Politico Falls for Hoax Blackwater Press Release
One of old man Politico's blogs, The Crypt , had an interesting story up earlier today called "Blackwater Plans To 'put The Mercy Back In Mercenary,'" but now the the link to that story goes straight to Politico.com. Ruh roh.
The story referenced a Blackwater USA "release" in which the infamous company announced it would form a "Department of Corporate Integrity" to rebuild its image. Politico has since pulled down the story, probably because the release was a hoax.
What's awesome about computers, however, is that copy-paste exists. After the jump, the full Politico story.
UPDATE: Politico has revealed that the fake press release was from lefty protest group CODE PINK -- like that raging hobo lady who attacked Condi last week. Brilliant.
Aren't these Politico guys supposed to be old and experienced or something?
October 30, 2007
Read More: Iraq
Blackwater plans to 'put the mercy back in mercenary'
Not to worry* Blackwater USA's got the whole oversight thing taken care of.
Responding to rising criticism of its Iraq operations, the security contractor will announce this morning that it is forming a new "Department of Corporate Integrity."
A statement the company put out is frank about the urgency of the new department. "Blackwater has felt a need to defend its corporate name and clear up its public image," it reads.
"Just as in warfare, a good offense is the best defense," said Eric Prince, chairman and CEO of the Prince Group and Blackwater, USA. "So, we are going on the offense to defend the image of our great company."
The money line from the release: Blackwater plans "to put the mercy back in mercenary."
Full statement after the jump:
Blackwater USA Unveils New Corporate Integrity Department
WHEN: Tuesday, October, 30th, 11 am
WHERE: Phoenix Park Hotel, 520 North Capitol Street, N.W., Washington DC
WHO: Blackwater USA's new Department of Corporate Integrity
WHAT: As part of the 2007 Annual Summit of the International Peace Operations Association (IPOA), Blackwater will be unveiling its new Department of Corporate Integrity. Given the public's concern over recent allegations about the lack of oversight and accountability for private security contractors in Iraq, Blackwater has felt a need to defend its corporate name and clear up its public image. "Just as in warfare, a good offense is the best defense," says Eric Prince, chairman and CEO of the Prince Group and Blackwater, USA. "So we are going on the offense to defend the image of our great company."
"Blackwater has become synonymous with mercenary, but the public doesn't understand that mercenary has actually been a positive term throughout history," said Max Boot of the Council of Foreign Affairs at the IPOA opening plenary. "Mercenaries have provided services to kings, popes, and national governments that armies could not provide. So instead of running from the label mercenary, Blackwater should embrace it and reclaim the term."
Directing the new Department of Public Integrity is Kitty Laver, who has 20 years' experience in public relations and corporate responsibility. "My job is to put the mercy back in mercenary," says Laver, who will be unveiling the department's new code of conduct and presenting new measures the corporation is taking to hold its employees and contractors accountable for unethical behavior. "I'm certain the American public and the Iraqis will embrace the new, improved Blackwater," says Laver.
By Ryan Grim 10: 27 AM | comments (0) | post comment | permalink
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