Immunity for Blackwater?

Does this news really surprise anyone?

Ok, I'm back on the subject of Blackwater, AGAIN. You knew that it wouldn't take me long.

excerpt from:

US State Dept Granted Blackwater Immunity in Killing of 17 Civilians

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/66472/

This post, written by Siun, originally appeared on FireDogLake

Remember that Blackwater killing of 17 Iraqi civilians - and the oh so independent investigation that was supposed to dig out the truth (yeah, right).

Well, it seems the investigation is stalled because:*

The State Department promised Blackwater USA bodyguards immunity from prosecution in its investigation of last month's deadly shooting of 17 Iraqi civilians, The Associated Press has learned.

The immunity deal has delayed a criminal inquiry into the Sept. 16 killings and could undermine any effort to prosecute security contractors for their role in the incident that has infuriated the Iraqi government.

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If that bit of news doesn't convince you to sign the petition asking the US Congress to demand that the State Department and the Dept. of Defense cancel all Blackwater contracts then maybe the following clip can:

From the producers of Shadow Company :

In the late 20th Century the distinction between soldier and mercenary became blurred. The recent use of private military companies (PMCs) in Iraq has been more extensive than at any time in modern history. The brutal killing of four PMC employees in Fallujah in April 2004 made it clear that these “contractors” are not merely workers in a foreign land. But are the lives of such men the only thing at risk when we privatize warfare?

Shadow Company explores the moral and ethical issues private military solutions create for PMC employees, for the Western governments who foot the bill for their salaries, and for everyday citizens like you. The filmmakers traveled the globe to expose all sides of the issue, interviewing PMC staff, owners and lobbyists, former mercenaries, academics, journalists and top authors.

This movie is a definite "must see". Check out their website.

Related posts:

If the Iraqis Hate Them and Troops Don't Care For Them Why Are They There?

Blackwater May Chose Not to Renew Their Contract in Iraq

Three Cheers for CCR

Use of contractors by U.S. State Dept. has soared