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Highlands Today

Blackwater Vs. USMC

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Randy Ludacer

Published: June 5, 2008

Recently a headline read "State Department extends Blackwater's contract for 5 more years." Bush's departing bonus to his loyal campaign contributors is to extend the multi-million per year contract of his loyal campaign contributors into the next administration.

Cancellation for the convenience of the government, always a contract option, is loaded with penalties which will cost the government greatly, so whether performed or canceled, Bush's guard will walk away with more millions, while the cost of a generous G.I. bill for returning veterans is too costly and will allegedly negatively effect re-enlistment prospects. Money for old friends but not ex G.I.s

Not too long ago we were treated to an image of Secretary Rice being escorted through the American embassy in Baghdad by a full body-armored, M-4 toting, hard-eyed Blackwater guard, ready to execute anyone who gazed cross-eyed at madam secretary. A function ordinarily performed to perfection by the U.S. Marine Corps, it was now only to be trusted to the Bushies' overpaid and over rated "Blackwater watch," our latest national disgrace. It is now deemed critical to retain the 800 Blackwater Praetorian in Baghdad under the multi-million cost-plus contract which they have enjoyed since 2000.

For some reason the Marine Corps, which have guarded embassies and diplomats worldwide, are not deemed adequate for the task. I find this an intolerable insult.

The abilities of the Corps in Tet, 1968 have been forgotten, when they, with a back-up from the U.S. Army's Military Police, defended the U.S. embassy in Saigon when it was overrun by the Vietcong with no loss of any of the diplomatic personnel. I recall during my own years in Saigon witnessing Ambassador Bunker being escorted around the city by his Marine guards. They did not carry automatic weapons at the ready but their proficiency was apparent.

The Marine Corps has had in place its Marine Security Guard Program since 1948, but Marines have provided security to the State Department since the earliest days of this nation. Somehow for Bush in his zeal to heap rewards on his political allies have seen fit to overlook this tradition of excellence.

Randy Ludacer
Lake Placid

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