking away with Billions as we are left behind in bombed-out rubble and ruin?
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dirtbag
climber
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I actually find myself agreeing with Bluering on this.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Gotta go with Klimmer. I just hope he doesn't really think that "God" will get us out of the mess we're in.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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I guess I'm just clueless,
but I keep wonderin' why bluey is all gung ho, but he won't
go over there and help out?????
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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You can't hold a certain opinion without having first held a certain job?
Do you really want to live in a country where that idea is enforced?
I suppose Steve W *helped out* by serving with the Peace Corps.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Chaz, I "helped out" by serving in the US Special Forces and I think that the Peace Corps was a damn good idea that has helped us in many ways that are hard to quantify.
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mojede
Trad climber
Butte, America
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Chaz helps out by being a vociferous member of the Antagonist Party...
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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You're entirely right about that, Jim.
But to ask someone who is in favor of peace to back up that belief by serving in the Peace Corps is the same as saying "but I keep wonderin' why bluey is all gung ho, but he won't go over there and help out?????"
He shouldn't have to validate his opinion by serving in the Military any more than Steve W needs to demonstrate his commitment to peace by joining the Peace Corps.
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