SCAHILL ON MADDOW: BLACKWATER

You all know, I have occasionally done updates on Blackwater and highlighted what this private killing army does in OUR name. Well, it's really just a way to vent my frustration during a situation that none of us have control over. Even as the Presidential election over a year ago has changed leadership in DC, you see not much has been done to alter this Global PR mess.

BLACKWATER LOSES CONTRACT IN IRAQ

Late this week, the Iraqis' decided to boot Blackwater out of their country. Those of you who have read my posts over the year remember how wild I was when revelations into abuse of power and allegations of manslaughter were rampant in the news media.

It brought to light how these mercenaries operate and who they work for. Blackwater had guarded the diplomats for five years and compiled a perfect record of never having lost one to the violence there. I have to give them credit where it's due. But they also gained a reputation for being arrogant and quick to shoot. A very dangerous combination.

Iraqi Interior Ministry confirmed: They will not renew the licence of Blackwater Worldwide.I just read in the NY Times online that Blackwater's chances of a renewed contract is Nil, Nada, Zilch. So, of course embassy officials are scrambling to fill the gap in protection for our diplomats. There are other companies to chose from.

Iraqi officials and half the US population have been furious with the firm since a September 2007 shooting in which Blackwater guards opened fire in traffic, killing at least 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians. If you look up reports online, you'll find only one guard has pleaded guilty, while five others are awaiting trial.

Blackwater has always maintained that because they are not Military personnel, they are not beholden to the same international restrictions dictated by the Geneva Convention. However, these trigger-happy former military personnel wear an American flag on their shoulder while cruising the streets and protecting our representatives.

Through connections associated with the Bush Administration, Blackwater secured several multi-million dollar contracts and has such helped to divert funds to continue the efforts in Iraq without calling the funding a "War Expenditure". Also note: when Blackwater employees are killed or executed like the picture to your left, they are not counted as casualties thus keeping the U.S. losses down.

One of my friends always uses the term Republican World Domination when we discuss Blackwater. I just have to laugh as I slip this into the posting. Ironically, the close connection to former administration does lent itself to a certain demise as most favored Mercenaries. Im sure they'll survive, incase someone out there is worried about their employment status.

Here is that YOUtube video that we all remember from a few years ago.