Blackwater USA

Jeremy Scahill wrote the book entitled Blackwater The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, published by Nation Books in 2007.

The book is about Erik Prince who founded the private security organization, Blackwater, and built a huge training compound on 7,000 acres in northeastern North Carolina.

I have high respect for Erik Prince. He is, perhaps, the wealthiest man ever to enlist in the military according to page 26 in the book pictured above. As a multi-millionaire, he volunteered for service in the U. S. Navy, became a Navy Seal on Team 8 in the 1990's, and was deployed on assignments that placed him in harm's way. After his honorable discharge, he purchased swampland, developed a training compound, and assembled elite forces to respond to new demand for private security contractors.

I am a great admirer of Jeremy Scahill, the author of the book mentioned here. I read his book, have seen him interviewed, and believe he is the gold standard for investigative research and reporting. He possesses awesome verbal skills as demonstrated in television interviews. This young man should be a case study for excellence and quality in doing the job of investigative reporting.

I saw a news clip of Erik Prince's testimony before a Congressional Committee where he defended the mission of his company. I heard him say "I am an American fighting for America". I've never before heard another person utter those words. Have you ever said those words? Have you ever undertaken actions you feel mean the same as the words said by Mr. Prince?

I believe the subject of whether to use contractors in addition to the military should be debated with scholarship on university and college campuses. There should be more media discourse on who is and who is not volunteering for military service. I believe the size and socio-economic make-up of the military is an issue.

Have a good week!