Jeremy Scahill and Eric (Blackwater) Prince to speak in Holland, MI, on same day. Separately.

[Bozita]

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http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/04/author_critical_of_blackwater.html

Author critical of Blackwater will speak in Holland on same day as company founder Erik Prince
By Brian McVicar The Grand Rapids Press
April 28, 2010, 7:13AM


HOLLAND -- Erik Prince's controversial past won't be far behind when he speaks at his hometown's Tulip Time Festival next month.

On May 5, the same day the founder of Blackwater Worldwide is to discuss "the value-based lessons of his childhood," a best-selling author critical of Prince will speak at the Holland 7 theater about the harm the military contractor caused U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I believe it's important for people in Holland to hear about the actual values Prince and his company have employed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where Blackwater operatives have killed innocent civilians and stolen childhoods," said Jeremy Scahill, author of "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army."

Scahill, who first started writing about Blackwater for the left-leaning magazine The Nation, said he would "welcome the opportunity to have a public dialogue with Mr. Prince" when he speaks at the theater, 500 S. Waverly Road.

Scahill's visit is hosted by the Interfaith Congregation of Holland. Leaders there said the church wants people to be aware of Prince's past. Many residents reacted negatively when they heard Prince was coming to Tulip Time, chaplain Bill Freeman said.

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