I heard he has 3 months to live. I say if he's not dead in 3 months we send in an assasin and take him out! There's my compassion! Makes me wonder if Scotland was threatened or blackmailed in anyway.

Score yet another one for Qaddafi. After the visit by John McCain last week, now this .. he must be laughing himself silly at the expense of the Western world.

I wonder how the general public in Scotland feels about Ali al-Megrahi's release.  

The question is, how does it make YOU feel, Ann.
For the time being, just forget that you are a Journalist and tell us your gut feeling.

ALL those people he killed didn't get the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones .... so this terrorist shouldn't get that chance either.

There are reports in the media here that some of the evidence used to convict al-Megrahi doesn't hold up.  Whether that's true, or not, we have to believe that a "civilized" country will have a just and fair judicial system.  Compassion is not a popularity contest.    

Ann I think it was a sad mistake that he was release from prison he took the lives of so many if he was sentenced to life in prison I thought it means spending the rest of your life in prison

I feel for the families of the victims of this man's actions.  I can't say I understand their pain, but I do understand their outrage.  Having said that, I have to say that I also understand how the courts in Scotland might reach this decision.  Isn't it important to show these terrorists and the rest of the world that there is compassion--that Western culture isn't the evil empire terrorist groups make it out to be?  Isn't it better to lead by example?  I certainly don't know the answers to these questions, and I don't know the specifics of any politics that might have influenced the decision.  I do know it is easy to see both sides when you are not personally involved.  I'm sure if my loved one was lost in that tragedy my response would be very different.  I mean no disrespect to the families.  I wish them peace.

I find the release of Mr. Ali al-Megrahi repugnant on many levels.

Friends of our lost children on PA103. As a former employee of TWA in the 1980s (itself the victim of other terrorist attacks), as someone who lost friends in the 9/11 attacks, and as a travel industry analyst, I am also concerned that Mr. Ali al-Megrahithe's release may send the wrong signal to other potential terrorists.

Regrettable as it may be that Mr. Ali al-Megrahi is terminally ill, he will have the ability to plan for his final days and spend those in his home country. His victims were denied that dignity.

The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 happened on my 18th birthday.  I will never forget the images.  I can't imagine what the intervening years have been like for the families and friends of those killed.  Many prisoners die of terminal cancer and other diseases while still incarcerated.  I don't know why the Scots felt they needed to extend compassion to this man.  Where was his compassion for those who died?  I know that, as a Christian, I should strive to be Christ-like and - therefore - forgiving, but I am just not there, yet.  And is it really for me to forgive?  I don't know if this man is sorry for his actions, or if he has ever even admitted his guilt, but if the former is the case, we should remember this: just because we are sorry for our actions, does not mean we should not still be punished for them.  I can't think of her name right now, but one of the Manson followers/killers is dying of terminal cancer right now; she has asked for a compassionate release, and she has been denied....

Laurel

The guy is dying of cancer, and these people, who claim to miss their deceased relatives, would have him die alone?

If they had the chance to have 3 months with their lost loved ones before they were gone forever, would they not take it?

before he meets his maker, maybe he so met each of the families that lost their loved one.  That would be his salvation.

Ok, I have to say, I never know any one that was killed. However, I wish we did this "compassionate release" just out of tax purposes/how much we pay for their medical bills while they are in prison. Maybe I would feel differently if I knew someone who had been killed.

Evening, Ann. Good to see you'll be in the hot seat for Brian tonight, and I hope he's enjoying his time off with plenty of time with his family. Also hope you're enjoying filling in for him, it must be a real busy job!

It's interesting to hear what happened in Scotland today, and what the right thing to do in this situation would be. I'll form my full opinion after tonight's broadcast I'm sure. But so far from what I'm hearing, I think I could easily agree this is an awful mistake.

We'll sit in with you soon,
-Cary

why aren't the Afghan elections tonights top story?

This is the 21st century.  Ask yourself, if you find yourself wishing the rack, or iron maiden on a man dying of cancer, what century youre living in.

As a proud Scot living in the US I am outraged at the attack on my fellow countrymen.  I agree that it is wrong to release a convicted terrorist, but why is Scotland being made to be the "bad guy", we're just the scape goat, the Scottish Government doesn't even have the power to set our own Taxes, it's the British Government, so come on people check your facts.  Typical when it suits the English, blame the Scotts!.

I don't blame the scottish people but I do blame their government for their lack of compasion for the families and the fact that they are doing it for  politcal reasons and ignoring the families of the victims. I hope that they will realize that all of the victims families are suffering because of their stupidity.

Here i agree with what Tracy Faris, its better to lead with example and western world realy needs to set such exaples of mercy and compassion for the rest. I am a muslim and being a student of journalism and communication I can somewhat guess the feelings and reaction to this case of compassion on both sides and i believe that it is going to strike the fundamentalists, extremists and obscurantists really hard in a positive way. The guy was going to die behind the bars and that would not have made any difference but his 3 months of life out side due to a great act of fogiveness and compassion is surely going to make a huge difference.

Trying to take emotion and the natural desire for Justice and/or Vengence,  out of the Calculus to discern the basis for the decision made to release this Person is most difficult. However, logically it is a travesty, even when just the cold, hard facts are looked at objectively. Not long ago; Khadaffi (sic) and Libya were akin to Hugo Chavez. He was an unstabilizing force in the Region. Unquestionabally a Despot, rattling his sabre calling for a Fatwah against all Americans. Then a Cruise Missle was delivered by the U.S. Military , to his home where minutes before it's arrival from ( to those present ) out of nowhere. Like the Wrath of God. Khadaffi, was confirmed to have in the target area, with his two Sons, as the Confirmation to Launch the Cruise Missle, in a Surgical Strike; with the Target " painted" with a LASER by clandestine operatives who confirmed he was present. Within the time from the verification to launch the Missle from a Naval Vessel, to the time of impact; which was minutes. Khadaffi left the Targeted Area. However, the missle hit the Target and his two Sons were killed. Since that time; due to other actions by Governmental Agencies, but Primarily, based on that Surgical Strike; Khadaffi silenced his sabre perpetually. The decision of the Scottish Authorities to release this Person, who through legal means and Due Process of all applicable Law, was found guilty of his crimes and given a Just Sentence in the Proper Venue. His Victims and others harmed exponentially by his cowardly, heinous actions, were not granted the Benefit of Due Process or Law. Rather, this Person and his Associates, took on the self-proclaimed role of Judge, Jury and Executioner. Against innocent people, who were not given the same rights he was given by the Civilized World. Some may argue in the Context of history, the U.S. did not afford Khadaffi or his Sons the right to Due Process. Or because the U.S. does not accept or is a Member of The World Court at the Hague ( which if we were leads one to many questions regarding those who might not be investigated for War Crimes in Iraq. Rather, then by a Special Prosecutor, appointed by The U.S. Attorney General, because World Opinion and that of a very large group of " We the People"; spoke out very loud in November of last year regarding the deception and lies, which could be argued to make us no better than this Person. Hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqui's have been killed and tens of thousands of Innocent American Kids,  who don't have any idea that Iraq is younger than Paul Newman. That the true conflict is and for 500 years has been based on Sunnis fighting the Shia. 99.9 % of America and our Former Commander in Chief, who sent an Honorable Man and Loyal Soldier, in his last act; with George Tennant behind him. To present the case for unexistant WMD to the UN, with what amounted to a Colorforms based delusion. Colin Powell, acting on the Orders of his Chain of Command; consisting of intelligent people who could easily manipulate a Man who was proudly grandfathered into Yale. An alcholic until he was 40. Had previously drove four Companies his Father handed him into the Ground. Plus was proud of that history and his C Average at Yale. Plus, was elected by a process to this day many thinking American
s doubt and has never, truly been Validated. A Company that makes ATM's, which leave a Paper Audit Trail for every transaction you conduct, Diebold Systems, Inc. Produced Voting machines used in two Elections, to determine what the Democratic Principle at the Core of this Federalism called The United States of America; namely that every Rightful Citizen's Vote matters. But, all the improprities, still unanswered get swept under the Rug and forgotten in a News Cycle or several.) That is the other factual side of the Arguement. Not any issue with our Government attempting to Assinate the Dictatorial Ruler of another Soverign Country. Who declared, even as a Paper Tiger and a Sabre Rattling Extremist; War on America. So, we acted as Judge, Jury and Executioner and murdered his Sons. But missed him. Is that moral and Just? Is is more of a Kholberg Moral Dillemnia than our Actions and Crimes in Iraq. Where again our Government decided that pre-emptive war is just. That we have the Right to Judge for the World that Democracy; which was practiced here, possibly than it is practiced in some Third World Nation. Then, if Democracy is practiced, perhaps better than here; yet the Victor is Hammas, we denounce it and condemn it. But getting back to the other issues after taking a long hard look at Our Country, with our History of Manifest Destiny, Slavery and Internment Camps like Manzannar. The 500 year old Persian war between the Sunni and Shia; is solely based of differing opinions of who followed Mohammed in The Koran. The kids fighting and dying every day. The families effected. Kids coming home wounded, missing limbs, scarred for life. Plus, those who come back home after fighting for a possible False Ideal, but Certainly for Each Other. That is why they Fight and Die. For their Comrades in Arms, whose merry band of brothers keep going into the breech. Not knowing the Canvas of History and possible Hypocracy which we have so many times acted as Judge, Jury and Exectutioner for those poor kids fighting and dying for what could be a False Ideal, taken Criminally and possibly perpetuated by Crimes. Plus, in an even greater tragedy. These poor, idealistic kids fighting wide eyed for what could very well, unless the supposed ever present Watchdog; The Fourth Estate does what our elected officials, working for Lobbysts do not do. Present the Facts to the Uneducated People in our Country. Who don't sweep the larger Historical Picture under the rug, where it is forgotten. We, you, owe more to these Kids who have faught and died for a failed ideal. Plus come home after all of this to Bromides and Platitudes. A health care system that abandons them or buries them and the other forgotten Heroes of our time. The First Responders on 9/11, denied health coverage. Having to go through miles of Red Tape. That is the Crime. But we sit in Judgment of this man who, had all the rights denied to his Innocent Victims. The Scottish or U.K. Health System is equivalent or better than the one in Libya, our silenced enemy. But, in the Larger Context, better than the one we offer to our Citizens, whom no different than one of the most Loyal and Honorable Patriots, Colin Powell. Did what they were ordered by their Superiors and Followed, what was presented as a Just Order and Obeyed. It killed me to watch General Powell, as Ordered, make an absurd arguement with those Colorforms, as one of his last Official Acts. The Terrorist in Scotland should not be Freed. But, are we the ones to hastily rush the Political Motivation, which may never be known to the Public,  by the Scots ? A soceity can be Judged by how it treats it's most vulnerable members. We don't even care how we treat out Heroes or take them out of Harms Way. How, knowing all we know, justify one more loss of a life in Iran. False Hubris brought down most great Civiizations. The Roman Empire, Sparta, Greece, Egypt, Persia, The Ottoman Empire, Soviet Russia. The Third Reich. British Imperialism. Caused the Formation of Pakistan, seperate from India. Are we so Great. Powerful and always Just, that we ignore history? People filled with false Propaganda talk about more fiction born of Propaganda and Delusion. Victim to others'' nefarious agendas. Believe in Death Panels, forced plans, and other baseless nonsense. Because we have forgotten what made us once Great and now threatens to Destroy us. The People do not know the Truth. They find it easier to let others with their own Agendas tell them what to think. It's easier. Who, is going to scream from the Mountaintop and Show the Truth. Question who we are becoming? Ask the larger, moral questions? Where are the Edward R. Murrow's who stopped Mc Carthism? Where is the Woodward's, Bernstein's. Bradlee's, Graham's and Friendly's of our Time when they are needed
more than ever before. The Press has The Bully Pulpit to force change. But where is the Integrity? The French have their faults. But, when the Government acts against the Will of the People; the People React and the Government fears that Will and abides by it. Not because of Armed Revolution, but because of a Sense of Nationalism; which does not exist here. Ask anyone what are you?They answer Irish, Jewish, Japenese, etc. Or at most what is De Rigeur now. The hyphenated defination. African-American, Italian-American. I answer American. Until we all understand that Concept which the French understand. Unless we stop acting as Jingoistic, Xenophobic, ignorant seperatists. This great experiment which is America is doomed. I am one Person trying to change the Country. I am a Patriot who wants to save my Country. Where are you guys?

My cousin was supposed to be on that plane. He broke both of his legs the day before in a skydiving accident.

Ann, while you story above does barely mention the oil relationship between Lybia and UK based BP Oil, it was not mentioned in the broadcast.  The UK and other European countries have been heavily investing in oil in Lybia, since Kadafi 'went straight'.  This was all about oil and money, not compassion.
Compassion should have been shown by the Scots for the victims, not the murder.

I just love the story about "Rise and Shine" business.  I am not a gardener, but from family members who are, I know that getting your hands dirty and watching something grow is amazing - even for me with two brown thumbs!

I appreciate Justice Secretary MacAskill's words on compassion; I hope all of us as individuals would live by them too.  However, there is a difference between compassion, mercy, and justice.  In some instances, "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one" should apply.  My heart goes out to the justifiably furious families of Pan Am 103 victims.  This was a no-win situation for everyone involved.  

Ann, you always do a fantastic job taking care of Brian's chair, and this week is no exception.  So much for the lazy, slow news days of August!  

So, can someone explain to me this?

The weather guy in Bermuda is standing on a beach describing Monstrous Seas...

Yep, in the background is a tiny little girl playing in the surf with her family.  Weather Channel / NBC Fail on that.  

Ann, even you looked livid after that report.

Good Evening Ann, Nice to see you filling in for Mr.Williams again this evening. I hope he is enjoying his vacation. The release of the al-Megrahi on a compassionate release does not seem justified considering the terrible crime he is convicted of doing. The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 was horrible and so many innocent people were killed in the crash. It is hard to understand even though al-Megrahi is dying of terminal cancer that he should be freed. He should remain in prison and the families who lost loved ones in the bombing should be outraged he was released. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones. It is an awful thing.
Now on to the broadcast. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS!
Richard's report from Kabul concerning the presidential elections showed how the threats by the taliban to attack scared away many voters. Low turnout was seen in many areas especially Southern Afghanistan. But in the Northern part of the region the turnout was much heavier and people came out to vote despite the threats. It was somewhat discouraging to see in one area a man voting at the polling station was the only one. Hearing of 138 attacks today with 26 people killed was terrible along with 11 rockets being fired in Helmund Province. The two front runners Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah could be in a runoff, but as Richard stated the results might not be official until Saturday. Time will tell.
Excellent Reporting Richard as Always!
PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS!

On another note the report by Mr.Costello concering the "Cash for Clunkers" program and the fact the program is ending Monday evening will make dealerships around the nation very busy this weekend. The program certainly gave a boost to auto sales and the dealerships were overwhelmed. Now the money has to be paid out to the dealerships and consumers.

The report by Mr.Cantori from the island of Bermuda about Hurricane Bill showed some high waves and ominious skies. I hppe everyone evacuated safely and those remaining on the island stay safe and sound. This storm will cause alot of high surf along the Eastcoast this weekend. I hope it isn't too bad.

The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Sanders was really nice. These teenagers growing herbs and vegetables to sell to people on a tight budget in the area is wonderful. They are having alot of success and getting more out of it than profits, but satisfaction and confidence they are truly helping others. Nice piece!

Thank You for the broadcast Ann. Always wonderful to see you on the broadcast Richard! 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,Exrta Safe and Well Richard! Enjoyed your reports on "Morning Joe" and the "Today Show" Excellent Reporting!
XOXO

I believe, in this case, we are talking about "accountability" and freedom. Freedom to "live" was taken away from the people on PAN AM 103. Why are we allowing someone responsible for these deaths have freedom, regardless of his medical condition? How is containment lack of compassion? Are the Scots not feeding this man or providing medication? There is a difference, in my view, between compassion and the accountability prison provides.

Hi Ann:

Great to see you in for Brian again tonight.  I too hope he is having a wonderful and restful vacation and I hope he knows just how lucky he is to have you and Lester filling in for him.  It's is a big chair to keep warm and you are doing it so well.

Megrahi's release from prison is wrong. I know that he is terminally ill and this release was done on a compasionate level but all those that he killed did not receive any compasion from him, no good-bye's to their families, no last words or looks.  I think his release was wrong and he should have had to remain in prison.

It was great to see Richard tonight but his report was very sad and disturbing.  135 attacks and 26 people killed by the Taliban in order to thwart the democratic election.  It is just horrible that the Taliban was able to stop people from voting because of their threats and actions.  What a tragedy.

I know that the Cash For Clunkers progam has been a huge success but is now coming to an end.  This protram stimulated people to start spending again which has helped our economy.  I hope that this will show the government that we need more incentive programs to get people back to spending some money.  Times are tough but even a little spending will go a long way in getting people back to work and helping our economy grow, one day at a time.  I hope we see more incentives down the line.

I am still very, very angry at the Banks and Credit Card companies.  They continue to raise interest rates on people that are so stretched they can't breathe. I don't see how they think that by raising rates they will get paid more. There is just so much you can pay when one memeber of the family or maybe even both are out of work.  For most of us the mortgage is the first thing and then food and care for our children.  The other debts, no matter how much they raise the rates, have to wait sometimes.  Why can't the government just step in and tell them that all the money they are getting that they intend to use as bonuses should be used to recoup the so called "Losses" they have experienced and not stick it to the middle and poor classes?  Can you imagine how much those millions of dollars in bonuses can help these institutions wipe out their losses?  Please President Obama live up to your campaign promise and help us middle and lower income families stay alive.

Your "Making A Difference" story was wonderful.  These teens are learning and gaining confidence that they can do what it takes to make it. By growing food and learning how to deal with wholesalers in the real world they are seeing what it takes to be successful.  All of their efforts to grow the food and also to purchase it shows up two fold in the faces of those people they are helping.  They are not only learning and growing stronger but they are also giving back to the community is such a great way.  

Thanks for another great broadcast Ann, hope you have a great evening and remember you are filling that  chair very, very well.  I hope Brian realizes just how lucky he is.

Ann,
Thanks for the update on credit cards, appreciate it
I have an email buddy from New York who is an
admirer of yours and he likes Lester Holt.  He
and I are both experiencing difficulties Online
with AOL  Anyway, you both do a good job for
filling in for Brian Williams who deserves the R & R.
Phyllis

I gasped when I heard the plans to release this man. If he was wrongfully convicted, shouldn't that have been brought out? Instead, it's alluded to. My thoughts are someone made a deal, somewhat like the North Koreans. These "powers that are" don't operate from a "nice guy" position. But payment will be made, if not here, then in the hereafter. I fear for those who fall into the hands of the living God with a horrific deed on his/her conscience.

That murder should have been executed years ago, enough said.

What this has done for me is made me look deep inside myself and ask what is really important here. I do not have the answer and that makes me uncomfortable...

Hi Ann,

Sorry I didn't get to watch you last night. I can't watch you in the mornings but I try to catch you when you're filling in, I watch your Dateline specials too. My husband's a big fan of yours. He thinks you're beautiful and I agree. Plus you're a very professional journalist; in the same league with Brian, and Lester.

I need to add a more direct link to the interview Lester gave to "Making Music Magazine" than the one I posted the other day. I found the info on twitter, but "allDay" has a link too. The pics are great, and playing the bass is a big part of Lester's life.

http://www.makingmusicmag.com/features/09sept01.html

Vicki

In the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ says those you
forgive are forgiven, and those you do not forgive
are NOT forgiven.  Another hard saying of Jesus,
but I say Amen to that. Have a nice day, Ann.
Phyllis

Hi Ann,

It was so disturbing to see clips of Ali al-Megrahi receiving a hero's welcome in Libya. Who's to say he's even dying? Maybe he's not, but even so, Scotland was wrong in releasing him. It's hard to believe a country that would do such a thing.

This is another disturbing story. Jon Stewart had Betsy McCaughey on his show. At first, I thought she was a comedian and part of a sketch, just as  "birther" Dr. Orly Taitz "appeared" to be (well, I thought she was a drag queen at first). But Betsy, God bless her was sitting there thumbing through her notebook of the health care bill. Jon suggested Post-its. She was desperately trying to find page 432, that dealt with end of life, as if she was trying to prove that the bill is suggesting "euthanasia." Betsy and those like her are so misinformed and scaring people. Anybody can actually read the bill and see  word for word what it is and what it isn't. For whatever it's worth here are some web sites that I'm going back to:

urbanlegends.about.com/b/2009/07/27/health-care-

www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/show

There's nothing wrong with informing ourselves.

Vicki

It's extraordinary how we all feel we can interfere in other country's policies when we don't like them.  When I tried to encourage votes for Obama on various forums I was inundated with abuse about how I ought to "butt out of American decssions"  Fair enough, the American President effects all our lives but only Americans get to vote.  But now,  Scotland shows a truly New Testament Christian heart, the capacity for redemption and compassion and we are deluged with people trying affect our choices and foreign policy.
It's so easy to claim cynical business influence if you can't understand compassion, I feel sorry for those whose hearts are so cold so broken that the concept of compassion , of giving something requiring nothing in return is lost on them.  At Tripoli they were waving Scottish flags, they were thankfull and grateful to the Scots.  Do we not think that is a benefit that we can demonstrate compassion and others will learn.  
I hear the cries of "but what will other terrorists take from this?" When we live in an age of suicide bombers, terrorists are unaffected by the fear of death or long term capture.  That is why we are so weak in the face of this sort of terror.  To grant a compasionate release is brave and a demonstration of a strong moral core.

There is much wheeling and dealing done in the nasty world of politics. The mans release was subject to his dropping his appeal! Did the Westminster government have something to fear from the appeal. People here in Scotland do not think he acted alone, nor are we stupid enough not to realise that the Westminster Gov have not had a hand in this. If Scotland were an indipendant country, do you realy think we would be dancing to that idiot Gordon Brown's tune? This is yet another example of Westminster interfering with Scottish politics and until Scotland achieves independance this will sdaly always be the case. Westminster wants to expand trade with Gadaffi, unfortunatly for Scotland, the key was the Locerbiie bomber. Dont be so ready to condem Scotland for having being forced into this political fall out. We take the flack, while Brown and his cronies now get acess to Lybian money!

"'The guy is dying, reportedly suffering from terminal cancer, and allegedly has just three months to live." He was sentenced to life in prison I thought it means spending the rest of your life in prison   I personally know a man told also that that that he had three month and that was 4 years ago. We cancel the ability to plan for the final days the dignity when we CHOSE to do whatever it is that puts us behind bars.  

Please don't blame the Scots people.  This decision was made above their heads.  The people of the country had no say in this. I am Scottish living in the US and I know that all of my friends and family in Scotland disagree with that happened.  Perhaps there is a flaw in Scots law which allowed this to happen and which must be looked at closer now.  I understand that we must extend forgiveness and compassion but to release this man WAS a mistake.  There are no comfort or consolation for the victims' families; they never got to say their goodbyes.  I don't believe that he is innocent either, if he was, he would never have even been a suspect and in first place but yet he ended up in jail.  This was a very bad judgement call on the part of the Scottish Government, once which I hope does not damage US/UK relations.

You are doing such an amazing job. I just wanted to thank  you, and tell you Welcome Home! i do follow your twitter, so stop with the air line crazy...i worry...

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