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Return to Article: Blackwater could face sanctions for improper arms shipments

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  It would be nice to know if these were full auto machine guns as the method that Blackwater acquires these types of weapons is highly questionable like using a friendly police dept to officially own them but then let Blackwater possess them. Bottm line is that this company is being allowed to break all the rules where other company officials are jailed for such behavior by ATF&E.

  Randon Jackson Posted November 12, 2008 10:32 AM
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  Blackwater should be permanently banned from doing business with any federal government agency. All confirmed criminal acts (individuals and the actual company) should be fully prosecuted, not only in the U.S., but in any other country where the illegal activity took place. They should be put out of business with this country or any other country who attempts to use their "services". Blackwater is a disgrace to our country and to our national security. Private security companies may be needed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, but not Blackwater - or any other private company who practices the same type of "security activities".

  jb Posted November 12, 2008 9:55 AM
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  I don't think it's dumb that the govt is trying to ensure that US companies follow the rules when shipping arms overseas, regardless of their intent. The export licensing process should have been second nature to Blackwater long ago and with their recent history you would think that they would want to play by all the rules and avoid potential problems. I think there is a long history of mercenaries and paramilitary groups thinking that they are above the law... It's better to deal with the problem now, get it right, and make sure stuff like this doesn't happen again than to say "Ah, shucks. They meant well, and besides - we're in a war." That type of attitude can only lead to bigger problems down the road.

  dritchie Posted November 12, 2008 9:47 AM
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  I don't think it's dumb that the govt is trying to ensure that US companies follow the rules when shipping arms overseas, regardless of their intent. The export licensing process should have been second nature to Blackwater long ago and with their recent history you would think that they would want to play by all the rules and avoid potential problems. I think there is a long history of mercenaries and paramilitary groups thinking that they are above the law... It's better to deal with the problem now, get it right, and make sure stuff like this doesn't happen again than to say "Ah, shucks. They meant well, and besides - we're in a war." That type of attitude can only lead to bigger problems down the road.

  dritchie Posted November 12, 2008 9:36 AM
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  BW's meteoric rise is directly due to Prince's relationship with President Bush, and it's a major DOS security contractor too. BW knocked its competition entirely OUT of the competition by piling on top it its Bush Advantage, its absolute willingness to flout the laws enacted to keep US technology and weapons from reaching enemy hands. It's not just a matter of unfair competitive advantage against companies who didn't back Bush and aren't willing to break laws to get business. Who is going to be shooting those "lost" arms - and at whom? I'm impressed that State is following through - and it had better follow through.

  C Geek Posted November 11, 2008 2:03 PM
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  This is so dumb i can't believe it. Since when do juries in the states get to make judgement on something that happened in another country? I understand they their could be charges about shipping the guns but the those taken out in a war "give me a break"

  dan m ketter Posted November 10, 2008 4:45 PM
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  Someone needs to provide oversight over Blackwater. That organization is scary. I doubt that the majority of the population is aware of Blackwater's shenanigans in Iraq, shenanigans which exposed our soldiers to more harm - - - for much less pay. In my view, Blackwater's behavior has been criminal -- in more than one instant. And what in the devil were they doing in New Orleans so immediately after Hurricane Katrina? Citizens of the United States: become more aware of just how corrupted we've been -- as a people and as a Nation -- over the last eight years.

  jeremy Posted November 10, 2008 3:16 PM
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  Get on with finishing the fight. Lets not get mired in the trenches. We have many things going on that are acutely more important to worry about. Truth be known that the DOD busted more than a couple of rules in its attempt to complete the task in spite of all the Arm Chair commandoes.

  Dave Tucker Posted November 10, 2008 2:32 PM