i wanted to avoid writing about gustav

i figure if i don't write about it, it won't happen. i know i know.

i cannot NOT mention this though. there is no reason, no how, no way, ANYONE from blackwater should be 'deployed' to the gulf coast. NEVER

Blackwater Preps for Hurricane Gustav

By Noah Shachtman
New Orleans is being evacuated once again, as Hurricane Gustav lumbers toward the Gulf Coast. Everyone from the U.S. military to the British Royal Navy to Blackwater is gearing up to respond.........

............But perhaps the most startling call for forces comes from Blackwater, the controversial prviate security contractor. The firm -- which famously patrolled New Orleans after Katrina -- is "compiling a list of qualified security personnel for possible deployment into areas affected by Hurricane Gustav," according to an e-mail obtained by R.J. Hillhouse.

They're looking for current sworn law enforcement officers, with "arrest powers" and "armed status (must indicate Armed and/or Semi Auto. Revolver only not accepted)." The firm is also looking for "current/active/licensed/registered armed security officer[s]," but "only from the following states: OR, WA, CA, NV, NM, AZ, TX, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, IL, OK."

Applicants "must be US citizens," the e-mail notes. "Contract length is TBD."................