Interesting article as we're learning more and more about the direction of the 8 years of Defense. What's happening now is found out in pieces as the Foreign News has reported the from day one. The UK addressed the problems in Libya as they brought the topic up at the United Nations. France and UK asked for a vote from the entire body of the World Leaders. 85 countries agreed and Obama took part in the discussion. As Obama briefed Speaker Boehner and the Senate pro tempore to keep other law makers up to date, the leaders of those department never did. Chaos ran wild as Law Makers where not notified by Speaker Boehner. MSNBC Chuck Todd called Obama's meeting with Latin America leaders a vacation, but would not dare say that of President Bush's visit to Latin America. Once the media reporters start reporting the news and stop giving the spin and jokes for votes, maybe Americans will understand this is not a US War, it's a United Nation mission lead by UK/France with 85 countries as parteners. Maybe the Law Makers might want to speak to the Speaker of the House and ask him to do his job for a change.

Brian – That before and after picture of the road in Japan that was fixed in just a couple of days was really something ! Having lived in Queens for the majority of my life I think the Mayor needs to contact someone over in Japan and find out why it just took a mere few days after a major earthquake, yet here in the city, at this point I don’t even think they are bothering to fill the potholes now.

Also, read on another website that after the disaster in Japan, we haven’t heard of any reports of looting going on, don’t know if that’s totally accurate, but that is something to think about though.

The story about the controller being asleep and two planes having to land on their own just strengthens my personal belief that it’s not safe to fly, haven’t been on a plane in thirty years and I don’t think I’ll be breaking that number anytime soon.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening as always. Thank you for the website link in your posting. Enjoyed seeing you on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" a few nights ago! Very funny as always!

Now on to the broadcast. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! First of all Richard's report from Bengahzi told of how the rebels simply need alot of assistance in fighting Gadhafi forces and their viewpoint is as long as airstrikes continue from the US and other nations they have some hope of advancing towards Tripoli. US airstrikes have helped in taking out many of Gadhafi forces tanks which have left his troops cut off from supply lines,command and surrounded by rebels. How long they can hold out is in question since they are not as well equipped as Gadhafi forces. Much unrest throughout the Middle East with protests in Yemen for the president to step down and with Friday prayers the people of Yemen are calling for a day of departure. Then more protests in Syria and with Hamas against Israel. May uprisings in so many Middle East nations which could change the map of leadership for many regions.

The report by Mr.Allen showing images of violence in Syria with police clashing with protestors revealed much brutality. In cities the police seemed to target protestors with much forces causing the loss of many lives. Hearing the government promise reforms to the people of the region does little to convince the people. The people are demanding immediate change to happen.

The report by Mr.Bazell from Japan told of how radiation detected in drinking water is alarming many parents caring for babies. It is understandible why the mother is concerned for her baby and does not want any contaminated water to touch her infant. The government stated the water is safer, yet the peopel are skeptical of the fluctuating numbers. Serious accidents have been happening at the nuclear plant and with contractors getting sick from the radiation the whole situation is terribly scary. One hopes and prays for everyones safety.

It was quite remarkable to see the road which had such a deep crack from the earthquake all repaired. And in only three days!

Good to learn of Gabrielle Gifford's great progress from her husband Mark Kelly.

The "Making A Difference" segment by Ian Williams about the rescue efforts of the US military in Japan was truly inspirational. The mission called, "Operation Friend" showed how the crews are doing wonderful work bringing basic supplies to remote areas of Northern Japan. The people of these areas are in desperate need of help and these crews are truly making sure they get the supplies they need to survive. Seeing all the awful devastation is heartbreaking and hearing from one member of the crew he saw a semi out many miles offshore was staggering. They are assisting is making these people's lives better.

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

Be Well Everyone!

Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Great seeing you on The Rachel Maddow Show last evening! Excellent Reporting as Always!

Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!

Lisa

Brian: I finished reading the article about the Pentagon term, Kinetic. I don't that terminology is suitable for milititaristic operations involving bombing, shelling. or trying to destroy enemy tagets. as the author stated, why not just use words like fighting. How about strafing or destroying? I believe the term is used because it's a mellower way of explaining battles that always have dire conseqences, such as the Marine crash that occured in the desert of Libya. That incident was described as a mechanical failure, but was its mission kinetic? A message to the Pentagon: Lose that term and use the correct terminology. I'll catch you on the broadcast tomorrow night.

I agree with Marv and will go a step further. After I read the article, which was well written and funny, I thought "fighting"?? Is this how we ease our conscience when we plan for possible...probable...loss of human life?

The reporting and production of the Making a Difference segment was so well done showcasing the US Navy delivering supplies for basic human needs to the remote areas in Japan. Maybe that is a better use of our representatives in uniform: preventing further loss of life, creating parternships for the future.

That was not good writing :) You get the idea though.

Glad we have the Nightly News and the blog! I wouldn't go this far in my thinking without it. Thanks, Brian.

"...The flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776 have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism."

Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, Sept. 1821

Seems they are still burning.....

Take care all-

Celine

NBC should really be glad they have Richard Engel because for the US he's all we have for up to date information. I listen to Al Jazeera with video as Hillary said the following

She also said all members of the alliance had authorised military authorities to develop an operations plan for NATO to take on the broader civilian protection mission under resolution 1973.

She said the coalition action had made "significant" progress in Libya.

"Gaddafi's troops have been pushed back, but they remain a serious threat to the safety" of the Libyan people, she said.

She also praised the United Arab Emirates for becoming the second Arab country after Qatar to send planes to help the mission. The UAE will deploy 12 planes, according to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Clinton said she will travel to London next week to coordinate the strategy and military operation against Gaddafi's regime.

It was to bad Speaker Boehner never up dated his fellow law makers as they made stupid comments. Many reporters and law makers didn't read up on the UN resolution 1973, as even Bush senior used it in Desert Storm. Notice how the young people in the Middle East didn't start their protest until another US President took office. This is a dream for Cheney he would be rushing in each Middle East country to claim oil rights and wouldn't care about the citizens. All those lies just to try and get their hands on Iraq oil. BBC showed resent pictures of Bush, Cheney and several current Law Makers including Senator McCain, smiling with Gadhafi in 2006 when Bush lifted the trade block and deals were made as President Bush called Gadhafi a friend. No more the Axis of Evil as the Lockabee victims were given money and the weapons were said to be destroyed as oil deals were being done. The young Middle East people were wise to wait for a US President that wasn't looking to take over their country.

A secret meeting with the Banks was reported. The banks were asked to give homeowners that they committed fraud on and those being held in courts for violations, a 21,000 buy out. Each disputed owner would receive the money and turn over the home to the bank. The hope is to settle the struggling home sales and get back to business. One small problem the Banks gambled the Deeds and many homeowners have learned the Banks have been collecting mortgage payments without a Trustee or Leader. Any homeowner can check the hall of records for this information and those that have found there is not listed Trustee. My sister's home was foreclosed on illegally and the case is in New Jersey Supreme Court. We knew about the robo signing and other frauds committed. The shocker is robo signing and fraud were committed since 1992, the date of her first loan on the house that was paid in full. Just think we have documented proof from as far back as 1992, with the hall of records still showing my sister holding the Deed and nothing since then. The deregulation has been at work for a long time. The Government will have to fine another way to save the Banks from the fraud they committed. Just think if every homeowner in America would check their records and the documents in their State hall of records they will see they own their homes as the Banks have just been pocketing money. No one will buy a home for fear of the fraud documents done by the Banks. What a mess.

Yes, Brian, NBC should be glad to have Richard Engel who said weeks ago that nothing like this has

happened before in the Middle East. "No one has ever heard of that happening No one has ever seen

that happen." (Isaiah) Phyllis

Mr. Williams loves to point out his closeness to and affinity for military culture, but has never served in any branch of the military, nor have his children. War is glorious, as long as it's not you, or a member of your family, in the thick of it, right, Brian?

Brian, In re-reading PARIS REQUIEM by Lisa Appignanwesi, I thought of Secretary of State

Hilliary CLinton who said we are in a new world, and I quote in part:

"Do you really think the new world really is better than the old world?" asked Arnhem with

sudden solemnity

"I don't know," James murmured. I don't really know. But we make of it what we will."

"I like your 'we' I like it very much"

Me, too, Brian, and have a nice day.

Phyllis

"

"

Hi Brian,

Well it is a beautiful in Winnipeg as the snow melts slowly....the snow in Fargo ND wasn't a good thing for those of us living along the Red River that north flowing river. Time will tell. You may be reporting on that area soon.

Spring Break is here so school is done. I have 23 students in my class and when you are 6 years old class size does matter.....you get more attention from the teacher :) ( Just thinking back to a class size piece you did a few weeks back.)

Last evening during the broadcast I saw your view from your desk ...the teleprompter...I suppose and a big red numbered digital clock ....neat view!

Enjoying the broadcast as always...

Melissa

Good evening, Lester, a terrific broadcast, as always. I just read that Gadhafi is arming civilians to fight

the rebels. This dictator cannot be trusted which I think everybody in the whole wide world knows and if

they don't, they have been living under a rock. Even a lamb would be suspicious of him. Yes, I did

laugh out loud about the new words in the dictionary LOL:o) and you are right: It comes full

circle or as some say: what goes around comes around. I always like to see you fill in for Brian,

nice tie, and he probably appreciates the evening off. Have a nice evening. Phyllis

it is good to see the temporary housing going up in japan. i imagine it will be awhile before the enormity of what happened sinks in for the people in the shelters. i am sure that those family members that are still together feel very, very lucky to still have each other. i am following the progress on the nuclear reactors. there is apparently at least another week of critical procedures. and from there, watching the events unfolding in the middle east is yet another compelling theatre. i am grateful for my little place and the freedoms that i have that many brave soldiers have fought for our country to keep. the first militias that fought in the american revolution were civilians that took up arms, too, just as civilians are taking up arms in the middle east to fight for a better life for themselves and their children.