This is incredible that we have such a paramilitary force operating within our borders. The story is excellent in that it gives numerous examples, details and shows what is happening going forward. The problem with this story is that it probably won't play in a lot of markets due to its length and because there is a tendency to bury these kinds of stories because they really are scary.

The article shows good research, decent writing, and a flair for going for the jugular.

The focus on the lack of accountabiilty and secrecy is valuable. Discussion of the alternatives and the apparent excessive cost would be worthwhile.

This story is just one piece of an emerging mosaic, the trend to increasingly privatize core public sector responsibilities of government. It's a trend which, unless covered tirelessly by the media, could someday see the Bill Rights replaced by a sets of corporate bylaws.

A well documented report on the expansion of and activities of Blackwater.

You know, how is it that classic literature gets to be prophetic? "Network (1976,)" the book "1984," and the amazing "Snow Crash" from the early 1990s. As usual, the Nation digs up the information and serves it up in a readable, yet intelligent format. Just the other day, I was reading that Blackwater just took delivery of a Brazilian turbo-prop ground attack fighter - which is now lawfully registered with the FAA. This information was likely too recent for the Nation's publication deadline. Just amazing. When will they outsource the Navy? If you'd like to know where this is headed, read "Snow Crash."

Scahill continues his exceptional coverage of Blackwater in this article. The subject is incredibly important--Blackwater is the future of the military-industrial complex--and he always seems to offer insight readers can't find anywhere else. Scahill is one of the most consistant and and dependable journalists writing today.

The writer reports not just on what we've heard about Blackwater in Iraq but how it has built its business and its recently formed branch that seeks to privatize intelligence gathering by providing "CIA-style' services to the open market for Fortune 500 companies."

The Bush Admin. has done more damage to America than you can imagine, in a 20 year effort by the most blackhearted villians in history. Spinning government functions to enrich private corperations, is one of the most disturbing.

An outstanding article, and absolutely frightening. It's appalling that 70% of our intelligence budget is going to private firms. With the profit motive supreme how can we be sure that in the future these companies will really be working for the U.S.?

The disarity between what we pay Blackwater for its mercnaries and what we pay our troops is disgusting. The poor stay poor and the crooked get richer. good story bout another subject the government hides.

This is just the type of story that, unfortunately, is not to be seen/heard on cable news or in most newspapers because it requires a lot of reporting time.