..... er.... were there 4 different incidents like the one you're relying to us? -no pun intended.

another view could be http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/09/17/blackwater-is-part-of-bremers-legacy-the-trophy-video/

Things are getting better in Iraq, thats what Bush told us and Petraeus too. Are you saying they are not telling us the truth?

BW are mercenaries, remember mercenaries?
people that get paid to kill on behalf anyone with money?

there is no HONOR among mercenaries..

Contractors? or paid killers?

What a mess..

Paid killers? You guys are full of crap. A good friend of mine is a former BW operator that was stationed over there doing exactly what those in the convoy did. They are good, professional dudes, they served this country before in either military or law enforcement. They are not just some amateurs that do anything for money. Some people need to quit believing what they see in movies...

There was a time when I had absolute respect for our military's Special Forces. I myself, served in the military for 25 years, I know they sacrifice their personal lives for strangers in foriegn lands. HOWEVER, after witnessing firsthand their behavior in iraq, I am disqusted by them. In general, they act as if this is their personal war. They have even turned their guns on our own military. They show no repsect to the local population. They undue every effort to earn the Iraqi's trust and cooperation. You can fight the insurgents without destroying all the military's efforts to build a lasting relationship with the local population. Blackwater needs to be kicked out of Iraq, and the military needs to get back to providing security during combat operations.

These hired thugs needed to be shown the door years back. Bunch of contract killers. They got their due in Falluja.

Far too many people know so damned little of what they speak.

Hired killers? Military provide security? "Got their due in Falluja?

You people, none of whom have been there under the conditions 24/7 within which BW has to operate, and keep their charges alive, under attack daily, really do need to put your damned politics aside and give these men the credit they so well deserve. BW contractors are not mercenaries, and they don't shoot randomly. Try getting through hostile fire and bombs 24/7 yourself, and under conditions that so-called civilians are constantly trying to kill you and blow you up, yet you have to do your level best to get your people to their destination safely, then bring them back through hostile fire again in order to get them back safely. It isn't easy.

When bombs start going off and AK-47s are blasting away at your convoy, by the time you return fire everyone that really is a civilian is already on the ground or running away. The remaining people are pointing in your direction with guns blasting away and yes they are wearing civilian clothes - but they GD well aren't civilians - they're insurgents and/or AQ or they wouldn't be pointing guns at you sending you a hail of bullets. And then there's the Iraqi Police, many of whom are on the side of the insurgents, joining in.

Yes, BW does indeed drive fast through the streets and is intolerant of cars coming at them fast. But how would you be reacting if you knew that anyone of them could well be the suicide bomber that kills you and the people you are to protect? And try to understand, you people of little common sense, driving slowly only makes you a better target for AKs and bombers. Iraq is a war zone, not Pleasantville, USA. Things are indeed getting much better there, but its still a long ways to go before its safe for a Sunday drive. Still, there's a hell of a lot of Muslim extremists that want to kill everyone that doesn't agree with their sick ideology.

BW is made up mostly of ex-seals, Marine Recon, and other former special ops folks, mixed in with a spattering of law enforcement guys. They are not hired guns, and they are good at their jobs and take their responsibilities very seriously. They are good Americans, trying hard to do their jobs well.

Again, far too many of you people say far too much of what you know absolutely nothing about. When in the hell are the people in this damned country we now find ourselves living in going to wake up and put their countrymen and nation first - with their damned naive politics far too the rear.

As for Bret, you should know better.

Semper Fi!

Well for one, These good Americans are indeed mercenaries. As such they are paid for by us, the US taxpayers. And I believe what the majority of US taxpayers are saying is we don't want our government spending our taxes on mercenaries to fight this war. The mercenaries shouldn't take it personally, it isn't meant so.

As for putting our countrymen and our nation first, I would also submit that the vast majority of Americans are most definitely putting their countrymen who are under fire in the middle east first. Bringing them home safely seems to be the number one issue on everyone's mind. As for the nation, I think we all want to see America spared any more embarrassment and humiliation on the world stage by continuing to wage this pointless war. Absolutely, let's put this nation and her great reputation among the peoples of the world, first again.

Whoa, this is pretty wild rhetoric here jumping to extremes and a very serious error.

The security contractors play a very significant role on behalf of our government to protect State Department people who are doing infrastructure and national building to get Iraq up and running as a country.

The individuals hired for this job are primarily former super high speed and highly trained Rangers, Special Forces, Seals and the like.

That is a very select group of people who are the ultimate professionals, patriotic to the point of putting their own lives on the line throughout very challenging military careers, and trustworthy above and beyond most citizens wildest dreams.

The security contractors fulfill a very dangerous, difficult mission that is essential to the US effort to rebuild Iraq and restore a functional government.

You can debate the wisdom of contracting out security that our military did before, but the other remarks I see here mistake security contractors, doing the ultimate hazardous job with a high degree of professionalism, with disagreement against this administration's Foreign Policy.

These are different: people performing foreign policy functions under very difficult conditions with great personal risk do not make the foreign policy.

If you disagree with the policies of the USA under this administration, go to the polls and elect those you do agree with.
When you do, you will find the security contractors risking their lives with courage and single minded purpose for the United States of America for the new State Department personnel, the US Army and all services saluting the new commander in chief and doing their duty to fulfill whatever mission they are given, faithfully.

Do not attack the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Coastguard OR the Security Contractors risking their lives in 120 degree heat for the United States of America.

That was done during the Viet Nam War. It was wrong then, it is wrong now, and it is wrong anytime anywhere.