Hi Lester,

Welcome back and I hope you're having a nice Labor Day weekend. I'm sure there will be a lot of political fall out in the upcoming week due to Pres. Obmama's speeches on Tues. and Wed., and also due to his advisor Mr. Jones resigning.

I'm really angry at people who are listening to idiots, especially like Glen Beck. He seems to be the latest who's really reaching into another universe and returning all bug eyed crazy. And it's very disturbing that parents will keep their chidren from lstening to Pres. Obama's speech. I just watched a National Geographic Special that would really drive these parents insane if the schools showed it, which they should (show it.) It's called "The Human Family Tree." The DNA swabs were taken during a festival in Queens, due to the very diverse cultures. The scientists used the terms, "scientific Adam" and scientific Eve." The proverbial Garden of Eden began in Africa. And we're talking modern humans, appx. 60 thousand yrs. ago. The genetic specialists pointed out that gentically speaking, race doesn't exist. I suppose parents would have to sign up for the special in order for their kids to see it. I wouldn't be surprised if these parents take their kids out of science classes. Maybe there's a DNA split going on,  the way there was between the neanderthals and croatians. So much for modern man being 99.9% alike.

Lester, I commented on Jaycee Dugard last week which hasn't been posted yet. And NBC has been doing a good job of leaving her alone. So I'm proud of them for that. I don't like to clump Brian and you in with NBC. And God Almighty, I can't wait for Jay Leno's new show to air so that they'll stop showing the promos every 10 min. I really feel sorry for Conan.

Anyway...I look forward to your broadcast tonight and hopefully we won't have another sudden death play off with the golf game. Have a nice upcoming week. I'm not going to comment on your ties anymore because they're always beautiful.

Vicki

Hello Lester,
In your news broadcast this evening at 5:30 PM 9/6/09, you mentioned a health insurance program that charges a flat fee of $49-79 a month. I couldn't catch the name of the company. Can you please furnish  me with the name and telephone number to get in touch with them. Thank you.

Good Evening Mr.Holt, Nice to see you this evening for the broadcast. You are working so hard this holiday weekend I hope you get some time to relax. Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Rossen about the outbreak of swine flu around many colleges which is extremely alarming. The outbreak of swine flu at Washington State University where so many students have become ill it is overshadowing the beginning of the school semester. Living and working in close quarters does bring about a greater threat of getting sick, but with volunteers passing out health packages and information on keeping preventing oneself from getting sick by washing hands consistently along with other preventive measures is a start to keeping healthy.
The report by Mr.Cowan concerning the wildfires showed some encouragment in that the fires have been 51% contained, but so much has been lost and the two firefighters who lost their lives is extremely tragic. So much of the landscape has been burned one hopes there will be no flash flooding. It is good the Mt.Wilson Observatory was saved. Hopefully, there wil be no more fires this Fall.
On another note the report by Chris Jansing on the flat rate health care system sounded very affordable to many people who cannot afford the high cost of healthcare. The unlimited visits which include all the tests is good nes for the patients. Saving money for people who need proper healthcare.
The report by Anne Thompson from the New York Botanical Gardens showing the young children growing organic vegetables was very inspiring. Thes children are learning much about the plants and healthy eating. The sense of accomplishment in growing vegetables and being able the understand the positive outcome of thier efforts. Lessons about nature's bounty which is very valuable to these children.
Nice Piece!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Holt. Look forward to seeing you on Monday for Today and Nightly News. 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!
XOXO

Lester,
I hope you are having a good Labor Day holiday
as well.

About President Obama's school speech which
my husband thinks has been blown out of
proportion, the people polled in Louisville
think its a bad idea and some are not allowing
their children to go to school.. I must
admit I have mixed feelings and would not
want to weigh in on it at this time.  However,
in 2006 or 2007 then-President Bush came to
Silver Street Elementary School in New Albany,
Indiana where I attended the 1st and 2nd grade.
I was excited that he did and thought it was
something to brag about.

President Obama's special advisor had no
choice but to resign.  There are still
conspiracy theories about Pearl Harbor. My
Uncle, who was stationed in Great Britian
during WW2, was convinced on his death bed
that Japan was not responsible for the
attack on Pearl Harbor.  Of course, he was
not in political office.  My Aunt's husband
and his family were big in politics in
Indiana, though.

I caught part of The Today Show this morning;
I have green eyes but I am not the jealous
type.  I will drop a hint to my daughter
to buy Pat Conroy's new book for my birthday,
an awesome author.  The Prince of Tides is
one of my favorite novels; a masterpiece.  And
I believe Alec Baldwin really liked the movie.

Have a nice evening!!!

Phyllis

Hi again Lester,

I just wanted to comment on a couple more things. When a person might be in a postion to serve a president, they have to be very careful as to what they say and do. It's only fair that Van Jones should resign. I doubt if a person in the Republican Party would have had to resign. And it might seem like a small thing, but those are the little things that sometimes makes a huge difference in the mindset of a group of people. A lot of individuals in and out of politics have thought about the 9/11 conspiracy, but that doesn't make it true. And yes, I'm an extreme liberal who is writing this. It's a shame though, that every little thing is jumped on in order to become a weapon in the political arena.

The segment on Picher, Ok. reminded me of an episode from "The Twilight Zone." It's frightening that a town can be so toxic that the govt. had to step in and buy people out. I hope the others get out even though it's hard for them to imagine starting over. I hope everything works out for all the former and current residents.

I have seen so many people, especially kids getting in to gardening that I really want to take it up. My grandparents and other relatives had veg. and flower gardens, but I wasn't very interested. There's just something that would seem so satisfying to grow from seed.

Lester, I'm sorry that you have to work tomorrow morning and evening. I know it's Memorial Day, but darn! Don't they go by seniority anymore? Well, I hope you get some rest before you begin another project. Thinking of projects, I hope you're going to be at Wesminster again. I have a friend who raises daschunds(?)and have won awards over the yrs., the dogs have. He said that he would try and get his pic taken with you. So we'll see.

Take care and we'll see you tomorrow evening.

Vicki

Lester,
I just typed an e-mail to you and then there
was a blackout, literally, so I'll try again,
and of course, it's not necessary to print
both.

About the President's school speech which
my husband thinks has been blown all out of
proportion, a large percentage are against
it and some are keeping their kids out of
school.  I have mixed feelings, though.
However, in 2006 0r 2007 then-Pres. George W.
Bush came to Silver Street Elementary school
in New Albany, Indiana where I attended in
the 1st and 2nd grade.  It was exciting
and something to brag about.

President Obama's special advisor had no
choice but to step down, but there are still
conspiracy theories about Pearl Harbor.  My
favorite Uncle on his death bed was convinced
that Japan did not attack Pearl harbor.  I
would be remiss if I did not say he was not
in politics.  My Aunt's husband and his
family were big in politics in Jeffersonville
Indiana which may be been the real reason
broher and sister were on the outs.

I caught part of The Today Show this morning
and found the story on female-male jealousy
interesting I have green eyes but am not
the jealous type.  I especially enjoyed
the interview with Pat Conroy and would like
to have his new novel.  The Prince of Tides
is one of my favorite novels; a masterpiece.

Have a nice evening!!!

Phyllis

Dear Mr. Holt,

Your reporting on the President's "headaches" appeared to be dictated by the far right extremists now running the GOP.  The vast majority of Americans do not object to a "stay in school message" from the President, except on the grounds that it is boring, and if you'd reported that the Study Guide asks kids to write a letter describing how they can "help the President increase the number of college graduates," that majority would be larger.  If you aren't going to report relevant facts, why are you doing the story?

Then your reporter uses euphemisms like "exotic background" and Obama's "name" when the fact is that the far right (20% of Americans) actually objects to the fact that their children will see a black man speaking as President -- and this is making their heads explode.  

You guys need to man up and tell the truth or soon even your most loyal viewers will just abandon you.

Good coverage on the Van Jones situation, including questions regarding the vetting process...albeit a little late with the information.

Lester,
In a back issue of Harper's, the question was
asked, "Because Americans become more political
as they age, does trouble await healtcare?"

The implication cuts both ways, in my opinion:
for the president or for us?

Phyllis

Lester,
One evening last week on Nightly News with Brian
Williams, the response to the story on Aganistan
was "Enough is enough" and a showdown looms over
troop surge in Aganistan this Fall.  I commented
on his Blog and will comment on your's as well.
I am not a history buff but an avid reader.  In
"The Middle Ground" by Margret Drabble, one
protagnist believes that not a single nation in
the twentieth century won its independence without
the support and intervention of the Soviet Union
I believe, just my opinion and I realize I am
stepping on the toes of the Secretary of State,
American can achieve total victory in Afganistan
with the help of Russia.
Phyllis

bin Laden calls Obama powerless in the war of
Afganistan.  Sez him.  Russia could help America
win this "unwinable" war in Afganistan.  Russia
helped in WW1 and WW2.

Have a nice day, Lester!

Phyllis

Lester,

Regarding  my two above emails to you, the American
invasion of Iraq has been a success--for the Kurds.
They have consistently yearned for official statehood/
I am reading a book on the dramatic story of t he Kurds and their quest to create a nation.  As noted
above not a single nation in the twenthieth century
won its independence without the support and
intervention of the Soviet Union.  I do not think
it is out of the realm of possibility that with
t he cooperation of the Russians such a thing
could happen.  
Phyllis

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