posted by Chris @ 9/14/2005 03:40:00 PM  
Covert Operations in New Orleans?

(Image: Blackwater USA graphic)

The conspiracy theorists are having a field day with Hurricane Katrina. One of the more popular conspiracies is that the U.S. has hired mercenaries (Blackwater security personnel who are up to no good) to patrol New Orleans. This particular conspiracy feeds off the Bush/Cheney Big Oil links that portray Halliburton and related companies as out-of-control capitalists bent on subjugating the world. In New Orleans, the Blackwater personnel are being portrayed by some conspiracists as guardians of the wealthy sent to The Big Easy to put down the criminal poor and lead the way for the big corporations to take over. Here are a few excerpts from around the Internet that purport nefarious activities by Blackwater personnel:

OnlineJournal.com:
"According to Rahim, mercenaries from Blackwater USA are rumbling through the New Orleans streets, armed to the teeth and in full battle gear."

Online Journal Editor's Blog
"Blackwater mercenaries were seen looting bars in the French Quarter. Blackwater has also taken over another bar in the French Quarter as their de facto headquarters."

TowardFreedom.com
"Heavily armed paramilitary mercenaries from Blackwater, a private security firm that also works in Iraq, began patrolling the streets of New Orleans last week. Some of them said they have been "deputized" by the Louisiana governor, and have been given the authority to use lethal force by the Department of Homeland Security, according to a report by Jeremy Scahill and Daniela Crespo for Democracy Now!

"This is a totally new thing to have guys like us working CONUS (Continental United States)," a heavily armed Blackwater mercenary told the journalists. "We're much better equipped to deal with the situation in Iraq." Some Blackwater employees are among the most feared professional killers in the world, accustomed to operating without concern for legal consequences. Some of the men in New Orleans had returned from Iraq as recently as two weeks before."

Asia Times Online
"Washington Post reported that "Blackwater USA, known for its work supporting military operations in Iraq, said it would provide 164 armed guards to help provide security at FEMA sites in Louisiana." Today, New Orleans' streets are under military occupation; its property is guarded by hired guns; and the corporations of the whirlwind are pouring into town. All that's missing is the insurgency." [end of excerpts]

Well, like many conspiracy theories, there's a shred of truth to these reports. According to Blackwater USA, there ARE Blackwater personnel in the New Orleans area. This from the Blackwater Web site: "Blackwater USA continues to provide support to the hurricane devastated area through a variety of services including search and rescue, helicopter support, security services, and critical infrastructure protection." But there's only a shred...

If you listened to these conspiracists, and indeed the entire Left, you'd end up believing that Satan has taken over Halliburton, Blackwater, and other U.S. firms that have business in national and international hot spots.

With the demonization aside, however, what you really have are patriotic firms staffed full of patriotic Americans. Blackwater personnel for example are recruited mainly, or partly, from U.S. Military special forces. Blackwater, founded by a Navy SEAL, is reported to have a number of ex-SEALs in the ranks. These guys (SEALs, etc.) are the ultimate Americans, who have sacrificed their years and put their bodies through terrible ordeals in the service of the United States. Halliburton personnel? These guys work hard and pay their taxes. They are Americans like most of the rest of us. I find it a little annoying that "experts" on the Left would demonize fellow Americans to make a political point!

More links:
- Wealthy on guard against the poor
- Mercenaries fight alongside U.S. troops in Iraq

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