Let's not forget, either, that the Flying Tigers were "private contractors" in a marked-as-humanitarian aid program in China. Just a coincidence that they were flying combat missions against both the Empire of Japan AND the Empire of China. "to protect the supply routes" for the "humanitarian" emergency food aid. Which found itself disproportionately in the hands of General Xiang Kai Shek and those who were willing to swear loyalty to him. Or that these "non-combat" combat missions were undertaken long before the Unprovoked Pearl Harbor raid.

Afghanistan just happened to be one of the stops as well, the British Empire was "managing the affairs" there and it was part of India. And surprise of surprises, another "private contractor" paramilitary adventure was heavily involved, the British East India Co.

That sort of thinking could change the perceptions we have of being the "wounded victims fighting back" in World War 2. The bit about the British East India Co. should give the Tea-Party folks a little bit of pause. Pause, step back, maybe stand the Hell down.

Not entirely likely but there is a hope.

As to (the "just" part is unspoken...)"another government program" well, the notion that the administrators have an unlimited license to kill is kind of a big difference.

Big like the way The Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy described the Universe. It's enough to drive a Loonie sane.

As to the mushroom cloud, how much information is there about contractors working for the Indian nuclear program, the Pakistani nuclear program, or the Chinese nuclear program, or D all of the above? That would be nuclear Weapons programs.
One corporation rattling nuclear sabres at it's own corporate trading partners, or even subsidiaries of the same Corporation. Hey, everything's possible. We even had a semi-articulate Chimpanzee as a president for 8 years.