Brian: Why do you keep saying "our own (reporter name)" in your intros? Is it a tick that you can't stop? Its a misuse of the term. Who else would the reporter be employed by? CBS? And I wish you would anchor just one newscast where you don't use either "remarkable" or "extraordinary." Stop characterizing the news; just report it.  

We found Tom Brokaw's report from Maryland quite worthwhile. It should have mentioned the salary of the workers in the crab plant. Are theses workers given any benefits? These issues should be part of the total picture.

Brian, The Tom Brokaw bit about the crab business and the lack of willing employees. It was not mentioned what the wage is for this type work. Is it minimum or piece work? This could be a factor in attracting applicants. Is this info available?  I enjoyed the broadcast and am a nightly viewer. Keep up the good work.  Ron Forney

Hello, my name is Francis Gonzalez and if you could, would you please give me the information about the job for de-shelling crabs.
I am very interesting in a job and I will relocate with assistance of course.

Hi Brian
All the talk about President Obama's picking Judge Sotomayor is some what silly. Judge Sotomayor has more experience then any Justice now serving when they were appointed. In 1991 President George H.W. Bush said he picked a Justice who had empathy and that person was Clarence Thomas. Judge Sotomayor was confirmed twice and now some have problems. At lease Rush is making sure his party makes it hard for President Obama to get his appointees confirmed which will make it harder to correct the mess we have.

If anyone has a name of a good Economicist please let California know. Gov. Terminator is now cutting health care and welfare from the poor and not giving grants to college students. He's talking about taking the property tax money so the cities and the countries will go broke. Now we do have ways of balancing the State Budget without cuts. One problem Arnie can't go against the orders of Sarah Palin and tax shippers, now can he tax the wealthy on their boats that are docked for free. Arnie asked for the Government to co-sign a loan. Now Arnie has borrowed money from the day he took office and has never paid back a dime yet. Why on earth would anyone loan Gov. Terminator any money. Our State Law Makers and the Govenor have openly wasted taxpayers money for years and now it's caught up with them. We have to get an honest, smart Govenor out here quick. I don't blame the Obama Administration for not giving Arnie a loan. Other States have just as many problems as we have out here so if you help one you have to help all.

I'm glad your showing the White House as many will not be able to see it. Now I'm lucky I got on the White House tour list as I signed up with Senator Boxer in Nov. 2008. As part of my Washington Vacation, Senator Boxer gave me passes to all the events and sites with some recommendations on where to eat. Oh the Hotel, Peaches and I are staying is pretty and a great view of the White House. Don't worry the prices are really great and affordable in this recession. I'll make sure I report my visit and ask the right questions. Yes if by chance I do get to meet President Obama I will tell him my daughters name is Peaches and so is his name in Hungarian means Peach. Ok that's just me.

Hillary is working hard on solving the problems with North Korea and she will need the help of our allies.

I read a report Israel is saying their famous 16 words- Venezuella, Bolivia supply uranium to Iran. Now we remember President Bush announcing Iraq sought uranium from Africa to justify the invasion of Iraq. Turns out Mr. Wilson was right all along and it just never happen. So maybe the famous 16 words will work again and a pre emptive attack on Iran will help Israel. Sometimes it's best not to reuse old lies, people catch on quickly.

see you same time same place

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening. I am really looking forward to your special next Tuesday and Wednesday in prime time called "A Day in The Life of the White House". It appears to be an incredible job to film and I'm sure it will be great!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Lebeau concerning the brink of banruptcy of General Motors which seemed inevitable. It is difficult to believe GM is declaring bankruptcy considering it has been the largest automaker and a great symbol of the auto industry. The amount of money in billions the federal government is putting in to own its share it staggering on top of the other billion already given to them. So many plants closed, jobs cut and dealerships shutdown it is extremely sad for all the workers and their families. Hopefully, things will turn around for the better, but it is hard to see at the moment. One must have alot of faith.

On another note the report by Andrea Mitchell about North Korea and it nuclear missle testing showed how defiant North Korea is about it actions. They are certainly appearing to be threatening to South Korea bragging about restarting a conflict with the region. One wonders who exactly is in charge within the country because there should be consequences for their actions. Time will tell with this extremely tense situation.
Hearing about a deadly bomb blast in Pakistan killing 30 people is disturbing news in such a tumultuous region. It is terrible innocent people get caught in the middle of the conflict. One always hopes for peace.

The report by Chris Jansing from California about preparedness for the next earthquake showed how many people just aren't ready. But many are now taking the necessary precautions within their home and having a first aid kit too. Insurance,plans water and many  other things will help people in the event of future earthquakes. I hope there are none though! So many things going on in California as Mr.Williams stated, an earthquake should not be added to the list.
The piece by Mr.Brokaw travelling along Highway 50 starting tonight in Cambridge,Maryland was quite interesting. Showing how this business that catches and picks crabs to be ready for restaurants and stores has been having a difficult time in this economy getting workers. The owner really needs workers, yet not many people apply and that is unfortunate. He does have many good workers, but not enough at the moment. Hopefully, his business will stay afloat and compete in the market.
Good piece Mr.Brokaw! Looking forward to the next pieces in the series.

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!
Keep Safe Jackie and Matt in California!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO    

One of the most important aspects of a job is salary and yet you did a whole piece on crab pickers without a mention of what they are paid.  What about benefits?  what about working conditions.  You can find workers, I assure you, if the price is right.  Come on, give us news we can use to make intelligent decisions about the wisdom of foreign workers.  WHAT IS THE PAY!!!!!  Is this all about getting cheap labor from abroad or not paying what a job is worth????

Congratulations on Stand Up to Cancer making grants of $79 million to cancer researchers.  I wish them great success in their endeavors.

Did anyone else notice that this is almost one one thousandth (.001) of the amount, $50-70 billion, the government is giving to GM - a bankrupt auto company -to attempt to get it back in business?

Wouldn't it be nice if the numbers could be reversed?  

Good (late) evening, Brian!

The fall of GM is so sad, realizing all of the great American car companies the parent company represents. American cars mean a lot to me, though my brother has always praised Honda while I was growing up (which I'm still doing). It would break my heart to see all of these wonderful American car companies die in this recession. I was happy to see my friend's parents buy a new Chevrolet last month.

It was great hearing the cancer death rates in men and women has fallen over the past almost twenty years. My grandmother's sister in-law, who is basically my aunt, is currently battling cancer. It's something I haven't dealt with since I was a kid, when my granddad died of colon cancer. I don't know how to deal with it, or what to do. Her name is Janie, and she is one of the most brightest, lovable persons you could think of. Her laugh has always been something my family has remembered and loved for so many years...

It was so great seeing Tom Brokaw on the broadcast tonight, and I'm so glad to hear there will be a whole series of reports from him coming. And what a great idea this is! My thanks to Tom, I just love him!

I'm very much looking forward to “A Day In The Life Of The White House”, and especially after hearing you will be doing the reporting. Can't wait to see it! I would absolutely love to go through a tour of the White House someday, but I would much rather prefer going without the tour group. Just walking through talking to someone who could tell me what I don't know (much like my dad did with me in museums growing up), would be such a great experience. So much history, and so many stories. It's just absolutely fascinating! Maybe I could be a White House intern, also? Or perhaps I could just walk Bo for the Obama family.


Thank you for the broadcast tonight, though I wasn't home due to a busy day with family, I caught up and here I am.

Have a great night, take care.
-Cary

Rawlings in CA..Am also a Military mom and my son has much respect for Bush and Laura always supporting the troops.

Hi Brian:

Another outstanding broadcast tonight.  Thank you so much for the information you gave us on the blog today on "A Day In The Life Of The White House" story you are workign on.  I can't wait for the special to air.  I am certain, because you are the one doing it, we will be given the most extraordinary look at the workings of the White House and West Wing. I hope you know how much each of us appreciates the work you and all the NBC people do to give us the news and specials like these.   Thanks to all of you.

Seeing GM going into bankruptcy is hard to swallow. They are a symbol of our Country and our way of life.  I hope their restructuring program will be a success and that GM will grow back to what they once were.  

I wish people would stop stressing on one statement form 2001 made by Sotomayor and take a good look at her many, many achievements.  So what if President Obama said he was looking for someone with empathy.  Bush (senior) chose a Judge in 1991 because of his empathy. But no one like Rush and Newt had any problems with it.  Oh, that's right Bush was a Republican. This craziness has to stop and now.  I think she will bring a lot to the Court.

North Korea's actions are getting serious.  Threats on South Korea, and activity brewing of possible signs of restoring generators in a nuclear plant will not help the Secretary of State in her efforts to thwart this.  I just hope that our allies will join with her to get this resolved.

I know to most people earthquakes are very scary but to most of us here in California the small ones (1-3) really are not noticed that much.  With all the problems we face in California every day, economy, job loss, health care, hungar, education loss and all the rest, beefing up earth quake kits is not on the top of the list.  Most of us have a kit in our car and in our home but I am sure we should up date them as they are essential to getting through a big quake.  I'll have to add that to my list of "to do's".

Tom's report tonight was great.  It was sad to hear that the owner cannot get anyone to work for him.  In this economy you would think everyone would grab at any job.  I am sure he must pay a decent wage and right now any wage is better than nothing.  It is true what the women were saying, most of Americans especially the young ones don't want to work, they just don't want to get their hands dirty.  It's hard to believe that legal immigrants are grabbing at these jobs even though they are seasonal and our own people think it is better to be unemployed. I am looking forward to the next stop on Tom's journey.

Thank you for a great broadcast.  I'm looking foward to your post and broadcast tomorrow.

I enjoyed the segment on "crab pickers in Cambridge,  Maryland.  But, as an original gal from Maryland who boated, crabbed and fished on my beloved Cheseapeake Bay, I was as angry as I ever have been on an issue near and dear to my heart.  The video showed the real issue that many of your viewer's might not have noticed: the crabs in the fisherman's basket were mostly females.  To determine the difference between males and females,you need to examine the underside of the crab.  Females have an "apron" that can be several inches wide and is much pinker than males.  Males have a pointed tip on the underside.

Frankly, female crabmeat is not preferred for those of us who are avid blue crab eaters.    

I had thought there was a moratorium on catching females in the Bay??  What gives?

Linda Seubold
Scottsdale,AZ

So what you do is broadcast news?  Yea right.  More like an offshoot of ET.  Will the feature be what the obamas had for dessert.  Can't wait for that.  Probably lie about that too.  Maybe you should focus on the issues and the march to socialism by this Karl Marx wanna be.  Journalism is dead and you are proof

Hi Brian: I heard part of your upcoming report on traveling Highway 50. Where is this highway? We have one in Florida that my family travels quite a lot, and were wondering if it's "our" Highway 50 or another someplace you're talking about. Please reply, so we can be watching.  
Thanks so much for replying if you can.
We thoroughly enjoy your broacast; it's always the best news commentaries.  Keep up the excellent work.

It is interesting how you post anything conservative the following day. Not only are you bias in the news-casts but, bias on your blog. Do you figure no one will read it the following day?? Yet you publish these long posts full of pro lib agendas. How pathetic!!

Brian,

Tom Brokaw's segment on working in the crab business and having trouble finding workers was a bit surprising to me.  As a 23 year old not long out of college, working in a crab business, or indeed any factory like setting is not appealing.  None of my friends have spent tens of thousands of dollars and 4-5 years of their life to work in that type of environment.

Regardless of what the pay is, per crab de-shelled or per hour, businesses like that usually pay too low to be appealing to college kids.  Perhaps some of the high schoolers over 16 could apply, but then you have to look at labor laws.

Maybe the female employee was right, maybe all of us kids are too lazy and we're afraid to get our hands dirty, but from my perspective we've worked hard to earn our degrees and we didn't get them for 10-12 hour days spent de-shelling crab.  It is the life for some, but not for all.  

Tom Brokaw's report from Maryland was interesting. But I found it lacking in depth. Hearing the whining of the crab company owner when he could not get American workers to apply for jobs was a great opportunity for Tom ask. What does he pay his workers ? Is it a living wage ? Does he offer medical benefits ? Does he depend on the exploitation of foriegn Workers to maximize his profits ? Hopefully the series will improve.

I'm really looking forward to watching "A Day in the Life of the White House" next week. I'm sure it'll be fascinating.
For all my fellow tweeps out there, I just saw that @InsideObamaWH is now on Twitter and will be tweeting from the White House on Friday.
While I'm recommending people to follow, check out @NBCNewsCrew. He's always tweeting fun pics from various locations.

I'll be sure to watch as Mr. Brokaw reports from Rt. 50. Our little stretch of Rt. 50 runs right through downtown Cincinnati.  I drive along various parts of it several times a week, and certainly there are bound to be interesting stories along the way. I came across an article on Mr. Brokaw's road trip from our local media reporter. He wonders if there will be a stop in our area: http://tinyurl.com/rxrjnk  I hope so!

I would like more information about Tom Brokar's trip across the U. S. on Highway 50..  Is there a time plan and what plans are being made for stops?  Thank you for your time.  Carol McLean

One night, Brian, you and David Gregory mentioned
that President Obama will include Saudi Arabia
on his trip in June, which, hopefully, some good
will come from it.  Before my husband took an
early retirment from General Electric, he and another
man went to Saudi Arabia on a business trip for GE,
and it was exciting for them.
Phyllis

I WRITE YOU TODAY WITH THE DEEPEST NEED FOR YOUR HELP. I LOST MY JOB IN NOVEMBER DUE TO COMPANY LAY OFFS, WHICH CAUSED US TO FALL SERIOUSLY BEHIND ON OUR MORTGAGE. WE PAID A LAW FIRM KNOWN AS FEDERAL LOAN MODIFICATION LAW CENTER AKA FML AKA FEDMOD.COM, $3500. THEY WERE PAID IN THREE MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS. THEY KEPT IN CONTACT WITH US...UNTIL THEY WERE PAID IN FULL. IN THE BEGINNING, JESSE MARKS, OUR CONSULTANT, TOLD US THEY WERE PART OF THE FEDERAL PROGRAM KNOWN AS THE HOPE NOW PROGRAM AND WE WERE GAURANTEED A LOAN MODIFICATION OR OUR MONEY WOULD BE REFUNDED. AS OF TODAY, WE HAVE LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES WITH JESSE MARKS, AS WELL AS MANY OTHER DEPARTMENTS (AS YOU CAN NO LONGER GET A LIVE PERSON), AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RETURNED CALLS. WE HAVE SIX CHILDREN AND ONE ON THE WAY, AND NOW OUR HOME IS IN FORECLOSURE. HOW DO WE TELL OUR CHILDREN THAT MOMMY AND DADDY LOST THEIR HOME!???? WE ARE BEGGING YOU TO HELP US BRING OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT SUCH COMPANIES AND SHOW THAT THESE SCAMS ARE VERY MUCH REAL. WE ARE AWARE THAT THE GOVERNMENT CURRENTLY HAS A LAWSUIT PENDING AGAINST FEDERAL LOAN MODIFICATION LAW CENTER, BUT THIS COMPANY'S WEBSITE IS STILL ACCEPTING NEW CUSTOMERS AND MUST BE STOPPED! WE ARE WILLING TO GO AS FAR AS NEEDED AND POSSIBLE TO LET THE WORLD KNOW OF THE SCAM THIS COMPANY IS RUNNING AND GETTING AWAY WITH. WE HOPE THAT YOU CAN AND WILL HELP US BRING THIS TO THE OTHERS OUT THERE THAT ARE DESPERATE TO SAVE THEIR HOMES, AND MAY FALL FOR SUCH SCAM ARTISTS OUT THERE. THIS IS DEFINATELY SOMETHING WE CAN NOT DO ALONE, BUT CAN DEFINATELY DO WITH THE HELP FROM THE MEDIA.
SINCEREST THANKS,
MICHAEL AND MARY

I see I'm maybe the 5th person to comment that the Crab business in Maryland piece conspicuously omitted the most important information - the rate of pay and benefits. The "American Character" is such that workers are not stupid - we will work for a fair living wage that is not seen as exploitation. Reporters and editors at MSNBC are not stupid either; you know that what is not said is as important as what is said in the overall message. Is it your choice to present only a one-sided view of this country that is favorable to management and dismissive of workers legitimate concerns?

Hi Brian,

I am surprised why you do not do any specials on current Education system and loss of innovation in US. Important issues, which are in fact the cause of job loss (most of which do not come back) in the US. Please read my latest book - Outsourcing everything but the kitchen sink: empowering Americans through education and innovation. (I am sending you a copy this week) and hope that it would make you interested to do a special on this subject. It is very important for us to support President Obama policies on Education reform, tax incentisive for offshoring projects and health care. This book will explain why we should. I am an engineer, educator and entrepreneur. I came to United States in 1977. This book has grown from my observations on my own journey to success through education and application of my knowledge in the USA. And the urgency I now feel to ensure that the best of what I experienced continues to be available to our citizens and students in the United States.

Hi Brian.  I'm a 70 year old citizen of the U.S.--this HD/TV seems more like trying to navigate the news (or any programming, for that matter), from MARS--it does not work efficiently no matter what kind of antenna one uses.  What's with that? Aren't we old folk worth something good and even nice in these days of high tech minds.?

@ Brian:  Please give us the dates and times on the WH broadcasts.

Peace and love to all!

Brian,

I'm just going to go there, even though it may not make it here on the blog.

If some people think that NBC is unfair, too liberal, whatever, there's always Fox News. I don't always agree with with any news station, newspaper, politician,etc. I honestly think that NBC has always done a great job.

And this "liberal" has made this post really short.

Vicki

Hi Brian

I sent an email responding to your broadcast but I know it was quite late (I'm on the West Coast) so it may not get posted but I was reading over some of the responses you got and I am sorry but I had to send this.  It is truly sad that some people have to be so rude and cruel in their emails.  Not everyone will agree with what you report or how you report it but it is for certain that all of us know that your reporting is truthful and factual and you have not lied about anything. We all have the right to our own opinions but rudeness is not an acceptable response.  Sorry, just had to vent here.

 

Brian,

Thanks for the upcoming "Inside The White House Special."  I've watched every one of them since the Reagan one aired when I was 8 years old.  I also enjoyed watching the Nixon & Carter ones on your website.  

Are there any plans to put these on DVD?  Perhaps a box set?  I would hope that if you put the Obama one on DVD you will retain the 16x9 aspect ratio like you did the Ignauguration DVD.

Thanks!  Keep up the good work!

Will the the "shrinkage" at GM be part of those 4 Million New Jobs as all the dealers, suppliers, workers and contractors are looking for new jobs??
And do you have the guts to ask?

DEAR BRIAN: YOU HAD A PIECE ON A LEGAL GROUP WHO REPRESENTED INVESTORS GIVEN BAD ADVICE FROM THEIR BROKERS, WHO TOOK ON THE LARGE INVESTMENT FIRMS. CAN YOU GIVE ME THEIR NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS, OR TEL #>THANK YOU

It's June 2 and I just watched part one of The White House Tour.
It was an excellent program. What hit me the most was the total hectic nature of the daily routines...from one meeting to the next...one subject
to the next. I recently read the book which was Ronald Reagan's diary...and I noticed the same thing...the daily agenda and meetings
and changes from one topic to the next...leave little time for the President to sit down and quietly study the issues of the day. It seems
the Chief of Staff who I would imagine puts the daily agenda together..must go crazy too over the volume of details necessary to
make things come off on time...in good order...and that make good
sense when completed and analyzed. You captured all of this in your
report...looking forward to Part 2 tomorrow.

Brian Williams.....THANK YOU for your broadcast at the White House with President Obama.  I missed it on TV but have been watching it "online", it's absolutely the greatest.  I am so very proud of him and his entire family.  He has a great wife, two fantastic kids and a mother-in-law that is out of this world and it all topped off with the entrance of "BO" who we all enjoy seeing and reading about.  I know President Obama has far more important things to deal with than TV Interviews but I hope he knows how much it was appreciated.  Not possible I know but we are having a picnic at work and believe me he has an open invitation!  Tell him we're having burgers!  Thanks again Brian!

When is Tom Brokaw's series shown on the USA channel?

When and what time do these shows come on I have Dish Network. I am curious to see if he does a story on Best of America by Horseback and speak with Tom Seay and wife Pat Seay He is the Host of the show that is seen on RFD TV show. He is currently doing a national trailride from Border to Border started in New Mexico and will end up in Canada at the border , and has close to 50 riders from different states going all the way by horseback.

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