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Subscribe to RSSOne more broadcast from New York this week and we're off to New Orleans, for a few days of coverage of the 5th anniversary of Katrina. And here's what we're up against: The emails quoted below have come in just this week.
"New Orleans took hand outs and blew the money, whined and cried waiting for someone else to clean up their mess...five years later New Orleans still whinning (sic) away."
"I am 61 and don't care about the Gulf!"
"They cried and decried the government to have all their needs met, yet they did nothing to help themselves."
I've done the writers the favor of withholding their names and email addresses, but just so you know that sentiment is out there. We will continue to cover this story. I will be arriving in New Orleans this time with a bit of trepidation (only because memories are still very real, very vivid, brought back by today's story in the Times-Picayune) but mostly hoping and expecting to find an air of celebration. A friend of mine who is already there (and a better-than-average writer) reported to me this morning via email, "I feel like all the Katrina remembrances are serving to remind people of how much they've survived -- and there's evidence everywhere of how they're now thriving -- so there's more of a steely resolve to just see this damn oil thing through, whatever comes of it. In short, New Orleans seems ready for its closeup." That's the spirit.
I also spoke with Adm. Thad Allen by telephone today, who interestingly said he's ready to meet with Spike Lee and stop trading soundbites in the media! I watched Spike's new documentary and found it very impactful -- so much so, it was an emotional setback of sorts for many of us who were there. But tomorrow's another day -- that's the way they live in New Orleans, and its the truth.
We hope you can join us here tonight.
Leave a Comment:
Needless to say, peoples emotions are "all across the board" on how they feel about the governments handling of Katrina, you quoted just three people, all three with different perspectives, I imagine your Inbox was swamped with everyones ideas on how the problem should've been fixed. Anxiously awaiting your report tom'w and Friday night.
On a totally different note, the next time you appear on that monstrosity of a train wreck, more commonly referred to as the Jon Stewart Show, I think I'll wait until the next day so I can just watch your segment on YouTube or something. Twenty minutes, of unfunny, utter nonsense and he brings you out for just seven minutes . . . unbelievable...
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening as always! Always wonderful to see Richard in the studio! Great to see you Richard Safe and Sound in New York!
Regarding your posting this evening. The people of New Orleans endured so much hardship with the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and certainly survived and been resilient. Looking forward to your broadcasts Thursday, Friday and Sunday from New Orleans.
Now on to the broadcast. First of all Richard's report on the wave of violence all over the country of Iraq within a week of the withdrawal of US Combat Troops from Iraq. Hearing about 2 dozen attacks with over 50 people killed is so awful. The Iraqi Government has not been formed even though elections were five months ago it appears so lawless with no authority. The Iraqi Forces and Police will certainly try to quell the violence, but beig it was happening all over the country it just seems overwhelming. As Richard has stated the remaining US Troops of around 50,000 are supposed to be trainers and not on a combat mission. They can fight, but that is not their mission, so it is up to the Iraqi Forces and Police and it is already a real test for them to keep the country secure.
It was really nice to the the Us Troops from the 4-2 Stryker Brigade return home and be greeted by their families. God Bless All Our Brave Men and Women In Uniform!
Excellent Reporting As Always Richard! Great to See You in New York in the Studio!
On another note the report by Ms. Sandoval about the 33 miners trapped in the gold and copper mine in Chile certainly told of how great efforts to help the men stay alive and in good spirits. The long time it will take to drill down to them and rescue them is going to be a tense time. One hopes that with all the supplies, food, messages and many other things lowered down to the men they will be able to keep alive and in positive spirits. Ones thoughts and prayers go out to all the families.
It was so nice to see footage of the orginal "Kermit the Frog" and then seeing "Kermit" and all the orginal muppets now in the Smithsonian. Interesting the original "Kermit" was made from material from Jim Hansen's mother's old coat. Always love the muppets!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Always wonderful to see Richard! Peace to You and to All! Safe Travels to New Orleans.
Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Always wonderful to see you! Nice and Safe!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
XOXO
Lisa
Brian,
Police shooting unarmed people!!! Why wasn't martial law declared in New Orleans?
Phyllis
Dear all..
The above emails made me pause, stop, rewind.
Did I read that right? - I ask.
I did.
And ya know what? It's all okay. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
But let's be sensible.
Yes, a loud warning was echoed to all citizens: "EVACUATE."
But how can they when most who stayed earn below the poverty line?
Most are poor.
Where do these folks get the money that is essential, required for departure?
These are not folks with cars parked in a garage and these are not folks with bank accounts.
If you don't live a life of poverty or of having little means..you can NEVER relate or understand.
Letters of love, cards, soothing games being delivered to the miners for comfort is a good thing. These miners are determined fighters, I know this, and I pray sanity and hope remain with them 'til freedom.
Ted Kennedy was a fighter and an advocate for healthcare. He believed healthcare is a "right" --not a "privilege" and should be afforded to all- both rich and poor. God bless his heart. My thoughts are with his family on this sad day of remembrance. A whole year went by so quickly. I recall NBC's wonderful coverage of Senator Kennedy's funeral. We all watched.
The calm, comforting voice of Mr. Brian Williams.
Glad the Obamas are given a chance to go out and inhale the air, the fresh raindrops.
Kids hooked on electronic gadgets? Expected!! iPhone, iPad, iPod, smart genius phones, my gosh -the internet..all VERY addictive and enticing. You can't keep your hands off. WE are addicts. I am up at 3, 4 in the morning, still messing with my phone, texting pals and reading tweets. When leaving home, I grab my BlackBerry, keys, in that order.
Congratulations to Ms. Jamaica who is the first runner up, to the winner, Ms. Mexico, in the recent Ms. Universe Pageant. And a nod to Tamron Hall, of MSNBC, who was a judge for the pageant.
(We love Ms. Tamron's show)
I am not okay with it, but that's me. You're right that we're all entitled to an opinion. Good post, though.
In 2000 we changed as a country and human rights no longer where important. NBC covered live the horror seen around the World as American citizens were left to do for themselves. We remember the days of people crying for help as reporters got the word out the people were in need. We saw the Dome fulled with people who had no where to go and learned of those who died in the Dome. We saw rows of people black/white crying for help and then those who broke in stores to get food and medican. A tape showed people running over the bridge to safety only to be shot and told to turn around and then getting shot in the back. Yes we got to see what happen to fellow Americans. When we lost our humanity as a Country these are the results and killing 1 million Iraq people sleeping when 52 US bombs missed their target was another result of how we lost our way. We have seen candidates run for office who incite violence and hate. Even today a cab driver was attacked because he said he was Muslim. We are destroying the US from within and no terrorist is needed. We can no longer lead anyone because of the chaos in our own country. History has shown how once Great Nations became divided from without and destroyed themselves just as we are doing today. The experience NBC reporters had in the Katrina storm will last life time because it's something that should have never happen in the USA. May God have mercy on the USA for what we as a country have done.
Brian, I can't believe that someone (or any number of people) could say such things about the people of New Orleans who were in such desperate need for such simple things. My mind can't wrap around it. Keeping in mind that everyone's entitled to his or her opinion this, to me anyway, isn't an issue of opinion. I just don't understand. My opinion also is that those who were looting in the aftermath of Katrina were only doing so because they had no choice—how else were they supposed to survive? Taking also into mind that they were unarmed citizens. There were so many wrongs during hurricane Katrina, the very least we can do is try to make what we still can right. Although we can't bring back all those lives that were lost, we owe it to them.
Wonderful to see Richard in studio with you tonight, but the news from Iraq is troubling and terribly sad. Attacks in Iraq have been increasing it seems lately. I'm worried about how long it will take Iraq to form a new government, and also about another possible civil war breaking out. Thanks to Richard for all of his continued excellent reporting on Iraq. Very glad to see him safe in New York.
Absolutely unbelievable what the miners in Chile are going through right now. I could not imagine the physical, and especially mental, strain they're in and may be in for many months now. Just praying that they'll be out sooner than thought.
Although the new skyscraper scheduled to be set beside the Empire State building will bring many jobs to New York City, I'm personally a bit saddened by the final decision. The Empire State building took fame from the beautiful old Chrystler building (still one of my very favorites, though I've never seen it in person), but it didn't block it's view in New York City skyline, because it was far enough from it. But I feel the new building will be too close to the beloved Empire State building.
I'll be a first time flyer by late December, and although I haven't flown yet, the family-section on airplanes sounds crazy to me. Especially the opinion that children shouldn't fly at all. How else will they fall in love with aviation at a young age? It's all in the experience—and it won't bother me when I'm finally souring 35,000 miles above ground (on my way to beautiful, snow-covered New York City, no less.)
Remembering Ted Kennedy, and the way you all called in right after the news of his passing away broke. It was a sad moment for me, as a young Kennedy admirer, and it was so comforting to have you and Tom Brokaw with us when the news broke. The coverage was fantastic.
Thank you for the broadcast. Excellent interview with your man Jon Stewart last night! Great to finally see a man hug between you two, as I know you two both have just been dying for it! ;) THE best Jersey guys around.
Lotta time on my hands tonight!
Will for sure have my Blackberry in hand as I dose off. Stop on report, though they should note that it goes well into college after highschool.
Have a great evening, and a safe trip to New Orleans. Thank you. See you there.
-Cary
P.S. Brian, I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Elle Magazine. Especially the last question/answer. Wiped my eyes from tears of laughter.
I've made it a practice of late to read comments accompanying news stories. I can't believe the outrageous, mean-spirited things that people say. News organizations should require that commenters fully identify themselves, or they should stop offering the opportunity to comment.
Brian,
Cary's comment on Elle Magazine piqued my interest, and I just picked up a copy at Barnes & Noble.
Have a safe trip.
Phyllis
Good Evening Mr.Williams, A great broadcast from New Orleans this evening. Enjoyed the Elle Magazine Interview and seeing you on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart! Very funny! Always enjoyable!
First of all hearing the statistics was staggering and sad because so many lives were lost and homes destroyed. But the people of New Orleans are resilient and it was nice to see how neighborhoods have come back and businesses rebuilt and reopened. It is a very long process to rebuild and seeing the high watermarks and damaged roofs is hearbreaking. However, it does appear many good things have happened such as the improved school system and restaurants that were extremely badly damaged have rebuilt even better.
Then the massive oil spill from the Deep Water Horizon happened which has caused more hardship for the people of the Gulf Coast. I agree with the Mayor when he is asking for BP to admit their mistake.
The report by Mr.Mott from Mississippi told of how Waveland,Mississippi took a clobbering from Hurricane Katrina with high winds and tremendous storm surge. The people in this area hung in there and rebuilt their homes. So many people lost in this State it is extremely tragic. One must have a strong spirit to help get one through all the hardships. These people had a vrey strong spirit!
The report by Anne Thompson from Venice,LA told of how the cleaning up of all the oil in the Gulf is a long continuing process. It is an uncertain future for the fishermen of the Gulf and one hopes they will be able to fish the waters again normally to make a living. The scientists do not have any full answers about how much remaining oil is in the Gulf. It will take some time to get full accurate results.
Nice to see some great restaurants have reopened and are thriving. I'm sure you will seek out some of them and enjoy great food!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Look forward to Friday's Nightly News broadcast and Also you hosting Meet the Press and your interview wit President Obama on Sunday. Peace to You and to All!
Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Can't Wait to see you on "Colbert" tonight! I know it will be wonderful!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
XOXO
Lisa
Brian,
I missed your broadcast and obviously the web video was not played but hoped to see your progam Friday
night and your interview with President Obama. You get around, and I am not surprised you were dubbed
the most interesting man. Take care!
Phyllis
Brian;
I'm sure I've said it before, but I'll say it again: thank you for your dedication in bringing us the story of Katrina, even after so many years. Being here in the Northeast, its easy to forget about how fellow Americans are still struggling and surviving after such a horrific natural disaster. It doesn't seem possible, to me, that its been five years. I am disappointed, however, that your special is on MSNBC, as I do not have cable.
I find myself pondering whether we as a nation have done anything with what we learned in Katrina's wake. I got to see your segment with Jon Stewart & I must agree with you: how can we get supplies to troops at the drop of a helo when we can't get them to our neighbors? I fear that collectively we have not listened to what we learned those painful days - and yes, I include myself in that collective.
As for yesterday's broadcast, it was good to see Richard Engel in the studio. I always learn so much with his storytelling and reporting style. It is also a testament to the leadership of NBC News that both he - and you - are allowed to continue reporting on such crucial stories that sometimes feel old and things we want to forget.
Hello to all the "old timers" and "usual suspects" of long ago - Laurel and Jackie and Lisa and Claudia and Celine and Cary and Matt! I hope everyone has had a great summer; how can it be that its just about over?
~Stephanie*Umbro,Maine
A fantastic broadcast from New Orleans tonight, Brian. Cannot thank you enough for the dedication you've shown--and continue to show--for that region. Enjoy the time you have in your adoptive region. I'm very much looking forward to your anchoring of Meet The Press and all the other special reports coming up on this five year anniversary. It's all really very much appreciated!
Following my response to George Lewis' post on Facebook about Nightly News' report on the "top Beatles songs", George responded "Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the two surviving Beatles, are the same age as many in the Nightly News audience. Another reason for reporting the story." I was quick to correct him that I am LIVING and BREATHING proof that that isn't entirely correct! Mr. Lewis has a great sense of humor. Just wanted to share that.
@Stephanie- Hello back to you! Thanks for the friendly shout-out! Hoping you and all the "blog family" enjoyed their Summer that's slowly passing by!
Have a safe and happy weekend,
-Cary
Brian, you are the voice of reason in the otherwise insane world in which we live. I couldn't and wouldn't watch the news without you on it. NBC was so wise to replace Tom B. with you. You are indeed a gentleman and obviously, a scholar.
Brian: I watched last night's broadcast from New Orleans. Vibrancy has returned to some parts of town, especially the French Quarter. Look's like the restaurant business is flourishing! These residents are very resilient people considering what they have been through. First Katrina, then Rita, and finally the oil spill. I also enjoyed your interview with the mayor of New Orleans. He is really interested on cracking down on anomalies within the police department. As the mayor stated, tensions were already high in the city, but Katrina enhanced those tensions. I'll catch you tonight for the second segment.
Brian, An excellent broadcast this evening from New Orleans. The segment "Making a Difference" was
wonderful and Brad Pitt who is using his celebrity to help others must be commended by all. Phyllis
Brian,
As one whose parents and extended family experienced this storm from New Orleans all across the Gulf, I appreciate your persistence and insistence that we remember the lessons here. Your First Five Days was the gutsiest reporting to date on this subject. It sickened me to see and relive the days of utter shock that this country could allow this disaster to be visited on the weakest of all: the aged, the infants, the poor, the infirm, and the disabled. Keep up your good work and God bless you!