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States struggling with 'traumatic' ice storm

Posted: Saturday, January 31, 2009 4:16 PM by Ian Sager
Filed Under:

by Lester Holt, NBC News anchor

In the aftermath of a hurricane or tornado, the scale of suffering is easy to understand; the destruction is plainly visible. Such is not always the case after an ice storm, but what citizens from Missouri to West Virginia are going through is no less traumatic.

Many have been without power for days, and others have no heat. In some cases it may be weeks before electricity is restored. In addition, more than 40 people have died as a result of the storm. NBC's Rehema Ellis will report the latest tonight, including the unprecedented reaction of Kentucky's National Guard.

We'll have details of what President Barack Obama said today about his plan to help Americans struggling with their mortgages, along with his administration's work to free up the credit market. 

Richard Engel will recap today's election in Iraq, and Tom Costello will report on big questions about the future of NASA as it's space shuttle program nears an end.

I hope you'll join me later for NBC Nightly News.

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Good Evening Mr.Holt, Always great knowing Richard will be on the broadcast! I certainly saw alot of Richard's reports on the Today Show and especially MSNBC this morning! Richard reporting from the polling place where Iraqi's voted in the elections showed that everything seemed to go smoothy which is good news. It is wonderful the women of the region are running for offices and the quota will have to be met. Richard stating this morning how the women go out wearing makeup,jewelry and blue jeans shows how far the country has come although there is more progress to be made. I hope this continues in the coming years.
Excellent Reporting Richard!
Looking forward to your recap of the election on the broadcast!
On another note regarding the winter storm I hope all those effected by the storm get the power back on as soon as possible.
Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Holt! Look forward to your report Richard! Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard! Great Reporting!
XOXO
Dear Lester,

Having been through an ice storm myself - although it was not as severe as this one - I fully empathize with the folks who are suffering now.  It is such a discouraging situation - no power, no heat, no food, no water, and many times, no safe way to get to a place that does have those things.  I wish everyone the best.

I just have to say it - I know Lisa McNeil and I got our RE fix today, between Today and MSNBC Live and msnbc.com!  Woo hoo!

See you tonight, cuz we surely won't see Nightly News tomorrow night!

Lots of love to Lisa, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt.  XOXO  

Lori - NKY, and Phyllis Kunz:  I hope you are okay in all this bad weather.
Good Evening Mr.Holt, A fine broadcast this evening. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! )Always Handsome!) Richard's report on the Iraqi elections certainly showed a peaceful orderly voting day. Hearing it was the most peaceful elctions since the invasion after 11 hour of voting proves progress is being made in the region. Shiites and Sunnis all voted and were able to cast a ballot for whoever they chose which is good news for the citizens. Seeing Richard walk along the street speaking of how children can walk to school safely and women feeling more confident is welcoming plus many women are on the ballot which is a milestone. Being able to wear jewelry, makeup and jeans gives women of the region a sense of freedom not felt in a long time. Richard saying that Iraqi forces were not as dependent on US Troops to aid in security for the elections could mean that in the future some of the US troops could be withdrawn from the region. Time will tell. I hope the peaceful time continues for the citizens.
Excellent Reporting Richard!
PLEASE STAY EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS!

On another note the report by Rehema Ellis on the ice storm certainly showed how much misery this storm has caused millions of people in many States. I hope with a rise in temperatures causing some of the ice to melt that power is restored.

Much security for the Super Bowl and many big commercials apparently needing 3-D glasses. I hope it is a good game!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Holt! Enjoy the Super Bowl! Great to see you Richard! Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard! Excellent Reporting!
XOXO

RE:  3-D commercials, movies, etc.  What accomodation is there for those of us with only one eye?  I have been blind in my right eye since age 3 (now 50+);  when I have taken my children to IMAX 3-D movies, all i see is a blur.  Is there any solution for us?
Hi Lester nice to see you have your 3D glasses.

You think you've heard it all and then you realize you haven't. I saw Sarah Palin at the elite Dinnier tonight. Sarah said he hopes to have a talk with President Obama. This is a big change from Sarah's attack as she said Obama's pal was a terrorist and he was a Muslim. I guess when you need money all the stuff she talked about doesn't matter now.

I felt bad for the people of Kentucky. I hope FEMA get's there and helps the people.

Richard gave a great report from Iraq. Now it will be interesting to see who the Iraq people vote for President. Will they want change or the same ?

Sunday Super Bowel should be good. I'm wearing my number 10 Eli Manning shirt but I'll be rooting for Arizona because of Pat Tillman. I know he's watching for heaven.

Best to my friends Lisa, Laurel, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anna, Lori and Matt
Where is all the outrage?  After a couple of days reporters were condemning FEMA for not being on the job at New Orleans after the hurricane.  It is now six days and FEMA is not significantly helping the people of Kentucky.  The president says his prayers are with the people of Kentucky.  How about a little more help for them.  
Mr. Holt,
Our power was restored Sunday about 2PM after
5 days without it.  We were lucky in that
we spent the time in the house of good friends
who are in Colorado.  I empathize with
our neigbors in Kentucky caught in the
snow-storm, the worst in Louisville's history.--
dangerous and unprecedented.
Good Evening Mr.Holt, You did a fine broadcast this Saturday Evening! Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! Richard's report certainly showed how open and orderly the Iraq elections occurred in the region. After 11 hours of voting for 14 governor positions it was good news the citizens were able to vote in peace without incident. They were able to vote for who they chose. Security was tight with each voter being patted down, but the Iraq forces kept things under control with no attacks. Shiites and Sunnis both voting and hearing that so many women were on the ballot is definitely progress. Seeing them campaign handing out posters and caps really brought them to the forefront. Richard speaking to the woman who said it is an end to the civil war and things can move forward was encouraging. Richard walking along the street and saying the children can walk to school by themselves is nice to hear. One hopes all the stability lasts in the region. When you asked Richard about US Troop withdrawal and he basically stated if the Iraqi's forces take more of a lead then less US Troops would be needed which is good news. Time will tell.
Excellent Reporting Richard!
PLEASE STAY EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS!

On another note the report by Rehema Ellis showed many States hard hit by the terrible winter weather. I hope the rise in temperatures help to melt all the ice and power can be restored quickly. Keep Warm and Safe all those effected!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Holt! I hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl! I am making another comment this evening hoping you enjoyed the Super Bowl. Also,Richard had several reports on MSNBC this morning from Camp Victory speaking about the Iraqi elections and the US Troops watching the Super Bowl. They were having beer coming in from Germany for the troops and they were allowed to drink two beers in the cafeteria. I hope all the US Troops enjoyed the game. Seeing General David Petraeus toss the coin at the coin toss was great. Seeing Captain Sullenberger and his crew wave to the crowd was wonderful!
It was a great game! Congratulations Steelers!
Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard! Great to see you on the broadcast!
XOXO
 
Thousands are still without power in Arkansas as well,do you think we could get on the news too? We help every state in their time of emergency yet none are sending help our way Buisness's cant even open without power loss of income food having to be thrown out no way to cook do laundry or keep warm
Hello Mr. Holt,
Thank you for mentioning our "Storm Stuggles" here in Kentucky. So far, fifty-four persons have died, including four elderly victims with one literally frozen into the bed. A member of one of the two-hundred out-of-state utility crews deemed this storm: "In terms of utility loss, this is worse than Katrina." Already into day seven and still no electric service, and we are on a main highway. The people close to Kentucky lake are expecting another four weeks. The Governor stated that; "This is the worst natural disaster in Kentucky history." So the question I would like for you to ask our new Chief Executive is, Why has he not uttered a word about this tragedy? George Bush was bashed for flying over New Orleans, but at least he came for a look. I suppose the Super Bowl kept him busy over the weekend, and we Kentuckians were busy also... Freezing to death in our beds.
Again, Thank you for your concern, Spencer Balentine
Why are the people in Northeast Arkansas being ignored?  They have no heat, water or food, except tainted peanut butter handed out on Sunday.They live in a rural area and can get no help. Isn't anyone aware of their plight?
Mr. Holt,
President Obama declared Kentucky a "major
diaster" area, Order clears way to get cleanup
aid.

Quoting from the Louisville COurier-Journal,
Obama's diaster declaration was welcome news to
state officials, who are spending millions of dollars cleaning up after the storm, while facing massive budget shortfalls.

So welcome indeed.


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