Linguistic Mercenaries

Last week I was on the “Dave’s ESL Cafe” website scrolling through the jobs postings and checking out those phat middle east gigs for like 50 000 US tax free, masters preferred; when my eye was caught by a header: “Iraq – teach in the Green Zone”.

So I clicked to have a look. Seven thousand US dollars a month, six month contracts, teaching government officials, military experience preferred! WTF!

Those guys working on contracts in a war zone, driving trucks while wearing a flack jacket for some crazy amount of money can’t really turn around and complain when they get their heads chopped off.

Firstly, they are getting paid danger money and they knew this before they left.

Secondly, and more importantly, I’m sure there a plenty of Iraqis out there who know how to drive a truck and would be glad of the work.

This brings us to a more pertinent question: why are there military contractors like Blackwater in Iraq or anywhere else. Right now there are about 10 Blackwater employees to 1 US soldier in Iraq (BBC). These hired goons are immune from prosecution in Iraq and can’t be tried in the US, unlike a soldier.

Here are a group of men who wear no uniform, carry weapons and will treat everyone as a threat –pretty good definition of a “terrorist”.

The use of force is the ultimate expression of government power; the government being the will of the people. There is no justification for putting this power in the hands of private companies that operate for profit. What’s next: Coke vs. Pepsi in the final show down?

Correct me if I’m wrong.

For the time being however, I will pass on the gig in the Green Zone. I’m sure there a plenty of Iraqis who are more than able to teach government officials.