I was unable to listen to President Bush's entire recent press conference, and so I found out just today that he implored Americans to "go shopping." This at a press conference almost entirely devoted to the Iraq War. With all the problems we have in America right now (war, personal bankruptcies, soaring deficit, etc .), Bush's only advice for us was to go shopping. Either he is the most shallow, out of touch person in the U.S. or thinks we are. Not only does he not ask any sacrifice from us while we are at war, but he thinks we should just spend more money (which we don't have) and ignore the whole mess. Unfortunately for him, we are paying attention and the polls show it. This man is simply the worst! I think this statement should be part of the news.

At this time that severe weather has been big in the news, did you know that yesterday, New Orleans was tortured by the worst flooding she has suffered since Katrina? Heavy rains swamped her streets, backing up traffic, and pumping stations were unable to keep up. This disheartened residents still struggling to heal deep wounds inflicted by Katrina. The rain is from the storm system that dumped all that snow in Colorado and elsewhere out West.

More about New Orleans, which should show why more attention needs to be paid to helping that devastated city rebuild: Remember the latest brouhaha over North Korea several months ago? Much was made in the mainstream media at the time of a nighttime satellite photo showing a free, prosperous, brightly-lit South Korea, while Kim Jong Il's poor oppressed fiefdom was totally dark, except for a point of light that presumably was "Dear Leader's" compound.

You may wonder what North Korea has to do with New Orleans. Well, according to an article in USA Today, per that newspaper's request, nighttime satellite photos of the storm zone prior to Katrina were made available. They were compared with the most recent images, taken in April of this year. In the more recent shots, New Orleans' port and the French Quarter shine brightly, showing how tourist areas (or what New Orleanians call the "Isle of Denial") have re-opened. However, other areas, miles long and miles wide, remain dark, a situation building records suggest hasn't changed much since the images were taken.

I wonder why more hasn't been made by the mainstream media about these satellite photos. It's time to again shine the light on New Orleans and the rest of the storm zone, to call attention to the fact that more help is needed so the people there can rebuild and New Orleans can repair her electrical system and bring the lights back. Otherwise, these areas will still look as if they were a dark "North Korea" on satellite photos.

Regarding Rep. Goode: If there were an award for the most stupid quote from a politician in 2006, Goode would be a serious contender. Regarding the controversy over his views on newly-elected Rep. Ellison's plan to be sworn in using the Q'uran, Goode said something like, "I will not take my oath on the Koran."

Who's making GOODE swear himself in on the Q'uran? What an idiot! And that's just a tip of the iceberg--in his letter to constituents he said many other stupid things regarding Rep. Ellison.

And regarding Rep. Ellison's plan to take his oath on the Q'uran, what's the big deal? I mean, I understand from last night's report that when members of Congress are sworn in, they voluntarily use a Bible or whatever they choose, that they've brought in themselves. So if Ellison, an African-American who became a Muslim, chooses to bring in and swear himself in on a Q'uran, it's his right to do so.

Back to Goode--I was astounded to read that he's supported in his ignorant, bigoted views on Rep. Ellison, by the great majority of his constituents. If so, there seems to be a serious problem with retardation and other mental challenges due to inbreeding among the voters in that part of Virginia.

Mr. Williams,
We agree with the spirit of Amanda in NJ's message that we hope gifts for your bride (and children)will soon take front and center on your "to do" list. Shame that London is fogged in, as a quick trip to that little jewelry store adjacent to the courtyard of the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem might be a great option! With hope,you are planning next week off to spend with your family. Wishing you and your entire crew a very happy holiday, and a Merry Christmas! Best in 2007!

Dear Mr. Williams:

The idea of victory in Iraq – even a real war being fought in Iraq – is beginning to ring hollow. With talk of a troop surge and a protracted U.S. presence coming from the White House (along with frivolous encouragements in a time of war to shop), it’s almost as if the midterm elections and the Iraq Study Group never happened. I was wondering what it would take for the press in this country to begin to ascribe more of a sinister, clandestine and even mystical aspect to what this president is doing in Iraq. While it seems unthinkable, it has crossed my mind that this administration (in light of what generals, retired and on the ground, are saying about spreading our military forces dangerously thin in “insurgency hell”) may actually want our military to break down, even as we’re paying a million a day to keep doing what everyone is telling this president not to do. He is either stubborn, stupid, both … or on some personal mission that feels … evil.

Brian the show today was full of great information. Please just keep doing what your doing now. You did a great job fitting so much information in the half hour.
If I forget I hope you and your staff have a wonderful and safe holiday. I'll be watching from New Jersey if the weather doesn't stop the flight. I'll remember not to take cashews with me I'll eat them all before I get to LA airport.

Well, I was going to suggest that Brian try a bowl of homemade-style Chicken Noodle Soup, but I think maybe he is enjoying the cold medicine more :-) ... I hope you will recover soon enough to enjoy your Holidays, Brian!!!

All I know is that if I were designing an airport, I'd fully anticipate stranded passengers and at least have bunk beds for them. Japanese "Coffin" hotels certainly don't take up a lot of room. I'd favor compartmentalized 8-person bunk bedrooms instead of one large hall.

Brian Williams,

I think that you have done an excellent job since Tom has retired. The problem that I have is we have soldiers, marines, airman, and naval personnel getting killed in the war against terrorism and Iraq almost everyday. I am dissappointed in the way that this is covered in the news. It is always reported as a number. These people have names, families, wives, children. They are loaded on planes and sent home to their familes. Yet, when we have some mountain climbers lost on a mountain due to inclimate weather, there pictures are on every newspaper, newscast, and listened to on radio broadcasts. I understand that the goverment probably has alot to do with this. If this is in case the fact could you at least mention this in your nightly broadcast once in a while. These men and women are volunteers and are sacraficing their lives to bring other countries the freedom that we ourselves as Americans enjoy today. Yes, I am a veteran, I served in the USAF, and I was lucky enough not to serve in a combat zone, but if I had been called to do so, there would be no hesitation, if I got called back to go serve there would be no hesitation on my part.

Thanks for listening if you get this message.

Kerry

Mr. Brian Williams,
I just graduated from college this year, and I just want to say that I have been watching your nightly broadcast on the internet and TV while in college. For the past two years I have been amazed by the content and qualtiy of your newscast. The topics are well researched and your delivery of the news is excellent. Usually you would not find young people interested in the news, but by watching you newscast I am getting more and more interested. I have a subscription to MSNBC newsletters, alerts, and your day-to-day newsletter. I always enjoy reading your THE DAILY NIGHTLY. Your newscast has changed my views on life and some of my world's perspective. Very amazing.

I think you are the best news reporter/anchor in this country. You are very compassionate with the news and the stories, and very passionate to your work, not many people in life are like that. I hope that you and your family have a great holiday season (Merry Christmas), and I look forward to watching your broadcast in 2007. I do agree with the others, when they talk about Tom Brokaw, he made an excellent choice by giving you the anchor chair, and he knew exactly what he was doing when he chose you. Keep up the good work, and relax sometimes.

P.S.
Your are outstanding when it comes to television journalists. If I ever made it to New York City, you would be the first celebrity I would want to meet and I mean that.

Web 2.0 is a phase, and will likely begin to wind down as an item of attention over the next year or so. Anything new is fascinating, but eventually, the novelty of "me" will wear off the same way portals and "my webpage.com" did too. It just becomes part of the background noise and everyone waits for the next big thing.

Why are people so difficult to penetrate? Probably because we have marketers constantly asking far too nosy questions and we have learned that our life's data can be compromised by companies who sell our information without our even knowing it. They more they try to get into our heads, the more resistance there will be.

But conversely, visit a blogging site and you can see people laying out the minutiae of their lives. Maybe penetration happens differently than it used to?

Thank you for loving your job and allowing us to see that dedication every night!

Wishing you a speedy recovery in time for the holidays!

Brian,
Just remember, working like a dog and sick as a dog does not give you a waiver on Christmas shopping for Mrs. Williams (one of the most understanding women in the world)

Hope you are feeling better soon, till then enjoy the cold medicine induced haze.

Hi Brian -

Enough about you? Not quite - you are just a great guy with a great job and are enjoying it. It shows in everything you do -- even the Evening News. Tom Brokaw knew what he was doing when he 'chose' you as his replacement.

I hope you never lose your perspective and your curiosity.

And, with this blog, you share some of the best parts of your job and life with us and we thank you.

Joan Chapman, Cheshire CT.