I thought Matt Lauer did a thoughtful interview with the head of the TSA this morning - pointing out that TSA agents aren't the problem - it's the policy they have to uphold.

Funny you mention this on this particular day, as I happen to be meeting my boyfriend at the airport late tonight in for Thanksgiving (from far, far away!) I don't know what or if all airports have picked up on the new security policy or not (I have a feeling our tiny Roanoke Regional might not pick up on it as quick as say, Atlanta) but he is/has gone through a few airports today and I'll be curious to ask about the new policy and how he and others are taking it. There certainly are several mixed feelings about it out there; my feelings are simply that it's just a darn shame that we even have to worry about it these days. Hearing how people used to get around by air so freely and comfortably "back in the day", it's a sad new reality we live in. By all means, we have to be as safe and secure as possible, but to what extent will it be too much? If there is another attempt like the would-be Christmas day bomber, or the latest suspicious package, what else is there to do in our security after this policy's been made? It's a scary and quite depressing thought, to be honest.

Anyway! I wish you all the luck in picking up/dropping off family and friends at the airport, with no delays! I know what those are like! Roanoke Regional always seems to have issues...

See you soon!

-Cary

3 choices: Scanner, Hands on, or Don't fly.

Brian

The events of today back in 1963 did run through my mind today.

Although I was in the First Grade when Kennedy was assassinated, I can recall the events of the day like it was yesterday, one of the girls in my class came back from the restroom and said she heard that the President had been shot, although the school year was just two months old, she had already distinguished herself as being the class liar (LOL), so everyone said, No, Denise, you’re lying, until a little bit later when my teacher did find out that it did, in fact happen.

I’ve been wondering if security has been stepped up for our current President on this date since being our First Black President, some people might want to cause harm to him.

Brian, like all Americans, I remember where I was when JFK was assassinated. I was secretary, 23,

for the District Sales Manager of Maxwell House, Division of General Foods. The manager's wife

called him and broke the news. My husband and I were disraught the whole weekend.

What's not to like about Sarah Palin: She's gorgeous, intelligent and a breath of fresh air.

About Mitt Romeny embracing his reglion, I admire him for it. The Mormons believe America

is The New Jerusalem which really impresses because it does not spiritualized the New

Jerusalem of Revelation 21, and he would have my vote for that reason. And he's presidental,

quite an impressive man, dashingly handsome. I do not see Sarah Palin as President but

as far as I am concerned she can stay wherever she pleases. It's a free country, after all,

no offense to Barbara Bush. Good continuing coverage from Lester Holt in Afganistan. Both of

you are brave men. Have a nice evening.! Phyllis

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. I hope your picking up and dropping off of people at the airport goes smoothly in the next few days. Certainly will be extremely busy at the nation's airports. One hopes everything goes well.

Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Holt from Kabul on the Sgt. Jimmy Settles who is part of the Pedros paramedic rescue team. Seeing the bullet hole at the bottom of the plane and Sgt. Settles describing how the bullet went up through his glasses and under his helmut. It ia incredible he only needed a few stitches. he and the other members of the paramedic rescue team do dangerous and amazing work while flying low very fast and covering the medic from enemy fire while he helps the fellow soldier who is injured. It is extremely tragic that some soldiers don't make it back alive, but they always are able to bring back the soldier. Thinking always about their fellow soldiers more than themselves. Truly a heroic group of soldiers! God Bless All Our Brave Soldiers!

The report by Mr.Costello about the new security procedures pf pat downs and body scanners told of of real horror stories by passengers. The outrage of passengers is understanable and their needs to be some modification of how the Federal Government is making policy rules of the TSA. One hopes in the coming weeks things are modified so that passengers will feel more comfortable going through security.

The book called, "Portrait of Camelot" showing all sorts of photograghs of President Kennedy and his family was very nice and brings back memories to many people. So very tragic a day on this date to remember.

The piece by Mr.Brokaw about Facebook showed how different generations see Facebook. It does help people find one another and keep in touch. But not everyone may want to use it. Although it is nice to reconnect with friends.

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. 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!

Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!

XOXO

Lisa

Since World War II, we as a Nation have become accustomed to sending our Young People to fight our wars as if they were Mercenaries. In today’s world, we want our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to fight the war on Terror while we as Civilians enjoy the freedoms they provide without any sacrifice or discomfort. The wars against Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and truly around the globe, although not widely advertised, were not important enough to the American Public to become a major issue in the latest Election Campaigns because they were not causing the American Public in general any discomfort. Now, ask the public to submit to Airport scans and pat downs and all hell breaks loose. Maybe we should bring all the troops home and let the general public deal with the Terrorism issue. I bet the troops would gladly submit to a personal pat down before getting on the plane to come home to the States.

Secondly, and I realize that this is politically incorrect, I just don’t care, “Profiling” is not wrong! What used to be considered common sense and good police work is now frowned upon in disgust because it’s an invasion of our privacy. BS!! Back in the day, many crimes were prevented because a Cop with some common sense said to himself, “it just doesn’t look right”. Bingo! Maybe a little profiling at the Airport in addition to all the random selections would be a good start to a common sense solution.

I would like to repeat the cautionary tale of boiling a frog.

If you take a frog and put him in a pot of boiling water the frog will try and escape. However, if you put the same frog in cool water and slowly heat the water to boiling the frog will stay and be boiled.

The story, as it applies to TSA, is people don't want sudden changes thrust upon them but applied slowly over time people will accept almost anything. This week/month the air travelers will protest but will they have the same reaction as December 25th nears and the program has been in operation for over a month?

As for me I am wondering what the temperature of the water is and if it is still rising.

Brian: This situation with airport security is a proverbial rock and hard place situation. For some passengers it's the methods employed by the screeners, that is to say an invasion of privacy. For others, they maintain the methods are for their own protection. This is a real balancing act between protecting our citizens and constitutional rights. It will be interestiing to see if the TSA introduces modifications, and if so, how will they be received by air passengers. In the meantime, passengers have a right to choose other means of transportation over this holiday weekend. I'll catch you on the broadcast.

What a day with all the TSA screening as the topic. Few remember how Rep. DeMint blocked Obama's candidate for the job, which allowed the underwear bomber in the US. As for profiling well it will be interesting to see who is thought to be a terrorist. The shoe bomber looked like most red blooded white American who would hurt a fly. But if brown skin people are targeted it will be easy for the real terrorist to walk right in like they did before. Just think if the Republicans had done their job and allowed Obama's appointees in their job life might be different. Hundreds of appointees are being held up because it causing more problems for America. It was much easier when Bush just appointed who ever he wanted during the recess. Not one person had a problem with what Bush did but then again he's Bush.

Brian why does the Media make so much out of one of the dumbest Americans Sarah Palin. Her first so called book had more mistakes then we could count and this book is nothing more then to get money for trash. Sarah is a joke and the World can't stop laughing at how the US even thought about putting her in office. All Sarah does is attack Obama and collect money because she has no real job. The Media reports every stupid thing she says and if she thinks she can be Obama or anyone we only have to look to poor Senator McCain who lost because Sarah was on the ticket. Murdoch is funding Sarah's so call campaige for President but we know what that dirty old man is really doing. Sarah might take a few minutes to raise her daughters now we know Willow has that dirty potty mouth. Track might be someone Sarah might want to show a parents concern while he's in the Military. I do feel bad for Todd Palin as he's Mr. Mom and not doing a good job. Dancing with the Stars will go off the air if the hackers allow Bristol to win. I watched the early dancing and Bristol should have been gone long ago. If Sarah Palin can get to be a US President then Americans would even elect Homer Simpson.

It seems Rand Paul isn't even sworn in yet and he's got a book to teach Americans how nuts he is. He might even tell us about the Aqual Buddha Religion and at lease he's letting his voters know their concerns are not as important as his being coming a millionaire within 6 months even faster then Sarah. A candidate who won is a pizza man with 10 kids that wanted free money and free health care paid by taxpayers and now he's be sworn in office and laughing at how easy it was. Many of the newly elected candiates saw how hard it is to earn and income and many have large families so being a Law Makers covers everything without efford and you can become a millionaire by selling your votes to Banks/Corporatiions. At lease all the newly Republican/Tea Party law makers agree Americans should get no health care or benefit from the tax dollars they have to pay. No wonder China is doing so well, the US has only a few smart Law Makers and if Rand Paul gets his way to end the Department of Education the majority of Americans would be uneducated and follow anyone.

have a great day

Brian I have a question.....do you or anyone else feel that there's somewhat of a double standard here....if we the public have to go through these security measures, why the Hell is it that PILOTS have been given a PASS, meaning they are ok to BYPASS the same security measures? THEY are citizens too...am I the only one that thinks there's a double standard here?

IF the public has to be humiliated at the "HANDS"of the TSA SO TOO SHOULD PILOTS!!!!

On Monday, CBS Evening News reported that due to a price increase for staples such as corn, wheat, sugar and soy beans, companies like General Mills, Kraft and Kellogg's will be increasing prices on some of their products. Of course, you won't see this story on Nightly News. Brian Williams and his producers don't like to report negative stories about their most lucrative sponsors. But when it comes to positive stories about Nightly News sponsors, Brian can't wait to tell us the good news. On 7/18/07, he was happy to report that Requip is great for treating Restless Leg Syndrome. On 11/13/07, he told us how wonderful Chrysler cars and trucks were. On 2/23/09, we learned how thoroughly United Airlines cleans their planes. On 5/5/09, we saw a great story about the launch of McDonald's new gourmet coffees. On 2/4/10, Brian told us about Heinz's awesome new ketchup packages. On 3/17/10, Brian informed us that Kraft will be using 10% less salt in their products. On 5/14/10, we saw Brian interview Sally Field for 90 seconds about her Boniva ads. On 6/8/10, we found out that Aleve can reduce the risk of heart attacks. On 6/10/10, we were treated to a two-minute story about whether or not Chevys should be called Chevrolets. On 9/24/10, we saw a story about American shopping habits that featured a couple shopping for Cheerios. On 10/27/10, Brian told us all about Scott's new tubeless toilet paper. And on 10/31/10, we saw a great news story all about Pontiac. But don't expect Brian to tell us that General Mills, Kraft and Kellogg's are raising their prices. That would just be a downer.

How far will Nightly News go to promote General Mills? All the way to Afghanistan. Last Saturday, Lester Holt reported a story about the top U.S. Marine commander in Afghanistan's Helmand Province--Maj. Gen. Richard Mills. During the story, Lester referred to him as "General Mills". Well done, Lester. Maybe this week, he'll do a story on Gen. Electric.

Monday's broadcast was one for the time capsule. First, there was the story on Velma Hart, who got her fifteen minutes of fame when she asked Pres. Obama a question at a Town Hall Meeting on Sept. 20. (I think she was given fourteen minutes too many.) Now, Nightly News is extending her to a sixteenth minute, and maybe even more. Of course, the story was just a way to promote Hart's appearance on CNBC's "Power Lunch" on Tuesday.

Then there was Tom Brokaw's seemingly endless report about Facebook. I think the recent movie about Facebook was shorter than Tom's report. The entire story could have been distilled down to ten seconds: Older people are now using Facebook with increasing frequency. That's it. That's what Tom Brokaw took all that time to tell us. I like Tom, but a little editing can be a good thing.

And there was Andrea Mitchell's report on Sarah Palin. How many of these are we going to see in the next two years? Nightly News isn't reporting on Palin because she's a potential presidential candidate, they're reporting on her because she's a pop culture personality and stories about her generate good ratings. During the clip of Palin being interviewed by Barbara Walters, the on-screen credit read, "ABC/Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating Poeple (sic)". That's great. And in a related story, Palin was recently bumped from the cover of "Poeple Magazine" in favor of Kim Kardashian. Too bad. But I bet that Kardashian can't field dress a moose.

Brian: That nasty blog about you trying to pick up woman on the internet was stupid and completely out of line. If that was supposed to be a joke it"s a warped one. An apology is due for that idiodic tirade. Acctually it was a ad hominum attack on your character. People who harbor these thoughts need to see a therapist. Sorry this message was posted. Have a good day, and I'll catch you on tonight's broadcast.

lester, i am ready for some of those sweets baked by the gentleman from afghanistan, i have a sweet tooth and a half!!!! i'm sure many others are ready, too:-) it's a shame we can't get them shipped. he has beautiful daughters, i hope they dream big and can go to school to realize them. for the pedros, i used an amazing salve to take down some nasty crap on my face a little while ago, from the super salve co, www.supersalve.com, in mogollon, nm. totally herbal. excellent in the first aid kit, they say, and i totally agree! hope our troops have a tasty thanksgiving in iraq and afghanistan. take very good care, best, anna martina

That LOSER making inflammatory comments about Brian Williams needs to be removed and blocked by his/her IP address

I just read that a man was arrested for an Obama death threat. The man belongs in jail

where he can do no harm. Phyllis Kunz