Sen Claire McCaskill at the Blackwater hearings today rather made the point effectively regarding one of the biggest problems involved with using mercenaries like Blackwater in places like Afghanistan. The civilian population's goodwill, the "hearts and minds" so vital to any kind of success to the mission, is imperiled by them. Not bound by local law or the military code of justice they too often go too far and all Americans, including the regular troops, are tainted by their misdeeds as both groups are interchangeable in the eyes of the locals.