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Another Blackwater Overseer at State Dep't Resigns
Make that two State Department officials overseeing Blackwater to resign. On November 30, Kevin Barry, a top official at the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security -- Blackwater's liaison office -- opted to spend more time with the family. Barry joins the Bureau's chief, who quit in October.
Barry's departure is surprising, as his star was so recently on the rise at Foggy Bottom. Shortly after an internal State review in October recommended a massive overhaul of the Bureau's process for overseeing State's security contractors, ABC News reported that Barry and a colleague, Justine Sincavage, nevertheless received promotions. And on December 4th, TPMmuckraker published State Department cables showing that despite Blackwater's Nisour Square shootings becoming State's biggest scandal this year, both Barry and Sincavage were slated to receive pay bonuses of between $10,000 and $15,000 for "outstanding performance," effective December 20.
But apparently, Barry couldn't wait that long to get out. A message sent to his work e-mail at State bounced back with instructions that he "will be in and out of the office during the week of November 26 and retiring on November 30." No word yet on whether he got his holiday cash early. Or whether his retirement is long-standing or Blackwater-related.
Comments (11)
SeeDee wrote on December 12, 2007 11:58 AM:It will be interesting to see where Mr. Barry turns up next. Maybe on the pay-roll of Blackwater, Inc.? Maybe posted to some locale beyond the subpoena reach of Congress?
D wrote on December 12, 2007 12:40 PM:Medal of Freedom
loretta wrote on December 12, 2007 12:53 PM:Or BOTH!
Bribes wrote on December 12, 2007 1:20 PM:The best would be if he decided to travel overseas, was awarded the Medal of Freedom, and then came in to accept the medal, and they subpoenaed him at the award ceremony.
Seriously, though, U.S. citizens can be subpoenaed anywhere in the world, and if they refuse, any assets they have within the U.S. can be attached (essentially, taken and held).
whidbeygrl wrote on December 12, 2007 1:27 PM:So many Bush henchmen have been promoted for a job well done after a fiasco, makes one think we are looking at the fiasco's in the wrong light.
moondancer wrote on December 12, 2007 2:54 PM:Good News: The small community in San Diego County successfully recalled all five zoning board members that approved Blackwater West in their community. They are replaced by activists who got an average of 71% of the vote.
Soooo Blackwater will immediately begin their campaign of bribes and "contributions" on the San Diego County commissioners to get them to override the blockage.
Http://blockblackwater.com if you want to help.
Bonnie wrote on December 12, 2007 10:16 PM:This is why the real people doing the real work HATE pay for performance--because those who are really performing are seldome EVER recognized. Only the ass-kissers get the bonus pay.
Kevin Schmidt wrote on December 13, 2007 10:01 AM:Those five new zoning board members have all gone on record opposing Blackwater's plans to build their new blackshirt training camp in California.
However, Blackwater in their arrogance said that there is nothing that can stop them from building.
Blackwater has proven themselves to be a very dangerous and lawless mercenary organization. They have caused the deaths of countless innocent Iraqi citizens.
This is a perfect example of why corporations such as Blackwater and Halliburton should face the death penalty. If found guilty, Blackwater's corporate charter should be ended and the company ordered to be disbanded. All of their employees should be ordered to not work in the mercenary or law enforcement business for the rest of their lives. All of Blackwater's assets should be sold off piecemeal to the highest bidders. All proceeds should be given to Blackwater's victims in Iraq. No proceeds should be given to Blackwater's shareholders or creditors because they knowingly supported a criminal organization.
Then all of the former Blacwater's board of directors and upper management should face criminal as well as civil charges. If found guilty, they should be put into prison (unless they too receive the death penalty) and into the poor house.
trog69 wrote on December 13, 2007 10:39 AM:What kind of ass-kisser gets pay for NON-performance? A Bush-kisser, that's who!
woody, tokin librul wrote on December 13, 2007 11:08 AM:How many 'looters' did Blackwater kill in New Orleans?
We'll never know. Just another dead black person floating in the muck...
v. popvli wrote on December 13, 2007 5:53 PM:i told you, more heads would roll at state for this...