This coverage is important! It's so inspiring to see what people are doing to solve problems--not just shrugging shoulders and lamenting about it! NBC news will do well to continue to carry stories of this sort. You are leading others in the right direction--asking them to reflect on the content of their consciences.

Bono, in my opinion, is the definition of God realized in man. This is a man that could so easily sit back and enjoy what he's accomplished as a member of one of the most successful bands in the world. It is because Bono is a true humanitarian that he works so hard and tirelessly to bring the devestation of the world's poor, especially the countries of Africa, to our attention. Bono knows that we are all connected, we cannot make OUR world a better place unless we committ to making THE world a great place. I am daily inspired by not only Bono but all the humanitarian workers, individuals and politicians (and belive me I'm not a big fan of politicians) that strive to live the courage of their convictions. God bless you Bono

Thank you Brian, Bono and the many others involved in this worthy cause. What you have done is informing and transforming. The light you have shed onto Africa will ultimately expel the darkness, and hopefully inspire others to get involved. And for Brian, Seattle (I am sure you didn't do this for the camera's), and by touching the lives of our brothers and sisters back in Africa, you touch mine too.

Poverty in Africa reaches far beyond the arms of war-lords and dictators. It is not a question of just freedom or corruption. Poverty is more basic than both. Practical education about farming, livestock management, water conservation, and biology is what is needed. It is an issue of self reliance. It can not be a fast fix. People must develop out of poverty for there to be long lasting effects on regions and nations.

As a student of international development in the US, I am pleased to see coverage of such issues. As a teacher in Ghana, I would also like to comment that descriptions of "sadness in Africa" are quite a bit misguided. True there are difficult situations affecting billions of people around the globe and we must work together as humans and a society to help those in need, but we need to see the beauty in those we work with. What I see as truly sad is the west's ability to pretend their actions have nothing to do with the rest of the world. Bono's message that there's much to do is critical, but we must work with the people we seek to help. We are in no position to do anything "for" them, lest we forget the truth about colonialism (read Rudyard Kipling's poetry to understand doing things for people), and the reality of modern corporate imperialism.

As we seek to help people, let's seek out the existing beauty before we destroy it through development programs and high ideals. Let's work with all invoved people---the poor and the rich and the billions in the middle. We're all a part of the our global economy that helps many and hurts many. The best thing Bono and the media can do is help us assess our vision for the future and the reality of how we presently live. The truth is, we need to change how we live to help others live better. Giving money does not get to the root of the problem. We must make the solution a part of our lives.

Brian, Ghana is a beautiful country and it is destine to become a great independent country. There are many people and most hotels that have access to with cell phone, satellite TVs, computers and air condition homes.

I was there last year and travelled along the west coast toward Cote D'Ivoir and then up to Kumasi, I never made to Tamale as I had planned. From what I can see, there were many people out in the street always trying to sell tourists something. I've seen slums and then richer area as well. During my travel, I did not see what you call starving like the one in Ethiopia. But, then again what I don't see, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. This is a country in progress and I think it's wonder what Bono is doing and what you try to bring across to us. But if you get a chance do go to the stilt-village of Nzulezo (west coast near Cote D'Ivoir). Do you know if Bono is going to Angola? That is my next journey.

Brian, I hope you are basking in Bono's positive energy! I know it must feel terrific to be a part of this journey. I know in viewing what the African continent is up against, I feel a sense of guilt for all WE have here in America, as do most of us folks with a conscience! Bono (and the BAND) has always been my favorite since college (oh so very long ago) and is someone I can be very proud to love!!!

What a pleasant surprise to see my favorite news show and my favorite rock star/humanitarian on the news this week. Of course, there will be the usual criticism of Bono's work in Africa but remember one thing - he doesn't HAVE to do this (and what other rock star do you know who does something like this on his level). From the African Well Fund (money donated every year in honor of Bono's birthday by fans to build wells in Africa) to DATA and the ONE organization, he puts his mouth and his money where his heart is. There's a good reason why he's been a serious contender for the Nobel Peace Prize for the last several years. We need to listen to him and act to end this crisis. Thanks to NBC and Brian Williams for giving this some air time. BTW, the next time you might look at the Gulf Coast you might look at Bono's bandmate, The Edge, and Music Rising, an organization he set up to help replace and repair musical instruments for musicians who lost their means of making a living in the hurricanes.

for the critics: if you took the time it took you to write your very clever remarks and, instead, went to data.org or one.org (or read my senior research paper) maybe you would have been truley prepared to post here. i really can't believe your cinicism of an effort you clearly know very little about(and i would really like to know how you figure bono is stealing from the poor by the way?) and to the people concerned about corruption Bono and DATA realize that corruption is the #1 problem facing Africa. so much so that they set the DATA Accronym to also stand for DEMOCRACY ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY. go to the GlobalFund website to see how the money is getting to the right places.
i just want to thank NBC and Brain Williams for covering this story 3 nights in a row. Amazing! how exciting, really. Bono is nothing but inspiring. God Bless

Should celebrities use their power to effect positive change in the world? You bet!! As a member of ONE - I first bought my bracelet at a U2 concert not really knowing why - I have become so proud of the work Bono is doing.

Brian, thank you for your coverage of Bono's Africa trip. I know you have taken a special interest in the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, and have helped keep that story in the news long after many other organizations have moved on. I've been hoping for a long time that another influential journalist would do the same with the Africa crisis (i.e. not just report a story for a day or two and then let it drift out of the American consciousness). I understand there are a lot of important causes in the world, and that you only have so much time on your newscast, but I hope you can keep some focus on this plight, as you've done for New Orleans. Both are tragedies, but in Africa we still have 9,000 people dying each day. Thanks again for doing this. I believe you're making a difference.

Brian, I would like to thank you for taking this trip with the great Bono to enlight the American people with what is going on in Africa. The American people have done great wonders to shape the world we are leaving in. This is a time to help and be involved in Africa a different ways. Thanks again for helping us make informed descions in the future in regard to Africa. I believe Africa is the future America has to focus on to meantain its leadership in the world.

This is a tremendous step forward in making the world aware of the global emergency that is occurring in America. Thank you Brian Williams and NBC for bringing images into people's homes of the progress being made in Africa and what still needs to be done. For every life that is saved, ten more still persish, a good percentage are young children.
There is still hope and opportunity to make things right for the good of humanity. Bono can't do it alone but for the millions of people who make their voices heard, that's what will bring justice to the people of Africa who deserve a fighting chance.

I put my signature on the One Campaign last year and I love that you are covering Bono's journey through Africa. If I had the opporunity I would go elbow deep to help with such a worthy cause.

I felt warm inside reading the story and posts, though as U2 fan and ONE member,I'm no stranger to the AIDS ,poverty,fair trade issues. But when I got to some negatives posts I cried.The issues really deal with justice. Quoting Bono's favorite Bible paraphase,The Message, "Do what is fair and just to your neighbor." Micah 6:8. Bless you Bono, you are a man after God's own heart. Bless you Brian, for your concern and efforts to cover these hard and timely issues

Thank you, NBC and Brian for the excellent coverage you've given this issue. I am another member of ONE -- we held a viewing party as well tonight, and it is amazing to feel the momentum and awareness building around this overwhelming human crisis. I am in awe of Bono and the work he's been doing, specifically for the past seven years, to promote debt relief and increase awareness of global AIDS and extreme poverty. Thank you, thank you, thank you Bono for being who you are, in the way you are, at this moment in history.

Love & Peace.

A line in The Lord's Prayer says "on earth as it is in heaven". I am certain Bono believes this - just watch him for a while.

Thank you Bono.

From all of us here on Earth.

Thankyou Bono for all the GOOD that you put into
this world. Thankyou Brian for caring enough to
help inform the people of the world about the sadness
and poverty in Africa.

I just can't understand why some people feel the need to promote themselves as "those who see beyond what's really going on here" so much that they have to go so far as to write a post to criticize Bono for what he is doing and has been doing in Africa for 30 years. I know it's already been defended here 20 times over but those of us who have been following these things know better, and those of us who don't, who do you think you are to comment in that case? You're certainly not someone who knows more about Africa than Bono does, or even someone who knows enough about Bono to add any intelligent contribution to this site.

Bono is, in my opinion, God's gift to this world, and so is U2.

Brian,
We had a "watch party tonight" Tuesday, May 23 to view the broadcast from Ghana. On behalf of many "ONE Campaign" members, we are grateful for the time NBC has devoted to informing and making people aware of the 9,000 people per day who are dying in Africa. Many thanks for your leadership and Bono's
advocacy. It is efforts like yours which help people
accept the challenge to be "one" with the hungry and hurting in our world.
Peace,

I admire Bono for All the work he is doing and has done-making people aware that people need our help in Africa. He is not stealing money-he knows how fortunate he is and and is using fame to get people to listen. Keep it up Bono

I am so encouraged by America's new-found interest in Africa. For so long we have dabbled in the politics of this continent to their detriment. FINALLY, we - the people - are making strides to become involved, become aware, and improve the lives of these people. Way to go Bono, Brian, and all those people who have taken a stand! (And for the other Cincinnatian, Jay: before criticizing and condemning 900m people, please read about them, learn their stories, and find out who is responsible for their socioeconomic and political state. The DRCongo would be a great place to start. We, the USA, are in great part responsible for their 30+ years under an abusive dictator.)

I am so glad that there are people out there like Bono. He is an inspiration to us all! I bet it was really cool to be in Bono's company. Bono is all about taking action and we could all learn something from him. I mean he is a wealthy rock star. He could be on a yacht somewhere enjoying his millions, but instead he is in Africa trying to save a country. As, Gandhi put it..."We must become the change we want to see in the world".

this is a msg to Zach that we do realize yes AFRICA itself is a continent, made up of many nations KENYA, we are hearing often of the war going on in Dafur, however the if the usage of Africa is the focus and what is bothering you , it is what this whole project is about to bring in the forefront the help we need to send to the AFrican NATIONS to bring awareness of help we send : education, medical needs and yes aids awareness. You definately have missed the msg

Brian,
Thank you so much for covering this story. This is a problem that needs to be highlighted and I applaud Bono for doing it. If we all possessed Bono's drive to improve the world(not just in Africa but anywhere), we'd have one wonderful planet. Because after all, the earth is but one country, and mankind it's citizens.