Tonight, Blackwater is on a ballot for the first time in United States history. View a short Courage Campaign documentary on the brave and historic grassroots opposition to Blackwater, and sign up to help Block Blackwater at BlockBlackwater.com.

Blackwater, the giant and controversial corporation which employs mercenary soldiers, has led the people of Potrero, California, to call a special recall election. This recall election will remove several members from Potrero's city planning commission because they voted to allow Blackwater to build a massive training camp on the grounds of a quiet chicken farm right at the border with Mexico.

Since Blackwater announced their plans, this small community has been thrust into an international spotlight. Today, with the election results about to be announced, Potrero and leading grassroots activist Carl Meyer are featured in the New York Times:

Like many Potrero residents, Carl Meyer, 51, a local farmer and environmental activist, never gave much thought to Iraq or private security firms until Blackwater came to town last year. Ever since, he has been opposed to the company's proposal for 800 acres of rifle ranges, dormitories, classrooms and an armory. "Having them here wouldn't be in keeping with our rural character," said Mr. Meyer, who has helped organize the recall effort. "But it's more than that for me. They're not good for our country."

Blackwater has been responsible for a number of horrible incidents in Iraq -- including the apparent murders of innocent civilians in Baghdad in September. An investigation into that incident is ongoing.

Blackwater has been present in some of the worst moments of the Iraq war, but the damage they are doing doesn't end in Iraq. They want to expand faster and faster here on the homefront as well. Their proposed Potrero location would also pose a threat to the natural habitat in the Round Potrero Valley, which includes parts of the Cleveland National Forest. Detonating firearms -- which would be a regular practice for Blackwater -- would pose a clear fire hazard in a fire-prone landscape. Nothing about this proposed mercenary training camp would be beneficial for Potrero, California. Blackwater's base would only serve benefit Erik Prince and his profit margins.

The people of Potrero have taken the brave, first steps in blocking Blackwater's massive expansion into all areas of the United States. We're standing with them.

Join the Block Blackwater movement at www.blockblackwater.com