Going After The Criminal "Cowboys"

The New York Times reports that a group of Iraqis have filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking damages against the mercenary security firm, Blackwater USA. Families of the killed and injured are intent on getting justice and compensation for their loss when Blackwater gunmen opened fire in Baghdad last month without reasonable cause, according to numerous eyewitnesses. U.S. soldiers arriving at the scene moments afterward report finding no AK-47 or other insurgent-linked bullet shells in or around the victims or their cars, despite Blackwater's claims. Lt. Col. Mike Tarsa said, "it appeared to me that they were fleeing the scene when they were engaged. It had every indication of an excessive shooting."

Blackwater's founder, Erik Prince, is the son of a wealthy Rethug car parts mogul, and is himself a big contributor to Rethuglican and right-wing causes. His arrogant, smirking demeanor at last month's hearings should have signalled everyone that these criminal cowboys for hire have no concern for the lives of innocent Iraqis or for winning their hearts and minds.