Not a drill

lnp, 37, leonardtown, maryland, usa — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:31:41 GMT

Dear Brian,

I must admit, I've been rolling my eyes at all the Yankee Stadium tributes of late. That's what you do when you're an Orioles fan (or a Red Sox fan, or an Indians fan, or...you get the point): you hate not only the Yankees themselves, but all things Yankees – including The House That Ruth Built. I want to tell you that I had my snottier-than-thou attitude put into check this morning, as I read your colleague Dawn Fratangelo's loving remembrance of her late husband, Eric Wishnie, and their precious times at Yankee Stadium. I'm sure you've probably already seen it, but for those who haven't, it was posted on TV Newser this past Monday. Here's the link:

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/nbc/nbc_correspondents_memories_of_yankee_stadium_go_beyond_upper_deck_95186.asp#more

On a much lighter note, to all you Lester Holt fans – this means you, Phyllis Kunz – Lester is, in fact, a scheduled guest on tonight's episode of "Last Call with Carson Daly."

Good luck with all the moving parts of the broadcast tonight. I'm sure the Gulf Coast thanks you for keeping your word, despite the breaking news that's taking place elsewhere.

Lots of love to the regular posters: Lisa, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt. XOXO

Not a drill

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:46:56 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Nice to know you made it safely to Houston for the broadcast. So much devastation Houston and Galveston and the recovery is slow, yet progress is being made everyday. Here in Georgia the gas shortage continues because of the Hurricanes Gustav and Ike effecting all the oil refineries. One of the things on the local news I heard was from the Governor saying that if the situation doesn't improve then schools will be closed or a Statewide Holiday will be placed. Now he did state he thinks the worst is over and I hope he is correct. I pass by several gas stations on my way home from work and none of them had gas today. I hope it improves soon for everyone.
Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! See You Soon on Nightly News!
XOXO

Not a drill

MC, Houston,Texas — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:50:41 GMT

You're here to fulfill a pledge? That's all? We could have used your presence a week ago when we were chucking bags of ice to people. But now all you're doing is taking up hotel space that could be used by one of the many 100's of thousands of people that are still w/out power. Thanks.

Not a drill

Eric, Roanoke, VA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:00:00 GMT

An emergency, like a Wall Street collapse, and a drill like an election?

Not a drill

David, San Francisco, CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:05:28 GMT

Thank you McCain for taking the economic crisis seriously. I do not see how President Bush can explain what is going on and to garner enough support for this big wall street bailout. I also cannot see how Obama can "multi-task" this issue! It isn't about a candidate's ability to multi-task - it is about prioritizing! The economy is the top priority for me as an independent. I am tired of politics as usual. Obama, you cannot do anything via campaigning to tell me who you are and what you will do - YOU SHOULD BE DOING!!!

Not a drill

Becky, Houston, Texas — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:55:02 GMT

Thanks to NBC Nightly News for coming to Houston. I have been scratching my head all week at most/all of the news coverage regarding bail outs, gas shortages, and politicians. I am a Native Houstonian and so proud of our city - Mayor White said it best. I can only add a request to the rest of the country. While you are complaining about your gas shortages and lines at your pumps, please remember the people who are not only willing to have those refineries in their backyards and willing to work in them for generations, but also remember those are the very people whose homes are flooded and are out of a job at the moment. That is a great deal to carry.

Not a drill

Ginger Box, formerly of Kingwood, TX (my son still lives there) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:56:22 GMT

Brian,
Thank you for FINALLY appearing in Houston. You might show Kingwood (20 miles north of Houston-officially part of Houston). As I understand it, the eye of Ike actually went over Kingwood. Contrary to what Mayor White stated, people are NOT upbeat. They're tired, hot, weary from little or no help. These are hardworking Americans who have not YELLED for handouts and therefore have been overlooked. Please help them by at least showing everyone the devastation that occurred to this area.
Sincerely,
Ginger Box

Not a drill

Nick Valentine, Wadsworth, OH — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:07:53 GMT

Mr. Williams,

Thank you for reporting on the problems in Texas. I'm an Ohioan, but feel for people that you highlighted and the difficulties they are going through. I know National news (bailout) is important, but it is appreciated that we haven't forgotten those who are suffering through no fault of their own.

Thanks,

Nick Valentine

Not a drill

Claude, Katy, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:11:48 GMT

Thank you for coming to Houston to bring some focus to the plight of many folks here in Houston. Your coverage will hopefully bring some focus to charities and faith based groups to pick up where the government backs off. Many in this area will need help for many years just like with hurricane Katrina. Remember this is the 4th largest city in the US.

Still today over 25% of households and businesses are without power! This is a great improvement from the near 100% that were without power after the storm. This is a real hardship as folks have to send their children back to school and some are fortunate enough to go back to work.

Please keep up the coverage so that we can get the help from around the world. By the way, there are some really great stories of neighbors and strangers helping out others in need - hot meal, place to sleep, extension cord across the street, and some the basics.

Not a drill

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:25:43 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening from Houston. First of all the report by Mr.Teague from Galveston showed how such a powerful storm surge can devastate property. So many homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ike with so many people affected. Seeing the woman entering her home only to find everything ruined was heartbreaking because all the things were lost. I can understand why the officials are warning people about the toxic mud,mold and no power within their homes, yet people need to return and see was has happened to their home. It is good for some who still have a house standing, but there are definitely repairs to be done. It is hard to explain "why" these events happen, but one does need faith and the hope the situation will improve. Holding onto all the great memories that can never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those familes effected by the storm.
The interview with the Mayor of Houston related how people of that city came together and helped eachother out. The Mayor mentioning how he saw such optimism in people was great to hear because it shows no matter how terrible things may be people do reach out and lend others a helping hand in dire circumstances. Citizens helping other citizens is what it is all about. Hopefully, as the weeks progress many things will improve for everyone of the effected areas.
On another note I enjoyed the interview Mr.Brokaw conducted with Bill Gates. I agree with Mr.Brokaw's statement in that Mr.Gates seemed very calm and cool about the economic crisis. Our economy is vitally important to the world and in the long run it will do well. It is true many other countries would "love" to have our problems and in that respect we are fortunate. Yet, things are not very good right now and there is a big mess to be cleaned up. I wish the next President who is elected all the best in solving the many issues of our nation and world. Time will tell.
Sooner or later everything will get better. And Georgia and other Southern Cities will eventually be out of this gas shortage. We must be patient and optimistic.
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Looking forward to your coverage of President Bush's speech to the nation at 9PM.
Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! See you soon on Nightly News!
XOXO

Not a drill

Jon Basner,Newark,De. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:28:10 GMT

Mr Williams,
I am sorry to see we have more of the same in Texas as we did in New Orleans. My god what is happening to this country... We are actually trying to decide how and how much money, we should give to the to bailout the embattled Banking industry. When we should be and should have concentrated on helping our fellow citizens whose lives have been destroyed by natural disasters these last six months. I know people's savings and the values of our homes are sinking. This new banking crisis has been on the national radar for months... we Knew this was going to happen. I dont believe, to my very core, that the money that treasury and the president want to throw at the banking industry, would be better spent trying to uplift our nieghbors and friends who have been stricken so low by a natural disaster, not one the greedy, unregulated banking industry created.
Thank you for your time ,
Jon Basner

Not a drill

Danny Woodward, Cherryville,NC — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:34:38 GMT

Mr. Williams,
In your report on Wednesday evening you reported several times that 1 out of 4 families in Houston are still without power. Being a General Contractor in the state of North Carolina I am aware of the amount of time and effort that goes into restoring power to a community let alone the 4th largest city in the United States. Please acknowledge the determination and effort being put forth by the hard working Americans to in less than two weeks restore power to 3 out of 4 families in the Houston Area. In short Laymans terms; "It aint all bad news no matter how bad it seems". Thank you for your time.

Not a drill

Hal Wood, Holiday FL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:58:28 GMT

Thanks to lnp for the link to Dawn Fratangelo's story; my eyes are watering as I type this note. I,too, have mixed emotions about Yankee Stadium as a 30 year citizen of the Red Sox Nation but a born New Yorker. The Astros have a long shot at the National League playoffs but what a morale boost that would be for Houston and all of Texas. Many thanks to Brian and the team for going down there this week in the midst of everything else going on.

Not a drill

Dave G, Frederick, MD — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:38 GMT

I can't believe you think airing an interview with Bill Gates is relevant to today's economic disaster in the making. Gates can't relate to what folks are experiencing with costs spirling out of control. He doesn't have any training in economics and surely doesn't live paycheck to paycheck like many (if not most) of your viewers. I find it insulting you think interviewing the richest man in the world concerning matters he can't relate to would be relevant to your viewers. Bad choice and timing Brian.

Not a drill

Hal Wood, Holiday FL — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:05:06 GMT

To Lisa in Alpharetta: I lived in Lilburn for 7 years and experienced the mini gas shortage after Rita. This reminds me of 1974 and 1979. My 83 years young parents live in Hendersonville, NC and there is no gas there, either. It creates a lot of problems for seniors, too, who need to get out and about.

Plenty of gas here in the Tampa Bay area and great weekend weather on tap so come on down, fill up, and relax.

Brian and Team: thanks again for everything you do to keep us informed.

Not a drill

Jo Beth, San Diego, Ca — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:14:49 GMT

Galviston has been in the news for several days now but no one has done a story on the Moody Mansion on the news. She's an old house that withstood the 1900 storm and we hope she withstood Ike. Could you please do a segment about the Moody Mansion and whats happented to her, she deserves the attention. Sincerely, BGMM

Not a drill

Anna — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:24:38 GMT

Hi Celine: Glad you are enjoying "big print" Jane. Just went to the eye doctor last month and I may have to go to bi-focal contacts! I am wearing contacts and specs from the grocery store for night reading. The joys of aging. My fine lines around the eyes are under control.

Lisa, thanks for your constant good cheer and recap of the show. Then when I go to watch on-line I can see which stories I like the most (after Richard, of course).

Okay, ladies, I finally got the Carvel reference. For some reason when Laurel linked the article I was looking for Richard holding a big bowl of ice cream.

Jackie, we miss you. Now I know you will be back before election day!

Bests to All!

Not a drill

Mark Warren, Houston — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:26:12 GMT

I don't know how genuine "fulfilling a pledge" is almost 2 weeks later, but all the same, your support is better than nothing at all, especially in a city that is proud and tries its best not to be let down by a biased national media. We may not get the coverage we would if the people of our city chose to self destruct - instead, as a whole, we choose to focus our attention on supporting each other. We are tired and our strength has been tested, but we are ready to thrive again, we appreciate what support we can get, and we are resilient.

Not a drill

pat s walnut creek, ca — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:54:49 GMT

Brian,

I heard on the MSNBC channel that the White House had offered a 3-page document that represented the details of the $ 700 billion bailout.

This is incredible if anyone thinks a 3 page document is sufficient to justify a bailout. Talk about asking for trust? How about asking for accountavility and honesty? What about specific details.

This is the same group that planned and implemented the war on Iraq...and they spent that amount of money over more time than they are suggesting this time.

I would like for the media to really keep on top of the specifics of this deal. I understand the need for some confidentiality, but good grief, how many pages are in a typical bill; at least 100.

thx for letting me rant

pat

Not a drill

Janet Kaufman, West Hempstead, NY — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:18:29 GMT

Most all our armed forces are out of country, the nation is in near panic, the treasury dept. is on overtime printing money which seems to be scurried off a night while we sleep to 'overseas banks' or perhaps bank accounts of unknowns. Whats next, the president will declare a national emergency and cancel the election, perhaps making a giantic power grab to declare himself supreme leader, and using above mentioned funds to set up a new and new form of government. Why is this money going out of country this way if its part of the mortgage debt problem> Why is it not part of the package being discussed in Washington. I don't trust these people.

Not a drill

M Tarter, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:49:16 GMT

I don't want to hear any pretty speeches, or pie in the sky campaign promises, I want the financial crisis taken care of. John McCain's slogan is "Country First". He proved it, by stopping all campaigning, and going to Washington, until a bill is passed. I guess Obama's slogan should be "Me First". He has only gone to Washington because the President asked him to. I call upton Congress to put aside their "Me First, Party Second" attitude and adopt the "Country First" attitude.

Not a drill

Barbara Sweeney,Red Bank (Middletown), NJ — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:34:41 GMT

Hi Brian,
My name is Barbara Sweeney I am Diana Sweeney's mon from Fairview First Aide Middletown NJ. Diana's oldest son is having his first day as a Intern at the Senate in DC. I know that you were lucky to have the same position at one time. Kyle is having a hard time trying to find a place to live for the three months,might you have any suggestion. We see Linda at the restaurant. I used to work Bingo at Middletown #1.
Hope you might have so suggestions Thanks Again,Barbara sweeney (sweeney69@verizon.net).

Not a drill

Paula Murphy, Houston TX — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:39:25 GMT

I am glad that you all ventured to Houston to report on Ike’s aftermath, and hope that you report on all the GOOD that is happening. I am not a native Texan, but moved here 25 years ago - just before the last big storm to hit Houston, Hurricane Alicia – but consider Houston MY CITY. Houston is a town that works hard, often under the radar and out of the national spotlight, and we always come through for our neighbors. In the face of a disaster, the people of Houston are who you want on your side. I was amazed at what Houston did to help New Orleans after Katrina…actually, what we continue to do. But now we need help…and we are helping ourselves when groups like FEMA falter. I wish you were reporting on the work of the Houston Food Bank. If you want to see hard work in action, it is happening at the food bank! If you want to see citizens from all parts of the city coming together to help, it is happening at the food bank! The Houston Food Bank is distributing FOUR TIMES the food that it normally does, making sure that even those that no longer have power have food, water and ice and know that they have not been forgotten. Included in this group are senior citizens left in their “care” facilities with no staff – the City of Houston called on the Houston Food Bank to get food and water to them and it was done in short order. Volunteer hours have topped 1,000 individuals on any given day…but the work continues. Our Mayor and County Judge have been incredible before, during and in the wake of the storm, and I venture to say many cities and government officials would do well to watch them and learn. As for Houston and surrounding areas, we will survive…because that is what we do. We help ourselves, we help our neighbors and we bounce back.

Not a drill

Tennille, Columbia SC — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:09:42 GMT

Amen to David from San Francisco. My thoughts exactly. I am looking for action, not talk. Obama's actions tell me that he is not willing to put aside his own agenda and work with all parties to help the people. A debate can be rescheduled. Our economy's future cannot.

Not a drill

Maura Hobart, Albany NY — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:26:24 GMT

Hey, how about Good Old George threatening the American people last night? I am at a total loss (because I can't pretend to understand all the economics of this mess we're in)to figure out why the American tax payer is now responsible for the screw-ups of the Big Guns in the financial world. And now there's all this urgency to ward off a collapse? Threaten people's pensions, savings, homes, and expect them to swallow the bail-out which is the equivalent of two Iraq wars to date (now that's a whole other subject)? I am totally disgusted, disillusioned, and don't think for one minute that either of the candidates, one of whom will be sitting in George's seat soon, has a clue about how to fix this either. Bush rolls out his big threat guns and expects the American people to cave--I wonder if in his private moments he takes any responsibility for the mess we're in. Probably not, because that would take some reflection, a practice which, given these past eight years, is totally beyond George's capabilities. He likes swagger and intimidation much better.

Not a drill

Peggy Davis, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:38:31 GMT

You can't deny the outstanding work ethic of the network news media. Pulling together a daily (or even weekly) news program takes a lot of man and woman power. We are fortunate recipients.

Not a drill

Will — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:02:48 GMT

Hey brian,
I think this bailout package should include the removal of all legitimate bankruptcies filed from there credit report to free up some of the common people too.

Not a drill

Teresa Van Deusen Austin,TX — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:01:34 GMT

Here are a few story ideas while you are down there on day 13 after Ike:

Local food banks overwhelmed
FEMA ice no longer "necessary"???
The Green Tree Apartments off I-45
The elderly in high rise independent living facilities still with no electricity
The return of evacuees on busses to be "closer to home and work" even if those two things do not exist
The spraying for mosquitos in neighborhoods with no power where they sleep with windows open
The burden of relief falling squarely in the effected area

Just a little fodder for your foray

Thanks for coming down for a look

Not a drill

Sharon Blackwood — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:28:05 GMT

I expect all of the networks to cover the debate tonight whether John McCain is there or not. America needs to see what a coward he really is.

Not a drill

David, Oklahoma City, OK — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:09:42 GMT

Brian,it would be nice to ask Harry Reid why a few short days ago he was totally perplexed by this economic mess and now his leadership has it "solved" while those pesky Republicans with John McCain keep getting in the way. As just a working stiff out here on the prarie, I wonder why the guys who got us here, like Dodd and Frank, are purporting to have it fixed. I guess "good old boys" has a different meaning out here in Oklahoma. In Washington it must mean, "cover me boys, I see a camera."

Not a drill

t. zembo Rochester hills mi. — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:07:51 GMT

Why don't you find out just who these investors are who drive the stock market DOWN,DOWN,DOWN?
What I am asking is, are these investors like the average Joe who call their stock broker and say sell, sell. sell. or are they the huge Money Managers who control millions of dollars? Just a question......
I believe it's the latter and they control everything.
SO, do some work besides sitting in ivory tower and find out ho really controls the market.....