Seeing the images again bring the same pain a year later. I volunteered in New Orleans for a week in January, and it was the most humbling yet the best experience. Thank you Brian for always bringing the human touch to the forefront of your stories. God Bless you.

Brian, if you or anyone you assign have a chance to read this I'd like to offer my sincere appreciation for the "kick in the pants" the the press that you gave on last nights show. However I am depressed that such a subtle gesture qualifies as a kick in the pants these days. Someone of repute needs to ask Bush real questions. Hard questions. Like "Are you responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people in New Orleans? If not you then who? Isn't it time we understood who is responsible?" "Why have you taken more vacation then any other president in history?" "Why did you hire someone without any credentials like Brown?" "How can you claim not to be racist and still deny that obvious racism exists? Wouldn't being able to see the obvious be required to know whether or not you are racist?". That would be responsible reporting. It's not one sided when you're on the side that is trying to save lives and rid of incompetence. Those things should speak to every side, why don't you address them?

I think Louisiana is historically, culturally, and geographically the most fascinating state in the union.

But, I grew up in Louisiana across the Lake from New Orleans in Slidell, graduating in 1966, ten years after Brown vs the Board of Education, in a high school that was still segregated.

I left Louisiana in 1967 for the Navy. During my career in the Navy, I would not return because the quality of education was third rate during my education and discussions with concerned parents who served in Louisiana indicated they all ended up using private schools so their children's educational level would not suffer when they transfered to a school in another state. My sister remained in Metarie and she used private schools.

I am afraid you are only scratching the surface of the problems in Louisiana. You raise valid issues about the poor quality of education, myriad number of boards and controls for the levees, and poor police response among others. The real issue, those are not new problems in Louisiana. They have been present for at least the last four decades with which I am acquainted.

Louisiana as a state rivals Alaska for oil production, even if it is off shore, rivals Texas for refining capacity, and was a major port of embarkation and debarkation of goods for the Central U. S. Alaska has been able to rebate money to each individual in the state from oil. Texas has no state income tax. Yet Louisiana, inspite of the economic base continues to have a state income tax with all the flaws and more identified above.

My father worked in New Orleans for an insurance agency that was well connected throughtout the state. I remember every election my father discussing with my mother, "Do we vote for the crook we know or the one we don't know?" Nothing I have read in the news during the past years has indicated anything changed.

Yes, the government response on all levels was inept and inefficient but if you follow "Deep Throat's" missive,"Follow the money", particularly through the years of politicians, contractors, and industrial influence I suspect what you will find will be appalling.

Until the people of Louisiana decide they want honest government, a quality of education second to none and a true sense of safety, nothing will change. Isn't part of your responsibility to identify and bring the light of press to these under lying issues?

Tragedy happens, New Orleans and the gulf coast got more than their share of it last year. I wonder if Brian will be doing a followup on 9/11 and how we are actually responding to terrorism with an agressive attack rather than the docile appeasement Brian Williams and his Ilk would prefer? Mr. Williams political leanings will shine brightly between now and the election.

Dear Mr. Williams (and public)

I have actually been a fan of yours since you where on MSNBC, but I think your newscast and NBC, as well as the other news outlets do a major dis-service to the American people with the way the response to Katrina has been reported. Now, since the disgraceful lack of true civics education in this country is most likely to blame for this, let me explain. It is EASIER for our Federal government to send troops and supplies into another country, then it is for them to send those same troops and supplies into any state in our country? Why? States rights. If the government could send troops into a state, uninvited, then what would be the point of the state governments at all. Does this excuse the federal government? No, but at least inform people instead of unleashing your own anti-Bush vile into the prime time air waves.

Also, let me again reitorate that some level of personal, and local responsibility needs to be taken here. Of the now HUNDREDS of billions of dollars sent to that region, how much has been squandered by the local governments. I seem to remember a story last year about a rail line that was re-built, and then re-built again just so it could be moved a short distance for some trivial reason?

Then there is the whole point of emotion here. Yes, this was a tragic situation. One that had been forecasted for YEARS.. I personally remember watching a special on the Discovery channell on this very disaster scenario. And even then, the experts said, it was not a matter of if, but when. If this was known then, why where plans not put into place at the local and state levels to mitigate the effects of this disaster.

Making emotional statements about rebuilding no matter what also does a disservice to the entire country. If LA or SanFran is leveled by a major earthquake, I would not expect that city to be rebuilt. Nor, should it most likely. And nor should NOLA in my opinion. Or at least not all of it.

And turing this into another race or class war is simply unexcusable.. This disaster also effected many whites as much as it did blacks, from all socio-econimic levels. For that part of this story the media itself should be ashamed.

Presidential "movement", indeed!

I'm sure many weary current and former New Orleans residents are having a particularly tough time keeping their lunches down while Mr. "Brownie, you're doin' a heckuva job" parades through their streets in yet another hollow p.r. exercise. Mr. Bush's interview tonight with Brian Williams will be most enlightening.

Mr. Williams, by the way, struck just the right balance between superb reporting and advocacy during last evening's prime-time special, which is just what great reporters must do in times of extreme crisis. Brilliant job.

Brian,
I agree with everyone posting here that NBC's coverage of Hurricane Katrina was (and is) first rate. I cried with anger at what I was seeing on TV just like I did a year ago. Bravo and keep up the good work!

Toward the end of the special last night, you mentioned something to the effect that the media got high marks for Katrina coverage because you were actual "witnesses" to the debacle. You thought this is what made your coverage different (and better) than coverage of other recent events.

I have been thinking about this because I am one of those who thinks that government officials seem to be getting off way too easy, and that all of you in the media are not asking enough tough questions of the powerful.

It makes me wonder what it would take for you to be "witnesses" to the Iraq debacle as it was taking shape among the powerful in Washington back in 2003. It makes me wonder what it would take for you to be "witnesses" during the presidential election cycle of 2004 when the Administration was not asked tough enough questions about the lead-up to the war. What would it take for you to be witnesses to the lack of accountability for the security flaws that remain in effect and unaddressed nearly 5 years after September 11, 2001?

I'm not talking about just Republicans, though as the majority, they get more criticism. But all public officials need to be held to a tougher standard than the media has shown recently.

I imagine you'll be planning some similar commemorative reviews of 9/11 in the weeks ahead. Perhaps you will be as tough as you were on them for Hurricane Katrina. They are an incompetent lot and need to be called on it - be a "witness" for all of us, Brian. We need you now more than ever.

I cannot believe that there was still enough devastation in Lousisana that there was the need to have a ticker at the bottom that read the number of a mental health line.
It makes me wonder why we haven't payed more attention to the Millennium Development Goals that would help allieviate this type of suffering world-wide.
It is sad when nature strikes at us, but thank god that we live in a nation that at least has the capabilities (even if they are slow to work) to bring help, in a world where that is so rare.

Wow, this is something you dont see often, over 100 comments on this blog entry and all of them glowingly positive, and gushing with praise for Brian Williams. Mr. Williams blog is so enlightning, especially when he ridicules a secret service agent twice for his male pattern baldness. That agent has one of the most stressful jobs in the world protecting the President and all Mr. Williams can say about him is that he's bald and has no sense of irony. Well excuse him if he didn't have his hour or so in your makeup chair that day, and his sense of irony displayed on a teleprompter for him.

to T.L., New Orleans, Louisiana

Ever hear of the New Orleans Levee Board? This corrupt club of political appointees is responsible for the levees (hence the name).

The Federal Government has sent BILLIONS of dollars to the state for levees over the years that has been used for all sorts of things besides levees... Like building casinos.

In the liberal utopia, it's always someone else's fault.

Thank you Brian for the continuing coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It moved me to tears again. I was glad to see the update on some of the victims. However, where was the update on Charles. That little boy moved me like no other. Can you let us know how he's doing?

Brian,

Thank you for doing an excellent job in your reporting. Monday night show on Katrina's anniversary was brilliant. Keep up the great work!

Brian,

Thank you for continuing telling the story of those in the Gulf coast region. Keep telling the story for years to come, until the City of New Orleans is rebuilt.

Brian...I love your reporting, and you are one anchor that I think is still in touch with the people. I feel though, that these people KNOWING that this storm was coming and staying, made their bed so to speak. Don't think that I am for one minute making what happened seem like it was nothing. I don't mean that...I just cannot accept the fact that these people knew it was coming, stayed, and then expected the government --who told them to evacuate-- to come in and make everything better in an instant. It's not possible, this is expensive stuff we're talking about here. I do also agree though, we should have had more troops and resources such as medical/food supplies ready and closer than they were. Also, we needed buses on high ground somewhere easy to get to. I mean, come on...is that a Federal plan though? No. The Naginator is at fault for that. Maybe funds didn't come through, or whatever, but PLEASE. I mean, if it is a choice between new street signs/lights or buses for evacuations, what would you pick?

Brian, thank you for a moving show. I was busy trying to get my father, age 97, and his sister out of the hotel they stayed in and didn't see your coverage at the time. We did finally get them off of a bus in Houston, but only after learning the namme of bus co. and colors of bus. Their bus was turned away from the Houston dome and told they'd have to go elsewhere, but not where! It was so disorganised. America, who can put whole troop cities on the ground in foreign countries, was apparently totally puzzled and helpless in the face of a disaster here at home. When Brown said the federal government had just learned people were still in Dome, I wondered if they ever watched TV, because we all knew it. Anyway, keep their feet to the fire and don't give up!

For the most part I thought Brian William's report on Katrina was first rate. I can't imagine the fear and desperation and discomfort the people of New Orleans lived through in those dark days and the trama that must remian today and all of their days. That feeling was captured in last night's program very effectivly.

But there was one thing that really bothered me about the report and I can't help but think that race played a part. Right now NBC and CNN have reporters embedded in the war in Iraq and Afganistan where hundreds of people are killed each week, yet both news organizations felt so threatened in the French Quarter of N.O. that at one point they both pulled out. The Media PULLED OUT!. Was N.O. during Katrina more dangerous than Bagdad? Was the decision to pull out based on fears influenced by race? Was there any lost of life in the media community from violence during Katrina to warrent such a move? Pulled out? come on.

Brian Williams, thank you. You are truly a class act. Your report last night made me proud to have worked at NBC. Imagine where we would be today if everyone had shared your humanity and compassion before, during, and in the aftermath of Katrina. My one piece of advice: always report the full story, as it is occuring, even if it means showing footage that some may find "offensive." What happened and didn't happen on the Gulf Coast one year ago was truly offensive. Everything that came later was simply tragic.

Thank you so very much for not forgetting such devastation to the southern people. I am ashamed to say WE are supposed to be known for our hospitality and gentility; however, it is not all our fault. Thank you Mr. Williams and bless your sweet little heart, heavy as it is at this anniversary time and as you have shown during the past year.

Is it just me or do many Americans feel as though our country has gone down the toilet since Bush was elected? These days I feel embarrased

After reading theses heartbreaking stories, the war in Iraq, etc. I have one thing to say. To all who voted for and re-elected Bush...WHAT WERE YOU THINKING????!

To Brian Williams and NBC News: Thank you for sticking with us this past year, and bringing to American homes the story that our hapless politicians can't seem to get out themselves. You continue to play a big role in our ongoing recovery. Great job last night--thank you!

Brian

You have done a wonderful job not allowing the Katrina disaster to be swept under the rug. I really believe the future of this great country depends on the people not becoming complacent and forcing the government to get it right. The media is a key to making this happen. Bring an end to political spin and force substance. We will all be better off.

One year later, I remember the picture of Dorothy Divic and her caretaker, Terri Jones. I will never forget their names. I know in my heart that Ms. Divic died, but want to know if she received a proper burial. Terri Jones, you are an angel.

Brian,
I read in some Los Angeles Times coverage of your work this week from New Orleans that some people email you and suggest that you simply forget about the continuing story there and just "move on". I submit that attitudes like that is the reason that the situation there became what it is in the first place!
Those in power believe that the attention span of the American people is short and that we will forget to hold them accountable for past mis-deeds and just "move on".
I am glad that you and others in the media were affected enough by what you witnessed Post-Katrina to continue to keep the story in the forefront. That is they only thing that can prevent this kind of neglect from happening again.

Keep Up The Good Work!

Thank you Mr. Williams.
Bless your sweet little heart, you have proven it too be a heavy heart. Thank you