Regarding Cuba: I have friends from Africa who tell me that health care in their countries improved greatly thanks to Cuban doctors who came to train local healthcare providers. Such news is a far cry from the usual bad things we hear in the US about Castro and Cuba.

As a U.S. citizen who has been to Cuba 6 times I want to say, Brian and Andrea, it is wonderful that you were able to broadcast from there. If only to bring Cuba into the minds of our citizens. It is a beautiful country that has free health care and education for all. It has a literacy rate of over 97%,life expectancy of 76.2 in 2000 and an infant mortality rate of 6/1000. Compare these statisitcs to the U.S. Example infant mortality is 7.2/1000 in the U.S. And I do not think I even need to mention the state of our health care and education systems. We have been brainwashed into believing many negative things about a country and a leader that has much to offer our world.
I would be very interested Brian and Andrea if you had time away from work while you were there and if and how it changed your life. Visiting Cuba certainly changed mine.

Thank you Brian and NBC!
I truly enjoyed watching my beautiful homeland again, even if it was for a brief moment.
Aside from all the politics, heartaches and all the controversies that surrounds Cuba... it was great to see glimpses of it. While reading the previous comments it's obvious that we can't please everyone, especially with controversial places and situations such as Cuba and the Cuban-American situation. But putting all of that aside... thank you for visiting my homeland and giving us glimpses of it.

Brian,

Thank you for broadcasting from Cuba and showing glimpses of what a US audience rarely sees of the real Cuba. The openness demonstrated to foreign correspondents during this Nonaligned Nations Summit is guarded and controlled as you pointed out in your story. There are repeated reports of this type of censorship as is documented by Reports Without Borders and other news sources (wwww.netforcuba.org).
Members of the Free Press in Cuba are regularly imprisoned and summarily tried for daring to publish human rights abuses or solely expressing their viewpoints. There is an independent journalist now in prison, Guillermo Fariñas, who is on a hunger strike and near death who is simply asking for access to the internet. The government refuses this request because to them the internet is a medium for the free exchange of ideas and a threat to their dictatorial system which controls everything from food rations, family gatherings, travel and individual thought. Dissidents and those in opposition to the government are often harassed with arbitrary search, seizure and destruction of personal property, as well as detention and imprisonment with no due process of law. Those released from jail are often subjected to house arrest with repeated harassment by the government’s secret police and organized mobs who scream obscenities outside their homes and even resort to physical violence to intimidate these courageous individuals. Many of those in opposition to the government are educated physicians, scholars and professionals who refuse to cooperate with a regime of torture and oppression that has marked the Cuban people for 40+ years. There story often goes without notice outside of Miami as few in the American or International community seem to care little of the condition of Cuban people and Cubans exiled throughout. This summit and those the Castro’s consider among their friends are the worst anti-Americans since the Soviet Union. Hopefully this report and your continued coverage of the threat this represents to America and the free thinking global community will received more consideration than solely what happens in Guatanamo. Cubans in Cuba deserve the support and are certainly deserving of the freedom they’ve been denied.

Friday night's newscast out of Havana was first-rate--thanks! It was especially interesting to see the reporting out of Cuba--such as the travelogue at the end about what a land of contrasts she is with the '50's pre-embargo US cars, etc. The Cuban musicians were a pleasant touch--they were almost as good as New Orleans musicians.

Your opening line on the broadcast equated the Non-Aligned nations with enemies of the US. There are 114 non-aligned nations, did you really mean to say that?

Dear Mr. Williams and Team,

Every now and then, a journalist prepares a broadcast that helps define his or her career. Edward R. Murrow did it with his special report on Senator McCarthy, Peter Jennings did it with his international reporting, and so on. I wasn't expecting anything of that stature on last night's NBC Nightly News, but I did expect honorable and first-class reporting.

Instead, my excitement turned into disappointment -- terrible disappointment. I couldn't believe what I was hearing come out of the mouth of one of the nation's most esteemed broadcasters, much less the anchor of a newscast that holds such a crucial place in history.

And it wasn't just you. In Andrea Mitchell's report from Havana, I was shocked to see what sound bites her and her producers decided to use in the story, along with the incredibly misleading voice-over within the piece.

I fully understand the politics surrounding an American network's interest in keeping a Havana bureau for when the big story breaks, but your broadcast last night was an injustice to the American people and an insult to the dozens of men and women that risk their lives each year to escape the cruel grip of the modern-day tyrant known as Fidel Castro.

At a time when there is a new face in the evening news race, alienating your Cuban-American and Cuban Exile viewers was probably not the best of decisions.

Below I have itemized your comments along with those of Ms. Mitchell, and have included my own notes. In the interest of full disclosure, it might be important to tell the viewers of NBC News exactly how the network was granted such unprecedented access to outgoing satellite feeds from the communist island.

A response from someone at the network would be most appreciated.

The best of luck,
A concerned viewer

Item 1: From Mr. Williams' "tour" of Havana, regarding the car.
"This is a HUGE industry here."
Mr. Williams, please share with us the numbers involved here. How is the automobile industry a huge one in Cuba? Certainly, outside the skirts of the tourist area, using cans and waist belts as car parts could indeed be a lucrative business.

Item 2: Regarding the comment on the club
"Young people come here to listen to salsa music and drink thoroughly Western beverages."
Can a young person from Matanzas visit this club and drink Apple Martinis anytime he wishes? You failed to let the audience know this was exclusively for tourists.

Item 3: Local Supermarket
You once again failed to mention this supermarket was exclusively for tourists.

Item 4: Inflatable Beer Promotion
"These are just like the ones you see in Nascar races in the United States. Not something you expect to find in Cuba."
If you walk the streets of Cuba, of course you won't find this. This was, once again, another element of the tourist "Riviera." I also don't understand why you even said this. The logic behind it would suggest that it is so exclusively American that the U.S. and Cuba are the only places you have seen inflatable beer promotions.

Item 5: Money from tourism.
"Much to the dismay of Mr. Castro."
I'm sure Castro is incredibly upset that tourism dollars are making him rich ...

Item 6: Older gentleman helping get cars of the lot.
"Veteran of the Revolution."
I truly hope you mean that he fought alongside Castro for the Revolution and was not just alive during that time, which of course would make Americans "veterans of Capitalism."

Item 7: From Andrea Mitchell's report
Cut to shots of people picking up the Granma
"But today in Havana, Cubans were more interested in reading about Castro's health than politics."
Cut to sound bite of old woman on the street ... maybe another "veteran of the revolution"?
"She says she prays for Castro's recovery."
What did you expect people on the street to tell an American camera crew? Putting this on the air was feeding Castro's propaganda, and simply immoral on the part of Ms. Mitchell, considering that she should know first-hand the struggle of the Cuban people and their lack of freedom to say anything negative about the government, especially to an American camera crew. Why wasn't that point made clear to the nation last night?

Item 8: From Andrea Mitchell's report
Bite from Raul:
"Comrade Fidel sends his warmest regards to you."
Was this the only thing Raul said at the Summit?

"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men -- not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular."
- Edward R. Murrow in his March 9, 1954 broadcast of "See it Now" on CBS.

Great Job!?? So what are we going to learn from this madness meeting of the mindless? These criminals have been meeting each other in their respected countries for the last 3 years, getting ready for this day. They are making the meeting place 90 miles from American soil, the land that they say is to blame for all the problems around the world. They are also meeting 90 miles from America because they are trying to be intimidating, they strive on this. Imagine how the world would be with these leaders and no America, no freedom of speech, no freedom of religion, no freedom of expression, no freedom of choice, no freedom at all. They are the problems of the world, they are just twisting everything around, making things up. Their people are mostly uneducated and mostly military ready, that is how they prefer it, that's how they work. Imagine if no "Free" nations existed any more around the world. Imagine it and also start to think about it everybody, because these maniacs are planning this. I am a Cuban-American and an American Citizen, the country I was born and the country where many of you were born or your parents were born, went through this already, "We" must begin to pay more attention to what is going on around us, 911 was a strong indication of this. Remember this, when they badmouth our present president Bush or who ever is in office at the moment, they are actually badmouthing the American people, that means "All of us". I'm not being critical here, but don't take things for granted with these people. God Bless America!

I take strong exception to Brian's remark that "the NAM summit is a gathering of all of America's enemies"

That is a gross exaggeration and a mischaracterisation. The majority of the countries attending are friendly to America and no threat in any way or form.

Interesting that the NAM summit is hosted in a country with censorship... however it makes sense in that that NAM has always been anti human rights, and anti freedom. Censorship allows a rewriting of history... just like what the Muslims want about the history of their religion.

Brian a wise leader communicates with those he disagrees with they by getting at lease respect. The summit in Cuba show many nations with different ideas but willing to listen and work with others. This is the foundation of the building blocks of peace. I noticed that the leader of the free world didn't attend. What an example of leadership. While the world leaders are trying to get along Bush is plotting to bomb Iran. I don't agree with Cuba's dictatorship but I respect their decision for themselves. With the corruption of lies in the United States what a poor example of Democracy to ask the other countries to follow. Everyday a new elected official is indicted for corruption. Religion is used to do sin, lies, crimes and steal. While Americans thought they voted for a born again christian they have found out they voted for Satan's appointee George W. Bush.

It sounds like you will have the opportunity to see Cuba as few Americans have. Both the good and bad, the new or repaired and the old. Maybe the viewers would like to see you sitting next to John Lennon on the park bench. It would be nice for Americans to find out something about Cuba other than what the Floridians tell them. Too bad I can't watch your show. I am living in Mexico. Every one in the US should be able to travel to Cuba as you have. I have been there twice, with licenses, but they are harder to obtain now.

It would be very interesting to hear about your correspondent's daughter's medical education in Havana. How about letting the public know of the scholarships offered to American students to attend medical school in Havana?

Looking forward to your future blogging.

Brian, what a nice touch at the end of your newscast yesterday. What a wonderful piece of featured journalism. I'm not being a romantic, but Havana has its ups and downs; and we, Cubans, prefer to remember those candids moments of peace while seating at Havana's malecon. We all know the downs in Cuba, and Cubans in the Island have to live with them daily; but we don't know much about those quite moments where reflections and hopes mix together to blow a song into a trombone. Brian, you made us cry, both my wife and I, but most important you made us remember that there's music at the end.

I just watched the broadcast from Havana online. I must say, I was disappointed. No... "disappointment" does not even begin to describe my feeling. I was disgusted with the thinghs Brian said.

For example, the idea that fixing old American automobiles is a "HUGE" business in Cuba. Brian, of course, fails to point out that (a) it stands to reason that the car repair business would be dominated by those fixing old American cars since the Cuban people basically haven't been allowed to buy anything else for half a century, (b) that most Cubans fix these cars themselves and that "HUGE" industry, if it exists at all, counts those people who use ordinary household items as car parets because they dont have access to the materials hey need, thanks to Castro.

Williams goes on to say that hotels made to bring in outside money from tourists exist "against Castro's better wishes." This is beyond ludicrous. NOTHING in Cuba happens without Castro's approval. The Cuban government owns not only all the hotels in Cuba, but resorts and hotels abroad, including new ones that are being developed in China. Castro is a totalitarian, and that means he has signed off on all this. Without those hotels, he can't buy his new jets, build mansions for his foreign buddies, or purchase slick-looking adidas workout gear.

Then the human smuggling story. Yes, it is dangerous. Yes, safety is ignored. But there was no mention of why Cubans are willing to take that risk rather than try to leave the country some other way. No mention of that fact that a Cubaan can wait years trying to leave his own country, even after the US has given permission for entrance... because Castro tortures them by not allowing them to exit.

No mention of the fact that, on top of the natural hazards, rafters are at a disadvantage because - while the cigarette boats are a rough ride (sometimes fatally so), those who try to leave Cuba on slower vessels risk sinking by the Cuban Coast Guard. There are documented incidents of the government boats ramming into would-be exile boats as a means of stopping them, spraying them (the people) with fire hoses (see 13 de Mayo). This smuggling is not a case of Cuban families paing mercenaries to kill their own familes and friends. This is a case of the Cuban government not allowing them any other options if they want their freedom and reunification with their families.

But no mention of that.

Instead, the sweet thing we hear about Castro is that he PERSONALLY hired a "veteran of the revolution" to work in a parking lot. This old man "helped" cars get in and out.

Here in the States, he would have said - if he'd said anything at all - that some old veteran made some money on the side by sitting at a government parking lot. It might even have been noted that he was doing this job because, at his age, he wasn't able to do much else other than sit on his chair and wave at cars (perhaps taking paking fees).

But in Cuba, where Williams needs to make things look heroic and "revolutionary" from time to time (translation: ALL THE TIME) to make sure the Cuban government is pleased with NBC and doesn't revoke their Havana bureau privileges, this old man is portrayed as a valiant veteran of the revolution, doing his part for society and socialism by sitting around and watching cars come and go (which, acording to Williams, somehow HELPS the cars move along).

I don't know whether Brian Williams is reading any of this, but here's a message to him just in case:

Mr. Williams,

You have wasted our time. You have taken an opportunity that American journalists (and others) are almost never afforded and have abandoned your duty not just as a journalist, but as a human being.

As a student at the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, I am even more disheartened at watching your reporting. It reminds me - as so many other reports from and about Cuba do - that is thanks to people like you that our profession is seen by so many as being morally and ethically bankrupt. It is thanks to people like that that journalism is no longer seen as a brave, righteous endevour unless you literally have bullets hurling past your head.

You had an opportunity to do great things. You had a chance at helping an island of slaves. You had a shot at bringing light to injustices that have been shivering in the corners of cold, dark, lonely jail cells for almost your entire lifetime.

And you blew it.

Here's hoping you take the rest of the time you are in Cuba to redeem yourself.

Brian

Your report was weak in every which way. You talked about Smugling cubans to the US, about a supermarket, about a look alike Nacar beer display, about a musician in the Malecon, but you did not mention Guillermo Fariñas, the ladies in White, the Dengue epidemic which is killing hundreds, the lack of freedom for regular Cubans, the technology warfare castro is unsleashing toward the US with computer viruses, about the food book cubans have to use to buy their food to name you a few real topics. Dont be afraid of the Cuban officials they are camera shy. See what happened to Castro in Argentina with cuban american reporter Juan Cao.

Brian: If you could only say hi (Hola) to my sister I will be so happy. I have not seen my family back in Cuba for more than 6 years. I have to ask permition to uncle Bush, to let me see my Dad...
My last trip to Cuba was back in 2000 and like you I felt like it was an experience out of this planet. Thanks for visinting my home land. (861)8808 Mayra is my sister. Tell her I am OK.

Brian just finished watching your telecast from Havana. Your last segment showed you outside a supermarket. Why didn't you said to the American people (Your viewers) "This SuperMarket which is only for tourist, cubans from the island are not allow inside to buy." I'm quite sure the cuban gov't had to censorship you and NBC News. The location where you did your broadcast, the back drop showed nice and modern building. Again the cuban gov't picked the location to paint a rosie picture into our brain. In fact, Cuba is in ruin after 47 years under Castro. Sad to say many Americans don't know the truth.

Great idea to finally go and report from Havana. I enjoyed tonight's broadcast and look forward to more humani-interest news from Cuba. We desperately need a better understanding of the Cuban people in this country; enough about Fidel in his bathrobe and those '57 Chevys. Tell us what else is there, what people are thinking.

why can Cuban's making it to shore stay and Mexicans are run out or maybe I'm not understanding.

RE: The Papal insult of the Prophet
The NBC analyst was far off the mark in suggesting that Islamic leaders should take the pope's lead in having a dialogue about jihad and extremism. The way to start a dialogue is not to suggest that the prophet and his teachings are "evil and inhuman." It seems here that NBC is simply afraid to criticize such a disrespectful insult to Islam because it's the pope. If the shoe were on the other foot and if Jesus and his teachings were described as "evil and inhuman" it would hardly be a respectful invitation to dialogue and understanding. The arrogance here of the Vatican is multiplied by a failure to issue a genuine apology.

Kudos to NBC for going to Havana to cover the summit. I'm looking forward to the coverage.

I find it ironic how some people on this blog characterize the leaders of other nations as "clowns," considering the quality of our current leadership.

It's disgraceful to see Mr. Bush behave like a petulant child when he does not immediately get his way with Congress. Any thoughtful leader would reconsider his position when men of the caliber of Senators McCain, Graham, and Warner as well as General Powell oppose his proposal.

Looking forward to seeing you anchor from Havana--that ought to be interesting.

Thanks for those Bush quotes--LOL! The Bush White House would be an excellent setting for a sitcom...

Seems to me, the E.Coli questions could be best answered by the experts who study micro-organisms. This isn't just any little E.Coli that appeared because someone didn't wash their hands. Could we possibly hear from the micro-biologists? Doctors are good but not experts in the field of microbiology. I would like to see a REAL expert in the field commenting on this recent "spinach" tragedy.

Gosh! I thought the quote about David Gregory "unraveling" was unsurpassable. However, looking at the picture above taken by Subrata De I wonder just what could be said about you! What in the heck are those blue bobbins on top of your head with those black cables "encapsulating" you? Is it painful?

barbara -- for those of us who don't live in florida and aren't cuban, we never hear anything about them.
i mean this in the most genuine way -- i'm sorry that you're sick of hearing about them, but there are a lot of us who are pretty ignorant on what these guys are doing, and would be served well with some education on such matters, myself included. by bringing the rest of us up to speed with what you already know, the entire country is better served. i think.