Force of habit

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:53:32 GMT

Brian -
I'm truly surprised by the Bushes faux pas in relation to the Obamas -
Can't stay at the Blair House.
We've already bought the new White House china.
Not sure this is the way to welcome the Obama family - or perhaps the Bushes, who have spent way too much time at the White House and Camp David (12 Christmases)- are being possessive.

Anyway, Barack still seems to be able to take things in stride - Press Corps and all, and the women in his family are delightful and charming.

Glad you're back - I got a new silver IPod with 913 songs for Christmas and I now understand the obsession.

Joan

Force of habit

Cary Skelton, Roanoke, Virginia. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:01:03 GMT

Hi, Brian!

It was quite a scene indeed, I love the photos taken at the meet: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/01/07/us/07pres-480.jpg

Looking forward to tonight's broadcast, and hoping to hear some good news soon. I couldn't imagine what it feels like to have to report on things like that. I, along with many viewers, was deeply saddened hearing of the horrible attack on Gaza, and hope things will only improve.

Have a nice evening,
-Cary

Force of habit

Dewey Quong, Reno, NV — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:04:56 GMT

Just why was Jimmy Carter standing off to the side? Did anyone ask?

Force of habit

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:37:30 GMT

A Picture of American Presidents with 4 who have shown what they could do to make American a great nation and one who has the job of bringing the US back from the brink of a disaster. Yes Obama has to not only carry the US but the World is looking to his leadership. He is unique and shows the values we Americans have in respect, honesty and manners.
I must admit I'm struck by Obama's big ears and that mischievous smile as he never really let's you know what he's thinking until he's ready. So far he's been doing the people's business yet not the President yet. Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter will have alot of work to do for Obama/Biden Administration in foreign image repair.

See you same time same place

Force of habit

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:23:39 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A great broadcast this evening! Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! Looking handsome in the nice coat! Keep warm Richard!! ( A little windy too!). PLEASE STAY EXTRA SAFE RICHARD!! Richard's report from the Gaza border with Israel showed how the fragile cease-fire did allow the civilians to mourn those who perished in the attacks. especially the children killed in yesteday's attacks. For three hours food and other supplies were able to make it into Gaza which allowed people to rush to markets to purchase things. It was horrible to hear that 20 rockets were fired. As Richard stated the troops are targeting the tunnels and structures above the tunnels attempting to prevent smuggling of supplies. If Egypt,the Palestinian Authority and Hamas do talk there might or might not be any peaceful resolution between the sides. Strikes will continue to occur. I only hope for the civilians the peace comes soon. Twelve days of this conflict is far too long.
Excellent reporting Richard! PLEASE KEEP EXTRA SAFE!

On another note the report from Julie Martin concerning the weather showed some really wet weather in Washington State with all the flooding. Then all the snow having to be shoveled. Much rain fell in my area today which was good because Lake Lanier went up 2feet! At least it is in the right direction!

The five living Presidents gathered for lunch at the White House was great to see. Very historic to see five living Presidents all together. It must have been really nice to sit down and talk about living in the White House. The fact that Former President Clinton and Former President Carter both had young children in the White House relates well to President-Elect Obama. Alot was shared and that is good!
Very nice picture of all of them!
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 and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard! Keep Warm too!
Great reporting!
XOXO

Force of habit

Jim Hemauer, Tempe, Arizona — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:51:20 GMT

Brian,

As always, I enjoyed your broadcast tonight and always find them extremely interesting and informative. I also admire the way you allow some of your personal feelings show whether it be nonverbally or verbally.

I'm writing tonight in response to the segment about how the Army is now trying to recruit young men and women by using video games. I found it very disturbing that they would use such an unrealistic, and to a point, entertaining way to make fighting in battle so alluring. I didn't see any simulated bullets being fired back nor did I see any IED's explode and I'm sure there is no feedback as to whether or not one of the game players had been shot and possibly killed. Also, these young men and women then go home to their nice comfortable homes when in fact that is not the case in any war setting. I think it's a very deceiving way to attract recruits. Although I support the men and women were protecting our country and freedom, I did find this technique on the verge of disgusting.

I'll be watching you tomorrow.

Jim

Force of habit

helen mescheryakova moscow russia — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:06:22 GMT

http://fotki.yandex.ru/tags/%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B7/users/oollii2007/view/141606?how=week&page=0

winter frost

Force of habit

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:32:59 GMT

Brian looks like your not the only history major as Obama remembered the previous Presidential Luncheon.

I don't know if the video games will make many kids want to join the Military. When we finally leave Iraq and get the full picture of what problems our troops will face who knows. Yes the job market will draw in some kids but it will be a while before we get back to where we were. Alot of soldiers how have faith in Obama as Commander-in-Chief and word of mouth is better.

I read the article NBC gave with the china set Laura Bush brought for the White House that cost over 400,000 dollars for display. I really hope Mrs. Obama realizes the country is in a recession and money like that can be better spent of families suffering. We have to rethink our spending and it starts at the top. The White House is always the example of the American people to follow. While our leaders say we have to tighten our belts and be careful with money as it should be the same by our Leaders. Obama has a good plan and I think after the current Law Makers see the number of American people that celebrate this Jan 20th that will seal the deal.

Here's an example of a Law Maker cost saving. In an effort to save money, freshman Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is planning to live in his Capitol Hill office. Now that's what I call showing by example.

Richard did a great job in reporting both sides of the Israel/Palestine conflct. As the Israel Leader said they only have a short time left to do as much as possible before they will have to stop. As this had been planned out by the US/Israel they might have started earlier. The World is waiting to see what Obama said and thinks about this matter.

Best to my friends Lisa, Laurel, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anna, Lori and Matt

Force of habit

Palomino — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:16:17 GMT

This Presidential Club photo reminds me of a Dylan song from his "Self Portrait" album called "All The Tired Horses."

Force of habit

Mavis, New York, NY — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:29:34 GMT

Brian,

I noticed President Carter off to the side as well but the clips were too short to really get an idea of what was going on there.

Of all the men in that room, President Carter is the one who could most easily handle being "off to the side" and not have a problem with it and that is what I have always admired about him - his lack of ego centrism. He's a good and balanced man and we could use more like him in our leadership.

Force of habit

Ray Lamoureux, Marlborough, CT — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:56:45 GMT

I was appalled to see the "news" segment about Army recruiters enticing young people to join up by providing a high tech first person shooter gaming environment in a mall. How many of our tax dollars went into planning and executing this affront on civilized society? How low will recruiters stoop in order to meet their quotas? Recruiters in the story say that they don't pressure anyone to sign up, but in these challenging economic times, many young folks may see their career options being severely limited, and may be more easily swayed into choosing the military as a stepping stone as they advance through life. Plus, Mr. Williams looked positively gleeful reporting this. There's little doubt that he's a jingoistic war hawk who revels in the corrupt military industrial complex.

Force of habit

margaret thompson — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:58:45 GMT

i think they all looked great and at least bill clinton loved the rug !!