Good move Bri - just keep covering your eyes and ears and maybe all that nasty General stuff will go away.  Lalalalalala I can't hear you.

Amazing, Brian -- the most serious challenge to your credentials and the credibility of your network in years can be found in posts on your blog in the last 2 days.

And what are you talking about now?  David Rockefeller's "fascinating" biography.  We may only be "little people", and you're probably assuring yourself that your "real" viewers are unaware of what's going on at  this blog, and they'll never find out if you never cover the matter on the air, but perhaps you and the other patriots in the NBC board room could still force yourselves to pay attention....  

Believe it or not, some of us love truth as much as we do the country we live in.  And we don't get paid to pretend love for either.

Brian:

Great piece in Slate!  Great minds do thoughtful things and get firm answers to their questions.  Great minds are thinkers.   I am glad the Rockerfellers are persuing this issue for the benefit of all investors.

I am sure some of these bloggers of the last week are going to have to chat with their Congressmen.   You better watch out Brian.   I feel like you may be getting a call to appear before Congress to discuss "media bias" with Williamsgate and Generalsgate.   Don't forget they have chatted with baseball players and oil executives.  What's next for Congress? The media (chuckles) or crumbling infrastructure?  

Brian:  I am hoping you might some day discuss NBC's decisions to feature pro-war retired military personnel in the run-up to the Iraq war, and in the analysis of the boondoggle our presence in Iraq has become.

We have so many dead and wounded veterans to support, and it would be a great start to acknowledge how you and NBC helped viewers to get excited about Saddam's overthrow and complacent about the billions of dollars  we continue to spend in Iraq and with the Companies your military experts work for.

Hey Bill, give Bri a break. 12-3 he has to find out what's really going on from Limbaugh, then he has to check townhall.com to make sure that there's been no new Pulitzer-worthy commentary posted, and don't forget his DVR is full of NASCAR...

"It's hard work," as another prominent regular-guy American once said.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I just wanted to say it was a great broadcast last evening. I tried posting again at 8:00pm and I guess it didn't go through last evening. I was a little disappointed because Richard was on the broadcast and I talked about his report. He looked handsome as always in that blue shirt! Anyway, Richard's report was great as always and heartwrenching to hear. It is always the innocent victims who are caught in the crossfire of the conflicts between these groups. I hope a peaceful resolution is found soon. Always Stay Safe Richard! Looking forward to Mr Maceda's report this evening. Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie and Stephanie!
Be Well Ladies!

Brian:

Your continued on-air silence about the NYT military analyst story -- and your refusal here on your blog to really address the questions it raises -- is both deafening and telling. You can hide your head in the sand all you want, but this story isn't going away.

Happy Mission Accomplished Day, Brian!

On NBC, Brian Williams gushed, “The pictures were beautiful. It was quite something to see the first-ever American president on a — on a carrier landing. This must be very meaningful to the United States military.”

Perhaps you could play your reaction on your newscast tonight?

Here's another one to curl up with, Mr. Williams:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/1/73857/44799/997/506488

Dear Brian,

My comment tonight is in response to Ms. Cindy Ross, whose post was left on yesterday's blog, and reads as follows:

Interesting to read the comments by the BW Fan Club.  He's handsome, has that velvet voice, and ladies, I am certain he waits just as breathlessly to hear from you each day as you wait to hear from him every evening!  And I just know he and those retired generals are honorable men who would never, ever abuse your trust!  Furthermore, they would never promote wars that squander our sons' lives for anything but the finest of reasons!  
Cindy Ross (Sent Wednesday, April 30, 2008 7:15 PM)

How very classy of you, Ms. Ross.  You must be so proud of your ability to mock others.  Whether you are addressing your remarks directly or indirectly to me, or to any of the other truly classy broads who post on this blog on a regular basis, I would like to ask you - based on what deep personal knowledge do you feel qualified to judge and/or belittle any of us?  Even if you were to read this blog on a daily basis - which I doubt that you do - you would still not be in any position to make your condescending remarks.  The comments we leave behind in this forum are hardly the sum total of who we are as human beings.  As "Fan Club" members, however, we at least possess the facility to disagree with others' points of view without denigrating them.  You might take a lesson.

Celine:  Thanks for the link to the Elizabeth Edwards op/ed.  It is all of our responsibilities to educate ourselves about the candidates, but from all media - broadcast, print, Internet.  I think I will spend some time looking at the candidates' websites, as that may be the only way to get past the sensational aspects of the campaigns, and get down to the nuts and bolts.

P.S. I tried to read the Peggy Noonan piece.  I got bored and quit.

All my love to Lisa, Jackie, and Stephanie.

The Lost Boys were kicked out by the FLDS for disobeying and being a threat to older men's access to girls in Utah.  NBC should interview the Lost Boys in Utah for what they have to say about physical and sexual abuse of boys in Texas.  Okay, the Lost Boys don't want to testify in a court of law against their relatives but, the sheer numbers of them would counter any reservations about them in court.  In any event, best wishes with today's and future broadcasts, Mr. Williams.

Brian Williams, you are a national treasure!  Most of that treasure is now firmly in the portfolios of the Oligarchy for whom you perform your nightly offices at the teleprompter.  Your musings about good old Rockefeller as framework for an account of his progeny's failed effort (YOU FAILED TO NOTE) to meet with Exxon/Mobil's top management this afternoon are pure gold.  Now return to your powder room, this evening's first commercial nears and decisions must be made about what to cut.  Your excellent friends, the sponsors and Generals, are counting on you not to interrupt the commercial with a bathroom break (even if that IS where you evidently do some of your best "investigative work").

Please stop avoiding the propaganda issue and answer the following questions: Did NBC ask the Generals about their ties to the pentagon? How about their financial ties to the defense industry which would stand to profit from policies entailing more defense spending? How about their ties to the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq, a Washington-based lobbying group formed last October to bolster public support for a war?

Did NBC consider disclosing them to their viewers? Did the undisclosed ties violate NBC News policy? Does NBC have policies now to prevent this from happening again?

If you did nothing wrong, why can't you answer these questions?

OMG CAN WE JUST STOP!!!! WHO CARES, I don't really pay that much attention to the military analists.

Everyone needs to remember...
1. Brian is an employee of NBC, he is not NBC. The company employes a lot of other people!!! So don't take it all out on him!
2. NBC is a company, their main goal is money, like all companys.
3. Who cares who they get to analize, NBC NEWS has analists for Everything. To me an analist is someone who knows what they are talking about. (Everyone could analize anything).

SO lets start to be concerned and comment about the price of gas, school issues in the US, hunger issues in the world and other news that is always reported on NBC, and other networks.

I know I am going to get yelled at for stating my personal oppinion, but to me thats what this Blog is for.

GOOD JOB BRIAN AND NBC NEWS!!

lpn, Thank you. You made an excellent point as well.
We here have always respected one another, even as we support different candidates, have differing views on the war (but not on those who report the war.. a little secret we won't tell the trolls). Again thank you for the well written response.

Celine, I forgot to say thanks as well for that link. EE, as she somehow got nicknamed in the '04 campaign is herself a classy broad.  

Mr. Williams, I think you adequately and properly addressed the NYT article about the Generals.

Although some bloggers apparently want to keep this issue alive forever, I think you said enough about the integrity of the Generals who have worked with you for Nightly and no one should keep expecting (or demanding) you to say more.  

I've been reading this blog since its inception.  I have never comments as mean as in the last few days. I agree with Michael from Amsterdam. Brian doesn't run the network and there are a whole lot of other important issues out there.

Hi Brian I just read about David Rockeffer life. Looks like he's in everything and is looking for more.

It was sad to hear Ms. Palfrey took her life. Now I guess the Three Powell men who used her legal service will be exposed. I thought it was Senator Vitters only to find out who the real big Law Makers were. I guess the Prosecutor, Judges and Justice System had no choice but to frame her with fake charges to keep those names secret. Most people in their 50's set up for crimes they didn't commit wouldn't want to wait 55 years for the truth to come out. At least ABC and Larry Flynt got the names but refuse to release them, now who knows they might do it now. I follow Mr. Hicks of Australia case too and never understand why he was charged then after he has been in Gitmo for over 5 years and tortured now the Prosecutor says he didn't commit a crime. I hope Justice will clear Ms. Palfrey's name but I'll have to wait until we have an honest Justice System again.
I guess Selective Prosecution is the new Bush policy.

I notice President Bush is asking for millions to help with the food shortage of the world, the US might have to ask for help with food next.

Looks like the dollar will drop some more now that Iran with OPEC is not using the US dollar anymore. What's next for our country as we sink deeper in the black hold.

How many more of our soldiers will have to die before someone brings them home. To think a soldier went overseas 7 times and died for what? It's like lip service with the phase Support our Troops. None of the Generals or the Pentagon are speaking up for our troops. I notice even the President and others use the air waves to promote books and not concern themselves with the issues at hand. Like the War Profits of former Wars this is not different. It's all about taking tax dollars for work never done as the American people and our Military suffer.

See you at 6:30pm

Best to my friends Lisa, Laural and Stephanie

Laural I saw girlfriend Hill and Mr. and Mrs. Obama.
It was very interesting but nothing said changed my opinion.

Mr. Williams, our family was pretty sure you would have a reponse to the Pentagon embeds in the newsroom situation. There have been so many shocking stories in the last eight years that the media have neglected to follow, but we were sure this story would infuriate you and shame you and we were sure you would address it honestly. I'm so sorry we were wrong.

Michael, as a first time blogger at this site, I also am "done" with Bash Brian Week.  

Mr. Williams is an important figure, but he is not solely responsible for NBC's entire M.O.  I still do not see that being in contact or even being friends with a general deems him having a hotline to the Pentagon.  

I think we need to move on, as this blog is beginning to sound like on-line theraphy in anger management.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. First, The report by Mr.Maceda from Afghanistan embedded with the US Marines was extremely tense to watch. Hearing the gunfire by the Taliban and the Marines shooting back gives the sense of a very, very dangerous situation with this violent group. The missiles and the bombs fired down upon the Taliban quelled their firing, but it shows they are hiding everywhere and the brave and dedicated Marines are always ready to defend their position. Mr.Maceda should be commended for being brave under extreme conditions especially speaking during the intense gunfire. Please stay safe Mr.Maceda! The report about the female soldier who was awarded the Silver Star was really nice. She showed bravery and dedication while helping her fellow wounded soldiers. The other officers speaking about her and saying how she was exposed to the attacks and kept doing her duty shows what an excellent soldier Monica Brown proved to be. She is very deserving of the honor. We salute all our brave soldier! Finally, I enjoyed the "Making a Difference" segment by Mr.Sanders. That couple have really helped so many children and kept in touch. They have made a huge difference in their lives and they are an inspiration. Nice Piece! Also I would like to add that I really liked last evening's piece by Mr.Larson concerning the people suffering with Parkinsons disease and how dancing has made them feel normal. Dancing is fun and they really looked like they were enjoying themselves. Whatever the cause for this reaction it is wonderful for the people. As someone who loves to dance I say to them keep dancing because it is fun at any age! Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams! Stay Safe Richard! Stay Safe Mr.Maceda! And all correspondents reporting from that region. Take Care! Peace to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel, Jackie and Stephanie!
Hi Anna! Thank you for your kind comment! And you ladytechie!
All you ladies are great!

Mr. Williams,

Thanks for the insight into just how cool it is when your job does intermingle with your personal life. On last nights broadcast, I was somewhat angry as to the conditions at Fort Bragg. What upset me even more was, as I was watching the story, I remembered that new multi-million dollar embassy building in Iraq. I wish that had cut a few rooms and beds out of that, and put those towards places like Fort Bragg. I am enjoying the "Falling Apart" segment this week. Hope your weekend goes according to plan. I am also hoping you get a chance to do some "vining" today, but know that your schedule is very full. I hope sometime in the near future you could do a segment of the week about the economy, and what has lead us to the point where we are today, though I know you somewhat do that regularly already.

Michael Bucciferro may not care about the Times' story on military analysts. But it's obvious from the dozens of posts on this blog over the last few days that many people reading this blog -- including many NBC News viewers -- do care about it. And they're not the only ones.

Members of Congress have followed up on the story by demanding answers from the networks about the questions it raises. Both of the Democratic presidential candidates have criticized the Pentagon's program of briefing (some would say spinning) the networks' military analysts. And the Pentagon itself has suspended the briefing program in response to the Times' report and the criticism that followed it.

Not that anyone who gets their news from NBC would know any of that. And that's precisely the reason why people are hounding Brian Williams in this forum.

It's one thing for a media outlet to ignore a major story of national import. It's another thing for a media outlet to ignore that story when the story concerns the outlet's own newsgathering and reporting practices.

You indicate you'd like Williams to focus on such issues as the price of gas, education and world hunger. Those are certainly topics worthy of reporting and discussion.

But the war in Iraq vies with the economy as the top issue facing the country right now (as polls consistently indicate). The military analyst story is important, because these analysts helped sell that war and sell the notion that that war was going better that it actually was.

What they did is called propaganda. It's also called illegal.

By ignoring these analysts' multiple conflicts of interest, by not disclosing them to viewers, and by not presenting viewers with truly anti-war analysts, NBC collaborated in that propaganda effort. Viewers deserve some answers about the degree to which that collaboration was intentional or simply due to shoddy journalism.

Perhaps Michael and Williams' other defenders here should remember the following:

1. As managing editor, Williams is one of the chief decision makers at NBC News concerning what stories are aired and which ones aren't. That NBC hasn't covered the military analyst story on-air to date reflects poorly on his news judgment or integrity -- or both.

2. No one is criticizing NBC's (or, rather, parent company GE's) profit motive. But as a news gathering organization and a licensee of the public airwaves, NBC has higher legal and ethical duties to the public than just making money.

It owes the public the truth. It owes the public a full and transparent accounting when it makes mistakes. And it cannot legally engage in propaganda.

3. These analysts weren't just run-of-the-mill experts that NBC quoted for a segment or two. They were paid employees of NBC. As such, they arguably should have been bound by the same ethical code that binds Williams and other NBC News employees.

Those codes vary from organization to organization, but they typically stress the need for news employees and organizations to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. And when one is unavoidable, they typically mandate that employees or organizations  to disclose those conflicts. NBC did neither.

News organizations use analysts to present expert, notionally objective analysis of events or situations. But that's not what these analysts gave. Instead of objective analysis, they spouted Pentagon propaganda.

And it's simply not true that NBC News and other outlets used analysts for everything. While Williams and co. repeatedly interviewed the supposedly objective generals, the anti-war viewpoint was all but non-existent in the run-up to the Iraq war. Despite public sentiment, it's still rarely heard today.

Dear Brian -- Americans are ever more divided from each other, the country's at war, the economy's in shambles, the very planet is threatened -- and the press keeps pandering to Rev Wright, who's making Obama into the "black" candidate instead of the uniter he's worked all his life to be. or Hillary's trouble with the coffee machine, for petessake. or McCain's slip of the tongue confusing sunni and shia. Please, please get back to the ISSUES. Yes, you can!!!So much is at stake. People need to know what the next President actually THINKS.  Many thanks.

I think a couple of posters have missed the point. They say it's time to move on from the Propaganda story because, after all, Brian Williams is just one man and can't be held responsible for what anyone/everyone else who may have been involved did or didn't do. They then say there's other pressing issues to comment on.

I have to ask, why? What's the point of commenting on other issues? Brian Williams is just one man - what's he supposed to do about high gas prices for example? Is there supposed to be some value in people coming to this blog to say "hey, gas prices are too high!" and then go away again.

I thought the point of blogging is that it is interactive. If it's just a place for Mr. Williams to do an ad for his nightly newscast--well frankly I get advertised at enough as it is. The value of blogging is that the blogger actually RESPONDS to comments - REACTs to feedback.

The propaganda story is particularly important because this is an area Mr. Williams can actually AFFECT.

He chooses what to cover on his newscast, and what to skip. (He also, apparently, chooses not to check on the  credentials and relationships of the "experts" he puts on TV.) He could choose to be honest about the fact that he screwed up royally and that it has had an impact on people's lives - you know, do the right thing.

If he doesn't, then what the heck is the point in listening to him at all? How can you possibly take what he says seriously? How can you see him as anything other than a high-priced corporate shill? Someone who does the stories with no risk. Someone who plays the game with those in power to keep them in power. Someone who takes his bully pulpit and uses it to invite nice Americans to join him every evening to be lied to.

Brian,

Unbelievable reporting from Jim Maceda tonight who was embedded with the Marines in Afghanistan. That was some of the best footage I've seen come from that war. Great work.

It was mentioned several times in the reporting that women are not allowed to engage in direct combat operations. I assume you were excluding women who are allowed to and do fly combat aircraft in all the services and frequently drop ordnance?

It's been announced that Spc. Ross McGinnis will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in June for his actions in Iraq. Please give him the appropriate air time that other Medal of Honor recipients have deservedly received on Nightly News. Thanks in advance for that.

To lnp,

I read your response to my post with interest.  I am sorry that your feelings were hurt.  Satire isn't typically my style, but it was difficult (and disturbing) to imagine full-grown adults leaving such adoring messages as I have read over the last week.  I find the Rock Star status that Brian Williams is accorded here by some of the regulars sickening.  Do they honestly believe that he reads their daily offerings of uncritical admiration?  Do they really think he needs comfort and support to help him survive this onslaught of unreasonable people who have the nerve to expect him to fulfill his Constitutionally-protected journalistic function of holding our leaders accountable? The thought is ludicrous.  "Don't worry, Brian, this too shall pass"--could someone honestly be so naive as to think he needs to hear that?   The man is an obscenely wealthy propagandist who, with his cohorts, has aided a rogue administration in pursuing an unnecessary war.  I have sons of military age, and feel immense satisfaction whenever the media lapdogs are called to account, even if it is in only a small way.

My comment yesterday was not meant for any one particular person; I was responding to the sum total of amazingly groupie-like comments I had read.  Sometimes a dash of cold water is a good restorative, however.  Look around and see what is happening to our country.  We need journalistic bulldogs, now more than ever, and they are nowhere to be found, except for a small band of unpaid and underpaid patriots who will someday be seen as the prophets they are.

I don't expect you or the other fan club members to agree with me, but I hope you will at least consider that your god has feet of clay.  Rather than try to bolster his ego by your daily worship here, instead educate yourselves.  Read Eric Boehlert's "Lapdogs" as a start.  Spend time at Greenwald's column at Salon, or at mediamatters.org, or read Bob Somerby at dailyhowler.com.  Think of your sons and daughters, for heaven's sake.  Do you want them to sacrifice their lives for Halliburton, the Project for a New American Century, and the Carlyle Group?  Surely not.

I am sure that, deep-down, you are fellow patriots.  Good luck.  

Glenn Greenwald, a Constitutional lawyer and scholar, writes in his blog that he has requested an interview with you or with an NBC News executive and has received no response. He wrote, "Yesterday, I sent an email to Williams' representative requesting an interview with him and/or an NBC News spokesperson about the issues raised here or, at the very least, a comment from them. I've received no response." (link at my name)

For someone who opines ad nauseum about making personal judgments about recognizing "good men," it appears that you are afraid to engage in a fact-based investigation where YOUR professional ethos and ability are the subject.

But since you enjoy making the comedy scene so much, why don't you pull a Cheney and go parody yourself with Colbert or Stewart.  Those court jesters both know the right questions to ask, too. Isn't reality biased, Brian?

Meanwhile, when is NBC going to fully disclose actual and potential conflicts of interest by all those who produce and deliver its "news"?

Brian, recently NBC Nightly News ran a segment about a 15-year-old girl who trekked to the North Pole.  In that segment, you ran a video clip showing two penguins on the ice.  I never knew penguins inhabited the North Pole.  Is this a breaking story or were your editors slipshod in their work?

Brian Williams works for NBC, which is owned by General Electric, a major defense contractor. Anyone who expects Brian to bite the hand that feeds him (and very well, reportedly) will be waiting until pigs fly out of a very, very dark place. It isn't called "The Corporate Media" for nothing.

To J. Ainsworth and others with similar comments: while Brian may not "run the network", please take note of the "Managing Editor" title that he proudly displays on each post carrying his name. He is more than just a news-reader; he is responsible for the editorial content and quality of every aspect of the NBC Nightly News in all of its various formats. I would like to (and used to) believe that he takes that journalistic responsibility seriously (in the mold of Morrow, Huntley, Brinkley and countless others in the print industry). But perhaps I am just naive.

I personally find the Brian's response to the NYT story and the issues it raises to be weak, defensive and condescending to an audience I previously believed he held some respect for.

To say that the NBC's military analysts often expressed opinions at odds with the administration misses the point entirely. Their loyalties were not to the administration, they were with the military (be it their respective services, the career Pentagon as a whole, or the lobbying entities that they were associated with). In any case, those potential biases and conflicts of interest should have been disclosed.

Brian, your continued silence on this matter both on the air and in this more informal forum is very disappointing. I had thought that you were an old-school journalist with a stronger sense of integrity and personal responsibility than you have so far seen fit to display.

Even if you do not see fit to devote air time to this, I think the volume of comments and the debate itself is far more worthy of your on-line editorial than the trivia you have seen fit to post in the past few days.

Even a discourse on the debate itself, and a discussion of your position on the editorial responsibility of news organizations to disclose the affiliations of their analysts and sources would be more welcome than the fluff and teasers you (or your staff) have seen fit to post.

Please at least make an attempt to restore our faith in (what I believed to be) the last television news organization that had even a shred of self-respect and professionalism remaining.

J. Ainsworth, here here to your comments.  Very insightful.  Michael from Amsterdam, well said!

I suppose its a good thing I didn't see Cindy Ross' comment when it was first posted, or I would have been tempted to say something nasty.  I am not a member of the Brian Williams' fan club - does he have one?  Maybe I'd join it; maybe I won't.  I am part of the NBC fan club.  I watch its news because its the best of the 3 network news programs offered every evening.  I post to other anchor's posts and blogs.  I'm guessing Cindy feels left out of our camaraderie.  Any one is welcome to join us as regular posters, viewers, and readers.  I suspect that most of the angry posters of the past few days are only here to complain; they probably don't spend time to watch the broadcasts.

Brian: Cabella's opens its first Maine store in two weeks.  I have it marked on my calendar to check it out and will report back.

Have you mentioned the severe flooding on the boarder?  Fort Kent, Maine, and Fredricton, New Brunswick, are laregly under water right now in the worst flooding in 30 years, thanks to the St. John River, 3 days of pouring rain, and 200 inches of snow.  I'm 6 hours south of there, and its been big news here.  What a way to secure that border.... you can't see it with it covered in water!

PS Hi girls & Matt!

Hey Brian.  Are you covering Big Oil or are you getting covered by Big Oil?  If you think Exxon/Mobil and the OPEC cartel aren't gaming the system for profit, you've totally forgotten about Enron.  Ask yourself...Who has done more to hurt America, George Bush or Reverend Wright?  Find your soul, dude!

Quit being an empty suit and do SOMETHING for America.  

With few thoughtful exceptions, the comments posted on this blog in the past few days extolling Elizabeth Edwards' op-ed piece and criticizing NBC's role in "Generals-gate", have completely missed Mrs. Edwards' salient point. (And by the way, you ARE all protesting just as vehemently to ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, etc.--aren't you? They are all equally culpable. Even the NewsHour on PBS has featured military experts.)

I quote from Mrs. Edwards' last paragraph: "If voters want a vibrant, vigorous press, apparently we will have to demand it. Not by screaming....but by talking calmly, repeatedly, constantly in the ears of those in whom we have entrusted this enormous responsibility."

"Not by screaming..." Many of the personal attacks on Brian Williams have been so patently false they made me laugh. 5 minutes of checking would unearth the truth. What the attackers are proving is that they are mindless puppets of the left, just as "ditto heads" are of the right--press their buttons and they will spew the usual venom.

In a war situation, not to consult those with military experience is the equivalent of getting sick and asking a man in the street for a diagnosis. You will, of course, consult a doctor. Will you ignore the possibility he may have an agenda and accept his word as gospel--or will you also seek a second opinion? There is a truism that goes something like: if you reach a certain age and aren't a skeptic, you haven't seen anything. The people who frequent this blog are not a cult worshiping at the feet of Brian Williams and NBC news. We are a "Heinz's 57 Variety" of thoughtful, questioning people, respectful of the opinions of others, who use NBC as ONE of our sources in an effort to reach, and act on, informed opinions. We listen to the general's opinions with the awareness they have spent a lifetime in the military and with the healthy skepticism that awareness provokes. (Would that the recent bloggers applied the same skepticism to what they read on the internet.)

Does that absolve NBC or any of the news media from all responsibility in this case? Of course not. But there is such a thing as constructive criticism. And it is precisely what Elizabeth Edwards is arguing for. It is the only type of criticism likely to gain attention. State your problem, give evidence for it and propose a workable remedy.

The posters of the last few days have been vehemently stating their problem--but I have yet to read any proposed, possibly effective solutions. Just what do you want? Your outrage suggests you want Brian Williams to resign. In what way would that remedy the situation? Do you want GE to sell NBC? Who would buy it? What if it was News Corp? Be careful what you wish for!

The NY Times took a long time to develop the Generals-gate story. Is it not reasonable to allow the networks some time to investigate if and how their Iraq coverage was unduly influenced? And the possible legal issues complicate the situation.

The U.S. media is a business, and as such must make a profit. It is the only system we've got, so we have to work within it. The unfortunate truth is that news of tabloid stars gains more viewers and sells more newspapers--and thus pays more bills--than the daily run of hard news ever does. If you want more "responsible journalism" or hard news, you are going to have to support it by, as Mrs. Edwards says: "talking calmly, repeatedly, constantly..." to the news media. In other words--offer constructive criticism. You are also going to have to support the media by putting your money where your eyes are--tune into the news on TV, switch channels whenever you see the latest freeway car chase or screen full of t&a, buy and read a newspaper daily. They will get the message--and the revenue to stay in existence. The alternative to a "news business" is a government run media. Is that what you want?

While you are composing calm and well reasoned letters to NBC, why not send one off to your Member of Congress and/or your Senator? You may get more concrete results. And--they respond. At least mine do.

To those who question where Brian Williams was during the run-up to Iraq--he was anchoring a news program on MS/CNBC. I can remember a guest on the show, who questioned the existence of Saddam's WMD. (It struck me because there were so few of us who felt we had no business going into Iraq. Where were all you noise makers then?) And I do believe there were guests who warned the post-hostilities planning was inadeguate, as well.

Try running your mind before you run your mouth--it does wonders for your credibility!

Brian,
Don't worry about all these Greenwald bloggers (some of whom can be so obnoxious).  You and I both know you'll do the right thing and admit your mistakes.  That the two generals you mentioned as being "honest brokers" were founding members of a group committed to engaging in "educational and advocacy efforts to mobilize domestic and international support for policies aimed at ending the aggression of Saddam Hussein and freeing the Iraqi people from tyranny," must really make you angry (now that you've learned of this).

That neither of the generals nor NBC ever disclosed that information (or their ties to defense contractors) to viewers in the run up to the war (or any other time) must, I would bet, have you considering breaking off your friendship with McCaffrey and tendering your resignation with GE.  I trust this is true because if I've learned one thing about Brian Williams it is this: you, sir, are a man of integrity.
I know it's only a matter of time.

And speaking of classy broads, Spc. Monica Brown. She's only 18, just a baby. It's sort of a long standing tradition that you often end up a hero by breaking the rules. Our deepest thanks, for a job well done.

I want to make something clear. As the regulars know I'm pretty much a liberal, and I opposed the war from the start, and still do. But I remember "Nam, and the tragic mistake so many of us made by failing to honor the service of those who fought there. We did them irreparable harm in so many cases. The saddest part of that was so many were not there by choice. I personally feel we can best honor those who serve today by bringing them home, others may feel otherwise. I respect your opinions, and hope you respect mine.

One last note, I've sort of decided that it's not really fair to hide behind a screen name, so just know that this post is from ladytechie, who hails from New Mexico,

Ok Brian this is truly sad because I remember LBJ's announcement and why he made it. I think that's why I got up set with Obama's comments about Dr. King vs LBJ.  LBJ lost the support of not only the South but from the Republican and Democratic party that didn't want him to sign the civil rights bill. That ended his career and he knew it. So many people both black and white gave up something for that civil rights bill to be passed.

The female soldier showed what it means to been a real US Soldier. Now the sad part was to see the Military 5 deferment Dick Cheney giving her the award. Don't worry Brian I wont say what soldiers really say about our Leaders.

It's sad to see how the White House played Americans for fools with that show of Mission Accomplished. President Bush ran away when his fellow soldiers went to Vietnam, but dressed like to play the part.

I'll be writing my question on economy as it involves so much it's a mess.

Thank you for explaining Home Depot new phase on closings and firings. I would have been lost without the real answer.

There is so much love in the hearts of the couple who were foster parents.  Just thinking about 100 kids makes me wonder I have 4 and now gray hair with more I'd be bald. I also keep in touch with my kids and visit just to check up on them.

Have a great evening
Best to my friends Lisa, Laural and Stephanie

Look. Bwill does T.V. It's a shallow, surface-oriented medium. What did you expect? BWill has television talent, not journalism talent. He worked as a lobbyist for the broadcast industry before becoming "on air" talent. He worked as a T.V. correspondent for a few years and then became and anchor and has been an anchor ever since. I recently met someone who worked as a producer for BWill and said like most on-air talent, he had little to do with the actual reporting or journalism-related acts of the newscast. The former producer said BWill was a nice guy. In T.V., the producers do all of the reporting and then feed it to the talking heads like BWill and AC. So don't fault BWill for the guests he talks to. It's the producer's fault. BWill is there for his voice, looks and on-air presence. Nothing more. BWill has made his millions doing his thing, so he should gets props for that. Put as a journalist, come on. Put someone like Amy Goodman next to him, and you can see why broadcast news is such poor quality.

my family laughed at your home depot mentioning! thanks.

Brian,

I too feel that the media is glossing over what is important...5 years of a war that has done nothing but fatten the cofers of commercial interest, including the sales at NBC. That's why the "mission accomplished" banner that was so resoundly reported on by all outlets was indicts all opinion makers. I hope you guys learned a lesson and seriously do your journalistic diligence the next time. Any other commercial establishment would have fired the lot of you all...but, I bet everyone got and continue to get above average year end reviews and wage increases unlike other Ameicans...Which reminds me...52 soldiers are dead yet you let McCain and Bush get away with saying this war is working...Hm...sounds like a recipe for more profits for those who perpetuate these lies...Politicians, Haliburton, Miitary Industrial Complex, Oil and of course News Media.  Our poor children...what a price to pay.  
  The way you all continue to rail at Obama is also indicative of your disregard for the American People.  You talk about OBama elite status and inability to connect with the common folks.  How dare you turn around and let the Clintons get away with a photo op at a Gas Pump and she has no clue on how to pump gas...nor make a cup of coffee....???? Your analyst just says this is funny but a great photo op for her?  Is she that common or is she disengenious and elite.  Where's the barrage of questions to her.  You let the snipper fire die...You let her drink like a guy and not question her Values and what this represents to the Young Girls...Come on Media...we all see who you are rooting for.  

 As for your man McCain...You ccntinue to attack Obama for him...as if you're surrogates for the RNC.  Do the dirty work and let McCain who has no clue for the economy...(you let him study for 3 weeks).  No Clue about how he wants to run his campaign...quiet at first on Wright and now speaking out?  No Clue on his war in Iraq and Afghanistan...he says that our boys life is but a spike on a casualty chart...How dare he simplify lives to a spike...You all let him get away with this?  Hillary and McCain introduce a tax holiday knowing it won't pass mustard and Obama sounds like the true leader by telling Americans that a Tax Holiday is bad for the Economy and a short term fix...Yet you don't bash McCain and Hillary...Do You?

  Come on NBC...You can do better.

Hi Brian, I want to thank you for the story you ran on the family from Opelousas, LA concerning fostering children.  Louisiana gets so much flack about how corrupt it is.  Most of the corruption is within the political system.  The people that pay taxes have no control, except voting, which many of them fail to do.  The majority of them have never lived outside the boundries of the state and know nothing about the outside world.  They are all hard working, decent people and fail to realize that the legislature should be voted out on a regular basis to keep the fraud and corruption from happening. With our term limits now, we are able to get many of the old order legislators out of government.  We can only hope that the new governor will be able to make progress in getting this state on line with the rest of the nation.  It is still governed by the Napoleonic Code, but that is gradually getting changed. Thank you very much for your coverage on that family.  

When are you going to cover the Paul Vs Clinton Story??

Sheila, I think you speak for many intellectually honest viewers who are waking up and who expect more from their news. Currently, Brian's actions on this scandal somewhat mirror the Bush administration in such cases. Ignore it. Then spout surface misdirections about patriotism and honor and knowing someone's heart (Bush/Putin). In the end, no one accepts accountability. Then, just wait until more time passes and the scandal drops down the memory hole.

What Mr. Williams is only beginning to realize is that there are journalists now working in the alternative media and online, like Glenn Greenwald and many, many others, who can no longer be shooed away. They are smart, professional, skilled and relentless. They ask the right questions, research tirelessly, follow up and follow through. And if they make a mistake, they acknowledge it and correct it. They do what good journalists are supposed to do.

The day of the unanswered scandal is over.

The day of, say, spending over two minutes on Miley Cyrus but only eighty seconds on a momentous Supreme Court decision like this week's voter ID ruling without any check is also over.

As Walter Cronkite used to say: And that's the way it is. Brian would do well to start holding his broadcast to a higher standard. One that Walter Cronkite would be proud of. He and his producers should realize that's the only way they can hope to hold onto or attract new viewers in an ever-dwindling market share.

I know you guys can relate to the bottom line. Well, now the bottom line now demands you do better journalism. How about it?

la la la la...move along folks...nothing to see here...no retired pro war generals to promote a war of aggression who sit on the boards of defense contractors and who are in right wing pro Iraq war think tanks...move along...nothing to see here - just some good friends of mine who are decorated generals giving us some unbiased advice on Iraq...keep the line moving kiddies...

Hang on...another ad for Avodart...keep moving along sheep...I mean people....

Hold on...another ad for levitra...keep moving along kiddies...nothing to see here.  

Coming up next the Miley Cyrus pictures...Is America ready for another hot teen sex queen???

you were a prime cheer leader of the Mission Accomplished con job. It was beautiful  etc. etc. you said. Did you ever correct it on air. Now you're caught by the propaganda scandal with the generals who were stringing us all the bush line of crap. Not looking good on your resume.

Mr. Williams,

Wow!  What a journalist!  I especially enjoyed your piece tonight on the doublespeak employed by Home Depot to say that they are cutting back on their stores.  Fabulous!  After more than a week and a half, I await your in depth expose on the "message force multipliers" employed by the "masked media" (that's you) that the major "news" networks employed to do the Bush administrations bidding for them.

HYPOCRITE!!!!

Brian, having a minor criticism of how the invasion of Iraq was done doesn't make someone a war critic. The real critics were saying "DON'T DO THIS!" These critics took to the streets since the media, TV especially, wouldn't allow a critical opinion during the sales campaign for war. You either were used, in which case you should be outraged rather than defending these guys, or you're going along with it, in which case your former viewers are outraged.

Hi Brian,
J.Ainsworth mentioned about the very mean comments.This is so true!This blog has been a place to express opinions that's for sure but this week was something else.
lnp said what I was thinking too as did ladytechie. Michael B. said "Good Job Brian and NBC News". Millions of us know that you are very conscientious and care so deeply about your job and your reporting of the day's news. This is why we watch you every evening,not because you are handsome or have a velvet voice (that doesn't hurt however but I watch Grey's Anatomy for that fix. :)

You believe that Peggy Noonan should win the Pulitzer for that recent NYT piece and that the Pentagon's hired reps should not have their motives examined.  I hope you have an assistant with good news judgement so that you don't have to rely on your own in the future.

I agree with the first (I think first) entry, to wit:    that Brian's now got his fingers in his ears singing, "La, la, La . . . I can't *hear* you!" regarding the NYT expose on NBC, MSNBC, and the other "Majors" playing host to Pentagon/Admin pro-Iraq War Debacle propagandists.

From now on, until Brian and his colleagues start behaving differently, i.e., professionally, the public should assume that ANY reporting they do which in ANY way supports ANY Admin or GOP policy or position is done so on account of:

 > a payoff.

 > the "news" outlet being a devout mouthpiece for the GOP/Admin.

> someone with the Admin having compromising photos of Brian Williams, or whichever one of his brethren "reporting" on this or that Admin policy.

It would be fair for the public to assume this, because Williams offers NO other, legitimate excuse for such rank, unprofessional suck-uppery.

Mr. Williams,

Thank you for your first response on military analysts.  Since then it has come to light that the analysts you site were founding members of "The Committee for the Liberation of Iraq" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_the_Liberation_of_Iraq

I take from the tone of your response that this is something that you did not know.  Or did you know and not think that it was relevant to the viewers?  It could be an uncomfortable road to go down, but I think it would be very brave of you to let us know which it is.

Thanks again for your hard work - I have no doubt that you are doing the best that you can.

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