Brian--Mike Taibbi's piece really got my attention. As a former smoker and journalist, I completely could relate, and loved the little touches like the movie clip of Redford asking Hoffman if there were any place he DIDN'T smoke when they were in the elevator. Who thinks of these things? Brilliant. Anyway, I've decided to have myself screened as well. I'd been thinking about it, and this piece pushed me into a decision. I'll let you (and Mike) know how it comes out. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to installment 2.

Brian,
I was surprised at my own negative and visceral reaction to your friend's concern about his health after decades of smoking. He seemed so self indulgent and it made me angry. I have led a comparatively boring life; no smoking, virtually no drinking, one great marriage, religious dedication and a professional life devoted to community service. A life that has provided minimal (but rewarding) recognition and modest financial reward. Yet, virtually every test I take is POSITIVE. I am currently waging my 4th battle against cancer in my relatively young life. My first diagnosis was in my 20's (shortly after my father died of cancer at 40) and the same week my mother also discovered she had lung cancer. The third time, with breast cancer number 2, mom was also diagnosed with the same thing at the same time. Now in my fourth battle, ovarian, I just buried my mom, also ovarian (and liver and lung). My fight to stay alive has been physically, mentally and spiritually exhausting as well as leaving me childless. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are difficult processees to live through. Multiple dosages are overwhelming. And I doubt my 2 little sisters were watching as they are currently enduring double mastectomies and hysterectomies to lower thier risk of cancer. Needless to say I was underwhelmed by your friend stating he, though healthy, remains at high risk. I wish I could say that I had a wild and exciting ride leaving me healthy but worried. I enjoy your show and wish your friend no ill will. Conversely, after just spending my 50th birthday in the hospital (complete with cake) I hope to be alive, and well, long enough to watch another year.

I'd like to add to Nightly's coverage of the severe storms in the South, which was incomplete. Mike Boettcher last night reported that the storm front had started in Alabama.

Actually, it had started Wednesday in Louisiana, where 5 tornadoes hit and 1 man was killed in St. Helena Parish. Yesterday Gov. Blanco toured communities near Baton Rouge that had been hit. Then, the storm front moved on to Mississippi, which was tortured by 8 tornadoes--one an F3 which hit the community of Sumrall. It destroyed 69 homes including a mobile home park where Katrina survivors from the Gulf Coast had been living. In fact, Sumrall is in the over-Great Britain-sized area affected by Katrina.

To be painfully honest Brian, Darfur really hasn't crossed my radar screen but for one brief moment yesterday regarding the story about orphans. Even as a person who advocates world peace and who belongs to the Carter center, I just can't engage in everything. Such horrific crimes have gone on in Africa since I can remember, so I guess I just lump it in with all the others.

I actually don't think it is healthy to constantly dwell on all the negative as if there is nothing else. As a person, you shouldn't have to learn about more than a dozen or so horrific events or wrong doings to feel that you need to be doing something about it. Once you've made that choice, you do the best you can and hope it helps.

Much as I blamed Clinton for being late in Bosnia, so too I blamed him for being late in Rwanda. One of the things that I think is very much needed for the world's super powers to become more actively engaged in one hot spot after another is a properly equipped military for peace keeping duties. Most military hardware is designed for two environments, the FRONT LINES and in the areas behind the lines where all is quiet. Unfortunately, there are no LINES when involved in peacekeeping duties like in Iraq. You don’t know where the attack is coming from. You neither need a TANK nor a soft-skinned Hummer or truck that has proven so vulnerable.

What you need is what the british used in Northern Ireland: Internal Security Vehicles that are specifically designed to deal with mines and mobs alike. It takes specific vehicle designs to cope with different situations. A hummer is totally NOT what you want – even if it is upgraded with a light armored body. You need specifically designed vehicles of which there are MANY in this world to choose from. Tanks and IFV’s are far too expensive. A wheeled vehicle (probably a 6 x 6 like the Finish Sisu XA-203 is a vehicle commonly used in peace keeping operations.

Another thing that can use improvement is our bases of operations in countries where a mortar shell can land at any time. I’ve advocated hardened cylindrical outposts for a platoon of 33 soldiers and one or two vehicles. Such posts protect key fuel and supply vehicles inside (as well as unloading operations and give troops a much more secure place to stay than in a TENT.

Of note is that the Italians complained that their Modern AntiTank helicopter was just not what was needed for operations in Sudan. All it had was anti-tank missiles and no gun, which they very much regretted and are now installing. Other such dedicated improvements can be made if and when this world decides that peacekeeping (at home or abroad) is more important that FRONT LINE battles.

Thanks for your time!

Brian I just wanted to comment that I'm a 20 year old college sophomore who watches NBC Nightly News whenever I can (when I'm not busy writing papers of course). My parents brought me up with Tom Brokaw and I'm thrilled with the way you have carried on the excellence of Nightly News.

Anyway enough gushing. I just wanted to send a shoutout, blogs are pretty cool aren't they? Please keep it up, its a great way to connect with viewers like me.