Not every town rolls over when Blackwater rolls in. The citizens of Potrero, a very small town in Southern California, took one look at Blackwater USA and what it stands for and decided they didn’t want the company of mercenaries for next-door neighbors. In Tuesday’s special recall election, voters threw out five Planning Board members who had approved Blackwater’s plans for a paramilitary training facility and replaced them with a slate of anti-Blackwater representatives.

By margins of 2-1, voters ensured that the board would oppose Blackwater’s plans to expand their ability to train more paramilitary mercinaries and take over the world. Bummer for Blackwater.

Company Vice-President Brian Bonfiglio, clearly expressing the depth of his personal regard for the democratic will of American citizens as well as that of Blackwater home office company executives, said the recall would not affect the company's plans and that he and other company executives had no interest in the recall. His on-the-record statement:

“I don't care one way or the other.”

Brian Bonfiglio – a name to remember.

Here are some other names to remember, because America needs to hear the names of real heroes, everyday people who are brave enough to stand up to outfits like Blackwater and the evil they represent. The Planning Board of Potrero, citizens who aren’t afraid to do what citizens need to do:

Carl Meyer

Terry Stephens

Janet Goode

William Crawley IV

Tina McCunney

And

Jan Hedlun,

the sole incumbent who opposed Blackwater all along, wasn’t recalled and remains on the board.

For the political junkies, it should be noted that Bush carried Potrero in 2004 by a margin of 26%. Next year’s election should be very rewarding for progressive interests. If the rest of America can show the gumption of the citizens of Potrero, the years to follow should also be interesting for those who mistakenly thought they had taken over our country – but in a less than pleasant way.