Ted Koppel shills for Blackwater:

In an Op-Ed you've got to read to believe, Koppel promotes the notion of contracting out the use of military force. In particular, he cites Blackwater USA and quotes approvingly a couple of executives from that firm. To give you an idea of Koppel's tone, read this excerpt:

So, what about the inevitable next step -- a defensive military force paid for directly by the corporations that would most benefit from its protection? If, for example, an insurrection in Nigeria threatens that nation's ability to export oil (and it does), why not have Chevron or Exxon Mobil underwrite the dispatch of a battalion or two of mercenaries?

Chris Taylor, the vice president for strategic initiatives and corporate strategy for Blackwater USA, wanted to be sure I understood that such a thing could only happen with the approval of the Nigerian government and at least the tacit understanding of Washington. But could Blackwater provide a couple of battalions under those circumstances? "600 people in a battalion," he answered. "I could source 1,200 people, yes. There are people all over the world who have honorably served in their military or police organizations. I can go find honorable, vetted people, recruit them, train them to the standard we require."

It could have the merit of stabilizing oil prices, thereby serving the American national interest, without even tapping into the federal budget. Meanwhile, oil companies could protect some of their more vulnerable overseas interests without the need to embroil Congress in the tiresome question of whether Americans should be militarily engaged in a sovereign third world nation.

Some points:

• It's only a battalion or two, so don't get upset.
• It really is tiresome to discuss using military might, isn't it? Koppel is right to say such issues are better left outside of politics.
• What is to be done? Clearly, hand over all power to our capitalist lords.

It's not just corporations, though. Koppel toys with the idea of having the U.S. use contractors as well (it "might relieve us of an array of current political pressures").

Koppel goes beyond most libertarians in this regard. Their ideal is a government restricted to military and police roles. But even that limited scope is too much for Koppel. Let the market - infallable and just as we all know - do everything. If Chevron can pay for defending facilities, great. And if Sinclair Oil can't? Well, justice is only for those who can afford it in Koppel's New World Order.


posted by Quiddity at 5/22/2006 07:06:00 AM