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octoberlib

(14,971 posts)

10. Jeremy Scahill wrote that it wasn't wise

Reply to Nuclear Unicorn (Original post)

Sun Jun 29, 2014, 10:51 AM

Jun 2014

to allow one of the biggest private para-military forces in the world (Blackwater)to operate in North America. Like-wise private SWAT teams. He wrote that it's a threat to Democracy. Congress has failed to enact legislation that would regulate any of these companies. Dick Cheney absolutely loathed congressional oversight which is why he and Rumsfeld moved to privatize as much of the Armed Forces as they could in the time they had, Looks like police departments are doing the same thing. Corporations could hire these companies ,couldn't they? The implications are terrifying.

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Massachusetts SWAT teams claim they�re private corporations, immune from open records laws [View all] Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 OP

Went to the Martha Coakley page (running for gov) PuraVidaDreamin Jun 2014 #1

Private SWAT = Mercenaries. alfredo Jun 2014 #2

Exactly! ReRe Jun 2014 #14

Except they aren't private. They're 100% taxpayer supported. They're rogues. Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #15

Like Blackwater? alfredo Jun 2014 #34

No. These are all city/state employees. Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #35

Still, I think calling them mercenaries to paint them in the worst possible light. If they want to alfredo Jun 2014 #37

If it's a matter of PR framing Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #40

Mercenary is a neat compact frame. alfredo Jun 2014 #62

they aren't private - they're still paid by public funds TorchTheWitch Jun 2014 #18

I think it is best to call these SWAT teams mercenaries until there is full disclosure. alfredo Jun 2014 #36

That's funny... my 501(c)(3) has open records. mwooldri Jun 2014 #3

K&R Babel_17 Jun 2014 #4

Politicians are cops too scared to do their own killing. Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #16

Please see my post number #22. Start with the City Manager. DhhD Jun 2014 #23

This isn't a "city" thing, though--this sounds like a state problem. MADem Jun 2014 #26

i suppose private prisons can torture, then? unblock Jun 2014 #5

Except this isn't outsourcing. The LECs are 100% taxpayer supported. Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #17

it's stories like this barbtries Jun 2014 #6

Me, too. Will the Supreme Court have to rule? duhneece Jun 2014 #7

This is crap. blackspade Jun 2014 #8

REX-84 had plans for the Citizen's Militias to help out in the Big Round-Up. Octafish Jun 2014 #9

This must be related to the Fusion Centers around the country. dixiegrrrrl Jun 2014 #42

Jeremy Scahill wrote that it wasn't wise octoberlib Jun 2014 #10

These aren't private "security" firms. These are public employees that are 100% taxpayer support Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #19

I see. This is what happens when I don't bother to read the article. octoberlib Jun 2014 #29

No worries. In a way I wish you were right. At least then we could Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #30

I believe them ybbor Jun 2014 #11

And some people think we should repeal the Second Amendment. NYC_SKP Jun 2014 #12

Not only would they repeal the 2nd they would employee these very same lawless paramilitary forces Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #20

I don't get the drive to disarm citizens as the neo Pinkertons take over TheKentuckian Jun 2014 #28

So a bunch of dudes with mini arsenals are going to take on a militarized police force? BrotherIvan Jun 2014 #38

I don't want this to be seen as an endorsement for insurrection but Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #41

I did think of Afghanistan in particular BrotherIvan Jun 2014 #44

The police are militarizing themselves against civilians, even innocent civilians. Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #47

I agree that cops should not be militarized as that would no longer serve their purpose BrotherIvan Jun 2014 #50

First, not "dudes", exclusively. Second, grab yerself a history book. Take VietNam, for example. NYC_SKP Jun 2014 #51

It's always funny when the real gunner logic come out BrotherIvan Jun 2014 #54

you go with that, the namecalling and broadbrushing, because beyond that you ain't got shit. NYC_SKP Jun 2014 #56

.. BrotherIvan Jun 2014 #59

Essentially, the message sulphurdunn Jun 2014 #13

When do We The People get to call it a coup? n/t Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #60

Every law enforcement official that went through the process of converting LiberalFighter Jun 2014 #21

It's my understanding that they would have to be approved PotatoChip Jun 2014 #43

To be a 501(c)3 in Massachusetts they also need to be with the IRS. LiberalFighter Jun 2014 #45

Are you sure that it is not both? PotatoChip Jun 2014 #46

The 401(c)3 is an IRS status. Federal code/regulation. LiberalFighter Jun 2014 #58

I think that we are in agreement. PotatoChip Jun 2014 #61

Lawsuits are being written as we speak dixiegrrrrl Jun 2014 #48

Being Public Servants and payed by taxpayers, their resume(s), job application, and reviews DhhD Jun 2014 #22

That's effed up Android3.14 Jun 2014 #24

They should not be immune, and if it takes legislation to make an MADem Jun 2014 #25

Silly Question Savannahmann Jun 2014 #27

fucked up beyond all reason eShirl Jun 2014 #31

Even if they are a private business, that argument is still BS. Any private corporation that works DesertDiamond Jun 2014 #32

But that's a federal law and a federal agency unrepentant progress Jun 2014 #39

Lots of good info here: MannyGoldstein Jun 2014 #33

then let them fund themselves. spanone Jun 2014 #49

Then they would complete their transition to warlord. They need to be stripped of their Nuclear Unicorn Jun 2014 #52

If they aren't supported by tax dollars then they must be vigilantes. lpbk2713 Jun 2014 #53

Kick out of disgust! grahamhgreen Jun 2014 #55

I have a feeling this is going to get changed pretty quick Marrah_G Jun 2014 #57