Pray for Thomas Hamill - brave captured American Patriot.

http://www.news-leader.com/today/0411-Marinescon-60328.html ^ | 11 April 2004 | TomasUSMC

[ExSoldier]

I'm sorry for this guy, but if I'm going into a war zone like this hell hole; then I've just gotta know that there's a big "BULLSEYE" painted on my back! I'd give him the exact same advice I give to women who seek my instruction for the FL CCW permit: NEVER, get into the car in an abduction attempt! I don't care if the goon has a gun on you already. At worst, if you fight back you get killed, but at least you get to make the choice and you go out with dignity and maybe take some with you. You get into the car and you're just as dead but it's likely to be a terrible and useless death. Never get into the car!

I don't care if you're military, civilian contractor, security guy or even (gag) a "newsie." There is no excuse for being unarmed. There is no excuse for not having the proper mindset that if you are carrying concealed firepower you must be prepared to use it with total effectiveness in a split moment. Otherwise, don't go. Period. No amount of money is worth putting your hide into a gunsight without at least a fighting chance. Does this hastily thought up wording make any sense? It's been a long day in the classroom. ~sigh~ Come on, summer vacation!

[Eaker]

I don't care if you're military, civilian contractor, security guy or even (gag) a "newsie." There is no excuse for being unarmed.

A civilian contractor would be fired immediately if found to be armed.

I would take the risk and gun-up, but that is just me.

[ExSoldier]

"I would take the risk and gun-up, but that is just me."

Not just you my friend. At some point, especially if this trend of civilians being specifically targeted, more folks are going to run the same risk and "gun up" as you put it. There is an important lesson here. Suppose the military declares that they will "protect" those contractors? Suppose their companies declare they will hire armed guards? Think either one is going to be 100% effective all the time? Of course not! I would be surprised if they had any deterrence effect. You can only be responsible for your own safety. That is true on the mean streets of Baghdad as well as on the streets of your hometown. Unarmed is unable.

[onyx]

I can see that your advice and recommendations
are valid. I also read your page.

Regarding Thomas Hamill, I doubt he had a chance.
and apparently he was unarmed. All we can do for
him now is pray.

*Never get into a car during an abduction attempt*
I'll remember that and pass it along to my children
and g-children. Seriously, I will. I'm not trying
to be a smartie.

[Coop]

A civilian contractor would be fired immediately if found to be armed.

Negative. There are all sorts of contractors over there carrying weapons - as they should be. I'd probably be over there right now if my company didn't have a ridiculous policy of not allowing us to carry weapons. Grrrr.

[Eaker]

Negative. There are all sorts of contractors over there carrying weapons - as they should be. I'd probably be over there right now if my company didn't have a ridiculous policy of not allowing us to carry weapons. Grrrr.

KBR does not allow employees who are not part of security to carry guns. I am copying FReeper Allegra, who is in Iraq, to verify.

Stay safe Coop!!!!

[Barlowmaker]

Why are we taxpayers (through KBR's outsourcing contracts) paying American civilians $120,000/year to drive trucks, and face terrible personal risk, in a War zone? Why aren't Iraqis performing that duty?

[Coop]

I have two friends who just returned from over there, and both said many contractors with them were carrying weapons. And there are reports of reporters packing heat.

[Allegra]

Why are we taxpayers (through KBR's outsourcing contracts) paying American civilians $120,000/year to drive trucks, and face terrible personal risk, in a War zone? Why aren't Iraqis performing that duty?

Mmmmmph....mmmmmmmph...cannot say a WORD.

(There is a good reason, though...)

[Allegra]

A civilian contractor would be fired immediately if found to be armed.

It may depend on who you work for, but Eaker's statement is true for my company. We are strictly forbidden to have a firearm here. Flat out not allowed to so much as touch one.

[Coop]

It may depend on who you work for, but Eaker's statement is true for my company. We are strictly forbidden to have a firearm here. Flat out not allowed to so much as touch one.

I think it must be firm-dependent, because my company - as stated above - has the same ridiculous policy yours does. Stay safe!

[Integrityrocks]

I'm so glad you posted that.

People need to get off the Haliburton thing. We did not go to Iraq for Haliburton. There will ALWAYS be some who profit from war. Its a fact of war. Just like people who made millions selling shovels during the gold rush. The masses were there for the gold... the shovel sellers... just knew a way to make it. Haliburton may be the biggest slime bag on earth (I personally don't know), but the honest wage earners working in the rank and file should not be asked to give up their livlihood and a chance to get ahead because their boss is making a lot of money!

[Allegra]

Are you...here? Where I am?

You stay safe, too. :)

[Coop]

Are you...here? Where I am?

Negs. I withdrew my name from consideration when I found out they wouldn't allow us to defend ourselves.

[TOUGH STOUGH]

Am bumping some prayers straight up to heaven for patriot and hero, Tom Hamill.

May God give him the courage and strength to sustain his suffering in the hands of such despicable enemies.

[TOUGH STOUGH]

More prayers!

[AmericanMade1776]

prayer said...and for all our troops today ..may they all be protected from physical harm and return safely soon!

[testbs]

My prayers and the prayers of my church family are with Tom and all those that are held captive. His face touched my heart when I saw it on the TV. My prayers are with him and his family here at home. His only hope is in our prayers.

[blueskyhigh444]

Thank God Thomas is FREE.

His FACE stole my heart !!!! If he had ONE thing going for him, besides his BRAIN, it was that face! May God get him HOME, to the USA.. Who could have looked at those EYES, and not felt mercy????????

I pray for the others, and families, of the lost.