Kerry, Casey Urge State Department to Drop Blackwater

[globalvillage]

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senators John Kerry (D-MA), incoming Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, today again urged the State Department to drop Blackwater Worldwide as a private security contractor for American diplomats in Iraq. An internal State Department report released today raised the concern that the Iraqi government may remove Blackwater's license to operate inside Iraq.

On June 5, Sen. Kerry wrote to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice questioning the Department of State's decision to renew its contract with Blackwater. On July 30, 2008, Senators Kerry and Casey together sent another letter to Rice questioning the future of private security contractors in Iraq in the wake of Blackwater's recent decision to shift its focus away from private security contracting.

more...

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2008/12/kerry_casey_urge_state_departm.php

Also here http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4671366

[TayTay]

1. You know, I really like that relatively new guy from PA

I think he's going to be one heck of a fine US Senator.

Nice, nice work.

[globalvillage]

2. He seems to be hanging out with the right crowd.

He's really doing a good job, isn't he?

We're so proud. :-)

[karynnj]

4. Both of them are -

I think I'm going to like Kerry being chair of the SFRC.

[MBS]

9. I got to meet him once, in Boston

and, though he is more conservative than me, he struck me as a really good guy.

[karynnj]

3. this is long overdue - I hope the incoming President listens

[YvonneCa]

5. Of that I have NO...

...doubr. :7

[YvonneCa]

6. I am very happy to hear this. Sounds like we are...

...starting to get our 'old America' back. :patriot:

[ladym55]

7. and may I add

buh-bye Blackwater! Don't let the door hit you on the way out! Blackwater has done so many bad things and been so irresponsible in their "service" in Iraq. I'm so glad JK is pushing to get them out.

[Muttocracy]

8. good stuff. nt

[MonteLukast]

10. I hope he pushes...

... for KBR to lose their license, too. One kills you with bullets and the other kills you with contaminated food and water. Both need to go.

[beachmom]

11. The Army Times now has a story up on this:

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/defense_blackwater_121708/

Clinton also is against Blackwater (while her husband took money from them ??), so it seems to me they really may be gone in the next year.