Mr. Williams, you are a class act!

Dear Brian,

You and Richard looked cold on that bureau rooftop last night.  I'm glad you all are safe and (for the most part) well, despite the challenges.  Great reporting from all of you, but especially nice to see Adrienne Mong getting some air time.  Her World Blog posts are spectacular.

Have a safe journey home.

Laurel

Hi, Brian.

This is just a perfect example of humility, and why I'm such a ridiculously loyal viewer of NBC Nightly News. All of you together have been doing an extraordinary job reporting from Afghanistan all this week. It's been such an eventful week, I don't know how you pull it all together as well as you do. Clearly, you couldn't have done it without each other. A huge thanks to all of you for your hard work! Just as much as you'll likely never forget what you've been reporting this week in Afghanistan, we certainly wont forget what we've seen thanks to all of you!

It's been a pretty worrisome week with all of you there at such a time. And as promised, you've all been in my thoughts and prayers along with all of our military. While I'll be relieved and happy to see you back in the New York studio, I'll remember those in the NBC News crew are staying there. Wishing them safety always!

I was delighted to receive a few direct messages from @nbcnightlynews on Twitter this afternoon! I asked who it was that was “tweeting” for NN (maybe BriWi?), but was told it's a “state secret :)”. Haha. Either way, the tiny conversation made my day.

I know tonight's broadcast is going to be another ground-breaker, and I can't wait to join you all as you sign off on your last night in Afghanistan for this week.

Thank you all so much for this week! Stay extra safe out there, and have a very safe trip back home!

Take care always!
-Cary

P.S. Going to see "Amelia" a little while after the broadcast. I find it very appropriate that the film was released while Maria Shriver's "A Woman's Nation" began. Always was fascinated by Amelia's story. This will surely be a winner!

Brian - Safe trip home from a job well done - See you on Monday.

Joan

Ann,
Got a little chuckle from the way your voice threw emphasis on the word "Republican" when you did the report on the 4 new names being investigated by he ethics panel.
The biggest news story in the U.S. at this time is the House healthcare bill and you utter not one word about it.
I continue to wonder why Brian would spend a week in Afganistan at this time and the only real answer I can come up with is, it is at the direction of te Whitehouse to soften the decision for the Prez.
Regards,

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. All your reporting from Afghanistan has been EXCELLENT! Both you and Richard have done a WONDERFUL JOB REPORTING! I am happy you are on your way home safely to New York Mr.Williams! PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS RICHARD! It does appear to be cold while on the rooftop of the bureau in Kabul.
I Love the picture in you posting tonight! Always nice to see you and the NBC crew along with some brave US soldiers!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all Richard's report on the strong return of the taliban to the region which is frightening to the Afghan civilians trying to flee the violence. Controlling around 80% of the region it makes it difficult for the Afghans to feel safe in their homes. Seeing the people in the one village having been used by the taliban to launch attacks is awful because these people have no power to stop the taliban. The camp that Richars went to in the report with 35,000 refugees mostly from the southern part of the region are living in conditions which are definitely not good, yet they have no where else to go. Richard's explanation of how the taliban grew to large was understandable and now they have really grown closer to al-qaeda which makes them even more dangerous. The military process is slow so any decision will take time.
EXCELLENT REPORTING ALWAYS RICHARD!!
The report by Andrea Mitchell concerning Secretary of State Clinton and the situation in Pakistan certainly showed there were tough questions directed to Secretary Clinton from students as well as her tough statements to the Pakistani government. Working out the issues and hearing exactly how the people of the regoin feel is important, but also the Pakistani government taking even more action against the militants in the region. Time will tell.

The "Making A Difference" segment by you was certainly heartbreaking and touching. The woman named Andeisha Farid who runs the oprhanage really trying to make a home for these children. It was so cute when the little girl wanted to try on your eyeglasses and you wear hers! All those children having lost parents to the war is heartwrenching especially when you see all the faces. Andeisha is trying to make a better life for these children who have endured so much in their very young lives. One would understandably worry about their safety when they go to school in the rough area of where they live. One really hopes someday they will not live in fear and have loving and caring homes. One hopes always for peace.
And for the M&M bowl to be empty so that this US soldier and loving mother will be home for good!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! Safe travel home Mr.Williams. Have a restful weekend! 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! EXCELLENT REPORTING ALWAYS!!
XOXO

Brian,
An eventful week indeed;, superb
reporting.

I loved the story about the young
woman who found her life's work in
the orphanage -- and you and the
girl exchanging glasses.

That the Taliban are back stronger than
ever is troubling to my husband and me
but we disagree on the reason so I
will not go there.

A spirited interview by Andrea Mitchell
with Secretary of State Hilliary Clinton
to say the least.  I do not have a
crystal ball, so it will be interesting
to see if her trip was a success.

Take care,
Phyllis

Hi Richard! i too am so glad,happy and relieved you are safe! and am so looking foward to you safe return home! you are and will always be in the hearts,minds,prayers,love and support not only from me,but from people all over our nation in every part of the U.S now listen,when you get home please find and take time for you to take special care of yourself!
          love always Erin Thomas.

The making a difference report reminded me of the 2 girls Richard friended a couple of years ago in Iraq. Is is even possible to find out how they are?

I find it interesting that the brass are being so tight lipped, every time you've gone to war zone the Commanding General usually has at least a few moments..  Maybe a decision is closer than we think.

All that being said.. I'll be glad to see you back in your chair.. worrying about your tie is much easier than worrying about your safety, and that of your crews.  

Good to see everyone behind the scenes today!   It is finally good to see a photo of Subrata and Madeleine -- two fine ladies.

Brian, you blogged about Subrata being your "pretend" wife on board an aircraft last summer so she would not be bullied into going to the back of the aircraft by an elder man while traveling in the Middle East.  You described Subrata as sturdy.  I always remembered that story and thought now she is my kind of lady!

Regulars in case you missed it!

http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/11/1130768.aspx  

Richard wrote about Madeleine in his book! Good to see Madeleine so smart and beautiful with so much authority!  

Ladies, it is good to see you both having such wonderful careers in television and in role that had previously been dominated by men.   Way to go Subrata and Madeleine!  

A shout out and hello to John and Bob too!   Safe travels back to all!  

To the military men and women -- you rock!

Best to all!

Good evening, Brian.

Tonight's broadcast was wonderful for ending your week-long visit to Afghanistan. In just a week, you've shown us everything there is to know about Afghanistan that we may or may not have already known. Ending this week on the afghan children from the orphanage was the perfect way to turning it all full circle. Seeing those beautiful children's smiles and hearing their stories you would never guess what they've endured since the day they were born. This story was so moving. A wonderful organization from such great people The moment between you and the little girl in the glasses was so very sweet. And the little girl you interviewed who wants to be a journalist when she grows up is such a beautiful, sweet girl. It's so great she wants to be a journalist! Tonight, for the first time I think, there was one thing I was critical about in your reporting – I think you really should have included that moment in the broadcast. It was so sweet. I look forward to seeing her reaching her dream someday. You do have very generous viewers, and I believe that despite the way the economy is doing over here, after seeing this story there will be many of us doing all we can to contribute our help to these children. I'm a college student without a job, but I want to do all I can to help.

I was so happy that you ended your broadcast by telling the sweet story of the young major with a son back home counting down the M&Ms until his mother comes back home. It was the absolute perfect way to end this overwhelmingly eventful week there in Afghanistan.

Thank you so much for all of your hard work, and all the work from the amazing NBC team. It's been so great joining you live from Afghanistan each night this week. An extraordinary week, with extraordinary reporting!

Can't wait to have you back home in New York. In the meantime- have a safe night, and a safe trip back! But before you leave, please give the message to all of our military that we're proud of them, grateful to them, and that they're in our thoughts and prayers every day.

Goodnight everyone,
-Cary

Please take a look at this video...

HI Brian:

The President is really stuggling over a decision on what needs to be done about the situation in Afghanistan.  Our troops need a decsion.  Hearing Richard's report tonight on the Taliban's continuing growth in the region and the terror that comes with it only proves that our soldiers are in such danger and how vital it is for the President to do something now.  The Taliban is creating havoc everywhere they go.  Seeing the conditions the people who have fled to try to stay away from the Taliban was awful.  Richard was right on one thing, even if we do get a decision it is going to take time for it to be implemented.  

Secretary Clinton is doing all she can to convince the Pakistan people and government that working with to not only stop the Taliban's rein of terror, but to also help them improve their economy, support their government and make a difference in the lives of the people is what our goal is.  We want to work together for better future relations between the U.S. and Pakistan.  She was right to listen to the complaints but to also state the truth about what has been going on with their government.  I think she'll get through to them and we will see an alliance form.

The spread of Swine Flu is growing as well as the death toll of the children.  I truly hope that the gap is closing and the vaccine becomes readily available to all very soon.  People do need to do their part and seek care as soon as possible when they become ill and to do all they can to help thwart the spread of this flu.

I know you have heard about the remarks of Liz Cheny over the President's going to Dover AFB.  The audacity of that woman to criticize a honorable act by the President of being there to welcome and honor our fallen soldiers.  How heartless can one person be?  Her statements were not factual and I am so glad that the MSNBC shows, (Olberman, Morning Joe) let her have it and gave the truth.  Neither her father nor the past President did what President Obama did to honor the sacrifices these soldiers made.  I agree with Lawrence on Olberman tonight, I too, like many others wish that there was someone there when a loved one was brought home during the last Presidency.  Neither the President nor the Vice President ever appeared to honor any soldier coming home.  

Brian your "Making A Difference" segment tonight was the greatest.  The efforts of Ms. Farid to help these young children live normal lives is so inspiring and loving.  They all brougt tragedy with them but her love and care has evovled them into happy children. You can see it in the faces of the children the impact she has made in their lives and in their futures.  She is such an awesome, loving and caring woman.  Thank you for the links to donate.  I am not able to do give a lot but I did send a donation and hopefully will be able to do more later to help.  

Brian, your blog today was very touching.  I know that you are the face of the news reports and the one we see all the time but believe me we all know that it is a joint effort of so many wonderful people that have brought this to us.  They are truly appreciated for all the work they do to make sure we get to have these reports and able to see what is really going on first hand in this war.  They are the best and so are you.  Sorry but you are not the least in this effort. Thanks to all of you for all you did to bring us these wonderful report.  I know that you are on your way home with your crew and hope you have a safe flight.  I am sure you are looking forward to getting home.  I hope we see you on Monday for the broadcast and have a new blog from you.

Brian,  I hope you don't mind me calling you Brian, but I feel I know you so well, that you wouldn't mind if I did.  Your evening newscast is always professional and informative.  Tonight's broadcast particularly moved me about the young orphans.  So sad and yet they are all so happy in their community environment.

Great reporting!  Thank you, Brian for all your hard work and dedication.

Kathy Sobel

To see Afghanistan now is sad because for so long our soldiers have been saying they needed help while the President spent all the time, soldiers and supplies in Iraq. Many asked after 9/11 why we invaded Iraq and not go in Afghanistan. The Media knew how Cheney was setting up business with other oil companies and putting Karzai in Office as President. Even now the man who wants to be President knows he will never get a fair election. With the US and Taliban working to keep Karzai as President. Our soldiers know the truth but fear believe them or even listen as the top brass give the propaganda. How can the US support Afghanistan with a total Corrupt Govenment. It shows the direction that has been taken for 8 years is to occupy Afghanistan and Iraq. The current conflict is cause to continue the money flowing in those countries from the US. Americans were feed Al Quada for so long and now we hear Taliban. No one has seen Bin Laden but when fear is needed his name is spoken. Look you have to wonder why Bin Laden isn't speaking out or being seen for so long. Now the last fake video shown was so funny but I guess the Pentagon thought people would believe it.

Good news Dick Cheney's testimony about the leak case is now release along with the visitors list from the White House. I checked the dates and it's clear Cheney openly said " Maybe Joe Wilson's wife suggested he go on the trip". Yes Dick Cheney lied and that leaves those who lied for him now in trouble. Even some of Scooter Libby's sworn testmony was a lie. Look for more information on the pass 8 years of crime to come out.

Glad to see the Brian and staff doing well. Yes Lisa is smiling everytime Richard comes on the screen and see she's he is doing ok.

Brian I guess being a Military mother I know to much and today you made me smile because you give the words from a soldier who is fighting as most of the information comes from those top brass who aren't. Thank you from myself and as a member of the Military Family we all thank you.

Have a great weekend all

"...we've been in the region a week and we will depart for home having not been granted an interview with a single senior U.S. official...Tonight I was invited to a dinner at the official residence of U.S. Ambassador Eikenberry, where Generals Patreus and McCrystal were present..."

Brian--maybe if you learned to correctly spell the names of Generals Petraeus and McChrystal, they'd be more willing to grant your interview requests.

After watching Brian report from Afghanistan this week in his little flak jacket and matching helmet, my first thought was that he was dressing up as a soldier for Halloween.  My second thought was that he had joined the Village People.

It's obvious that Andeisha Farid was coached before her Friday "Making A Difference" interview with Brian Williams.  At one point, Farid told Brian that, "I am sure I'm doing a difference for Afghan people."  The awkward phrasing of that sentence indicates that either Brian or his producers informed Farid prior to the interview that since the segment is called "Making A Difference", she would be expected to use that phrase during the interview.  Farid did the best she could to comply with the demand, but with her limited English skills "making a difference" became "doing a difference".  This raises some disturbing ethical questions:  How often do Nightly News producers, anchors or correspondents coach their subjects prior to taping an interview?  Do they tell them what they are expected to say?  Do they tell them what would make a good sound bite?  If it happened once, it's a sure bet that it has happened before.  It is a violation of the public trust to coach subjects before the interview begins.  However, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the producers to end this deceitful practice.

Brian, Excellent reporting from Richard Engel. He explained the very bad situation left in Afghanistan for Pres Obama to clean up. After 9/11 Bush/Cheney should have concentrated on getting Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden was responsible for 9/11 not Saddam Hussein. Instead Bush changed his focus on Saddam Hussein because he had a personal vendetta against him and used our military to get even. During a campaign speech in 2002 Bush cited a number of reasons why Saddam was so dangerous to the U.S and one was WMD "which were all dismantled in 1991 shortly after the Gulf War. This information was found by the Iraq Survey Group (ISG) that special team of experts spent 15 monts of investigating Bagdad's WMD programmes and they were dismantled in 1991. The other reason said Saddam Hussein was so dangerous to the U.S was "Quote from GW Bush"- "after all, this is the guy who tried to kill my dad." GW Bush's cocky attitude, and his Texas style way of using force and then covering it up with lies and fear mongering when our country was most vulnerable, right after 9/11, when everyon was afraid and gullable and believed all the lies that got us in this mess with Afghanistan in the first place.

@ Normand:    The Village People!  Now you are dating yourself for sure.   Your perspective on life is always unique.

@ Blog Ladies:   If you ever think you are having a bad day and life stinks read this article by  Kristof.  It will bring new meaning to understanding the pleas of women around the globe.   It's graphic. So fair warning.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/opinion/01kristof.html

Peace to All!

Brian, In todays world it is good to know that the issues in Afghanistan are being reported with great care. I have worked on many of the issues through my consulting firm with great results in the past and I am currently working to address some of the issues that require additional care and alternatives. President Karzai knows of my efforts in the past which I hope helps adjust the matters at hand of todays Afghanistan. I wish the best for you and your efforts Brian. Sincerely, Sir Roderick E. Becton II Consultant/Writer

A lot on my mind, so let me begin:
Regarding the Afghan Orphanage story -  Brian, please have your staff respond to the concerns, requests, questions, outpour of love from the “Nightly” bloggers.  I know it is “busy” season, but this is important.  Is it possible to re-air this piece?
I was hoping not to see any unconstructive, reckless gab regarding the "orphanage" piece.  But, there is.
Unfortunate.
My Mom was a teenage Mom and family members raised me until she became capable.  I did not know stability until the later stage of my childhood.  I do have some sense of the experience these lovely kids are living.
Harsh criticisms are not useful in this situation!  Whatever happened to sensitivity?

Reading the “Daily” daily, I am absorbing lots of political and everyday wisdom.  I must say the bloggers are appealing.
As a fan on “Nightly,” I learned, recently, Brian is an aviation buff.  I like the fact he is into “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and he appreciates Terence Trent D’Arby.  With each day, I am discovering the hip side of Brian.  

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