Obama Takes Lead on Security Contractors

You've likely never heard of Blackwater USA and they'd like to keep it that way. First, watch this video produced by Sam Graham-Felsen, Obama for America blogger:

Senator Obama is taking the lead on reigning in this nefarious organization:

I was disturbed by recent press accounts describing a firefight in which Blackwater USA security contractors killed at least 9 people and wounded many others. According to the Iraqi government, last weekend’s incident is one of seven incidents in which the company’s employees have allegedly opened fire on Iraqi civilians.
[. . . ]
In February, I introduced the Transparency and Accountability in Military and Security Contracting Act (S. 674). This bill would require federal agencies to report to Congress on: the total number of security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan; the total cost of the contractors; the number of contractors killed or wounded; information about the military and safety equipment provided to contractors; and a description of disciplinary action taken against contractors. The bill also would improve coordination between security contractors and U.S. armed forces by requiring the issuance of rules of engagement, clarify the legal status of contractors, and require investigation of criminal misconduct committed by contractors.

Once again, Senator Obama sees the forest for the trees, attacking the larger issue of transparency and accountability in our government. He is also taking head-on national security, again dismantling the "experience " argument.