I am so proud of our troops...we could all learn a lesson in conduct from these wonderful citizens!

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another great broadcast this evening! Thank you for the link to the piece in the Washington Post by David Ignatius it really told much about the military and their day to day living. Very Interesting!
Now on to the broadcast. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast. PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS!
Richard's report from Bagram Air Base about soldiers and the stress of combat showed how all these tours of duty are taking a heavt toll. The soldiers taken off duty for the three day course really told of how all the multiple missions can make them disruptive and have little patience for handling things. Hearing the soldiers speak about having short tempers,experiencing nightmares,having little patience for rules and regulations was heartbreaking. Especially, when it might become more serious in terms of suicide. The counseling sessions are extremely important to see the warning signs of possible harmful behavior to themselves or others. One hopes all the soldiers will get thec help they need. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the brave soldiers. I hope they can all come home very soon.
Excellent Reporting As Always Richard!

The report by Mr.Pete Williams regarding the murder charges against Army Major Hasan showed there was significant evidence it was pre-meditated murder, yet investigators have not found any motive. It was interesting hearing the accounts of what happened from the two Fort Hood police officers who so bravely stopped Hasan by wounding him. They both were true heroes.
On another note the report by Mr.Seidel from Virginia Beach showed a mighty terrible storm. The wind and rain from this storm is certainly battering the coastline. I hope it passes quickly!
I hope Mr.Seidel gets inside quickly too!

The "Making A Difference" segment by Natalie Morales concerning Halle Berry and the Jenesse Center showed how this center is giving woman who have been battered a safe haven and all kinds of other help to begin their lives anew. Having someone to listen to you is so vitally important and confide in someone what one is going through. Halle Berry is drawing on experiences in her own life to help these women and she is really doing great work. Turning around these women's lives to make a brighter future is wonderful!
Good Piece!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Excellent Reporting 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 Safe and Warm Laurel,Cary and others in the path of the stormy weather!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Excellent Reporting As Always!
XOXO


 

Good evening, Brian.

A terrific piece you share from the Washington Post's David Ignatius. Just as they say of the New York Times “, [they] have some of the best journalists – and there's no denying it,” this much is true of the Post. What David writes is so true. Though many in the military are facing some grueling scars from so many years of combat, they remain to be stronger and stronger every day. Our true super-heroes that should give us all the strength we need to get beyond the hard times we face back at home. Thanks for sharing, this is VERY important.

Poor Mike Seidel – I couldn't imagine standing in the middle of that mess at Virginia Beach. Thanks to him for all of his great reporting!I hope he stays safe and gets out of there soon. They're saying that for us the worst is over, leaving several roads closed from elevated rivers and lakes. I'm thinking of all of the people in Virginia and everyone along the east coast battling with this treacherous weather. What a mess.

President Obama not accepting any of the plans proposed to him on the decision of sending more troops does make you wonder what ideas he has and when his decision will be made. Although, I much rather prefer him thinking hard about the decision before making any irreversible choice. He has definitely taken the decision to heart.

It was wonderful to see your colleague Richard Engel on the broadcast tonight. His report is an extremely important subject and reality our men and women in combat are facing. It's striking because most of the problems these soldiers are facing are within the lives of veterans – soldiers who have seen and endured years of stress in combat – if I'm not mistaken. It's great to see them getting the attention and care they need. I hope they'll recover soon. Last night three of your loyal viewers and admirers – Lisa McNeil, Lori, Laurel, and myself – were delighted to have Richard Engel reply appreciatively to each of us for our supportive and helpful messages to him as he's adjusting to the world of Twitter, and (as always) wishing him safety and thanks for his incredible work. As I feel most of you at NBC News are, Richard is a very thoughtful and caring person. My thanks to him for all of his hard work! May he stay safe and send all of our love to our soldiers!

Halle Berry is doing an amazing thing for women. I would have never guessed that she grew up with this violence in her home. The story showed that Halle is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Another wonderful story from this week's special reports for Making A Difference.

Thank you for the broadcast, Brian!
Take care and have a wonderful Thursday, and Friday. Look forward to joining you for tomorrow night's broadcast.
-Cary

To continue on the subject of the military, our local NBC TV news had a piece that will interest those of you who enjoy doing needlework: "Warming Support for the Troops - Knitting helmetliners for the troops in Afghanistan" Helmet liners are something like ski masks and are pictured in the article. They also mention scarves, quilts for the wounded, Christmas stockings and if you are not into needlework, but are into dogs -- how to support the K-9 corps. Try-- http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Warming-Support-for-the-Troops-69786427.html. There is a link in the piece to citizensam.org for info other than the helmet liners.

Two MUST read articles:

Available at www.newyorker.com is Seymour Hersh's latest article: "Defending the Arsenal - In an unstable Pakistan, can nuclear warheads be kept safe?" This, of course, deals with the nightmare of the west -- Pakistan's nukes falling into the hands of Islamist extremists. Sy Hersh is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and doesn't publish unless he knows what he is talking about. A tremendous article that will leave you disturbed.

A startling piece in Friday's (11/13) Washington Post: "A nuclear power's act of proliferation - Accounts by controversial scientist assert China gave Pakistan enough enriched uranium in 1982 to make two bombs." by Jeffrey Smith & Joby Warrick. The scientist is A.Q. Khan and apparently we have known about it for decades and have confronted China with our knowledge! Amazing piece! Don't miss it!

Take care and have a good weekend all-

Brian, thank you for what you do to support those in uniform. Pointing us to this great article was something that you didn't have to do.  It speaks volumes of how well you understand what the American GI is all about.  

Hi Brian,

It was a great broadcast as usual.

The interview that Richard had with the soldiers about stress was sad. Taking into account that a soldier with a degree in psychology just murdered thirteen other soldiers and a baby. From what I understand the soldier who was pregnant was eight mo. along. That should be considered fourteen lives.

It's nice that Halle Berry is helping with women who have to make some really tough decisions. It's't not as easy as people think, even if women have a place to go. They're well aware that women have been killed by their abusers after they've found shelter.
Also, some women feel that everything is their fault and feel that they deserve it, which of course is so untrue. I know that police officers dread a domestic violence call more than any others. Sometimes the woman (or a man in some cases) will turn on the police. So all involved become part of a nightmare, especially for the kids.

Brian, it's off to work and hopefully I'll see you on tonight's broadcast. If not, have a nice weekend.

* For all the "regulars", I'll be upfront and let you know that I'm changing my name. Don't laugh, and you have to admit it sounds more romantic.

Mr. Williams continues to show that the "Liberal Media" is anything but. He once again links to articles by right wing war lovers like David Ignatius, David Brooks, Peggy Noonan, etc. I'm sure he'd link to George Will's columns, if only he wasn't a commentator on another network, and if he hadn't (surprisingly) come out against the folly that is the war in Afghanistan. Haven't we yet learned the lessons of the utter destructiveness and debasement of society that are the hallmarks of war? This perpetual cheerleading and glorification of our warrior class serves only jingoistic purposes. The continuation of these ruinous, horrendous wars is obscene. Perpetual war will NOT cure society's ills. It only enriches those who benefit financially from it. End the war NOW!

Brian,

Powerful blast hits U.S. Army base
in Kabul.  The blast took place in
the early hours on Friday near
Camp Phoenix.

We missed your broadcast last night
because of new carpeting being installed.

Phyllis

At 20, I was hired by an established bank for their Consumer Loans Department and the new employees were trained, extensively, learning banking procedures, policies, products and services.  So, being aware of bank fees at an early age, I have always been cautious.  I am one of those folks who refuse to pay a $36.00 fee for a $4.00 Coffee Coolatta.
When I use my check card, and I do for everything, every transaction is recorded in my register.  This is helpful.  
With the obscene amount of money the Finance Companies earn annually, why did they need a bailout?  Oh yeah, the mortgage crisis.  
Greed.  
Recently, a close friend who is a teller for a local South Florida bank, complained that she struggles supporting her son and paying her bills.  And, those sentiments were more provoked when the CEO, some big executive, visited her branch.  My friend labels this CEO as an “out of touch snob”.
Everyone is frustrated, I guess.

Halle Berry.
Oprah once said that Halle is one of the most beautiful women, ever.
I agree.
But, I also have to add – Marilyn Monroe.
What I most admire about Halle is her candor.  She does not conceal anything, even when a private matter is flawed.  She talks openly about her father’s abandonment, her failed marriages, her suicide attempt and her personal failures.  
I have a deep connection with Halle along with Angelina Jolie --- I don’t have a relationship with my Dad.  
But, I find comfort with what Jolie says:  It is okay not to have a relationship with a person who brings pain.
I am not surprised at Halle’s passion.  She is a victim of domestic violence.  Halle is a terrific woman:  Frank, Beautiful, Fragile, Has a great sense of style.

Totally loved the web video: "Chinese Prepare For President Obama's Visit.
The people of China loves Obama for his "youth, celebrity, and because he is handsome."
Nice.
Remember that silly celebrity ad McCain ran during the 2008 election?
Paris Hilton got involved.

Thank you for sharing this article.  Sometimes we need a good reminder of how hard our soldiers are working for us and our safety.  They are much appreciated.
How about a blog post on the American Educational system?  There is alot than can be said about our teachers and the budget shortfalls that we are experiencing and how its changing the way we teach.

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