Richard, your prospective on Lebanon was an interesting read. I wrote a book that was published recently: "To Beirut and Back." I was living and working in Beirut and got caught up in the Civil War. My book describes my journey to get there, being forced to leave and returning to the devastation.
Beirut is a very interesting city with much history. The people are the most optimistic that I have ever met. They have been invaded numerous times and always bounced back.
I look forward to reading more about your perspective on the city and its people.
Abe F.March

We are concerned deeply about your safety, and while the latin phrase might be true "veritas vos liberabit" (the truth will set you free), the enormouse risk to personal safety you are taking to bring us these stories and truths is courageous and a testament to your bravado. Thank you for your efforts, but please exercise the utmost safety. My prayers are with you and your staff.
Be safe, be well, Friend of Truth.

Richard,
Your coverage of some of today's activities in Beirut were just made available by telephone, via MSNBC. Clearly the violence is getting closer and closer to you. While it is understandable, the purpose of your blog is not to be pen pals with your viewers, others like me have expressed deep concern for your well being, as well as that of your many colleagues in harm's way. We hope that as you continue your blog you will let us know how you are doing please...and stay safe. Please.

Dear Richard,
I am not sure if you will read this blog yourself….. I've been trying to find a way, as crazy as it might seem, to let you know that yet another person/viewer is thinking about your safety. Regardless of the quantity and quality of support you might receive combined with the “Middle East Expertise” you have, I believe you still need to take all the precautions, which raises the question “ Why were you not wearing a helmet…on your live broadcast on MSNBC?” Yeah, I was watching from India, over the Internet, the live broadcast of this segment. Also, you mentioned that in the past, you were held by the bad guys, for reporting without permission…..and was “beaten-up”. I had to turn it off for I was not able to take anymore…this is exactly the kind of things we don’t want to happen to you, for you are there just doing your job. Hope they understand that you are a caring journalist and that your coverage of crises are part of your efforts to make sure that the world understands what is going on in the Middle East. Just to let you know that I'm praying for your safety and mental health along with many of your well wishers. I have indeed prayed for your safety in the past, but your current circumstances have amplified those prayers. We the viewers, need you with this kind of energy, enthusiasm and courage. Take care and stay safe.
Swetha

It is so sad to see a city that has worked hard to build itself up, only to be burning once again. Though I sympathize with Israel for doing what it has done, I am still sad the peoples of the Middle East can't seem to get along. Stay out of harm's way and keep us informed.

Thank you for bringing the heart and the hardships of this unfolding story from both sides of the prism. Stay safe.

Dear Richard,
As I watched your reports from Beirut today, I thought how ironic it is that you just left one war zone and, unknowingly, found yourself in another one. It is truly sad that any of the recent events took place. Please, plase, please stay safe and DO NOT ever become cocky with your safty. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

To Richard and all the other corespondents in the war zone. You come into our living rooms every night under some of the worse circumstances imaginable.

I rather you miss a report or two than the rest of us missing you.

You guys are doing an excellent job and deserve honors that will never come while you are out there reporting. Those honors, sadly to say, comes after you have signed off for the last time and not around to hear them.

Stick around, I understand retirement is worth it. You deserve the gold watch for what you are doing.

Dear Richard,
Thanks, as always, for putting yourself in harm's way to bring us comprehensive reports about the complex conflicts of the Middle East. Just the name Beirut conjures up images of the bodies of U.S. Marines being pulled from the rubble of their barracks back in 1983. What a shame that this city and this region seem poised to endure another endless session of death and destruction, after working so many years to rebuild and revitalize. Stay safe! Your work is important to many.

richard, please stay safe, you're always running into danger when everyone else is running away. i watch every news piece you make, and you're the best!!!

Richard, please please keep yourself safe and take care....your role and work is so vital to us all but your safety must come first. Thank you for your excellent blogs and news pieces...certainly being on the front and in the middle of it all has brought your viewers to a place we could never imagine. Again, stay safe.