Blackwater (now called Xe) is a contracttor that provides support to US military activities. This once meant cooks and building construction, but in recent years it has meant extensive mercenary activity to supplement the Army, National Guard, and other military services sent to Iraq and other places. These forces are not subject to the same rules as military personnel and are not accountable for their actions to the same degree.

 

The growing movement against Blackwater's involvement in US military adventures and the record of abuses on their part resulted in them changing their corporate  name to Xe. They are trying to get away from their past, but the movement continues to grow. They are now banned from Iraq by the Iraqi government, though some Blackwater/Xe employees may try to go there under the employ of other companies.

 

Near San Diego, Calif, the Southwestern College Board of Trustees negotiated a memorandum of understanding with Blackwater/Xe to trade use of a Blackwater/Xe shooting range by the College for Blackwater's use of meeting rooms on the campus. This alliance has drawn opposition, but the Guard of Governors has stonewalled this effort, first by denying access to public records, and secondly by resisting putting the issue on the agenda at public meetings.

 

The issue was finally on the agenda at their May 13 meeting. They have agreed to renegotiate the contract, but not to terminate their relationship with Blackwater/Xe. Opponents held a protest on May 12 to make their opinion of the college's relationship with Blackwater/Xe known.

More info:

http://stopblackwater.net/ is dedicated to stopping private mercenary armies, such as Blackwater Worldwide.

Read more background on Blackwater/Xe and Southwestern College.

See a report on a successful effort to stop Blackwater/Xe from building a facility on national forest land in eastern San Diego County.

The Citizens' Oversite Project website.

Other coverage of Blackwater actions on Liberty Tree sites:
Stop Blackwater - No Private Armies
Quad City Times: 'Blackwater' critics organize conference
RELEASE: Citizens Foreclose on Blackwater
ILLINOIS MEDIA: protesters arrested at Blackwater
 

Areas of Focus:

Books not Bombs, Military Corporatization (Democracy Square), Military Corporatization (Bring The Guard Home)

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