State of his thoughts

James, Washington, DC — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:19:56 GMT

Interesting.

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Murphy, Salinas, CA — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:22:05 GMT

Thanks for sharing, Brian. This is exactly the behind-the-scenes type of stuff that makes your blog an occassional must-read, especially compared to your competitors. But shouldn't it be on the msnbc.com home page, so more people can see it? Especially with the president set to address the nation in 3.5 hours?

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GUILLERMO DUARTE. CHULA VISTA, CA. — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:12:29 GMT

Once again the President tap dancing around the major issue. The mistake done invading Iraq. We are not safer and the peril of a major atack on US soil is still lingering.When is the President going to be humble and apologize to the American People???

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mikeeg,abdn,wa — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:24:01 GMT

"the president seemed unbothered by that perception" of course not he is not bothered by the stinkin truth neither are any other neo-con repubs.

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Gerhard, Newark, Calif. — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:30:25 GMT

"The following is a review of my notes, and is offered here under the ground rules established by the assembled White House senior aides."

i am curious about the ground rules you refer to, and about when exactly it was that the president could only be candid with the media after a disclaimer about ground rules.

i am NOT curious about what the president has to say in his speach tonight. he is nothing if not predictable, and i have no doubt that the central theme of his remaining months in office will be courting the approval of enough ranking republicans so that his foreign policy moves will not be vetoed.

he is destined go down in history as our worst leader, the christian counterpart to the taliban, with a stone ear for public opinion and a dogmatic approach to policy. he seems totally oblivious to the concept of "public servant."

it's a pity for him, but more of a pity for all of us.

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The Edge, Macon GA — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:30:35 GMT

"the president is known to favor a presence modeled -- at far fewer numbers of troops -- on that of U.S. forces in South Korea" = OIL
"insisted there was no Iraqi Army left to re-constitute back at that time, saying most of Saddam's former fighters had been driven to the north where they fled and dispersed." = another fairy tale
"He admitted to being out-smarted by the enemy at several stages of the Iraq war"= Finally, some truth!!
"He indicated more than once his distaste for public opinion polls." = ONLY when they are against him, REMEMBER his claim to a mandate after his re-election?
IN summation = MORE of our brave troops will die, Haliburton and the other war profiteers will have a trough to feed on for untiold years to come and most importantly GWB will scoot out of the White House having started this mess and will leave it for others to clean up.

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Steve — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:45:31 GMT

I have to agree. This blog is great! Thank you very much for sharing.

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Stephen Lawson, Corvallis, OR — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:47:36 GMT

A continued presence similar to that of the US in South Korea? Boy, that will make us really popular among the region's religious fanatics. I guess they'll just give up now...
Why isn't Iraq partitioned along tribal lines in the manner advocated by Joe Biden? It's a fake country anyway, invented by the British. I guess the neocons didn't hire any anthropologists for advice.

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cal, chico, ca — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:05:02 GMT

When has reality made even a passing visit to BushCheneyLand? Nothing bothers Bush because he plain could care less!

WORST PRESIDENT EVER!

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Larry Wilson, Larkspur, CA — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:06:34 GMT

The most glaring comparison of this (Iraq) war with Vietnam is that in both cases we are a foreign occupying army in the eyes of most of the people there. Bush's insistance on a long term American presence will only prolong the violence and increase hostility toward America. We cannot control Iraq. Bush's dream of handing democracy to the Iraqi people is utter fantasy, always was. Democracy springs from the people. If the Iraqi people want democracy, THEY need to establish it. We can't do it for them. We need to get out as soon as possible.

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Charles Swanson, Seven Lakes, NC — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:07:02 GMT

Your title for the entry is "State of his thoughts". I had to read it because our current president has never had a thought of any significance or import, and my reading confirmed that.

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American Citizen — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:09:32 GMT

Thi sis not about Bush. The Country has known that he is a liar and a coward for several years now. It's now about the Democrats. They do not have to override a veto or break a filibuster. Bush needs funding to continue his atrocities. If Bush and his minions don't cooperate, no funding. But the Democrats won't cut funding for political reasons, and if they don't they are as bad as the Cowardly Liar himself. If they don't cut funding, I will never vote Democrat again!!!!

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Barbara Schick, Crawford, WV — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:11:37 GMT

I have heard that there will be a FIRESTORM by Congress to the "state of gwbush's thoughts". I predict it will be only a light drizzle, and they will fully back him in every way. The only way to get rid of a user is to close the pursestrings, and make them find another source of enrichment. Maybe gw could even get a job!

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linda badeaux, san diego, ca — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:14:07 GMT

"angered by the Moveon.org advertisement questioning General Petraeus"? that ad was paid by and speaks for the american voter. this is not corporate, institutional or party money, it's the everyday citizen exercising our freedom of speech and right to dissent.

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Dan — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:14:17 GMT

Do any here honestly believe that if the U.S. were to now pull out rapidly from Iraq that it would not:

1)lead to creation/exacerbation a power vacuum to be filled by radical Al-Queda Sunni and Iran backed radical Shiites
2)lead to even more massive bloodshed by Iraq civilians
3)lead to calls from Al-Queda that the U.S. had been defeated in Iraq, as they were in Sommolia and Lebanon..and based on Islamic culture will greatly enhance jihadi prestige & recruitment. You really think running now will lessen Al-Queda's appeal?
4)lead to the conclusion that the U.S. cannot be trusted to follow through with anything...

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Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:19:22 GMT

Brian thanks for the information but can we believe a word George W. Bush says anymore. With all the plans the White House as the US has taken over Iraq and will direct the Iraq Government. Look for PM Maliki's friends to step in as Bush only needs to get the deal of the oil rights for Halliburton. It's sad that Americans are willing to let so many more young soldiers die as the President stays the course until the business deals are done.
I read General Petraues interview and I also read something else:
The US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, expressed long-term interest in running for the US presidency when he was stationed in Baghdad, according to a senior Iraqi official who knew him at that time.
Looks like the General has great ambition to the Oval Office long before he was appointed in the top job. Makes since now that he would make nice with the White House who just might give him Bush's base as we will be seeing hundreds of body bags coming home each month until Bush leaves office.

As for Bush's comments about MoveOn.org makes since as the White House doesn't want the truth to be told nor do we have freedom of speech. I heard the stories of Americans who speak out with truth only to be arrested by the US Government. Our Democracy is gone and Americans aren't doing anything about it.
Funny how the American people made an out cry about Vick killing dogs, but not a word about Bush letting soldiers get killed, the 20 year old tortured or victims of storms who are still waiting for help. I did notice how much money Bush/Cheney are asking for from the US Treasury for Iraq rebuilding, jobs, health care, water, electricity and homes. We have no problem building up Iraq while the American people lose job, homes and pensions.

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Dot, Illinois — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:20:35 GMT

Mr. Williams:

Thank you for your interesting blog today. Very enlightening.

The President's suggestion that a continued US presence in Iraq could be required for years to come is disturbing. I can't believe that the radicals will ever accept that.

The ad about General Petraeus by MoveOn went way too far. Whether we agree with the general's position or not, such mean spirited ads are inappropriate, presented, I am sure, to play to the anger and frustration many Americans feel about this war.

All the vicious and nasty rhetoric and comments from either side on the issue do is further divide our people. Not at all helpful.

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Michael Bunch, Newhall, California — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:23:41 GMT

Americans have not been manipulated by President Bush or special intersets, but rather by an archaic form of government. President Bush only exists as an ambitious office seeker, the same as all other politicians, and does what he must remain so. The real problem is that the brightest and best people in this country do not funnel into leadership positions in our government, only the most connected, which equals the most corrupted, most of the time. People blame President Bush, but really the culprit is our political system, which "we the people" are supposed to reform.

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Charles Lewis — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:24:35 GMT

What bothers me is that according to a recent poll 79% of the Iraqi people don't want us there. That means if we are negotiating with the government for a permanent presence, it is because they are puppets who did not represent the will of their people. In fact, a majority of the people (60%) feel that it is OK to kill American troops.

They have had an ethnic rivalry for 4000 years, and a half million of our troops could't fix it (much less 160,000). There was no Al-Qaida there before 9/11, and the half billion we have spent on Iraq (150 billion $$$$$ per year), the nearly 4,000 dead soldiers, 100,000+ dead Iraqis, and 3,000,000 refugees had nothing to do with the attack on us. The good news is we will be able to exert control over Iraqi oil, which we will give to our corporations (whereas it was once nationalized for the citizens). I'm sure this will harm little bit of global good that remains after 7 years of Bush's nonstop truculence.

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Dan Shea, Seattle, WA — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:24:40 GMT

The President has clearly been drinking and has completely lost touch with reality. He is a fool and I hope our nation will be able to survive his stupidity. He and his cronies should be in jail. What are we waiting for?

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:24:58 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, The President seems firm in his belief that a US presence in the Middle East is vitally important to bringing about progress. This region is an extremely difficult part of the world to deal with when you are President. President Bush has experienced many problems in managing this conflict and he does have the hope of US troops finding Bin Laden and killing him. It would be great if they could find him before he leaves office, but one cannot assume that is going to happen. There have been many mistakes made by this administration and I'm sure the President is aware of his rating with the American people. I would wish anyone luck in dealing with this region because it is one thing to say what your plan is to bring about stability and peace to this region it is another thing to actually do it. What happens next? That is the question. On another note the series "Secret to Her Success" report on handling finances seems a common problem. The first thing is to SAVE and PAY OFF the credit card! Paying that high rate on the credit card is a real problem for people. Learn how to budget the money and put away for retirement. Working in a financial business I see women all the time who have no clue how to handle their money. They don't even know their bank account number or have learned to balance their checkbook. All women no matter what age need to know how to manage money. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Look forward to seeing you for the broadcast of President Bush's speech this evening. Peace to all!

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Chris Harris, Fayetteville, AR — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:25:00 GMT

When Karl Rove stated that liberals were motivated by a desire to kill and undermine American soldiers in Iraq, did the President have harsh words for him then?

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Dan Shea, Seattle, WA — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:27:31 GMT

Tomorrow is the 3rd anniversary of my brother's death in Fallujah, Iraq. Please excuse me if I tell this president to shove it. He is a fool and it is about time that America woke up from this nightmare of an administration.

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Fred Wlilkinson — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:35:54 GMT

So...our President doesn't feel any pressure to draw down forces because of tours of duty ending soon...sure...my son has already been extended...hasn't seen his newborn son born 3 months ago...all I know is that we have a stubborn president who is a liar and is only concerned about his legacy...I'll tell you his legacy...a war without end...thousands of lives lost...30 thousand plus wounded (you never hear about those)...corporations who have raped the national treasury...(9 trillion dollar national debt, doubled during his presidency)...and of course...he will leave this mess for the next president to deal with...read the other day that the president can't wait to leave office so he can "replenish his coffers"...good for him...spend it now president Bush...you can't in hell...

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Derrick — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:38:39 GMT

I guess everyone dreams, even the president; I see nothing wrong with that.

However, the Iraq war seem to have been started based on dreams, and that's the problem.

The soldiers out there are democrats, republicans and independents. It's a shame when I hear adult men (congress) tell the world that a particular party can win the war.

American leaders have let America down. It's that simple.

I read somewhere that when President Clinton wanted to go after Osama; he was told not to, that it's a distraction from a sex scandal. I guess a man having sex in his office is a more important issue than the security of Ameria, by the way it was the republicans that said so.

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JEH — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:57:06 GMT

Brian Williams interview with General Petraeus yesterday was masterful. Brian asked the tough questions and had insisted on honest answers.

Thanks

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Chris,Patterson,ny — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:59:57 GMT

I am so glad that people are waking up to the idiot we have in office. His distain for opinion polls say to me that he ( The president ) Elected by the majority of the people does not want to listen to the majority of the people. Does he not work for us. We elect him. So in a way he is saying to us shove it. I have said this from day one WE WILL NEVER LEAVE. It will be another Korea. I cannot wait till he is out.

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Daniel Broe, East Hampton NY — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:05:19 GMT

Korea as model? This is scary. My late father went to Korea in 1950 - 57 years ago. Our military is still there in large numbers. The grandclildren and even the great-grandchildren of some of the veterans have served in the Korea War are themselves long out of the military. How many Americans want us to occupy Iraq for say the next 50-100 years?

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Toledo, Ohio — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:07:32 GMT

Keeping a presence in an area after a conflict is standard. I was stationed in Germany and Korea.

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Ed A B, Ontario — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:15:41 GMT

He expects to succeed through sheer bravado. If he is
a fool, his success for his constituents says he is
also calculating and cold blooded. Ask who are
really his constituents, and how is success defined?
Does Haliburton ring a bell? Standard oil, Dupont
(who brought us napalm and agent orange I believe),
and (even) Enron? How about the treaty for NAU?
The fascist destruction of the Constitution, let alone
his "quaint" redefinition of torture for the Geneva
treaty (signed by the US and an act of
Congress, what happened to real "patriotism?)?
The moral fibre of the US is supposed to be
established in standing up to tyrants, not
supporting them through fear mongering. Isn't it
enough? Hitler was once considered a fool.
Charlie Chapman made significant theater with this
dated idea.

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Sylvester McBean, Seattle, WA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:19:13 GMT

Don't kid yourself. The only reason for a continued presence in Iraq is Israeli security; the Iraqis don't want us there.

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:33:11 GMT

It would be nice if the press would investigate these seemingly false claims the president makes like the one that there was no Iraqi Army left. That should be easily proved or dissproved with a little leg work.

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Pete Hildebrandt, Leesville, SC — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:40:31 GMT

All I can say is why didn't anyone have the courage way back in 2000 & 2004 to mention that Bush's grandfathers both were involved in ilegally rearming Nazi Germany in the 1930s right up until 1942. The Bushes are obviously folks who would do ANYTHING for profit. This latest Bush is no different. He and Cheney have been one heckova team. I get absolutely sick to my stomach when I hear that he's bringing up Lincoln for any sorts of comparisons whatsoever.

Just read Team of Rivals if you want to understand what Lincoln was about, how he brought together all his former political rivals to save a country split in two.

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robert j ramsthaler Island Grove fl — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:40:46 GMT

if there was ever a time for a President to to have a mental exam to see it he is fit to Be in charge of an entire nation the time is now .

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Dave Walters — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:45:44 GMT

Brian:
You said a good writer paints a picture in the absence of one. Your are a fine painter. Thanks.
As far as the war, I have a real problem with why we are in Iraq. The reason, or rather the current reason. How many reasons have their been for our presence there?

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Katie W, San Francisco, Ca — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:50:05 GMT

Dear Older-Generations,

Thanks for leaving my generation a timultuous, fear-filled world, an incomprehensible national debt, a depleted army, and a polluted planet. Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves. I could have told you at 16 not to vote for an illiterate war hungry president, but since I couldn't vote, it was left up to you. Now as I enter the adult world I have panic attacks about being drafted or going broke because I can't pay off my student loans. I didn't want this to be my world. Thanks.

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D. R. Manchaca, tx — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:00:06 GMT

I just wish the Prez would have felt as bad when John Kerry was being attacked by the swift boats as he is about Petraeus. How long as a nation are we going to here this same oh crud from a war criminal?

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Lester Hunt Thronton, CO — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:22:53 GMT

I am glad I didn't vote for that sad sack. We should have NEVER been in IRAQ in the first place. The American public and Congress were duped into IRAQ over lies about WMD'S. Bring our troops home! As a member of the Patriot Gaurd Riders, the funerals and send offs need to end so that we can rejoice in bringing our sons and daughters home.

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Henry Whiteson. Groton, MA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:42:03 GMT

I feel so helpless. What can we do about a delusional, ignorant, arrogant president?

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Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:42:32 GMT

Brian the one good piece of news that came out of the President's speech is that the US will give jobs and pensions to the Iraq men. As the Americans lose jobs and homes Bush is making sure the Iraq people are taken care of with taxpayers money.
Now we heard it from his lips that he will let thousands of soldiers die because he will keep this going and leave this to the next President.
I wish Americans were better educated about how the United States system works. Democrats don't have to votes to stop Bush. Yet I read comments of people blaming Democrats as if the GOP Senators and Congressman don't vote. I guess that's why most foreign people are better educated in the United States then Americans. Bush can veto a bill unless Congress/Senate have 60 per cent of the votes. If Americans took the time to learn about this country maybe we wouldn't be in this mess. As it goes now we just might have another Homer Simpson in the Oval Office and have the Branches of our government controlled by Republicans.

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Eric Cannon, Evansville IN — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:57:41 GMT

"Mission Accomplished"....

When do we present articals of impaechment on this idiot???

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Judy Lecklider, Dayton OH — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:01:35 GMT

to: linda badeaux, san diego, ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:14 PM) Hey Linda...ever hear of Geo Sorenson? his $ is behind H Clinton and the Dems.!

As a Marine spouse.....you who wish to pull out of this war a wimps and not real Americans! I do not want to find a gernade roled up my side walk.... get a life....my grandfather died so you could speak your piece....how dare you insult me for my loss!

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Mom, Seattle, Wa — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:07:51 GMT

Did I hear right? Bush is leaving the whole rotten Iraq invasion mess for the Democrats to contend with after he leaves office? I just don't like that a bit!(While he will be having the time of his life riding his dirt bike.)If you make a mess, clean it up!

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J Lecklider Lewisburg , OH — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:08:47 GMT

Brian: If you have the nerve to print this:
It is obviouse that this blog is strictly for Democrats to whine about our Pres. Poor little Dems!
Grow up....get a life. Who of you have been in the military service? Or were you the ones who to went to college to avoid the draft and study Liberal Art?
HA!

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Mike Johnson, Aurora, CO — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:11:21 GMT

Hey Just a thought to all the Bush Bashers out there including Chris Mathews....
1st, thanks for aring the presidential speach, no thanks for your covorage after wrds.
2nd, did any of you address the issue the president brought up about the press covorage of the war, like some of the good things being left out?
3rd, the president has to rely on a general, as he is a polatition... NOT an army guy
3rd, arent we still in Germany, Japan and other countries?
4th, did you forgett thatcongree ( including Hillary Clinton) supported us going into Iraq?
3rd, this is a sorry America if we can not finish the job.. period.
4th, we as a whole country are in this, its just easier to point the finger at the head guy.. did you forgett 9-11.. OH yes you did!
5th, that was not commentary by your Chris Mathews, it was political BASHING, did he bring any facts up to compete with the president? Take for instance the number of countries involved, Did Chris have an actual number or did he just laugh it off? He did not do his research, he never does. No respect he is just a lame reporter with the backing of a communist company.

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randal — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:18:09 GMT

Your words are SO pleasing to those who want to destroy us. You must be SO proud to be an American!

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randal — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:21:42 GMT

Your words are SO pleasing to those who want to destroy us. You must be SO proud to be an American!

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Harold Reeder — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:40:44 GMT

Thanks Brian,

The President needs to get his head where the sun shines and he can breath and make rational decisions. His values are certainly a great deal different from mine and I grew up with a great deal of admiration for Eisenhower, Nixon and Regan. This war will weigh on this administration regardless of when it ends.

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Raymond spada,Clinton township,MI — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:45:46 GMT

Bush is trying to delay the Inevitible by Stalling Indefinitely-----A Crude attempt to Disguise the fact from the American People(Who Already KNOW), That he is a LIFETIME LOSER.

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Sis Scott, Marhsall, AR. 72650 — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:16:59 GMT

We have some wonderful smart people in this world. I have read every blog note. I am so glad that we as legal Americans aren't being scamed anymore. Lets take back this country, and fight for what we have build on the backs of the Ellis Isle immigrants, and this adminstration is trying to tear down.
Lets fight for our troops who are being used and abused for a LIE. Speak out, write, email and call, make them do what we want. They are a dime a dozen. They are paided servants, and have forgotten that. Take their retirement, make them eligible for SS, instead in their big retirement pensions. We need new blood in the govt., instead of these reoccuring blue bloods, who think their better than us, and think we are stupid. Stop killing our boys. They range in age, of 20 to 25. They haven't even tasted life yet, except a horrible death. And thank you Brian, for your story, and I feel like Bush just laid everything off on the General, like he does, all of the time. He has no shame, no blame, and is evil. Bush's legacy, is the flag draped coffins coming home, that he don't want anyone to see. What a waste, of good and innocent people for a LIE. And this man is insane and dangerous. STOP HIM NOW.

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Jeff, Denver, Colorado — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:18:14 GMT

Holds to his guns and doesn't back down despite all the liberals trying to politicize the war on terror.

BEST PRESIDENT EVER! -soon to be followed by Fred Thompson!

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Lee Delaney, Las Vegas — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:21:51 GMT

Well he said it again. Exactly the same stuff that he has said every couple of weeks for coming up on five years now. He had nothing but a delusional moron's concept of what he was doing when he went into Iraq, he refined it to new heights during the 4 1/2 years since and he is still on the same spaced out planet where things are the way he thinks they are and should be as of today. And he definitely has no plans or ideas about anything having to do with our future in Iraq. Bush, in his normally cowardly run from responsibility, will leave that to his successor.

And bringing 5700 troops home raises a question. Does the 5700 brought home include the 3700 brought home in body bags from a worthless war, leaving only 2000 to be brought home, or are these a new group of 5700 culled from among the 30,000 he sent there this year? We do need clarification because he might even mean an additional 2000 in body bags. Certainly he never said the 5700 had to come home alive, merely that they would be coming home.

Never has our nation been led by such ignorance, malevolence and incompetence and hopefully never will it be so led again. If our nation is fortunate in years to come George W. Bush will be seen as an temporary aberration in America's History, and may his like never be seen again.

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Scott Kohlhaas, Anchorage, Alaska — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:23:02 GMT

It's great to see the president is opposed to the draft!

Would you be willing to spread the word about www.draftresistance.org? It's a site dedicated to shattering the myths surrounding the selective slavery system and building mass civil disobedience to stop the draft before it starts!

Our banner on a website, printing and posting the anti-draft flyer or just telling friends would help.

Thanks!

Scott Kohlhaas

PS. When it comes to conscription, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

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Richard, Fort Worth, Texas — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:02:47 GMT

After listening to Mr. Bush give his speech tonight, only makes me feel sad for the state of our Country.
Mr. Bush has never been one to give a good speech, but tonight, He sold this Country the biggest bucket of BULL.
The General’s speech could have been written he day after the Surge started: and now he is the puppet he needs to finish His time in office and keep the War going.
There has been not improvement in the Iraqi Government and only more dead troops and more Billions spent.
I find it very hard to believe that our Country did not accept the Reports for various other Groups and now accept the word of one man.
I do not know where this will all end, but we as a Country will need a lot help to learn to live in a World we do not know.

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Richard, Fort Worth, Texas — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:10:38 GMT

What ever happen to the Iraqi troops that were going to be trained so our troops could come home? If you remember at one time back when, there were 350,000 troops. More so, how much money has actually been spent in training these so call troops.

Does anybody have enough Balls to demand an answer.

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Bruce L., Mead CO — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:52:29 GMT

The only way to stop Bush from attacking Iran and creating a regional middle-east war is to cutoff the money for waging war. Impeachment proceedings against him and Cheney would also be useful. Bush is delusional and dangerous; and he still has a lot of (powerful) sycophants in Congress and elsewhere. Iraq makes it perfectly clear that it's best not to underestimate the potential damage that Bush can do.

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Sean Henderson Newberg, OR — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:17:20 GMT

"He believes an American presence in Iraq is part of an overall Middle East policy and is aware of the view that many Americans have turned isolationist."

Putting the UN in charge would not be isolationist. Shunning imperialism is not isolationalism. If we gave our resources currently in the region to UN control - we could still work for peace and stability in the region. The american flag is a target over there. However, giving UN support shows that we are not out to promote our own military and economic strategic strength in the region.

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brian collings — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:30:08 GMT

Is there any body in this country that has the courage to finish this debacle ?

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M.L. Hinkston, Jones, Oklahoma — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 06:02:02 GMT

Mr. Williams,

I am glad that you have this blog to tell me what your president said on Thursday night. My family cannot stand to hear his voice. We knock each other out trying to get to the remote to change the program if he is speaking, or may I say attempting to use the English language.

"The following is a review of my notes, and is offered here under the ground rules established by the assembled White House senior aides."

What is up with this?

While I am asking questions let me just ask you what has happen to the American media? GROUND RULES?

...Please!

I have to hand it to your earlier blogger in Newark, California, Gerhard when he/she wrote about your lunch buddy. This president is destined go down in history as our worst leader, with a stone ear for public opinion and a dogmatic approach to policy. He seems totally oblivious to the concept of "public servant."

It's a pity for him, but more of a pity for all of us.

Thank you Gerhard from Newark, California. Well said!

01/20/2009 – BRING IT ON!

M.L. Hinkston

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JAdams Albertson NC — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:30:28 GMT

God bless our President and all the men and women in uniform. This is one veteran that don't want to see us cut and run. I always wonder when they do all these polls about who does and doesn't support the President or the war "who are they asking?" I have never heard of anybody that was ask. I wish they would ask a larger dynamic and not just a select few areas maybe they would get a better idea that there are alot of us out there that support both.

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Marilyn Morgan, Tacoma, Wash. — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:43:23 GMT

I hate the Iraq war. George Bush and the neocons are crazy. I wish the Congress would stand up to this President and pull the funding. It would force the issue and bring the troops home. Fight the war with those who started it. Why can't we get rid of this guy any sooner? He never ceases to amaze with his ineptitude and inability at logic and critical thinking.

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Robert Katz. Stamford,CT — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:06:11 GMT

Bush is a psychiatrist delight. He is delusional and still says he gets his inspiriation from a higher authority. Is it not possible to remove a president from office for being mentally disturbed?

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Frank Carta, Allen Park, MI — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:44:05 GMT

As usual, there is no reporting on how all the negative nay-sayers have helped Al-Queda during this
long war on terrorism. I sincerely hope that our troops kill as many terrorists in Iraq as possible so
that we do not have to deal with them here. God bless George Bush for having the insight and intestinal fortitude that it takes to be in the right country
(Iraq), fighting our avowed enemies. If we had a demo-
crat for President, the nay-sayers would be complaining that he is micro-managing the war and of
course he would have problems with the "polls" as well.

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Frank D. Elkins Odessa,Tx. — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:21:57 GMT

Bush is still trying for the un-attaiable. A military victory. Without a political victory,we will be bogged down there forever. Learn to crawl before you try to walk,mr. president!

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Nicollet Tady, Portland, OR — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:02:52 GMT

Hi Brian,

I am surprised that more hasn't been said about impeachment. Since it is impossible for the Dems to get GWB and cronies to pull out of this senseless war, it seems this is the logical next step. So much damage has been done by this administration, there simply isn't a NICE way to get rid of the whole tribe. Gee, I thought they were working in OUR behalf. Silly me!

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fred charatan, Boynton Beach, FL — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:17:35 GMT

In 2008 Bush leaves in shame
War in Iraq a no-win game,
A frightful loss of blood and treasure
America grieves beyond all measure.

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Jerry, Saint Paul, Minnesota — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:25:22 GMT

Why, oh why do we send our young people into the lions den? If someone came into your house and told you how to arrange the furniture would you like it? We are doing real damage to the Iraqi people. They are getting the shaft and being forced to believe something they do not want to believe. If our "leaders" would just LISTEN to us and the Iraqi people (which they refuse to do) instead of charging forward in a backward direction, then we will save money which could be used for good things - like education and health care and also save lives so our young people will have parents to raise them. This entire mess could be solved by listening and doing what is right. Thank the Lord that there are just a few days left until we get new leaders (unless the Bush mafioso declare martial law.)

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Mitch CA. — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:36:02 GMT

Good crossection of comments here after a good article. I am concerned about one small portion of the comentaries though... the purported "Members and former members" of the military represented here. I hope to God that this isn't a representation of the majority of thinking by our military troops, I want to continue to support them but opinions like these make me wonder just who's joining up and serving. The few comments on this board show deluded thinking by the contributers (in my opinion) and the anger of these posts show that we certainly have a dangerous element in this society still.
Please, let's see opinions from the other side of our military that will give balance to the idiots that have posted before this.

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Michael Lompoc Ca. — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:38:55 GMT

I don,t agree with the war but so many negitive people out there just dos'nt do us any good, and other people who read about it start getting the same attitude it's like a desease, I for one think we should think more positive and back our millitary and most of all our country no matter how bad it get's and who's doing what, so keep a positive attitude and try to spreed it there'more to this then we know.If you know of THE SECRET..it will help!

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Don, Miami, Florida — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:41:32 GMT

A disturbing story was reported on a morning news show today. Two US soldiers in Iraq, who signed an editorial against the war, were killed in action. The report was only 10-15 seconds in length, and I don't think there were any other facts reported. However, if soldiers are being punished and deliberately chosen for the most hazardous duty because of their personal views, while continuing to do their duty in Iraq, I feel there are serious constitutional issues being violated, i.e. civil rights. It is hard to connect these casualties to their personal opinions, but it is worth watching.

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Hayden, Chicago, IL — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:09:41 GMT

Completely agree with Richard of Fort Worth.

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Tom Marcucci, Allyn, WA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:49:34 GMT

Brian ...good morning. I simply would like to know why you felt compelled to agree to "ground rules" as a stipulation to reporting this story. I can't imagine any set of circumstances which shouldn't have resulted in your packing up and leaving the White House to report to us on these "ground rules" before excepting any limitations upon your reporting. I hope you'll explain these "ground rules".

Thanks.

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Gerald San Antonio, Texas — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:02:26 GMT

The Iraq war was about one dictator(Bush) getting rid of another dictator(Saddam). Bush shamefully used America's finest as his personal mercenaries, and for this he should never be forgiven!

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Geraldine, Chicago, IL — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:07:27 GMT

Everybody complaining and has valid thoughts about GWB. But what is being done to stop our suffering?
The president should be respected and it saddens me that we have majority of the American people make fun of him.

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Ed — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:07:48 GMT

I read everyone of these blogs and it is obvious to me the the liberal side does not have any plan accept to give up.

Bring the troops home? Then what? At least President Bush is not swayed by public opinion, like some on the liberal side.

Liberals=retreat, fall back, surrender!

Ed

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ORVILLE FAIRBANIKS, MESA, AZ. — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:21:17 GMT

IT WAS NOT THE SWIFT BOAT ADS THAT GOT PRESIDENT BUSH RE-ELECTED IT WAS THE ADS OF MOVE ON DOT ORG AND MICHAEL MOORE THAT DID THE TRICK THANKS TO BOTH. IF PUBLIC POLLS ARE SO IMPORTANT ASK YOURSELF WHO IS BEING POLLED, HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU KNOW THAT HAVE BEEN POLLED. THE MAIN STREAM NEWS ORG TAKE THE POLLS AND IF YOU WANT A POLL TO TURN OUT A CERTAIN WAY JUST PHRASE THE QUESTIONS A CERTAIN WAY AND YOU WILL GET THE RESULTS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.ACCORDING TO THE MAIN STREAM NEWS PEOPLE OUR SOLDIERS HAVE ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING IN IRAQ. THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF SUCCESS STORIES IN IRAQ BUT THE NEWS PEOPLE WILL ONLY INTERVIEW THE PEOPLE THAT COME BACK AND ARE AGAINST THE WAR. IF YOU TALK TO MOST OF THE SOLDIERS THAT COME BACK THEY ARE PROUD OF THEIR SERVICE AND OUR PRESIDENT, BUT YOU WIL;L NEVER SEE THAT ON THE NEWS

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Dave, Tn — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:39:24 GMT

"I'm so worried about Bush messing up my Presidency with his war even though I voted for it."
Yeah there's someone that deserves to be in the white house in 08. Can't wait to see how far America as slipped down the rabbit hole in 08.
Democrats you control every crime infested city in America. Please show us how well your theories work. Remove all the police from those cities, and let the warring parties settle things. After all why should my tax dollars go to pay for cops there when that money could be spent fixing pot holes in my neighborhood? Sounds pretty trashy right? Does to me too, but isn't it the Liberals who push the ideaR that we are all citizens of the world, and not just a country?

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Jun Nishihara, Japan — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:14:11 GMT

Every time the president gives a speech on this war, I think.. "will we ever live in a world where a war doesn't exist?" I know it might sound a little too naive and simplistic to think that way but I do sometimes wonder. I know this comment is not as constructive as it should be but sometimes it's not logic that always works. Thanks for the broadcast again and peace to all!

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Anna Adair, Summerville, South Carolina — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:18:42 GMT

I have not and will not watch the President's speech about Iraq. It's funny that after 9/11 America was for the war and now they are against it. I personally have never been for the war. Sending in young, teenage soldiers to a slaughter house has killed more Americans then 9/11 and not much good has come out of it for the American public or for any other country. We have wasted billions of dollars and we are still no more protected on our borders then the day tragity struck our country six years ago.

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John Cagle, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:33:18 GMT

To all you Bushniks out there. Lets not forget how he got us into this mess. He lied and now expects us to support him and HIS war. I don't think so. This is not about the war on terror. This is about the almighty buck. Follow the money trail and you'll see why Bin Laden has not been captured and why the war will go on and on and on. There is simply too much profit in it, at the expense of the American Taxpayer.

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D. Royce — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:04:05 GMT

Does anyone remember Swift Boat Ads? The Republicans think it's ok to be Un-Patriotic to a Vet that spent 2 tours in Naum, but not to question Patreaus?

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Kasey Phoenix AZ — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:09:11 GMT

Very interesting that these people writing you know more then the President, and the General's leading the war! As far as the comment above that President Bush is the worst President ever? Is totally false! How about John F Kennedy, Talk about Horrible this guy was to busy cheating on his wife, to worry about the 60,000 soilders that were sent to there death!By the way Were still in Vietnam.

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Tim, Fort Wayne, IN — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:10:00 GMT

All the time we hear how the Iraq troops are not quite trained well enough to take over the jobs our troops are performing. I know that my brother (a Marine) was given time in boot camp to learn how to use a gun to kill and then sent off to do his job. It was whole lot less than the time we have wasted trying to train the Iraq troops. How long are we going to stay over in Iraq trying to train these people. If they don't know how to defend themselves by now, will they ever be ready?

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Albert, Salem, Oregon — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:34:23 GMT

The Iraq "war" is not a political-party war. Our troops are not defined as Republican or Democrat. As a Vietnam veteran, there ARE many similarities between Vietnam and Iraq. At least during the Vietnam "conflict", we had fairly intelligent and empathetic Presidents. GW Bush is a blithering idiot and a puppet of VP Cheney who is a war mongler. Our troops deserve better. In fact, Iraq has never been declared a true war so our returning troops and the families surviving our sacrificed troops are not receiving the care and services and fundings they should be entitled to. We have thousands upon thousands of returning troops who are wounded and debilitated for the remainder of their lives and their families are carrying the full burden. GW Bush gleens what he wants out of any and all intelligence reports to fit his and Cheney's venue. It's all about oil and big business and nothing more. The Iraqis do not want us there, did not want us there and GW fed us a bunch of lies. The majority of our country does not support this so-called war and that's Republicans and Democrats alike. War is not a political party issue, and neither is death. GW went after the wrong man in the wrong country.

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Chris, Washington DC — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:40:29 GMT

So people are upset Petraeus is on the receiving end of MoveOn?

The highlight of course is John "I'm not just changing my mind in an attempt to revive my candidcy" McCain's whining about how "evil" MoveOn is, seeing as he kept his mouth shut when Swift Boat was engaging in demonstrably false chracter assassination against John Kerry.

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R. TATE, LITHIA, FL — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:44:52 GMT

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT MOST OF YOU, BELIEVE WE CAN JUST COME HOME AND ACT LIKE NOTHING HAS GONE ON . DO WE JUST THANK WE CAN (TAKE ARE BALL AND RUN WHEN ALL DOESN'T GO OUR WAY). ALMOST 80% OF US WANTED TO GO TO IRAQ SO IT HASN'T BEEN A EASY A MATTER OF FACT IT'S DAMN HARD, MOST OF US SIT HERE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT TROOPS , THE MONEY , OIL PROFITS, BUT YOU ALL WANT IT EASY WHO PROMISED US EASY, NO BODY!!!

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joel — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:56:45 GMT

Served in Korea fifty years ago.

Our troops have a bad job to do and no way to fight a war between tribes that have been fighting for so very long.

The Iraq people have to sort this out for themselves and decide how they want to live and be ruled. We cannot do this for them.

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Ann — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:00:22 GMT

I am unaware of the fact that Bush is capable of thinking.

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Kurt H. Luedtke, R.N., Tucson, Arizona — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:11:40 GMT

King George needs to step down as the leader of our country. He never has been able to grasp the gravity of his mistake!!! Hopefully congress will do there job and stop funding this useless war. The best way to support our troops is to bring them home asap.
A US citizen

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Pat Burns — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:30:59 GMT

Foreign policy should be dictated by the will of the people. It's supposed to be "by the people, for the people" not Halliburten! If 60% says this is wrong it's not time for Congress to roll over and say "what can we do?" Impeach!!

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Jim N, Denver, Colorardo — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:36:31 GMT

Good grief! What is this blog? The most liberal, anti-American trash site on the web? It's very apparent that very few of you have any military experience and most of you are sorely lacking in education.

My son is a US Marine currently deployed in Iraq. He says the reason there's been no terror attacks here since 9/11 is "because all those crazy bastards are out here trying to kill us and we're kickin their ass and eliminating them as problems." Oh yeah, he also says the Iraqi people thank them daily for being there. Oh yeah, he also says that he, and every man in his battery if not his platoon, consider it an honor serving under their current commander-in-chief, and back his policies 100%.

For all you morons who think this war is about oil, quit being morons and wake up and think again. I thank God that we have a president with guts and stamina. I and my son agree with Jeff in Denver...

BEST PRESIDENT EVER ALONG WITH RONALD REAGAN!

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leo morris, houston texas — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:43:55 GMT

I cannot believe that this president continue to send out misinformations constantly! Announces a troop withdrawal that will only be bringing home around 20,000 of the 30,000 from the surge troops starting end of Dec.07 and ending in summer of 08. The troop numbers will be higher after the so called withdrawal than before the surge! But he wants people to believe that this is a true troop withdrawal. it's too little and all of the troops should be coming home!

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Gene Lakewood California — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:53:01 GMT

May the new President be a person who is open to dialogue and reason. Much of this can be turned around. I recently returned from Vietnam. I wonder how things would be different if we had won the war? It is one dynamic country, with the North & the South burying the hatchet

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Jack Benedict — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:12:05 GMT

All of you morons that think Bush is a liar will one day appreciate the fact that we are safer.
Taking out Sadaam has helped the world in ways you little cowards don't realize.
Luckilly, during WWII, the President was not swayed by polls of cowards like you.

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DaveE, West Ky — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:19:04 GMT

Exactly HOW does he plan to increase the guard and reserve numbers JUST with reenlistments??

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Shawn Fassett, Seattle, Wash — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:21:34 GMT

There was no IRAQI army to disband??? That's a fresh one from the man that didn't know there were such things as Sunnis and Shiites.

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John, Raleigh, NC — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:27:21 GMT

Mr. Williams,

If you just hand him the pen, he could probably write his own thoughts. You don't need to be Court Stenographer.

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Bill Wilson, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:36:29 GMT

lincoln? LINCOLN?

BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA !

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steve pittelli — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:37:46 GMT

"I'll hold the football for you this time. Just run up and kick it as hard as you can, Charlie Brown."
-Lucy

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ww — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:51:12 GMT

Obviously among the ground rules was that you wre not quote the President directly. Its a funny way for the Leader of the free world to behave, and curious way for journalists to operate as well. The war on free press continues, with your permission, of course.

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Vinnie in my mother's basement — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:25:17 GMT

I sure am glad you play by all the rules. That sure does make for an informed electorate.

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blogenfreude, Manhattan — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:29:41 GMT

"I pointed out that this seemed like a new response; for four and a half years, the disbanding of the Army has been seen as one of the chief failings of the Iraq war. The president seemed un-bothered by that perception."

When will one of you Very Important People in the media/commentariat stand up and say that the war is a failure, the administration is a failure, and the president is a failure? Dog and pony shows change nothing - soldiers and civilians continue to be killed, and there is no definition, much less sign, of a win. We could be fixing our bridges and rebuilding New Orleans - instead we permit the Boy King to play war preznit. Can't you state the obvious? People hate the president, and they hate the war.

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Joseph Schmitz — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:39:08 GMT

Brian,

Your blogging about lunch with the president further deepens my deep disappointment in the mass media and their failure to question this president's agenda, analysis, competence, and honesty. After they referred to your colleague Tim Russert as their "go to guy" when they needed someone to carry water in the Libby affair, do you, Tim, and the rest of NBC News feel embarrassed about that?

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Otis, Arkansas — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:46:01 GMT

This is also for Mr lecklider No the only one went to school tho avoid going to war was your President who is a coward used his daddies connection to get out of going to either the Vietnam or Korean war. And also ask ROmney about his 5 sons and not one has join the military Republican are the real cowards. It take people from small town as big cities and that comes from normal everday people that is not rich that raise the right hand a do what they do for this country. The rich all they want is more power can't you see that and you believe in them and let me say i'm neither Dem or Rep i'm smarter than that to aline myself with people that only care about themselves. We spent Billions and look at New Orleans 2 years later thats a disgrace to every American but no one said anything about that if that was Florida were his brother was the hold city would have been rebuilt and you know it. Look at the movie The Shooter and hear what the senator was saying and you can't be that stupid and think about what he said and if you don't think that true what he said then the Republican are in bad shape because of stupid people like you are in the base and only thing that the world is flat. Ha Ha Stupid Republican.

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Lee Holmes — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:49:30 GMT

I find it strange that those who condemn lies and falsehoods eminating from the administration are so quick to spread lies of their own. Let us review.

Linda:MOVEON is not a non-corporate ''voice ''of the ''American people''.It is funded by George Soros,the very epitome of international corporate leadership who was a one-time arms salesman to the Saudis when he worked for The CARLYLE Group,and whose contributions to MOVEON and other liberal PACS include the two million dollars per month[DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGES Feb-Sept.2007],that Soros collects in dividends from his ownership of over two millions shares of HALLIBURTON.

Chris from DC: Your position is false. In July of 2004 McCain specifically went on the public record in calling the SBVT[Swiftboat Veterans] ''reprehensible and dishonest''in comments he made to the Associated Press. To date,no Democrat whatever has even remotely matched McCains forthright language save Biden with regards to the MOVEON ad. Indeed,we find that many more Republicans[including Bush,who was then at the center of yet another manufactured lie,this one,involving Texas Democrats and CBS over his Guard records,which were forged], condemned the Swiftboaters than Democrats with MOVEON despite the fact that Petraeus is a serving general,with an officer son who is preparing to go to the Middle East.

Also see: WIKIPEDIA ''The Swift Boat Veterans Controversy''

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John Cagle, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:57:39 GMT

To John N, your son is a hero, but a misguided one. If George Bush had to take your son's place on the battlefield, he would never ever have authorized this war. George Bush is a coward. A silver coke spoon coward at that. All of that has been proven, based on his military record.

So let me ask you this. While your son is getting shot at, and risking life and limb,...

What exactly is George Bush risking?

He wears the finest clothes, sleeps in a warm bed, eats gourmet food, and is sheltered and protected in his home country. And, none of his relatives are on the battlefield. They too are comfortable counting their gains from their stock investments in Defense Companies. That too has been proven.

Your son on the other hand is cannon fodder.

And sad to say, once crippled or maimed, just who will support him?

Not George Bush and his cronies.

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Dianne Cannon , Phenix City, AL — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:01:28 GMT

This President has been through more than any other president EVER. All these negative comments are so bad. That man on MSNBC (Keith O.) spews out such hate toward Pres. Bush I am afraid some nut will try to hurt him (President Bush) I don't see how the management at MSNBC puts up with him. If something should happen to our President I am afraid all these kind of reporters will bear some blame.

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Jim Peterson Bountiful Utah — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:19:45 GMT

By far, barnone, the worse president this country has ever had. Keeping his lie in Iraq going in an attempt to improve his legacy is revolting. Killing american men and women for purely political purposes is repulsive. George Bush and his war are creating terrorist faster than he can kill them. He is the Adloph Hilter of this century. A true cowardly evil man. If ever there was a time to impeach a president it is now. Pick a reason to do it, they are numerous

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MIKE DESOUZA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:22:39 GMT

BRING OUR FIGHTING MEN BACK FROM A SENSELESS WAR IN IRAQ AND STOP OUR BORDER INVASION.JUST COMMON SENSE WILL TELL A NORMAL PERSON THAT SADDAM WAS MILES AWAY FROM THE USA WHEN THE WTC WAS BLOWN UP BY THE INSIDERS. CONCENTRATE ON 12MILLION ILLEGALS THAT WILL COST MORE THAN THE SO CALLED TERRORISTS.

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Sheila Devall — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:52:59 GMT

The most interesting thing about this blog is how one-sided it is. There are a couple of middle-of-the roaders and maybe one or two conservatives, but everybody else is firmly left. What does this tell you about the audience of NBC? This is how so many left wing liberals get the impression that they are the majority. I guess this is the the reality we have to live with now that there is Fox...all the "right" people are over there...and most interesting of all is that when you read Fox blogs you find a much more equal amount of liberals and conservatives writing in and the liberals usually sound really pissed about it. I now make a prediction, that hundreds of NBC watchers will quickly blog in with scathing and profane things to say about Fox...or no one will because I just made that prediction and liberals hate to be seen as predictable.

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Ken, Tampa, Fl — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:18:26 GMT

As I read the comment from Bush supporters, it is clear they are as out of touch with reality as Bush.

The MAJORITY of us are now tired of them using this anti-American, unpatriotic, treason label as a way to stifle dissent and free speech.

They use these tactic because they can't come up with a better arguements. It's the easy way out for them.

This war has cost over 3,700 lives with at least 30,000 wound. It has cost taxpayers over $500 billion, we are floating better than 9 TRILLION in debt, while giving tax breaks on Uncle Sam's credit card. We owe China (yes Communist China) roughly $350 billion. Tours are extended and the military is stretched. It will take years to rebuild to pre-war levels.

The terrorist we were after originally were not in Iraq and they never were. The terrorist that are there now are the ones we help create with our pointless invasion.

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Doris Wold, Lakeside, Ca. — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:26:54 GMT

On the 5:30 (Pacific Time) news on 9/11 you (Williams)
opened the broadcast saying "the events of 9/11 are the reason for the war in Irac". That is not true.
Bush went into Irac to find WMDs only. When not found
he changes the reason for invading, and has for many
years tried to make Americans believe it.

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Craig Watchkin — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:44:47 GMT

Brian, the passive tense of your reportage encapsulates the supine nature of your appraisal.

Your country needs better than this.

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Jim Hassinger, Glendale, Ca — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 01:04:36 GMT

If you want to know what a "sock puppet" is, in contemporary slang, look at General Petraeus. "Betray Us" was rude but true, and MoveOn should be ashamed, because the right never uses insult to discredit the other side. Ha. But "sock puppet" is just a statement of fact, along with Dick Cheney as "The Troll Under the Bridge."

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nuanced — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 01:14:31 GMT

Where does the War Czar fit into all this?

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Ruth, Sheboygan, WI — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 02:30:30 GMT

To Dan , I can't believe you still believe that we can be of any help to the Iraq people. Who cares what Al-Queda thinks. We need to apologize to them, apologize for our mis-informed, power hungry president and vice president and let them get on with their lives whatever way they can survive this.
If we are really so concerned with not letting more people die for humanitary reasons why don't we have troops in Darfur (?) region helping save those hundreds of thousands of live.
And to all of those military people who think that just because we think the war is a mistake and has been a disaster, it doesn't mean we have any less respect for our soldiers. I think they unfortunately have no choice to do what they are doing. But that is the sad part...... they are obeying a Commander in Chief who is killing them for no reason. Just because we want them to come home doesn't mee we don't love and respect them and admire them. It is not their fault. Just bring them home and stop the killing on both sides.

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Roland Buck Morehead, Kentucky — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 02:50:18 GMT

"on that of U.S. forces in South Korea"

How many American soldiers have been killed by car bombs in South Korea? How many South Koreans have engaged in suicide bombings of American soldiers or other South Koreans? The situations are as different as day and night. You do not have secular conflicts in South Korea and the Bhuddists and Christians are not blowing up each other's churches and temples, nor sending death squads against each other. The South Korean government is actually in control of the country and delivering services. Talk about a complete false parallel. Bush has once again shown that he does not have a clue what he is talking about.

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David a Harris New Lenox Illinois — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 02:57:16 GMT

Bush/Cheny are not to blame!!! The are only doing what They was bred to do..... WE THE PEOPLE are to blame. we not only allowed him to steal an election we rewarded him and his fellow Republicans by returning them to power four years later....fool me once shame on you.... fool me twice, three times and more.... shame on us.

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Robin — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 03:05:39 GMT

Why don't you sit down with the people from Vote Vets or Move On or Win Without War and then turn around and devote a column to their perspective the next time BushCo gives a speech?

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joe,Caledonia,MI — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 03:52:17 GMT

All you people that support the war - go and sign up -
Pick your own branch - I did 6 years in the USMC and you should too. If you are too old send your child or your money.

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Paul, Vero Beach, FL — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 04:00:49 GMT

There are politicians, primarily Democrats, who in my opinion have politicized this war to the point of treason. Many bloggers that I have read prior to me simply must not understand the "gathering storm" of intense evil against the world, not just us.
Unfortunately in our culture that is so hampered by "policitical correctness" we can't call this war what it really is.

Underestimate the enemy abroad and we will pay dearly at home. I don't begin to suggest what is the best course of action, for I don't know. But to so viciously and venemously attack and demean our President, when not one blogger has offered an intelligient solution, nor has any apparent understanding of what is going on in the world as a whole and how Iraq plays into the big picture, simply reveals juvenile party politics and/or severe ignorance. The world is simply not that simple. In the least, President Bush is trying to do something of significance to combat the evil against us. It may not be perfect, but it is better than the nothing we got from his predecessor. I am certainly no expert, but I believe time will reveal that President Bush is on the right side of history. He needs our prayers, for weight of the decisions he has to make on a daily basis would crush most of us, myself included.

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John Seattle,WA — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 05:34:41 GMT

When the oil is gone G will acknowledge it is okay to leave Iraq. He and C care of nothing else.

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Marcia, Phoenix, AZ — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 07:53:35 GMT

Too bad Reagan's diaries weren't published in time for at least the last election. If some of shrub's die-hard supporters had read REAGAN's description "shiftless, ne'er-do-well"...maybe we would have only had to suffer through one term with this lobotomized loon and minions raping the American public.

State of his thoughts

reggie gibson seagrove nc — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 09:33:38 GMT

come on people wake up this war is all about oil and money how much money can haliburton steal and how much do cheney and bush get for keeping the war going they were both cowards and ran the other way when it was their turn to fight for their country but want everyone else to go and die for the lies they told and are still telling bush and cheney should both be put on trail for war crimes

State of his thoughts

mary — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:04:27 GMT

when are reporters ever going to report again and stop regurgitating what they have been spoon fed? So much for democracy in action!

State of his thoughts

mary — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:08:50 GMT

TO Jeff in Colorado, you sir are an idiot, just as the pin head in the white house is. The war on terror will NEVER be won with force, only by diplomatic means, which is somehting that you or this governor in the white house does not understand!! Why aren't you in Iraq?

State of his thoughts

owlbear1 Portland, OR — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:09:22 GMT

"He indicated more than once his distaste for public opinion polls. He admitted to being out-smarted by the enemy at several stages of the Iraq war..."
================================

Those pesky U.S. citizens ALWAYS getting uppity when Dubya is trying to play in his sand box, eh?

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Tom Garvey San Diego — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 05:57:43 GMT

I'll take a president that sticks to his values over a pea brain reporter that goes to dinner with Ahmadinejad, a leader of a country that denies the holocaust and is killing American soldiers. Whats next Brian?? Maybe you could raise Hitler and you two could have dinner watching Jews being executed!!

State of his thoughts

lorig — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:28:05 GMT

was very taken back by Mr. President and his comments, about his stand on the resolution of the Armenian Genocide.
Mr. President if I follow your thought I will be obliged to think that we have wronged not only our servicemen but our whole country by choosing Israel as our allies ..There is no denial that because of the unconditional USA support of Israel we have created this hatred and unsafe tormentors for all Americans not only the serviceman. So we should NOT be allies with Israel but be more sympathetic to the Palestinians who have lost their land by the terrorist Israelis. and it seems it is to our best interest to be more critical of the ways Israel conducts itself in the region.
and another deduction I could easily make is that the president of Iran is not an extremist when he says that the German genocide of the jews did not happen ....and we should sweep it under the rug...
because of the USA stand of Israel we have created a slew of countries that would like to harm innocent civilians and armed forces and that simply should not be acceptable by the american people in general.
furthermore what kind of ally will hold us a hostage because we have taken the moral road? and why is it that our hard earned taxpayer money is going to Turkey? so they can blackmail us? after Israel, Turkey is largest USA aid recipient why don't we threaten them with stop aid? we done it in Iraq, Korea,Iran...
instead of them threatening us?

As far as what would the Armenians gain from the resolution it is the same thing that a family of a murder victim will get when the court reads the guilty verdict surely you understand the resemblance....
What if a dear friend of yours be murdered and have the same attitude as what would you gain by seeing the murderer put away...? Don't our grandparents who were picked in the middle of the night from their beds abd taken away and hanged, beheaded, killed our young girls raped and killed... and all this so they can go to heaven. You see the Turkish philosophy is if you kill a christian you go to heaven.... and that is our ally... thank you for your ear.
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State of his thoughts

Agustin Blazquez, Silver Spring, Maryland — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:19:31 GMT

Dear Mr. Williams,

On the November 6, 2007 broadcast of the NBC News you gave two names of the eight recipients of the White House's presidential medal of freedom.

Absent was the name of the black political prisoner Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet - languishing in Castro's dungeuns - who was a recepient of this award. Dr. Biscet had been tireless fighting for freedom and human rights for all Cubans on the island. This long overdue recognition to this black Cuban political prisoner, following the teaching of Martin Luther King and Gandhi, should be an example for all Americans.

Read the article A Cuban Hero by Mary Anastasia O'Grady, Nov. 5, 2007, pg. A18, The Wall Street Journal, The Americas and A HERO IN CASTRO'S GULAG by Jeff Jacoby, Sunday,Nov. 4, 2007, The Boston Globe.

The fact that you didn't mention Dr. Biscet leave a lot to be desired from NBC News.

Sincerely,

Agustin Blazquez
president/producer/director
UNCOVERING CUBA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (UCEF), A non-profit organization [501 (c) (3)]

AB INDEPENDENT PRODUCTIONS (ABIP)

Silver Spring, Maryland

301 949-8791

UCEF.USA@verizon.net & ABIP.USA@verizon.net

COVERING CUBA SERIES PRESENTATION:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6069264944003854859

State of his thoughts

david braa Panama city, fl — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:38:01 GMT

11/13/7 story on British Air Corp flying empty - 20000 gallons of fuel (148K lbs) - 400 tons of carbon (800K lbs)? Math doesn't work

State of his thoughts

Lyle Leatherbery, Lansing, Michigan — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:24:49 GMT

Mr Williams: What a great choice of music to end your program from Detroit with.."Danc'in in Streets" was a great one from Martha but,come on, you didn't pick that music and I doubted you ever danced in the street. Did you ???? A loyal NBC News guy !!!

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Danny Kamin/Houston, Texas — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:48:54 GMT

I didn't see any other means by which to email Brian.
This doesn't really require a response. My question is
as professional, eloquent, and elegant as you
appear every night on the news Brian how do you maintain that image following a story such as the one last night
(11/14) about that institution in Serbia ? I wept.

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MaryLou Trego — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:13:08 GMT

My husband and I love Brian Williams on the evening news. For the very first time that I can remember, we are hearing about at least one heart warming story every night. There is enough bad news to sicken all our hearts but too seldom do we hear about the good in people. Thank you Brian, for bringing it out in the evening news. We can all go into the evening feeling there is some good in the world.

State of his thoughts

ANN LOVE. NORTH CAROLINA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:44:11 GMT

WHEN TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE TRAGIC CONDITIONS ON THE GULFCOAST AFTER KATRINA, YOU HAVE MISSED ONE IMPORTANT FACET: FAMILIES WHO STILL ARE FORCED TO LIVE IN 10,000 TRAILERS. THESE TRAILERS HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE/ DANGEROUS/ HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH OF THE OCCUPANTS.. FAULTY CONSTRUCTION USING MATERIALS LEACHING TOXIIC GASES INTO THE INTERIOR. MANY ARE FORCED TO EVACUATE, AGAIN DUE TO UNHEALTHY POLLUTED INTERIOR AIR/ IN THESE TRAILERS....WHOLESALE ENDANGERMENT OF THE HELPLESS VICTIMS OF A FLAWED SYSTEM (FEMA& HOMELAND SECURITY)..
AND NO HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THESE UNFORTUNATE.VICTIMS.....

State of his thoughts

yvonne lafever, alexandria la. — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:13:57 GMT

brian-I feel guilty-but this is too good to pass up. Onwed. 11/21 you did a show about how the airlines are trying to do better. At 5:55cst-in the background, a baggage cart skidded around the corner-throwing off 2 baggage pieces that were just left sitting there. Hello?

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Cathy Gangwer — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 02:27:34 GMT

Dear Mr. Williams

Recently you did a segment on Wind Turbines. I believe
it was in Denmark. They are popping up all over the
the mid-west where I live.

Can you tell me if it is true, or a falsehood that the Turbines kill birds and bats.

State of his thoughts

E. Goins — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:48:19 GMT

Dear Brian:

It was informative and nice to see the special seriesyou have had on your evening news this week in reference to African-American Women. These four to five days focused on the African Americans during National Native American Heritaage Month leaves one to wonder why at this time ????

(I am sure February will have numerous programs and stories focused on the African-American, and their contributrions, progress, problems, and concerns, and much more......)

However, I must state that November is National Native American Heritage Month and I would think that you would or should have had a story, or numerous stories, which would focus on Native American's, and their contributions, plights, progress, concerns, needs ...., etc. There are numerous Natives still living in these United States, and why have they been ignored during the month of November. Many are unaware of the concerns and needs of these First Americans...

Sincerely,

E. Goins

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John Cullinan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:27:39 GMT

Dear Mr. Williams,
It sure is hard to find your address on this web site. It's a shame that a direct email address is not available.

I took offense at your characterization of President Bush and the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) indicating that Iran (according to one un-vetted source with another nation) had stopped it's nuclear ambition in 2003. According to Iran, it was due to international pressure that year, coincidentally as the US and (I think) 28 nations were dealing with their neighbor, Iraq.

So the NIE, stating an opinion about available information, indicates that Iran ceased its nuclear development. And in the same breath, suggest or imply, that the US should resort to diplomacy.

How convient that you should NOT look beyond that suggestion, and examine the intentions of those providing this report. That you should pile on wanting to know "What President Bush knew, and when he knew it?"

As a frequent observer of the news, NBC (at least it used to be NBC), CBS, News Hour, Fox News, AP on line, The Wall Street Journal, and various radio programs, I notice the differences in all of these programs. Somehow, your NBC Nightly News program no longer seems worth the effort to watch. In fact, it is now worth the effort to identify your advertisers and let them know just how slanted you are.

You have chosen a side and it shows.

Why not just deliver the news?
Why not reveal your bias?
Why not be a journalist?

Disappointed in San Diego,
John Cullinan

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Gerald — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:17:04 GMT

Brian did you just say severe water shortage on NBC NEWS have you looked at the pacific northwest and the northeast what's happening now I wish you would be an honorable person and report the news accuratly. instead you are a puppet for your company, how does that make you feel I am sure your getting paid well for selling your soul to the devil. good luck with that. Gerald St. John Bend Oregon

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Jason, Memphis, TN — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 06:21:32 GMT

Not sure how to contact yall at NBC Nightly News, but is there any way you can live stream the nightly newscast from your website? I can access the internet at work, but we don't have a TV. I would very much appreciate it.
Thanks!

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G B Slaughter — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:00:26 GMT

Brian williams is "Off the hook" I love it. Iowa Caucus

State of his thoughts

L. Bell, Texas — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:16:03 GMT

I was sad to see that your national newscast did not even refer to the passing of a prominent religious leader. Gordon B Hinkley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints died last night. There are over 3 million LDS people in the U.S. and over 13 million world wide. People are suffering a loss in this country and nothing is said. Is it because of the democratic push that NBC seems to have? Is it because you would have to talk more about Romney than you could tolerate? Even President Bush recognized his passing and religious prominence in this country, why couldn't you and NBC???

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Jack M. Bert — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:23:42 GMT

For Brian Williams: Brian, where do you buy your outstanding striped ties? I know it's a trivial question but I can't find any like them anywhere? Jack from St. Paul, Minnesota