Is that a yes?

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:58:52 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Holt, Happy Sunday! The meeting in Saudi Arabia concerning the possible increase in oil production is just a pledge and until it happens if it happens then we might see some change in the price of gas at the pump. Time will tell. The report this evening from Mr.Taibbi sounds very moving and heartwrenching. Too many soldiers have been killed and too many families have suffered. Hopefully someday peace will befall the region. One should always remember and never forget the sacifices made by our brave men and women in the military. In my opinion the NBC Baghdad Bureau has done a suberb job in covering the war in Iraq. Richard has continued to bring excellent reports from the region and being a huge admirer of his work I have always felt informed. The war is not over and it will take a long time to reach a peaceful resolution. Keep up the fine reporting! Hopefully someday Richard can report from a peaceful region. Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Holt. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

Is that a yes?

Jackie Rawlings 62 Riverside California — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:57:31 GMT

Hi Lester
I watched Brian this morning on Meet the Press and he gets two thumbs up for a great job. Thanks to the NBC Executives for picking the right person for Meet the Press as Tom is going to give fair/balanced to guest and reporting.

Fire in California, flooding with the Mississippi River. If our Law Makers would pay as much attention to the US as they pay to Iraq and Afghanistan we wouldn't have these hardships.

The Saudis are large and in charge now thanks to the Bush Administration. Yes more oil will be pumped but it will still cost big bucks. Now with Israel and the US threatening to illegally bomb Iran to fix the US election who knows what will happen. At lease Iran as the United Nations, Middle East countries, Russia, China and other countries supporting them now. The EU is now trading with Cuba and even North Korea/Cuba are talking about the Presidential candidates. As the oil companies profits are big why would they want that to change. This is what happens when a country has no Law or Legal System to keep criminals from committing crimes. The White House has taken control of the Courts, Department of Justice and the Law Makers so the door is open for anything to happen.

So many horror in this so called war yet our Leaders see it a different way. As Vice President Cheney said this is a volunteer Military So! Bush doesn't seen to be interested unless a Law Maker says they want to withdraw from Iraq or stop giving them 3 billion dollars a week. John McCain says we won while we see chaos and more deaths. Afghanistan is worse now then when we went in but no one notices but Brian's report showed the facts. The is called a War for War Profits only, when the US stops giving away money our troops will come home. Good news is the World Leaders are pulling out of Iraq fast and only the US will be left to be in the middle of the Iraq Civil War. Blaming Iran, Syria or Al Qaeda is all we're told never the truth. So many groups have developed because of an illegal invasion. At least the rest of the World is not getting involved with the mess and chaos the United States has caused.

Best to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Anne and Matt

Is that a yes?

Tim Kjer, Hunt Valley, MD — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:27:04 GMT

I am really concerned that the discourse over Obama's decision to forego public financing has only been focused on his change of mind and political savvy instead of the reality of whether public financing is broken, or not. This is a serious matter, and, so far, I haven't seen any facts presented to justify or refute Obama's contention that the system is broken. Americans need to see the story behind the story on this. Currently the FEC is down to 2 members and effectively shut down from making any decisions for this election cycle. When McCain flip flopped on public financing during the primary the FEC could not rule on his actions. He had accepted donations in 2007 based on his agreement for public financing. In February 2007 he changed his mind. Voters need to understand this situation. If there is any illegal or inappropriate campaign activity this election there will be no action taken until well after the votes are counted. No decisions can be made on 527s, or anything else. This will be a free for all. Maybe Obama realized that he would be facing an election with no restrictions on opponents. Any oversight will have to come from the news media, but I haven't heard one journalist mention McCain's flip flop on public financing in which he probably violated the rules and did it after collecting money. It is extremely troubling that journalists either have very poor memories or they're too lazy to research stories before offering opinions and recycling the conventional wisdom.

Is that a yes?

Anna — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:18:01 GMT

Hi Lester:

I can not believe we received the broadcast both weekend days. Miracles do happen at 6:30 PM.

Thanks for the sad but beautiful piece by Mike. The photojournalists did an amazing job capturing photos of solider's deaths.

I hope all of our midwestern Americans will be free from all of this water and flooding.

MTP will not be the same without Tim. I was hoping for Ann Curry as the permanet replacement in the coming weeks and months. She sure has a lot of talent and I would love to see a woman at one of the desks on Sunday morning.

Bests to all!

Is that a yes?

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:20:31 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Holt, A fine broadcast this evening. First of all the piece by Mr.Taibbi about the journalist and photographer from the Rocky Mountain News in Colorado was extremely heartbreaking and touching. Too many soldiers have been lost and hearing the number of 4100 was devastating because of all the grieving families who have lost loved ones. The images captured by these jounalists was heartwrenching and brings tears to ones eyes. They both spent so much time with the families and really got to know the people. The realities of a terrible conflict of war. One should never,ever forget the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. Hopefully peace will befall this tumultuous region soon.
On another note the emergency meeting in Saudi Arabia didn't seem to accomplsh very much in helping gas prices. It seems to have been too little too late. I do agree with Erin Burnett that we do need to look at alternative fuels fo new ways of producing energy. Although it may take some time before it can be totally effective. The report showing all the flooding in the mid-section of the country showed how desperate a situation it is for those people. I do hope the waters recede and they certainly don't need more rainfall. I wish it would rain more in California to put out the horrible wildfires.
Regarding "Meet the Press" I think Mr.Brokaw is a suberb and excellent choice to moderate over the program through the November elections. Nobody can replace Mr.Russert, but Mr.Brokaw will certainly do a fine job.
Finally, I liked seeing those two baby pandas! They were really cute!
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Holt. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

Is that a yes?

Phylls Kunz Louisville, Ky. — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:32:23 GMT

All the stories were excellent, Mr. Holt.
I am still optimistic that Pres. Bush's
Peace Plan in the Middle East will succeed
before he leaves office. The alternative
frightens me. The weather, flooding, fires
are certainly of great concern and the
coverage looks like scenes from a doomsday
movie; horrifying. Mother Nature takes
no prisoners.

See what happens when the oil market opens
tomorrow. Let's hope for the best.

Nancy Pelosi was in Louisville this weekend
at the Ford Company.

All the stories were excellent, Mr. Holt.
I suppose we'll know tomorrow about the oil.

I believe Pres. Bush will achieve peace
in The Middle East before he leaves office.
The alternative is unthinkable.

The weather is out of whack, what with
the flooding and fires. Mother Nature
takes no prisoners.

Have a nice evening.

Phyllis Kunz

Is that a yes?

lnp, still 37, rainy leonardtown, maryland, usa — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:45:15 GMT

Brian did a good job on Meet the Press today. (Gotta love Joe Biden!) I think Tom Brokaw is an excellent choice for a "permanent" temporary replacement. Of course, there really is no replacing Tim Russert as moderator. No one could nail politicians to the wall quite like he could.

Lots of love to Lisa, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt! XOXO

Is that a yes?

Joe Irrera — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:57:21 GMT

I'm a regular Nightly News viewer. However, the Saudi Arabia summit piece was most distressing because it shows when it comes to oil prices, NBC is apparently complicit in the prime-time non-cable television effort geared towards dumbing down America.

Tonight I actually had to change the channel after this sickening segment.

Sorry. I already know about the "Enron Loophole" and about the oil-soaked Bush Administration further relaxing regulations in 2006 allowing greater access to foreign commodities terminals from within this country. What happens? Gee... A record price spike this year as big U.S. oil and banks drive up prices through unregulated speculation, allowing for market manipulation.

As you well know, Business Week Magazine just published an article estimating that speculation could be responsible for upwards of 60% of the current price per barrel.

How does NBC Evening News respond? Financial industry shill, Erin Burnett, griping about production from Saudi Arabia, as if supply and demand is the only issue. She conveniently points the finger away from Wall Street at China and India. Perfect. And what exactly are her journalistic qualifications besides cozying up to the same billionaires making a killing gouging ordinary Americans just trying to drive to work??

Is that a yes?

Stephanie-Umbro, 33 Maine — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:33:22 GMT

I've been away from home (and TVs) nearly all day, so I missed the broadcast, but I did hear about the Saudi oil "emergency" summit. It made me snort. Where's the emergency? I'm sure they aren't doing this for America's benefit; otherwise, they'd have done this weeks and months ago. I mean, gracious, check out this quote from the BBC report: "Saudi Arabia said it would be prepared to pump more oil 'if demand for such quantities materializes and our customers tell us they are needed'". Are they kidding? What else do we have to say in order for it to sound like a request?

I've also been watching the developments from Zimbabwe via the news ticker from Vista & the BBC. I feel for the citizens of that nation as they go through volatile power struggles. It also reminds me of how blessed and privileged we are to have such tame and diplomatic transfers of power in the U.S.

Have a good week everyone!

Is that a yes?

Dave, Tn — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:06:38 GMT

Hey did you hear the good news. Obama and democrats announced a plan to crack down on oil speculation by tightening regulations on energy traders. Of course like the promise Nancy made to bring down gas prices before the 2006 election (they've doubled since then) you'll have to vote them into office first. No word yet if the crack down will include the "new speculators". You know the university endowments, state employee pension funds. I wonder which states and universities these could be? Wonder if there is a plan in place to call the dogs off after the election just to make it look like they've accomplished something? Oh silly me. Democrats are the good people who really care about working people.

Is that a yes?

Laurel, Central FL — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:59:38 GMT

It makes me 'snort' too Stephanie - what part of we want more oil production do you think the Saudis don't understand? I'd bet their increasing profits (as with the Oil Companies) is making them selectively deaf.

The smoke and mirrors of the Saudi oil "emergency" summit cannot convince anyone that they honestly care about the World financial crisis caused by their greed. Actions are what count.
It is laughable that the oil companies want to open new sources of oil in our protected lands, while they are not fully utilizing the lands that they already have contracted to produce on.

There is something that is being overlooked in our own oil production. The oil companies have hundreds of capped and/or deliberately underproducing wells in our current oil fields. They make their profits on the Middle eastern oil, without the overhead of domestic wells, and while 'stockpiling' domestic oil by not pumping it at the rates that they are capable of.

This practice is common knowledge among those who work in the U.S offshore industry, and in offshore related fields. We have relatives and friend in the industry who laugh about this little known fact, even as they too cry at the gas pump.

Perhaps the oil company leases should be tied to their level of oil production. Let's make the Oil giants compete with each other for the best leases, tied to their figures for domestic oil production. Give them quotas! Low oil production = loss of the PRIVILEGE of leases to produce from.

That would help us twofold: with more jobs in domestic oil fields, and with more domestic oil production to lower barrel prices. And THAT could be done overnight, with existing wells, rather than waiting ten years or more for production from protected lands.

Is that a yes?

PHYLLIS KUNZ LOUISVILLE KY — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:07:10 GMT

MR. HOLT;
I WISH NBC WOULD CONSIDER YOU AS A PERMANENT
REPLACEMENT FOR TIM RUSSERT. YOU WOULD BE
PERFECT. NOTHING AGAINST THE OTHER CONTENDERS
BUT YOU ARE MY PREFERENCE.
PHYLLIS KUNZ

Is that a yes?

Rick Anthony, Seattle WA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:39:47 GMT

Good morning Mr. Holt
Although the Iraq war continues to drag on and the piece regarding our fallen solders returning home is a moving one, sadly a report from Andrew Tyndall has shown that the 3 major networks are reducing the coverage in Iraq (this report is in today's NY Times). Good for NBC for presenting this story but shame on our news sources as a whole for the incomplete coverage.
The other item that seem to get little to zero coverage is the FISA bill which will allow for the warrant less wiretapping of American citizens. I hope that NBC News can please do a story on this as I believe this seems to make our 4th amendment right obsolete.

We have been told many times that we are at war to protect our freedoms.
Thank you for your time.

rick

Is that a yes?

Mike P, Seattle, Wash. — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:20:01 GMT

I was pleased to read Joe Irrera's comment on oil prices and the Enron loophole. Like Joe, I turned off the June 22 newscast after watching Holt and Burnett expound on supply and demand without a word about the role of rampant unregulated oil specualtion.

Even if there's disagreement about the exact extent to which speculation is driving up oil prices, the topic should be included in the newscast and an opinion rendered. Leaving it out entirely indicates either that the news staff knows nothing about it, reflecting ignorance, or knows about it and intentionally leaves it out, reflecting complicity with vested interests. Either outcome reflects poorly on your news organization.

Is that a yes?

Anna — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:57:43 GMT

Like Biden said on MTP, big oil has leased all this offshore property and has done nothing with it. Well give me one of those leases and I will show you some pumping action myself.

We need an emergency energy plan and we need it fast! It seems like we are loading up everyone's elses piggy banks except for America's!

Update: I tried to send in an intelligent question for Richard Engel's live blog at the Washington Post tommorrow. Looks like no Richard tommorrow. If anyone hears, please advise. Here's the link but the blogger poster has changed. I'll send in a different question.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/06/14/DI2008061401720.html

Bests to all!

Is that a yes?

Seth, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:44:07 GMT

Can NBC or any news organization confirm with video footage the attacks on a Royal Dutch Shell oil platform in Nigeria??? seems like this is happening all the time, but we cant get anyone to deliver footage of a destoyed platform??? but oil goes up on the "story"... are these developments even true or are we taking Dutch Shells word on this??

Is that a yes?

Derek H. Muyskens — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:02:13 GMT

The Energy crisis, natural disaster government reaction shortfalls, tumbled economy, war, and enviromental corrosion are ALL human created problems that can be solved by us all if we pull ourselves up by our collective boot straps (to quote Wavy Gravy) and change our leaders in Washington. Excercise your power by voting the idiots out and replacing them with persons who reflect the ideals that all Americans know in their hearts that the ideals of the sixties had it right except for drugs. The '08 election if properly voted upon, could open that door again, then lets see if it could really make a difference this time around. I like you Lester Holt, you keep it real.

Is that a yes?

Phyllis Kunz Louisville, Ky. — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:47:16 GMT

As regards Obama and his "distortion" of the Bible,
Thomas Jefferson, a radical president, "wrote"
his own Bible.which is sold in most bookstores.
Phyllis Kunz

Is that a yes?

Phyllis Kunz Louisville, Ky. — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:59:17 GMT

Yes.

Once when I was with General Foods I overheard a
co-worker say behind my back, "She nevers says Yes."
So I thought it would be appropriate to answer your
question "Is that a Yes" with the answer Yes:o)

Phyllis Kunz

Is that a yes?

Phyllis Kunz Louisville Ky. — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:10:23 GMT

Mr. Holt

I am a Bush-Republican, but I do not agree with
Karl Rove that Sen. Obama is arrogant. That is
his perception and his problem.

Incidentally, I read that "yes" is a female word.

Phyllis Kunz

Is that a yes?

Phyllis Kunz Louisville, Ky. — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:23:52 GMT

Which, Mr. Holt, is no doubt the reason my
female co- workers called me to task fo never
saying "yes" Who knows!

Phyllis Kunz

Is that a yes?

Mike Ruck Glen Ellyn, IL — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:17:36 GMT

Brian:
Your story tonight, Thursday 6/26, regarding our men and woman who are putting themselves in harm's way, while losing their homes, back here in the states to foreclosure, belies the ever growing problem our country faces; and it faces it from within.
Greed and corruption are eating away at the foundation of our once great country; as has been illustrated clearly the past 7+ years with the manner our current government and the ruling elite are running this country into the ground, causing, if you will “the Perfect Storm” to occur, the effects of which are ruining our ability to lead our own country, much less the world.
"Empires have always began the process of eroding from within", first, before falling totally; no matter what any of the many fear mongers in this country would have us believe; history is on our side proving this is the truth.
Your foreclosure story revealing how our men and women who are willingly fighting for this country is a strong and powerful “wake up call” to the many who are living on cruise control rather than practicing their obligation as citizens to this country; namely staying informed and not allowing those currently in power to get away with the clear atrocities and policies that are only satisfying the agendas of a very few, mostly the super rich.
We, as a people, had all better begin paying more attention to politics, world events, how our countries policies are formed; and most importantly what we can and should be doing; holding those in power accountable for their actions which are running this country into oblivion. Our clear duty as citizens', in a Democracy/ a Republic is to do just that, hold those who are responsible for our country’s demise accountable.
Our men and women who bravely fight to defend our country should be treated as the heroes they are; in every way shape and form. They should receive world class medical attention for life, and be taken care of financially for life.
Yet this government and those before it, all “in bed” with the rich and powerful interest groups do everything in their power to keep this from happening.
Funny how those who yell loudest about our country’s need to engage in these ideology wars that have done little but kill, maim and make a very few rich, are the same ones who refuse to enter harm’s way themselves, always coming up with some lame excuse for their non-involvement.
The only true barometer of one’s character and integrity is their actions. Words as just about the cheapest things that exist in life; however actions speak volumes.
How can it be that we allow our politicians to practice of the total opposite condition? How can we in clear conscious (clearly many have no conscious at all) allow "private contractors', to make fortunes, ten times plus the amount of money our armed forces personnel earn, doing whatever it is they do (pretty much kept secret from us), allowing them to do it with impunity; impunity reserved for those brave young men and woman who volunteer to put their lives on the line for a mere 16,000+ a year in compensation.

And then after we have “used and abused” these brave souls what does our government and country do to these brave souls; we just “spit them out as if they neither exist nor put their lives in harms way for our country. Others benefit greatly, but our brave armed forces personnel are treated like dirt.

At the end of the day, Brian that statement of action or lack thereof, says a lot about too many of our citizenry; opportunists and cowards ready willing and able to jump on profits made possible by our “grunts” in the military.

It all serves to make me sick, sicker by the day; as this nation continues to allow these atrocious actions to continue by our government. If one is not willing to put their lives on the line, when their votes do just that to others’, all too frequently the young and unsuspecting; the statement that makes about the ethics and morals of this country really and truly says it all. If one is to vote for a war, that person ought to be held personally accountable and have to serve for the duration of that war; that’s the only way we will ever reduce the number of conflicts, the meaningless loss of lives and the wasted treasures that could make this the finest country in the world.

The truth, however, is that our country and much of the population doesn’t have the chutzpah to do what they ask others’ to do; the truest measure of the caliper of an individual that has ever existed!

Is that a yes?

Phyllis Kunz Louisville, Ky. — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:05:11 GMT

Today is our daughter's birthday, and she will have
2 or 3 celebrations this week. She is an "only" but
is a very compassionate and caring young lady, and
I am so proud of her. And she is so much fun to be
with, so this weekend should be great fun. Have a
nice weekend, Mr. Holt.
Phyllis Kunz