Price has fought Blackwater since '04

Submitted by ryanteaguebeckwith on March 3, 2008 - 1:56pm.
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U.S. Rep. David Price has opposed Blackwater since 2004.

In an e-mail to Dome, Paul Cox, a staffer for the Chapel Hill Democrat, said that a recent Virginian-Pilot story (linked here) incorrectly described Price's role:

Price's legislation was not a response to the Sept. 16th incident, and Price's efforts are not focused on one company – he criticizes the lack of oversight and accountability for all security contractors, Blackwater being one of many. 

He said that Price has been trying to close the "legal loopholes" that allow contractor misconduct since 2004, though the Nisour Square incident focused public attention on the issue and get the bill through the U.S. House.

Cox added that the bill is currently "stalled" in the Senate. 

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Re: Price has fought Blackwater since '04

Submitted by Wildgoose on March 4, 2008 - 9:09am.

Fat chance Marshall. You getting elected in the 3rd District will be when our hog farms fly!

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Price has fought Blackwater since '04

Submitted by marshall_adame@... on March 3, 2008 - 4:07pm.

Congressman Price had the right idea in 2004. He recognized the potential for abuse and maybe even the Administration's deliberate actions to create the right to lawless behavior and mayhem on the part of Blackwater and other security companies in Iraq and Columbia.

Now that all of Congressman Price's concerns have manifested themselves in Iraq, with killings and destruction over the past few years, his call for more control is wholly inadequate.

When elected to the US House in 2008, I will offer my services, partnership and advice to Congressman Price to write legislation regarding Private Securty Companies which will serve the public's interest and our countries goals and needs.

MARSHALL ADAME
Democratic Candidate NC-03

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Closing loopholes isn't enough.

Submitted by Anglico on March 3, 2008 - 3:14pm.

The United States government should not be in the business of using mercenary armies for anything. The "loophole" that needs closing is the one that allows the government to use armed contractors in the first place.

Congressman Price has been on this for many years, but his focus on accountability and oversight misses the broader and more important issue. It's time to stop the privatization of war in every way, shape and form.

More on the matter here.

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