Untitled Document
Yesterday I drove to the Algiers Red Cross distribution point which is located
in the southern section of the Algiers neighborhood near the middle-class white
section of town. As soon as I walked in, I noticed a frowning young man in a
khaki shirt and black hat with a sidearm and corporate logo prominently displayed.
Blackwater Security is now providing security to the Red Cross! That's
right, you heard correctly. Armed mecenaries are providing security to a (supposedly)
humanitarian relief organization. I spoke with three Red Cross volunteers about
what was going on with their distribution and pointed out that Blackwater is
a group of armed mercenaries - corporate contractors who have a very bad reputation.
I offerred the question - who are they accountable to?"
A well meaning volunteer from Vermont said that the Blackwater guys were very
nice and they offered protection. I asked, "Who do you need protection
from?" The conversation ended.
So if you donated money to the Red Cross, you are supporting extra-legal
armed mercenaries who were observed shooting people out of French Quarter windows
following Katrina. Hurricane relief at gunpoint. Aren't you proud?
