I'm not surprised that Halliburton would fire someone like the gentleman referenced above. Neither am I surprised that they would want to cover it up. And it is certainly not surprising if Halliburton provided vehicles without any real protection against small arms.

Nor does it surprise me that with this story, as like so many in the media, we can say, "this, too, shall pass." We live in an age where the life span of a media story is measured in minutes. We get outraged about abuses, such as Halliburton's, but then, we're soon off to new outrage, about a new event, forgetting Halliburton, or anyone else, for that matter.

I'm wondering what would have happened around the Watergate break-in had it occurred in 2006. Would the media and the public hound the story until the truth was determined? Or, would it have faded quickly into the background as "newer" and "fresher" stories were released?

Disgusting company, isn't it.

I can't download Macroplayer on my work computer (hint, hint to ABC) so what does the tape show and when will it air on TV?

How were the trucks disabled? If just shot at, they should have kept on going even with flat tires, etc. even plowing through or around obstacles if present. I am surprised that Halliburton did not at least arm the drivers if they weren't going to provide armed escorts of their own.

Could the lead APC even see the action behind them to stop? I do wonder why there was not military or Halliburton security at least fore and aft. Any military folks want to jump in and explain typical convoy procedures....at least those that won't violate Operational Security?

How did this mystery filmer survive while others were shot point blank? Inquiring minds want more info!!

What a lying, cheating, thieving, and immoral corporation. Hey, didn't Cheney once run Halliburton? That explains a few things about what's happened to this country in the past 5 years.

Watching the train wreck of America's rapid decline on 24 hour news channels is just tragic. Nobody's throwing on the breaks and it seems we're just heading faster and faster for that cliff.

RIP America. May those who killed you one day be brought to justice.

Terrorist murdering people is a terrible thing. I am not excusing it, but contractors, soldiers, journalists, everyone going over there does so knowing the risks. It is not more terrible that a private contractor, who went over to get the very high "hazard" pay (verus our soldiers who fight for our freedom for, mostly, bigger reasons than money), was murdered versus a soldier or Iraqi. It is a horrendous thing when ANY innocent life is taken by these bastards. I don't understand from the video or article why the troops or Halliburton are being blamed, anymore than why our troops would be held accountable for an Iraqi being killed by terrorists. It is the terrorists who pulled the trigger and the contractors went over willingly, for high pay, knowing the chance they were taking.

I'm not surprise that Haliburton would fire the driver. Haliburton is in Iraq for the money. They don't want to pay anymore compensation than they have too.

What the driver said about the protection, the bullet proof car windows, etc, etc would cost money and reduce profit for Haliburton. Haliburton work enviroment in Iraq is not for safety but for maximize profit and good returns for Dick Cheney and Company.

I am amazed that our troops would leave our citizens in danger like that without any protection for them. If it is true that the Commander made a mistake and took the wrong route then he should he held accountable for these innocent peoples deaths. I am truly shocked, definately there should be an investigation on both the parts of Halliburton and the Virgina National Guard. I wonder if the National Guard would have abandoned those people if they had been any of their relatives in that truck instead of total strangers.

I haven't seen the video and can only imagine what really happened. Haliburton is a sleazy company (Cheney did run it and probably still does under the table) and no doubt promised bullet proof glass and protection. These guys are paid top dollar for doing what they are doing our soldiers and Marines get very little pay for putting themselves on the line 24/7, however, like my son who is a Marine says some of the rewards are worth more than any amount of money. Most Marines do not consider themselves heroes, my son said he is just doing his job for about $18,000 a year. We must also realize that our Marines and soldiers cannot return fire unless given permission from a higher officer. My son was shot at and all he could do was jump in a ditch with the rest of his platoon. I would say consider all the sources and don't rely on information that is not confirmed.
Marilyn PMM Sgt Steven

If anyone wants to watch the video go to Orgish.com. then to the Iraq Section, about three quarters down, click "US convoy attacked in Samarra-april 7 2006" Here you can watch the Glass on Wheelers truck get shattered as an Ak47 round hits his arm. His vehicle stalls, as he pleads with the departing gun trucks (which were directly in front of him)on a radio to help. "we have to go" is how they respond. I did not know it was a Haliburton truck until the ABC artcile. That explains a unarmed driver in unarmored vehicle in a combat zone.

Truth be said, the military guys (Virginia National Guard) wimped out of the fight! They should have immediately strafed the neighborhood from where the ambush was staged. Unless the US troops make it very costly on the immediate neighborhoods for attacks to be staged on them, this kind of thing will continue to happen. Big Carrots and a Very Very Big Stick is what is need from the military. Construct first world class facilities for cooperating areas and be very very lethal towards non-cooperating areas is the way to go.
Tim.

The Watergate analogy is a bit silly. There were ongoing investigations into Watergate by the FBI, a grand jury and Congress that were pushing to discover the facts and launch appropriate prosecutions. All Woodward and Bernstein did was steal that information, essentially depriving Nixon of his right to a fair trial. It's one of the seedier moments in journalistic history.

And what the mainstream press would do today would depend on the party involved. Trite stuff by Republicans would get blown all over the front page. Serious sins by Democrats (think Bill and Hillary) would be minimized.

Compare Clarence Thomas, accused of little more than talking dirty with very credible accusations of rape against Bill Clinton by a woman in Arkansas. Claiming the mainstream press has double standards is a bit like claiming that Hitler was a "little bit anti-Semitic."

Any company that has anything to do with Dick Cheney is going to lie, cheat, and steel every dime from the contracts it can and if that means cutting employees protection, benefits etc., they will do it. It's all about the bottom line and profits. As far as the military goes, someone needs to explain why these men were left to be killed and without protection, good luck getting a straight answer out of them either, the generals on down march lock step with what Rummy/Bush and Cheney say. It's a mess all the way around and these bumbling idiots should be sent out in trucks on a highway without a map, nor weapons or protection and told if you make it back alive well then we will support your war! Thanks

You can bash Haliburton (KBR) all you want but as former military contracting officer who spent 2003 in Kuwait & Iraq, I have first had knowledge that KBR's contract with the Army pledged that the military would provide all necessary security and only ask the civilian contractors to drive on secured routes. Early on it was my own military that withdrew necessary convoy security siting the lack of available troops. As contractors started getting shot and the KBRs questioned whether or not to stay on the job it was local Army commanders the questioned out loud the truck driver's patriotism. I heard 2 star generals tell the leader of the truck drivers that if they didn't drive the troops would be without food. I thought the position the military took - withdrawing security and demanding more - was shameful. I look at the KBR employees as some of the unsung heros of operation Iraqi Freedom. The could have simply quick and gone home to their stateside jobs. When I hear the President say that his military commanders have all the troops they need, I believe he is quoting some POLITICAL COWARDS that happen to be wearing a Generals Uniform.

I thought that it was considered discrimination to fire someone who was 'disabled'. That's all beside the point.
The point is that if there were 'Troops' there to protect them they should have done their job. It seems like there should be some charges leveled.

I am a supporter of the war in Iraq. And President Bush. However,if it is true what the above marine's mother says about our soilders not being allowed to fire back when attacked without receiving an ok from a superior officer then this handcuffing is like it was in Vietnam. War is hell. We need to fight to win. Democrat President Lyndon Johnson and his Defense Secretary Robert McNamara kept our troops in Vietnam 2 years after the real war was over(if one wants to call a war where we didn't go to win a "real" war). Our soldiers in Vietnam couldn't go after the enemy to win. We don't need that happening in Iraq. If we are going to undermine our soldiers in the field we just need to bring them home.

Someone asked the question about why there wasn't Haliburton security. As a retired military LTC and contracting officer who spent time in Operation Iraqi Freedom, unless the rules have changed (and I doubt they have) Haliburton is forbidden by their contract from providing their own security on these convoys. Think about the implications... If we could just "HIRE" an Army why would use our own troops?

It's time to break up Halliburton and cancel their government contracts.

While we're at it, let's end corporate welfare once and for all. No-bid contracts, fat-cat lobbyists, grotesque bonuses for entrenched management and CEOs ... it's all gotta go. These companies have corrupted our political process.

Are you serious.... this is a stupid story.... Why dont you guys stop bashing our troops and report the good stuff they do. ABC has no respect for our soldiers. Instead you force your propaganda into the heads of the enemy.... stop emboldening terrorists.
The only people that should leave iraq is the press.

I have a friend that is an master electrican. Every year he goes to Iraq for Halliburton. He knows that he may not come back but he knows the risks.

That being said, is there a point where Republican Congressional leaders say, "enough is enough": step up and do what is best for all. There is a new scientific poll out that says 71% of Iraq citizens wants us out.

Why do Senator Frist, Speaker H., other Republican leaders finally say we are fighting the way the terroists want us to. We need to go with something that works.

I urgently hope it is very soon.
BTW, if we need to find someone to blame for this mess, look in the mirror. Somebody elected these guys.

Having watched the ABC posted video of this ambush nearly a dozen times, it's totally unfair to claim U.S. troops abandoned the other vehicles. And what does the sound reveal, if there is any sound, such as small arms fire that might make it impossible for US forces to stop?

The point I am making is that we are all rushing to a conclusion. First, if you haven't been there, make absolutely no comment about soldiers, sailors, airmen, or marines wimping out. Second, wait until all the facts are in. Third, remember the truth usually lies someplace in the middle.