Mercenary's On the March: Republican Mercenaries, Blackwater, Looking to Expand in U.S. - Take Over Border Patrol?
US security firm runs into new trouble - and this time it's closer to home
Rural community opposes expansion by company at centre of Iraq allegations
Dan Glaister in Potrero, California
Friday November 30, 2007
The Guardian
..........................
A mile away, around a bend in the mountain road that runs past Parks's property, his new neighbours spread a map out on the ground to discuss plans for the 325-hectare (800-acre) site they are in the process of buying. "There will be eight 100-yd carbine ranges here, and three 50-yd pistol ranges here. And we'll have a 10,000-sq ft armoury and a bunkhouse for 360 students over here."
Welcome to Blackwater West, the latest expansion from the company that dominates private security operations in Iraq. Last month Blackwater's chief executive, Erik Prince, appeared before Congress to defend the company's role in the alleged shootings of unarmed civilians. This week, reports alleged that it had turned a blind eye to the use of steroids among its employees.
Now the company is looking to expand domestically. So it has come to the border hamlet of Potrero, population 850. Eight miles from Mexico and 40 miles inland from San Diego, Potrero has found itself at the centre of a controversy.
..............
The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, journalist Jeremy Scahill recounts company president Gary Jackson's May 2005 appearance before the House homeland security committee.
"Just as the private sector has responded in moving mail and packages around the world more efficiently," Jackson told the committee, "so too can Blackwater respond to the customs' and Border Patrol's emerging and compelling training needs."
more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2219612,00.html
via:
http://www.progressivedailybeacon.com/morenews.php?id=3563