Hi again Brian,

It was good to see that you're still in L.A. I haven't seen your broadcast in what seems like forever. Thanks again to NBC for airing Michael's Memorial. There were so many things that touched me. I appreciated the son and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. speaking. Also Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and the plaque was nice. Seeing his beautiful children and how much love they had for their dad was  a very tender moment. Anybody can see that they belong with the Jackson family.

I hadn't seen Chuck Todd and/or the president lately. It's always nice to see the interviews. Moscow is a beautiful place and Pres. Obama has been doing so much in his early presidency. And still, if he waved a magic wand and got rid of all our problems, it wouldn't be enough. Some would say that he used the wrong size or color of a wand. That's sad.

I remember David Bloom and his great segments, especially from Iraq. I also remember how it felt so unbelievable when he died from DVT.

Brian, are we going to have to watch the many adventures of Sarah? You know the game show is just a matter of time, and I can see the "Sarah" doll coming around for Christmas time. I admit that the fishing waders were cute and I'd like to find some, even though I don't fish. Maybe they can include it in the doll's ensemble. Yep, I would buy the doll just for the waders.

O.K., now that we got to this point, you and Lester looked sharp today in L.A. Your striped tie- I missed them, even though I've always preferred the nonstriped ones.

But it's good to see you again, and I'll watch Lester on "Dateline." Have a great evening.

Vicki

THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A SOLDIER IN IRAQ.

I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson .  As we all know, Jackson died the other day.  He was an entertainer who performed for decades.  He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people.  I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief.  When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find
the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?

Am I missing something here?  ONE man dies, and all of
a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades?  What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom?  All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America .  

Where is there moment of silence?  Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice?  Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good ridence," and "Thank God for IEDs?"  When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan .

They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE,  those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them.

But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice.  After all, we will never make millions of dollars.  We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too.  We only shed our blood, sweat
and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it.
Feel free to pass this along if you want.

Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;      
             "So that others may live..."



- Isaac

I am totally disgusted and disturbed by the coverage given to Michael Jackson's death. For heaven's sake, he was a drug addict and suspected pedophile. What has our country come to? This kind of coverage should be reserved for those who should be honored, not some singer who was popular, earned a lot of money, owed even more money and does not deserve this kind of coverage. Fox News did not cover it. For once they used good judgment. All other news networks covered it. I am surprised at my favorite news station NBC Nightly News with my favorite newscaster, Brian Williams, that you would stoop this low.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Nice to see you in Los Angeles for the broadcast. Another fine broadcast this evening. First of all the report by Mr.Cowan from the Staples Center about the Michael Jackson Memorial. It was certainly a moving,heartwrenching, touching and great tribute to Michael who entertained millions around the world with his music,dancing and singing talent. Hearing the stars such as Lionel Ritchie,Mariah Carey,Stevie Wonder sing his songs and Jermaine Jackson singing "Smile" that brings tears was a great tribute to Michael. The "We are the World" song being sung by everyone was especially wonderful. I think the most heartwrenching and tearful moment was hearing from daughter Paris. It is so difficult on the children and she spoke so beautifully.
It was a beautiful and great tribute to Michael Jackson who meant so much to so many people all over the world.
May he be at peace.

On another note the report by Mr.Todd concerning President Obama's meeting with Russian Prime Minister Putin certainly proved to be interesting. Prime Minister Putin really wanted President Obama to understand the history of the relationship between the United States and Russia and the pains and hardships he has experienced in the country. Still needing more convincing on Iran and their development of nuclear weapons. It is a shared interest bewteen the Russian people and the people of the United States as President Obama stated. Now the President heads to Italy for the G-8 Summit.
Time will tell.

The report about Deep Vein Thrombosis and how attention must be made to the fact it cna be three times greater if cramped in a small space or sitting in a airplane for a long time. One does need to move around and be hydrated to keep from getting blood clots in the legs.
It made me sad thinking of David Bloom because this took his life. He is greatly missed by all of us.

The report by Mr.Holt about the Michael Jackson Memorial really gave a sense of the legacy he leaves to all those who enjoyed seeing him perform.

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Safe travels home to New York! 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 Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO


 

Shame, shame, shame on you NBC. Where did your class go? Michael Jackson was only an entertainer (?) amongst other things, i.e. drug addict, pedophile (suspected), weirdo. Have your moral standards gone out the window?
When Fox News shows more class than NBC that is something.

Hey, Brian,
Thanks for all your efforts to promote indie artists.
Garrison
www.MusicQuench.com

Not that you care, but my wife and I can no longer take your newscast seriously. As long time watchers of nbc news we are dismayed and appalled by your incessant Michael Jackson celebrity mania. We no longer turn on nbc at 6:30 for world news, how sad  that the nbc news organization has succumbed to national inquirer mentality.

Dear Brian -

Love NBC news the way you do it, but I'm very upset about the manic coverage of Michael Jackson.  There's real news out there that isn't getting reported because of the media carnival surrounding him.  

Michael Jackson was a pedophile.  What has happened to this country?  Have we as a nation become so enamored of celebrity that we can overlook such a heinous practitioner of such an odious crime?  People still haven't forgiven Michael Vick, and all he did was fight dogs. I can't make sense of this.

And for the love of God, What happened to journalistic integrity?  Edward R. Murrow and Eric Sevareid are probably dizzy from rolling over in their graves so often in recent days.

I am fully cognizant of the hyper-competitive nature of news organizations today, as well as the pressure from "upstairs" and from advertisers to cover what's exciting rather than what's crucially important.

And I know that you are not singly guilty here.  All of the news organizations have bowed to the dumbed-down, Roman-mob mentality rampant today.  

My husband has asked me to beg you not to open the news tomorrow night with the announcement that Michael Jackson is still dead.  Please move on to real news.

Sorry to be such a pill.  I'm generally pretty tolerant of the peccadilloes of the gifted, but I've just had it with the coverage of this twisted human being.

I found it totally disrespectful for you, Brian Williams,  to suggest, while waiting for the funeral to begin, that the Michael Jackson family pay for the police presence. As if he was a burden.  The man was not even buried yet.  Would you like your family to hear that during your funeral?  You have a lot to learn from the Jackson family about class.

we have lost an hero Michael Jackson.Back in the days I used to hear of Michael Jackson, but i didn't know whom he was until i arrived in this country. He made us to believe in ourselves and i learned that success begins with a fellow's will and it's all a state of mind. Goodbye Michael may God rest you sorrow in Peace.

Hello Brian,

I have on several occasions made that East Coast to West Coast trip, and back the next day. Not fun!

Last night I sent you my comments and would very much like your response, as well as many others, who expressed the same:

"I am very disappointed in you, and NBC News, who I had counted on for many years to report the news that effects all of our lives.

Yes, like it or not, Michael Jackson, the same as Elvis, Lennon, and many others in 'ENTERTAINMENT' pleased their fans and will be remembered by them. However, to stage a celebration performance in honor of his life with so much media coverage and guest performances leads to the following news worthy journalism questions:
1. How much money will the Jackson family make from the Michael Jackson's life celebration event?
2. Where will the money (proceeds) go to and how will it be accounted for?

Back to the news, tell me more about the seven U.S. soldiers we lost today in Afghanistan who gave back much more than all of us combined? How are their wives and children? What do they need to cope with their loss?

How about the lives of the people in Iran who gave their lives wanting a Democratic change?

Brian, please set the bar on reporting worthy news and leave it up to the tabloid media to report on the fantasies!

Sincerely,

George "

I understand and respect the life that Michael Jackson led -- he was more than an icon in the world of music.  However, I'm disheartened with the coverage that NBC News has delivered today.  

How is it that a pop culture icon gets an afternoon worth of coverage, but there is no pre-emption of programming to bring viewers to Iraq or Afghanistan for a real look at the war?  

One could argue that this is not anything new -- that Brokaw and Pauley were in London to cover the pageantry of a lady by the name of Diana being wedded into royalty.  At least the networks were also giving equal time to other timely, weighty, important issues.  

The network and its competitors now created a perfect storm of sorts.  With the Supreme Court nominations set to begin next week, what now?  Can we expect daytime pre-emptions of regularly scheduled programming to cover these hearings wall-to-wall?

I'd be curious to read/hear Brian address the thought process and ethical dilemmas that the organization considered when deciding a news organization devote an afternoon to the death of Michael Jackson.

Hi Brian:

Well I know you had to have been tired today after traveling all night, then anchoring the coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial service with Lester, doing the nightly news from LA and then heading back to New York to be with us again tomorrow night for your broadcast, but your coverage and the blog and broadcast tonight were impeccable.  You and Lester are amazing anchors and it was so good to see you together for this.  

The memorial service was different, with different emotions at each turn.  I did enjoy the entertainers that performed and spoke but the most touching thing to me was those that spoke of Micheal as a real person, not the entertainer.  I was very moved by Brooke Shields and her story of her friendship with Michael.  Not one of entertainment but one of just being her friend.  He was just a normal person who loved Kentucky Fried Chicken, getting into mischief, having fun and helping others.  Then there was this other life of music, being an entertainer, fans, strange lifestyles and the like.  His daughter said it all, he was the best father.  Thank you to both you and Lester for covering the service and reporting it to us.  

I am surprised a bit that the receiption by the Russians to the Obama's was not what I believe it should have been.  I am hoping that through his meetings and his speech to the people, the Russains will let go of the past relationship flaws and move on to work with us to secure the future and to halt Iran's obtaining of nuclear weapons.  I saw Chuck's interview with the President on the web and enjoyed it.  I am looking forward to his arrival in Italy and attending the meetings.  

I am not sure if there is something behind Palin's sudden decision to leave office so abruptly but the reasons she gave are just not sitting right.  It's like she is committing political suicide and has no regrets over it.  As I said before, I was not a fan of her from the very beginning and this is not helping to change my mind about her character or abilities.  To just up and dump your State without a really strong reason, or at least one she is willing to share, seems very odd.  I guess we'll have to see what bomb-shell she'll drop next.

I truly hope you and everyone traveling with you have a safe trip home.  I took your advice from one of your music posts and brought Julee Cruise's CD with me and listened to it during my red-eye flight to North Carolina.  You are so right she can make you relax.  I hope you have it with you.

Looking forward to your blog and broadcast tomorrow night.

I watched Brian W's coverage of the Jackson funeral and was appalled that after a beautiful service of love and healing the only comment that Brian Williams could make is that the daughter has been unsocialized per Joe Jackson--a person who does not even live in the same state as the rest of the family and would not even know.  I wonder why Brian W was even present at this event as he was obviously uncomfortable, cold and uninformed about the subject.  Surely there were other NBC journalists who would have been more thoughtful and appropriate.   I hope you have enough honesty and openness to post this message.

Please stop the Michael Jackson coverage.  Not everyone is a fan or thinks he is deserving of the extensive coverage.  There are true NEWS topics that should be covered.

Hi Brian,

I'm a fifteen year old who only recently got caught up in the Michael Jackson frenzy...he was truly an interesting person, and I've been really touched at times by his story-- so, I was inspired to write a mini "article" on my thoughts:


       Michael Jackson is perhaps truly not only one of the greatest musicians, but also one of the most eccentric, influential, and not to mention one of the most fascinating people that ever lived.
We know a musician through their songs; it is through their music that we connect with them, with ourselves, and with our world. For the many people that grew up in that era not so long ago, listening to the Jackson Five, they feel as if they grew up alongside with the five brothers, whose countless number one albums left a lasting spark in the music world. But for people of the younger generation like me, who did not grow up listening to Michael Jackson’s songs or watching the star’s rise to fame, who knew more about the controversies that surrounded him more than the man or the music, Michael just seemed like another star— a glint of light, casted over by the shadows of controversy that often comes with fame— somewhere in the distance.
But since the passing of Michael Jackson, it seems like that spark has been relit and for these past few days, has been shining brighter than ever. For the people who did not know him, and even for people who had forgotten about him, suddenly he became more than just another star— he became an iconic legend: an idea imprinted firmly now upon new minds and old minds alike.
Searching with my mom (who is completely touched by all this) through the old interviews of Michael, especially the old Oprah Winfrey interview, you realize that we often forget to keep in our minds that famous musicians and Hollywood actors and actresses are human, just like us. At times when he spoke, he seemed delicate and thoughtful, soft-spoken and sensitive; his giggles were almost childish in their nature. More than anything, he seemed to have an immense love and compassion for people, and for life. But perhaps ordinary people like us will never realize the inner workings of Michael Jackson’s mind; we’ll never know his pains, joys, fears, and struggles.
Perhaps for some of us, he’ll always seem different, and strange. But maybe the best way to think of him, is not that he was weird, or even that he was the ordinary, average man, but that he was an artist— an artist whose talent was so immense, and whose spirit so unique, as to touch a world through his music— art that is left behind even after the artist is gone.

Thanks for reading it!
Julia

(I'll be tuning in for Nightly News tonight like I have everyday for the past few years...I'm a big fan of the news and journalism, especially writing.)

Brian -

We had so many storms here in CT yesterday that when I tuned in late yesterday afternoon hoping to get weather info from channel 4 in Hartford, I got to see the "We Are The World" production and the final words from Paris Jackson about her Daddy.

Although I stand by my opinion as expressed here yesterday, I must admit that as a Mother and a singer, I was moved.  I can't tell you how many memories the song brought back from the 80's as we closed concerts with it often.

But it was the child who brought the tears - a little girl who is going to miss her Daddy. A moment that every parent will long remember and a very brave little girl.

Joan

I really enjoyed Chris Jansing's coverage of the Michael Jackson memorial, you should use her more.

Dear Mr. Williams,
My husband and I never miss your nightly broadcast. We've come to respect and admire your fair journalizm since you came aboard.  But your Monday night broadcast really hit us hard as you gave Michael Jackson almost 30 minutes of air time and then for only 15 seconds you happen to mention how 7 soldiers were killed in Afghanistan. No names of these soldiers who gave their own lives to protect us - and you didn't even give them the well deserved respect and dignity to mention anything else about them.
What exactly has Michael Jackson done to deserve all this air time anyway?  I do see a man who was very tallented in the music industry - but I also see a man who dangled his 6 month old son over a window balcony.  A man who invited young boys to come and stay overnight with him (as he admitted on air) and slept in the same bed with him. A man who made his children wear veils (not allowing them any self identity). Does this really take priority in your eyes over soldiers who died for our country????  Brian, I'm very disappointed in you and the networks for "Glorifying" Michael Jackson. My husband and I (and most of our friends and family have turned off our televisions so we don't have to be exposed to this heartbreaking unfairness.)
I'm so sick and tired of the press and the networks not giving our soldiers the fairness and respect and dignity they deserve.  Check your Priorities....Please

Interesting comments. We saw billions around the World pay respect for Michael Jackson without any trouble or as a Press reported it would be a circus. Michael was one smart man. He covered his kids faces, but they played with others and no one knew. Michael made his Will into a Trust smart move. He showed those who had hate in their hearts he was a loving Father to his three kids. Can some Fathers say the same?

It was funny to hear the reporters ask who's in charge in Russia. Many in the US asked the same question about who was in charge in the US for 8 years. Yes Bush didn't know much but Cheney had all the answers and directed the mission. Smart answer by President Obama. One might ask why would any World Leader believe the US after our former President openly lied for 8 years?

I've followed our troops since the illegal invasion of Iraq. What's strange is how Senators and the public now want to have front page coverage of our troops in place of Michael Jackson. We had almost thousands of soldiers killed and injured for 7 years without one Law Maker or American citizen demanding coverage and names of our dead. Now Brian Williams has half hour and gave what he could, so I watched PBS who gave the name of every soldier that was killed at the end of the week. Not one American cared that our troops were coming home and not getting medical treatment and still today many are not. Americans hear how our troops come home to no jobs and are suffering yet a Senator who voted to send these kids to invade Iraq doesn't like the coverage of Michael Jackson so he uses our troops and others follow. The soldiers know who supports them and who are giving lip service.

Have a great day all

Brian, yesterday, immediately after MJ's memorial service, you again brought up the issue of the scandals around him.  It just did not seem to be the appropriate time.  While we enjoy your evening newscasts (we are faithful to NBC evening news), we were disappointed to hear you raise this issue right after such a well-done memorial to him.

Brian, yesterday, immediately after MJ's memorial service, you again brought up the issue of the scandals around him.  It just did not seem to be the appropriate time.  While we enjoy your evening newscasts (we are faithful to NBC evening news), we were disappointed to hear you raise this issue right after such a well-done memorial to him.

Just have to say that it looked as if Michael Jackson's daughter had been coached to deliver that statement...the family adjusting the microphone, all knowing when the last word of the statement was coming, all hovering and jostling for position to be seen hugging the girl in front of the cameras.

And journalists are saying nothing about Al Sharpton's statement..."Your daddy wasn't strange, what he had to deal with was strange."
Is strange not an apt adjective for Michael Jackson?

Anchors were posting about how thrilling it was to sit next to celebrities.

Someone at the service said that Michael had affected every single person on this Earth. Really? Without a doubt he affected the kids who told of his molesting them.

A CONGRESSIONAL HONOR FOR MICHAEL JACKSON?!?
Insanity!!!!!
What about our soldiers?
Upon their deaths, their children can tell you that their fathers were "the best father you could ever imagine" too.

The media was complicit in attempting to portray Michael Jackson as something he wasn't.

It is the job of the media to pursue truth!

I echo the sentiments of several in this blog. Why so much coverage of Jacko who certainly was not and should not be a role model for any boy or young man! He established his image in his music and dance, but grossly disfigured his face and himself. He tried desperatly to change the pigment of his skin and he was partially successful in becoming white. Why? He was disingenuous in having 3 children and buying off the first mother with $8.5 Million! How common is that? A great father, no!

I will be joyed when the media can correctly portray the continuing fight for freedom of this country that is being carried out by our military and Security forces of various types. Being one who served this country, even though only for a while, we can easily spot those who have not served and gone through the training, taken the  pledge and served for US freedom!

Afternoon, Brian.

I had not seen the entire Michael Jackson memorial until very late last night, because at the same time I've lost someone very special in my own family. It has been an awfully difficult week for my family, at first when we all gathered for our memorial it broke our hearts...but then after just a little while with all the hugs and talk of memories it makes everything okay and everyone starts to laugh and smile, that's just the way she'd want it to be. Family is such a powerful thing, and to me is the most important thing in the entire world. Watching the Michael Jackson memorial really showed what all the talk and constant coverage was really missing, his family and friends. It was such a beautiful memorial, unforgettable. I've had many of the quotes from the memorial floating around in my head today, along with the beautiful unique laugh my aunt had. After a while I think my family will all be able to look up into the sky, and smile. It's times like these where you really see how important it is to cherish every moment you have, and especially to cherish all the moments you have with your family.

You did a wonderful job reporting from Los Angeles, all of you did. Hope you didn't get too bad of a jet lag from all the flying around, and hope you got up and walked around several times.

I've been trying to look for The Great Lake Swimmers' album, but our little town of Roanoke hasn't gotten any copies I don't think so I guess I'll go to Amazon. I really love that band, they are sensational...really love the lyrics and Lost Channels is an amazing album. Thanks so much for recommending them! Though I didn't realize one of their songs is in a Honda commercial, too funny.

Great having you back on the east coast! I'll see ya soon.

Take care,
-Cary

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