Civilian Warriors (Erik Prince - Evenings at Acton)

The Evenings at Acton series kicked off with an address by Erik Prince, the founder and former CEO of Blackwater, Inc. The title of Prince's address was Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror. His recently released book bears the same title.
The lecture took place on February 18, 2014 at the Acton Institute's Mark Murray Auditorium in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

[@ZaediusRA1000]

I went to school with his children. Wonderful family through and through

[@trackerbuckmann1627]

This guy is impressive. I'd vote for him.

[@TamiFowler1]

I just finished reading his book, Civilian Warriors, and it was amazing. This man has accomplished a lot in his lifetime, that's for sure. The stories of his adventures within the book are fascinating. It's terrible how much influence the media can have on people by writing false statements or misleading stories about a person or persons. This is why I no longer bother reading newspapers and I hardly watch the news. (I can't wait until Obama is out of office either!) Eric Prince is not perfect by far but he sure as heck isn't as corrupt as the politicians in office.

[@whowhat1491]

His book is amazing; I'm almost done with it.

[@commonsense9207]

Im going to buy it ;)

[@MitchC-vr8nw]

Im with Tami on these opinions. Will be reading that book asap!

[@patriciafaulkner7842]

very interesting how many page is this book is and I am going to buy his book.

[@iiatargetanalyst3046]

Tami Fowler Eric PRINSE (not Prince he changed wording of last name which shows he is a pure narcissistic) he exaggerate his importance. Brags he can provide better service than US Armed Forces which is a major exaggeration. Idiot isnt capable be the best can be. He himself skipped out on Armed Forces enlistment to collect his dead daddy money. He used $$ for ill will. Eric embarass our country by behave reckless indifferent careless. Trample foreigners in their own land to line his pockets. Eric needs to be charged with subversion and war crimes

[@LulunKipgen-ty1mh]

He looks he is fit for James bond role

[@tonyparrish2063]

I would still work for Mr.Prince and his constituents, thank you for your service, true warrior and a great man, if you run for president, I will vote for you! Tony Parrish, Cochise County AZ

[@Dr.MantisTobogganMD]

Tony Parrish same here! Maricopa County

[@mannibimmel09]

As for Wikipedia this guy wanted to work with Wagner Group. Im not sure if thats ideal from the us perspective. Have a good day!

[@bullterror5]

He did run for President & you didn't get a Choice if you Voted for him or Not...

[@Veldtian1]

Eric Prince is just too cool.

[@kyle47922]

I read one of his books when I was in Afghanistan in 2009. It was an awesome book.

[@Johnconno]

Did you enjoy colouring it in, did you join. the. dots. ?

[@llee8325]

Nasty, inferior response.

[@commonsense9207]

Awesome lecture! God bless Erik Prince a great american hero. Its amazing what he did with Blackwater and shame on the politicians for trying to destroy him.

[@llee8325]

It's because the politicians are INFERIOR DULLARDS. They are not there to serve, but to enhance themselves in some way. INFERIOR PEOPLE.

[@santabarbaraca2010]

Erik Prince for president 2016.

[@matthewbrennan3127]

at least the president now is going to use him on the border

[@TinaWiegand]

This was an excellent and wonderful presentation - WOW!

[@ericwilson6994]

Erik Prince is MI6 and We run a British Militia and are in charge of Montana's global nuclear arsenal.

[@johnkidd1226]

As a police officer raised as a Christian, I struggled with the 'Thou shalt not kill' commandment. One day, by chance, I met a Jewish guy and I was moved to discuss my concerns. He basically laughed and said, "You gentiles always shorten things up. The Hebrew version of that commandment is Thou shalt not murder without cause". That made it very clear for me. I also believe that was God arranging that meeting in answer to my struggle which I had never shared with anyone before.

[@greggrimer1428]

You weren't much of a Christian. The Catholic church has always defined unjust killing as a sin. That is why you are not only allowed to kill in self defence but have a moral duty to kill.

[@johnkidd1226]

@@greggrimer1428 You are not the judge of my religious beliefs. I am not Catholic so I am not aware of their interpretation of the commandment. Your nasty and uncalled for comment leads me to believe your not much of a Christian yourself.

[@mohakenyawi4786]

How can I contact Eric Prince I have important situation can make sense

[@PODxDevi]

Anybody know where I could find & see the interview they show at the begining of this?

[@sparkysjoint]

Here's part 1: thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/ha3kcp/exclusive---erik-prince-extended-interview-pt--1 Here's part 2: thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/sxqa0x/exclusive---erik-prince-extended-interview-pt--2

[@PODxDevi]

sparkysjoint Thanks. Appreciated.

[@frankie7596]

I would watch that movie

[@llee8325]

My hero! Excellent in every way, a national treasure. One who builds things, systems, and people of value. Gotta read that book. I watch him every time he has an appearance. We could save the country by throwing the political class OUT ON THERE ASSES, and get his guys in. What a man!

[@ethiopiandancinggoatherder7894]

I just heard his interview with Shawn Ryan, I had heard of black water and it’s reputation as mercenary group and to be honest had presumed it was a money hungry gun for hire to the highest bidder. Boy was I wrong, after listening to this interview I was astounded by Erik and his character, integrity and love for America. I’m starting to realize how much the media and government can slander and mischaracterize someone and make us believe someone is bad when it’s absolutely not true.

[@lordbrucelondonuk7304]

Splendid Chap

[@bgail7669]

A hero!

[@LeonardMichaelis]

The US needs more people like him. Less traitors, less dual-loyalists, but real patriots like him.

[@commonsense9207]

Totally agree Erik Prince is amazing.

[@sentidocomun7342]

Marten Dekker stop buying left wing propaganda. www.breitbart.com/radio/2017/01/19/erik-prince-doj-admits-blackwater-contractors-caught-enemy-crossfire/

[@LeonardMichaelis]

What is your take on ISIS? Do they kill civilians? Oh, they do. Are you trying to make a case against them? You don't? Why not? Not knowledgeable enough? Start asking yourself who created ISIS and what they really are? You slowly not sure where the difference between killers and military contractors are in your ideology? Ask McCain about iSIS. Ask Saudi Arabia about ISIS. Ask them why they are OK for ao many Arab civilians to be butchered. Does ISIS sound terrible for you, or do you find them to be OK?

[@Johnconno]

He's a psychopath/actor, born with a silver spoon up his arse.

[@voidvpn5470]

@@Johnconno it must hurt to be an idiot.

[@perseus9428]

It's always ugly when religion is summoned to pimp for war and profit. The Priest doing the intros for Mr Prince put me in mind of an excerpt from Macchiavelli's book entitled, ironically, THE PRINCE: “Thus it is well to seem merciful, faithful, humane, sincere, religious, and also to be so; but you must have the mind so disposed that when it is needful to be otherwise you may be able to change to the opposite qualities. And it must be understood that a prince, and especially a new prince, cannot observe all those things which are considered good in men, being often obliged, in order to maintain the state, to act against faith, against charity, against humanity, and against religion. And, therefore, he must have a mind disposed to adapt itself according to the wind, and as the variations of fortune dictate, and, as I said before, not deviate from what is good, if possible, but be able to do evil if constrained.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli, THE PRINCE

[@garrettgolden1038]

Erik prince is a national treasure! Too bad we don’t have any like him in Washington…

[@michaelhagerman7829]

Erik Prince is a great example of what the great country of America can produce! A warrior, business man patriot. A courageous man faith and integrity.💥🇺🇸👏👏👏

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 really now..

[@frankie7596]

Erik prince for president!

[@adamhauskins6407]

Frankie Cochran he would great after trumps second term

[@zexnynex777]

have you read the forbes article? i highlighted like 4 sections of just straight up inspiring quotes from it. hes a real amazing dude. absolutely for president. we will never see that because America is not headed in that direction imo, i feel like when Trumps gone thats it. maybe after the rebuild. hopefully im living in some paranoid delusion because i never even thought Trump would be elected but im, pretty sure that was a mistake... n they are pissed n are coming for everything. but maybe one day, EP is a great leader/patriot.

[@iammaximus614]

… A True Patriot & Entrepreneur! 🇺🇸🗽

[@arkangel8419]

Just got done reading this book, I would recommend it to anyone who has read Jeromy Schahills book "Blackwater rise of the worlds most powerful mercenary company" and to anyone interested in what happened over there. I am a fan of his. you can tell in the questions portion of this that he had some of the questions scripted.....I think he did a great job in the book of explaining exactly what he feels his mistakes were.

[@MullicanDesigns]

From my viewpoint Prince seems like he has striven to do well for his fellow Americans most of his life.

[@Johnconno]

Ollie Stone's Son. That's Classified.

[@andpinger]

Erik Prince is a true American Patriot!

[@thebrowser4044]

Well, he headed an organisation that ran over old ladys in the street, opened fire on children and unarmed civilians. If you think that makes him a patriot then you need help. I can only imagine how many people his organisation has motivated into extremism.

[@clininemills3059]

Here's the problem...All the crybabies responding negatively to this video have never served anything or anyone but themselves. Its so easy to watch the news or get wrapped up in a blog....But you weren't there...you've never been to Iraq,Afghanistan,or anywhere else that was dangerous. If you were there then you really know what went on. The bottom line is people hate EP because he made a fuck ton of money while supporting the nation.

[@Longforgottensong]

***** Yes and no. My friends older brother worked as a armed contractor in Iraq, but for a different company. In 2005, an armed civilian contractor in Iraq or Afghanistan could make 90k a year - I have no idea what the exact numbers are, but Blackwater, like Halliburton and KBR, were awarded a "cost-plus" contract, which long story short means they are guaranteed to make a certain profit. Idk the exact numbers. But Erik Prince was already heir to a $2 Billion fortune before he started Blackwater... I'm sure he's doing just fine in Dubai.

[@clininemills3059]

fuck you crybaby!! Your really comparing erik prince to hitler? An American patriot who started a company to provide training services to the military. Mind you the govt went to him and said we have a need what service can you provide for us. And after all that controversy the company STILL had contracts with the state dept. Why? because they were effective and professional.

[@mrflynn510]

Ignore this Roger idiot. He uses the words "American patriot" in the same comment where he praises Hitler. Then again, internet "patriots" love dictators.

[@mrflynn510]

Hitler was a stupid little corporal who thought getting his ass handed to him by Marines in WWI qualified him to run the war the next time. As it was, he died covered in gasoline next to that bowlegged bitch, Eva Braun, while FDR's boys ran all over Berlin.

[@mrflynn510]

You keep using that word. I do not think you understand it.

[@strategic1710]

I love this guy. He’s not democrat or republican, he just hates politicians and DC in general.

[@fredgarvin7246]

Who cut this guys hair?

[@Johnconno]

Classified. Son.

[@co6742]

Man’s a multi billionaire I think he can have any haircut he wants

[@user-je4lp1pf1i]

❤🛡

[@nadeenhussein1826]

You are muslim what are you doing here? Did you love him! 😒

[@paulburke7520]

Sent this to ny local police department

[@llee8325]

Police today are mostly pension wh0res who have no respect or sense of service to the citizens that pay their salaries.

[@lieshtmeiser5542]

Stewart seemed genuinely surprised...lol. Also love the sweaty crotch story. People are over-reliant on government.

[@irenenalule5312]

You can imagine all those evil monsters assembling in Africa....it's agreat shame

[@donmckinney928]

An evil doer .See "whoidit.org. The 9/11 cover up continues .An embarasment to all that is good in this world .The pope owns 60 % of israel , does not preach "thou shall not murder or steal " .We are less safe due to people like this who participated in "shock and awe "invasion of Iraq for weapons of mass destruction that murdered over a million innocent families and sent migrants into Europe , etc . Helped destroy more lives than can be counted .Ego unbridled .

[@johnkidd1226]

You obviously know little history and nothing about Erik Prince's part in it.

[@bullterror5]

We see where you are going with this Princess...

[@nissaforyou]

I wonder what he would be if he would have taken a different route. I could see him as a healer, or doctor. I don't know why =L. I don't think Mr. Prince should trust foreign countries governments when they state someone has done this or that, I hope to God he has researched carefully for himself before he takes a contract.

[@KlepticHeist]

he's a real nice guy, he's my best friends dad, he's actually really nice and cool.

[@nissaforyou]

I have to admit I believe you. Even if you are lying, I feel like I can believe you. =)

[@KlepticHeist]

***** His youngest son's name is also erik prince but he goes by X, him mom died in 03, and he goes to my school in Loudoun County Va, that specific enough for you, and X has 3 other siblings but they live in other places

[@nissaforyou]

I knew their mother was sick, I didn't know she actually passed. =(

[@KlepticHeist]

***** it was in 03

[@robertreynolds4230]

mr prince and i have a lot in common. im a little older. i served as fireman and specops.

[@elioalvisi3015]

just a gang of hired killers!

[@johnkidd1226]

That you'd be grateful to have with you in a hostile land.

[@elioalvisi3015]

@@johnkidd1226 hostile land for the USA only!

[@Jononutoob]

Too bad the nobody in the US govt contracted Blackwater to help take out other war criminals, those a little more close to home if you know what I mean.

[@LeonardMichaelis]

Alright, let's bring some clarification to all those idiots who say he's not a patriot. First of all a patriot is someone who stands and fights for his country, in good and bad times. Erik Prince was a Navy SEAL and already that time has made him a super patriot. Alright, so we don't need to debate his patriotism anymore. He has given way more for this country than any stupid complainer here. Now, the wars in the Middle East didn't happen because people like Erik Prince. The wars don't happen because of soldiers. Most of the people who are on battle fields are not those who are responsible for the wars. Let's make this clear. Those who have created the wars (see Afghanistan, Iraq, etc) are sitting their fat asses in the different Western Governments as well as some Arab countries. They, the politicians, either fail because they are completely incompetent or create the situation which will ignite the war. They are those responsible for what happens during the war. The actors in the war, (soldiers on both sides, private contractors, etc) are not the ignitors of the wars. They are not to be blamed. Yes, they do what their are told to. They do their jobs. Of course they can desert or give up, but they aren't trained to do that. I'm really wondering if the likes of Jeremy Scahill have ever tried to bring to court Bush, Cheney, Rice, Powell, all the neocons who collaborated for the war and created the foreign policies that allowed to start the Iraq war, etc. Those are the real ignitors of the wars and those who deserve punishment, not the actors on the battlefield, let them be soldiers or private contractors. So, stop bashing Erik Prince who is indeed a real patriot, and go hunt the big guys. Oh, wait ... you don't have the balls for that? Oh, I understand, you are a pussy. Yeah, that's what I thought from the very beginning.

[@iiatargetanalyst3046]

BornFREE mercenary groups are terror groups. They do initiate wars they do commit terror attacks to gain/retain lucrative contracts overseas. NV shooting has Eric written all over it. He recently been begging USA for lucrative contract in Iraq Aug 2017 Blackwater USA needs to be brought up on subversion and war crimes

[@b11nladen]

He needs to get a suit that fits. The top and bottom are out of shape and yet the tie is proper. Is he doing this to undermine himself for some reason?

[@bobkebob9980]

t0mcahill I think he’s wearing a bulletproof vest underneath.

[@kimt131313]

A Jesuit?

[@bullterror5]

Yeah kinda, a Knight of Malta...

[@cullingthegenepool6842]

THE DEVIL SPEAKS!

[@kimt131313]

Is this clown playing “eye the spy” on Twitter?

[@bullterror5]

Yeah... And a bunch of other stupid ass games...

[@llee8325]

Spoken like a true ignoramus.

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

Oh look... It's the guy that wants to be the 21st Century, Cecil Rhodes. Just what the World needs 👎😐👎

[@margaretmomparler4315]

If you are for this evil man, you haven't a clue as to who he is.

[@johnkidd1226]

Enlighten me. I know a lot about him and dont see him as evil. Why do you?

[@KristinaUSA-x5n]

I no longer match my own baby photos or dental records and fingerprints and military records.

[@jamesmartinez2243]

Lie

[@woodywoodlstein9519]

Arrest this traitor.

[@johnkidd1226]

Go ahead. I dare you! LOL.

[@andretucker3810]

arrest erik prince and his terrorists

[@johnkidd1226]

Idiot!