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A different focus

Posted: Saturday, December 27, 2008 4:13 PM by Ian Sager

By Peter Alexander, NBC News anchor

Just two days ago, millions focused their attention on Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born more than 2,000 years ago. During that evening's Midnight Mass, Pope Benedict XVI prayed "that hatred and violence will cease" between the Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, today, an unprecedented surge of violence erupted in that region, marking one of the bloodiest days in the 60-year Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The death toll is rising in the Hamas-run territory of Gaza – the most recent reports from Palestinian officials have indicated more than 200 dead. Our veteran Middle Eastern correspondent Martin Fletcher will have the latest details tonight.

Ron Mott will bring us the sobering 911 calls from family members trying to escape this week's deadly Christmas Day rampage in California. Police say 45-year-old Bruce Pardo killed nine people at his former in-laws' home, before taking his own life. We're learning more about what may have led him to commit such a heinous act.

Weather is once again wrecking havoc across the United States, and the radar suggests it might be a rough trip home for millions of people. My neighbor in the newsroom Michelle Franzen will wrap up the nation's trouble spots.

Our Chief Environmental correspondent Anne Thompson is on the ground in Harriman, Tennessee, gathering new details about what experts have described as a "witches brew" of potentially toxic sludge. The spill is threatening to give the coal industry's "clean coal" campaign a black eye.

Tonight, I'll report on what may be the next battleground in the country's culture wars: gay adoption. Arkansas residents recently voted to ban unmarried and same-sex couples from adopting beginning January 1st. I'll introduce you to people on both sides of the issue, including one family in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Lester is taking this holiday weekend off – spending some well-deserved time with his family. I'll be anchoring Nightly News tonight, and I hope you will join us.

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Hi Peter
Well Israel has 24 days left to draw the Middle East into a War by bomming and killing Palestanians. Now after 8 years Israel has enough weapons given by the US to continue bombing. Look Israel tried bombing Syria based on lies and Syria now is getting bombs from Russia to protect their people. The United Nations is helpless to do or say anything since the United States invaded Iraq based on lie and killed millions of Iraq men/woman/children. After Jan. 20th the Obama Administration will not be supporting these kind of attacks but rather peaceful talks. After reading the Media reports of the reason Israel thinks the land is there's it was strange to read in the bible Exodus 13:17, Genesis 21:32 and 1 Samuel 27:1 which explains exactly who God gave the land to. I guess it better to still to someone tell something then read the truth for yourself. This is another warning to Countries all over the World who at any time could be attacked or any reason.

It was sad to read about the CD the RNC candidate sent out with racial songs about Obama. It's hard for some to accept racism is over in America. Now if this were done to President Bush all people involved would have been prosecuted. We don't allow that to be done to a President as even some of those on this blog condemned the actions of the Shoe Man in Iraq for disrespecting our President. But I have notice Americans and the Media see no problem with that disrespectful conduct being done to our President Elect.  Well I guess it's ok to disrepect Obama but a crime/punishment if done to Bush. That's a change that will take time getting use to.

Good to see the Obama watch 24/7 even if he isn't President yet. But with so many problems facing us right now one would think the Media would be following President Bush and asking questions the people need answered now. Well there's always the Illinois Govenor to talk about and guess about what Obama said to Patrick Fitzgerald. That's better headline news then Bush giving corrupt criminal Toussia a pardon then taking it back then he will give it to him at the end of his term.

See you same time same place
Great Job Peter!

Wish we saw you more often and a great job on the Today Show this morning. Keep up the good work:)
Good Evening Mr.Alexander, Nice to see you this evening for the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Fletcher concerning the deadly attacks by Israel certainly was horrifying to see. The amoount of airstrikes and people killed and wounded is staggering. The images were awful of people being carried away and one feels so bad for the innocent children especially caught in the conflict. One definitely hopes for a ceasefire between the regions, but it is tumultuous and will take much time to reach any sort of agreement.
The report by Michelle Franzen about severe weather showed all types of weather from snow,ice,rain and winds. It just seems to never be ending and caused some major damage in some areas. I hope those hit hard by these storms get some relief soon.

The "Hard Times" segment by Christina Brown concerning seniors having to stretch the budget shows how difficult these economic times are right now. The couple featured in the report faced some really hard times with credit card debt,medical expenses and the husband losing his job. It is a burden for everyone in the situation of not being able to save enough and I hope things take a turn for the better.

On another note it is nice to know the name of Vice-President Elect Biden's new german shepherd puppy. The name Champ seems fitting and I'm sure he will like his new home.

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Alexander. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO  
A good broadcast this evening. Israel says there is a time for calm and a time to fight, and now is the time to fight. And he has George Bush's blessing. Bush said just don't shoot any civilians. How can Israel continue air stricks without killing civilians.  Barrack Obama is inheriting the worst economic condtions in 3 generations, and it looks like he will be inheriting 3 wars also.
Hi Peter,

in the report that feature the Tennessee Valley desaster, NBC Nightly News didn't mention that the parent company - General Electric - is a member of the coal lobby, since GE produces technology to promote clean coal. Most coal plants producing electricity are equipped with GE technology, worldwide.

I hope you will mention that tomorrow.


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