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" This book follows the development of the Blackwater USA, arguably the world's largest private military company. The author looks at the U.S.'s strategy to outsource routine military functions to private agencies from the first Gulf War to the present military action in the Middle East. Democracy and free-market priciples collide as public support falters for our current military efforts, thought to trigger a correlating governmental reduction. Instead, through the use of private contractors the democratic process is skirted as public opinion and voting have a reduced effect on overall military manpower. I found Blackwater's legal immunity shocking as they fall outside military courts yet have argued they cannot be held liable in civilian court because of their relationship in a military campaign. "
- Kelly, 2/18/2014
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" Priviate armies are having a corrosive effect on sovereignty. "
- Amelia, 2/12/2014
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" Quite a story about our mercenaries in Iraq...above the law, but quite neccessary and expedient....... "
- Robert, 2/2/2014
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" I found this to be a terrifying yet fascinating read about one of many corruptions in the military industrial complex that Dwight D. Eisenhower warned Americans about in 1961. The appalling arrogance of Blackwater, the CIA, and the Bush Administration permeates the book. "
- Katgoyette, 1/31/2014
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" Wow. ummmm wow. Thank you blackwater "security contractors" for stirring up so much hatred towards America in Iraq. Thank you Paul Bremer for primering the insurgency. Thank you Mr. President, V.P. Dick Cheney, and all you other dastardly fucks out there who are are war-profiteering, may you enjoy all your blood money, and soon perish and burn in hell, that is all. "
- Aaron, 1/30/2014
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" Overarching liberal bias turned me off from an otherwise good history of how the company came into being. "
- Chris, 1/1/2014
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" I was a bit disappointed with this -- it was pretty heavy on speculation and fearmongering, which is patently unnecessary given what a dire subject it's addressing. Still, it's really well-researched and informative. "
- Leonard, 1/1/2014
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" Scary stuff! Lots of interesting facts, accessible writing style but it gets a bit repetitive. "
- Cassandra, 12/25/2013
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" I just started this last week, and though I am only a couple chapters in, I am appalled by what this company (Blackwater) is able to get away with--all endorsed by our own government. I will update this as I get farther into the book... "
- Jess, 11/13/2013
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" One of the scariest non fiction books I've ever read - and theu guy is from Michigan!!! "
- Sarah, 11/1/2013
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" Nothing new. Coincidentally discusses US operations in Georgia circa 2001. Right-wing religious zealot mercenary force embedding into the corridors of power and black operations. "
- Nicko, 5/10/2013
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" Important book to read. 3 stars is reflection of writing style not content "
- Tom, 3/8/2013
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" This book paints a clear picture of a web of connections so large that one would get lost within the details of trying to see the whole picture. This book is a fantastic read and i could not put it down at all since i started reading. "
- Matthew, 7/1/2012
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" As an old lifelong Republican turned Independent, I no longer question the existence of a vast right wing conspiracy. "
- Glen, 11/20/2011
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" The author is a little to liberal and he undermines some of the good points he makes by going too far. Still, a good account of how greed and Bush administration are damaging US foreign policy. "
- Pat, 6/2/2011
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" A (terrifying) peak into the world of private armies for hire, and the company that started it all. "
- Amos, 7/21/2010
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" ug. read this and wake up America! more frightening than any Stephen King- because it's REAL. "
- Books, 6/25/2010
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" A little investigative journalism never hurt anyone... "
- Noah, 3/2/2010
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" Other than the story being told from a strong leftwing point of view, it was a pretty good read. "
- Michael, 11/3/2008
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" This book is very chilling. I know the government uses "contractors" in Iraq and other arenas but I didn't realize the extent to which these private firms have bought their way into policy making at the highest levels, both with money and with religious capital. "
- Mickey, 11/2/2008
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