![]() iReport.com is a user-generated site. That means the stories submitted by users are not edited, fact-checked or screened before they post. Only stories marked "On CNN" have been vetted for use in CNN news coverage. Learn more » |
![]() |
As President, Marcos authorized the arrest of political opponents, executed his own citizens and plundered his country's resources. When he died in 1989 the New York Times wrote the following in his obituary: "Mr. Marcos, an autocratic leader who imposed martial law in his homeland from 1972 to 1981, died without facing trial on United States criminal charges that he plundered the Philippine Treasury of more than $100 million in his two decades in power." Mobutu Sese Seko: Former president of Zaire (now known as the Congo)
The New York Times once called him, "the very model of an African dictator -- dirty with corruption as his country collapsed around him." Mobuto was known for publicly executing and mercilessly torturing his political opponents to maintain power. Mobutu also siphoned public funds to create a personal fortune that was almost equivalent to his country's foreign debt. Ahmed Chalabi: Head of the Iraqi National Congress
Ahmed Chalabi was originally a favorite of the Bush administration and a major advocate for the United States invasion of Iraq. However, in 2004, Iraqi police supported by U.S. soldiers raided his offices and residence, taking documents and computers. It was later reported that Chalabi gave U.S. state secrets to Iran. Erik Prince: Founder and head of Blackwater Worldwide
Blackwater Worldwide provides private security services in Iraq and has been under scrutiny since a Congressional Report indicated the company engaged in nearly 200 shootings in Iraq since 2005. As reported in the New York Times, "a vast majority of cases firing their weapons from moving vehicles without stopping to count the dead or assist the wounded." When Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, was called to testify for congress about Blackwater's questionable practices, he hired Charlie Black to help him prepare. Critics consider Blackwater's self-description as a private military company to be a euphemism for mercenary activities. When asked about BKSH's clients, Black said, "I'm not ashamed of anything the firm did." Honest to a fault perhaps, but it begs the question, does John McCain feel the same way? |
Log in to report violation
|