Brian,

I recently watched Richard Engel's documentary on his time in Iraq. It was hard to watch as my heart ached for him and his fellow reporters. I had no idea what you all have to endure in a war zone. The word "embedded" sounds so sanitary. I will certainly be reading his book. I wish he were going to be in Orlando so that I could personally thank him for his fine reporting and sacrifice.

Laurie

Mr. Williams,

Sounds like a good broadcast tonight. I am looking forward to the report on the two Supreme Court rulings. I hope Pete Williams will report tonight and explain it all, though both seem to be relatively easy to understand.

It must have been nice to catch up with Mr. Engel and hear how things are going thousands of miles away. I am always surprised when I hear such contrasting reports in terms of the progress being made in Iraq.

Anyways, looking forward to tonight. Hello to all the regulars.

I'm always torn when people say, as Cohen does in his column, that "A presidential race is only incidentally about issues. It's really about likability and character."  On the one hand, I agree.  And on the other, I often wish it weren't so.

Not that "likability and character" don't have something to do with policy.  I think people justifiably want to elect someone whose background or character they recognize, in the hope that that when that person is meeting with some head of state about a trade agreement, or reading a bill that's come to him or her for signing, that s/he'll not just have the voters in mind, but be able to draw on some experience or values held in common with ordinary citizens.

It'd be nice to think that politicians decided issues on their merits, carefully weighing and listing affected parties, or the economic and societal trade-offs inherent in each policy decision.  But politics, like news, is a human enterprise and a Senator's just as likely to make a momentous decision because they had a bad day. That, in the end, is why we care about character.

Having said this, I wish there were more focus on policy in campaign coverage, because character-related or not, so much of the flag-pin trivia that gets homed in on is, when it comes down to it, totally incidental to Presidential performance.  It makes me sympathize sometimes with Ezra Klein, who recently suggested that campaign reporting and policy discussions have become two entirely separate animals.

As he said to WNYC, "If we wanted to do debates where people got asked very tough [policy] questions, there would be a way to do it. We have these things called universities. D.C. is full of think tanks. There would really be ways to get actual experts onto a stage and have them interrogate the candidates. For campaign reporters, policy is not their job. Campaigns are. And so, they ask about campaigns."

I disagree with Klein that political reporters don't "know a whole lot about policy."  They live and breathe it.  It'd be of greater benefit to us all, though, if they focused on policy more in campaign reporting.

GOOD EVENING MR.WILLIAMS, YEAH! YOU SPENT LAST EVENING AND MOST OF TODAY WITH RICHARD!!! HE IS JUST AWESOME!!! I HAVE READ HIS BOOK AND IT IS SUPER EXCELLENT!! I THINK THE WORLD OF HIM AND SO ENJOYED MEETING HIM IN ATLANTA! IT WAS A GREAT LECTURE RICHARD! ALSO,I JUST WANTED TO LET HIM KNOW THE PICTURE CAME OUT REALLY GREAT FROM THE BOOK SIGNING! THANK YOU SO MUCH RICHARD FOR BEING SO GRACIOUS AND KIND! I WISH YOU COULD BE IN THE STATES ALL THE TIME! I AM SO HAPPY YOU READ THE E-MAILS RICHARD I WILL ALWAYS SEND GREAT SUPPORT TO YOU! HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME IN THE STATES ON YOUR BOOK TOUR!COME BACK TO GEORGIA AGAIN! PLEASE STAY SAFE AS ALWAYS!! GREAT REPORTING!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to you, Richard and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO  

Just finished, Richard Engel's book, and it was excellent. I would've liked to meet him at the book tour but have not been able to find out any information on the book tour. His reports on the Middle East region are rich in the history and within context of Islam, and the Middle East. Please pass my gratefulness to him and his crew, and the Iraqi bureau. Though, the soundbites and amount devoted to Iraq in the news-network and newspapers--are still relevant. Godspeed.

Dear Brian,

Thank you for your recent reports from Afghanistan.  When I was a teenager - you know, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth - the "current events" I was most interested in were the Soviet-Afghan war, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and the Solidarity movement in Poland.  Those are all issues that are long-forgotten, I guess.  Obviously, we should have paid more attention when it came to Afghanistan....

Btw, Brian, great job on Meet the Press.  You couldn't have had a better guest than Joe Biden.  He was my original choice for Democratic presidential nominee.  (Sorry, Jackie!)

I wanted to say, "hi," to Laurel from Central Florida, who has written in a few times, recently.  It's nice to "meet" another Laurel.  There aren't many of us.  If I had a dollar for every time I've been called Laura, Lorie, or Lauren, I'd be Warren Buffett by now.

Hi, also, to Richard Engel.  You'll notice more chicks than dudes write in about you.  Go figure.

Happy Wednesday!  Lots of love to Lisa, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt!  XOXO

Anna:  Get Googling!  :-)

Looking forward to reading Richard's book - can anyone point me to a schedule for his tour?

Lisa! Why am I not surprised at the all caps?


I'm going to try and reply to yesterday's post again, my connection failed me at just the wrong time...

Someone referred to himself recently as a "dark brooding Irishman"  Let's see  that would have been Brian Williams... here's my answer

You and I have lived through the most astounding half century in history. Consider the very medium we're on. Who would have thought, when we were kids, that a middle aged lady in New Mexico would be addressing the anchor of Nightly News? Can you picture the look on Huntley's or Brinkley's face? Yet the internet has freed us all. We've escaped the bonds of earth, we're even close to solving the mystery of Mars..  

And this election, oh this election. Love the candidates or hate them, this is one for the history  books. There you are in the catbirds seat getting to cover it all, while I, here somewhere west of NJ, get to take part in making sure that the glass stays half-full.

Are there problems, of course. Are they worse than what our parents and grandparents faced? No, but they, believing the glass half full, over came them, and build the greatest middle class the world had ever seen. You and I both benefited.

Take some time this summer to watch a flag wave, to buy lemonade from some kids stand, go to a small town and watch the fireworks, taking in the excitement always felt at that event, lay in a hammock, listen to crickets and remember how wonderful your wife and kids are. It is there, in the small towns and small moments of life that you'll find the glass half-full, maybe even running over.

Lisa in Georgia:

Please turn off the caps. And go easy w/ the exclamatio points!!!!!!!!!!!   Gads, it's like a letter to Tiger Beat.

Hi Brian and Bloggers:

Just wanted to pass on a funny to all the bloggers and give you a smile.  There is a fun picture of McCain and Obama on the front of NY Magazine this week.  

It sure gave me a smile. Yes, it is fake including Obama's six pack abs.  Ladies and gentlemen, please contain yourselves.  

Wednesday bests to all!  

http://nymag.com/nymag/toc/20080630/

@ Lisa:

Your shout out is well heard tonight.  You are clearly Richard's biggest fan on the web.

There is a Senate Bill 2991 that failed a vote because of a fillibuster. If this bill passes, gas would drop by 50-60%, according to a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)expert. Don't you think you should report this story? Why haven't you?

It was nice to see a smile on your face following the story on the kazoos. I found myself distraught after the lead stories and found myself smiling with those playing the kazoo for the first time. Wonderful.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Always a great broadcast! First of all the report by Mr.Fletcher from Kabul,Afghanistan concerning the young men who wanted to be suicide bombers was disturbing and sad to think such young men would want to commit these actions. They wanted to be powerful and show revenge to what they viewed on the videos, yet they had no idea of the real consequences of their actions. At least they were arrested before they carried out the bombing saving many lives. It is difficult to imagine how someone can be convinced to carry out these horrible acts of violence. Maybe someday there will be no more of these terror groups. Only time will tell. On another note the report by Chris Jansing about pets being given up due to foreclosure was sad to see. It must have been heartbreaking for the owners to bring their pets to the shelters. I'm happy this particular shelter featured in the piece does not put them to sleep. So many loyal and funloving pets. I do hope they either are reunited with their owners or find loving families to take care of them. Finally, the piece about the factory that makes kazoos was nice and happpy. Mr.O'Neill did manage to make the proper sound! Good Job! Nice to know that some things in life never change or get updated in any way because they don't really need to be. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams!
I JUST WANT TO SAY AGAIN I AM SO GLAD YOU SPENT TIME WITH RICHARD!! HE IS AWESOME! EXCELLENT BOOK RICHARD! AGAIN, I AM SO VERY HAPPY I MET YOU AND I WANT TO EXPRESS MY GREAT SUPPORT AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL YOUR REPORTING! I WILL ALWAYS SEND YOU E-MAILS OF GREAT SUPPORT! I AM THRILLED YOU READ ALL OF THEM! ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR TIME IN THE STATES WITH YOUR BOOK TOUR! PLEASE ALWAYS STAY EXTRA SAFE RICHARD!
PEACE TO YOU AND TO ALL!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

R. Cohen speaks truth when he communicates that McCain is immensely more, tough than Obama where the rubber meets the road.  He mentions that McCain changed course, but on far more important issues than Obama's more selfish motives, which are more apparent than real.  McCain understands that we cannot continue paying $300,000,000,000.00 to various criminal regimes who'd love to kill us, even as we deny those precious dollars to Needed R&D on new techs. as well as massive employment in well-paying jobs for Americans.  Imagine, reverse outsourcing fantastic jobs.   Offshore drilling has proved beyond a doubt that Ocean Life is wildly enhanced by oil platforms.  We can optimistically step up and work hard to bring down oil prices as we enhance the environment if we're no longer latched to the past.  McCain sees this, though Cohen will never tell of Louisiana's great eviro-benefitting oil drilling.  Cohen also seems still to cry about "poor John Kerry" being "swiftboated" which is his code crying for Kerry's compatriots actually getting to tell us what they saw of him.  MSM hates it when they don't get to lie like Cohen wants.  As a one-time believer/teacher, I've learned (stunningly) from my Vietnamese students' parents about the horrors of the state-sponsored mass-murder that was Kerry's gift to the land of Vietnam.

I enjoyed the broadcast but why is it that global climate change is not linked to global population growth? Can the former really be solved without addressing the latter? All this talk about conservation and alternate energy sources will have little effect unless the world population stabilizes.

I would love to have NBC News report on that relationship.

Mr Williams,

I just watched the piece by Martin Fletcher about the two Iraqis that tried to kill contruction workers because of an American soldier who shot the coran.  First obviously Hamza who claims he trained for 2 days to video claimed did not know what they were doing is lying.  What did he think he as going to vidio?  Why did you not ask him that question?  And now all he wants to do is go home and take care of his old parents. He must really think we are stupid, oh wait I believe you fell for that.  Then there is Abdul Maroof who says he wanted to kill the contractors.  Well he certainly know what he was doing.  Now he wants to be freed and to become a policeman. Huh what an interesting job for a killer.  Better yet why stop there maybe he could be a judge or even the Pime Minister.  I believe your broadcast wanted the US people to feel sorry for these people.  Ending your brodacast Martin states these 2 killers did not understand the consequenses of there actions just like the American soldier who shot the Coran.  Well no matter how you spin this action the American people are much smarter than you think.  They know these people are heartless killers without remorse who should never be compared to our soldiers.  Here in the US someone could burn the flag and all the Bibles they pleased and you would simply call this free speach.  Please give the US people some credit. They know the soldier that shot the Coran are in no way lie these tow killers.  Please stop the spin.

Bob

It seems that this is not a forum, but a cover for something that looks like one, very superficially.  I see no ideas exchanged and all opposing concepts are censored out with Soviet-propaganda-organ-like efficiency.

Hi Brian,
As every state has problems with pet over population, would it be possible to follow up the Chris Jansing Foreclosure Pets piece with a follow up report on how to make a tragic situation better?  

I fear that people will see this report and give themselves permission to dump more pets on animal rescue agencies.  There is so much desperation and not enough information on how to get help for these animals.  

Having worked at animal shelters, I can tell you that animals are euthanized every day for space.  NBC news is in a position to make a difference and the animals need our help.  Thanks for your report.  

Brian,

Thank you to you, the producers and Chris Jansing for reporting on the often overlooked problem of abandoned animals due to home foreclosures.  

With all of the issues in world news today, I'm grateful your newscast finds the time to increase awareness for the voiceless victims in our country.

To you all: I appreciate all your hard work!

Miguel, If it's argument you're looking for you've come to the wrong place (try First Read.. very entertaining political discussion over there) Here we tend towards being civil. You'd have to read this blog daily for a month to get the real flavor of it.
But Soviet-propaganda-organ-like efficiency.? No, it just takes longer for the posts to show up. They say in that paragraph above that they don't always post all of them, but I've seen threads that numbered somewhere around 8 or 9 hundred. If something you posted didn't could it perhaps have been in violation of the second part of that statement?

Boy I'd hate to live in your world where a sign of courage is writing an op-ed questioning the ethics of liberal politician. Send me to hell or New York city it'd be about the same to me. :-)

Brian-

Thanks to Martin Fletcher for the terrific report and posting tonight and for all the great pieces he did in Afghanistan. At times--scary too! I think we were all cringing until he got out of that truck safely. I liked the really sharp graphics you used to open the Afghanistan series, and the neat reference to Bagram air base having been used as a military base since Alexander the Great. It is things like little historical nuggets, great graphics, interesting interviews, and reports from outstanding correspondents that taken together make "Brian field-trips" so absorbing and informative. Kudos to all for your good work.

Re: Intel agencies reporting climate change threatens our security. Pardon the cynicism, but what took them so long? I think most of us figured that out a long time ago.

Brian, would you please get hold of Richard Engel and bonk him on the head a la the V-8 commercials! The man has to realize he has an audience! I counted 4 references in tonight's blog from people who want to know where he will be on book tour. I make 5. When Martin Fletcher wrote his book, he gave us a web address to contact. Richard--why the secrecy?

Richard, I bought your book, I read your book, I highlighted something on almost every page, I have notes in the margins, I have 4 note pages of comments and questions, I was looking forward to submitting something to the discussion you were supposed to hold on WP.com, then Tom Ricks shows up. What happened? Where are you? It's a great book! I think it's a MUST read for everyone who cares about this democracy. You tell it like it is and was. You are to be commended for that. So please--let us hear from you!

Sigh! Now that I've totally lost my cool and vented, I'll try to compose myself and address a few things in the book. Maybe Brian, you'll print this out and bonk him over the head with it!

It seems every time the Israelis and the Palestinians make progress in peace talks, extremists on one side or the other (or both) initiate some sort of violence so as to derail any progress toward peace. To me this says the extremists care only for their own continuance in power and the people who suffer the consequences of the war be damned. It has gone on for 60 years and I am afraid it will never be resolved. In light of the recent cease-fire between Israel and Gaza, talks between Syria and Israel, and your own experience and knowledge of the area--would you please give us your thoughts on the situation. Can there be peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians? If so--how?

On p 78, you speak of a story Bob Windrem (one of my favorite brainiacs at NN) told you. I quote you: "Windrem told me a story I wish more people had heard before the invasion." The story concerned his conversation with a very happy Iranian diplomat who was happy because the Iranians were sure the U.S. was going to get stuck in Iraq to their benefit. I bring it up because of the "wish more people had heard". It speaks to the criticism of the media in the run-up to the war that the questions were not tough enough, that both sides of the issue were not aired. Writing as a concerned citizen, I want to share what I wrote in my notes when I read that page and I direct this not only to you, but to all those at NBC News: "Need to discuss how media and those in the know can overcome voice of the executive branch to keep this from ever happening again. What can the people do to realize the truth?" The Bush administration has learned how to apply all the modern techniques for persuasion to the presidential bully pulpit. Their megaphone is very, very loud and persuasive. Subsequent administrations can be expected to do the same. The media needs to figure out how to counterbalance that in some way and I hope such a discussion will take place in 30 Rock. The thought occurred to me that reference to the Law of Unintended Consequences might be used. Richard, when you report a U.S. move in Iraq, Brian might ask you what might the unintended consequences be of that action--which would be an excuse for you to give the downside. Food for thought--which is what you want us to do--think!

I was surprised to read Pres. Bush essentially subscribes to the Biden plan for a loosely federated Iraq. I know you do also. Have any of the recent political developments in Iraq changed your thoughts on that? Do you in any way see a permanent power struggle, a la Israel/Palestine, evolving in Iraq?

Last page: "People don't want to hear about Iraq anymore. It's frustrating..." Perhaps, Richard, people don't want to hear about Iraq because they too are frustrated. There seems no solution. There is, as you aptly point out, no peace process in sight. And that leads me to my last question, as always, that I started asking Brian in September 2003, and have asked everyone in the know ever since: How do we responsibly get out?

I could go on asking questions and making comments. Each chapter deserves its own commentary. You should be proud of your book and of your work in Iraq. There are an awful lot of us who have benefited from you sharing your knowledge. Please keep it up. And get inside the turbans as much as you want (at least in this space). We'll listen and learn. We need to know.

Thank you, be safe, and take care--

P.S. Isn't NBC's foreign bureau now headquartered in London? Does that mean you are now London based? If so--cool! Fun place!

Everyone needs to understand that Global warming has taken place in cycles on this planet for millions of years! the current cycle of natural disasters like fires in Ca., floods in the midwest,earthquakes etc. have all occured on this planet in the past and will occur again in the future. We humans are just temporary guests on this planet which must endure these forces of nature. These natural forces deserve the respect and dignity which humans stupidly believe they can harness, or affect in some way. We need to stop building in known flood plains, known earthquake zones, and known fire hazard zones.If we can comprehend this reality, perhaps we will move the human race forward a few steps to a more harmonious future with nature. In the meantime lets try and preserve the human race by getting out of each other's faces and stop killing each other over oil and real estate. In the end Nature will win out and do it anyway. Lastly I say with the utmost sincerity, DON'T GET A DOG IF YOUR NOT WILLING TO TAKE ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOVING IT AND CARING FOR IT ALL OF IT'S LIFE!! WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR CHILD BEHIND IF YOU LOSE YOUR HOUSE?

Hi Brian and Team,
I am an American married to a Brit and live at the monet here in the UK. I look forward to your nightly program and enjoy it so. My husband is an academic and teaches on globilisation and enjoys the show as well. Thanks for keeping me abreast of all of US.Well done to you all. And yes I feel so sad of Tim Russert...

To make you all chuckle-my husband wants to know if you could share where you get your brill ties!! He likes them so!!!

Mr. Williams, I just wanted to say thank you so much for the information, given last summer, about Eldercare, particularly in regards to the VA Aid and Assistance Benefit.  After hearing about it, immediately checked out your website to get additional information.  My mother is 90 years old, in failing health, and the widow of an Army colonel who served in both WWII and Korea.  I live in MI, and she was in Tacoma, WA.  On my next visit, starting the application process (8/07)...and finally, yesterday, received the approval; you can not appreciate how much this is going to help. Since I no longer can manage her care, 2000 miles away, and three time zones, have recently moved her to Ann Arbor, MI to be closer...and with her income so very limited, this is such a God-send. Thank you! (I know this probably has little to do with your Blog, but could not figure out how else to thank you.)

By reading the posts, I see I missed a fabulous broadcast last night.  Pardon me while I pout!  (I come to you via dial up, so don't suggest that I watch it online.... that is "cruel and unusual" punishment!)

Thanks to Josh Braun for his very insightful comments.  I too, must agree with Mr. Cohen on his statement that elections are more on "likeability and character" versus policy.  My question is this: why isn't character related to policy?  It certainly seems that way to me.  It's how I translate the two in the voting booth.

I volunteer at an animal shelter so I know firsthand all the animals who are there simply because of the housing crisis.  It breaks your heart when you must witness the drop offs - the crying animals and the crying humans are enough to make me tear up.  My shelter does not euthanize unless absolutely medically necessary, so our foster families are working double overtime to help with the overflow.  Thanks for the story that was done on this important issue: no one is immune to the housing crisis!

Lisa, if you use any more ALL CAPS to talk about Richard, NBC might have to get him security INSIDE the States to protect him from fans like you!  ;)  You go, girl!  And that's it... I'm going to have to break down and buy the book.  It's never at the library long enough to borrow!

Can viewers get an update on electricity supply, water and sewage and displaced persons in Iraq?  

Hi All:

Yes, Laurel, just call me the Google Queen!

No, Celine, I can't find another book signing for  Richard.   I guess we are just going to have to ask him to dinner with the blog suspects and have a chat.  

Once Stephanie is done reading then we can all meet at Shelfari for a good group discussion.   Stephanie the books is on sale at B & N this week.  

I too am frustrated with this entire mess.   I can only imagine being an Iraqi or Afghan mom trying to make sense of this war.     My prayers are with the honest people of those countries.   Most of them don't want all this loss either.

I hope Zohair and his wife are doing better at the Baghdad bureau.   I am glad he has received the support from the NBC family and a good doctor.

On a MUCH brighter note, Luke Russert was on Larry King last night and was a complete joy.  Watch out Brian, Larry offered him a job to do commentary for Rock the Vote on CNN.   Luke said he would have to pledge to the "peacock" channel and Uncle Tom Brokhaw.

Here's the link to some of the information.  What a nice young man.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/26/lkl-lukerussert/index.html

Bests to all!

@Stephanie-Umbro - Thanks for the shout-out.  I think you're right.  I do think character is related to policy.  It's just a rather complicated relationship.

I worked for a time as a fellow at the National Academies, where among other things, they get a bunch of scientists and economists together to give the government policy advice on the issues of the day.  Their process - which I'm bound to butcher in my short description - has some commonalities with the advice given in Eugene Bardach's book, A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis.  When they do their dance, they consider what the various policy options surrounding an issue are, and then turn their expertise on the problem of laying out as realistic as possible a list of benefits, drawbacks, potential side effects, and affected stakeholders for each such option. They also lay out benchmarks, and indicators that a policy body could use to figure out if a policy is working or not, and whether nasty side effects are materializing.

They then write a report and present this "neutral" document to Congress, who (hopefully) uses it to aid in making a decision on whatever bill, resolution, or issue it pertains to, by applying their values and those of their constituents - which is most certainly an exercise in character.

The National Academies' vision is a highly idealized process, in which an effort is made to really delve deeply into what the potential outcomes of a policy are, and to make the best possible decision about it with full foreknowledge of the risks and impacted groups.

By laying out these sorts of analyses, and using them to make good decisions about when to implement a policy, which one to implement, and when to yank a policy that's malfunctioning, we get a government that serves us better. I personally believe in this system.  I think it helps us more, in the long run, than a political body that perpetually governs with its gut alone. Moreover, I think that "objectively" collecting, weighing and trusting the evidence may sometimes be a challenge to one's original convictions.

But, as you've probably guessed, this is a rather cold and rational system.  Drawing up a list of potential risks and benefits on paper isn't the same as knowing what those dangers feel like on the ground where your constituency lives.  It's fair to worry that policy analysts, whether at the National Academies or elsewhere among the myriad groups in Washington that aim to consider or influence policy, might not always have the whole picture in their heads.

I think character is about self-awareness and awareness of others - knowing when those "tradeoffs" in a policy document are for the greater good, and when they may do unforgivable harm to the people who've placed their trust in you.  It's not just about having a handle on an issue, but knowing where your information comes from - from neutral experts, lobbyists, constituents, interest groups, and so on.  And it's about being accountable for the decisions you make, knowing that most times, all the options are imperfect.  For what it's worth, that's my two cents on the relationship of character and policy.

Bravo, Mr. Williams for featuring a story on Foreclosure Pets!  I am the founder and president of No Paws Left Behind, Inc., a not for profit organization designed to bring an awareness and find solutions to foreclosure pets, nationwide.  This is a very rapidly growing phenomenon which is getting very little attention but will be much larger than the pet crisis that we all saw as a result of Hurricane Katrina.  With Katrina, we saw a beginning and an end.  We changed laws and brought and awareness to people that with pets comes a responsibility of planning for a natural disaster.  With the mortgage crisis, there is no end in sight and we, as Americans do not plan for financial disasters.  Outdated legislation prevents the removal of pets from abandoned properties prior to the eviction process, placing code inspection officers in a difficult position and a petition is on our sight to change those inhumane laws.  Our website is designed to help borrowers in a financial crisis by locating shelter and foster facilities, assist shelters at or over capacity due to the mortgage meltdown, and assist real estate professional, neighbors, and field representatives who find pets left behind.  In short, we give a voice to the silent victims of the mortgage crisis who cannot speak for themselves.  Thank you for a terrific report!

Referencing Caudia from Farmington, I'm by no means looking for "an argument", but this's a Stepford wifian post place if differing ideas are simply hidden, whatever excuse is smilingly extended as cover for fear of actual thought.  Back-slapping familiarity is not an adequate cover for uniform fear/refusal of an exchange of ideas; any more than is a one-sided humanities department at the university is real education.

Hi Miguel:

Welcome to the blog!    I read this blog for a long, long time before I ever posted.   My goal was to get the "feel" or the "tempo" of the place to see if folks were friendly and ideas were interesting.

While yes, we do have a group of regular ladies there are also men. The thing is we don't scream and yell at each other.  We state our points and go on without being rude and bitter.  

There are plenty of places on the net for rudeness and bitterness.  And yes, every once in a while you will see a discussion about bread, fruits and vegetables, past history, current events and predictions as it relates to our current economy.

We discuss the news, sex, politics and religion.   We also live most of the time in peace at this blog.

We welcome your comments.

Anna,

I appreciate your welcome and the jist of your comment.  By no means did I mean to connect the mere fact that some/most of the commentors in this blog may be women, exclusively to the "Stepford Wives" concept.  I was referencing the idea that there's an unreal uniformity displayed, which discourages, even disallows wide-ranging free thinking, in favor of the comfort shown in the movie.  This is dangerous, however nice it may seem, as the movie purports to show.  I will say, this place is far more civilized than the hate-speech-ridden Huffington Post.

But both seem to share a uniformity of agreement speech encouraged within.  As a one-time strong minded liberal, who's learned something, I find uniform thinking a concerning default, letting us off the hook.  My "learning curve" has been fierce and involuntary as real ideas intruded brusquely and forcefully into my comfortable "discussion is over" views which I had held inviolate.  This is the only way I could learn, and it wasn't that easy. Since   Learning is an imperative for all humans, I felt it my responsibility to accept intruding, uncomfortable ideas for consideration, as I learned deeper elements of teaching in the laboratory of my classroom.

I do appreciate the more learned comments here.  I find much information in these more civilized comments, just as I've found great intelligence on conservative blogs; both in great contrast to leftist political hate-blogs.  This leads me to have some hope that the more civilized Americans can, at last, come to a meeting of the minds, a thing impossible by listening to the corrupted universities or such things as huf-hate as we call it.  I have found no corresponding conservative hate blogs.

Hello Brian
Please do a followup on the MSNBC story about the nitwit from Chicago that designed a video game to kill the President. Our Nation is going nutty in a hurry. More people need to know about what is taking place with our "freedoms". Less about Brittany and Bradgellina (whatever) and more about getting our guard up. Thanks... Bob

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):