Being able to touch history

Cary Skelton 19, Roanoke, Virginia. — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:17:34 GMT

Evening, Brian.

Brian, as I read your post this evening I can't help but smile because I am the exact same way. I just didn't know what to call it. I don't know if it's a sentimental thing, or what, but I have always felt this way. I thought I was just oddly sentimental over things like this. When being in the same atmosphere, as you were in the church President Kennedy married, it's almost as if you're breathing in the same air as they did on their wedding day. I know exactly what you mean. I hope I have the chance to see, and in this case “feel” history as you have. I've been thinking about those roads to Washington, D.C. That I'll be on this Independence Day weekend, and how I'll be thinking of all of the past Presidents who've called it all home during their terms of office. Along with all the obvious landmarks I just can't wait to see, I read in my photography book “Remembering Jack” by Jacques Lowe about the Holy Trinity Catholic Church John F. Kennedy went into for mass early in the morning before his Inauguration, I'm going to see if I can spot in on our way.

Thanks for sharing your experience at Rhode Island, that must have been such a surreal moment for you. Of all the Presidents I've studied, John F. Kennedy is still my absolute favorite, that's including his family. I talked to someone from Munich, Germany earlier today via Twitter and she recently wrote an essay on the U.S. In the 60s. She said I couldn't imagine how popular he still is in Germany. I believe it.

See you soon!
-Cary

Being able to touch history

Stephanie-Umbro, Maine — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:20:54 GMT

Congratulations to Minnesota. It's about time it gets its 2nd senator. It's a decision long overdue, and I'm glad for them.

Also a congratulations to Iraq and its people as they celebrate the change in status of U.S. troops. I am most certain that this change will come with much bloodshed and second guessing, but it is something that must be done, whether now or later, so the time is now. I pray that the losses for all sides is minimal.

"Thank you" is simply inadequate to send to RE and his crews at "the tip of the spear" in Afghanistan, being willing to bring us the stories of the bravest of our soldiers. I just want to hug and thank each of them for their service and the life-long effects they will have with them when their service is over. My heart and love go out to their families who wait for any word.

Hello to all the regulars; I'm loosing track of all of you b/c I don't get to read the comments much these days!

Being able to touch history

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:27:09 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening! Great seeing Richard on the broadcast with another EXCELLENT report! PLEASE STAY SAFE ALWAYS!!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all Richard's second installment of "Tip of The Spear" reporting from the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan at the Restrepo Outpost with Viper Company showed how life has changed for the men who constantly fight in this remote region. There have been many casualties and much turnover has taken place as seen with many new faces at the base. The have made much progress in reducing the number of attacks because as Richard stated in the report the number has gone down to a few a week due to the experience of the soldiers. It was good to see improvements to the base like the telephone, microwave oven and being able to get a haircut. One is now married another grown more spiritual and appreciates life so much more. It was heartbreaking to hear how the soldiers had been traumatized by the loss of fellow soldiers and the terrible firefights they endured everyday. I hope that one fellow soldier gets to have his spaghetti and meatballs when he returns home. And I liked the soldier who was featured on the New York Times front page with I love NY pink boxers! I'm glad Richard gave him another pair in red that was nice and a lighter moment to see! I hope they all return home very soon! All Brave and Dedicated Soldiers who are True Heroes! We Honor and Remember the Fallen Soldiers. We Salute All of Them. God Bless All the Brave Soldiers.
Excellent Reporting AS Always Richard!
Always Stay Extra Safe Richard!

The report by Mr.Aspell concerning the US troop withdrawal from Iraq showed much celebration amongst the Iraqi citizens. Now the mission for the US Troops will be on bases and only to provide assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces. Seeing the 82nd Airborne on their final patrol was encouraging because it means it is now the responsibilty of the Iraqi Forces to keep the violence down and patrol checkpoints. Hopefully, the violence will stay down and peace can be the norm for the civilians of the region. Time will tell, but this is the first step in bringing all the US troops home.
The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Tibbles showed how two men who are doctors just couldn't retire so starting the clinic to help those without health insurance is definitely helping many people. These people would not be able to get affordable healthcare and these two men are making it possible for them to get proper healthcare without charging them. Like the report stated a clean bill of health without the bill! A very nice piece!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Excellent Reporting as Always 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 Extra,Safe and Well Richard! Great to see you on Morning Joe this morning! And Look Forward to seeing you on The Rachel Maddow Show tonight! Nice to know you are still in New York!
XOXO

Being able to touch history

Ginni, Hayward, CA — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:33:35 GMT

Hi Brian:

Great blog and broadcast tonight. I'm in North Carolina on vacation and loving it.

I can only imagine how awesome it was for you to be able to attend mass as the same church John Kennedy was married in. What a wonderful feeling it must have been to be in that church. I'm so glad you were able to do that. In high school I majored in History but was not able to go on to college and complete it. I am still a huge history buff.

I was not able to see Monday nights broadcast so I caught it on the web.

Enough is enough, I think it is now time that these celebrities stop dying on us. This has been such a sad time.

Bernie Madoff, 150 years. Way to go Judge.

I am happy that Al has now officially been announced the winner of the Senate race. It is about time this debate is finally over and we now have the full Senate in place. I am sure this will be very helpful for our President down the road.

It was nice to see Richard and see that he is ok in Afghanistan. I truly hope that this war comes to an end soon and that our men are able to come home. I fear that the situation in Iraq is not going to resolve itself with the US pulling out of the cities. I know that there are fears that this does not escalate in more violence and death because we are not there but on the other hand we have to get out of there soon and turn these cities over the the Iraq police. I only hope that the police can hold peace in their cities and will survive the attacks that I am sure will keep coming.

Your "Making A Difference" story tonight was fantastic. What wonderful, kind hearted doctors they are and how they are helping so many people who could not get the medical care they so need because of no insurance. These men are doing this at no expense to these people and doing it with their hearts. The gift of life these men are giving to so many people and the lives they are changing for the good is wonderful. This was such a great story to end your broadcast tonight.

As I said I am on vacation but was so glad to have heard tonight's broadcast. Thanks, have a great evening.

Also, great tie tonigt.

Being able to touch history

Martha, Fairhaven, MA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:13:37 GMT

Brian, thanks for posting on the blog every day. I sometimes miss gthe news on TV and your blog lets mee keep up with the news.

Being able to touch history

justBfair, Roaring Spring, PA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:26:07 GMT

Brian,
Out of a half hour news cast, you put on one segment about Franken winning the MN seat. The rest of the show was all human interest stories. What about the 7 teenagers shot in Detroit, the uptick in the unemployement rate in 312 metro areas for the 5th straight month. Have you given up on the news? I have given up on you. I will now watch Jim Cramer now during the 6-7 hour.

Being able to touch history

Cary Skelton 19, Roanoke, Virginia. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:26:13 GMT

Evening, again.

Great broadcast tonight! Incredible reporting from Richard Engel in Afghanistan. Thanks to him for reporting what means most to us, and for showing us what the brave soldiers of Viper Company do every day.

Also, a wonderful Making A Difference story tonight. How rare it is to find people their age, with their experience, willing to help a town out. Loved it!

Goodnight,
-Cary

Being able to touch history

Celine, JC-NJ — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:17:44 GMT

Brian-

Congratulations to both you and Richard--and all the members of your support teams--for winning 2009 Murrow Awards. Well deserved!

I think Richard is after another one with his new series of reports from the Korengal Valley. And I also think he is thinning the ranks of Nightly News viewers by scaring us to death for his safety! His work is riveting, but please Richard, don't push the envelope too far. Be safe.

Thanks also go to you Brian, for giving Richard's reports their full 4+ minutes during the broadcast. It is time well spent for us the viewers.

BTW Richard appeared on the Charlie Rose show Tues. night giving a well informed analysis of the Iraqi takeover of security in the cities.

Take care all--

Being able to touch history

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:16:49 GMT

Hi Brian Looks like the person who post our comments is on vacation.
Now we have so much going on from Sex/affairs, Greed/feed and a new Senator.

Gov. Sanford found his soul mate and he finally said it out loud. It's time for his life to be his and not front page news. Give the script to Hollywood for a remake of Love takes a Holiday.

The Will and who Michael left his money to. I will be glad when Michael Jackson can rest in peace. I knew him as an artist and what little he gave of his personal life. But watching him for over 40 years I will say he was smart in business and peter pan like at home. Remember how Ray Charles was blind but as smart as they come. It also reminds me of Howard Hughes and how he left his money in his Foundation and not family/friends. I think we will see with surprise just how wise Michael grew to be.

At last we can say Senator Franken and the people of Minn. can now be represented. It hasn't come fast enough as Rep. Bachmann is telling citizens to break the law by not filling out the census report of 2010. Now not completing the census is a Federal Crime as now we have a Law Makers telling citizens to openly break the Federal Law as she said she will do herself.

Now to the artist I've seen so far in concert/performance. All these names are Peaches choices. Jane Monheit, Rachal Ferrell, No Dough and 3-11. Now who knows who else she will take me to see as I wait for my favorite concert with ColdPlay. It is interesting to listen to different music. Peaches drives to New York like it's nothing, oh to be young again. I'll keep you up dated as this week it's activities but I will be seeing the play " Phantom of the Opera on Thursday night.

Have a great day all and stay safe

Being able to touch history

Dave, Tn — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:52:09 GMT

I wish America had a news media like the USSA has New York. I'd like to see a good run down on our troubles called "It Came from New York with an Ivy League issued moral compass.” Now back to your regularly scheduled bread and circuses.