Blackwater Immunity is a Slap in the Face for American Soldiers

The Bush Administration is attempting to steer defense contractor Blackwater out of troubled waters.

Blackwater USA on the job Photo: change-links.org

(SALEM, Ore.) - If a plan from President Bush goes through, defense contractors from Blackwater will go unpunished for the indiscriminate killings of Iraqi civilians they are accused of. Bush's offer for limited immunity was first reported Monday by The Associated Press. It is delaying the government's criminal inquiry into the shootings that have strained relations between the U.S. and the Iraqi government.

It also comes at a time when American soldiers and Marines stand accused of war crimes in Iraq, but there is no immunity for American troops who serve under Bush.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) says the immunity Bush wants to grant to Blackwater USA bodyguards, goes against the wishes of the State Department, and their investigation into the deadly shooting incident in Iraq that left 17 people dead.

“This fits a well-worn pattern. In this Administration, accountability goes by the boards. That seems to be a central tenet in the Bush Administration — that no one from their team should be held accountable, if accountability can be avoided."

Leahy says that goes equally for misconduct and for incompetence that typifies the behavior of the Bush Presidency.

"If you get caught, they will get you immunity. If you get convicted, they will commute your sentence. They are the Amnesty Administration. Dodging accountability corrodes our values and our integrity, which have been real sources of America’s enduring strength.”