Guests: Maj. Gen. John Batiste, retired, First Army Infantry Division, Iraq

"Predictably, the left wing press has run with the alleged massacre at Haditha, Iraq. Editorials are screaming about holding all those involved accountable; people like Congressman John Murtha are already convicting the military and the Bush administration. As Investor's Business Daily put it, 'the press is salivating over the prospects of an Iraqi My Lai.' Why do so many rejoice when bad things happen to the USA? That's the key question, and the answer is that some Americans, including many in the press, honestly feel the Bush administration is evil and its policies have led to Abu Ghraib and now Haditha. Most honest people acknowledge that the US military has performed heroically and humanely under extremely difficult circumstances in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since President Bush is the Commander in Chief and Donald Rumsfeld is in charge of military operations, don't the heroics of our service people reflect well on them? If you blame them for the bad stuff, shouldn't you praise them for the good stuff. But we're not talking about fairness here, we're talking about media people and politicians saying 'I told you so' about Iraq. Every bad thing that happens there will be used by the left wing press and the John Murthas of the world to hammer home their mantra - 'Bush is a fool and the war is wrong.' So let's get this straight once and for all. If military people break the law or cover up crimes, they should be harshly punished. But there's no bigger picture here, at least not now. And anyone who uses the crimes in Iraq to besmirch this country is wrong and should be called on it. And trust me - they will be on this broadcast."

Fox News Video: FoxNews.com

The Factor was joined by retired Major General John Batiste, who commanded the First Army Infantry Division in Iraq. Batiste explained why he has called for Donald Rumsfeld to be fired. "This incident in Haditha, the national disgrace of Abu Ghraib, and the three years of chaos in Iraq can all be traced back to the bad judgment and decision making of our Secretary of Defense and his inner circle. He dismissed honest dissent and got rid of people who didn't agree with him." The Factor reiterated that President Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld can not be held responsible for everything that happens on their watch. "You had a rogue element committing crimes - how does that go up to Rumsfeld or Bush? In every war in every Army on this Earth there have been atrocities. Some people snap, and it's not the fault of the hierarchy." Gen. Batiste concluded that the war in Iraq is still winnable "if we get the right leadership in the Department of Defense, and if we have the political will."

Guest: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

The Bush administration has said it will hold direct talks with Iran if the Iranians give up their nuclear weapons program. The Factor spoke with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about the apparent shift in US policy. "We've given Iran a clear choice," Secretary Rice declared. "They can decide to give up their nuclear ambitions or face isolation from the international community. This isn't just about the United States and Iran, this is about Iran and the entire international community. We have been successful in building consensus around the view that Iran can not have a nuclear weapon." The Factor questioned whether that international cooperation will be forthcoming. "I can't imagine China isolating when China buys so much oil from Iran. I just can't imagine Russia and China helping."

Secretary of State Rice also commented on the alleged massacre of civilians by Marines in Iraq. "If the alleged crimes are true, it is simply unacceptable and people will be punished. We're going to investigate and everyone wants to know the facts. But we're not going to let this besmirch the reputation and the memories of a lot of people who have given their lives in Iraq. I really hope that anyone who talks about this will also recognize the tremendous contribution and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform."

Guest: Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning

Nebraska Judge Kristine Cecava gave 50-year old Richard Thompson probation, even after he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault on a 13-year old girl. Judge Cecava worried that Thompson, who stands 5-foot-1 and weighs 100 pounds, is too small to survive in a state prison. Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, who has appealed the sentence, joined The Factor and expressed his outrage. "This ruling is ridiculous at best. It doesn't matter if you're short or tall, we don't have an athletic requirement to go to prison. But the good news is that my office can file an appeal, and we think we're going to have success." The Factor pointed out that many Nebraskans are livid. "There's just nothing right about this sentence or the crazy excuse that she made. Citizens are so angry that there is a petition to get rid of this judge."

Guest: ABC News correspondent Diane Sawyer

ABC's Diane Sawyer will host a special that examines the chaotic state of foster care in the United States. "These kids are the most fragile in the world," she told The Factor, "and they're sent to ten or twelve different foster care homes with their little suitcases and have their lives damaged even more. And we're paying a fortune for it. A lot of these are kids just want a back porch or a mother who will listen to their problems." Sawyer offered a prescription for the ailing system and the many children who are caught up in it. "You have a team approach, and the team goes in and gets the child in one home where they tend to stay. Everyone says if these kids can have one adult in their lives they're going to be so much better."

Guest: Attorney Arturo Gonzalez

Some California politicians want to use taxpayer money to help pay college tuition for students who were unable to pass the state's high school exit exam. Attorney Arturo Gonzalez explained why he endorses the idea of non-high school grads going to college on the taxpayer dime. "My view is it is a good investment for taxpayers to give a kid a loan to go to college. The people we represent are people who have passed all the courses that are required in high school." The Factor declared that Gonzalez and his allies, while well-intentioned, are misguided. "Yes, these kids passed their courses, but they flunked a very easy exit exam six times. If people in California are being forced to pay for people to go to college who can't even graduate from high school, then all standards collapse. I think you're eroding the discipline of education."

Many of you sent e-mails about the alleged atrocity committed by Marines in Iraq. Some excerpts:

Gen. J.R. Curry, Haymarket, VA: "Bill, I believe General Clark and Congressman Murtha are aiding and abetting terrorists with their injudicious prattle."

D.J. Putnam, Alexandria, VA: "O'Reilly, calm down and stay focused. Your restraint regarding the Haditha incident was exemplary but your outrage over Murtha's finger-wagging gave him credibility."

Other viewers commented on a segment about San Francisco.

George Briggs, Fremont, CA: "Michelle Malkin bad-mouthed San Francisco saying we live on a different planet than regular folks. Her kind of talk hurts the economy of the Bay Area."

Roger Nelson, Gilroy, CA: "Mr. O, as a 48 year resident of the Bay area, I agree with you and Michelle. I've sadly witnessed the liberal intolerance that has taken over this area."

Will Tarrab, Los Angeles, CA: "O'Reilly, you bashed the most diverse city in the USA. Brining on one of your right-wing cronies to agree with you doesn't add to your credibility."