[af_vet_rr]

That being said, I would also like to see a larger military doing these sorts of jobs, but that is highly unlikely to happen as it would require greatly increasing the overall size of the military and the numbers on the ground in Iraq. Just imagine the screaming from the Dems and their minions in the press.

Bush had that chance for several years, with a Republican Congress. After 9/11, many of us scratched our heads, wondering why he refused to boost the military when it was clear we'd be involved in a war that would go on for years.

For example, one has to dig around a bit to find out how many Blackwater employees have lost their lives in Iraq, while one can get the latest military body count in seconds from any news outlet.

On the other hand, Blackwater and some of the other companies have made it difficult to find out such information. I mentioned that a FReeper was talking about Blackwater a few years ago - they were implying that finding out such counts, as well as how people died, was very difficult to get out of Blackwater.

[LadyNavyVet]

We agree. There were a lot of things that DIDN’T happen after 911 that should have. Increasing the size of the military is one. Now it’s too late. Bush is a lame duck and there’s no way he could get end strength increases through Congress without another 911-style attack.

As for Blackwater’s secrecy, what you say is absolutely true. As a privately held company, it is under no obligation to release personal information on its employees to the press.