Hannibal, I'm familiar with all the bad press. Two things here.
- Blackwater had several branches, one being Presidential Airways which mainly flew troops/supplies. They got bought back by AAR Corps to become AAR Airlift Group. Same people, same missions but Prince's name is not to be found. In the other end I did interview in Melbourne in 2001 with a company called TSI, that i think became Blackwater Aviation. I wonder if it's Black's TSI he mentions. AAR is also in Melbourne's airport.
- About Prince himself and that kid's book. I think it's the usual truth bending conspiracy theory that the public loves so much, right along the lines of President Bush admin made 9/11 happen to jumpstart their new world order. Is he a right wing Christian extremist? I guess. Is he out to kill every muslim he can. Noooo. The templar callsigns, why not? It's what he likes, but it's like calling Bluekitty a Nazi because she called her dog Stuka. Did Prince mingles politically to get his ways, sure like every single powerful entreprenor in this country. Is Blackwater's ethic squicky clean? Hell no, they probably do their dirt on the side to get extra cash would it be fiscally or on the field. Again like many other companies AND governments. And then there's the occasional the massacres that the press loves to feed on. I don't know what part of Mercenary they can't spell, but all they care is their objectives so they get paid. If they were that trigger happy, that out of control and ineffective, how come you didn't see a new massacre every week on NBC, and how come they got 'rehired' despite all the negative press.
The ' frequent' name change is probably due to tax reasons rather than a political christian fanatical conspiracy.
My 2cts, but what do I know? Other opinions welcomed