Articles abound today about the shootings of civilians in Iraq by Blackwater contractors. An AP article even states that Blackwater "loses license after eight civilians killed in firefight".
This is not the first time that civilians have been killed by foreign contractors in Iraq but what makes this so newsworthy are the sheer numbers. Reports coming out of Iraq this morning state that eight civilians were killed and as many as thirteen were wounded.
It is hardly likely that Blackwater will be "kicked out" of Iraq. Quite frankly, they are too big. They are a private army and as such, are more than likely, indespensible. I think it more likely that an investigation will be held to determine what actually happened. Then a number of indivduals will be found to have acted improperly and they will be terminated and sent back home. This should appease the Iraqi Government and they can be seen to save face by having "kicked out" those responsible.
But it brings me back to my prediction on the future of Personal Protection and those returning from places like Afghanistan and Iraq, coming back to the States seeking employment. These guys will have to undergo extensive Executive Protection training before they will be able to "fit in" with the Corporate scene here at home. It is unreasonable to expect that a bodyguard operating in Baghdad for the past couple of years is going to be able to blend in at a corporation the way most of us do here everyday. Hopefully with professional training though that transition will be successful and seamless.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Blackwater in Hot Water.
Good news for parents this Christmas?
Following up on the bad news out of China last month, it was reported last week that China has now agreed to export toys to the U.S. that are lead-free. Hopefully the consumer affairs watch dogs will be keeping a close eye for breaches of the agreement. Parents too should be ever vigilant and remember to heed the Latin warning; "Caveat Emptor" (buyer beware).
While we all want to breath a sigh of relief, the fear exits that some tainted toys might slip through the net in the Christmas rush. Parents would do well to think like a private investigator where their children's health is at stake.
For instance, the majority of exports entering our ports go unchecked. This coupled with the fact that many of these overseas toy manufacturers probably have millions of dollars worth of toys already finished and ready for shipping. Are they all going to be so ethical that they destroy these valuable (to them) shipments that have lead-based paint in them? I certainly would not want to bet on it.
