Don't forget to watch Richard Engel on "The Colbert Report" tonight!

The swine flu is really scaring everyone... its scary because its a new virus. from the numbers of deaths its seems like everyone should be afriad of getting the normal version of the flu insted of this new out break.

Brian:  You stay on this story!   I can not believe this undue stress on family and friends in the city.   I am miffed at best.  America is toggling on the edge and Obama's boys are messing with the mental health of New Yorkers!  The commander needs to be fired!  

Also, here is a little video on how we got into all of this mess. It is 10 minutes so save time to view!
Unbelievable!

www.crisisofcredit.com

Peace and love to all!  

Evening, Brian.

This just blows my mind. It makes absolutely no sense at all for the people of New York not to be notified about this, ones who this would so obviously effect...do they think that 9/11 is out of everyone's memory already? Or do they not remember that it was only eight years ago, and to most people as you noted still feels as if it was only 10 minutes ago. It's impossible for me not to feel as if this was planned to scare the people of New York and New Jersey, because there's nothing they can say that will make any sense as to why they didn't notify everyone in the area. It was thoughtless, careless, and completely unprofessional. It saddens me, and infuriates me seeing the video footage captured by the citizens in New York fleeing to the sight of the low-flying jets. September 11th, 2001 had an enormous effect on my heart, and all of the hearts of Americans...how can they just expect everything to be okay by now? It wont, for as long as we're alive, we'll remember that day and all the people we lost. They need to respect that fact.

Again, Brian, I'm sorry for you this week had to start on this. Certainly wasn't the way you had planned I'm sure, along with everyone else up in the New York and New Jersey states. My thoughts are with all of you.

I hope you have a good evening, and will have a good rest of the week.

Take Care,
-Cary


I'll see you soon, and catch Richard Engel on The Colbert Report tonight. Thanks to lnp from Maryland for the reminder.

"Harvard-educated"
They must remove common sense and moral compasses in that joint. Seems every major screw up in this country has someone from Harvard behind it.

Hi Brian interesting comments now as for fear of secrecy well we had 8 years of it with no questions asked. As I pointed out after 9/11 a small plane flew in Washinton DC air space while buildings were emptied and people were in fear of an attack. The White House said it was a plane that was off course not problem. No one asked for anyone to be fired for the fear DC was put in. But I guess with Obama as President that's something else that's change. Next we'lll hear for President Obama to be fired because of the fear New Yorkers were put in. Please!!

Now to someething everyone can figure out for themselves. It's the story of the Scorpion and the Turtle. Yes Sen. Specter switched Parties. For those who either didn't read or don't remember. Sen. Specter was the first to give us the Fairy Tale Story of the Magic Bullet, long before Harry Potter. Yes Specter Magic Bullet tale traveled at a long distance and went inside/outside steele and metal ending up killing JFK. Now I listen to Specter testimony and couldn't believe adults fell for that stuff, but they did. As my GrandMother would say a snake will always be a snake. But the Scorpion story clears up any questions.

It is good to see President Obama quickly take charge of the swine flu crisis, much much different then the 5 day wait for victims during the Katrina storm. To bad the Republicans pulled the Pandemic Flu funding out of the Stimulus Bill, but everyone makes a mistake.

What the events of this pass two years is like watching a movie with many twist and turns and of course surprises and shocks.

Have a great day all

Best to Lisa, Laurel, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Lori, Anna, Matt and all

Brian,
Mr. Caldera barely apologized in my opinion, was more of a "oops me bad" kind of comment.  It did not reflect any kind of sincerity or genuine regret.  Seemed more like, I have to make this apology because we got caught and somebody has to do it.  I do not believe that Mr. Caldera "gets it" with respect to the panick and fear for ones lives that many people were feeling yesterday.  

I hope the NYC media continues to make an issue of this.  I see now that Governor Corzine says he knew nothing of it, nor has he found anyone in the state government who was aware of it.  

What a boondoggle.

Hi Brian:
I just love reading your posts each day.  You are the best at telling us what is going on and wrong  with this world each day. As I am quite sure you know already most of your viewers totally agree with your statements, feelings and insights, as they reflect ours so well.  After all that has gone on since 911 why would anyone at the White House think that the people of New York should not be notified of something that could create a horrible memory.  If it was made public prior to doing it, there would be no need to use a sledgehammer, as you put it.  Taking responsibility is one thing, never letting it happen in the first place is something else, and he is still at his post tonight.

Thank you for the report on the swine flu.  It is a little scary but with all the reporting you have done and will continue to do, it does help to ease the nerves of some of us. I am so glad that there is no secrecy here.  Thanks for the reports.  

I know that because of the time differnce the West Coast does not get the feed until 5:30 p.m. our time (8:30 p.m. your time) so some of our emails in response to your broadcast are not timely but please know that your broadcasts are the best and we do appreciate the information you give us each night and great feelings we get from the "Making a Difference" segments.  

Looking forward to your broadcast tonight

Regarding the photo "mission". Have they not heard of Photoshop!  You could place Air Force One in any location you wish!

I agree, someone should pay for the boneheaded fly over. Even though no laws or international treaties were broken and it did not serve as a recruitment tool for our enemies or stoke anti-American sentiment around the world, it was irresponsible and needlessly frightened many New Yorkers. Accountability demands that Caldera be fired.

I look forward to your take on what should be done about those who authorized waterboarding, a war crime for which the US executed Japanese soldiers after WWII.

I have been reading conflicting stories about the Swine Flu.  Restaurants in Mexico are open but they only have take-out, no sit down service, theaters are closed, athletic events are being held without spectators in the stands, people are given face masks to wear without proper instructions on how to wear them.  Meanwhile, back in the States, we are told to cover our mouths when we cough and wash our hands.  

In the European Union their health minister tells their people not to travel to the US or Mexico and air travelers returning from Mexico are being checked for elevated body temperature - one sign of the onset of the flu - among other measures.  Meanwhile, back in the States, we are being told if we feel sick to stay home, cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands.

Countries around the world are preparing to quarantine travelers if necessary.  Meanwhile, back at home, our county health officials said the county has stockpiled over 100,000 doses of flu meds (we have over 250,000 residents + ? visitors).  Who gets the Tamiflu and who doesn't?  No one is telling - goes under the cloak of secrecy that going around faster than Swine Flu.  The US, today, issued a travel advisory to Mexico at least a day after other countries issued theirs.

My concern is:  Are the other countries over-reacting or is the US under-reacting?  And who is to say who is right?

How much did this idiotic stunt cost the taxpayers?  

Hi Brian,

Yesterday I referred to Bob Bazell as "Dr." He should be, although I realize now that he isn't. Thanks Bob, for educating us about the swine flu and everything.

I think President Obama has done a brilliant job in the first 100 days. Even if he wasn't having to do alot of cleaning up, he's been the best person I've ever seen for this country.

The First Lady has been outstanding too. I want to thank her for honoring Sojourner Truth at the Capital today. Sojourner was a wonderful person, not just for her time, but for all time.

Thanks, Vicki

P.S. the most important thing for us to save is our integrity.

In light of the nations economic crisis has anyone given any thought as to how much this "photo opp" has cost the American Taxpayer; not to mention the fear and panic impossed on citizens of NYC and NJ.  Someone needs to loose their job over this irresponsible act.

Shame that, Greenwich Connecticut teacher, Anthony Mullen, a former NYPD Captian,recieved the Teacher of the Year Award at the White House today, from President Obama, didnt merit airplay. Such an important message for all Americans.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening as always. First of all the report by Mr.Bazell concerning the swine flu and the how fast it has spread. I did watch the web only video with you and Mr.Bazell and it was most informative. Now to the broadcast. The closing of a school in Queens,Ny due to students being ill is quite alarming and of course hearing it has spread to 6 States and 6 Countries is frightening news. Seeing people in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport wearing masks is not something seen in the airport here in Atlanta and makes one just want to stay at home. It is good the money is being used for funding and possibly vaccines, yet as Mr.Bazell stated there is not enough capacity to handle this type of situation.
The report by Mr.Sanders from Mexico City really showed a city shutdown with abosolutely no activity. All the businesses closed because large gatherings of people could aid in spreading the virus. Also, the cruise lines cancelling ports of call is a good precaution too.
The report by Janet Shamlian from a rural town in Texas exhibited how a small community is planning ahead and bringing together all their resources to plan for this health problem. Taking care of themselves and finding solutions without the help of the government is productive and prepares them well is case of emergency.
I hope this health scare passes quickly.

I enjoyed the pictures from the White House!

The report by Mr.Cowan about restoring historic places throughout this country showed how these places tell such interesting stories and need to be fixed in order to preserve history. It would be a shame to allow them to fade away because of lack or resources. I hope these places get restored and help future generations learn of their importance to history.
The "Making A Difference" segment by Amy Robach was really inspirational. These young girl writers getting help in their writing from educators is great and they all seem to have such drive and talent. Helping them to preserve their life experiences on paper is wonderful. With 100% going off the college! Very 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,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Will Watch you Colbert this evening! Woo! Hoo!
XOXO  

I read on this lib blog that it is the fault of the Republicans there are no vacines for the pig flu. The vacine has not even been produced yet and probably won't be for at least six months. Am also wondering if the idiots who okayed scaring NY folks with the picture opt of obama's plane was the fault of Bush also? The plane that flew in the dc area after 911 was not a tax-payers plane and the guy who did it, was questioned and fined.The white house okayed the plane over NY. Get your stories straight

Good Evening,

As many other Americans, I can't believe how sadly out of touch persons in government can be. It is painfully obvious to anyone with common sense that this flight should not even have been  considered. I don't consider myself in the same league as the brave emergency personnel or the civilians who endured 9/11, but I am a retired NY State Trooper who was assinged 8 weeks at ground zero and patrolling the streets of New York trying to help. I am insulted by this lack of simple respect for the American people. It seems we have our hearts in our throats enough on a normal day, without someone intentionally causing hysteria just for a photo op for a calander. I am sure there are enough pictures of Air Force One on file. I purchased a beautiful book and DVD on my family's trip to Washington D.C. I would be happy to donate one of mine. I wonder how much that flight cost the taxpayers? The responsible person should resign or be reassigned.

Brian:

Unitl last August, I had worked for the federal government for 26 years.  I was terminated from federal service for having engaged in supposedly "protected" activity--filing employment discrimination complaints and for whistleblowing to the Congress and news media. Those are the only offenses that can get a federal employee terminated--- ineptitude and incompetence will not cause one to lose their job.

BY the way-- I was terminated from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General whose mission it is to uphold the integrity, economy and efficiency of the department's programs and operations.  Hmmm!!!  Law suit pending.  Despite keeping the Senate Homeland Security committee informed of misconduct and mismanagement at the DHS OIG, just last week, to add insult to injury, Senator Susan Collins invited the Inspector General to testify on how to maintain a "well-qualified" federal workforce over the next decade.  

Hello Brian, As we used to say in fighter pilot school, the Air Force One folks screwed the pooch on this one. I don't think they were that stupid. Nobody who flies a 747, especially the one that flies the President of the United States around is that dumb. The blame should be placed where it belongs. With the FAA and the idiots that run that government agency. The FAA has always been the bureaucratic nightmare of every administration since Eisenhower. Maybe the President is so embarrassed and angry with the people who made this flight a such a secret that some of the fools at the FAA that make these kinds of decisions will finally get the axe!
What did they think would happen? Nobody would notice? The answer to that question with an FAA mindset would be it's a national security issue and to hell with common sense.
I also wonder how much jet fuel this little episode cost the tax payers? Given the fact, that a 747 takes a big drink out of the gas tank per hour in the order of thousands of pounds of fuel, I'll bet a buck against 50, it cost about sixty grand in fuel for this little frolic in the skies over Manhattan.
I would also like to comment on the way NBC News and the rest of the news media have gone way overboard reporting the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico. Given the number of cases (around 2000 so far) in Mexico, one has to take a good hard look at the percentage of the population of, lets say Mexico City alone. Mexico City has a population of over 8 million souls, with another 14 million living in the areas around Mexico City for a total of 22 million persons in some of the worst possible poverty imaginable. NBC News has stated that many thousands of people have died from various flu strains over the years but the fact remains, the cases of swine flu in Mexico City is but a small percentage of the fine people of Mexico City. The Mexican people will handle it properly as they always have when things like this happen.
As for infections in our country, there are more being reported everyday. People get around over great distances quickly by aircraft and spreading a new flu strain is easy. Taking the most basic precautions is the one thing people can do to stay healthy but from what I have been seeing and reading in the press, its like "we're all gonna die" type of stories.
The tourist industry which provides massive amounts of money, jobs and improvements in the lives of the Mexican people has been greatly injured by the reporting of the news media. This has done nothing but instilled fear in people who travel to Mexico and have canceled their trips, the companies in the tourist industry who have with their recent announcements to quit stopping in Mexican ports of call because of the overblown threat to the traveling publics health. NBC News keeps showing over and over pictures of people walking around with masks on, even thought Mr. Bazel has said over and over that these masks are useless.
Many poor people in Mexico, especially along the Mayan Riverera are going to feel the economic pain of such dramatic, over the top reporting as seen on Nightly News, The Today Show, MSNBC and the affiliated stations.
Its time to take a hard look at what you are reporting and ask the CDC, WHO and any other organization of this type to why they are being so melodramatic. Especially the idiot at the CDC who was quoted as saying there are going to be deaths for this strain of flu. No kidding? There has always been deaths incurred in any strain of flu that has stricken any population.
The only level heads in this whole debacle in our government is the new Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and her people. She has good common sense that NBC News could learn a few things from.

If anybody thinks the talking chimp in the WH didn't know about this beforehand, you are truly drinking the kool-aid.

Other then the total insensitivity of the fly-over, it points to a issue missed by so many.  This over zealous "secrecy" that has premeated our government. It has reached rediculous levels.  That Sir, is the real trajedy.  

Hello Mr Williams, Brian;  
Had a mishap or crash happened during this low passing flight/ photography opp. then I agree that boneheaded is certainly the case.
However, I disagree with the threat of aircraft as a PTSD stimulant to be a negative situation. People shouldn't be allowed to become complacent. NYC is a living target. The days Sept 11,2001 and May 1, 2009 are interchangeable with daily acknowledged risk. New Yorkans should be ready to do fire drills and expediente building fleeing. This successful merge of DOD and Whitehouse.com photogallery was a success. Did you consider you might be hypersensitive as a media member that not knowing is offensive to you? Theres no reason that Rahm Emmanuel should've needed to have taken stern words with the mission commander. He did his job, I'd chew on Rahm's ego in return. topic specific.

Louis Caldera's resignation should have been on the President's desk at 8:00 a.m. this past morning. Since he did not step up and do the right thing, the President should wish him well, present him with a copy of PhotoShop and send him on his way.

Thanks for you candor on Keith's show tonight, too.  I really liked your idea of making it a "opportunity" to see the plane of Air Force One up close.  Too bad so many of the policy makers forget about the human side of issues!  Keep up the good work - your words mean a lot.

I agree that the "mindset" that allowed an ill-conceived PR stunt to terrify New Yorkers yesterday is disturbing. But what I find more disturbing is that a full year after the article ran,  NBC News still refuses to address, or even acknowledge, the Pentagon Pundits story. David Barstow's NYT story won the Pulitzer Prize, but that was never mentioned in NBC's coverage of the prize announcements, even though other prize winners were mentioned.

Which is worse, yesterdays' ill-conceived flight, or NBC News' refusal to acknowledge that its Iraq coverage was tainted by its analysts' participation in a Pentagon PR program in which they were briefed and spun by the Pentagon, and in some cases were compromised by deep conflicts of interests due to their simultaneous involvement with military contractors who stood to benefit from defense-related contracts?

Just askin'.

Brian,

Great post!  However, I was a little annoyed while watching you on Countdown tonight as you seemed to insist that only New Yorkers understand the pain of 9/11.  I live in Baltimore and my partner on 9/11 lived in DC and used to work in the Pentagon.  When the plane hit there, DC residents were terrified and I was scared when I could not reach him for hours, knowing that the Capitol might be next. So, when Keith O. made the comment that you cannot do this kind of exercise in DC either as we all know they were hit on 9/11, too, and you shrugged it off insisting that this is only a NYC-centric issue, I lost a lot of respect for you.

Hi Bian,

I just saw you on MSNBC with K.O. I appreciate the way you commented on the fly-over in N.Y.

Brian, I've noticed one thing. I've been very fortunate in having most of my comments posted. It's the timing. And of course, the disclaimer mentions that due to time and space contsraints prevents NBC from posting comments. I'm literally trying to beat my husband to the computer (we only have one working) before or after your broadcast airs. I'm fortunate here again, to be living in the same time zone as N.Y. The comments that come in after 9 p.m. Mon.-Fri. don't seem to see the light of day. And weekends don't post til Wed.What about the people who live on the west coast or who are working second and third shifts? I'm sure that most of us don't think an intern should be sitting there at midnight waiting for our comments to come in. And some of us don't get really good ideas until about now,like me? What do you think?

Have a great evening,Brian.

Vicki

In regards to the ill-advised, ill-thought out fly-over in New York... Without discounting the terrible emotional toll this "stunt" has already taken, what about the financial impact? With our country in such economic straits, could not our tax-payer money have been better spent? People are struggling to stay in their homes, and our government sees fit to waste hundreds of thousands of dollars this way. Our 17 year old daughter, Miranda, watched this segment with my husband and I. She commented "Hasn't the government ever heard of Photo Shop?"

I cannot believe in these challenging times that our Government spent over $300k on taking some pictures of Air Force One in the vicinity of the Statue of Liberty.

They could have paid a 17 year-old $50 to Photoshop it instead.  What a waste.

In your story on the WSJ/NBC poll tonight your correspondent stated that people were unhappy with "congress". The story I read said that a majority blamed the Republicans in Congress for its low marks-how about a little more nuance in your reporting in order to place the blame where it belongs.

Mr. Williams, I am so sorry to see you become a political hack for the White House.  Of course the Oval Office knew about this fly over.  I have previously held you in high esteem for your integrity.  What has happened to the press in this country?  Hook, line and sinker...I always wondered how the German people fell into line for Hitler.  Now we know.

I agree the flyover was a mistake.  But, on the scale of egregiousness, Brian, how does that rank with torturing hundreds, perhaps thousand?  Or, invading a sovereign nation based on lies? Or, shredding the world's finest constitution?

Where was your outrage when it mattered more?

Dear Mr. Williams,
    I was shocked the other night when I saw this botched handling of the Air Force One "photot op". The eery scene of a commercial aircraft flying across a blue sky in New York City would certainly conjure up haunting images for anyone who witnessed 9-11. Looking back on that September day (and considering your recent award for your duty as a firefighter, congrats by the way!) I was wondering what your perspective was on 9-11 as both a current journalist and former fire fighter. Did you feel as though you had a certain empathy for these brave men and women at the World Trade Center? Did this make the story harder for you to report?

I was in NY during the "photo Opt" and it was frightening .... what were they thinking? I think even beyond the the terror shocks it sent thru NY it sends even greater terror shocks thru the country of the bone headed president we have elected. WHY, during these times, would we be spending so much money on government advertising?

Hi Brian:

I know it is a little late on the West Coast but I had to thank you for your broadcast tonight and all the information you provided on the flu.  I know we are not go call it Swine any more.  I also caught the web interview and the answers to so many of the questions we sent in.  Thank you for doing this for us.  The information you provided as to what whe can do to help prevent this from spreading is so helpful and I am sure the answers to the questions helped ease some of our fears, I know it did mine.  Thank you so much for the wonderful reporting.

Obamam must be so happy about Specter making the announcement that he is going to turn Democratic. I know that this is good for the Congress and everyone is happy but I think it also shows that he has some faith in what Obama is doing and hopefully he will hellp him succeed in getting this Country back on its feet.  Obama has done well for the first 100 days.  No he did not resolve all our problems and I really don't believe anyone thought he could in 100 days but there is one thing did and that was to TRY!!!!!  I think people see this and are responding to it.  

Your "Making A Difference" segment was fantastic as all are.  It is wonderful to see what these mentors are doing for these girls.  The stories they have to tell are compelling and to have the chance to put it down in writing and learning how to expres themselves
is such a gift that they are given which will only help them grow and flourish in their future.  

Again, I know this is late but just wanted to thank you again for all the hard work you put into these stories for us.  

Which begs the question, What is the big deal with this Swine flu when dozens of people are killed everyday by other means or, as you mentioned, 36,000 people die of the ordinary flu?  I'm mystified.
   I plan my day to include NBC Nightly News everyday that I can (no Tivo, no MBA, no BMW).  Heavy sigh.
Thanks, Tim

Wow. That photo of the plane flying around those buildings still rattles me. I can't add much more than has already been written, other to agree with everyone else. Someone needs to be fired for this.

Thanks for putting the Swine Flu outbreak into perspective. While it is definitely a cause for concern, the fear mongering out there is a bit much. I appreciate that you've pointed out how 36,000 Americans die from the flu each year, while this strain has yet to claim a life in the US. It seems most of the media has painted this as a MORE deadly strain of flu, when I don't think that's really the case.
I am a little more nervous for my newborn, but I don't plan to panic over this. We've been breaking out the hand sanitizer more than ever and avoiding big crowds anyway, since she was born at the height of flu season, and will just continue to do so for a little while longer.

Keep up the good work and responsible reporting.

you're damn right
louis caldera should be fired
i don't care how educated or experienced the guy is
he has no common sense
i can't believe that we actually have to explain this to people
especially those running our government

Hi Brian,

The fly-over was nothing but pure unadulterated fear-mongering.  Period... They knew what would happen and did it anyway; intentionally...

Thank you

Sincerly,

Ann

What possible justification is there to spend taxpayer dollars for a "public relations" video showing Air Force One flying over the Statue of Liberty?  Who is the potential audience for this video?  Brian Williams' blog on Monday said:  "I understand the need for pretty pictures of the aircraft against a dramatic backdrop..."  Sorry, but I don't understand it at all.  It's a blatant example of the wasteful government spending that Obama is trying to eliminate.  Perhaps he can start with eliminating the useless functions of the White House Military Office.....or maybe the entire office.      

Hi Brian,

Thank you for having all of these comments posted,in the wee hr's of the morning.

I just want to say :

Happy 100th Day, my fellow americans!!

OUR president has done an outstanding job! As I stated before,not only did we get the best president that we could possibly get, we got a wonderful First Lady, two great First Daughters, and even a very pleasing First Dog! We did good all over the place.

I know that some people just can't wait for President Obama to fail. He said this before, that's it's not about him, it's about us, as U.S.A. citizens. It's only going to happen here. Without going into a long history lesson, everything that this country was founded on, is in play more that at any other time since the beginning. You don't have any of these freedoms and liberties quite like ours in ANY other country.

Brian, have a great 100th Day. And thank you for all that you do and what you represent to those of us who appreciate the very best in broadcasting.

Vicki

hey Brian,
I am fine, on my own, now, and life is looking very good. I don't have to wait 2 weeks to know that the music is back, and God is back where He should be(realizing now, that He protected my vision of Him and now, I find Him just the way I left Him.

I had a CD in my glove-compartment for a month for just a time as this.  Chris Botti-In Boston. I am on #4. This New York sound was not in my CD-player much, before, but I find it very sexy,now. Sexy is good!i'm leaving the old and plan to begin anew.
I care that you are happy, whatever decisions you make. With love, tesa

hey Brian,
I am fine, on my own, now, and life is looking very good. I don't have to wait 2 weeks to know that the music is back, and God is back where He should be(realizing now, that He protected my vision of Him and now, I find Him just the way I left Him.

I had a CD in my glove-compartment for a month for just a time as this.  Chris Botti-In Boston. I am on #4. This New York sound was not in my CD-player much, before, but I find it very sexy,now. Sexy is good!i'm leaving the old and plan to begin anew.
I care that you are happy, whatever decisions you make. With love, tesa

Have your history people look this up. Did the US execute more Japanese Soldiers for the single act of waterboarding or communist for espionage? I'm looking forward to seeing the trials for "financial espionage" in the future. Of course that depends on if we have a future. With the liars setting the "perception" in this country right now I think we're screwed.

The era of accountability ended with Watergate. The era of impunity began with Iran-Contra and continues to this day. While the pundits and media keep telling us, "Let's move on. Nothing to see here..."

Any job-seekers out there? Here's a bunch of questions:
Have you encountered the dreaded interview question: "What is your salary requirement?" Are employees so naive as to negotiate against themselves?

Great web-only Q & A with you and Robert Bazell yesterday. Very good questions from viewers, and great informative answers from Mr. Bazell. But just after one day a couple of those answers have already changed. Especially the answer to the pediatrician now that sadly there has been a confirmed death of a 22 month old child. I hope viewers keep the questions coming in, though I now I hear the CDC will be taking questions through a webchat, we need all the information we can get.

Also, just for the record, in all respect of course, Brian actually said "Yep" after Keith mentioned "Washington D.C.", he was pointing out the difference if this fly-over had happened in a city such as "L.A." or "Chicago" in example.

For those of you who missed the interview as it aired, as I did, here it is: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#30464887

And also the Q & A between Brian and Robert Bazell: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/


Thank you, Brian.

I look forward to joining you for tonight's broadcast.

Take care,
-Cary

when did you and new yorkers turn into "wusses" - tough ny'ers.  and dribble that the wtc is a no fly zone - that's to prevent private plans etc.  not out of some sacred memorial.

where was police initiative to tell the mayor.  boo hoo - nyc - still thinks it's the center of the world.  finance is gone and media are self centered.

keep hyping swine flu - with barely a mention that approx 40,000 americans die each year.  where' the panic or indignation.

I'm glad to know that you have your sledgehammer out, Brian!!! I wish you would use it more, but I understand why you don't feel that you can.

How horribly scary that must have been for the citizens of Manhattan and New Jersey ... I know ya'll don't scare easily. I most certainly would have been frightened!

I happened to be at the NASCAR race on Sunday at Talladega, sitting right there where Carl Edward's right front bumper slammed into and shredded the catch fence. Luckily, we were 12 rows up, and escaped with only small pieces of plastic and rubber (I think it's rubber) in our hair and drinking cups.  Was that a heart-stopping, horrible, scary experience?  You bettcha!!! That is definitely one "Total NASCAR Experience" I could have done without.

However, having said all that ... learning that this country's government officials have so much tunnel vision and are so thoughtless and inconsiderate of the citizens of the greater New York City area, that they would do such a thing, for a stupid "photo op", no less; the thought of that is even more frightening and horrible to me than seeinghaving an automobile, that is only about 500 pounds shy of weighing in at two tons, come flying at me at the rate of about 190 miles an hour.

This beautiful country of ours has miles upon miles upon square miles of empty dessert, where not even the buffalo, nor the deer, nor the antelope play ... and most certainly not any citizens -- what a perfect (and beautiful) place/back-drop over which to take photos of a jet fighter "chasing" the presidential back-up plane. And, having said all that ... I can't help but wonder if the producer/director/photographer of that "photo op" weren't the one(s) to suggest that lower Manhattan and New Jersey be the subject of the photo shoot in the first place -- I'm sure they probably thought it would be just a splendid idea!

Okay ... that is all I have to say for now ... thanks for continuing to bring the best newscast on the planet into mine, and my Dad's, homes every evening, Brian ... you really are just the very best!!!

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