Max-1, When Mr Holt said that the warrantless wiretap ruling was a victory for Bush, that did not at all imply that he thinks it is a good thing. HE was not asserting or pronouncing a victory -- he was merely reporting that the courts handed Bush a victory over the people who are trying to protect our civil liberties, which is unfortunately true. The outcome of court cases is often reported as a victory for one side and a defeat for the other because one side won and the other lost; that does not imply that the reporter agrees with the decision; it is just a statement of fact.

Kudos to Mark Potter's report last night on the storm brewing at the National Hurricane Center. I hope whoever said the failing satellite is not vital for forecasting landfalls in the US is right. And I hope the brouhaha is resolved soon before hurricanes really start brewing.

Lester,
Tonight you announced a VICTORY for the Bush Admin concerning the Courts decision to throw out the NSA case. But is it a victory for the Constitution?

This is the core of the case. Usurpation of Constitutional Rights by the Executive Branch.

Is warrentless wiretapping an American Principle, now? That because the president does it, that means it's not illegal?

Your assertion, nay, Pronouncement of a vistory, helps further the argument that warrentless wiretapping IS a new American Principle.

I suppose torture is too. Or say withholding Habeas Corpus Rights. Or wars of aggression. All. New. American. Principles.

Bush has said for years, as part of his reasons for keeping troops in Iraq, if we leave before the job is done the terrorists will follow us home.

Well, as of last year, and we now have proof, the troops are still in Iraq but the terrorists aren't following the troops home, they are leading the way.

What will Bush say to this?

Mr. Holt
Always a pleasure to have you fill in for Brian. Friday and the Making A Difference segments now go hand in hand.

You must be a bit tired from the many hours you are putting in this week. You have definitely become part of the news family, a welcome addition.

Good Evening Mr.Holt, Regarding the report by Lisa Myers about the US connection with the British terror plot it is scary to think these men were attempting to work in the United States. It is really frightening that the profile has changed in what type of person commits these actions. We must always be on guard these days because anything can happen anywhere. I long for the day when these groups no longer exist. That will be a peaceful time. Mr.Bazell's report on the nursing shortage is a very serious problem. The college I attended had an excellent nursing program and many women went on to work at good hospitals and even some into the military. Hopefully this situation can change for the better because nurses are invaluable to hospitals. Finally, Anne Thompson's report on the "New Rich" showed people with too much extravagance. I realize it is nice to have a private jet, but it doesn't make them better people or happier people. They probably don't know how to balance their own checkbook. Or maybe they do. It's just that all those penthouses and jets are fine, but being a good and honest person is better. Hopefully these people will have enough left over for their retirement. I wonder sometimes. Anyway, thank you for the broadcast Mr.Holt. See you on the weekend! Peace to all!

Hi Lester
The good news today is that we know that the invasion was all about oil. Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said today oil was a factor in Australia's contribution to the unpopular war, as "energy security" and stability in the Middle East would be crucial to the nation's future. Now that's one way to get oil. PM Howard had to come clean, I wonder who will be next. Looking the the American polls it's to bad the public still follows the lies of the White House that all this was about WMDs that aren't there and never have been.

After seeing the movie Sicko nothing will surprise me. At lease we know that the rich will have the best health care possible as for the rest of Americans well we're own our own. The shocker was a lady paying $150. dollars for one medical breathing treatment that really cost 00.05 cents yes 5 cents. But as the elected officials and the rich Americans have no problem with cost and can even go to the UK for free treatment, it's better to let other Americans pay the high price for medical or die. This works really well for the White House need to reduce the Social Security role and Medicaid program. Let those with health needs just die and have only the healthy young workers to keep paying the government. Look even the House of Representatives got a big raise while Americans don't.