[Peace-discuss] Asking you to write an e-mail today

[Barbara kessel]

This message is from Clearwater, a group that is opposed to Blackwater's
activities around the world.

Blackwater Midwest, the Jo Daviess County Illinois training site of
Blackwater Worldwide is seeking a permit to build a new "shoot house." This
is a rare opportunity for us to voice our opinion to the Jo Daviess County
board members at a crucial moment when it can make a difference. Also this
is a brief time when we can communicate to county residents, as well as
citizens around Illinois and the U.S. the threat Blackwater poses to our
democratic values.

September 9 (night meeting) is the day that the Jo Daviess County Board
votes on the zoning board application of

Blackwater Midwest.  Please let some of the board members know your feelings
about this. If you only want to write

one person, pick the Chairperson. You can find their contact information at
   http://www.jodaviess.org


People ask me, "What can I say to them?" Below are some ideas, but you can
open up a dialog if you are so inclined.

Does the County Board feel assured that a company that is fighting numerous
wrongful death lawsuits, is being investigated in Camden County, North
Carolina for fire arms violations, being investigated by the U.S. State
department, the U.S. Justice Department, and by the IRS for possible tax
violations, is really the kind of good neighbor you want in your county?

*Do the County Board members feel confident that a company whose employees
killed 17 Iraqi citizens, in the Nisoor Square massacre by Blackwater
contractors in Bagdad last year is a company you want training the police in
your neighborhood? Does the County Board think the tourists to your
beautiful natural area will be attracted or repelled by the new and
bigger  "shoot
house" close to the highway? *

Some facts about Blackwater:

*Blackwater's Federal Contracts from 2001 through 2006 totaled over $1
billion. 40 cents of every dollar spen**t in Iraq goes to private companies
and corporations.** (Rep. Jan Schakovsky)***

* 70% of the $42 billion US intelligence budget is going to private
companies. (Office of the Directorate of National Intelligence)*

* Private Military Security firms transform the role of the state in such a
way that it loses its monopoly over the use of force. *

*Privatization of military services** can harm the reliable delivery of
essential* *services in conflict and war.* *Privatization and outsourcing
make it easier for political leaders to take their states to war.** **Also
private military security companies only care about their profitability
creating an incentive for conflict rather than peace**.*

For more information from Clearwater, please contact dan at NoPrivateArmies.org
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