The Donnybrook

Monday, October 22, 2007

It's Not Just Waxman Who is Sick of Blackwater

The Secretary of Defense's suggestions for oversight seem to have had gained some traction.

A panel recommended that the U.S. government impose unified control over private security guards working for the U.S. in Iraq, an idea already floated by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, The Associated Press has learned.

Of course, Waxman's presence has helped greatly. No Republican-majority committee would ever have seen fit to meet it's responsibilities for oversight where Iraq is concerned. Now, it appears that Blackwater - unlike competitor security firms - does what it can to screw it's employees and avoid taxes.

Under U.S. law, companies must pay Social Security and other federal taxes on their employees. But unlike other security companies operating in Iraq, Blackwater says the guards it trains, equips and deploys to Iraq and elsewhere are independent contractors hired directly by the federal government. "By classifying its armed guards and other personnel as independent contractors instead of employees, Blackwater has apparently evaded withholding and paying these taxes," Waxman, D-Calif., wrote in a letter to Blackwater chief Erik Prince.

Prince denies it all, again. No, his family's deep connection with the Republican party NEVER helped him get contracts and avoid oversight. NEVER. Keep it up, Henry.

- posted by john @ 6:25 PM