Powerful words

Posted: Thursday, November 29, 2007 4:27 PM by Sam Singal

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

The more people I mention this column to, the more people I find have already read it, passed it along and talked about it. It's a fine and powerful piece of writing by Michael Wilbon on Sean Taylor.

We're putting together a broadcast tonight that features some interesting health news, politics (including fallout from last night's debate) and our continuing, high-interest series on African American women. Tonight we have a pretty shocking report on heart disease...and race.

We hope you can join us tonight.

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Comments

Brian-- Congratulations are in order as this week completes your third year in the anchor chair at Nightly.

(Applause!) Well done!

May you have many more...

Celine, JC-NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 5:38 PM)

Brian,

I heard your interview with Tom Joyner on the radio this morning and I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for reaching out to our community and for your support for the week long segment highlighting our (african-american women) issues.

Tammy J - Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 6:23 PM)

Brian,
we enjoy your nightly show. I would like to point you to an article by Dr. Paul Craig Roberts dated 11/18/07 entitled "Impending Destruction of the US
Economy". He was Reagan's Asst. Sec. of the Treasury. I would like you to interview him and get some feedback from some some of the other MSNBC talking heads. Why are the candidates not discussing ways to truly address our economic plight. The Democrats seem to think if we end the war in IRAQ we will have $$ to correct everything, while the Republicans seem bent on more tax cuts to fuel the economy and perhaps some cutbacks in the size of the Federal Government (that will be the day). What is wrong with these people?

George J. Biehl, Corrales NM (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 6:49 PM)

Was race the only criteria this study was based upon? Was education, economic status, health insurance, or anything else included? Are black women more predisposed to these ailments in the first place? These are questions that were not answered in your report.

Kim Z., Mandeville, LA (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:03 PM)

Brian -

Thanks for posting the Wilbon article. As Red Smith once said (paraphrasing) "some of the best writing is found on the sports pages". I read that article yesterday in the Wash/Post along with fine works by Tom Boswell and Mike Wise.

These writings are saying that there is still much unfinished work to be done with racial issues in our country. I think we all knew that from the recent news from pro sports about their athletes - and the money that is given to them.

As a political scientist, I've learned that nothing is ever as it seems.

I watched the debate last night and I honestly wish that those who present these debates would limit the number of participants and the number of debates - once a month would work out fine. I didn't see a nominee among those present.

What a week this has been.

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:11 PM)

I thought your obit of Henry Hyde was cursory and incomplete. You mentioned the two things that you felt he would be remembered by. His presiding over the Clinton impeachment process and the Hyde Amendment barring federal funding for abortion services for the poor. While they are both significant in their original context - be it puritanical and pious. They are more notable for their hypocrisy - a key element that you chose to omit.

That Henry Hyde had a history of adultery yet choose to appoint himself arbiter of morality as it concerned President Clinton's relationship with Monica Lewinsky is no less appalling with his passing.

In fact THAT is what I will remember about Mr Hyde. I suspect that I am not alone.

Mario Micheli (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:12 PM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams,First of all it is great that the curtains will be rising on broadway this evening. It is about time! Wonderful for the city and everyone involved in the productions. Bravo! The shows will go on! Now on to some other reports. The segment concerning salt intake by people was staggering to hear. One can't really get away from all the foods with salt, yet one can be careful in choosing what to eat. Hopefully the restaurants will help reduce some of the salt in their dishes. Regarding the effects of working the night shift and the effects on the body. As someone who once worked a night shift it is very difficult to sleep during the daylight hours. Keeping a regular schedule is easier said than done. On the subject of news from around the world the swearing in of Pervez Musharraf for another five year term as president in Pakistan may be good and bad for the country. Ending his military rule in December might bring about new changes. Time will tell. Very interesting medical reports this evening. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to all!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:16 PM)

The report failed to mention if all aspects of the study were equal. I have worked in health care and never treated patients differently based on race. We did however treat patients differently based on insurance. If a patients had no insurance, test were usually declined by the patient because they could not afford them. If they were covered by state indigent plans (Medicaid), routine test are not covered so agian patients will not have test. Medicare also only pays for certain "preventative test", so again patients can't afford to have necessary test done.
I find you report very hard to believe if all things are equal except for race.
I personally do not have insurance that covers suggested test for a woment my age, i.e. Mammogram, paps, cholesterol, colonoscopy and many others. When I do go to the Dr. all those test are suggested to my, but I can't afford to have them done.

Deborah Stolzenbach Greer,SC (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:24 PM)

The report at the end of tonight's broadcast was irresponsible. The tease was that African-American women don't receive the same quality care as their caucasion counterparts. However, there were no facts, or side-by-side comparison to back-up this claim, just one doctor's opinion, with no facts. I was very disappointed.

Jim S. (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:29 PM)

Interesting that no one seems to have noticed that when the Republican candidates were asked if they believed every word in the Bible, that not one of them had guts enough to point out that in this country Article VI of the Constitution specifically lays it out that no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

Not only did the candidates make mention of this precious guarantte, but Anderson Cooper failed to notice as well. The question should never have been allowed.

Leslie Stanton (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:40 PM)

Brian,
I saw the segment on the economy tonight, where the White House is finally acknowledging what the rest of us already know. Aside from weathering the storm, are they offering any help or resources for those of us who are already in trouble? And why isn’t there any dialogue in the 2008 presidential race addressing the horrific national disaster that is sweeping our nation? It will be inherited by whoever wins in Nov 2008. It is not be a medical plague or a natural disaster, but a disaster none the less. The federal government sets the banking regulations & oversees the mortgage industry, what is the next President going to do to get us on the road to recovery? The # of people who have & will be loosing their homes & jobs is insane. How can the government justify this? Where are they going to go & what will happen to the thousands of homes left in foreclosure?
I worked in the mortgage industry. To see how creative the banks could be to accommodate almost anything in order to fund. The fall out now is just beginning to be seen.
My home is now in foreclosure, not because of the type of loan that I have, but because of a series of life events. In April of 2006, my oldest daughter was the victim of a police shooting. I had to take time off to care for her. I returned to work, but in Aug. I had health issues of my own & my doctor put me on disability. My employer said they could not accommodate the time off, gave me an ultimatum to return to work or be terminated. Physically, I could return to work so I was fired.
In June ’07, my lender said there was nothing they could do to help because I was not behind on my pymts.yet & per federal reg. that could not modify my loan. By Aug. I had exhausted every resource, my credit was maxed out & my disability payments ran out. I have custody of my 2 youngest grandchildren & was forced to apply for welfare as I had no income at all.
I want to know how the next President is going to address this plague that is sweeping our nation, because the economic impact will leave no area or life untouched. Let’s see a debate this issue. I remember the recession in the 70’s & the next one appears it is on the horizon with what end in sight?

Sincerely,
Trudy Martinez, CA

Trudy Martinez, Antioch, CA (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 8:48 PM)

As someone who watches Nightly on a regular basis and find Brian to be the best of the all the anchors, i must express my disappointment in story selections these past few days...the never ending medical and economy stories placed at the top of the broadcast has bored me and this evening, for the first time in years, i flipped the channel..Don't worry I'll be back to watch you tomorrow...i just wanted to warn u that placing medical and economic stories at the top of the broadcast are boring to younger vieweres and may result in a great migration to Charlie or Katie.

Joe Washington DC (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 11:13 PM)

Brian this is a first for me but I thought to nights broadcast was great and I really don't have a negative comment. Now I lived back East when Rudy was Mayor and his divorce was public and dirty. It was better then the soap opera. The mistress living in the house with the wife and kids. All Rudy's woman have security paid for by the taxpayers. The Mob found a friend in Rudy as he looked for bigger positions. I was surprised no one out here in California never heard about it. It reminds me of Representative Henry J. Hyde calling Bill Clinton a sinner for having an affair, while Representative Henry J. Hyde at 72 years old just had a kid with another woman while still married. I thought those days were gone I was wrong.

I read about the teacher in Africa being charged with naming the Teddy Bear with Muhammad. At first it sound strange but then I understood the Muslim point of view. Muslims have been attacked by all sides with their religion. Even US Christian groups are trying to teach young Muslims Christianity while we occupy countries. So I wondered would a Christian be suspicious with Muslim occupied area's of the US and started teaching little American children their faith.

The report on the continuing information on Black Woman was good tonight. I'm lucky I have always had low blood pressure and so far no other problems. I'm just getting old Brian.
Tomorrow will be very interesting as the Obama/Clinton factor for Blacks. Brian a very long time ago Blacks always supported Blacks no matter what. Things have changed. Now as generations have left behind the race problems it's all about qualifications and how well you know the candidate. What surprised me as a Black Mother is that both my sons are supporting Hillary based only on her experience and qualification. I asked what about her being a woman. They said you raised us so we know how great and smart woman are.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 11:31 PM)

On your Nov 16th newscast I was disappointed that you didn't say anything about the 100th annivrsary of the state of Oklahoma.It is one of the 5o states and should be recognize as one.The next time you eat a piece of bread from are wheat or have a steak dinner from our cattle or fill up your auto from our oil or our contribution to entertainment think about where it comes from.If that isn't national news--try living without our products.

Billy Doughty,Edmond,Oklahoma (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 5:31 AM)

That was the Denny Crane Debate. Liberal stereotyping of questions. Michelle Malkin is doing a great job of pulling up democrat house plants by their roots. Republicans were disappointed in the lack of questions about important things, but what are you going to do when people with a Liberal point of view are filtering the questions to fit their stereotypes?

I'd still like to see NBC work Janks Morton into the conversation of the week. http://www.q-and-a.org/Program/index.asp?ProgramID=1143

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 12:35 PM)

Response to Jim S.
I'm a 60 year old Black woman and the facts are correct and have been for a long time. Yes time has allowed some to move up but the many left behind are part of the report. It's been said you never really know what it's like being Black in America until you walk in my shoes. This is a great country but please don't over look it's faults. We can learn and grow if honest is applied but if you continue to be in denial nothing charges.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 1:11 PM)

Mr. Brian Williams.

I am seeking some assistance and know you to be a reliable source and one with integrity. May Daughter is married to a Marine who is on his second tour in Iraq. While he has been away, two of her Doctors have recommend she have surgery that is a medical necesity. Howver, TRICARE will not approve the surgery because they say it is not. Her doctors even submitted pictures, but to no avail. Wasn't an act passed while President Clinton was in office that says TRICARE cannot deny when the Doctor says the surgery is medically necessary? Besides, her husband puts his life on the line everyday. This is an uncessary detraction that he doesn't need. Can you help her? (us)

Paul S. Rozell, Sr. Perry, GA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 7:17 PM)

As a former reporter, I know how hard it is to convince the "white shirts" that substantive stories about African Americans that are not stereotypical or sensational make Good News. Hopefully, we will see more such stories that tell a broader truth about the condition of America's African Americans. KUDOS!!!!!!

Fahizah Alim, Sacramento (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:21 PM)

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