Good evening, Brian.

Appreciate the links you've shared with us, as I can imagine how busy you are today.

Very interesting numbers from the New York Times, and I had just finished looking over the incredible photography of inside the Obama presidency.

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.


See you soon for Nightly News, and will of course stay tuned with you for the Presidential Press Conference.

Take care and have a great evening,
-Cary

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Enjoyed the link to all the White House photographs. Very nice pictures of President Obama and his staff! I viewed the video, "Engel, very concerned about Iraq" and it was most interesting hearing Richard speak with you about the current situation in Iraq with violence seeming to be on the rise and the situation in Pakistan which is also extremely serious. I always enjoy seeing  Richard and he giving some very ominous news from those region.
You stated that Richard is leaving for Pakistan this Saturday. Sigh! PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS RICHARD!! Always excellent reporting!
Looking forward to 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! Enjoyed seeing you on Colbert last evening! You were wonderful as always! Love the smile!
XOXO  

Hi Brian I just went to the link from the White House, and loved looking at all those pictures.  It was neat to see our President in so many different ways (loved the one with the 3D glasses).
Our hearts in Charlotte are sad tonight with the passing of David Poole, the motorsports writer for the Charlotte Observer (I know you are a NASCAR fan).  David's final column was a gem, about the insanity of the racing at Talladega.  May he rest in peace.  

Hi Brian I did a little reading today and thought you might like this quote to think about. Many viewers seem to forget Nightly News has to share air time with ads and TV announcements so it's a small time alotted for news. This is for you:

"CRITICISM COMES EASIER THAN CRAFTSMANSHIP."
(ZEUXIS)


Now I enjoy the photo's of the White House site it's been good so far for President Obama, as honesty always wins out over cover up and lies.

Oh if you get a chance read Ms. Dowd article on the New York Times it was so funny and had me going until the end. You'll have to read it to get the laugh.

I read about the child in Texas as we have many out here in California worried about this flu. I am glad to see our President act quickly. Now I hope the Govnor of Texas will give his citizen the Federal help they need now and leave Politics out.

Let's see if Obama's " Yes we can" works for the Iran President now that he's using it in his campaign. Funny how so call enemies pick up things from you that work.

see you same time same place

Hi Brian -

Always great to have you on in the midday hour on MSNBC - glad you take that time shift when you can.  The Tavis Smiley interview was a winner.

Joan

Hi Brian,

You've had a busy "First 100 Days" yourself.

I saw Richard and you on MSNBC earlier today. It was a nice treat. I especially enjoyed your interview with Travis Smiley, very thought provocking.
The photos taken by White House photographer David Hume Kennerley are works of art.

President Obama has worked extremely hard in his first 100 days. He came into office with people expecting him to wave his magic wand and fix everything. No matter what the pres. gets accomplished, he won't be able to satisfy some people. That's sad. I'm just glad to say that I support him 100%.

Our First Lady is outstanding. There are so many ways that she's helping on her own.

The swine flu and level 5 is definitely a wake up call for us to have money set aside for these kind of serious matters. I'm really sad about the toddler who died in Texas, while visiting his family. as Dr. chan said from the CDC today,we have the best technology.

I appreciate Robert Bazell's reports as well as Michelle Kosinski's. The little boy she talked to is beautiful and healthy. Dr. Nancy Sniderman does a terrific job too.


They keep saying that here in S.C. there are a few probable cases of swine flu,and we'll know in a couple of days.

Pete Williams' report on the voting rights act was remarkable. Dicrimination will never end. Thank God for at least one intelligent judge on the supremme court.

I hate that my brother or anyone is returning back into a chaotic Iraq. But our soldiers are strong and hopefully Iraq will be an area that we can eventually leave.

Thanks, Brian for a great broadcast today and always.

Vciki

Hi Brian

Just heard the news on the swine flu and that you sent one of your reporters to Mexico. I realize this is a very important story but do you really think one of our people should go to a country that is so infected with this disease and possibly bring it back with her? HMMM  don't think so. Also you mention that the little boy that died in Brownsville,TX came from Mexico. Really don't think that he should even be allowed out of Mexico, just as we aren't allowed in. Which is the way it should be for right now.  

Good Evening Brain,
I would like to say that I think it is irresponsible of all the US media to be sending reporters to Mexico to report on this swine flu issue. These reporters are going into infected areas, then flying back here, and possibly infecting more US citizens. The media is also contributing to a panic about this I feel. There has only been one death so far, and that one child was from Mexico. A pandemic is what happen the black plague in the dark ages.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening. First of all the report by Mr.Bazell concerning the spreading of swine flu and preparations for a pandemic. Learning one toddler has died of the illness and another is seriously ill is disturbing. Learning the threat level has been raised ot 5 out of 6 on the scale and other countries are taking drastic measures is cause fro alarm not panic, but alarm. The scientists need to find out the ration of mild illness to an illness that causes death in order to learn more about the disease. Uncertainty is definitely a huge factor in this situation.
The report by Dr.Nancy Snyderman does bring things into perspective when taking care of oneself and trying to keep this disease away. Always washing ones hands, using hand sanitizer,covering ones mouth when coughing or sneezing along with sensible decisions can keep one healthy. All the information given was good.
On another note the mentioning of 2 car bombs in Baghdad killing 41 people is awful. Fears of a resurgence in violence causes great concern for the security forces of Iraq being able to handle the region. The video of you speaking with Richard on MSNBC today really stated how the situation in the region is extremely serious. One always hopes someday peace will be the norm for all the innocent civilians living in the region.

Although it took 65years the letter sent to the World War II veteran from his classmate was really sweet and tells of a different era. Glad to know he finally recieved it!

The piece by Norah O'Donnell about First Lady Michelle Obama showed how much of a great impression she has made on people in this country and all over the world. She has done some great work and will continue to do so. Nice Piece!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Look forward to your coverage of President Obama's New Conference. 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! Always enjoy seeing you on broadcasts! Excellent Reporting!
XOXO

Good Evening Mr. Williams,
I enjoy and respect your broadcast over all others.  Thank you.
With regard to the swine flu virus, I can only suspect that this has been nothing less than a nightmare as you work to arrive at the most accurate information.
I am very concerned about the information that leads us to our neighbors to the south.  I would like to understand what steps were taken to protect the  citizens  and the millions who visit when knowledge of the virus was apparent.
As you can tell, I am not familiar with the politics, government and infrastructure of Mexico and Central America. Nor am I familiar with how the WHO works with coutries worldwide.
But I just can't stop thinking that the spread of this flu could have been avoided had steps been taken earlier, or that, if attention had been paid to people/children who'd been falling ill in an unusual fashion or trend.

I'd really like to see organizations like the WHO do a much better job with education and support in our 'world' since that is their proclaimed territory

Thanks for listening,
Anne Bartell

Brian,
Thanks for the good work you and your colleagues are doing to keep us informed about the swine flu. I'm concerned, however, that you may be giving too strong an endorsement for hand sanitizers. Everything I'm reading about their effectiveness warns that some are better than others and none claim to kill all of the germs. Here's a recent New York Times article on the subject: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/21/health/21cons.html

Steve

Hi Brian:

Thank you again for a wonderful broadcast.  Out here on the West Coast we got your broadcast quite late due to the President's press conference.  I caught it on the web

The reports on the Swine flu and that we are now looking at it as a pandemic is really nerve racking but thanks to the reports we receive, especially the one from Nancy Snyderman as to how we can attack this with common sense and some safety precautions is great and hopefully will make all of us take a little better care of ourselves.

I was impressed with the President's press conference.
I do believe he has done quite a lot in 100 days and I know he has a long way to go.  He is right what he came into on his first day is nothing that other presidents have had to deal with and I think he has done well.  I know he was not happy having to take over the auto makers, bankers and the like but it had to be done.  He had to step in and do something to save our economy.  I am sure that he will continue to fight to do what he can for us.  

Caught your interveiw with Emanuel on the web.  It was really good.  I know he dodged a few questions but that is to be expected.  I agree that his job is to keep the White House running smooth and I think that he has done his best.  I know the next "100" days will tell even more.  

I saw your interview with Keith Olberman about the fiasco over New York.  You were so right about how horrible this was and that someone needs to pay for putting innocent people through this horror again.  I disagree with the gentleman who said you were incensitive to others that were not New Yorker's.  That is totally wrong.  I saw the interview and it was very straight forward and did not slide anyone.  This happened in New York on 9-11 and it happened again to New Yorker's this week.  All of us, all over this Country and the World felt and lived through the horror of 9-11 but those in New York continue to live it every day of their lives.  

Norah O'Donnel's story on Michell Obama was wonderful.  She is a real asset to the President.  She has done so much during her first 100 days.  She has been such an inspiration to all of us with the work she does to help others.  She cares about ordinary people in our Country that need our help and strength to get through every day.  I look forward to her next 100 days.  I bet her rating will still be better than the Presidents.

Thanks for the link to the pictures of Obama's 100 days.  I loved them all but did have my favorites and one was when he was looking up at the picture of Kennedy that hangs in the White House.  Would love to know what he was thinking at that moment.  Thanks for sharing them with us.
The story of the WWII letter from 1944 was wonderful and I am so glad he finally got the letter.

Travis Smiley interview was great and it was nice to see you during the day.  

I'll look forward to your post tomorrow and of course your broadcast tomorrow evening

Brian,
I Just listened to the head of HOmeland Security & The new DHHS Secretary agreeing that schools shutting down for abaout a week was a good idea. They went on to say that while school is out, don't let your kids go to the mall, th movies, or other social settings; basically keep them isolated. Makes common sense to me but I am agrivated that Vice President Biden was rebuked & "corrected" when he gave the same common sense advise this morning. If you can avoid it, stay out of airplanes, airports, trains, train stations, subways, subway stations, dah? Sounds like the same common sense approach to me. It disturbs me that the white house and members of the cabinet corrected the Vise President ONLY out of concern for the financial bottom line of the travel industry! The country's health comes first; common sense advise is of value during any flu outbreak or other rapidly spreading disease...shame on you Obama! The airlines and others will survive a few days of people avoiding unnecessary contact with large groups of strangers!

I am writing to the MSNBC organization and the public reading this. We are located in Montana and there has been a massive snowstorm in the NW corner.  Four feet has fallen and 12 foot drifts line the roads.  This is the heart of the Blackfeet Reservation where poverty is extreme and unemployment over 50%.  There is hunger here on a good day. We serve this area as well as the other reservations in the State as a federal 501 c3 nonprofit.  We are looking for food or money donations so we can send food to the families there. According to the Bruce Running Crane of Search and Rescue out there, people are dealing with chest high snow and are running low on food at the end of the month.  Can anyone out there help?  If sent to us we will get it there.  We are the Native American Children's Association (tax deductible donations) at 406-446-9102 or 24 East Palisade Basin Drive, Red Lodge, MT 59068.  If sent to the reservation, it goes to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, Browning, MT 59417 att: Mona Kipling 406-338-5403. Time is of the essence. Thank you.

Good evening Mr. Williams,

I can't help but remember a similar breakout of flu back in 1976/1977 that prompted an urgent programs of vaccinations urged by the US Government including then President Ford.  At the time it was thought the virus was a recurrence of the Spanish Flu from 1918 but later proved to be the Swine Flu.

Could you comment on this?  Is this not the same virus that we are hearing about today?  While your appraoch has been calm and science based, unlike other news bureaus, little has been said about this prior occurence.  It might help people understand this is treatable and doesn't have to lead to a pandemic.

Thank you.

Dear Brian,  I was wondering if you could have some of your reporters look deeper into this swine flu breakout and where this was a somewhat staged panic. Does anyone think its strange, that this flu panic is turning into nothing. Its even better than most regular flu outbreaks (in terms of numbers, and deaths). Would like to see some good investigative reporting on who will benefit from all the swine flu vaccines that will be out this fall. I find it very suspicious that the current panic is almost over, and now new panic: it might be back this fall and worse. Seems like this is perfect for at least someone, to make millions on vaccines. I know this is bad, but companies and businesses are desperate for money right now and what better way then to create fear and panic - then sell your goods? Anyhow, it is worth looking into and there is plenty of suspicious activity out there. I have found some interesting articles on line. Please look into this. I am surprised there has not been more reporting on this aspect. Kathyg in Washington

Hi Brian,  It seems we have a lot of finger pointing
Democrats - Republicans.  No one wants to take responsibility under the stupidity cloud that covers Washington DC.  If any of them had an miligram of pride they would all resign and go home.  We the people are fed up with the crap they come up with.  Collectively they have caused the entire economic meltdown and all they can do is point fingers and wring their hands swearing they had nothing to do with it.  Term limits, no more pay raises for them, and get back to the business of working for the people!

I was displeased with Michelle Obama saying she chose
UC Merced....when we all know speakers are invited to
speak. They don't CHOOSE, they accept invitations.

First Lady Michelle had many offers along with Mreced's invitation. She chose Merced.

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