Heard of the Yes Men? Now we’ve got the Yes Girls. We totally heart Code Pink for the following “press release”. the best part–CBS thought it was for real!
For immediate release
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.
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