Based on other things I read, I think this is a small part of a bigger picture. It's not Mai Lai but does point to our military's tendency to sugar coat and or cover-up violence that is contrary to international law but consistent with our foreign policy.

Lead sentence uses the word "wantonly" - a provocative and biased word, and it isn't clear that Murtha would agree with this characterization. Also, it doesn't appear that the authors did much investigating on their own for this story - second hand reporting I call it.

An important story, but so sketchily told. Sources comprise Rep. Murtha's remarks at his press conference, a "no-comment" from the military, a recap of part of a Time story, and a generalization from a Vietnam vet. There's also an unsourced statement that three officers were relieved of command. And I should mention the wanton use of the word "wantonly," as another reviewer noted. Apparently, the writers want us to see this incident as a Vietnam-style atrocity of major significance, and perhaps it is, but I'd like to see more evidence.

As usual, Salon does a solid job of reporting an important story that mainstream media overlook -- I didn't see this reported anywhere else. Murpha has impeccible credentials to be a "whistle blower."