Elizabeth Edwards'--and now Tony Snow's--greatest contribution to this nation may be allowing the public access to their battles with cancer. As a nation, we are still not doing enough to fund cancer education, free or low-cost preventive screenings, research and treatments for this disease that probably in some way has touched every person in this country. Instead--those funds went to a war of another kind.

Last June I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon caner, but with my wife & family at my side, prayer, some of the best medical support available, and attituded I am now not showing any cancer.I hope and pary she will over come this also.
How soon and convient some forget about the Clinton adminstration firing 90+, but the news does not mention this now, do they?

My son Micheal just had a bone marrow transplant on 3/16/07 and it has been a roller coaster ride since the day he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia (blood cancer). I would say to Mrs. Edwards - You are in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong and stay positive. God Bless you and your family.

Keep Elizabeth Edwards in Your Prayers
http://moonagewebdream.blogs.com/storms_counter_terrorism/2007/03/keep_elizabeth_.html
To be a wife of a politician cannot be an easy life. The media attention in general, and then the microscope underwhich your lives are lived is much more than many who would consider serving our Country could bear. Many don't and therefore, choose not to serve...

As there is only a 25% five year survival rate for this stage of breast cancer, I hope the public recognizes that Mrs. Edwards is willing to give what may be her remaining years working to see her husband elected President. She is convinced that his vision is what is best for this country and is willing to sacrifice precious moments with loved ones in the service of her Country. How many others would do the same?

Conservatives keep harping on how the President had the right to fire the US attorneys and therefore everything is hunky dory. However, it is very unusual for 8 US attorneys to be fired in the middle of a President's term. In the past 25 years only 3 have been fired during a President's term, which raises the question why. Then the Attorney General claims the firings were performance related, a statement that has since been shown to be at best a half truth, at worst a bald-faced lie.

The Bushies also intended to replace the attorneys WITHOUT the new candidates undergoing the normal Senate approval, using what was intended to be an emergency provision of the Patriot Act. Yet another attempt to place partisan cronies in positions that should be occupied by people of unimpeachable (no pun intended) character.

The big question is whether or not the attorneys were fired because they were not acting in a partisan manner in who they were prosecuting. This is huge issue, as justice in this country is supposed to be impartial and independent. Third World banana republics and totalitarian regimes commonly use the justice system to crack down on their political opponents. This country is supposed to be above such behavior.

If lying about a marital indiscretion is an impeachable offense, the firing of the attorneys and the subsequent lies from Gonzales about it are certainly worth a Congressional subpoena or two.

Having lived through the Watergate Scandal of the 70's. I am appalled that people would compare the firings, that are completely legal. The Democrats are trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. The Watergate scandal had to do with a third rate burgularly and bugging of the DNC Headquarters. This has nothing to do even remotely with a "Crime". I hope that this will clarify things.

I watched Richard Engel's War Zone Diary and my recurring thought was this: what drives a man to sacrifice a marriage, risk his life daily, witness horrors beyond imagination, and put his own mental health on the line as he stores up years of escalating violence and trauma? Telling the story is one thing, but my question remains in a disturbing kind of way. There's something about the total picture that just doesn't feel quite right. It could possibly be my own need for security and control as well as the knowledge that I could never in a million years do what Richard is doing. His remaining indefintely does become a matter for ongoing discernment and careful weighing of the totality of his life.

I watched Richard's piece last night and was moved by his testimonial. That man deserves a medal or an award. The things he has witnessed are amazing. But it did seem clear to me that they do not want the troops there. The military man who said they need to have a civil war and get it all out was right on. Let them fight their own battles and bring Richard and his team home.

He is an amazing man and I can only imagine the toll that had on his relationship. I feel for him.

As for Mrs. Edwards, I do wish her all the best. As a person who lost their father to cancer, I know how hard that struggle can be. And my best friend's mother is currently battling stage 4 cancer.

What I found motivating was what the Edwards said, as did Brian and the dr he had on tonight - while it isn't curable, it is treatable. What an optomistic attitude.I will continue to keep them in my thoughts.

As far as Gonzales and all that. I didn't live through Watergate (I am only 33), but I feel that it is the same from I learned in school. Bush needs to be accountable. I am sick of the rhetoric of this administration. Enough already.

I've been looking for a place to post a note about Richard's documentary. Since you mentioned it in your blog, I'll leave my message here. I watched the six segments posted online. (Did I see the whole thing or an abridged version?). It was mesmerizing. I cannot imagine feeling that alone and hunted and continuing with the reporting. Matter of fact, I kept thinking: Why is he (and Ned Colt) doing this? No one would blame any reporter for walking away and saying he or she had been there long enough. But Richard said something at the end that really hit home. As long as the troops are there, the reporters need to be there. It was heartbreaking to hear soldiers say that it's not enough for people to support them -- it means nothing without Americans supporting the war. I think we're past the point where the troops are going to get their wish. As the "Seven Modern Pillars" article points out, this war won't be won this way. Please tell Richard that his viewers would prefer this job not be his last. Same with all your other reporters covering hot spots. Take care, first and foremost. And thanks for once again to NBC/MSNBC for giving us a look at the war from its very core.

My heart sank today as I heard the news about Elizabeth Edwards. My Grandmother also had breast cancer that spread to her ribs, and she died fairly quickly after her diagnosis. I hope Mrs. Edwards will live a longer and a better life.

In regards to the piece on Wikipedia, all I can think of, for lack of better words is well duh! Stephen Colbert picked up on this a long time ago and dubbed it "Wikiality". I've always known to never cite it in my papers, but my professors still have to remind us.

Richard Engel's piece last night was fascinating...I could not look away from the TV for an instant, and when it was over I was telling everyone who missed it that they need to see it.

How tragic that Mrs. Edwards cancer has returned. How extraordinary the way that the Edwards' shared the information - on their terms and how they wanted. They are to be commended for their courage and especially Mrs. Edwards strength and determination.

Mrs. Edwards has always been in my prays she is a strong and brave women. I'm glad John and Elizabeth will continue their campaign.
Gonzales is now using the kids to get out of trouble. He lied under oath I don't think that's a good thing to teach kids. I remember Fingers Foley and the way he used the government to select kids to abuse.
Brian I don't think the US is really interested in Darfur. Even the UN has turned their backs on the people of Darfur. Maybe when we get a new President help will come. Look at what's happening to the Iraq people since we invaded. Millions have moved out of the country and the ones that can't live in fear. Looks like their worse off now. I listen to President Bush say things are going good in Iraq, as the UN Chief was greeted with a bomb. How did that bomb get that close anyway. Yes and even the Iraq military chief said most of the Iraq soldiers don't support the Iraq government. Yet we stay the course and give more money to the contractors. Looks like there soon will be more contract soldiers then American soldiers soon.

Richard's documentary was indeed extraordinary and there is more available. He has done an interactive feature: "The Fight for Iraq: A Regional Powerplay", which is available on MSNBC.com. Go to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17722026/.

And Richard, if you ever get tired of your day job, think about the classroom--you'd be a great teacher!

Be safe-

Mr.Williams, I viewed Richard Engel's War Zone Diary documentary last night. I am in such admiration of this man. He just tore at my heart every time he was on the screen. I was saddened to hear how his personal relationship ended. I know I would be honored and proud to call Richard my husband. I would never ever not support someone so dedicated and brave to their job. The horrors he has seen I cannot imagine anyone not being affected. He stated that he had seen so many ugly things. I think he should now be able to see beautiful things. I don't want him to hurt inside anymore. He needs to feel happy. Being someone who is single and from a very small family I know how important friends are to ones life. I would never want him to feel alone. Just remember Richard that you are loved and cared about many times over. I want to thank you so very much Mr. Williams for mentioning all the comments about Richard while he was sitting there at the desk. I know I stated the exact same things and seeing him smile when he heard you say those things just made my whole week and maybe year. I was really happy! Thank You! I wish I knew him more because I would always be someone he could talk to and make feel better. Please Richard don't spend any more time over there. Stay home! You have done your duty. I support you and you should be given a medal of bravery for your effort. I just would love to be at that ceremony. Take extra good care of yourself. Stay safe and well please. Mr. Williams your news bureau has a treasure in him. Thank you again for your mentioning of the comments. Big hug for Richard! Again stay safe and well! You are in my prayers always!

Brian,

This is an extremely informative article thank you for the link. It goes to show how much we really know and hopefully we can learn a lesson from it in the future by essentially gaining an understanding of different cultures. I agree that everyone for or against the war should read this and especially on Capitol Hill (perhaps we should quiz them).
Richard Engel's documentary, I think is the best to date documentary or report on the war. Among other things I learned watching the documentary I was always curious as to how footage was shot of horrific acts such as mutilation and now I see that Richard has Iraqi friends who help him out. Interesting story, scary place.
Rich

Cancer is the equal opportunity disease - striking at will. Once the diagnosis is in, the great advantage for cure and treatment is still with the educated, with the financially advantaged and for those living in proximity of good teaching hospitals. I am grateful that those I love who have had cancer and have lost their battle, and those who currently are cancer survivors have had these advantages in their fight. I pray for Elizabeth Edwards and for all those who are living with cancer.