Originally Posted by phoenix80

That's not a smart question!

I beg to differ, as I rarely ask a question to which i don't already know the answer. It is not only smart but it is extremely purtinent to this discussion, as i have first hand knowledge. NOT something read out of a paper.

Why is it not smart? These men fight for the man that provides the most money, that makes them mercenaries by any definition. If the bad guys provide the money, that's where they'll be.
mer·ce·nar·y (mûrs-nr)adj.1. Motivated solely by a desire for monetary or material gain.
2. Hired for service in a foreign army.

n. pl. mer·ce·nar·ies 1. One who serves or works merely for monetary gain; a hireling.
2. A professional soldier hired for service in a foreign army.


I do have a family member who has done this work and I do have a small insight into it. Personally I'm very proud of him, but both he and I are under no misapprehension as to the fact that he is a mercenary pure and simple and no amount of sanitising will change it.

I wouldn't insult them by calling them Mercenaries, afterall, all of them are ex-military. Thank goodness for their service. Call them Contractors!

Originally Posted by phoenix80

I wouldn't insult them by calling them Mercenaries, afterall, all of them are ex-military. Thank goodness for their service. Call them Contractors!

Well, I suppose that's why you and I differ so much.

I tend to try not to lie about the matter, no amount of lies, no matter how carefully crafted, will cover the unpleasant truth. They are mercenaries, and as far as I can see they know it. The main people who deny the fact are those who employ them, purely because they know that world opinion condemns them.

From the little I can see, and the three persons I know personally in this line of work, "They don't feel insulted by being called mercenaries" They leave "being insulted" to the people who haven't got the moral fortitude to face the truth.

They have far bigger fish to fry.

If I wasn't 25 years too old, I'd possibly be there myself.

I am not even sure about the original source of the initial article. It sounds bogus to me. Another media built conspiracy!

contractors ARE mercenaries

soldiers for hire, it's not something you can argue over...thats what they are. also, i dont hate them, i just think that they are a poor replacement for actual REAL soldiers. prone to acting for their wallets, or for kicks....and not for whats best or right. hence you have innocent civilians being blow awy for no other reason than that mercs answer to no one but their paychecks

as for your other snide, weasely little comments;

my government contributes more than it's fair share in global peace keeping...and there doesn't even need to be an oil field under the conflict zone to convince us to go! the balkans, sinai, cambodia, timor lest, afghanistan and the solomons, just to name a few.


and, once again, surprisingly (or not), you're name calling again. i dont mind so much as i would consider myself left leaning on some issues, but that doesn't stop me from serving my country, OR from telling right from wrong.

Originally Posted by phoenix80

I am not even sure about the original source of the initial article. It sounds bogus to me. Another media built conspiracy!

yeah, because Reuters is well known for just making stuff up.

you dont like the message, therefore it must be evil leftist lies!!1!!!11

Originally Posted by Infern0

contractors ARE mercenaries

soldiers for hire, it's not something you can argue over...thats what they are. also, i dont hate them, i just think that they are a poor replacement for actual REAL soldiers. prone to acting for their wallets, or for kicks....and not for whats best or right. hence you have innocent civilians being blow awy for no other reason than that mercs answer to no one but their paychecks

as for your other snide, weasely little comments;

my government contributes more than it's fair share in global peace keeping...and there doesn't even need to be an oil field under the conflict zone to convince us to go! the balkans, sinai, cambodia, timor lest, afghanistan and the solomons, just to name a few.


and, once again, surprisingly (or not), you're name calling again. i dont mind so much as i would consider myself left leaning on some issues, but that doesn't stop me from serving my country, OR from telling right from wrong.

Good for you. Have your government send some contractors to Darfur. I am sure every body will appreciate that. No?

Originally Posted by phoenix80

Good for you. Have your government send some contractors to Darfur. I am sure every body will appreciate that. No?

tell me again why my country would resort to sending over priced cowboys when we could send our own legitimate combat soldiers instead?

infact i believe our govt is discussing deploying troops in conjunction with the UK's comitment to the region. this despite our forces already deployed in afghanistan and other conflict zones


now, one more backhanded comment about NZ's commitment to the world stage and i will be reporting the post for a violation of this boards country bashing rule. my country's commitment to justice is written in blood on many foriegn battlefields

Originally Posted by Infern0

tell me again why my country would resort to sending over priced cowboys when we could send our own legitimate combat soldiers instead?

infact i believe our govt is discussing deploying troops in conjunction with the UK's comitment to the region. this despite our forces already deployed in afghanistan and other conflict zones


now, one more backhanded comment about NZ's commitment to the world stage and i will be reporting the post for a violation of this boards country bashing rule. my country's commitment to justice is written in blood on many foriegn battlefields

LOL... i m scared now.... LOL... don't threaten me dude and grow up. reporting others is what kids do in kindergarten. if you cant stand some sharp comments here then this might not a good place for u.... Moreover you have not provided a credible source for the phony story you put here. I couldnt find one... Any way, I am quite familiar with leftists' tactics to shut down people who oppose them: reporting, blackmailing, threatening.... They cant stand legitimate criticism. I should honor you by putting you on the ignore list, I guess. Becoming annoying!

Okay, Have your socialist government cut on domestic spending and send contarctors or mercenaries or whatever YOU want there to do something about it. You can't expect the US to solve the problems of the world!

Originally Posted by Infern0

yeah, because Reuters is well known for just making stuff up.

you dont like the message, therefore it must be evil leftist lies!!1!!!11

Check this one:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/webl...om_Beirut&only

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/webl...y_Updates&only

Thats why I dont trust most media, especially al-Reuters and AP. They forge and fake every thing. I am not going to believe any thing they put on their websites. You may believe them out of naivete but not me. Thnx!

Dude?, u?, are you sure you don't want to reconsider my PM Infern0?

Still the original post has no link...