Brian you could be a teacher.
Now you asked what would in my case my life be like if JFK hadn't been killed. Well not being born with all the rights of an American I would think much better. But God had a plan that He never told me about. I learned to appreicate what I have and learned to make do with what I have and be grateful. Now looking at the situation today those lessons come in handy. Life is what you make it not what a President tells people to do. I have met the best people of my country and yes the worse but I've to see the good now out number the bad. I'm glad the road I've lead was like it is, I've passed it on to my kids and I take pride in them as adults.  We always need to learn from our pass so we don't make the same mistakes. There will always be some who try hard to bring chaos and hate but it's the numbers that make the difference. That's it!

Now ya I know the Stock Market was up because of Obama's appointments to the Economy. I did get a good laugh at the honesty of Mr. Forbes as he call Hank the Worse US Treasury. Finally someone else has said what I've been saying since he got appointed.  Citi Group got most of the bailout money and AIG got their share. Hank will have to come back to ask for more soon as others are looking to get the free money. I was thinking about asking Hank for a couple of billion myself since it's so easy. As long as your not the Auto Industry. I wonder what Henry Ford would be thinking as he was the founder of the car.

It is amazing to hear how demands are put on Obama to do something now to stop this deeping recession yet Bush just parties and does nothing nor does anyone say he should do anything. Smart move on the GOP's part as they let the debt get as worse as possible in hope Obama/Biden fail at the recovery. All this as Americans do nothing, say nothing and let the future generations have a debt even they can't get out of.  McCain has left the building and isn't interested in helping the Economy now that the election is over. Most of the representatives of the two States Michigan/Ohio that are suffering the most turn their backs on those citizens. We are even asked to pay the legal fees of Gonzo for the crimes he committed against the USA while he was Attorney General. Look for other Law Makers and White House criminals to ask for the same. Libby might even ask for a reimbursement from the taxpayers.

See you tonight same place same time

Dear Mr. Williams and NBC News Team,

From my point of view, if I had to brand what we are living now, I would call the First Global Depression, after all the crisis of the 30s was more local to the US and the proof of that is that different countries in the world use the term Great Depression to refer to their own local crisis and not to the the crisis of the US during the 30s.
Now, in this global world, problems are global too but until now there has not been any global leader, at least in this new century. With Mr. B. Obama, I hope that in short, besides having a new president in the USA we all get a new global leader.

Have a good night.

 

Jackie:

Here's an article for you to read.   Sorry, I don't by that Bush will be charged with war crimes.  This is one thing that as a nation we do not or should not need at this time.

While Bush has driven me nuts I made a determination to never blog bad about him because I have always and still believe the President has more information than I will ever have in my lifetime.   Look at all of them Jackie including Clinton and Carter they all have come out worn and torn.  

As we head into this Obama era, I hope and pray the man has what it takes to be a great leader.  So far I feel like we are doing Clinton's Third Term Live.

I'll keep lighting my candle praying for Bush and Obama to do the right thing in the coming months.  I hope and pray that I don't have "willfull blindness" in the process.

For those of us on the blog that might have a few extra cans, or some time, please consider giving or helping a book bank in your local community.   I'll be serving meals most of the day at Salvation Army because there is no place I would rather be this year.

Happy Thanksgiving, Peace and Joy to All!

It might be too simple a term to call it "The Bush Era". We are going to be living with these problems long after W leaves the White House, but President Bush was the butterfly with the 40 ton wings that set this storm in motion.

Jackie, I always appreciate your insight and comments.  I would just add that if our nation was vulnerable, it would be right now: the Bush team slowing down as they transition out, and the Obama team being built but not yet in charge to do anything, but expected to produce miracles.  

Anna, unfortunately I qualify to be in the line of the individuals that you will be serving at the Salvation Army meal.  In years past I have given money to go towards those meals; I suppose you could say its coming back to me.  Since I have no money to give, I will be giving my time to the lowliest among us: I'll be doing an extra volunteer shift @ the animal shelter so that the staff can have time off with their families.   I must agree with you though: there's no other place I'd rather be.  It's so much more encouraging and fulfilling to give to those who need, even if I am the one in need.  Jackie, if Hank gives you a couple billion, don't forget your friends on the blog.  I don't need a billion, but a few hundred thousand would be nice!  lol

I missed most of the broadcast, but I can't wait to see the rest of the National Geographic project.

Fighting for rice?  That's one food I still can't tolerate that much.  I've got plenty I can send over; you don't have to fight me for it.  It must be terrifying for the Filipinos.  

Hello & early Thanksgiving wishes to the regular suspects like Lisa, Laurel, Jackie, Anna, Celine, Claudia, and Matt!

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast as always this evening. First of all the report by Savannah Guthrie on the forming of President-Elect Obama's economic team is majorly crucial during this terrible economic crisis. The sooner these people can get started working the better. The financial system cannot fail totally and things need to be done to reassure people's confidence. The Dow up almost 400 points is good news, but when one learns of the government pledge of 7.7 trillion to help the economy it is simply hard to figure an amount of money that high.
The report by Erin Burnett concerning the rescue of Citigroup needed to be accomplished seeing as how it is the largest bank and allowing this bank to collapse would be devastating worldwide.
I hope in the end all this bailing out of financial institutions will give a positive outcome overall and some really good news comes out.
On another note the report by Mr.Bazell concerning the robotic surgery was very interesting and shows how extremely far we have come in technology to be able to master this kind of surgery. The images were amazing and using two finger controls allows so much more mobility by the doctor to be very precise.

The "In Depth" report by Ian Williams called "Against the Grain" certainly exhibited how these people in thecv Phillipines rely so heavily on rice for their lifeline. Such challenges for this region because of such a large population and the price of rice is so high it makes it so difficult for people to afford to feed their families. It appears the government's help amounts to not enough, but I hope these experiments with rice crops will help future generations. Time will tell.
The "Our Planet" series report by Anne Thompson about critter cam was very enjoyable. I liked seeing what the animal sees underwater and it seems to be giving valuable information to scientists to understand more about these animals. As you stated Mr.Williams as long as the animals don't mind. Nice Piece!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Stay Safe and Well Richard!!
XOXO

Anna your heart is good but the things that will come out aren't under the US control. Sorry but with the facts if the invasion, kidnapping, torture, rape and even murder we the American people might turn a blind eye or even wont to leave it in the pass and move on but the World wont. Think of people like Hitler and others who openly committed horror crimes. The US caught Saddam who gased hundreds of people, we call current Leader Axis of Evil. When Gitmo is closed even a christian can't turn a blind eye to the horror we've done.  No one likes to talk about a President but I lived during the years of Nixon and even saw my own country assassinate JFK so I can no longer stand by this time for the next generation taught by this Bush Administration as they continue this pattern.  Those who don't stand for something stand for nothing. We have to speak up and demand our Leaders follow the Constitution and the Democracy we built. Feeling sorry for Bush is telling Americans this recession isn't really happening things are great we're strong. This President is an example of the USA and as our children look to follow. Do you really wont our kids to grow up with the values shown by President Bush.
Anna anyone can hold a title, but you earn respect it's not given.  History don't be as kind or turn the other cheek as you are doing with the hold story of this horrible 8 years comes out. Yes pray for George W. Bush because he will need God's forgiveness.

Hi Just A though the bright light falling to earth in Canida could it have been A tool bag?

I am all for our government giving CitiGroup a loan, provided they get it for 22%, the same rate they charge many of their own customers.

Jackie:

No, I don't want my children or your children or the next generation growing up endorsing torture etc.   What I am saying is instead of "killing the messenger" ie:  Bush we must seek first to understand all the facts.  Unless you have facts unknown to me, I haven't seen all this evidence.  Let's follow the rules for jury duty -- innocent until proven guilty.  

I try to follow it in my daily life although Obama is pushing my buttons.  I don't trust the man at all.  Just like you don't trust Bush.  Obama gets under my skin like a phony preacher.   I don't think I can be preached to for 4 years about how the government can do it better!    I am my own gal here and paved my own way with education, dedication, ethics and hard, hard work.

Bush is not perfect and was not perfect. No man or woman can be every thing to every person.  Yes, the President should follow the Constitution of the USA.  Yes, we should endorse only those things that are good and right and just.     I know things have been difficult.  We are in wartimes and in a war that continues and goes on and on.  We are all tired of this fighting.    

There is not one American I know that isn't upset with the war, the economy and the threats on everyone's peace and security.  What I am saying is that the President didn't act alone -- Congress and the military were involved.  There could be more than just Bush.   If Bush committed or endorsed all these crimes, where is the evidence.

Here's the article I was trying to link previously. Looks like the Dems have pardoned more than Bush has to date.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/washington/25pardons.html

We will have to just continue this conversation next time you are in NYC over a piece of cheesecake and a cup of coffee.   In the words of Rachel Ray, "Yummo!"

Stephanie:  How sweet of you to work at the shelter.  I'll be thinking of you on Thanksgiving and hoping your situation gets better financially.    

If Brother Hank comes up with a billion of unmarked bills, that would be a very nice split for the 10 of us regulars on the blog.   That would give NN something to talk about "Bloggers Travel Around the World with Richard Engel."   I am thinking nice places and NO war zones.  We could travel like GM executives via private planes and AIG executives at some of the world's best resorts.   Who else should we take on the trip?    Put my vote in for Mr. Gregory!   I'll pay for the MJ Blige concert too!

Bests to All!  

Brian I was surprised at the report on my home town it was nice but incorrect somewhat. I've lived her 7 years and attended many community events never seeing the Mayor. I just saw him when I volunteered for the City. He is actully ruined this city and years of favors and wastfull spending. I do remember a robo call asking to vote for him after that nothing. My community changed alot with Obama/Biden. Our Congressman is under investigation while their still counting the election results. We need new Leadership in Riverside quick.

I always wondered how they did the penguin movie now I know.

I expect more troubling news to come I'm ready. Obama can only do so much before he takes office. President Bush was wise to use the fact he talked with Obama about the Citi Group bailout. Interesting how Citi Group and AIG can continue to buy luxurys, box seats and keep all the expensive properties while the Auto Industry has to cut out everything. Now I do believe in down sizing but it should be for all not just a chosen few. As the World Leaders have said they will wait until Obama/Biden take office to deal with the USA. I was surpised to hear the Saudi's large interest in Citi Group they now might want to become the majority share holders with such cheap stock rates. How many other wealthy Middle Eastern Leaders are looking to buy some of America during our recession?

Brian I was wondering why the taxpayers have to pay for the legal fees for Gonzo for the charges he has against him for the crimes he committed while he was Attorney General. It seems strange that a person no longer in the job, who charged with a crime while doing the job, has the people he abused paying his bills. It's like a bank robber being asked to investigate the bank robbery he had done. I guess Attorney General Mukasey has a good reason why the law was changed to protect the criminal. He's got alot of explaining to do for this one.

Have a great night all

Best to my friends Lisa, Laurel, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anna and Matt

Brian--  This business of banks and insurance companies being too big to be allowed to fail has me scratching my head. How did they get that big in the first place? We are supposed to have anti-trust laws to prevent that sort of thing. Some one(s) allowed mergers that should never have been allowed. Smaller institutions can be allowed to fail and the corporate officers who got them into dire straits are therefore held accountable. By merging, the corporate upper echelon guarantees nothing will happen to them no matter what. I think all these government financial bailouts should come with strict financial diets -- almost starvation diets. You want to stay at the helm? Suffer the consequences of your prior actions.

Will anyone in government or industry or finance ever be held accountable for anything that has happened in the last 8 years? We are setting unfortunate precedents that virtually guarantee repetition of these disastrous performances. And to boot we, or more likely our children, will pay for it all and pay and pay for something they had no part in. What has this country come to?

Jackie-- I love your idea of asking Hank for a few billions. Why not? We may as well get on the band wagon too. What could happen to us? Nothing (see above)!!!

Did you get to see George Lewis while he was in Riverside? Sorry to hear your town is so depressed. Hank, where are you??!! Pardon my sarcasm.

A happy Thanksgiving to all and especially the "usual suspects" -- and that includes all who toil at 30 Rock and the many far flung NBC News bureaus around the world. Thanks for all your good work in keeping us well informed.

Why is Nightly News deliberately altering their video images?  On Oct. 22, Nightly News did a story about the use of geothermal energy in Iceland.  At one point in the story, we were shown two black & white photos from Iceland's past.  As the camera panned across these photos, it was obvious that the video had intentionally been altered to make the photos appear older.  There were lots of flecks, vertical lines, dots, hairs, bubbles, flickering lights, etc. that had been added to the video.  It was obvious that these lines, dots, etc. had been added in post-production, because they appeared on the video image, not on the photos themselves.  

This happened again on Oct. 25, when another set of pictures were doctored in a Nightly News story.  This story was about the revived popularity of layaway purchases in these difficult economic times (a story that probably could have been summed up in fifteen seconds, rather than two minutes).  At one point, Michelle Franzen's voice-over told us that, "Long before shoppers swiped credit cards to make instant purchases, Americans used installment plans to buy everything from clothing and jewelry to airline tickets."  As she read this, we were shown a series of three newspaper ads--one for women's clothing, one for jewelry and one for United Airlines.  Again, as the camera panned across each ad, the video had obviously been doctored (in the same manner as in the Iceland story) to make them appear older.  The most ridiculous thing about this was that the ads weren't old at all--they were all from the 1970's (the United Airlines ad offered a "Bicentennial Fare")!  So Franzen described a time "long before shoppers swiped credit cards", but the ads we saw were only 35 years old.  The clothing ad even carried the MasterCard and Visa logos.  Hardly a time before credit cards.  

And yesterday (Nov. 23), Nightly News again altered video footage.  During a story about old New York City subway cars being recycled as artificial underwater reefs, several seconds of footage of the NYC subway during rush hour was doctored with lines, bubbles, dirt flecks, etc. to make it appear older.  Clearly, this was recent footage that had been altered in post-production.  It was obvious that the subway cars were modern.  The people inside were dressed in current styles and the exterior of one subway car displayed its destination in high-tech electronic print--indicating that it was a current model.

The altering of video footage on a news broadcast raises serious ethical questions.  Shouldn't a news broadcast be required to show footage as it actually is, rather than as the producers want us to see it?  And in what other cases is NBC manipulating video images in news stories?  Are they routinely adding or removing people from certain videos?  Obviously, the technology exists to do this.  We all remember four years ago, when a photograph surfaced showing John Kerry sitting next to Jane Fonda at a Vietnam-era war protest.  It was later revealed that the picture had been altered--Kerry and Fonda hadn't actually been sitting together.  And this past election night, I remember hearing Brian Williams bragging about this type of technology.  He told us that by standing in front of a green screen, Ann Curry could be made to appear as if she was anywhere in the world.  So how do we know that NBC News isn't using this technology on a regular basis?  For example, was Brian actually anchoring Nightly News from Cleveland earlier this year, as he claimed?  He could have been reading the news in front of a green screen at NBC's New York headquarters.  How do we know that Kelly O'Donnell was really following John McCain around during the campaign?  She, too, could have been reporting in front of a green screen.  If Nightly News is doctoring video images to make them appear older, it's certainly possible that they're using this technology to alter video in other situations.  The bottom line is that NBC News should not be altering any video images under any circumstances.  This deplorable practice only serves to further alienate viewers and erode the trust that we place in our televised news sources.  

Is anyone at Nightly News actually paying attention?  Does anybody there even care?  Last Thursday (Nov. 20), Nightly News aired a story about a possible bailout for the Big Three automakers.  During that story, an Nightly News on-screen graphic identified Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as "Henry" Reid.  Ordinarily, this type of mis-identification would be astonishing for a news organization.  But for NBC, it seems routine.  After all, in recent months NBC and MSNBC have misspelled the names of former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, current New York governor David Paterson, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (twice), Senator-elect Kay Hagan and the country of Colombia.  Keep up the great work, NBC.  You should be really proud of yourselves.

And here's another one from the "NBC oops file":  During yesterday's Nightly News, an on-screen graphic identified Austan Goolsbee as an Obama "advisor".  Moments later, in a clip from "Meet The Press", William Daley was identified as an Obama "adviser".  Both spellings are correct, but how about a little consistency among the NBC news shows?  Pick a spelling and go with it.

Jackie,
Hitler would have continued to kill millions had the United States not entered WWII.
Saddam would still be killing hundreds and his sons would still be randomly raping had the US not intervened.
Al Qaeda was escalating its attacks on us (bombing our ships and buildings). When you find those who are attacking you.....you detain them....you get information that will save Americans. To suggest that you do otherwise is to deny reality.
As for the recession, the root of it is the housing problem....which started when Fannie Mae was pushed again and again to provide loans to people who couldn't afford to repay them. That was mainly done by President Clinton.
Let's deal with facts rather than partisan emotion.

Brian, here in Brazil we have too many fields appropriated to plant rice, and rice is the number one food grain for us. But states like Sao Paulo, Parana, Mato Grosso are no longer producing rice. Instead, we are planting sugar-cane for producing alcohol and soybean for exporting. I think that in a short run we will be lacking rice and the price is gonna be very high worldwide. Miguel - Campinas - Sao Paulo - Brazil.

I think we'll likely call it "The consumption crisis," "Credit freeze" or something similar. I think the causing factors will be what names it. "Credit default swaps" just doesn't sound as catchy.

Hello Brian,
pls give a read and tell what you think. How to handle the bailout ‘Caribbean style’


 

I am against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. I am also against the $700,000,000,000 bailout being proposed in Congress right now!

           Instead, I am in favour of giving $85,000,000,000.00 to America in a ‘We Deserve It Dividend’. To make the math simple, let us assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.  Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child.  So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.

 

           So, divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion - that equals $425,000.00.  My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a ‘We Deserve It Dividend.’  Of course, it would NOT be tax-free. So let us assume a tax rate of 30 percent.  Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.  That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.  But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.  A husband and wife have $595,000.00.  What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

 

           Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.  Pay off credit card debt.  Repay college loans – what a great boost to new graduates.  Put away money for college – It will be there for junior.  Save in bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.  Buy a new car – create jobs.  Invest in the market – capital drives growth.  Pay for your parents’ medical insurance health care improves.  Enable deadbeat dads to come clean – or else.  Remember this is for every adult U.S. citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back.  And of course, for those serving in the Armed Forces.  If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it... instead of trickling out a puny $1,000.00 (‘vote buy’) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

 

           If we are going to do an $85billin bailout let us bail out every adult U.S. Citizen 18+!  As for AIG – liquidate it. Sell off is parts.  Let American General go back to being America General.  Sell off the real estate.  Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.  Here is my rationale.  We deserve it and AIG does not.  Sure it is a crazy idea that cannot ever work.  But can you imagine the coast-to-coast block part!  How do you spell economic boom?  I trust my fellow adult America to know how to use the $85 billion ‘We Deserve It Dividend’ more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington D.C.  

And remember, The Caribbean Plan only really costs $59.5 billion because $25.5 billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.  Ahh... I feel so much better getting that off my chest.    

Right Rachel it was all President Clintion for the pass 7 years I didn't get the memo sorry. Bush and Cheney left a surplus and just got in to help clean up the Wars, recession and torture at Gitmo. I should have listen to President Elect Bush's speech. Well at least Jan. 20th when Bush is sworn in office he can clean up this mess that President Clinto made with his 1992-2008 terms as president. It was President Bush Senior who left the US with a big surplus and President Clinton cleaned it out in just 3 months. At lease with the in coming Bush Administration we'll have appointed people who can move us forward to restore the reputation of the United States.

Can anyone answer the question? When will the financial institution help us with the credit scores and maybe that would encourage us to get out and stimulate the economy?  If I pay my $800 house note on time every month for 8years and then on the 9th year it rises to $1300 for taxes, intrest, and principal What am I to do so yes I am forced to sell.  But the sell market is down so what am I to do.  So now I'm in danger of foreclosure w/o any help, yeah there's options but that puts me more at a risk.  So now I foreclose and have horrible credit scores.

Brian Williams, I and many of my freinds are very concerned about how Ann Curry is doing after her very stressful and what I consider dangerous attmept to climb Mtn. Kilamangero during The Today Show last week.
I find it odd that Matt, Meredith, and Al didnt do anything that dangerous but Ann is always the one who seems to be in danger.

So What is the matter with Ann Curry and when will she be back with The Today Show? Tell her America is worried and praying for her.

Depression 2.0

Brian -

It's the Collapse.

Joan

@Corey -

Your math is incorrect.  $85 billion divided by $200 million is $425 dollars each....Whoopie - go buy a house with that....LOL

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