Blackwater founder Erik Prince tells Vanity Fair: 'I'm through'

The Grand Rapids Press ^ | Dec 3, 2009 | Troy Reimink

[Irisshlass]

It was reported this week that Holland native Erik Prince is severing ties to Blackwater, the controversial international security firm he founded, complaining that he had been "thrown under the bus."

In that context, Vanity Fair's profile of Prince is a compelling read. Prince invited the magazine to tour the headquarters of Blackwater (now called Xe) in North Carolina and examine its operation in Afghanistan, presumably to clear the air.

[BGHater]

‘I don't understand how a program this sensitive leaks.’

Pretty obvious. Congress doesn’t grant you a letter of marque and The President won't go after leakers. That of course, only creates more leaks.

[maine-iac7]

* Republicans are an endangered species

[OldDeckHand]

I've got some problems with America's reliance of private operators, for a variety of reasons that are too long to go into here. However, I've never questioned the patriotism of the operators, or the owners like Prince.

By in large, the only real reason they're necessary is because of the steep reduction in defense spending throughout the '90s. It appears that Prince was involved in far more than advertised. Given the grief the leftists - to include all of the MSM and almost all of the Democratic caucus has put him through, I can't blame him for naming some names as he leaves the scene.

As America continues to backbite the people who actually put their lives on the line for the safety of so many, we might actually be asking for what's surely coming as a result of our stupidity. When we start to prosecute those who have kept us safe, one doesn't need to be clairvoyant to see what might happen.

[WHBates]

"For the past six years, (Prince) appears to have led an astonishing double life. Publicly, he has served as Blackwater's C.E.O. and chairman. Privately, and secretly, he has been doing the C.I.A.'s bidding, helping to craft, fund, and execute operations ranging from inserting personnel into 'denied areas' -- places U.S. intelligence has trouble penetrating -- to assembling hit teams targeting al-Qaeda members and their allies. Prince, according to sources with knowledge of his activities, has been working as a C.I.A. asset: in a word, as a spy." The story details some security measures taken when Prince arrives in Afghanistan:"

Is there anyone that didn't realize or suspect that Blackwater was a CIA operation? I find that hard to believe.

[okie01]

"I don't understand how a program this sensitive leaks. And to 'out' me on top of it? The left complained about how (C.I.A. operative) Valerie Plame's identity was compromised for political reasons. A special prosecutor (was even) appointed. Well, what happened to me was worse. People acting for political reasons disclosed not only the existence of a very sensitive program but my name along with it."

Eric, there's no mystery why you were outed, while Valerie Plame was protected.

She was one of their's. You weren't.

[gleeaikin]

A big private security firm was involved in covert operations. I am so surprised. Not.

[GSP.FAN]

[Pan_Yan]

He should have read Shadow Warriors by Ken Timmerman.

[papasmurf]

Mark my words, he’ll be dead in two years or less. Guys like him, just like La Costra Nostra, don’t just “walk away” from that business.

[Frantzie]

These people kept us safe. Sadly morons in this country elected a muslim.

[Irisshlass]

I’m reading the Prologue..going to order it.

[Pan_Yan]

I’d give you mine but it’s pretty beat up. I threw it against the wall a few times.

[oldenuff2no]

Nope, someone this smart will have a bunch of sensitive data hidden away to be disclosed if and when his heart stops. Everyone will want him to stay very healthy. No side of this knows what he has stashed.

[El Gato]

The President won't go after leakers.

Not when the leaks further his agenda of taking America down. Eric Holder will probably bring charges though. Against the Blackwater folks, including Prince.

But you know, I'd be real careful about pushing folks like the Blackwater guys too far.

[Irisshlass]

I’m shocked already from what I read.

[papasmurf]

Oh, did you think I was referring to our Government?

[old curmudgeon]

Yeah, that is a thought.

They have kicked the proverbial ant hill.

They have made the CIA mad.

Now they are going after Blackwater.

When bad things happen, they will have a hell of a time figuring out which one of them did it.

[BGHater]

I was referring to President Bush. I don't recall him going after leaks at all. I don't expect Obama to do anything as well.