Homeland Security tightens Grip. Entering Latin America and the Caribbean

It looks like neo imperial America is increasing her empire. Touting "the Time Has Finally Come" and "..the long anticipated event",Homeland Security and apparently her little sister the, Latin American Caribbean Security Council (LACHSS ), is holding a summit November 7-10, 2007 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. With a goal of bringing Latin America and the Caribbean countries into the existing homeland security apparatus, the LACHSS summit has a stated mission to

...bring together leaders from government, the military, law enforcement, first responders academia, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to exchange ideas for strengthening security in the region. As the first event of its kind in this hemisphere, this summit represents a truly historic opportunity for collaboration, coordination and cooperation.

The LACHSS summit promises its attendees a unique experience and opportunity to 'collaborate' with like minded peers of 36 countries and territories from the Hall of Nations. Participants will be able to take classes, watch A/V demonstrations, receive homeland security certification and view products showcased by corporations and NGO's within the security sector.

...interaction with high-level policy and decision makers at the only event that provides that provides networking between all eight prevention, protection, preparedness, response and recovery disciples.

These "boots on the ground" operatives..have the hands on knowledge and experience to appreciate the value and effectiveness of the showcased products and services presented by our sponsors and exhibitors, as well as the applicability of these products and services in their local needs.

Corporations specializing in security technologies equipment, services and educational materials will present their products...while some 400 homeland security professionals and experts...will be attending more than two dozen high level certification and re certification courses.

Wow! Sounds exciting. there is even going to be corporate sponsors and exhibitors. I wonder if KBR will run the concession stand and open bar. Great! I need another retinal scanner, fingerprint analysis machine, my new wiretapping satellite access codes, laser weaponry. Can't wait. Oh yeah..another biometrics reader too. I wonder if Carlyle Group will be handing out 10% off coupons at the door?

Who are the keynote speakers, you ask? Well, that's a little complicated. LACHSS says they are

Truly distinguished personalities. Concerned. Committed. With convincing, in depth knowledge and insight. Keen to promote a new era in security management and enforcement in the Americas.

For starters Barry McCaffery. That's right the former Drug Czar who lost the war on drugs. Madeline Albright....and well...that's it. The other three are 'national security'.

Senior former Government Representative—Classified For Security Reasons

The opening keynote speech will be delivered by a very high-level, official government representative and international spokesperson of the United States—the host country of this Summit.

Senior Government Representative—Classified For Security Reasons
Coming from a Latin American country characterized by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, this very high-level, official government representative will deliver a keynote address on regional security integration.


Senior Government Representative—Classified For Security Reasons

Backed by a strong, private-sector based, free-market economy in the trillion dollar class, this very high-level, official government representative will address the conference in a keynote presentation on economic stability as a component of homeland security.

What the hell is going on here. Our NeW hOmeland is already expanding?..we just got her in 2001. We can't defend our current borders, yet Homeland Security sees another network to tap. Another way to spy on US. All in the name of 'security'. This is absolutely ludicrous...BushCO is going to subvert the entire western hemisphere in less than 8 years.

All the subverters of democracy are convening in November to prepare and train their cohorts in crime. How does America not see this coming. Its in our face, WAKE UP or our NATION is dead. Lost to a forgone era.

Special note: LACHSS print advertisement in Foreign Affairs read

A stitch in time saves nine. So the saying goes. When that stitch saves lives. it's imperative that immediate action is take ...Your presence will signal not only your concern, but also your readiness to fight. To fight for a more secure life. Let's together, put up a fight for the values we stand for. Those very values are threatened. This threat will not got away with words. Let's, therefore, make a stand. Together. Bringing Homeland Security to all Americas.

The attempt to blow up JFK International Airport in New York, its fuel supplies and pipeline systems, along with half of Queens, New York's largest borough, in May 2007, was a warning shot. You heard it. We count on you. Take your stand. Make history.

Check out their website and be completely shocked for yourself. The imagery and logo alone is sure to please, scare, and enrage.

Same Players. Different Scandal.

From Jungles to Deserts: Latin Americans in the War on Terror

If a Latin American gets 'cut down' in Iraq does America hear it? No, not even the faintest sound is heard. Should this be the case? Currently Private Military Armies (PMA's) are recruiting their 'talent pool' from Latin American countries.In an attempt to maximize their profits and minimize their losses, these private armies view Latin Americans as cheap labor.....Cheap soldiers...semi trained...Low OVERHEAD.

Que pasa? Latin Americans are in Iraq and Afghanistan? They sure Are! In fact, their numbers are swelling due to the savvy marketing and recruiting schemes of these private armies.

"Ads seeking former members of the armed forces and police officers interested in working as security personnel in exchange for "excellent wages" began to appear in newspapers in Lima...Hundreds of people applied.

The ads were run by Triple Canopy, a private security and special operations firm founded in 2003 in the state of Illinois by former members of the U.S. army's elite Delta Force. (currently headquartered in Virginia) Thanks to the company's contacts in the George W. Bush administration, it quickly won lucrative contracts with the State Department." Angel Paez, IPS

Whereas the U.S. military must enlist American citizens, PMA's are on a different playing field. A field that lacks rules and oversight from the American public. Vieled as 'national security' these companies have been awarded the same priviliges as Meirs, Rove, Gonzales, Gooding, etc. Sorry America....Back off...its 'national security'..can't tell you.

This is propostorous. Not only are we outsourcing this entire war of terror, but we're sending the very people we want to keep out of America to fight on its behalf. Has H.W.'s and Ollie North's Iran/Contra connections finally paid off?

"The private security personnel began to be hired in Chile in October by local representatives of Blackwater, former Chilean military personnel who according to the magazine Qué Pasa work, directly or indirectly, for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

The hired Chilean soldiers make up less than one percent of the 15,000 mercenaries who have been sent to Iraq since the occupation began, and who, as a group, represent the second-largest military force in that country, outnumbered only by the 134,000 U.S. forces. The troops from Britain, the United States' largest coalition partner,number around 9,000."Gustavo González, IPS

Just like any other BUSINESS, these companies need growth to stay afloat. They need new markets to stay profitable. Expansion is a necessity. Supplies will be increased, 'contractors' hired, and new battlefields sought. The local talent is tapped...New talent awaits south of the boarder.

Gary Jackson, president of Blackwater, told the Chilean newspaper La Tercera that the contract awarded by the George W. Bush administration for providing security services in Iraq was a fantastic business opportunity for his company.

Jim Sierawski, the company's director of training, explained the advantages of hiring former Chilean commandos, who have received specialised military training preparing them to carry out a broad range of missions. "
Gustavo González, IPS

These PMA's are not the way for US to fight our battles. We already have a nation state military. Do we really need/want these corporate private military armies marching around the world?....guarding the Green Zone, entering Darfur, purchasing land and establishing training facilities all around the U.S.? There is a bigger problem on the horizon. Democrazy subverted. Goodbye Nation. Welcome to our NeW hOmeland.

Blackwater USA Magazine Advertisement

Same Players. Different Scandal.