The Daily Nightly from NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams

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The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.

Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.

The great giveaway

While some will no doubt struggle to find a reason to criticize or fear what happened this weekend (and I note some already have), we have just witnessed the largest single act of financial generosity in American history. What some are calling the "golden era of philanthropy" has now stunningly moved to the next level... with Warren Buffett's decision to systematically part with his billions and to give much of his riches to the already-rich: Bill and Melinda Gates, who have devoted their lives to giving away as much money as they can to causes having to do with worldwide public health and education. It's the most interesting story of the day, and we'll cover it as such on our broadcast tonight. Beyond the fact that Mr. Buffett owns a candy company, a mattress company, an underwear company and a fleet of private jets, the aspect of the story that I love the most is that there are people around this world at this moment whose lives are about to change for the better... but they don't know it yet. For all those who have wondered "what it must be like" to have billions of dollars, today Bill Gates said he wants people to know how much fun it is to give it away.

We'll also take a look at the reports of "draw-down" plans in Iraq, and the attack by the POTUS and VPOTUS today on the New York Times. Speaking of Washington, we'll look at the rising waters and high winds in that city, brought on by some freak storms... and we will show you the damage from the sudden storm at the White House, which resulted in the downing of a famous tree. How famous? You have owned a picture of this tree at some point (perhaps many times, in fact) in your life. I currently have a few of them... and I didn't even know it.

Also in the broadcast tonight: the Comcast repairman, and how Detroit is going to try to make you buy a new car... whether you need it or not.

We hope you can join us for our Monday night effort.

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COMMENTS

My only comment is that while I applaud Mr. Buffett's decision to dole out his fortune in the name of philanthropy, I can't help but wonder why he would choose the Gates Foundation as the primary beneficiary and which is already extremely well-funded by the richest man in the world.

Charlotte, I really understand what you are saying and I feel sorry for us Katrina folks. It is his money though and he can do what he wants with it. At least somebody is getting some help.

AND GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL PREVAIL! Let the Warren Buffet's of the world rejoice in their praise and praise of them as it is apt and proper to extoll to those who do not have to to extend a prodigious heart if ever there was such. Despite the malcontents and the miscreants in this government who pale against those with such good hearts, the Warren Buffets deserve many accolades and more. And with these in mind, GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL PREVAIL!

Actually Charlotte, the Gates Foundation has provided many educational grants for libraries in Louisiana. It is rather short sighted to believe that the only good that foundations can do is to give people material possessions. Isn't providing access to knowledge more beneficial to everyone?

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Libraries/USLibraryProgram/Grants/Louisiana.htm

Charlotte, you live in such a small world don't you.

Mr. Buffet can do what he pleases, this is America.

kudos to him for making a difference in the "Big World"

This is an incredibly generous gesture which will save the lives of many of the world's poorest people dying of diseases in developing countries. It must be applauded. To those who suggest that Mr. Buffett should be condemned for not contributing to Katrina victims -- please understand he is not the government, does not have the money to solve all the worlds problems, and has the full right to donate to whatever charity he chooses. In this case, I think his particular choice of charities (health care, diseases, and education initiatives) are very laudable.

that comment about not helping Louisiana is short sighted and way off base if you ask me. "if he really wanted to do something worthwhile..."??? give me a break. We are talking about curing the top 20 illnesses. Ignorance did not make that list...

I would love to tell Mr. Buffett that giving that money away is not buying him a place in heaven as he thinks. If he really wanted to do something worthwhile come down here to Louisiana and help people get back the misely possessions they had. Get out of here Mr. Buffett. What did Mr. Gates do for Louisiana people?

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