Well said, Brian.  When news like this hits, we are reminded that life is short and we should treat each other with civility and decency.  The sadness among those who know Ted Kennedy is palpable.  And he is a reminder to the rest of us that tragedy and courage are among us daily.  Our prayers are with him.

So very sad about Teddy Kennedy.  I once saw his bio on A&E and he has not enjoyed the charmed life that many might assume he has.  I wish him and his family only the best.

Mr. Williams,

Last night you asked the viewers to watch the full
Engal-Bush interview, which, I did, but I must
say it's an NBC cop-out.  The damage was already
done.  It was unfair and unprofessional, in my
opinion. And un-American.  Engal was disrespectful
to President Bush who is the greatest president
in modern history.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Well, I hope Senator Kennedy is doing better. Politics aside one always hopes a person will pull through and be okay. It is good both sides said prayers for his recovery. He is part of a great political dynasty whether one agrees with the decisions they made or not. Senator Kennedy has served so long in the Senate and has done many things. Cancer is a terrible disease and one NEVER, EVER wishes it on anyone. Again, I hope he is doing well.  On another note I am still in support on the great interview Richard did with President Bush. I know I have said it before many times, but I think Richard has far better knowledge of the region than anyone in the administration. Again, I say GREAT JOB RICHARD!!! He does and always will do marvelous work!! Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie and Stephanie!
Hi to all the great ladies of this blog!
Be well always!

Brian -

Above all else, I think of Teddy as the Father of fatherless children.  When his brothers died, he took the role of parent for all those children left without a Dad - and there were a lot of them.  Ever after during their lives, when they needed a Dad, Teddy was there.  Think of that - no wonder that when he was hospitalized this past weekend they all came to him.

Joan

I was told I had 5 years to live after being diagnosed with a malignant glioma -- and one day, 3 years later it just disappeared...how can I contact this family to say that there is hope...that many people do survive malignant brain tumors, and that there are miracles...

It is shocking to hear the news on Sen. Kennedy. No matter what political flag you fly, you have to respect the man, the era that he came from and his staying power.

It's all your fault Brian, I've spent all day pushing this news to the back of my mind, heard just the headline on a radio I walked past. I'm home now, and having just read your eloquent post the tears are starting to fall. Of all the regulars, Jackie will perhaps best understand this... There have been too many days that I will always remember where I was and what I was thinking and feeling, and so many of those days involved a Kennedy. Icon isn't even the word, somehow the Kennedys are a tightly woven thread in the tapestry of so many of our lives. That's trite I know, but I can't come up with a better analogy,

Godspeed Sen Kennedy, you stand a symbol not only of your family, your nation, but of an entire generation
called to something beyond themselves.  

Brian:

Although Senator Kennedy and I have very different political views, I was saddened to hear of his diagnosis.

The Kennedy family has given so much to this country in heartfelt service and all Americans should be thankful for their service no matter thier party affiliation.

May God Bless Senator Kennedy & his family!

Hi Brian,
I just want to say that I thought the woman's comments on the oil reserve that we have in this country and that they should release some now to give us some relief, was a bit short sighted. She's only concerned with the short term thing, not looking out for further down the road.  Just because its expensive to buy gas doesn't constitute a real emergency.  There's plenty of other things to give up and still have money to buy gas.  I hope lots of other people don't agree with her either.  Thanks!  

Hi Brian
Yes I know it's early here in LA, but as usual I have something to say. Mr. Capus has done a great job for Journalism and the American People. Tell him thanks!!

My prayers are for Ted Kennedy who has done so much for this country. I still feel pain when Nov. 22 comes around it just never goes away. I guess it's because I was young and it was the first time I lost someone I loved. The deaths of Bobby, Dr. King and others just added to it. My family has been blessed with living long lives so I hadn't yet even gone to a funeral at that age. I'm know with the out pouring of love for Senator Kennedy he will get better.

Now to the Primary. Yes my girl Hill has won Kentucky and Obama looks like he has Oregon. Howard Dean better wake up and smell the coffee as the Hillary base is strong and we have stay power. Brian just a question. Why are the numbers in the Republican Primaries so low?  None of the reporters say it but we see it. We saw 70,000 people go to hear Senator Obama speak, as most were so far away they couldn't even see him yet they traveled and spent gas money and time. Most of the States have had record turn outs for Democrat Primary as small turn outs for Republicans.  Tim Russert say he has answers even some say McCain can beat Hillary or Obama. You might want some votes with those fries as McCain's numbers by voters is very very small.  One could even as why McCain doesn't know the Iran is ruled by the Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and not President Ahmadinejad, it's so sad as McCain knows so little about the Middle East. Someone should explain to him who the Sunnies, Shiites and Kurds are before he makes more mistakes.

As the White House was busy causing chaos around the world countries like China and Russia were making oil deals for their citizens.  No need to ask Venezuala for help as Bush called their President an axis of evil. Bush/Cheney are close friends with the Saudi King as he turns their request for oil down and then laughs. Where are your friends when you need them.  I guess Isreal forgave Bush's grandfather for working with Hitler and making his fortune off the backs of the killing of Jewish people. Facts of History can sometimes be sad and shouldn't be brought to the attention of those who don't know.

Best to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Anne and Matt

See you at 6:30pm

Claudia, I don't think the analogy of the Kennedys is trite.  In my family we call him Uncle Teddy like he is one of us.  We don't know him but feel he is like family.

I enjoyed the broadcast tonight with that good piece on the holding tanks in TX.   I may be in the minority but I still feel we should have backup reserves. How much is the real question?

Like Jackie said Hill does have tenacity for sure.  Jackie the reason the numbers are so low is because in certain states you can vote for who ever you want to vote for and "cross" party lines.   While in other states you have to "stick" with your party.   While in one state independents can vote and in the other state independents can not vote.

The entire process and the electoral college and the superdelegate process needs to be relooked at in my opinion.    

I think we should just all internet vote on one calendar day -- 24 hours of voting.   Just kidding but this seems to be dragging on and on and on.  I definately have "election fatigue" on certain days especially on those he said, she said, what said, when days.    Sounds like a book title to me!

Tuesday night bests to all!  

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I was unable to see your entire broadcast due to very severe weather that passed through my area. Many weather warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Although the only thing I personally experienced was heavy rain, wind and thunder. It has now stopped raining now. So I had to watch your broadcast reports on video. Now on to the broadcast. The report by Mr.Bazell concerning Senator Kennedy's brain tumor did not sound good at all. He stated it was the worst one and comes quickly always coming back. That is very grim news to hear and very sad for the family to learn. Senator Kennedy has done alot for this country and served a long time in the Senate. My thoughts and prayers got out to his family.
On another note the report by Ian Williams from China concerning the poor construction in the buildings was disturbing. The poor construction of the buildings not being properly reinforced led to many lives being lost. It is especially sad when it comes to the children in those schools. Such a tragic situation in that region. Finally, the report about the oil reserves was very interesting. It certainly has a huge effect in the current gas prices. I do hope the prices come down soon.
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Great job Mr.Capus in your response! Thank you! Peace to you and to all!
Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie and Stephanie!
Hi to all great ladies of this blog!
Be well always!

Brian, you had a "story" about the strategic oil reserve and the impact on retail gas prices.

Investigate the real story.  Refineries on the Gulf Coast are not operating at capacity because the permitting process to expand capacity is to burdensome and expensive.  Some have even reduced production to comply with current permits.  

How can we ask the middle east to increase production when we, in the USA, will not allow increased exploration and production of our own proven reserves?

Please investigate and report the true reasons for the current energy crises and our viable options for solving the problem. Debunk the man made global warming charlitans who profit from this mith and report the truth.

Investigate a recent article in the Denver Post.  Colorado farmers get paid by the Feds not to till the soil.  Then they sell that "not to till" pledge to corprations for carbon off sets?  Collecting twice for the same acerage does not effect man made global warming.  It only enriches some and encourges more CO2 output.

I have my own carbon offset program.  I drive a diesel RV. To off set that carbon foot print I have a Harley.  Got to love Al Gore and his great economic scheme.

Dear Senator Kennedy,
           
My name is Nathan and I live in Florida. Im 16 and i'm a sophomore in High School. On February 29 at 1:30 in the morning my parents had to rush me to the hospital going 90 mph down the interstate dodging other vehicles and squad cars. When we got to the hospital the doctors ordered an uergent MRI. After the MRI they found a large mass the size of a small orange on the right size of my brain, while the tumor was in my head it was moving the right side of my brain on to the left side of my brain causing serious migrains. After the MRI paramedics rushed me to Arnold Palmers Childrens Hospital in Orlando where I would undergo open brain surgery to remove the tumor. After my first surgery doctors had warned my parents that I would almost look unrecognizable from such a harsh surgery, but i came ou of a 4.5 hour surgery talking and making jokes with everybody. I had the most outstanding neuro-surgeons: Dr. Jogi V. Pattisapu, Dr. Christopher Gegg, and Dr. Oliverria. After only 5 days in the hospital they told me and my family to go home. Since then i have undergone 33 radiation and 42 days of chemo therapy. The 21st of May im going to Shands Hopsital in Gainesville for a consultation for stem cell harvesting in case i need a bone marrow transplant while im going to undergo more stronger chemo in the next month and a half. The 22nd of June my family and family friends are setting up a poker/bike run to raise money. Im writing to you Senator to tell you that I understand what ur going through. Cancer is a difficult obstacle to get through for kids and adults around the country and the world. I understand that you had seizures, my doctors were astounded that as long as i had my tumor i didnt have any seizures or strokes at all.

I leave u my hopes and prayers
           
                       Sincerely,                    

                                 Nathan

Great show Brian
First I'd like the thank Anne for the information about the primary and how people can vote. I learned something.

Nancy's parents are blessed to have a loving daughter. It's true life changes as we get older and it's hard to adjust. I'm blessed with 4 kids that take good care of me and I live with my daughter. Yes the rest of the kids want me with them so that's why I travel to make sure I'm still useful and of course be nosey. Yes I still do my son's laundry and my daughters are my best girl friends. I guess they make me feel needed. Nancy's parents looked good and I'm sure with the love she gives them they will be fine.

Second I'd like the thank the Executives at NBC for speaking to the reporters ( I don't need to say their names) who were bias. Yes I have seen the difference as now I see fair/balanced reporting it's great to see.

As for the torture of prisoners. Well it's been reported overseas as those who were illegally held were examined and found to have been tortured/raped/drugged while in US custody. This will effect the US for generations to come as other countries will feel free to do the same to the US.

Claudia I truly do remember the Kennedy's. My first crush was on JFK. I know it's silly but ha I was young and the boys in class were silly.  I remember when John John died it was like a member of my family has passed. I was at a legal meeting when I heard the news. People around me just kept talking saying they disagreed with the US looking for him it should be the Kennedy family to do it. Yes I stood up and yelled in this large room and said this is the son of our late President. I watched him grow up and I'm not going to late anyone speak bad of him and our country took his Father the lease we can do is find his body.  Yes I set down and no one said a word.

Nathan your letter should be sent to Senator Kennedy as it is proof of positives things can happen. You are a very special young man and I'm glad to told us your story because we all need faith.

best to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Anne and Matt

I have never responded to political sites before.  My condolences to the Kennedy family.  But I am appalled at the media representation of Oback Obama.  This individual has absolutely no platform he can defend or justify.  Yet I am incredulous the media has swept him up as the next likely presidential candidate.

I fear that as the winds blow at this moment he may indeed be the  electorate's choice.  And what a travesty as we learn of ineptitude in his philosophy and ill plans beyond the very liberal which can be assinine at times...and I am a liberal!  I am frightened by this man and the media push behind him for our presidentcy...ludicrous is the correct interpretation.

Once again a tragedy has struck the Kennedy family. I hope for a speedy recovery if possible for the senator.

I am, however, fed up with NBC and the rest of the media.

While you have no qualms mentioning the Clinton scandals, editing interviews with the President to further your own political views, and blatantly supporting a man we don't really know, in all the stories about Kennedy you have never mentioned Chappaquiddick. A life was lost there at his hands. He waited until he got his lawyer and story lined up before even reporting it to the police.

You have talked about his airplane crash where 2 people were killed and he suffered injuries. You have talked about the assasination of his 2 brothers. You have NOT talked about his family that has run afoul of the law.

Personally, I never had much respect for Ted Kennedy.
We all will find a way out of this world because death is inevitable.

Kennedy is/was an icon for the ultra liberal movement, pushing the legalization of abortion to include partial birth. Such insanity is abhoring.

John Kerry and Barack Obama are in the same category. When you basically have no respect for human life in it's most innocent form then you have nothing. It is the breakdown of the "right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Isn't that supposed to be the foundation of this country? Freedom for all.

Personally, I never had much respect for Ted Kennedy.
We all will find a way out of this world because death is inevitable.

Kennedy is/was an icon for the ultra liberal movement, pushing the legalization of abortion to include partial birth. Such insanity is abhoring.

John Kerry and Barack Obama are in the same category. When you basically have no respect for human life in it's most innocent form then you have nothing. It is the breakdown of the "right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Isn't that supposed to be the foundation of this country? Freedom for all.

Brian-  Thank you for pronouncing Louisville correctly last night!!!  

I was very annoyed by your coverage last night in regards to Senator Kennedy's diagnosis on both the Nightly News and MSNBC.  Based on your information I should not be here today writing this email.  I am the survivor of two "gliomas" and two brain surgeries and am currently going through chemo with the drug Temodar (which your chief medical correspondant cannot even pronounce correctly).  If you are going to provide information to public I wish you and your colleagues would not make such broad generalizations and solemn predictions.  It verges on misinformation.  This is not an election to be predicted and disected, it is a man's life.

It might be prudent to wait for the pathology reports and determine first what type of glioma Senator Kennedy has before we predict his future.  I imagine his family is anxiously doing so as are his doctors.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Senator and his family and I would remind them stastics are not personal.

Mr. Williams I truly enjoy your news broadcast.  I think it is first class, but in regards to the Senators diagnosis PBS made you look like a distant second place last night.

Jackie, you family is lucky to have you!  Wow! Laundry!   Have you ever considered adoption of a new daughter?     You are funny.   Getting the "skinny" on your kids.  I have a wonderful picture of you in my mind with that Hill shirt, NBC hat, a tote bag and sneakers boarding a plane smiling from ear-to-ear and your kids meeting you at the airport with a smile and a big hug for Mom!

Well, Jackie, what do you think about that Obama comment last night that Hillary paved the way for his girls to become President?     So he thinks it will take ANOTHER 40 years until we have a woman President.  I hope you Hillary supporters keep fighting for it.

Nathan, good to offer all of us a little hope in life!   You can send that letter to Kennedy's office in DC or MA.   You can find the address on line here.  I am sure he would love to hear from you!

http://kennedy.senate.gov/senator/contact.cfm

Hump Day Bests to All!

The heat is on!!!  Congress has questions for Brian Williams as to how much he knew of the Pentagon 'briefings' to NBC military propagandists and their ties to the defense industry.  Mr.Williams, you may not want you viewer to know that you intentionally let them be misled by the Republican party on the invasion and occupation of Iraq, but congress will find out what you knew and expose you for the Republican shill you are.  How does it feel to be under investigation, Mr.Williams?  The truth will come out.  And you will be on your way out.  Thankfully.

They'll balance out the clip of the short sighted woman (democrat sheep) who thinks putting oil in the strategic oil reserve with a story about some well heeled Liberal who can afford the latest hybrid car, or a trip to the north pole to watch ice melt with a quote like "I just want to "feel" like I'm doing my part to make people aware of global warming. Doubt we'll ever see anyone at the pump who says stop wizzing down my back and telling me it's raining. Roughly 72% of the cost of a gallon of gas goes in the treasury of foreign governments (instead of ours unless the Clinton energy department is in charge giving away 10 billion on an oops) 12% goes to state and federal taxes (always higher where Liberals rule), Distribution and Marketing 8% & Refining 8%. Maybe the big shocker would be that Exxon Mobil only handles about 3% of the world's oil. Nah we won't see that.
Jackie you should look up the name of New York Gov. W. Averell Harriman & his brother E. Roland Harriman who owned 3,991 shares in that bank compared to the ONE share owned by Bush's grandfather. It is a good example of how Liberals demonize their enemies for the spec in their eye while ignoring the log in their's.  Guess that makes FDR and the democrats the Nazis. Speaking of old socialist and how everything old is new again check out this link. It's OK to post links here that aren't from the Huffington post isn't it? Let's see.
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/05/democrats_recycling_commie_art.html

Dear Mr. Williams:  I am a JFK democrat.  I was raised on Cape Cod.  I still remember President Kennedy's funeral.  I was four years old.  I don't remember his presidency but I know his legacy.  Like Martin and Bobby this world would be a different place if they had survived.  Ted Kennedy, with all his faults, will leave a lasting legacy by his tireless work in the Senate for the benefit of all people and causes that weren't always popular but necessary.  He has been a father figure to his brother's children, some for all of their lives.  Rory Kennedy was born after Bobby's death.  My heart is broken for his children, our country and me.  I was taught things may not always be easy or popular but you must do what is right regardless of others opinion.  We will lose that fight when Ted Kennedy leaves the Senate.  Godspeed to Ted, his family and the United States of America.

I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THE WAY TED KENNEDYS CANCER IS BEING PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC. I AM SITTING HERE WITH MY 44 YR.OLD DAUGHTER WHO HAS MALIGNANT BRAIN CANCER AND TO HEAR THE MEDIA TALK ABOUT UNDER 1YR. OR 5YRS TO LIVE, IS TEARING MY HEART OUT. WHEN THE NEWS COMES ON,WE TURN THE TV OFF. AND I THINK EVERY CANCER PATIENT AND THEIR FAMILYS OUT THERE FEELS THE SAME WAY.

I AM A BRAIN TUMOR SURVIVOR OF NEARLY 3 YEARS.  I LIKE EVERYONEONE WHO HAS HEARD, "YOU HAVE A MILIGNANT BRAIN TUMOR" (MINE BEING A GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME, STAGE 4)YOU ARE IN TOTAL SHOCK AND THEN YOU ARE HIT WITH THE PROGNOSIS THAT ISN'T VERY POSITIVE. I AND MANY OTHERS ARE HERE TODAY AND HAVE PUSHED BY OUR ORIGINAL PROGNOSIS TO LIVE A FULL LIFE, CONTINUING TO FIGHT THE BRAIN TUMOR BATTLE EACH DAY.  I HAVE RECEIVED THE TREATMENT THAT IS BEING SUGGESTED AND I'M HERE! I JUST PARTICIPATED IN A 5K WALK SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION AT GOLDEN GATE PARK IN SAN FRANCISCO.  OUR GOAL THAT DAY WAS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIND A CURE FOR BRAIN CANCER WHICH IS DESPERATELY NEEDED.

THERE IS HOPE!

Hi Brian, This is my first blog entry to you & NBC news. I watch your newscast regularly & want to thank you for the journalistic integrety always present...and the slices of humor that help to modify the day's news!
Patti-Ann:I also am a JFK Democrat & have been since 1960. But, whenever Ted leaves the Senate, the fight is not lost. It will NEVER be lost if we remember, as President Kennedy said during his own Senate years,: "One man can make a difference & every man must try!" (Change man to person...smile)
To Nathan: I hope too that you forward your positive remarks to Ted Kennedy, as I'm sure that they wouuld help him as he & his family are going through their own difficult time (Again!)I wish you the very best also.

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