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Letters to MSNBC

A selection of comments about MSNBC.com stories.
/ Source: msnbc.com

Reader:
Below is a selection of e-mail comments we’ve received in recent days to stories by our writers. Several have been edited for length.

• February 28, 2005



Over 115 Iraqis were killed by a suicide car bomb while standing in line to get jobs as police or in the national guard. Tracking down those responsible for the terrorism needs to become as aggressive as possible.
It sounds politically incorrect, but all male Sunni Muslims 14 years of age and older need to be rounded up and put in internment camps in this province.  If there is evidence of suicide bombers being recruited in neighboring Sunni countries (such as Syria), sanctions against those countries need to be established.
What are we doing for intelligence leads?  It is amazing how Israel can have excellent intelligence on Muslims, but the US can do nothing but be on the defensive in ambush after ambush.  Where we are losing in this war of ambush is the near total lack of good intelligence to identify and capture terrorists.
Shiite Muslims are trying to take over their own protection. This is precisely what we need to disengage and withdraw our troops. Therefore, it is a high priority to protect recruits.
Michael Peters
 


How can parents or coaches discourage steroid use when someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger brags about using them. We certainly do have poor role models in the public eye now. Drug abuse and corruption seem to be the standard we are setting for our young people.
Patsy Evans



Sometimes we think our life must go on as usual or we will just perish. I am not a Roman Catholic but I think the life of the Pope is most important. I realize that another five minutes could have waited.  It interrupted my soap opera, so what?
It will continue another day and I will find out what happened. The Holy Father is a very important person on this earth. I think you did the right thing. It is your job as news people to let us know the good and the bad in a timely manner.  thank you for your sometimes very hard and thankless work. 
Anonymous



As a fan of your "Week In Pictures" publication I was very disappointed with your choice of the photo entitled "Touch and Go" as it was extremely offensive.  I understand everyone has different opinions and uneducated views regarding such cruelties to animals but I'm very surprised that you chose not to employ the use of your 'warning' system which has been used for photos far less graphic (in my opinion). Just because this photo involved an animal being tortured and not a human doesn't mean it was any less graphic.  Shame on you, MSNBC. 
Trish Poskevich

Nasty, nasty, nasty!  I don't normally write letters like this but I just couldn't help myself tonight.  I visit your website on occasion because I love your Week in Pictures feature. I hadn't visited in a couple of weeks so I thought I would drop by tonight and when I did I found pictures from the Oscars. The captions we're downright venomous.
The Oscars are really, in the grand scheme of things, silly. A needed distraction in times such as these. It wouldn't hurt to treat them with the seriousness they deserve and lighten up. People, there's a war going on. Let's save the nastiness for the actual crimes against humanity!

Lisa Stevens

• February 25, 2005



I paid $24.95 for my ChoicePoint employment background check and found out I am being slandered with a non-existent theft conviction in Texas. I have been wondering why I don't get an interview after an employment application. This is outrageous! How do you fight disinformation you don't even know about? I think they had an arbitration clause in their user agreement too. Companies like ChoicePoint should be held accountable for assembling disinformation and then distributing it like it is the absolute truth. I will check with an attorney and then start writing to my representatives.
Mark Wheeler

The recent problems with ChoicePoint only highlights the long-standing problem of identity theft and the “do-nothing-until-pressured” stance of the government. Well, I wish to contribute to the pressure to get the government to act as it ought to, which is to protect citizens from fraud.
First of all, ever time I read an article about identity theft, I become angry at the government for not holding businesses responsible for their contribution to the problem. Banks and internet businesses continue to put out their propaganda that internet commerce is safe and has no risks, while not mentioning the loopholes in their “no risk guarantees.” The fact is there are plenty of victims of identity theft who suffer financial losses, and the vast majority of them are victims because of sloppy business practices (it was due to the policy decisions of those businesses that made fraud possible and not because of the choices made by individuals). Therefore, the businesses should shoulder the losses, not the individuals who had no choice in the matter, and the laws of the land should make this crystal clear.
Second, businesses should be required to notify all individuals of substantial financial dealings that are being done in their name, both by the post-office and by e-mail. This requirement is not as hard to implement as it may sound.
As for reigning in these database companies and who they give information to, I think this is a good idea, but in itself, it is inadequate. Such information will always find its way to thieves, one way or another, and the best way to thwart them is to make it increasingly difficult to use such information without the person whose identity they are stealing knowing about it. And knowing about it relatively soon. In other words, give people a fair chance to monitor what is being done in their name and what is being recorded about them.
Dave



I was highly offended by the article 'Best song? More like most mediocre.' There was a phrase that was VERY OFFENSIVE AND VERY DISCRIMINATING!!!! Helen A. S. Popkin said this (and I quote): "C’mon, people! Only the most cape-wearing, Renaissance-festival-attending, EverQuest-playing, eight-sided-die-throwing obsessive remembers “Into the West.”
Now you may be asking what’s so wrong with that phrase. Well I am an online gamer, I have role-played various forms of games (yes dungeons and dragons is one of them!). As a gamer we tend to get stereotyped allot like some one sitting in a basement, wearing the same clothes for 7 days and eating twinkes and drinking mountain dew while wondering how I can get the
game-master (the person who runs a role playing game) to give me the BEST ITEMS in the game.
I am working on two bachelor degrees (one in IT management and one in IT security) I hold an IQ of 193 and I have also Preformed in various stage shows, movies, commercials and have done stand up and improv around Chicago land area.
I AM NO OBBSESSIVE GEEK!!!! I may be smart, and I may a bit overweight (I have a thyroid condition that runs in the family) and I take HIGH OFFENSIVE to those who type us Gamers in such a fashion!  I demand satisfaction and SOME form of apology for this remark! Preferably written on the MSNBC website, but I will settle for a letter e-mailed back to me from this writer and from the editor.
Michael John Stark



I am sending this to you, regarding the "breaking in on" the Dr. Phil Show on NBC regarding the Pope's tracheotomy on 2/24 at 3:51 EST. Who is the IDIOT that decided to do this? Dr. Phil had one of the most engrossing shows on that I have ever witnessed, and the last few minutes are lost to us! There was nothing about the Pope's condition that couldn't have waited 9 more minutes. I am a Catholic, and I pray for the Pope to get better. But having to get the news out before the other networks like you just did makes me want to puke! In the future, if you're going to do something this asinine again, tape delay the program that you're breaking in on! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!!!!
Jim Germann

I am steaming mad! You guys are sometimes so dumb about interrupting a TV show for a not so important story. I'm not saying the pope isn't important, but his story could have waited five more minutes before you had to come on TV and report his surgery. In fact his surgery was not that important. The show i was watching (mountain time)  only had 5 minutes left to play. Because of your interruption, i didn't get to see the end of the show. I'm happy the guy is getting treatment, but it is not that important that you had to interrupt another show to tell us about it.
Tix2Grr

I strongly object to the interruption of the Dr. Phil show today at a very critical portion of the program. News of the Pope could have waited the last few minutes of the programming.  This was a very intense program, and should not have been interrupted.  Shame on NBC.
Marjean Hughey

A show I was watching had 10 minutes left and it was interrupted by news of the Pope's tracheotomy. I think a tracheotomy could have waited until the show ended. Do you know how many tracheotomies are performed? I don't care that it was the Pope. It could have waited.
Jaimie

• February 24, 2005


The extent of your coverage on Jeff Gannon / Guckert reveals the demise of free press in the USA. After 9/11 the media gave the president a free pass. Emboldened in his second term, and supported by ostensible propaganda machines like FOX News, the administration continues to fly directly in the face of our nation's principles. The press has become a limp Palm Tree swaying in the winds of a Texas Twister. You bring Gannon/Guckert onto the Today Show, as if he is some sort of celebrity, effectively keeping him out of the "real" news you report in the evening.
Your concern for ratings has trumped the truth in your reporting. So what is the point of a free press now?  You are using your freedom to make money, not provide us with truth.  With your freedom comes responsibility, a pact with the viewers that you will raise the ire of those in power when they transgress the legal and ethical borders of governance.
You've forsaken this responsibility and, as such, have lost the trust of the American people.  So they turn to Bill O'Reilly, because he doesn't squint when he lies; becuaes he lies with the confidence of truth. 
Your lack of coverage of the Gannon/Guckert scandal is appalling and depressing. The mainstream media has finally sold the remaining portions of its soul. American free press is dead.  This is just the beginning.
Craig Rothstein



Regarding "Ready or not, here comes campaign season - Races from L.A. to N.Y. offer some hope to Democrats," Mark Murray somehow wants us to believe that these races could be an inflection point.  It's hard to fathom how one could come to this conclusion in citing four races, three of which have Democrat incumbents, three of which are in solidly Democrat areas and one of which is being contested only by Democrats.  Truth be told, they should win at least three of four and it might easily be said that these races could represent quite some fear to Democrats as well.  It's not inconceivable that three of the four (with LA, uncontested by Republicans) could go Republican. 
Jiri Nechleba




As ordinary civilian industries become increasingly competitive with lower and lower profit margins, the weapons trade remains a very lucrative business.  It's very interesting to see the commercial and economic underside of our love/hate relationship with Europe.  It's also very interesting to see the obvious hypocrisy of such modern villains as Steven Bryen.  It's precisely this kind of irresponsible commerce that has prevented the middle east from becoming a peaceful place.
J Adams

• February 23, 2005

First, I'd like to say thank you for making autism a talked-about subject.
I have an autistic son who was diagnosed at a very early age and has been in every program available to him to help aide him in his development.  While I find your series informative I am also very discouraged that the words "grown out of his/her autism" is very misleading to parents of newly diagnosed autistic children.
The reality is most of these children are moderately to severely autistic..  while my son is a very happy 9-year-old, he has no verbal skills, isn't potty trained, has severe repetitive movements does a lot of "huffing" and whistling noises, needs medications to help him sleep and keep his mood swings under control.
He NEVER stops moving until he goes to bed at night. People need to see both sides of the autism spectrum. It's a hard enough disability to understand, but parents just starting this journey need to see the harsh reality of what it can be or what they can make it be for them.
I've chosen to believe God gave me my son because I needed him to show me compassion and he needed someone who could take what they are given and make the very best of a situation that doesn't have to swallow you alive. 
Dianne Polley

I just logged on and saw your Autism Awareness campaign and it is an answer to many prayers.......THANK YOU!
Our son has Aspergers Syndrome and it is so isolating and hard for people to understand our situation. Thank you so much for doing such a super job raising people's consciousness about this!
Tera Feigen

No question autism can be devastating to a family. But isn’t forcing insurance companies to provide coverage, in reality, a “tax” on all insurance buyers which will increase the cost of private insurance forcing some to drop coverage? There are already too many mandated coverages forcing the price of up.
Frank Fuller



I just read the AP article concerning the proposed budget cuts from the President.  I think the suggestions are a very good start, I doubt anyone wants to cut their item of most interest, but we all have to sacrifice if we, in fact, want to balance the budget and reduce the deficits. We CAN'T keep running up the deficit, the stopping has to start someplace. I think the President is courageous and to be commended for his direct approach to tame what few other Presidents' even whispered or thought about: THE NATIONAL DEBT.  IT IS A DISGRACE.
Loi Koller

• February 18, 2005



Dear Editor,
I am greatly disappointed that your editorial staff and/or company chose to pull the centerpiece on Malcolm X ("Down for the Cause Before the Cause") from the highlight reel today. Michel Ross' article was a well written one that had cultural, historical, and educational value.
It seems ironic that while Ross spent time exploring the ultra conservative fears that made Nebraska choose not to honor its own native son in the Nebraska Hall of Fame, the same paralyzing fears caused your company to pull the article. Moreover, you've missed an opportunity to touch millions of Internet surfers (including a large African-American contingency) by exposing the world to the legacy of a man who's purpose still remains clouded in mystery.
The choice that you made today is one that continues to make the struggle for racial equality in the states seems like a goal just beyond the reach of America.
Robert Callahan



I have been reading international newspapers about the current Bush visit.  I would highly recommend that MSNBC start some type of regular coverage of perspectives from other countries. 
The British are designating the president as Bush II. There are rumors that his current trip to Europe was planned after the first results on Election Day when Kerry was in the lead.  His tour agenda leaves many guessing as to the logic, as it seems like a vacation.  In the U.S., we are hearing about the tour, but not the crowds outside with banners demanding Bush to go home.  Like everything else coming from the administration, a happy facelift will be done for the tour.  The truth is that an overwhelming majority of people in other countries HATE George W.
Bush.  As long as our troops remain in Iraq, that hate will be stimulated with no amount of diplomacy effectively compensating.  The question also has been repeatedly asked "what's the point of his visit" as his presence seems to be more of an irritant to Europeans than real diplomacy. 
Michael Peters



It's about time the BSA was investigated.  Some 45 years ago, I was denied membership because I wasn't Christian enough. The BSA is in the business of promoting the Christian religion along with good-deed-doing and as such should get no government money (my money).  It would be appropriate to make them give it all back and prosecute the leaders for fraud.
C. Fetterman

• February 18, 2005



Out of curiosity, why was Bill Cosby’s story listed under “Race Relations” in your News section?
To my understanding the alleged charges against him had nothing to do with his race. So are you not making it a “race relation” by listing him in a section devoted to minorities?  I believe it belongs under news just as every other white figure in the United States accused of sexual misconduct belongs.
Bryanna Mundil



I am truly appalled by your company's "front-page" MSNBC.com story regarding the Boy Scouts and the "organizational padding" which, according to your reporters, occurs all over the nation.  I can't believe that an international news company such as NBC is unable to find a story with some semblance of international importance to post on the front page as opposed to blatantly trying to destroy and demonize one of the greatest organizations in America and clearly, one of the last "moral-threads" left in our society, the Boy Scouts.  If I were a Boy Scout working for NBC, I would be ashamed of that story!
You should run that story board by a current Boy Scout Troop Leader or Eagle Scout in your ranks at NBC before publishing such rubbish (I certainly hope you wouldn't discriminate against men who apply to NBC who have ever been involved in Scouting, then again, I suppose I wouldn't put anything past your company now).  Rather than making the Boy Scouts look like a shady, unorganized group of homophobic, bible-banging, conspiring youth, why don't you report on the many good deeds the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts perform every day!  I think its a sad day when your company and so many of the other media outlets in this country so quickly and easily forget that this is "One Nation Under God" and that the Boy Scouts of America has facilitated the development of and taught so many of country's greatest leaders, fathers, and sons.  I'll never use MSNBC.com again!
Shame on you!
Bryce Chaney, Eagle Scout '96

My first response to the story was why would the FBI waste taxpayer dollars and time on BSA membership numbers, then I heard the $83Million+ in support funds granted based on enrollment and some of that is  funding from the US Government
Pretty appalling that the Scouts lied.  Girl Scouts probably do the same.
More appalling that BSA records Social Security numbers. Why would any child be required to submit SS# to join Scouts? 
No wonder there is so much ID Theft. 
E. J. Lorimer



As an Anthropology student I was greatly interested at first in your article. I was however disgusted with the word usages to describe them. “Primitive group” hit a nerve but I have come to expect this terminology to be used sometimes. The statement “the population of this Stone-Age tribe” was the straw.  True they are the first type of social political organization of the human race, but they anything but primitive. Primitive, is humans running around nude still eating fruit and berries with no stone tool in site.
What exactly does the author want to imply?
Yours,
M. Shier



The pointless savagery of the hunt needs no elaboration. It should be obvious that people who are frightened of everything and nothing enjoy few things more than vicariously inflicting pain on others, be they animal or human. 
There is a word for Mr. Miller and his fox hunting friends.  It's the "p" word.  Pathetic.
And tell Mr. Miller to leave the exclamation points behind.
Terry McCormick

• February 17, 2005

In your story, Andy Eckardt, the producer for NBC News, the author makes the following statement:
"Until now, this historic German city has been best known for its more than 1,000-year-old cathedral and as the place where the first ever book, the famous Gutenberg Bible, was printed."
The first ever book?  No.  Books have been around a lot longer than the printing press, which was what Gutenberg invented.  He certainly didn't invent the book.  Generally, the book was thought to have been invented during Roman Imperial times in what is now Turkey. They wrote on parchment (treated animal skins) rather than papyrus.  Parchment is hard to roll into scrolls, so someone thought of cutting parchment into a regular size, and binding it flat.
Five seconds of research would have spotted this error. If you can't fact check simple historical content, how can we trust you to get anything right? Clean up your act. 
Gregory Tooman

Andy Eckardt's message about President Bush visiting Mainz, Germany states that it is the home of the first book ever printed.  Books were being printed in Muslim Spain long before Gutenberg.  Gutenberg got his ideas from Muslim Spain.  Books were being printed in Egypt, Damascus, and Bagdad long before Europe got the knowledge from Muslim Spain.
Ghazy M. Kader



Please, I give no credit to a man who acts or should I say reacts the way he does.  A wife beater, bar brawls and whatever else, why are we giving so much attention to this guy.
My father who is now passed away had a chance in the late 40's to play professional baseball.  Due to a hidden heart problem during a physical, he was not able to play and then went to work with Sears Roebuck and retired in 1984 after 38 years. He worked hard and provided for his family. 
Professional baseball or any other professional sport doesn't give someone the right to behave badly. I also believe these people in sports make just too much money. Maybe that's why they get in trouble.
Judy Garcia Rosynsky



Concerning the ChoicePoint identity theft:  How is it even legal for a company to make millions of dollars off of people's personal information without the people's knowledge that the company has this information. You would think (with all the advancements in technology, which ultimately leads to more identity theft) that it would be required for a company such as ChoicePoint to get a person's permission before any of their personal information is even gathered into a database, much less sold to any third party.
Are there any laws in the making concerning this issue, other than disclosure laws?  Maybe laws that make it illegal to sell anyone's personal information to anyone for any reason, without prior consent of the person whose personal information is at stake.  Are there any bills on the table banning the sell of another's personal information outright?  Or possibly outlawing the gathering of vast personal information into a database in the first place?  Some kind of nationwide plan needs to be worked out, not only to protect the people of this nation, but to protect people across the globe.
Chris Sifford
Arlington, TX

Check Point data collection company should be held responsible for the information loss.. They set out to collect and sell data on every individual in the country. It is their obligation to protect that data. Their failure (obviously caused by greed) should make CheckPoint responsible for every ones trouble and loss... a class action suit will make them accountable..
Harold Kemnitz



When will someone please step in and referee the frothy furor that continually arises over allegations or ostensible allegations of "anti-semitism" such as the present mud-wrestling match between webblogger Eric Alterman and journalist Cathy Young? 
Shouldn't there be some ethical rules in "journalistic" exchanges (op ed pieces, webblogs, etc)? For starters, if someone makes a serious and potentially damaging allegation against another person, the subject should get the opportunity for FULL REBUTTAL! 
Shouldn't there be someone who has the courage and integrity to step in and say, "Dudes, chill. Everything is not black and white. Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't mean you have stoop to smearing their reputation." And, what happened to the enlightened concept of personal accountability for thoughts, words, and deeds, and the consequences ~ intended or unintended, related thereto?
The continuing downward spiral of what passes for "public discourse" let alone "news" tracks the demise of civility and mutual respect necessary for civilization to continue. Someone needs to speak up about this truly ominous trend, or soon, dispirited, - no one will even bother to read or watch the "news" or participate in "public dialogue." It is getting too toxic.
And when people have nowhere to go to read and discuss current events and ideas, when the marketplace of ideas is torn asunder by Vandals - a civilization is in danger of falling from within.
An Enemy of Yellow Journalism

• February 16, 2005


Earlier TV reports suggested possible attack

This morning I opened the MSNBC.com webpage to breaking news about an explosion in Iran.  When I went to follow up later, it had been removed from the site. I would like to know as an avid MSNBC reader/fan, what happened to the follow up on this story?  Was this an oops that should not of been seen by your readers?
Judith M. Rivera

Looks like you must have been short on exciting gripping headlines for MSNBC news front page today (2/16/05). Why is it that you are reporting as a proven fact on the front page the THEORY of global warming, and the THEORY that some scientists link CO2 emissions to the THEORY of global warming. It is just that, a THEORY that hasn't been proven or disproved and does not enjoy complete and widespread acceptance in the scientific community, but only on the mainstream media and public perception as a consequence of that reporting.
I personally believe that heavy deforestation is a bad thing especially when it goes on unchecked.
Personally I thought that your picture story was a little weak in "proving" the warning signs about global warming anyhow.
Please don’t report as fact things that have not yet been scientifically proven. There is enough real and present threats to our lives and safety, don’t invent more stuff for the average Joe to worry about.
Keith

We are not influencing our earths temperature. I understand the need to create jobs and economies by fabricating a "global warming scare", sounds BIG doesn't it?
I'm sorry if this threatens the jobs of many "scientists" and scholars, however, it is well know that many of these same "scientists" lack wisdom.  Over the centuries man has been notorious for being delusional. God has always (since creating the earth) balanced the earths atmosphere, and we are not going to "throw that off." I understand if we need to make our air cleaner for the day to day quality of breathing, however, the system we live in (earth and surrounding atmosphere) takes care of itself.
Question: What if God (who knows the future) has already considered that we (man) would create emissions, and made the earth (and atmosphere) to balance itself?
Come on, think bigger, think outside the box, think like our creator!!!
Mike Cartales

Pls take a look at the picture on your homepage—you show a factory emitting clouds of steam.  Steam is not a greenhouse gas, it is not pollution, it is harmless.  Your link “images of warming” at the base of the picture is also very misleading.  The use of a picture of steam in this way perpetuates a negative and incorrect image of US manufacturing that unfortunately many people hold.   Thanks for your time,
Larry Kavanagh
American Iron & Steel Institute

• February 14, 2005




As a Christian, I want to say thanks for the fair and balanced article you wrote on the subject of sports and the faith of athletes. I think too often, most people who claim to be Christian, tend to assume that the "mainstream media" will always portray people of Christian faith as something less than "wonderful." Your article, I felt, very accurately gave a view of the way many "believers" in sport feel.
I also want to say that I agree with the sentiments of Mr. Silverman of the American Atheists.  God never has, or ever will, care one iota about which team wins a game, in my opinion. The Bible is pretty clear in stating that he only seeks to gather those who have been lost (that would be us!).  The health, safety, and well being of athletes, in my opinion, is of much more concern to the Creator (if I may be so bold as to assume the mind of God!!).
I also believe that individuals on a team should not be forced to pray, or even feel forced.  However, I do not think that "in the interest of fairness" praying, or professing of faith should be eliminated from sports either. We live in a free society, and freedom works both ways.  I will say this, if I was on an athletic team, and had a teammate who professed to be an atheist, I would accept, and support him/her the same as anyone. I would be praying my guts out for that friend/teammate, though.  That, they cannot stop, for I would love them too much to do that!!
Brad Alexander



I saw this and decided to submit some other newsworthy headlines:
—Scientists Say Key to Losing Weight is Eating Less Food.
—Kermit the Frog Found to be a Frog.
—Kim Jong Il is Korean.
—Married Couples Who Don't Get Divorced Remain Married.
FOX already exists, so can you, like, be a SMART news source? I'd appreciate it!
-Craig Rothstein




I would like to know how much Oakley Sunglasses is paying for their 3-day stay on the front page of your MSNBC.com website. I am a longtime reader of your site.  I find it disgraceful you can continue to run such a blatant advertisement, not so cleverly disguised as news.  Those of us who are interested in reading real news need not be bombarded with such crass commercialism.
Tim Russell



The photo that came up on this article was disturbing and too graphic for my taste. I like to get my news from MSNBC's web site, but I have a 4-year-old looking over my shoulder at times and photos such as these are unacceptable.
I hope better judgment is used in the future on such articles. I am sure there were other photos that could have told the story in a more sensitive way. If these disturbing images keep coming up when I am looking at the news, I guess I will just find another news source.
B. Aune

• February 10, 2005

Where's the Gannon scandal?

On MSNBC.com, I don’t find any coverage of the current “Jeff Gannon”/James Guckert scandal.  Why is that? The story is huge and has everything: sex, prostitution, treason (with regards to the blowing of Valerie Plaime’s cover), influence peddling, daily provisioning of Presidential press pass access being given to a non-journalist with a pseudonym, etc., etc.
I am aware that Keith Olbermann, on his MSNBC TV program, discussed this scandal yesterday, but that qualifies as “commentary.” Where is the front-page article that this scandal (and the American people) deserves?  Or is MSNBC on the Whitehouse payroll, too?

Michael D. VanAtta

I find it very telling that you have glaringly omitted the story of Jeff Gannon (the fraudulent "Talon News" reporter wannabe) from the MSNBC website and cable news channel. You are doing the public a disservice by not revealing the White House's tactics and the poor company the Bush Administration keeps. MSNBC is an accomplice as far as I'm concerned. The Washington Post has enough integrity to report the story, but you don't.
An obvious conscious decision has been made to not provide a link to the article. However, Paris Hilton posing for Playboy and Prince Charles' impending nuptials to his longtime paramour seem to be more newsworthy in your eyes.

Jack E. Resmondo Jr.

What is with you people and this "Pentagon inquiry confirms sexual tactics?" I am so sick and tired of you liberals that keep harping on the treatment of these people look at what they do chop heads off use, car bombs slaughter their own people. Look at what they have done to american prisoners killed them all. And you talk about their liberties they were caught in a war zone for heavens sake why don`t we just give them all money and send them back to thier countries so they can kill more people.I still have Nick Bergs screams in my ears and you keep talking about this crap

Mark Boucher

Doesn't this article pander to the terrorists?
We all want to be treated with respect but it seems the standard expected by the detainees is a bit ridiculous.
There's nothing here about pliers or electric wires and real torture.
It is fake blood after all and the rest is interrogators with big tits???
I think you are giving our enemies ammunition for hatred because you can be sure that this will be resold as prisoners are mistreated sexually which is clearly far from true. This article should point out that the allegations are ridiculous and that the detainees do have access to lawyers and are clearly in excellent physical and mental health and actively contrast it with the way abductees are treated in Iraq.
Lets no forget that these Islamic's want to have every woman in big black shapeless robes and to only speak when spoken too. So I suppose they complain about that too: the women ask them questions and look them in the eye. No doubt there army clothes show off far too much.
Anyway this should not even be news: The prisoners better be unhappy and must be squeezed for info. I don't want to here about them having such a rigorous schedule that they all leave with law degrees.
Anyway let's not forget that with a few exceptions most of these detainees would be happy to slit any Western throat and think that they will go straight to heaven for it. So let's keep it real please.

Peter Williams


• February 9, 2005



Consistently, your MSNBC headlines continue to reflect the left-wing bias that is causing progressive loss of respect for the objectivity of your reporting. For example, yesterday's headline concerning Secretary of State C. Rice's remarks in Europe stating: RICE TRIES TO MEND TIES WITH EUROPE would have been better summarized as "RICE OFFERS EUROPE A CHANCE TO JOIN THE WINNING SIDE.
What the Secretary of State actually said was that dealing with the world's problems requires joint efforts and that America stands ready to cooperate with European nations if they assume a posture of cooperation rather than negativism and resentment of America's continued progress in combatting extremeism and terrorism.
Henry D. Y. Townsend



So much for the "liberal" media I think the so called article," Ten things you should know about the federal budget" might as well be called "10 reasons Bush's budget is just dandy"  I realize it won't pass in the form it is in now, but all ten things were basically saying that there is nothing unusual about it.  You minimize legitimate concerns and argue wether 2004 was really a record budget deficit.  I guess with the right accountant (wink wink) it wasn't.  It makes me wonder if you are not on the payroll of the Bush administration like Armstrong Williams.

Dan Miller

Please do a full article on the 10th item in "Ten things to know about the federal budget " By Tom Curry, National affairs writer MSNBC.  This is the first time I have ever seen this information in print.
The surplus or deficit in any given year is only a snapshot of the difference between receipts and outlays. If one ponders the payments the federal government has promised to make in 2020 and beyond, the picture is more daunting.
The GAO’s recent study of the government’s Consolidated Financial Statements for FY 2004 found that the government last year "added $13 trillion in new liabilities, unfunded commitments, and other obligations, principally due to the new Medicare prescription drug program. The federal government’s net liabilities, unfunded commitments, and other obligations now amount to more than $43 trillion, or about $350,000 for every full-time worker."
George W. Bush's recent budget is appalling: new tax cuts, cuts to the super rich being made permanent, the largest annual budget in US history, the largest defecit and debt in US history. However, what is even more appalling is the near total lack of news media courage to cover and challenge the current fiscal incompetency. We are taking a big financial hit due to his "fix" on Medicaid, and now we wants to do the same for Social Security.  This GAO report has been buried for obvious reasons and needs to be the headlines in all news coverage.  The public is on a need to know basis, and we desperately need to know how deeply indebted the government is.

Michael Peters

Dear Editor,
BJ Jackson Slide Show and Story was simply what we all need to see and hear.  We need MORE GOOD UPLIFTING NEWS like this.  I am proud to be an American Citizen every breathing second.

Andy Ramirez

• February 8, 2005



I feel the mother should get a ticket for teaching the 4-year-old to drive.  Even though she was asleep and he took the keys without her knowing, she admitted that she taught him how to drive by allowing him to sit in her lap. This is against the law and she should be fined for the damages he caused!
Theresa


From your web letter about the girls and the chocolate-chip cookies. The complaining neighbor that sued is exactly what’s wrong with society. If receiving no answer from a question upsets her to the point of hospitalization she should be permanently institutionalized.
What a terrible existence being a human must be for her. Most people would have been “big” enough to accept a telephoned apology and an offer to pay her hospital bill, she simply proved how little and petty she really is. Wouldn’t it be nice if the world didn’t have this type of person?
Will Smith


After seeing the broadcast on the today show regarding this article and reading the same on your website, I am appalled at the author Diane Shader. In her efforts to feel better about her own reasons for her infidelities, she portrays women as being just as shallow as men when it comes to be unfaithful to their husbands.
I am sure there are a few like her that cheat even though their husbands are perfect (as if this exists), but for the most part there, woman cheat for much more profound reasons. In the beginning of these marriages (with their perfect husbands) they are made to feel special and cherished, years into these same relationships they are mistreated and ignored and are made to feel bad about themselves.
Maybe she should have talked to more those woman instead of getting bored) before she wrote all that other nonsense and trying to make cheating glamorous. Its not; it is what it is -- deceitful ... if you want to experience other people, .go ahead. But be a man or a woman about it get a divorce, yes, you may have to give a cushy lifestyle... That's the price you have to pay. After all what are you teaching your children who are watching all this occur.
Linda

• February 7, 2005



I read your article, "McCartney plays it safe in halftime show" on the website in which you identified the reference to an illegal substance, but you missed the irony of the entire performance. FOX and the FCC assumed it would be "safe" from wardrobe malfunctions, yet it was not by chance McCartney chose songs with lyrics about drugs in Hey Jude, "The minute you let her under your skin..."; and transvestites in Get Back, "Sweet Loretta Martin thought she was a woman but she was another man.... "
The point is, who cares? Parents must take the responsibility for educating their children on these issues and not leave it to the government and the FCC to do so. These right-wing church movements should begin lokking internally for offensive acts.

Ed, USA

Who is the AP writer who wrote about the Super Bowl halftime show, and who are the 22 percent of the respondents to the MSNBC.COM poll who called the halftime show a "snooze"?
I have watched EVERY Super Bowl since Super Bowl III, and I can say this was the most exciting Super Bowl halftime show I have ever seen!
Most Super Bowl halftime shows are lame, with "entertainers" lip sync-ing to stale pre-recorded music.  McCartney's performance was fresh, and alive.
All four songs were moving, there were no distracting dancers, and you could tell he and his band weren't lip sync-ing.
The entire crowd at the Gator Bowl, as well as the millions watching on television, were privileged to enjoy a special treat in seeing a Beatle perform live.  In fact, I almost felt sorry for the players and coaches on the Patriots and Eagles who weren't able to see the performance. The Beatles were not only the most important music act in history, but the song writing team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney (composers of three of the four songs McCartney performed tonight) ranks with Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach as being among the greatest composers in history!
McCartney and his band did not mail the performance in, either. They were right on. This was, unquestionably, the best Super Bowl halftime show I have ever seen. I can't understand how anyone could think differently!
Sincerely,
Marty Babicz

I think it a shame they are cancelling Star Trek Enterprise. The show itself is great. The way UPN is handling the series is what is dooming it.  Not enough affliliates are showing it. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we can not get it on local channels. 
I have to download the show off the internet to view it.  I share it with about a dozen other people.
Glenn Meisner

Earlier today I was shocked to hear my favorite show, Star Trek : Enterprise, was cancelled.  I am heartbroken at this development and the decision of Les Moonves, CBS President.  For over the last four years I have vigorously watched Enterprise, waiting and hoping for each new season with great and more anticipation than the last, and now it has been ended before its time.  As I write this, the show is in the middle of season four, and has been critically praised as the best and most plot driven of the entire show.
  It should have been given a better chance, Les Moonves and Dawn Ostroff should have taken better care.  Furthermore, I am disgusted with UPN, CBS, Paramount, and Viacom and the handling of one of its most storied cash cows, in terms of the entire Star Trek franchise.  They never knew what they had, Star Trek was like a parent to them, and they abused it - putting it into a grave.  For instance, I watched UPN only for Star Trek : Enterprise, and I don't remember seeing many advertisements promoting the show.
As far as I'm concerned they buried it on purpose, without giving thought to the backlash we the fans will give in return, we will bury them instead.  I'm sickened by the leaders of those companies and I believe the best course of action, would be to get the word out about how they ruined a great show for many fans.  I for one will never forget or forgive.
Sincerely,
Disgruntled fan of ALL things TREK.

After reading your latest headline article 20 dead as Iraq "insurgents launch fresh attacks", and seeing how it only lists the dead or wounded from the Iraqi and American defenders of Iraq, I am prompted to write and ask "why not also add how the defenders faired in the battles"? Did the police at the attacked police station capture, wound or kill any of the insurgents? Was the car bomb that ignited near the house where the American snipers stayed empty or did an insurgent die in the incident? Do you not wish to add any positive points to these episodes? Certainly the Iraqi's and Americans are making a positive impact since elections were held. Do us all a favor and add a few positive notes in your articles so we still feel the need to visit your website!
Mark Nazeck



I was wondering why there has been no coverage of the crisis in Nepal. As I understand it all phone and internet lines have been cut and airplanes diverted from the country, in effect cutting off all communication to the outside world.
The king ordered this. This is the same king alleged to have murdered the entire royal family a few years ago. Why are the press organizations ignorring this?
I would appreciate some coverage of what I think is an appalling situation. Basically the king cancelled democracy and freedome of communication, much as China does with its internet.
Gail Carson

• February 4, 2005


Why has not this story been featured on your newscasts? Why have not the other networks and wire services picked it up?  This is concerning our national heritage.
Where would this country be without horses? They are a gift to us -- God's kinetic sculpture -- and we are going to slaughter them??!!
Please do as much as you can to feature this story. If it is made know to the public, you will see a grassroots ground swell that will be tremendous.
Kathy Carey