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Subscribe to RSSWhile we are preparing for a huge, 30-camera shoot called "Taking The Hill: Inside Congress," knowing it will take up all of our available time this week - and while I was doing silly things like Letterman on Monday - I also came across something so strikingly sad, I'd like you to read it. While it's no GQ Larry King interview (have you heard about THIS?), it's so poignant - and as I started to read it, I realized the date - pulled from a clump of old papers I carry around in my long-suffering bag. And there it was. A time capsule. Amy's still here and with us. Right up until she wasn't.
We hope you can join us tomorrow night from the Speaker's Balcony in the Capitol.
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I loved Amy's music and her message and hope many can learn from it. So many young great artist lost by the paid they sign in their music. I have a few of Billie Holidays songs and the paid sound so much like what Amy was singing.
The drama on the Hill is making the US look silly and ignorant but those are what our elected officials are like. At lease the GOP didn't hide the mission of destroying Obama and the USA. It will be a good sale for foreign investors and call in those loans we owe to those we borrowed from. When you don't pay your car payment the Bank takes your car. We will see what the Government put up for the Loan from China.
see you same time same place
Did you really start your broadcast by saying "All thinking people know the debt ceiling must be raised?" Thinking people know you can not keep spending money you do not have. If I can't pay my credit card bill, they don't say "Let's just raise your limit!" Thinking people know the spending insanity must stop.
That was a shocker to me as well, Debby!
So you think you keep cutting just to pay your credit card debt, were do you start the cutting, the electric bill, the water bill, sewer bill, grocery bill, gasoline for the car, insurance on your home or automobile. Some just say cut, cut, cut. You have to bring in money/revenue to even handle just the basic bills and keep the balance. That is what balance is. Like a sinking ship, you have to plug the hole while pumping the bilge, you have to do both at the same time to maintain balance.
you were wonderful on Letterman. i really haven't laughed like that in such a long time . the world has been a very scary place lately and i'm not sure what's going to happen, but it's nice to know we can be kept up to date and even smiling from time to time by reporters like yourself ..
peace..
Yes, I agree, and his imitation of Regis was the best!
Sorry I missed you on Letterman. Sounds like you did a good job but then again, I never watch Letterman.
We were warned about a calamity on wall street if we did not shovel them money. We were warned the economy would collapse if we did not shovel mass amounts of money to the states to prop up the union workers. None of it actually worked except for putting us deeper into debt. Banks still do not lend money. Unemployment is still 9.2%. The Whitehouse has been wrong on two out of three, lets roll the dice on this one and see what happens.
Hey Brian, While you are wondering around down in Washington looking for stories, see what you can find out on the "FAST and FURIOUS" gun running operation the whitehouse was running. If this operation had been conducted under the Bush years, I bet you would have had dozens of stories by now. 2000 guns allowed to enter Mexico, by our government, after Obama and the Mexican president stood sside by side and railed on the USA gun dealers selling guns to buyers and we come to find out it was approved in high places. SEE WHAT YOU CAN FIND OUT. Are you a reporter or do you follow the whitehouse talking points like your MSNBC counterparts. Have you heard Cenk Uygur lost his program slot for now always following the program?
Brian, I liked this Segment of Making a Difference about the Doctor, and I wish he had an office in
Louisville. Just a question: Why aren't the moderators deleting offensive comments with gutter
language? I would appreciate an answer as I am offended. Phyllis Kunz
Phyllis, Saw that comment and agree with you. That person should never be allowed to comment again. Big part of what is wrong with society today. No respect for anything.
To Any News Reporter from NBC:
"FIGURES DON'T LIE...LIARS FIGURE"
If Boehner and The Republicans can save 2.3 trillion dollars from our National Budget AND our President can save 1.3 trillion dollars, that adds up to 3.6 trillion dollars. That is enough money to have our National Debt paid off in 4 years. They should "AGREE TO AGREE"!
No fighting -- no stress -- everyone's happy!
Just my thoughts on paper...I would love to hear some feedback from someone.
Thank you for your time. Please reply.
Russell Sack
Russell, You have been sucked in by all the retoric and MSM. There is not going to be any money saved from the debt. It is all smoke and mirrors. Same old Washington accounting methods. If American corporations ran their accounting departments the way the government accountants operate, they would all be in jail with Enron.
Government accounting works this way. Lets say a department had a budget for 2009 of $ 100,000.00. For the 2010 budget year that same department had a budget projection of $200,000.00 but thru cuts, they were only going to get a budget of $150,000.00. They then go on the 24/7 cable shows crying about having to take a 50% reduction in their budget and seniors will have to eat dog food and kids will starve when in reality, they got a 50% increase. This is why we owe our sole and the company store to the Chinese.
i know you meant 'soul', justBfair, but have you ever heard about the mexican revolutionary, emilio zapata? if it was 'zapato', it would be 'shoe'. he fought for poverty level, of course, they got him. and then there is porfirio diaz, another indio, president of mexico, who is buried with napoleon's sword in france, he was so bad, they cast him out. makes me think, though, that he took down alot of nasty french line in mexico if he is buried with napoleon's sword. zapata is one of senator mccain's heroes. he was a lowly indio. i am burying my head in the sand, it is ridiculous in washington, d.c. i'm getting my psych meds early (well, late actually, since i only have to take 1/2 of the dose on the instructions) while i know that they will still get paid for after my co-pay. well, one, at least, they don't cover the xanax. yes, it's so crazy in the world today that i have to take xanax every evening, ye gods. what i want to know is are our troops starting the draw down in afghanistan? and will they have jobs when they come home? still counting my pennies so that i will have lot rent for august. luckily, i still have a good amount of food in the house for a little bit. put $10 worth of gas in the car the other day, that should last a couple of months. if this gets too bad, i may have to dredge up some energy from somewhere to do some art or some handpainted round canvas tote bags, like frida kahlo had to when she was destitute. that could be a good thing:-) i do have one large piece of canvas left, 2' x 3' and some old oil paints . . . . . best, anna martina
too bad the tea party and the Republicans dont want any more taxes. headed for disaster on this one. I guess the multimillonaires in congres want to hold on to their money and the hell with the rest of the American people
This country stands in the hole because of a variety of situations. You have companies that left American workers for cheaper production pastures, you have less revenue flowing in the coffers because of job losses/less take home pay/corporate taxes not collected, you have the government payout amount the same. These are just some of the reasons. Now some of these companies that left here for cheaper places are leaving those countries for another cheaper country. When it comes to capitalistic business practices the workers and consumers must be an equal and balanced partner in this equation. If not than you have the present situation that is throwing a moneywrench into the world community. A car with a flat can only go so far, so fast, you would be better off walking.
So while you're "taking the Hill", please give the American people an elementary education on whether these current proposals from either side of the aisle will actually: 1) reduce the deficit enough to have real meaning for their children's (and grandchildren's) future, and in what time frame it happens; and 2) cut government spending enough to gain back control of our lives and put the focus on the most basic needs for the majority of Americans, not on the "wants" of the influential vote-seeking politicians. Take the blinders off, and dig into whether Washinton is worth the money we pay them, from the President on down. Examine what their "perks" are, what they cost us, and let's hear about those travel line items, shall we? Begin with Mr. Obama. America needs to know whether it's time to stop funding this entrenched dinosaur known as Congress, and its archaic form of doing business.
If you haven't had a chance to watch NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams lately, here's some of what you missed:
Saturday 7/16: The lead story is the hot weather. In the southern United States. In July. That's some breaking news, all right.
Monday 7/18: In a story about the British tabloid hacking scandal, Ed Miliband was identified in a Nightly News graphic as the "Labor Party Leader". On Sunday's broadcast, a Nightly News graphic identified Miliband as the "Labour Party Leader". So which is it--Labour or Labor?
**In a story about Gen. David Petraeus's last day in Afghanistan, Brian called Petraeus "America's best-known general". If that's the case, why did Brian misspell Petraeus's name (as "Patreus") in his 10/30/09 Daily Nightly blog? In another story about Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday, Brian called Mandela, "One of the towering world figures of the last 100 years..." No one can argue with that. So why did Brian misspell Mandela's name (as "Mandella") in his 7/12/10 Daily Nightly blog? (It has since been corrected.)
**Brian continues to pander to viewers by calling Chicago "one of the great places on earth even when it's this hot." Meanwhile, millions of kids around the country are asking, "Mommy, does Brian Williams hate our city because it's not Chicago?"
**For the fourth time in eleven days, Nightly News did a "news story" on the new Harry Potter movie. Obviously, the five-and-a-half minutes that Nightly News has devoted to Harry Potter is for the sole purpose of promoting NBC Universal's "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" theme park in Orlando.
Tuesday 7/19: In a report about Rupert Murdoch and James Murdoch testifying before a British Parliament committee, a Nightly News graphic identified James Murdoch as Rupert Murdoch.
**Here's how Brian introduced the "Making A Difference" story about a man who purchases headstones for deceased Negro League baseball players: "A story we've been trying to bring you for a while now during a very busy news season." I literally burst out laughing when I heard this. Is he kidding us? A very busy news season? Here's some of the important "news" that Brian Williams has been covering in the month of July: Will & Kate in Canada and California (24+ minutes); Carmageddon (12+ minutes); Harry Potter (5+ minutes) and the hot weather in July (33+ minutes). So I guess Brian had to delay the Negro League story for several weeks so he could bring us the other important news. Like Will & Kate getting stuck in Carmageddon traffic on their way to see the Harry Potter movie so they could cool off in the theater air conditioning.
Wednesday 7/20: We got to see a two-and-a-half minute "Making A Difference" story about people who rescue horses abused by drug smugglers. Like every other MAD story that has ever aired on Nightly News, this story did not contain a shred of news and did not belong on a network newscast. But on July 23, NBC was kicking off their "Summer at Saratoga" horse racing series, which includes seven straight weekends of horse racing. So naturally, Nightly News aired a story about horses to promote NBC's horse racing series. Meanwhile, I don't see anyone at Nightly News refusing advertising dollars from Pfizer or GlaxoSmithKline even though those companies test their products on animals. That's right folks, NBC is really opposed to torturing animals. Except when they can make money from it.
Thursday 7/21: After months of ignoring the famine and drought in the Horn of Africa, Nightly News FINALLY acknowledged this horrible tragedy. Brian introduced the story by saying, "Tonight we're going to tell you about the next global crisis you will be hearing about." After the story, he said, "What's sadly common about this is it's been going on for some time but the world is just taking note and before long there will be camera crews and journalists there--we'll continue to cover this story in the coming days." The world is just taking note? No, Nightly News is just taking note. Anyone who's been watching news on CBS, ABC, BBC, PBS, Deutsche Welle or any of the dozens of other news networks has been aware of this story for months. Those networks' camera crews are already there. It's shameful that Brian has ignored this story for so long and then has the nerve to congratulate himself for finally deigning to cover it. I guess he needed something to fill the time after Will & Kate went back home and Carmageddon fizzled out.
Friday 7/22: Did I say that Will & Kate had gone back home? No problem. Nightly News still found time to do a story on Kate's wedding dress. We were also treated to another pointless "Making A Difference" story about a man who cleans up rivers. Thanks, Nightly News producers.
Saturday 7/23: Nightly News aired a 2:15 story about the drought in Texas, but not a word about the drought in Africa. It's hard to feel sorry for farmers in Texas who are losing their crops when people in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are losing their lives.
**Before the first commercial break, Lester Holt promoted an upcoming story with this teaser: "How the palace is cashing in on Princess Kate." During the story (yet another story about Kate's wedding dress), correspondent Tazeen Ahmad said, "The Royal Family have been quick to capitalize on Kate's appeal." Are Lester and Tazeen kidding us? No one has capitalized on Will & Kate as much as Nightly News. I mean really--Nightly News even developed an iPad app for the Royal Wedding in an attempt to increase their viewing audience! And they have the nerve to accuse the Royal Family of cashing in on Kate? That's what I call chutzpah.
**What was the deal with that hideous two-minute commercial for the cheesy, fake-gold buffalo coin that ran on Saturday's Nightly News? Has NBC sunk so low that they need to accept advertising for this awful-looking trinket? Does anyone think this coin is worth ten cents? It contains 14 milligrams of gold. Do you know how much gold that is? It's 45/100,000 of an ounce of gold! Virtually nothing! It's just sad that NBC would run this commercial. It belongs on some high-number basic cable channel late at night.
**During the story on Amy Winehouse's death, Peter Alexander showed us a clip of Winehouse "Making her American TV debut on 'Late Night With David Letterman'." Actually, it's called "Late SHOW With David Letterman" (on CBS). "Late Night" is Jimmy Fallon's show on NBC. Letterman last hosted "Late Night" (on NBC) on June 25, 1993, when Winehouse was nine years old. Now, I understand that the Nightly News producers, correspondents and anchors make careless mistakes like this all the time. Constantly. But I suspect there's something else going on here. I think that Peter Alexander conspired with his producers to intentionally misstate the name of Letterman's show. It's well known that one of Brian Williams's main goals is to use his broadcast as a vehicle to promote other NBC shows. And this seems most true for NBC's late night programming. Over the years, Brian has relentlessly promoted Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon (and Conan O'Brien when he was at NBC). In the months leading up to the June, 2009 Tonight Show changeover from Jay to Conan, Brian was practically a one-man promotional force. Jay and Conan were featured constantly in Nightly News stories--even in stories that had absolutely nothing to do with late night TV. Similarly, Brian made a point of virtually ignoring Letterman, since he is the main competition for the Tonight Show. Even when proper news ethics would have mandated that Letterman be mentioned in a news story, Brian continued to pretend he didn't exist. Here's a typical example: On the 11/12/08 Nightly News, Kelly O'Donnell did a post-election story about John McCain. During the story, O'Donnell told us that McCain's presidential campaign had "kicked off on late night TV". True--McCain had announced his candidacy on Letterman's 2/28/07 show. But when O'Donnell and her producers showed clips from that show, they did not show a single shot of Letterman--although it was his show. O'Donnell did not once mention Letterman's name. Even the on-screen credit did not mention Letterman--it only mentioned World Wide Pants, Letterman's production company. Are we supposed to believe this was a coincidence? There was obviously a conspiracy among Brian, his producers and correspondents to never, ever mention Letterman on Nightly News for fear that it would hurt Leno's or Conan's ratings (O'Donnell's report aired just seven months before Conan was set to take over for Jay). So fast forward to this week when Peter Alexander "mistakenly" refers to Letterman's show as "Late Night" instead of "Late Show". I don't believe for a second that this was a mistake. I believe that Alexander intentionally misstated the name of Letterman's show so that people googling "Late Night" would be directed to NBC's "Late Night" instead of CBS's "Late Show". If it sounds petty, that's because it is. No one is pettier than Brian and his producers when it comes to promoting NBC's late night shows and treating Letterman as a non-entity. Of course, when it comes time for Brian to promote himself on Letterman's show every few months (as he did most recently on Monday), he strolls right onto Letterman's set as if the two of them are best of friends. And all the while, Brian is conducting his stealth campaign to keep people from watching Letterman's show. Talk about stabbing someone in the back. That's the definition of hypocrisy.
Sunday 7/24: On Saturday's Nightly News, a promo for Sunday's "Meet the Press" boasted that White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley's MTP appearance would be an "exclusive". Actually, no. Daley also appeared Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation". Do the Nightly News producers understand what "exclusive" means? Or are they just willing to intentionally mislead viewers about MTP guests' appearances in the hope of attracting a larger audience? I would guess the latter.
**During yet another story about the hot Weather in July, Lester Holt referred to the Weather Channel's Samantha Mohr as "Stephanie"--twice. Last Oct. 8, Brian called Savannah Guthrie "Samantha". What's the deal with Nightly News anchors and the name "Samantha"? Is it a secret code for something we're not supposed to know about?
Monday 7/25: In Michael Isikoff's story about how the terrorist attacks in Norway may have been provoked by American hate writing, we were shown a U.S. map featuring the states where anti-Muslim attacks have occurred. One of those states (highlighted in yellow) was Michigan. One problem--the Upper Peninsula (which is part of Michigan) was not highlighted. Maybe the Nightly News producers don't think that the UP is part of Michigan. Maybe they think it's part of Wisconsin. Or Canada.
**In his introduction to yet another story on Amy Winehouse, Brian told us that "she changed the music business". Really? How? He didn't bother to explain that ridiculous statement.
**Monday's 30-second obituary for Gen. John Shalikashvili was identical to Sunday's obituary. Did we really need to see two obits for Gen. Shalikashvili? I mean, he's not exactly Amy Winehouse.
**The final story of the night was an in-depth piece on the appropriateness of wearing flip-flops to work. Really. I mean it. This was an actual news story on NBC Nightly News. Of course, this was the best footwear story Nightly News has done since Stephanie Gosk's famous 6/24/09 three-minute masterpiece about the difficulties of going clubbing while wearing high-heels. Bravo, Nightly News producers. I only hope that the Peabody Awards Evaluation Committee was watching. Nightly News's devotion to serious reporting about footwear is truly commendable.
Brian,
Another thing you could confirm for me while you visit the Hill. Why does the rich keep getting hammered for taxes when they already pay a lot. From what I understand, the top 25% wage earners pay about 85% of the personal income taxes collected. I also find that about 51% of wage earners pay 0% in taxes and some of these people even get more back than what they paid. To my old school math, that leaves about 24% of wage earners paying the remaining 15% of the personal income taxes collected. Already looks a little lopsided to me. I think the last census showed 14% of the american people under the poverty level. So, how do we get from the 14% poverty level to the 51% that does not pay taxes?????????????????
Could you please answer these questions. Maybe one of the bloggers would like to take a shot at it. Can I say shot?
Could it be that the top 25% have most of the money and the bottom 50% don't have any money?
Could it be that the top 25% have most of the money and the bottom 50% don't have any money?
Hit the wrong button.
As I started to say, your information could be wrong. I was on unemployment for a while not too long ago. I made less than $16,000 that year. The government took out taxes on both my income and my unemployment check, most of which I didn't get back.
Therefore, I doubt your claim that 51% of wage earners pay 0% in taxes.
I would like to see some reporting on the tax structure of 1945-1975 in relation to the united states paying down the immense debt of world war two. The top tax bracket for this period was never under 50%. This historical approach could avoid the ideaological rhetoric that seems to be the focal point of todays coverage. It would also provide the public with some basic information to make an informed opinion. This tax structure element also ties in to the increased wealth disparity that began in the late 70's and early 80's and has persisted through the present day. I am an uneducated blue collar factory worker but I still expect more from educated, articulate and supposedely professional reporters. This issue of the national debt and how to pay it down is of critical importance. Simply placing reporters at different places in washington to play the he said -she said game without making any effort to provide bare basic context is absolutely negligent. I look forward to your coverage of this issue in the future.
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening as always! Nice to see you in the Washington studios! Enjoyed seeing you on "Late Night wit David Letterman" last night! Terrific impression of Regis Philbin! You were great One truly hopes some progress towards and agreement between the parties can help with the debt ceiling. Enough with the arguing and try to get something accomplished.
First of all the reports by Kelly O'Donnell and Mr.Todd which told of a true stalemate between the parties. Each side not willing to compromise on any of the issues and blaming eachother for not being able to get anything done. And the deadline of August 2nd looms closer. They certainly will need the extension of 30days of no agreement is reached by next Tuesday. It is extremely frustrating to see how this US government cannot seem to get this accomplished.
The report by Mr.Fletcher from Oslo told of how disturbed and insane the suspect who killed so many innocent people last Friday. Terribly frightening to hear how he carried out the horrible crime.
Ones thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who lost loved ones. So very tragic the loss of so many teenagers.
The report by Mr.Kachroo from the Horn of Africa showed how the situation of famine is extremely desperate. Seeing the babies in the hospital so very sick was heartwrenching and all the refugees coming into the camps trying to escape from conflict. One hopes so much all people receive supplies and medical attention, but they need so much more help.
The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Bazell about Dr.Ephraim Engleman was so inspirational. Dr. Engleman certainly does a great job! And being 100yrs old! Doing great work and a wonderful talent on the violin! A wonderful wife and family!
Nice Piece!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams! Peace to You and to All!
Be Well Everyone!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
Take Care Richard and Crew!
Lisa
The ONLY person I have seen come on television and say I should have my taxes raised is the President. I have seen none of the Congressmen, Senators, or people in the media say, "I make a lot of money and I should have my taxes raised while we are cutting Medicare and Social Security in order to try and make a impact on our debt" Why is that??? I agree with the President. My husband and I (both of whom are physicians) should have our taxes raised. Why isn't there a movement in the media including Mr. Williams, to speak up and say "I should have my taxes raised". What a great statement that would make if we had multiple Senators/Congresspersons, and the media, speak up for raising taxes on the really privileged few. That group (and I include myself) are going to do fine, but others less fortunate in our society are going to be hurt, and hurt badly with these changes. In a time when the gap between the haves and have nots is growing, someone has to stand up and say this is wrong. Before becoming a physician, I was a history major. One of the lessons of history - whether it be the French Revolution, or the Chinese revolution is that when there is a huge discrepancy between those with wealth and those without, major societal changes will take place. That is the trajectory that this country maybe on. I see very few of the privilege raising the alarm, and taking a lead to avoid this kind of catastrophe.
Oh Brian! You really disappointed me on the 7/27/11 broadcast (I know, you're crushed).
I could have sworn you said words to this effect: "Most sane people believe the debt ceiling should be raised."
It seems you have lost any pretentions of appearing to be an honest, unbiased reporter of the news. Some sane people out here think the US government is too big and needs to stop the wild spending spree (both parties). Our leaders in DC need to figure out how to "live within it's means" and not saddle future generations with absurd levels of debt. Your editorializing crossed a line, IMHO.
You are a very likeable guy with a good sense of humor, so I'll stick with you...for now. :)
Brian great show and after so many years of watching Presidents raise the debt ceiling without all the fuss we hear today it's good your viewers are wiser then most who find this confusing. President Reagan asked Congress to raise the debt ceiling 17 times during his 2 terms in office and some of the same Law Makers today didn't see it as a problem. Thank goodness you are one of the few who give fair balanced reports and let the viewer decide. Some thought Speaker Boehner had a great idea and until it was learned the numbers were all wrong. People are learning it's the job of the Congress to submit a bill to the President and not have the President do the job of the House/Congress/Senate.
Brian -
I am a huge fan of yours, but Lee Cowan's report last night on how people are fed up with "both sides in Washington" was terrible. I am so tired of the false equivalency in the mainstream media. "Honest reporting" does not mean that you have to pretend both parties are equally at fault. The fact is, only one party, the Democratic Party, was willing to compromise and get things done: cut some spending, and raise some taxes on rich people who can afford it, like they used to pay in the good old days. The other party, the Republican Party, is unwilling to compromise. This false "crisis" could be ended today, with a simple clean vote on raising the debt ceiling.
I am so tired of the mainstream media's perpetuation of the "both sides are to blame" argument. I am so tired of your refusal to call out Republicans just because it's easier to pretend "the whole thing is a mess." And you're scared of getting hate mail if you tell the truth that the Republicans have caused this crisis. I thought journalists were supposed to be brave.
I repeat, honest reportage of the news means you must report the truth, not play the false equivalency game. I expected better from you.
As a followup to my comment, let me quote Paul Krugman. Oh, I know that's such a no-no because he actually takes a position on things. But tell me what there is to disagree with here ():
"Think about what’s happening right now. We have a crisis in which the right is making insane demands, while the president and Democrats in Congress are bending over backward to be accommodating — offering plans that are all spending cuts and no taxes, plans that are far to the right of public opinion.
"So what do most news reports say? They portray it as a situation in which both sides are equally partisan, equally intransigent — because news reports always do that. And we have influential pundits calling out for a new centrist party, a new centrist president, to get us away from the evils of partisanship...
"You have to ask, what would it take for these news organizations and pundits to actually break with the convention that both sides are equally at fault?"
Brian: It's the Democrats who don't understand the will of the American people. The party reputes to be God's gift to the nation. They don't follow the Constitution of the United States, and are totally ignorant of the Declaration of Independence. It's true that both parties are to blame for this fixable mess, but the Democrats, if I may say. are traitors to the standards that the Founding Fathers envisioned for the American People. Lots of retirees, and others, may not receive their Social Security on time next month. My two most unfavorible people in the Democratic Party are the president, and Harry Reid, both traitors to the Constitution. We are becoming a Socialist nation, and this is only the beginning. If enough of the American people would research history, they would understand what led up to the consequences we are facing now. So to the writer who exclaimed the Democrats are the good guys, I say, study American History. I'll catch you from Washington on tonight's broadcast.
Marv: You complain that people might not get their Social Security checks next month, but then you complain that we're becoming a Socialist nation. You know that Social Security is a socialist program, right? So which is it?
Anyway, the Democrats were willing to compromise to get things done. They didn't particularly want to cut spending, but they agreed to do so in the name of centrism. But the Republicans have been unwilling to compromise. For them it's massive spending cuts that will destroy the social safety net (which means social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid) and that will also wreck the economy by reducing demand. It's their way or the highway.
These are facts. You didn't cite any; you just complained.
I hope any NBC News folks reading these comments will realize that this is not about two parties sharing the blame or being unable to agree. ONE PARTY is WILLING TO AGREE. The other party has decided not to play ball.
You're right. Social Security is a Socialist Program. It's full of 2.6 trillion dollars worth of IOUs
People shouldn't worry about the checks getting cut off anytime soon though. Listen to Mark Levin or Rush and they'll ease your mind. Especially Levin on this issue.
Don't let the terrorist (media) in New York get you down folks. They're only acting in their own economic best interest.
Just now on Fox News if Social Security checks are not sent out, IOU's will be in the mail in lieu
of the checks. Is this creative or crazy?
Brian: To change the subject, I would like to comment on the segment relating to the doctor who is still going strong, at the age of 100. The doctor's mind is still sharp as a tack. He lives because of his passion for helping the sick and impovrished. It's amazing that so many people were and are invoved with Robert. He mentioned in a blog, that he was in San Francisco searching for an additional story. Not only did he secure the interview, he also introduced us to his wife. I believe they have married for 75 years. This small segment was a great American story. I'll catch you tonight from the Speakers balcony.
Though it "may not be legal", the Democrats want President Obama to invoke the 14th Amendment
in the debt debate. Is the Constitution above the Law? The answer to this question is paramount,
in my opinion, though I did not complete the Paralegal Course.
Secretary of State Hilliary Clinton says she would not hesitate to invoke the 14th Amendment as the Constitution
is the ultimate Law of the Land, and she has the best political mind in her bed. Any law that
violates the Constiution can be declared null and void by the Courts, etc.
See I told you the Clinton klan started the Birther movement bahahhaha
Hmmmmmmm!!! Yes it is a relentless rumor, which like all rumors, will come full circle! And
bite somebody in the a-s:o) etc
Brian: this debt debacle is nothing more than political posturing. It's all about party,party,party. The good of the American people is being betrayed by people seeking notoriety for a savior complex. August 2nd is almost upon us, and the parties are playing a game of we came through. The broadcast from Washington was illuminating though it wasn't lenghthy. I am looking forward to the special on Sunday evening. It will give us more depth into the inner workings of Congress. I will catch tonight's broadcast.
Ill to the innocent and time will Tell
"How Republicans Screwed the Pooch" is an excellent article and I recommend it all to read it; however,
I wish the author of Daily Beast had not come up with this Title. I am not a prude, just thought of
Barney. Anyway, here's a solution to the Debt Limit Crisis as this is an American problem, and it'is
in the hands of the Senate and President Obama. The Senate should pass a non-bonding "sense
of the Senate" resolution recognizing President Obama's authority under the 14th Amendment
to raise the debit ceiling to the extent necesary to prevent default. Then the president would not
be impeached for abusing his authority, etc and the Senate would not, in effect, be abolished, etc
and we the people would no longer be living in a Banana Republic but "living in TODAY -HEBREWS 3,"
Phyllis Kunz