Sad.
Afghanistan and more.
Brian, please, please, be safe.

Recently, a “Nightly” blogger was critical & took the criticism to a personal level.
Addressing this: I believe that we, the “Nightly” viewers, are interested in YOU, the person, and what you offer to the world.
You, Brian, are friendly, approachable, sobering when necessary, warm when needed.  
The human element is important.  Please keep this in mind.

Just listened to -
“BriTunes” current paylist.  Very thought-provoking.
Particularly appreciated “You Did”, “Fistful of Love.”
Poignant.
These sounds are high voltage for the heart, mind, soul.
As a true music fan, THANK YOU.

Hi Brian,

When I was wrote about seeing you and the broadcast from different places, I didn't know you had this in mind. I hope you stay safe along with all the others. Look forward to your broadcast. Try to get some real sleep.

Hi, Brian.

It's great to see you. Thank you for staying connected with us while in Afghanistan. It's interesting to hear how and how much it's changed since your last visit just a year ago. I read that as a kid you wrote a letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson wishing safety to the boys in Vietnam, and there you are in Afghanistan with the American soldiers fighting today. It must be an overwhelming feeling of emotions. One, being at war again, and two, your doing what you've wanted to do since you were so young. And doing such a great job of it.

Just when we hear a huge loss from Afghanistan yesterday, there's another huge loss there today. This week in Afghanistan can only get better at this point. My heart goes out to the families of this weeks enormous loss of American soldiers, and all of their brothers and sisters who fought beside them.

As we've all been telling you, you (along with all the crew) and Richard are in our thoughts and prayers. As you may say, you're a brother.

Please take care, and stay extra safe over there.

Can't wait to join you and Ann soon. This has to be a first.

-Cary

Brian stay safe and all the NBC staff in Afghanistan. A special prayer to Lisa's Richard because I know she always worries while he's on foreign soil like we all do.

Thanks for giving us first hand knowledge of what's really going on. I still hear from the soldiers and it seems their story is totally different then the Generals. Now I must admit Karzai is slick as he's asking for more money for his troops as we did in Iraq. Yes Iraq soldiers went on strike because they wanted the US to give them more money. It worked as their salary was increased to 3000 a month by President Bush. Now Afghanistan is doing the same thing. The attack in Iraq was plan and used to continue the conflict to keep US money going to Iraq. Strange how Iraq has a Goverment surplus of 800 billion dollars yet they still fine it necessary to get billion from the US. Now Karzai sees it works for Iraq so why not Afghanistan. The US soldiers have said it loud and clear it's time to come home and let those countries take care of themselves.

Looks like the GOP will do it's best to stop the Americans from getting affordable health care and Senator Libermann has made it a mission. The Insurance Companies are paying Law Makers alot of money to keep getting the free money and continue to refuse coverage by calling everyone and everything a pre condition that will not be covered. I raalize what their saying is life is a pre condition but make sure you pay those high premiums anyway.

The Law Makers only work three days a week now that they got that big raise in their salaries. So we saw how all of the Law Makers rushed back to vote for the bailout bill but can't fine the time for the unemployment extention. As millions suffer everyday that isn't as important as attacking Obama about a all make basketball game. Not how even the Media has forgotten we have the NBA and WNBA with no complaints. I remember Obama during the campain golfing with men/woman with no attention to that. Clinton and Bush went jogging with males with no Media pointing out where's the woman.

Brian I must admit Maria is going to cause big problems in the court systems here in California. She got caught 3 times using a cell phone and now parking in the red zone for over an hour with only saying sorry with not tickets. Let kids you don't punish Maria will continue until the Law says enough is enough. Look for those who get tickets to say their sorry and ask for the same treatment as California's First Lady. NBC showed stories of how dangerous it is to use the cell phone while driving as some people were killed. Now what a poor example Maria is showing and such disrespect to those who have lost love ones while Maria makes a joke of the Law.

Looking forward to the news this evening and Ann Curry was great. Keep giving us the news we really need Nightly News honest reports.

Remember Brian

Obama cannot make a decision on the war, any of them, and others are looming.

Don't be a hero for the wrong reasons.

Brian,

Augustthe deadliest month in
Afganistan, and you are over there
which is a testament to your sterling
character; and I salute you, but your
wife must be on pins and needles.  That
the one town is better than the last
time you were there is indeed good news
for the soldiers and the country, but
the bad news is that things are worse
with Pakistan, their next door neighbor.
I look forward to your coverage tomorrow
evening. And I admire you tremendously.

Take care,
Phyllis

Hi again Brian,

Your broadcast had a poignant feel to it and I'm sure we'll see a lot of that during the next segments that you'll be bringing.
Those beautiful children really got to me--having to wait for bags of food and so much innocence surrounded by machine guns. It leaves a person wanting to sweep them up and fly away. I can't imagine how hard it is for you, also Richard, and Ann when she's surrounded by all of the pain too. I'm sure it was devestating for the troops to hear about another eight being killed. I really hope the military leaders can agree on a strategy that works this time. There's probably been some headway now and then that's hard to see unless a person has been there steadily. Also, the friends that you made when you were there last can hopefullly spend some time with you while you're making new friends.

Thanks for bringing the broadcast from Afghanistan this week. Considering that you're in NYC most of the time, it makes a situation that more real when I see you connected to it literally. I hope that makes sense. I was thinking about those film clips that were shown of Walter Cronkite when he was reporting from Vietnam. He would be proud of you. See you tomorrow evening and take care.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcasted report from Eastern Afghanistan. The report you did from the same area you visited last time definitely showed changes and some were encouraging. Seeing the Afghan Forces giving out humanitarian aid the the civilians is something encouraging even though it is still under the watchful eye of armed forces. It is hard to see the faces of little children who live in the region and have to endure some of the violence happening in some areas. The adults have definitely lived in hard times everyday. It is hearbreaking to see the faces of the children because it it not their fault all this conflict is happening. At least it was calmer in the area where the aid was being handed out. The US soldiers having to find out what the people need by getting to know the local people is a constant process then being able to turn that information over to the Afghan Forces to be able to help.
The market was nice where you showed all the produce for sale and I thought is was very nice you mentioned Atlanta,Georgia when you showed the Coca Cola for sale! Thank You Mr.Williams.

The report from Richard in the Western part of Afghanistan told of the tragedy of eight more soldiers being killed by IED's. The taliban getting better equipt to attack the troops with bigger and better made bombs. Having more troops in the region fuels the taliban to attack even more. Hearing this month was the deadliest since the war began was horrible and heartbreaking for all the military families who lost their loved ones.
One hopes someday there will be a more peaceful region.
EXCELLENT REPORTING MR.WILLIAMS AND RICHARD!
PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE AND WELL MR.WILLIAMS!
PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE AND WELL RICHARD!
Look forward to your reports tomorrow!
My thoughts and prayers are with you both!
Peace to You and to All!
 

Please be careful Brian, over in Afghanistan, it looks very surreal to see you over there in the helmet and flak jacket.  The kids are so cute  but sad looking too and I just hate that the women have to wear the burquas, it's so sad to me that they feel ashamed of their bodies and that they must remain covered to keep the menfolk happy.  They look scary to me too, how do the soldiers know they are really women?  It seem like an easy masquerade.  On another note, I heard Richard Engle on the Today Show yesterday morning saying that he was actually supposed to be on one of those helicopters that went down yesterday!  OMG!  You must be like a cat and have 9 lives.  So glad you weren't on one of those ill-fated birds, but still how sad for those that were on there.  So many and in one day...it boggles the mind....I am so glad you both are safe.  We really care about you all.

Brian,

Not to be too cynical, but today's report on the food giveaway looked like it was a "made for TV" propoganda event right out of Westmoreland's Vietnam.  But the real kicker was the fact that you didn't actually ask the local Afghans in the lines any questions about their views of the security situation, the Taliban, the central government, Afghan army and police forces, US forces, etc.  Did you not have an NBC employed translator with you and, if not, why not?  The whole point of the exercise was "hearts and minds" of the people so why not actual interview the subject of the exercise, the people (even if it was a staged event)?  Check out the PBS Frontline special on Afghanistan for reporting which actually posed questions to local Afghans.

Again, I'm glad Richard is safe and was not on those helicopters.  Was his "near-miss" the reason he wasn't more involved in the reports or with you at that town.  I hope he is not being sidelined for providing his candid assessment on his last trip to the states.  I hope you and the crew remain safe but also hope the reporting is a little better tomorrow although I'm guessing a long interview with McChrystal is on tap instead of more actual reporting from the field.  I also hope you don't mind a little professional feedback instead of more of the sappy idolatry of some of these posts.

Winning Afghan hearts and minds with U.S. blood is not acceptable. Apathetic Afghan hearts and minds are what caused 9/11 to take place. They allowed the Taliban and other terrorist to operate in their country unopposed. Over 200 years ago America had unwanted terrorist and foriegn bullies, so the Americans took up arms and kicked them out. The Afghans could do the same thing but they are not. 2976 innocent people died on 9/11 because of Afghan apathy and cowardly tolarence. Now we have more Americans dying and being maimed because of it. It's long past time now time to pull all our troops out of Afghanistan and teach the Taliban and the terrorist insurgents the 64 year old lesson we taught the Japanese. They didn't want to give up, but we did manage to change their minds with the proper response and have not had any problems out of them since. The insurgents and all terrorist count on and get Washington indecision. As long as the terrorist organizations recieve slow or no reaction from Washington they'll continue to operate when ever and where ever they want. They don't respect weakness and measured responses, so let's get equally "Mid Evil" with them. If everyone wants this war over with, then let's win it, unconditionally.        

In tonight's broadcast, Mr. Williams repeated a phrase from a senior NCO about "working themselves out of a job" and then brought up General McCrystal's request "to flood the area" with 40,000 more troops.  By this juxtiposition of comments, was he trying to make a subtle objection to the troop request?

Later in his reporting, Mr. Williams implied that thousands of cities throughout Afghanistan could use the same "hearts and minds" approach that he was freporting on.  Doesn't simple math lead one to the conclusion that the additional troops would barely address the need?

I do not want to question Mr. Williams motivation, but do ask that he chose his phrasing more carefully.

Excellent report Brian but I thought we had learned we can't buy people as we tried with Iraq. The US gives billions to fight this Afghanistan conflict and we know the Karzai Government is corrupt. Giving people a hand full of food isn't going to make them side with you. We have to learn no to occupy other countries and try to make them US style. With all the corrupt Law Makers who would want to follow the US right now.  I wonder why pictures of resent soldiers killed in Afghanistan are made public when we had over a 1,000 a month get killed in Iraq but the Media nor the Government wanted that show because they said it up set the public. We don't belong in Afghanistan or Iraq and as for the drugs you can bet Rich American drug deals who give millions to Law Makers campaigns don't want this conflict to end in Afghanistan. This conflict for the US is about Greed and Money and it has nothing to do with the well being of the Afghan or Iraq people. The Sargent met what he said we don't belong there but of couse a high ranking Officer would change the meaning.

Chuck Todd has to be real with these so called polls. He might want to check out the thousands of calls these Law Makers got when the Media announced the Public is againt Health Care. Smart move to push the other sides point of view be the vote today told the real story. As for President Obama's poll numbers well we haven't had a President who followed the Constitution and worked for all the American people for 8 years it will take time for people to realize the country belongs to all the American people and not Wall Street/Banks/Big Business. Oh Chuck you might want to review PBS's show on how the Great Depression started and you'll see it was the same way the 2008 Recession happen. When you don't change what you've done wrong you continue to have the same results.

Let's hope Americans look carefully at who they elect this election day because those up for re election have helped themselves  and didn't bother to work for the American people. Just think how bad the US would be if Bush/Cheney were still in office or if McCain/Palin had gotten in office to complete the mission.

For those millions who are currently unemployed and have lost their unemployment benefits it looks like the Law Makers don't see that as a problem to deal with right now. Maybe January they might look into that problem after they return from their holiday vacation.

After reading the US Constitution Article II section 4 which House Speaker Pelosi and other Law Makers forgot to read as it show proof of impeachment of the President/Vice President for the crimes they committed over the 8 year crime wave. Then I give Dennis Hastert credit for making fools of everyone as the Constitution calls for in Article I section 6 that the FBI had the Constitutional right to take William Jefferson's computer as evidence for his charge of Felony. It's easy as the Law Makers know no one bothered actually read the Constitution so they would follow what ever they were told. I wish the reporters and Journalist would take a minute or two and read the Constitution and then they might ask some intelligent questions. But all this doesn't seem as important as Obama playing basketball with females.

Stay safe Brian and the NBC team
Have a great evening to all my friends

Hi Brian and Ann

You both did such a great job on the broadcast tonight.  Brian, it wsa so good to see that you and Richard were safe.  It was so devestating to hear that 8 more of our troops were killed today because of the Taliban attacks.  They seem to be gaining on us rapidly.  Now with more weapons, and the bigger, powerful IED's, are toops are in even more danger and cannot protect themselves even in our military vehicles.  Seeing the children's faces looking hungry, a little dazed and confused was so sad and heartbreaking.  I know that it is suppoed to better now than last year but there is a long road ahead for them.  President Obama has some tough decisions ahead of him.  I don't envey him at all.  At least the reports indicate that the polls reveal more Americans are now in favor of more troops being sent which hopefully will make his decision easier. Please Brian, you, Richard and all the crew stay safe while there.

I was happy to hear that the NW pilots have now had their license revoked.  Their excuse, using a laptop, is pretty lame.  I don't understand who veteran pilots, using a laptop or not, did not realize they over shot the airport, and had no communication with air traffic control for some time  They had precious lives in their hands and there is no excuse for them not being alert and attentive to their jobs.

Why is our government allowing the banks to ruin the lives of so many people with these outrageoussy high interest rates for no reason.  Every one is trying to pay down debt the best they can and not have to stop making payments and file bankruptcy, but how do you ever pay down debt when the interest rate is up to 30%.  I wish someone could explain how the banks can up the rate, you opt out, which means you can't use the card any longer, but they can keep raising the rate.  I wouold have no problem with the bank raising the rate on any new purchases but if you charged while at a certain rate you should not have your rate raised on that charge.  Old charges should have to be honored at what the rate was when the charge was made.  The same with any new purchase on a card that you have not opted out of.  If you charage now you pay the rate that is in effect.  Any charges on the card prior should be honored at the old rate.  Why can't our government step in and do something? The banks should not be allowed to ruin everyone's lives because of their greed. I guess with the President craking down on bonuses and pay for CEO's the banks will penalize us for it and try to recoup the money that way.  It's just not fair.

I loved the story on the shelter dogs.  I kknow how much Brian loves shelter dogs and this story must make him so happy.  To see what Joel has done with the dogs and the training they got to do the show is amazing. He is a real hero to these dogs and has saved their lives.  

Again, Brian please be safe and thank you Ann for a great broadcast.   See you tomorrow night

General McChrystal stated, even with 40,000 troops there are no guarantees. The fact the Taliban are using bigger bombs and more powerful IEDs should alert most Americans that more troops equals more U.S. deaths. The more troops we sent will only be matched by more Taliban fighters. I believe Islam will always be the framework for governance in Afghanistan. Like buying a hedge investment to insure against a potential loss, the insurer does not have a fraction of the money to make good on its promise. I can not believe any reasonable person would want to send more troops in the harshes winter weather against such odds.

Mr.Williams,
Thanks for showing what is happening. Please stay safe and keep your crew safe.

Brian:
PS  Afghanistan made the front page
news of The Louisville Courier Journal
this morning:

AFGANISTAN:  THE DEADLIEST MONTH

Kabul -- Roadside bombs--the biggest
killer of U.S. soldiers in Afganistant-
claimed eight American lives Tuesday
driving the U,.S. death toll for
October to 55.

That's a RECORD LEVEL for the third time
in four months since President Barack
Obama nears a decision on a new war
strategy.'

Also of interest perhaps Pakistan
pushes further into insurgents'
territory.  All of which seems to
go with your territory.  Be safe!

Phyllis









Phyllis

Brian... I pray for you your crew and the safety of all our Armed Forces abroad...you give a view unlike any other and for this we appreciate you.

Brian,

Why didn't you interview some of the local Afghan people at the "made for TV" food giveaway segment on yesterday's broadcast.  If it is a "hearts and minds" program targeting the locals wouldn't it make sense as a reporter to interview the locals for their views of local security, the Taliban, Karzai's government, Afghan army and police forces, US forces, how they earn a living, etc.  A little primary reporting away from getting the guided US Army tour seems in order.

why you send brain there i never forgive you blese take him back if he mustbe in ny. if he is there i will help you some fox there wanted to kill him plese for the sake of your country take him immediatly frpm that place

Brian,

Many thanks for having the courage to go to Afghanistan. I hope you manage to track down John Turner and find out more about a truck driver from Kansas City seems to have saved 25 people today at the UN from the Taliban. Seems like a perfect chance to recognize an everyday hero and discuss the gamut of issues surrounding the changing war strategy.

From the AP:
"John Turner, a trucking contractor from Kansas City, said the attackers appeared well organized and were able to penetrate the building, located on a residential street.
Flushed and with black stains on his hands and face, Turner said 40 people were staying at the guest house, of whom about 25 took refuge in the laundry room at the back of the building under his protection.
"I am armed. I carry an AK-47 and I kept firing it to keep the attackers away from the group I was guarding," he said. The group later jumped over a back wall to take refuge in a house behind the guest house, he said."

Hey Mr. B, I am less than thrilled that you are in Afghanistan and am really hoping that you will be safe and get home in one piece.  I think that it is very unfortunate that we are still fighting in this country against enemies that caused such great harm in our homeland on 9/11/2001.  I believe that we would not be there now if we had actually fought this war when we needed to instead of diverting our attention elsewhere.  That being said, I hope that our military is able to do their job and put an end to the Taliban and al Quaida menace and do so with as few casualties as possible.  I watch you every night and am hoping to continue watching for many, many years.  Please be careful and come home safely.

PS.  Tell Richard to continue being choosy about what helicopter he gets on.

Great travel shirt Bian. Where can I get one?

Dear Brian,

My son SrA Rick Seitz, is part of the USAF Security Forces there at Bagram where you have been working out of this week.  My wife Sandy and I have been hanging on every broadcast in hopes of seeing him, and knowing he's OK.  If by chance you do see him there, let him know his folks love him and are so very proud of him and his people there.  Thanks much and best Regards to you and your team.  Stay safe Brian, you're doing a terrific job as always.

Frederick and Sandy Seitz

Brian,
Your broadcast was outstanding, and everybody
is in my prayers.

Who knows -- trying something new may create
a new situation over there.  Let's hope
for the best.

Take care,
Phyllis

Good Evening Mr.Williams, This posting is for the broadcast of October 28,2009 since I had not seen a posting yet for this date. Another fine broadcast from Bagram AirField in Afghanistan. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast. PLEASE KEEP EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS RICHARD!! I saw Richard's report "Morning Joe" and again on the "Today Show" and the attacks in Kabul today were simply awful and as Richard stated this morning they could hear the explosions not far away. Now on to tonight's broadcast. Richard's report from Kabul showed how the taliban coninually cause major attacks in the region. This attack of gunfire and explosions of suicide bombers targetting a presumably secure area where United Nations aid workers lived was horrible. The taliban disguise themselves as police and then attack in any of these areas. So very tragic the many lives lost and those wounded. As Mr.Williams stated it was a "Baghdad Style" kind of terrorism which Richard also said that is what it felt like. It will be an extremely tense period leading up to the elections on November 7th. One only hopes things will be more calm and less chaotic during the elections.
PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE RICHARD!!
EXCELLENT REPORTING AS ALWAYS!
The report by Andrea Mitchell from Islamabad,Pakistan showed another terrible attack during Secretary of State Clinton's time in the region. Hearing it was the worst attack in two years was terribly disturbing because it proves the militants are not going away. The Pakistan government wants more stability and states they will keep fighting the militants. The violence seems never ending everyday. One hopes someday the people can have some peace.

The report by Mr.Cowan from Fort Lewis outside of Washington was heartbreaking. The memorial to all the fallen soldiers with many coming from that area was simply heartwrenching. Seeing the faces of the fallen soldiers on the wall and hearing thev woman speak about women coming in to pay tribute and leave a rose behind for them shows the terribly reality of war. It was so hard to hear from all the loved ones who had lost loved ones. Many try and stay strong, but it is difficult. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the military families. God Bless all the soldiers!
The piece you did with Special Forces about the medical clinic to help Afghans with care was really interesting. The training of Afghan Commandos is happening, but also healthcare. The medical services is wonderful for all the civilians and truly is a positive change. The number of people seen a day being around 100 is quite incredible. The center of healing for many people.
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! 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!!
STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE AND WELL MR.WILLIAMS!
XOXO

How dare you show that we value health care for only a political motive.  You expect us to feel compassion because we are spending our money to provide citizens of a foriegn country with something that we are unwilling to provide for our own - to give them something that is precious - knowing full well that the children of the United States are paying for something that they - themselves - will probably never have have access to.  Shame on you!

Brian and Richard Engel,
It is very difficult to see the number of innocent civilians being killed, and for what.  How the enemy can justify this needless slaughter is beyond me. What I would like to know is, does the local press ever print editorials or other articles that discuss the morality from what could be directly against the Koran teachings? Could one of you please do a little research of the local newspaper(s) or whatever periodicals are published and share with us what the local populace is being exposed to in regards to how this conflict is affecting the youth of their nation. I,m curious. The fifth column could be a big help.

Thank you Brian for what you are doing. My husband is at Bagram Airfield with the 79th from SC. Your reporting from there helped me feel a little closer to him. Thank you again and please be safe.

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