What we saw

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:30:24 GMT

Brian
General Petraeus is just doing the job he was directed to do by the White House. We have seen many honest Generals even ones under oath that had to follow orders. How many honest Generals have been in the same position as General Petraeus since the invasion. You have talked to the General and you even might believe what he says but how many honorable people had told us things that aren't true. I read the o-ad by the active soldiers who told the truth which is much different then the Generals view. Now I learned two of these brave soldier died. I guess the only question is do we believe the men in the field fighting everyday for their lives or an assigned General who has to answer and get direction from the White House.
I wish the White House hadn't released the news that they were going to give the report then changed it to General Petraeus. Other Generals have spoken out about how misdirected Petraeus's report is.
As for the Iraq government well that was just a sad story that lying didn't help. Even the Iraq government says their not working together yet we hear maybe one day it will if we stay long enough.
I'm so tired of all the lies when we all know this has nothing to do with Iraq/people/government/freedom/democracy/WMDs it's all about controlling the Iraq oil. The Iraq people are having a civil war among themselves not Al Qaeda. The US had a Civil War no one came in to take over.

Just once I'd like to hear the truth from our so called honest leaders, just once. Will anyone stand up for our brave soldiers and stop them from being killed in the middle of the Iraq Civil War.

What we saw

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:02:21 GMT

Brian -

Thank you so much for the description of the twin towers of light from your plane. Every year I look forward to seeing that display which is so simple and so meaningful at the same time.

From the first time I saw those lights, I thought it was the only appropriate memorial. I don't know why it was never considered and still, six years hence, nothing appropriate is there at Ground Zero. Surely the lights would be a wonderful and spiritual testament to all of those lost souls who have left the earth.

What we saw

Missy Amsler, Fairmont, WV — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:32:35 GMT

Brian,
You indeed painted a beautiful picture with "what we saw" and I thank you with a heavy heart for having to.
May God Bless America...
Missy Amsler, WVa

What we saw

Lynn G., Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:15:06 GMT

In the "old" days, memorials were not constructed till a generation or so had passed after the event. I think that was a good policy; it gives "time" the power to bring perspective and heal, and allows a new generation to determine - without the impact of emotion and ego - what truly honors those who died.
We are so impatient these days, for history to "hurry up", but history is life itself, and it moves on its own schedule.

I do think the beams of light are wonderful and comforting, even for those of us out here in the Midwest who can't be there in person to see them.

Here in Minnesota, 9/11/07 was a day almost exactly like 9/11/01; sunny, cool and beautiful. This time, the peace held, but it was a reminder of how different our lives are today that we have cameras everywhere and we all think it's normal now.

Wishing New York City peace and a faith in the future that is positive and bright.

What we saw

Art, Montpelier,OH — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:16:22 GMT

I'm so sick and tired of the media bashing General Petraeus. This man has done some remarkable work in a very tough situation. I am just coming back from Iraq (end of July) and so I've had the opportunity of seeing Baghdad before he took command and after, and I can honestly tell you it was night and day. These people want freedom they want are dealing with the absolute worst from not only Iraq, but also Iran, Syria, Jordan, and yes even Saudi Arabia. These people are starting to fight back. Its just a shame that we are going to turn our back on the Iraqi people yet again.

On a personal note about General Petraeus...There was this time where a soilder was running on the base and while she wasn't paying much attention and ended up being clipped by a Humvee. The general and his assistants were also running. He could of easily keep on going, or had someone from his staff take care of it, but he came on scene and provided medical assistance until the medics came on scene. It just kills me to see a man that has been nothing but honorable to be treated like he has.

What we saw

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:19:11 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Your depiction of the towering lights into the heavens from ground zero was simply beautiful. It is so sad no one else on the plane experienced the same breathtaking view that you did. It is a long day of rememberances and those lights make you think about all those innocent and brave people that were lost. Even though the clock does eventually strike 12:00am and the date changes we will never ever forget all those who were lost and hope they are together in heaven. Regarding your conversation with General Petraeus it was very interesting and it shows just how tough it is to battle this type of enemy. As you stated they do not wear uniforms. This is a "phantom enemy" not easily identified and very "hazy" because they hide until they are ready to strike. One isn't sure who is the enemy and who is not the enemy. It is tragic that walls have to be put up in order to keep sections of the region safe. But are the citizens really safe and do they feel trapped. There are many fighters in this region and it is a "significant endeavour" to take on. Finally, I enjoyed Ann Curry's report in the series "Secret to Her Success". Having friends is so very important to your well being and the support is wonderful. Family is great too, but life long friends is truly priceless. It can help you live longer. Keep you active. As my mother would say, "You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family." Anyway, thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to all!

What we saw

Dot, Illinois — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:22:18 GMT

Mr. Williams:

Thank you for sharing your description of the towers of light. Beautiful light ascending skyward seems to me to be a fitting tribute to those who died on 9/11.

As I read your blog every day, I find myself wondering what a day in the life of an anchor newscaster is like. Your schedule sounds so hectic--perhaps you could share how your days play out with us.

Absolutely loved the story about friendships and health. So refreshing amidst all the bad news to see people sharing loving companionship. Don't we all need more of that in our lives!

What we saw

Jenet Dechary, Reston, VA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:24:39 GMT

Brian:
Please avoid sports analogies when discussing war. I heard you say on Nightly News that the President is 'using his home field advantage' when he speaks tomorrow night.
This suggests that the President is a coach and the soldiers are athletes playing a game. War is not a game and the President is not a coach (or a solider). Analogies like this one dilute reality and further numb us to the nightmare and horror of war and casualties, both civilian and military.
Cordially, Jenet Dechary

What we saw

Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:39:51 GMT

Brian;
I came to the blog tonight to thank you for your questions to General Petraeus about the specific term "al Qaeda Iraq". As I've been busy with life this week I've not had time to sit and read what he had to say, but I found your questions be questions I would have asked him if I had been giving privilege to speak with him. I did find his answers thought provoking. I don't envy the job that he has been given. Outside of selected elected officials, he must have one of the most thankless and un-appreciated jobs in the country right now - or for at least this news cycle. Thank you for a very insightful interview.

Your description of the beams of light was so graphic (aka descriptive) that I had the urge to look out my window to see them. I imagine that seeing the lights from high in the sky gave it a totally different perspective than seeing it from the ground. It sounds as if the beams go strait to the gates of Heaven. I can't think of a more fitting tribute. I also have the question: why don't they do this more often? Why aren't the lights kept on every night: no one wants to pay the electric bill? This seems so simple and so poignant.

What we saw

Ray Anderson, Shingle Springs, CA — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:46:08 GMT

General Petraeus said in today's Brian Williams interview: "the Sunni Arabs will probably never rule the country (Iraq) again...."

If the head of the Iraqi war/invasion does not know the difference between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, how will they ever succeed?!

What we saw

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 02:13:05 GMT

Brian thank you for not going in to detail about the torture of Megan Williams, I heard the story on BBC and it made me sick. At lease the Federal Agency doesn't look at that action as a Race Crime and they might not see it as a Federal Crime. The story was all over the overseas media to bad we have to show that horror as an example of what our country is about.

Sept. 11th is a sad day in the history of the US, there were alot of funerals years for the soldiers who died in Afghanistan and Iraq yesterday too.

What we saw

Jun Nishihara, Japan — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 05:56:03 GMT

Brian,
What a beautiful picture you painted of those two powerful beams of blue light! I could almost see them in my mind reading your description.

I'm now going to watch your entire interview with General Petraeus. I saw the highlights on your Nightly News and found it very interesting. Thanks for that, and also the broadcast.

Nice evening to all!

What we saw

Joyce Wiswell Royal Oak, MI — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:00:51 GMT

What a lovely description of the lights. Thanks Brian.

What we saw

S Ellis, Pittsburgh, Pa. — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:53:30 GMT

When you ask your doctors to give you the exact outcome of the treatments they prescribe, they won't do it.

Doctors say that because there are many variables that can affect the outcome, they can not say with certainty what the outcome will be.

There are many variables in Iraq. General Petraeus seems to be doing his best to take all of them into account while working for the best outcome.

As difficult as chemotherapy can be, we stay with it because it will help us in the long run. When we have a recurrence, we strengthen the medicine. The treatment is altered based on the reaction of the cancer.

General Petraeus is very much like a cancer doctor.

What we saw

Lorin Driggs — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:30:41 GMT

Brian: A few minutes ago I posted a comment on the snippet of your interview with General Petraeus that appeared on last night's Nightly News. I pointed out that you misquoted the General. In my post, I misidentified the senator who asked the burning question: it was Senator Warner, not Senator Hagel.

What we saw

Mike Padgett, Scottsdale, Ariz. — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:58:53 GMT

Brian: I thoroughly enjoyed your poignant comments about the lights marking the twin towers. As a reporter for 30 years, I recognize and appreciate reporting from the heart. Not all reporters have that ability. Thanks for taking the time to paint the word picture.

What we saw

Daniela, Chicago, Illinois — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:11:43 GMT

Brian-
I live in Illinois, and my family and I are in the works of planning a vacation to New York City this fall. We want to be there when the blue lights are beamed into the sky. The way you described it, it sounds breathtaking. It reminds us of the great deal of courage and great deal of destruction occured on that day. God Bless America.