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Michael, Montreal, Quebec — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:29:50 GMT

"we'll certainly cover the economy and politics up high -- along with Iraq, infrastructure, and health"

How about GeneralGate?

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Thom Jeff — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:30:35 GMT

Suggestions for Lead Story for Your Very Serious Newscast--

1. Barack Obama's Rev. Wright Problem: Has He Done Enough?

2. Why Is Hillary Clinton Sounding So Shrill Lately?

3. John McCain's War Hero Status: Why Is This Not Getting Enough Attention?

4. President Bush's Hilarious and Charming Performance at the WH Correspondent's Dinner, and How He WILL Be Missed!

5. Why Is Our Glorious Success In Iraq and Afghanistan Not Getting the Attention It Deserves? (Suggested panel would include your 2 4-Star General friends with Michael O'Hanlon for balance)

Ah gee, Brian: Why don't you just ask Pulitzer Prize-nominated Peggy Noonan, or your good buddy Rush Limbaugh?

Hope this helps!

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:40:32 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Sounds like you have been extremely busy today with all your events and meetings. I can understand how hard it can be to conscentrate on work when it is beautiful outside, but one has to focus on work. Which you always do. When you mentioned Iraq I am hoping Richard might be on the broadcast this evening! Always wonderful to see him! Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie and Stephanie! Be well Always Ladies!
Thank you Anna and Laurel for the making me see the mention on the Huffington post! WOW!

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lnp, 37, leonardtown, maryland, usa — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:41:30 GMT

Dear Brian,

My goodness - I am glad I have been away for the past two days! I believe it was our Stephanie who once said that, whenever she sees that many posts on your blog, it's usually not a positive thing!

I have not read the Peggy Noonan article yet, and I'm not sure that I will - for no particular reason. I would have liked to have read the Elizabeth Edwards opinion piece, though. If she were running for president, I'd vote for her! I really appreciate her shoot-from-the-hip style. She just cuts through the crap. I much prefer her to her husband. Anyway, I didn't pick up a Sunday Times. (It costs $5.00 where I live! That, as opposed to $1.50 for the Sunday Washington Post.)

I'm not sure what the line is for a journalist: you are a respected broadcast journalist who must remain impartial during each nightly newscast, but who also maintains a blog, within which personal interests, experiences, and - yes - opinions are expressed. How do you walk that fine line of personal and professional? Under what circumstances are you considered to have crossed it? I don't know the answer to that. I guess each viewer has his or her own answer, and you, as the journalist in question, have your own definition. In any case, I DO NOT in any way question your journalistic integrity. You appear to me to be an earnest and professional anchor, a steadfast friend, and a good son, to boot! Oh, my God - you mean you're not just a talking head? You mean you're a HUMAN BEING?! As Hillary Clinton once said, to some, that is a revelation. However, those who read and watch you daily already knew it. Just make like Barack Obama and brush the dirt off your shoulders.

Enough about that! I want to correct an expression I used the other night, in referring to the services for the late Sgt. Matt Maupin, who was killed in Iraq. I referred to his family "putting him to rest," when I meant to say "laying him to rest." It was a slip of the tongue; I certainly meant no disrespect.

May I recommend a terrific series on PBS this week? It's called "Carrier." It's been airing two hours at a time, each night since Sunday. It ends tomorrow night, but will be shown in its entirety on Saturday. As they say, check your local listings. As a result of watching, my new favorite acronym (as though I actually had one) is FUNGUS, although I cannot reveal what those letters mean, in this forum! Ha, ha.

I'll see you and Richard Engel later on tonight!

P.S. Love to Lisa, Jackie, and Stephanie.

Jackie: I'm so glad you had a wonderful time with your dear friend of 50 years! Good for you! Btw, "our girl" Hillary will be on The O'Reilly Factor both tonight and tomorrow night. I guess I will have to suck it up and tune in to Bill O. :-P

Also, for anyone else who is interested, Cindy McCain will be on Leno tonight, and Arianna Huffington is guesting on Charlie Rose.

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Nequals1 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:58:43 GMT

Finally! A critical mass of people who use reason, logic and evidence has discovered the pile-o-organic matter that is this pretender's nOOz blog.

For a very long time I've been calling for NBC News to carry full disclosure of actual and potential conflicts of interest of its reporters, editors, administrators and news readers.

Remember Russert's testimony at Libby's trial where he let the cat out of yet another bag by averring that he assumed unnamed sources were off the record unless they gave their express permission otherwise? And that here on this blog, Williams promised to address the Russert testimony after trial?

Try to find any mention of it. Anywhere.

Remember the sickly sweet obsequious blogging of the Medal of Honors on this blog?

Williams has done nothing BUT stump for the Pentagon/White House/Fourth Branch/GE Corporate line.

Every once in awhile he forgets, and actually mentions something that is newsworthy and factually based. But only when he's distracted.

NBC News is an organ of government propaganda, and it is not deserving of the free airwaves that it uses. Its actions undermine democracy, sully the free press and are very unpatriotic. Williams is the flag carrier for the team.

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Andy Olsen — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:59:42 GMT

Other things to do: Ignore military analyst propaganda scandal, or or make excuses for them and insist they're swell guys.

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john New brunswick canada — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:02:12 GMT

I appreciate your honesy, and in particular our reference to the two generals that as you noted are brokers. Wall Street should be so lucky, but as brokers go they are selling a bill of goods as much as they can, and due to their Patriotism, willbe reluctant to expose the dark side. It is left to us then the readers, to somehow, filter the service medals and the retirement benefits out of their comments, so lovingly presented by you. If you don't think we are watching....we are, and listening to every word. The words get laost when the subject is reduced to warm and fuzzy.

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Southern Beale, Nashville, TN — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:05:29 GMT

Brian, when NBC and MSNBC are putting military "analysts" on the air telling us what a real scary threat is Iran (or whatever country our government decides to invade next), I hope you will stop for a moment and consider what it means to present your viewers with just ONE side of the story: the Pentagon's side.

Whether or not you believe these "analysts" are unbiased opinions presenting an independent, non-Administration viewpoint, the truth is they still present the "war" viewpoint.

Pre-Iraq invasion we did not hear from human rights activists about the human cost of an invasion. We did not hear from the Red Cross and refugee rights and UN experts and others who could talk about war in terms less clinical and antiseptic than what the military uses. We did not hear from veterans groups talking about the toll combat brings to our troops and their families.

The media--NBC Universal chief among them--have been major war cheerleaders from the beginning. I'm sure its corporate ties to a major defense contractor have nothing to do with it.

There is simply no excuse for the way the American media led this country into war. Tomorrow is the anniversary of President Bush's strut across an aircraft carrier to declare Mission Accomplished. Since then thousands of U.S. soldiers have died. We never even hear about how many contractors are killed--the Pentagon won't tell us and NBC never asks.

So no, I won't join you for tonight's broadcast. I'm disgusted by what on see on television these days. I'm sickened by the excuses. You let the country down.

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Kathy Mohun VErbena, AL — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:09:35 GMT

Brian, I have been a long time viewer of yours and all things NBC including MSNBC, but over the last few years I have become really upset about the news coverage of the trivial and unimportant. Instead of highlighting Peggy Noonan's editorial in the New York Times, if I had been you I would have digested Elizabeth Edwards' editorial about the main stream media and their failings. Further, I would point to Bob Cesca's editorial at the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/have-you-left-no-sense-of_b_99244.html) which also criticizes the media for its obsession on the trivial!!! I thought the media had learned from its inaction in the lead up to Iraq, but I sadly do not believe the media learned anything !!! Brian, you are in a position to make a difference - fix what is wrong with the media before it is too late (if it isn't already) !!!

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Karen M, Lansdowne, PA — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:49:07 GMT

I haven't really watched network news for many years. I used to get most of my news from print newspapers and NPR, though lately, I get more of it from online sources and the BBC. And I do watch the Lehrer NewsHour... they may not be perfect, but they're a far sight better than anything on (the so-called public airwaves) broadcast TV or on cable.

Just thought you might like to know...

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Jackie Rawlings 62 Riverside California — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:49:15 GMT

Hi Brian the blog is getting so full it takes me a while to read all of the comments. The comments were interesting and shows people are now paying attention to what's going on with our country.

Good to see President Bush gave an endorsement to his Wife/Daughters book. I've noticed how people now use their camera time for book selling. As the President announced the Teacher of the Year as many teachers are getting laid off.

Mrs. Obama is back on the campaign trail as he tries to help the Senator out of this mess. I hope she doesn't become worse then Rev. Wright with her comments. I hope Mrs. Kerry trained Michelle enough to act like a lady and not go off on people. With some of Michelle's reason comments you never know and we have to remember she's Black Woman who might forget she's representing Americans not just her husband.

To my friends Lisa, Laural and Stephanie all the best

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ladytechie 59, somewhere west of New Jeresy — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:50:53 GMT

I'm going to post this again, because I am sure it will get lost in the noise of the last blog:

Ok, so all the posters are citing just two sources, Glenn Greenwald, a very liberal blogger with a book, damning the MSM, to sell on the military analysis issue, and Timothy Noah, an equally liberal, let's say a bit to the left of Obermann, on Peggy Noonan. ( I cannot find the exact post now, but when I read Mr Noah piece last night I couldn't figure out why it seemed so familiar, then I realized I'd already read much of it on the posts, some without attribution by the way)

Is it really so shocking to find out that military people supported the war in 2003? Excuse me, but in 2003 it was unamerican to NOT support the war. All
the posters who so roundly condemn Mr Williams on this issue are at the same time assuming that the critical thinking skills of the viewers are lacking, that we would simply not assume that on the face of it an instructor at West Point wouldn't support the war.

Equally interesting are the posters who go to great lengths to protest that they would NEVER watch MSM news, then go on to protest that they have somehow been "duped" HUH? You didn't watch, weren't aware of the reports given by Gens Downing and McCaffrey, and yet you are so offended, that name calling is the best argument you have.

One last point, if I concede that there was a conflict of interest (which currently I'm not prepared to do) please all of you explain why you are holding Mr Williams and not both Mr Gibson and Ms Couric (and for that matter Mr Jennings and Mr Rather and Mr Brokaw) equally responsible. And why the free pass for Fox?

In an earlier age of the Internet most of you would simply be denounced as trolls, linking here to post your party line with little or no understanding of the nature of this blog. Begone with you!

Now to Lisa, you may end up an Internet star yet my friend!
Laurel, you didn't miss much, it'll all be over. trolls have really short legs.

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Paul Elmira, NY — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:51:50 GMT

I finally decided to read the Peggy Noonan article. What a conservative elitist (the two words are NOT mutully exclusive) she remains. She is ever defending Reagan’s legacy and seemingly surprised that Reagan is only just recently being lionized by some new young conservative pundits – that Peggy is because those of us who actually remember Philadelphia Mississippi, the savings and loan crisis, the huge "trickle down" budget deficits and his high crimes and misdemeanors in the Iran Contra subterfuge will hold to our opinions and not jump on this fantasy wagon of a new legacy you want to create for his administration and your role in it. Someone show me where the “thousand points of light” which Peggy coined were ever manifested in those glory days of Reagan/Bush conservatism.

Why is she suggesting there is some basis (unstated and unknown) for us to ponder the root and depth of Barak’s patriotism? Why should I suppose that McCain or Clinton might base their feelings in reflection upon the spirit of our pioneers and that Barak does not? Because McCain comes from a military family! Are the military (and Peggy) our only worthy patriots? She is simply manufacturing doubt – and that is a true conservative practice right from the Reagan administration playbook and later perfected by Carl Rove.

But the most telling and unsurprising things about Ms. Noonan in the article are her horror at being stuck in close proximity with the great unwashed in a security line and her phobia about foot fungus. Who ponders foot fungus while going through the metal detector? Someone focused on all the wrong fears.

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Michael Bucciferro, Amsterdam, NY — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:52:29 GMT

So I'm watching the broadcast, while reading the blog. And you said it was a nice say in NYC today, and I hope you had a very nice day!!

But, up here, Upstate New York, it Snowed!!!!! Can you believe that!!!! Snow in April, when Tomorrow is May 1st.

I emailed our local NBC Chief Meterologist and this is what he said: History, over a longer period (100 + years) indicated that measurable snow falls once every eight years in May.
Just an Interesting tidbit, I thought!

Ok, Good Job NBC, as Usual!!
(oh look Chris Jansing....from our NBC affil.!!!)

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Richard, Greenville, NY — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:04:51 GMT

After reading of NBC news collusion with the Pentagon and Executive Branch I will no longer be watching NBC nightly news or CNBC cable news. It is apalling that no credible public response and/or apology has been forthcoming from the NBC news division.

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Cindy Ross — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:15:54 GMT

Interesting to read the comments by the BW Fan Club. He's handsome, has that velvet voice, and ladies, I am certain he waits just as breathlessly to hear from you each day as you wait to hear from him every evening! And I just know he and those retired generals are honorable men who would never, ever abuse your trust! Furthermore, they would never promote wars that squander our sons' lives for anything but the finest of reasons!

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Anna — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:16:39 GMT

Wow! What an amazing 2 days on this blog!? I thought this was a nice quiet place. I guess I will have to visit some Tylenol to get my head back on right! Wow, we do have some Debbie Downers and Sad Sams in America?

Good to hear from Richard tonight. How does he live in Bagdad I will never know.

Thanks for the reports on the power grids tonight. We need some windmills in our yards and solar on our roofs. Time to go green America!

Brian, be well and remember this too shall pass!

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Jane S., Greensboro, NC — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:28:16 GMT

Brian, you are fading into irrelevance, and as the overwhelming majority of the American people oppose this war, you have shown little interest in pursuing the real story of how we were misled.

Are you a journalist or a pampered corporate vassal? A journalist asks hard questions, holds the powerful accountable.

Follow the model of Raw Story reporter Eric Brewer, who has tirelesslf fought the White House blacklist to help bring out answers in the Military Analysts scandal.

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Nathan Montague, Buffalo, NY — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:43:49 GMT

"...it pains me not to join in on the boisterous debate on our blog these days..."
I don't see much debate here, only a few praises of you mixed in with a disproportionately large number of posts expressing outrage at being duped by NBC News. I wonder if you think this matter will go away any time soon...anyways, good luck!

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jo — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:05:11 GMT

My God!! 900 Iraq's killed in one month and 49 Americans!! What are they fighting for and when is it going to end?? Are people going to continually kill each other to what end? Where are the government officials who should be having or trying to have diplomatic talks to end this senseless killing. It broke my heart to see that 2 yr. old child tonight taken out of that rubble only to die.

And those deplorable conditions at Ft. Bragg!!

There are so many issues that need to be addressed by the presidential candidates. The next president has a tough road ahead of him/her and I hope he/she will be able to get this country back on track and we stay away from bickering and focus on the important things.

Brian, thanks for your blog in giving us a venue to vent!

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Andrew Rodgers, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:15:15 GMT

Brian,

Time to MAN UP about your role in the Pentagon propaganda scandal.

Men, women and children were dying in Iraq while you were lunchin' by the way.

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Todd, Sunnyvale CA — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:19:58 GMT

So, any chance NBC or MSNBC will mention how you claimed your military experts were independent and thoughtful in their judgements, rather then being briefed on what to say by the Pentagon, as well as invested in the weapon producing companies who made huge profits off the war? I'm pretty sure this isnt serious enough news, and definetly should not get play. I mean, our free media just ignoring their responsibilities and forgetting to investigate things is pretty boring compared to character issues! Certainly the health of our country and media services are not affected in the least by your outright denial of responsibility and refusal to admit your standards for journalism are terrible.

Thanks!

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Dolly, Mechanicsville, VA — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:32:54 GMT

I was really bummed by tonites broadcast, starting with the dead little 2 yr. old baby in Iraq, and then you have Richard Engle looking so fine in his blue shirt. He's really fierce too, seems mad when he talks, he's so passionate, I love that about him. Even more depressing is the D grade of the power structure - how come our politicians haven't addressed this before now? We have plenty of money to go building new embassies in Iraq and we can't even upgrade our own power infrastructure? What good is all this oil and energy going to do us when there is some 100 year old system trying to run it. It's really scary to think about and why aren't our Senators and Congressmen doing anything about it? Aren't they supposed to be doing what we want them too? Maybe I'm naive but I think we need to make some serious changes in the way we do business or there will be no future for our children's grandchildren!

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Dan Henry, Idaho Falls, Idaho — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:07:34 GMT

"...while it pains me not to join in on the boisterous debate on our blog these days, today time just won't permit it"

I'm sure that you're a busy person. However, your personal integrity is on the line here. It has been for about ten days now. Actually, it has been on the line for for over 4 years, if the information about the Generals being war advocates masquerading as independent analysts was presented in The Nation in 2003.

I think that maybe your evening with Chris Rock might not be that important.

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tballou — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:01:24 GMT

Brian - how does it feel to be so completely owned by Glenn Greenwald on the military analyst story? I simply can't imagine a more thorough debunking of your pathetic attempt to dismiss this matter, much less such a complete expose of the lies coming from you and NBC.

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MG — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:26:56 GMT

More succinct Brian Williams: "I'm going to quit while I'm behind, and hope all this goes away."

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Jackie Rawlings 62 Riverside California — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:40:49 GMT

Oh Brian what can I say.
Fort Bragg is just one of our bases that needs repair. I know the Pentagon uses the money for Iraq and Afghanistan and only acts shock when the poor conditions at home come out. If the Father of the soldier hadn't put the pictures on YouTube nothing would be said or done. Remember how mad the White House was when the Abu Grab pictures went public. We'll see after the smoke clears nothing will be done just like Walter Reed Hospital.

The young female baseball players can teach the Law Makers and adults what it means by being a team player. It is refreshing to see the youth have values even when adults don't.

Brian with the report on electric shortages it looks like we'll see another Enron. With no Justice System anymore the barn door is open for the companies to steal.

Laural I will watch my girl Hill but I'll also watch Mr. and Mrs. Obama. Yes I'm being fair to both candidates while my loyalty is still with Hill. Thanks for the info. I hope the issues and problems of the US can be the discussion now.

All ways my friends Lisa, Laural and Stephanie

Brian I know you can't read all the comments there so many now ( Go Team Nightly News )

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Cyrus, Fairport, NY — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:57:44 GMT

It's a tough life, isn't it Brian? Repeating corporate propaganda by day, watching Chris Rock and NASCAR by night. Don't worry about what anyone here says about your ratings, though. You're here to promote a corporate agenda, not to make the network money. Your ten million dollar salary is not in jeopardy.

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Karen M, Lansdowne, PA — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:32:08 GMT

Ladytechie... As for me, I'm still making the rounds. Last week and the week before, I was at ABC laying into Charlie and George, and then-- but only because they asked for feedback on why the public so distrusts the media-- The New York Times. In fact, I left them a doozy of a comment. Charlie and George had it coming for messing up the ONLY debate on broadcast television, i.e., the only one available to homes without cable. Not very small-d democratic, if you ask me.

Later this week, and next, I'll be stopping by the other network's pages, etc. (except maybe Fox, since they don't even pretend to care).

And, just so you know, whenever I run into one of those newspaper hawkers in the supermarket, trying to persuade me into subscribing to the Philadelphia Inquirer, I let them have it, too, for all kinds of reasons, but especially for their editorial decision not to run the K-R stories during the run-up to the Iraq Invasion. [One has to wonder if that played any role in McClatchy's decision to sell.]

EOC (Equal Opportunity Commenting)

[Chris Rock? Really? Isn't he just a little bit too subversive for such a restrained anchor? Maybe he'll ask about the news blackout, too... we can only hope.]

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Ron Woolley; Houston, Tx. — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:47:13 GMT

I was moved by april 30th piece about the college girl hitting her first home run, then breaking her leg and couldn't finish running the bases. But her 'rivals' carried her on to home base so that the homerun counted!
You need to send a copy to every Republican and/or Democrat, Independent Congressperson, Senator, to show them this is how it's done! This is what the American public want from our politians!! Who says that the young people don't know how to act. This should be carried on every station, network to praise these "Kids", instead of showing kids on 'u-tube beating the heck out of each other..
Great piece!!

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Celine, JC-NJ — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:47:47 GMT

Laurel---for the Elizabeth Edwards op-ed try:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/opinion/27edwards.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted

That is what is on the bottom of my print-out of the piece and I just typed it in the address bar and it worked. I am registered on-line at nytimes.com, so I may get the article because of it. If you are not successful and aren't registered, try signing up--it doesn't cost anything. The op-ed is worth reading, so if nothing works, let me know and maybe we can try something else.

I wondered if anyone else was watching and enjoying "Carrier" on PBS. It is very,very good and an education for those of us who have never been in service, especially the navy. You have to admire those kids.

Joan---Tell your brother, I have and am reading Liz Clarke's book "One Helluva Ride: How NASCAR Swept the Nation". I'm not too far into it, but so far I am liking it. I'll let you know as I progress.

I was out and missed tonight's broadcast. I am about to watch the netcast. I see from the posts, Richard was on. I did see a post from him on World Blog earlier which was excellent as per Richard.

Take care all-

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A. Lupin, Encino, CA — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:25:32 GMT

Julius Streicher was not a member of the German military and was not part of planning the Holocaust, the invasion of Poland, or the Soviet invasion. Yet his role in inciting the extermination of Jews was significant enough, in the prosecutors' judgment, to include him in the indictment at Nuremberg. He was subsequently executed on October 16, 1946.

As the number of Iraqi dead keeps mounting, you might want to reflect on your role in supporting the war of aggression and subsequent occupation of Iraq by the United States.

History will not be kind to you and others like you.

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AL75 — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:33 GMT

Dear Mr. Williams: I too arrive at this page via Glenn Greenwald.

Greenwald is a polemicist. His tone is not measured. But he raises serious, important points about your failure to disclose that NBC's "indepentdent" military "analyst" Gen Barry McCaffry was actually a member of a neocon pressure group devoted to fomenting the Iraq war. He also has deep, undisclosed (by you) financial interests in military companies.

Mr. Williams, of the three network anchors you've shown the most courage - but I'm afraid that's saying very little.

And this issue isn't going to go away.

In his book FIASCO, Tom Ricks stated that the Iraq fiasco was Bush's responsibility, but it couldn't have happened without the capitualtion of other critical institutions: the upper-echalon military, Congress, and the press.

This story -- and your conduct in it -- cuts to the heart of a failure by the major media. People are dying because of it.

If you walk away from this subject, you walk away a smaller and irrelevant man.

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Janet, Pennington, NJ — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:35:48 GMT

Ah, Iraq. I remember that war! Gee, with all the stories on the Rev Wright and Barack Obama, I thought we had won!!! I mean, Jeremiah Wright is infinitely more important to the future of the US than Al-Qaida or the Taliban, or soldiers dying, right?

According to Hillary Clinton, the Reverend's remarks are "offensive and outrageous." Hmm. Some might have thought that Bill Clinton's public humiliation of his wife on several occasions was "offiensive and outrageous." Maybe we shouldn't vote for a woman who is married to a serial adulterer. I mean, all sorts of things could go on in her White House!

I just know that focusing on the Reverend Wright, who seems to be a nutjob, will lower the cost of a gallon of gas, will solve global warming, and definitely bring the soldiers home.

Seriously, do you honestly think that Barack Obama was going to a church with a certifiable crazy as the lead pastor, and didn't think that it would affect his future in politics? Could it be that the story is as he says - that Wright today is not the Wright of twenty years ago? Or does the Wright mess give voters a good reason not to vote for a black man?

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Diane Salvatore, Editor in Chief, Ladies' Home Journal — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:45:05 GMT

Dear Brian: You are a lightening-fast wit; I always enormously enjoy listening to you (off screen, as well as on). It must be a great comfort to know that should the world no longer want to hear news (impossible while you are doing it!) you would have as thriving a career as a stand up comic! (or sit down, as you did yesterday!)

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Holiday Hudsucker — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:58:26 GMT

Brian - I also heard what this nasty man in his Salon was writing about you - that you are not very bright and don't worry he is totally elitit that is what my mom says and she always tells me that I also don't play with a full deck of cards - so why don't you want to have my post's didn't I tell you that I also love your general friends and that I am against all your enemies and I swear I would smoke them out and that's what the president wants and I know that you too love the president and that you are a good patriot and don't you want the whole wide world to know this if you only would post my posts - please - pretty please - all these elitist would know haw wrong they are and how you are totally right and all would raaraaraa for you and it would be way cool.

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Don Wilson,Brooklyn,ny — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:23:58 GMT

Glenn Greenwald to replace Brian Williams..ahhh well ..maybe the next life ..go Glenn ..over 4,000 dead Brian..just feel a twinge of guilt??..could be a start,,just a "Vinny" on the blog..say hi to the other two phoenies there Chrissy and Timmy...gee I hope one of my messages get posted one of these days

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don wilson,brooklyn,ny — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:39:14 GMT

I'm sorry I forgot to mention in my last post...a soldier will die today in Irag..maybe he or she would've loved to see Chris Rock in concert to..have a good time Brian..just aother "Vinny" on the blog

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Debbie Paulus West Melbourne, FL — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:46:47 GMT

Mr. Williams,

I hope you can help. My aunt heard you recommend a book about historic heroes. She remembers little more than the impression you made. Could you possibly provide the name and author? Having searched the MSNBC website, I found "Medal of Honor," which you spoke of on the Tonight Show. Still not sure of the title, she says that you mentioned this book on you Nightly News Report @ 6:30 p.m. Can you help?

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jamesdale — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:07:37 GMT

"while it pains me not to join in on the boisterous debate on our blog these days, today time just won't permit it. " And especially with Chris Rock in the offing.

In other words, you still think this is a big joke, the Great Unwashed unloading on an esteemed journalist, and on a wonderful network and corporate citizen, a true guardian of American democracy and truth.

You'll never understand, but of course that's what you're paid for. If you woke up one fine morning with a sense of the enormity of what you and your colleagues in mainstream corporate media have perpetuated on the American people, you might find it difficult to offer up the dog and pony stories and the nightly lies....

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Binx, Boston, MA — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:31:19 GMT

To:
ladytechie 59, somewhere west of New Jeresy (Sent Wednesday, April 30, 2008 6:50 PM)

Posting something twice doesn't make it true. You are incorrect that people are citing only 2 sources regarding NBC using military spokesmen without disclosing ties that would lead one to believe they were not independent. Greenwald's piece at Salon aggregates several sources including an expose in The Nation from April of 2003 (an article entitled "TV's Conflicted Experts); the New York Times; Howard Kurtz from the Washington Post; as well as transcripts of Williams' overly fawning introductions of the military analysts in question televised AFTER the details of their unseemly pro-war bias and economic interests had been revealed in The Nation.

You can attempt to minimize the importance of paid, biased "analysts" being presented to viewers as independent sources but by any standard this is wrong, and a violation of the public trust placed in news-gathering organizations.

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benjoya, brooklyn NY — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:38:34 GMT

any idea when you're going to report on the pentagon propaganda machine that pwned NBC and the other networks? thought not; you know where your bread is buttered. now i know what it feels like to live in north korea.

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Jay Saul, Tucson, AZ — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:40:26 GMT

Brain,

It is a nice time of year to be outside almost anywhere--generally speaking. Speaking of generals, how is that story on the Pentagon's manipulation of our nation's media corporations before and during this war of attrition? Well, I won't waste anymore of your time--it's not easy keeping people entertained AND informed. Get er done!

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benjoya — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:42:25 GMT

oh, and happy mission accomplished day; you sure did your part

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Robert Trimble, Washington, DC — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:19:15 GMT

Forget the blog Brian. Really, just focus on giving us real, no-spin news. Nobody cares about what you had for breakfast or that you find Peggy Noonan's pap compelling.

I'm old enough to remember watching John Cameron Swayze telecasting in black and white, sitting in front of a teletype machine and delivering 15 minutes of real news.

He didn't rely on paid-for hacks, retired Generals or otherwise, to feed B.S. to his viewers. The production values were minimal, but the news value was considerable.

Network TV, NBC news included, has been a disgrace when it comes to covering the natiional security of the U.S. The bloody quagmire in Iraq is part of your legacy. And the Generals and correspondents who pumped up the ratings with breathless, jingoism as we invaded Iraq deserve only condemnation, not back slaps.

Just wake up and cut the crap.

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John Adams, Washington DC — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:20:09 GMT

Enjoy Chris Rock.

The rest of us are shamed by being duped by you and WarProfiteer, uh, I mean NBC news.

500,000 civilians have died in Iraq. That's 166 9-11's.

Again, enjoy the comedy show!

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Alex, Washington, DC — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:42:07 GMT

My stepfather has lately been laid up with a dangerous autoimmune disease. He watches NBC News to keep informed about world events while barely able to leave the house. When I mentioned the Pentagon story he read it and immediately felt betrayed, because he realized that all the supposedly objective views on the war from these "military analysts" were completely biased. I don't think you realize how deeply moral and emotional an issue this is for many Americans, including "regular folks" who are scraping along just like the rest of us. My stepfather now vows that he will never watch NBC News again unless you cover the story in detail.

Meanwhile, I can only hope that Keith Olbermann, "The Most Honest Man in News," despite assuredly having been muzzled by the top brass at NBC, will find the journalistic integrity you lack and at least make mention of the Pentagon story on his program.

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John Standish — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:55:46 GMT

So, just to clarify from you last post, is it NBC New's official policy is that if someone is a stand up guy, they can be hired as an independant expert no matter what their ties are. Since NBC paid people from the pentagon program to advise on the war, could an Exxon employee be an expert that advises on energy conservation policies? Could someone from McCain's (or clinton or obama's) campain be a independant election expert? It seems that NBC's policy is to like the guy first, ask questions second (or never).

And since I'm here, why are we at war in Iraq anyway. I don't think NBC News ever answered that questions adequately (hint: maybe hiring experts that aren't government shills might help you get to the actual facts better).

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David, Arlington, TX — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:56:24 GMT

Every day that goes by that Williams fails to address his willful and deliberate use of government propaganda to encourage the people of this nation to support a needless war built on lies is another nail in the coffin of America. Informed people now realize that NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, CNBC, WNBC and all thier affiliates are nothing more than outlets for Republican propaganda and all information coming from these sources is HIGHLY suspect. It is up to us, the informed, to spread the word to the uninformed. The failure of the Corporate Sponsored Media is total. It is now up to the citizens of this country to keep each other informed. We can no longer trust Mr. Williams, Ms. Couric, Mr. Gibson, Matthews, Obermann, Abrams, Blitzer, or Mr. Cooper to tell us the truth. They are proven liars. The corporations that employ them are proven liars. The Republican party are proven liars. Facism lives....in America.

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Jim, Tulsa — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:33:32 GMT

To Jackie Rawlings:

I hope your comments about Michelle Obama were in jest. If not, they were disgusting. You suggest Michelle might be prone saying things "worse then [sic] Reverand Wright." What about Michelle's hundreds of speeches in this campaign would give rise to this concern? Have you ever seen Michelle give one of her wonderful speeches? She is patriotic, intelligent, and passionate about the issues.

Next you suggest that Micheelle needs to be "trained" by "Mrs. Kerry" to "act like a lady" and "not go off on people." Again, Michelle has always conducted herself as a lady, much moreso than Mrs. Heinz-Kerry, ironically. Certainly moreso than Mrs. McCain, who has been caught stealing prescription drugs from her own charity. Michelle has been compared to Jackie Kennedy, one of our finest first ladies. Somehow, I don't think a Princeton "trained" lawyer needs any more training on civilized behavior.

Finally, you suggest that Michelle doesn't realize she's representing America, because she's a "Black Woman" (capitalization in original, as if she were a different species!). When has Michelle ever given the impression? It seems to be a figment of your imagination.

Please find a video of Michelle giving one of her speeches. I think you will then be able to reconcile your perspective with reality.

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MARILYN DIBENEDITTO — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:40:25 GMT

WHO EVER ASKED B.WILLIAMS TO STOP SAYING "AS ALWAYS" should get a life. he is sweet and warm, we love him and miss hearing "AS ALWAYS" those words make him special. the person or persons objecting can change the chanel.M.DIBENEDITTO, FL.

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M. DIBENEDITTO — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:43:43 GMT

BRIAN WILLIAMS, WE MISS "AS ALWAYS" THAT WAS PART OF YOUR SWEET PERSONALITY. M DIBENEDITTO

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Joyce McGowan, Arkansas — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:57:31 GMT

Brian,

It pains us as well that you are not joining in on the boisterous debate on the blog these days, and we hope that time will permit you to soon! I, personally, would love to hear your response to these questions?

Whose decision was it to hire McCaffrey and Downing as "consultants'?

When you were employing them, did you know that McCaffrey and Downing were both on the advisory board of the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq, a Washington-based lobbying group formed to bolster public support for the Iraq war? If not, why not? Isn't this a clear conflict of interest?

Did you know that McCaffrey is on the board of Mitretek, Veritas Capital and two Veritas companies, Raytheon Aerospace and Integrated Defense Technologies--all of which have multimillion-dollar government defense contracts? If not, why not? Again a clear conflict of interest, especially when he pushes his companies' products (tanks, armored vehicles) during his Nightly News commentaries.

Do you have any regrets that the Nightly News helped promote the Iraq War in its early days and helped to get the US deeply entrenched in a quagmire that has now lasted longer than World War II and is killing men, women and children on a daily basis?

Do you feel any guilt at all?

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tilly, D.C. — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:03:13 GMT

Brian,

The answer to all this is more media consolidation and an end to net neutrality. The big 4 or 5 entertainment/defense conglomerates need to buy out the rest of the market and control internet access the same way they control the content on cable and the airwaves.

With 100% consolidation, all Americans will be on the same page, without any of these unhelpful distractions. Karl Rove, Matt Drudge, the 3 major network anchors and our corporate boardrooms represent the finest America has to offer, and it's only fair that they determine what gets said and what gets heard.

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Leanza Cornett — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:03:27 GMT

Facts are a stubborn thing. Obama cannot close his 20 year old relationship with Wright because there is so much video evidence against it. On the TV program THE VIEW, Obama declared that Reverend Wright accepted that his view were inappropriate and mischaracterized. That it had offended many people. Then weeks later Wright goes on a national Hate America Press Tour? This was a blatant lie. Or worse, Obama was fooled by Wright which is kind of scary. That a possible next president can be played by a character such as Wright. Check the video evidence yourselves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6J7yJ9R5p0

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Crust — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:20:17 GMT

Glenn Greenwald writes:
<blockquote>UPDATE: Yesterday, I sent an email to Williams' representative requesting an interview with him and/or an NBC News spokesperson about the issues raised here or, at the very least, a comment from them. I've received no response.</blockquote>
You're buried today, fair enough. IMHO it's more important to be accurate and responsive than timely. But I hope that you do respond to Greenwald and also address the Generals issue on the air. I appreciate that you posted on one portion of this, but I think you also need to address:
1. the financial conflicts part,
2. the why now part (while the Times fleshed out new details this was first reported years ago) and
3. the pre-war boosterism (while the Generals were at times critical of specifics of the war effort after it was well under way, where was the skeptical commentary before we invaded when it could have done most good?)

Source for quote:
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/04/30/williams/index.html

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JD — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:29:07 GMT

Expose Brian Williams for what he is. Remember Mission Accomplished? Here is ol' Brian, the prescient pundit:Brian Williams: "And two immutable truths about the president that the Democrats can't change: "He's a youthful guy. He looked terrific and full of energy in a flight suit. He is a former pilot, so it's not a foreign art form to him. Not all presidents could have pulled this scene off today."

There go the last shreds of this person's credibility.

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James D. Smith, Lawrence, KS — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:29:43 GMT

I agree. Greenwald is a polemicist. His tone is not measured. But he's dead-right about the state of the modern media.

I thought the recent ABC "debate" was bad enough but as the original NYT article (and the years old 'The Nation' exploration of this same story) reveals, ALL media has entered a Faustian bargain of selling their journalistic souls to gain "access."

Mr. Williams, you seriously need to rethink everything about the nature of your profession and how you go about it. I don't need you to be antagonistic to the powers-that-be for the sake of being antagonistic, but I do need you to question the basis of their claims more closely and force them to answer uncomfortable questions. I also need to focus on "boring" stories - the ones that actually matter at the end of the day.

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Jane Doe, Philly, PA — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:53:37 GMT

More on the generals: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/04/28/8560/

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Claude Marie Smith, Hollywood, Florida — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:00:51 GMT

How can we post a comment not related to the blog?

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Jack Block — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:08:10 GMT

Brian:

Here is the current reality you might want to deal with - that you actually might be part of the reason we find ourselves in the mess we are in. Like so many who have posted, here, I am old enough to remember when news held the government to account. Go back and look at the risks that guys went through to get us the news in Vietnam. They were not embedded, they had to get in and try not to get in the way without the offer of protection from the military. You see, their obligation was to get the actual facts to the American People. They took that job seriously to the point of risking their lives to get some film back to the newscast who questioned our government by informing the public. This simple fact seems to be lost on you. Tell me, how can a man making millions of dollars a year relate to the overwhelming majority of Americans that must make tough choices each day. Not about whether they will attend a concert, but do they allow their son or daughter to join the millitary because college is no longer a financial option. How do they keep health insurance after losing a job? How will they deal with increasing costs for fuel and food? You will never know what it is like to make these decisions. Because of that, I would offer that you are the wrong type of person, as a result of your very elite status, to be deciding what issues are important to the American People at large. It would seem the closest you could feel to those American People is through reading a ridiculous piece about the people at gate 24 in an airport. Is that your read on the American People, Brian? Do you really think we are all talking about whether Obama loves the right people in American History? Are you that out of touch? Guys like you and Russert have but one alligiance - to keep your high salaries by not rocking the boat and maintaining your access to the people you are supposed to hold to account. Jefferson would probably be disgusted with the likes of the type of news you select to cover in the manner in which you cover it. You attend parties and events and laugh it up while the rest of the country deals with the afformentioned problems. You take money from a large corporation that generates most of it's success from contracts with the government. Of course you claim that GE never would restrict your coverage. But why don't you do a series on Eisenhower's concerns about the large amount of military spending and see how long it takes before you get some feedback. You probably would not do it because it is implied that you would be treading in dangerous territory. Isn't that ironic. Newsmen and women that we have held in high regard frequently went into dangerous territory to get the truth to the people. The dangerous territory of wars and oppressive governments. Dangers that put their lives in the balance. You would probably consider danger the loss of your paycheck - now that putting it on the line. Perhaps, when you are looking back on your career, you will find some regret on the way you did your job. You will perhaps see how more forceful reporting on the important issues of war and peace might have prevented the consequences we are now faced with. Perhaps I give you too much credit....your life decorated with farm houses, fast cars, concerts, expensive suits, white teeth and a tan seem to be your superficial concerns. The only thing remaining is for the American People to continue to tune you out and tune in to the people that are going through the same pain they all experience every day.

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Nina Kohl, Greenfield, Wisconsin — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:08:26 GMT

Mr. Williams, I believe it was predicted in these comments yesterday that you would stop blogging as a result of being called to account for not reporting the Pentagon Pundit story and for your role in breaking covert propaganda laws.

The role of NBC, as well as the other cable and network outlets, in perpetrating covert propaganda on American citizens needs to be thoroughly investigated. Your defense of such unethical and illegal activity, Mr. Williams, has utterly and completely undermined your credibility.

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Brian — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:21:20 GMT

Mr. Williams:

One thing that bears noting in this Generals dispute that it isn't simply a matter of whether NBC was sincere in thinking that it was serving the public by bringing these men on the air. That actually doesn't matter. Nor does it matter if you think they are good guys.

If the Pentagon was expending funds on a program to brief these men in order to coordinate getting pro-war advocacy on the air, the people who were running that program committed a federal crime.

This would mean that your network was either wittingly or unwittingly involved in the commission of a federal crime.

The fact that you blithely wash your hands of the matter because you personally trust McCaffrey is morally absurd. Do you feel absolutely no responsibility to determine if your network has been played for suckers? No responsibility to see if you have been the tool of men who committed a crime?

It's shameful.

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Greg, St. Paul — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:24:32 GMT

Please Brian, grow a pair and address Generalgate on-air. However bad it is (or, more likely, isn't), people will imagine it's worse if you stay silent.

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Bob MacKenzie, Ann Arbor, MI — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:37:50 GMT

Now that Brian has established that his journalistic standing is feeble at best (given his analysis of the NYT generals story) I think we should give him another chance to get off his butt and have some actual investigative reporting done (note we are not ssking the impossible for him to actually do the reporting himself). Let's see if Brain can find out (1) why the major networks are not showing highly inflammatory Hagee videotaped rants. They must exist beyond the few seconds that have appeared and they must be really angry. Are the networks saving the tapes for the general election? (2) Where did all the videos of Wright come from? Who did the videotaping and what was the motivation for getting them on air? Good luck, Brian, we know you can do it.

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Dave, Boston, MA — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:45:54 GMT

ladytechie,I'm glad you joined the discussion. I would like to address some of the points you made.

First, yes Glenn Greenwald is a liberal blogger. That does not change the facts here. If you have some evidence to suggest that anything he has written is not true, I would welcome it, but to refute his extremely thorough work (throughout which, for the record, he provides links to the sources he used) simply by saying he is liberal is not very convincing. Facts are facts, and Glenn's political leanings do not change the facts here.

You say that it was "unamerican" not to support the war in 2003. This is just false. I know many proud Americans who were against the war from the beginning. They are no less patriotic than you are. It is just that some of us believed from the beginning that the war would be a bad thing for our country, and since we want what is best for America, we opposed it.

It is not that I personally feel duped by the mainstream media. The problem is, that a huge number of Americans get their news from the MSM, and take what they report at face value. It is extremely irresponsible for these outlets, from which so many people get their information, to only present one side of the issue. It has a huge effect on public opinion, and when the media becomes a propoganda organ of the state, it begins to erode the checks and balances that make our democracy so great.

I am curious as to why you are not willing to concede that there was a conflict of interest. I would be interested to hear your thinking on this issue.

As to why we are only holding Mr. Williams responsible, I do not believe that this is the case. This is Mr. Williams' blog, so we are addressing him specifically. I hold the others you mentioned just as responsible.

Finally, you can dismiss us as "trolls" who are posting our "party line," but again, this is not a valid argument, as it does not change the facts at hand. I think that if you stepped back for a moment and tried to look at what is happening here objectively, you might have a different opinion. I really hope that you'll do this. I welcome your response, and hope that you will continue to engage in this discussion.

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Alice N.C. CT — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:47:00 GMT

Stories worthy of play today MAY DAY but probably wont make a cut at the afternoon pressure cooker: Longshoreman impromtu west coast operations halt, trucking industry along with airlines dissappearing, four female suicide bombers in Iraq - whats really going on. Afghanistan - Somalia and so much more to explore, lets hope that some good journalisim makes the cut this afternoon.

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Andy Olsen — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:58:07 GMT

Hey, Brian:

Why not just be a polite guy and return Glenn Greenwald's phone call? It would be good to have some dialog on the military analyst scandal.

And, I do thank you for addressing the issue, which is better than most in your profession have done. I still think heads should roll at every network. But accountability is so passe.

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Ronald, Lawrenceville, GA — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:03:57 GMT

Brian,
Where’s your influence…this is a charade to continue the assault on Obama instead of real news…Highest Casualties this Year…Iraq War!!!! I thought the surge was to prop up the Iraqi’s while we stand down?... Why isn’t this the debate of the day? Bush/McCain failed policy.
Hillary Clinton and McCain pandering to the electorate with a failed policy…Gas Tax Holiday? What a joke. It didn’t work before and won’t today…Again, here is Obama’s good judgment… making the hard choice and telling us the truth. What is the media saying? Why aren't you all over McCain and Hillary? Are you just making money from this Obama bashing? Are you less than ABC and that deplorable debate? Listen how much you all say, Obama vs. Wright…, his judgment…, Is it Over? Did he do enough?

How often are you saying …Hillary Clinton the fighter? John McCain the…Straight Talker, Maverick?

Also who is out of touch…Hillary who can’t pump gas or pour coffee…McCain who has no clue on the Economy or Health Care or the War? Brian, give us a break….

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Jeff Loy, Seattle, WA — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:18:34 GMT

Brian,

Your dismisal of the Pentagon's successful efforts to influence your "newscast" was pitiful. Your puffed-up ego and total disregard for the truth are very apparent to me. You should be ashamed.

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Adam Nagle — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:43:38 GMT

Why won't you cover the Pentagon's now defunct program that used retired Generals as propogandists? Why do you not think this is newsworthy?

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Maria Sykes Tuscaloosa, Alabama — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:45:11 GMT

Brian, this is a first for me. Never bloged before, imagine that. You sometimes read e-mails from viewers during your broadcast. My question: How much money has each candidate paid for each person that has voted? It boggles my mind that Obama and Clinton has spent millions and millions of dollars campaigning. It would be sweet if all of that money went toward paying down the deficit OR donating it to a charity.

I really like your style and approach to the news. It's nice to see someone enjoy their career.

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victor, l.a., ca — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:19:21 GMT

mr.williams

i have to object to your dismissive and ignorant response to the NYT expose on the Pentagon’s domestic propaganda program. you are absolutely not credible and in fact abetting the misinformation of the american people by refusing to acnowledge, on air, the obvious conflict of interest of your military "analysts" regarding the war in iraq. moreover, your analysts benefit FINANCIALLY by the war and, thus, the death of iraqis and americans. as glen greenwald notes, "The core credibility of war reporting by Brian Williams and NBC News has been severely undermined by a major NYT expose. That story involves likely illegal behavior by the Pentagon, in which NBC News appears to have been complicit, resulting in the deceitful presentation of highly biased and conflicted individuals as “independent” news analysts. Yet they refuse to tell their viewers about any of this, and refuse to address any of the questions that have been raised." <http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/04/30/williams/index.html>

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Kip Kelly, Flagstaff, AZ — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:20:52 GMT

Wow, it's hard work, isn't it! Please talk about the important stories! Not another week of Wright! What happened to the media! Oh, I forgot, they have to earn their multimillion dollar salaries.

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ladytechie01,59 somewhere west of New Jersey — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:30:01 GMT

To Binx, Boston, MA:
You inadvertently made my point. Greenwald post is indeed an aggregate, snippets he had chosen to reflect a point of view in order to sell books. I grant you that there have been some thoughtful posts, but the fact remains that most, and the rudest I might add, of the posters here have simply linked from Greenwald's post, taking him at his word, and while he cites other sources, few if any of the posters have bothered to check them out for themselves. It is the tone I most strongly object to. This blog has always been civil, those who post regularly considering themselves friends, and yes, fans of the Nightly News. So be it.
Personal attacks, such as both Brian and several of the regulars have been subjected to in the last few days serve no purpose. They are the very definition of a troll.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:02:47 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams,Somebody forgot me. I posted again at around 8:00pm last evening and nothing showed up. I wanted to say that I always enjoy seeing Richard on the broadcast! And wearing a BLUE SHIRT TOO!! Richard's report was heartwrenching to hear. Then to hear he had not survived was terrible. Prime Minister Maliki will not compromise with the militias because they are causing all the violence. I hope there is a peaceful resolution soon! Stay Safe Richard as Always! Thank you for the great braodcast last evening Mr.Williams. Peace to you and to all!
Lots of Love to Laurel, Jackie and Stephanie!

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ladytechie, from somewhere west of New Jersey — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:46:05 GMT

Dave, Boston, MA Good for you , at least that was a thoughtful response to my post. So much of what has me riled up is the tone of so many of the posts.

First and foremost, and most of you will be shocked to hear this, I consider myself a liberal, who opposed the war from the beginning. Nor is the Nightly News my only source of news. And I grant you that Mr Greenwald has several citations in both his posts, It just that after following them I'm still not totally convinced that a major crime has taken place here. As I've stated else where, my own critical thinking skills allowed me to figure out that if someone is being introduced on a Newscast as an instructor at West Point and a retired general, my first impression is that he will be pro-war, therefore all of the other information, the committee for the liberation Iraq , even whatever defense companies that the General might serve on naturally follow from the original fact that this is indeed a military man, sworn to obey orders.
Do I consider Pentgon briefings conflicts? In any other Administration at a time of war they would be considered normal. The outrage here, blaming The nightly news and it's anchor is misplaced. The nature of broadcast news is that it is of the moment,and you and I have both got to admit that anti-war stance in 2002 and 2003 was not the most popular opinion to have. I personally lost friends over it, as you may have.

Many posters here blame the news for not reporting opposition back then, yet I remember a great deal of coverage of the world wide protests leading up to this war, and some very concerned commentary's at the time about what the war was doing to our standing in the world.

I will concede that the troll comment may have stooped to the level of the name-calling I was deriding, if you will concede that name-calling behavior is what the term troll was meant to describe.

I will concede that in using the term troll I stooped to the level of the name callers, and if you've read through all of these posts you would have to concede that many of the posts have been less than civil.

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George Patton — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:32:57 GMT

It's all Wright all the time.

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free patriot — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:14:34 GMT

too busy to find your lost integrity

that's BUSY dude

or maybe you never had any integrity to lose

either way, please stop insulting journalism by implying or infering that what you do is "journalism"

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Leanza Cornett — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:24:29 GMT

Why cant a journalist ask this to Obama.

"Do you expect the american public to believe that in 20 years you never heard of Wright anti-american stands?"

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al75 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:51:11 GMT

Mr. Williams - I just saw a video clip of your referenced to Barack Obama's "bizarre life story".

Uh, unlike you Mr. Williams, I don't have a luxury apartment in Manhattan, an estate in Connecticut, and a Porsche...there's alot of us who might consider your circumstances "bizarre"

To visit the past, I particularly find strange your hosting "force multipliers" on your news programs - "experts" who were employed by a secret Pentagon program to promote falsely positive views of Iraq - while US servicemen and servicewomen died attempting to advance the botched policies of Donald Rumsfeld and Ambassador Bremer.

Before you comment about others, perhaps you should examine your own conduct. Perhaps we all should.

Respectfully