Blackwater won't allow arrests

[Robbien]

Source: Washington Times

A defiant Blackwater Chairman Erik Prince said yesterday he will not allow Iraqi authorities to arrest his contractors and try them in Iraq's faulty justice system.

. . .

"In an ideal sense, if there was wrongdoing, there could be a trial brought in the Iraqi court system. But that would imply that there is a valid Iraqi court system where Westerners could get a fair trial. That is not the case right now," said Mr. Prince.

Mr. Prince also expressed his disappointment that the State Department has not come to the company's defense, even though it has never lost a State Department client in years of protecting them.

"For the last week and a half, we have heard nothing from the State Department," said Mr. Prince. "From their senior levels, their PR folks, we've heard nothing — radio silence.



Read more: http://washingtontimes.com/article/20071017/FOREIGN/110170057/1003

[EFerrari]

1. I wonder if they're going to through Mr. Jackboots under the bus.

:shrug:

[Robbien]

6. I understand that Clinton's PR firm is in charge of Blackwater's PR campaign

So Blackwater could probably be safe.

Have we just had a taste of how influence might be wielded under a Clinton II Administration? In a very successful week for its most notorious client, Mark Penn's firm was able to get Blackwater CEO Erik Prince several major television appearances. Lob-ball questions were included at no extra charge.
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Democrats have waited years for a consultant that can play the media as well as the GOP can. Unfortunately, most of them had hoped it would be for a better cause. And even if this is all coincidence, Mr. Penn's continued leadership of Burson-Marsteller creates a serious perception problem in a time when voters are yearning for change.

It makes sense that 60 Minutes and other news shows would offer Prince prominent spots, and would hit the talking points he and his PR firm want them to hit. After all, Hillary could be the next President of the United States. Who wants to get on the bad side of the man so many are describing as "Hillary's Rove," especially this early in the election season?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20071017/cm_huffpost/068688

This is so disheartening. The State Department finally takes a correct stand but then along comes the Democratic PR consultant to save the mercs' behinds.

[EFerrari]

11. It's disgusting. n/t

[saigon68]

68. Hmm--- no fair court system Eric ? --Ask Sadam

LOL a spectacle of a public Lynching

[EFerrari]

69. Karma will not be kind to this little Nazi wannabe. n/t

[truthisfreedom]

17. He's just trying to goad the State Department. Believe me, he'll get an answer from them today.

And it will include a message that says "Shut The F*** UP about Iraq's court system, you stupid *^&#~1!!!!!!!!!!"

[yardwork]

38. Really. I thought that we were "spreading democracy!"

Iraq has a faulty justice system? Who knew? According to bushco, it's a shining beacon of justice.

It would be funny if it weren't so tragic. So many dead people. Blood drips from the hands of these people.

[The Backlash Cometh]

25. This is exactly, politics as usual. No firewalls, just cronyism.

Hopefully, Clinton's campaign will go down into the swilly depths along with Blackwater.

Or, she will wake up and realize what she's become, and change. But I'm not holding my breath.

[Demeter]

19. Nah. The Bus Will Chase Him Down Without Their Intervention, Instead

Although it would be interesting to see BushCheneyCo throw Prince and DeVos families under the bus--that might finish off the GOP in Michigan once and for all....

[IndianaGreen]

2. Iraq's "faulty" justice system was good enough for us to hang Saddam

and it is good enough for the Iraqis to hang a few Blackwater mercenaries.

Amazing that a private company feels itself superior to a sovereign nation, but what we see in Blackwater Chairman Erik Prince has been a political reality since the days the US instigated the partition of Colombia to build a canal in what became Panama.

[EFerrari]

4. The bit of reading I did this morning makes me believe

Prince and his crew think Iraqis are lucky they waste bullets on them. They are bigoted three ways to Sunday. The very last people that should be running amok with guns in NOLA or Iraq or anywhere for that matter.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

9. MADMEN AND MALCONTENTS

TO A MAN

[Swagman]

23. I'll feel that situation may be reversed..kill with immunity and don't

be puzzled when people fight back.

Time to ditch that black SUV & mirrored sunnies if you don't want a mortar or roadside bomb in your lap.

[davekriss]

32. What kind of person would go to work for a firm like this

Not somebody I would want to have a drink with down at the local pub. Not somebody I'd let watch my kids while I run up to the corner store to buy some milk. The merc can't claim that he's defending his country -- if that was the motive, the merc wouldn't have retired from our military. My guess is the person who signs up is motivated by greed, sadism, and lust for blood. Such are not welcome at my house! In fact I'd be fine if HSA declared them dangers to the homeland and diverted their incoming flights to Greenland or somewhere similar where they can do little harm. Who would want an ex-Blackwater merc just back from Iraq walking our streets again? Can you imagine the violence over a little driving rage incident?

To any ex-Blackwater mercs out there: I really can't fathom your motivation. If I'm wrong, if you have more humane motives, post them here.

[tridim]

43. Tim McVeigh would have. nt

[Popol Vuh]

16. I think I am going to have to agree with Erik Prince

On this one, that the Iraqi justice system is "faulty". Its faulty in that it probably cannot be rigged in his favor.


:sarcasm:

[truth2power]

37. "good enough for us to hang Saddam"...

My very first thought as I read the OP.

Neocons and their ilk don't even care when they contradict themselves. They just make it up as they go along. Filthy thugs!!

[Miss Chybil]

65. Exactly my logic. Where does a corporate entity get off telling a sovereign

governement what they can and cannot do. I guess the answer to that lies in the meaning of the word sovereign.

[knight_of_the_star]

3. "Won't allow"!?!

Oh really, and how does he intend to "not allow" this to happen? Who died and made him god?

[Robbien]

8. Remember these mercs force our troops to lie in the dirt

and they confiscate our guys weapons.

Yes, I feel the mercs do believe they rule that country.

[knight_of_the_star]

10. Doesn't mean they do

If Blackwater and the US Army had a throwdown there wouldn't have enough left of those merc scum for a DNA sample. Only thing keeping them safe is the government right now, same thing with the KGB and the Red Army in Russia.

[davekriss]

34. You're kidding

They confiscate U.S. military weapons?

[EFerrari]

42. There was an article here in LBN about just such an incident.

It was unbelievable. :wow:

[knight_of_the_star]

58. Yeah, don't have the link handy

But saw the article. I'm waiting for reports of Blackwater scuzz being found dead with US rounds in them and oh look no one knows who did it.

[Mika]

67. The Iraqis will be glad and proud to take care of it

Just as they have before..

[robinlynne]

13. Well for oen thing he got them out of the country immediately.

[grytpype]

31. Guns are God and The Law in an anarchy like Iraq.

[Lasher]

5. This is a dangerous man.

Not kidding.

[Hubert Flottz]

20. I keep thinking of the Baldwin Felts gangsters of old!

Same shit, different assholes!

[catnhatnh]

7. Erik Prince is ABSOLUTELY Right!!!

I will no longer allow myself to be arrested or prosecuted as a drunk driver in the faulty New Hampshire legal system.That would imply there is a valid New Hampshire court system where drunks could get a fair trial and that is not the case right now.I am also disappointed I have not been defended by the State Liquor Commission in spite of the fact I've never spilled a drop, even on a rough road...
Yep-this sounds just as stupid to me...

[soothsayer]

28. Yup! I love the bush family precedents---don't have to answer subpoenas, don't have to

allow oneself to be arrested, don't have to respond to congress, don't have to give out public information, don't have to obey anything you don't like.

[Dover]

12. What opinion does Mr. Prince have of the justice at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo?

And the lawLESSness of mercinary armies? I think he would have trouble with ANY legal oversight just like the administration he works for.

Remarkable blindness to their own hypocrisy.

[robinlynne]

14. In his interview with charlie Rose, Prince said blackwater has no liability for

what the men did. He said the state department does because they provide "operational control" and rules of engagement.
I don't know if anyone noticed that, but that is pretty heavy duty. It means, in essence, that we the people get to pay for whatever happened. (or condi, wouldn't that be fun?)

[EFerrari]

15. I did notice that. He made the point more than once.

And he very carefully denied or minimized wrongdoing. What a piece of work.

[pokercat999]

18. Prince and Blackwater are the WORST America has

to show the world. I hope they all meet the same fate as their four "brothers".

[liberal N proud]

21. This is where their power become even more dangerous

The like the bu$h regime are placing themselves above the law. They are hired hit men, guys who enjoy killing people and get paid for it.

[Swagman]

22. "he will not allow " ???? so much for Democracy in Iraq.

[City Lights]

24. Is Erik Prince Saddam's replacement?

OMG, this pisses me off! :argh:

[0007]

26. Who in the living fuck does Erik Prince think he is?

1. Accordingly, Erik sez that blackwater are not mercenaries. They are Americans fighting for America.

2. He won't allow Iraq to arrest his people in their faulty system?

So in other words his company of bandits are controlled by only Erik, 'eh?

[alcibiades_mystery]

27. The "Iraqi court system is not valid"??? Sounds like Saddam Hussein

I'm thrilled that the head of security for the US State Department thinks the State department is doing such a shitty job.

One wonder what Mr. Prince thinks of the execution of Saddam Hussein, in any case. If the court system is not valid for Western contractors, how could it be valid for former dictators?!?

[NavyDavy]

29. typical attitude of special forces...they all act like this in my

experiences with them.....i worked daily with them we briefed them on the locations they would be going to.....

[mogster]

30. Check out this lecture about Blackwater

Blackwater Shadow Army in Iraq - Jeremy Scahill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAibI5ahMGs

This amazing journo and author plucks the company apart. Really worth seeing, it's in four parts altogether - the rest will be found in the side box.

[ShortnFiery]

56. Thanks and I'll pass this reference on. n/t

[EnviroBat]

33. God, please let this be the end of these bastards...

Throw them ALL under the fucking bus, run them over, back up and repeat the process over and over and...

[Baby Snooks]

35. "The law doesn't apply to us..."

This is just another example of how the Republicans truly believe that the law doesn't apply to Republicans. White Christian men ARE the law. You don't question the law. Don't you know that? You should have taken the hint from the district attorney in Jena.

This country is collapsing, as Benjamin Franklin said it would, under the weight of the moral corruption of the Republicans. And some of their Democratic enablers. Who simply, I guess, also want to be above the law. Must be nice to be above the law. Do what you want to do, screw who you want to screw. In and out of bed.

Congress could at least attempt to put a stop to it. But it won't and I doubt it would even if every Republican in Congress said "enough is enough, send us an impeachment bill."

Madame Speaker would block it. With some new excuse as to why it was futile. And why it would remain off the table. Not good for the Democrats. Not good for the American people. Not good for Nancy Pelosi.

[pat_k]

46. Pelosi's abuse of power to block impeachment is all the more. . .

. . unbearable (if that is possible) because each and every one of their reationalizations (excuses) is the opposite of reality.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=103&topic_id=315045&mesg_id=315171

. . .The stark truth, unspeakable and unspoken within the establishment, is that it is not the violators we should be pointing our fingers at. Violators can't destroy our constitutional democracy. Our system is designed to deal with them. It is only the failure of those we charge with enforcement who can destroy us. . .

[Rosa Luxemburg]

36. and what is our Commander in Chief doing about this?

is he going to let the Iraqi government hand Mr Prince?:sarcasm:

[Vanje]

39. Medal of Freedom

for Mr. Prince?

Heck of a job!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

40. LOL!

[pattmarty]

41. Fascism is here. These are our very own "brownshirts".

[kineneb]

44. Machiavelli on mercenaries...

from The Prince, writing about 15th-16th century Italian mercenary bands...

section XII. Military organization and mercenary troops

"Mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous. If a prince bases the defense of his state on mercenaries, he will never achieve stability or security. For mercenaries are disunited, thirsty for power, undisciplined and disloyal; they are brave among their friends and cowards before the enemy; they have no fear of God, they do not keep faith with their fellow men; they avoid defeat just so long as they avoid battle; in peacetime you are despoiled by them, and in wartime by the enemy."


nothing new under the sun, mercs are scum then and now...

on ed: deep irony that the head of Blackwater is named "Prince"...

[ShortnFiery]

52. Whoa! That's irony at it's creepiest: deep irony that the head of Blackwater is named "Prince"...

:evilgrin: :nuke:

[redqueen]

45. "From their senior levels, their PR folks"

Awww... cavalry's not riding in to reiterate your immunity? Gettin worried? :rofl:

[Cronopio]

47. Psst ... Hey Erik. They're mercenaries. They're expendable. And there's more where they came from.

Get with the idea of "mass production", businessboy.

[Supersedeas]

48. so, would he also be questioning the legitimacy of Sadaam's trial too??

[Vidar]

49. Personally, I'd skip the arrests and go straight to napalm & white

phosphorous. These clowns deserve to suffer.

[ShortnFiery]

53. OMG, having one's flesh burn off from the effect of Willie Pete must be like

burning-up in the 7th Ring of Hell ... And these Mercs surely will for all eternity. :evilgrin:

[Zhade]

50. Fine, then I hope they drag you into the town square, Prince.

If you want to go with lawlessness, it's only fair, you fucking monster.

[superconnected]

51. I didn't know he was in charge of Iraq and could over-rule the Government.

Guess he's a terrorists.

[superconnected]

54. If PELOSI had one shred of decency, she would put a measure to congress

to investigate Blackwater and Bush like Kenneth Star got to investigate Clinton and Whitewater.

Unfortunately the only thing peolosi has shown is like ms. Clinton, she's must be one of them.

If you don't stop it you allow it.

That hag needs to step down for what is going on in this country. We elected her to STOP the corruption.

Now where the FUCK is congress? This whole issue is THEIR job to fix.

FIRE THEM.

[Malikshah]

55. In the medieval period, such figures were

made to ride the streets of Baghdad backward on a donkey while they were spat on by the crowd and had offal thrown at them.

That's if they were lucky.

The more virulent offender on rare occasions was dragged through the street by their genitalia before being crucified on one of the gates. (BTW, crucifixion does not immediately lead to death in this case)


Erik "the Red, as in the color of innocent blood" Prince (the tyrant formally known as a human being with a soul) should hope that his victims' families do not decide to take a page out of their ancient history.

What a vile little creature he is.

[Megahurtz]

57. "Won't Allow"????

And just what are those Terrorist Mecenaries going to do to stop it??? :wtf:

They actually believe that they are above the Law!:wow:

I think they should be tried at the Hague myself, along with BushInc.

[Eagle_Eye]

59. Nobody is going to argue with them; They got guns an ain't afraid to use 'em

[Caretha]

60. They make a perfect scape goat

No one is going to rush to Blackwater's rescue. I might add, and they shouldn't.

[Flabbergasted]

61. He does see the irony I hope. nt

[Orsino]

62. All nations are sovereign, but some are more sovereign than others. n/t

[HuffleClaw]

63. ooooookay

'he will not allow' ?

pretty funny guy.

[Imagevision]

64. Prediction: Erik Prince will next be claiming the US. military fired first in next showdown!!!!

[PittPoliSci]

66. if it was good enough for saddam...

it's good enough for those assholes.