Sustainable Democracy

I recently stumbled upon a site called www.BlockBlackwater.com. A grassroots movement managed to organize a massive recall of local government in an effort to block Blackwater from building a training camp in their community. I think this is both brave and praiseworthy.

While I’m sure we have all grown to love the cute target and wolf print logo they use, I don’t think many of us like Blackwater. I know I would personally block Blackwater if it weren’t for the M60s they tend to carry with them. And that is why it is important to stop them.

Blackwater is not just some nice little corporate entity trying to make a few dollars by providing needed security professionals. They are swiftly generating what amounts to a private army. An army that is immune to most international law (so far) and has no domestic oversight. They are required to have all the proper licenses and paperwork, but no one in government is really watching that carefully. And we generally tolerate them because they are a very quiet group.

Blackwater does not loudly proclaim anything, except that they can get the job done for the right payment. This is very close to what the FARC has become, and we label them terrorists. Fortunately, unlike FARC, Blackwater has not been busy attacking and bombing our own cities. But once we begin legitimizing mercenary armies, that is a very short logical step.

Companies exist to make a profit, not defend our nation. When we allow groups to stockpile munitions, train soldiers, and become true combat forces with no tie to America past a paycheck you get into trouble. We are selling off pieces of our security to the corporate world. Would you trust Microsoft to always treat you right?

Block our nation from becoming a nation controlled by mercenaries. Keep your faith reserved for troops who make a commitment to their country and not their corporation.