Bill Moyers Journal: Welcome to The Blog

I am listening to the 8/2/09 broadcast on healthcare. I am an uninsured American who suffers from hypertension, who has a history of breast cancer, and family history of diabetes. Tick-tock, huh! I work in a medical office, and often have to contact insurance companies for clarification on coverage. Is anyone aware of the out-sourcing of those jobs? I often talk to people in the Phillipines or in India to discuss pre-certification of medically necessary procedures. It has gone from nurses making decisions doctors should be making, to people who barely speak the language, and read from check-lists making decisions about coverage! Just a side-comment, is there any risk to homeland security in this? ;)

Posted by: Rebecca w. | August 2, 2009 8:01 AM

I was watching the show this morning, Sunday August 2nd 2009. I am speechless. We need profit taking regulation of the Health Care Industry. A public option is a great idea. However without cost controls over the industry it will only result in higher costs to the taxpayer. We arrest and Jail people for selling water for 5 dollars a gallon when there's a natural disaster but do nothing when the Pharmaceutical industry sells a pill which costs 5 cents to manufacture for 150 dollars. We extend the copyrights but get nothing to lower the present costs of the drugs, which was the intent for extending the copyrights! What’s going to happen is the public option will be overwhelmed with rejected people from the private insurance companies as well as private insurance companies will dictate to business who they should hire and fire because of the health care costs. Another band-aid for and bullet wound. We need the insurance companies to pay all the costs no deductibles or co-pays. We need consumer protection to stop collections from the insured by the doctors for care not covered by the insurance industry. We need the costs of insurance premiums to go down...

Posted by: mark overholt | August 2, 2009 6:45 AM

Great to have you back on a regular basis. Have always enjoyed Bill Moyer. It's really interested. Ad all comens is good. Please write more. Good luck

Posted by: choice | April 8, 2009 7:12 AM

Well what do all you liberal tree huggers think now.Obama wants to use our tax bailout cash to save GM,FORD& DODGE!! The 1st will be big cash for ceo,s& big bosses.The 2nd will be the trip around the world (hunting,surfing,etc,etc,). The 3rd will be our watch dog politicians getting big pork(money contributions)and us getting royally screwed again!!! Wheres all the money the big three saved on cheap labor and not dealing with the EPA when they sold the american worker out moving plants to CHINA,MEXICO etc,etc,.Now all those displaced workers and all of us hard working americans can bail them out.I like that just like I liked the service I got on my GM,FORD&DODGE NONE!!!! Kind of makes you wonder whatever happened to all that OIL MONEY in IRAQ so us americans would not have to use ours?

Posted by: Bill Meyers | November 16, 2008 11:02 PM

There was some speculation on your 11/7 program of the meaning for the theme of the inauguration "A New Birth of Freedom". I'll be curious to see what this means and have to wonder if FDR's Four Freedoms will make an appearance. I agree that recently the concept of freedom has been devalued.

Posted by: Jo | November 16, 2008 6:29 PM

In your last show, there was much spectulation over the impact of the Obama election. No one mentioned the impact on the black phyche. Does the election of a black man for president change the way blacks view the white populace?

Posted by: Tom Cyphert | November 9, 2008 6:00 AM

10-24-08--Thanks to Bill Moyers for the most informative and inspiring TV I've seen in a long time. Bill Moyers IS a national treasure, to be sure.

Posted by: Ted Hansen | October 24, 2008 11:12 PM

I am extremely distraught on the many comments about Rev. Wright that have been filtered out (obviously those that are adverse). I am extremely dissapointed in you Mr. Moyers, even moreso b/c of this being "public" television....what a disgrace this is to my country and my freedoms.

Posted by: Rich | October 24, 2008 10:31 PM

I am extremely distraught on the many comments about Rev. Wright that have been filtered out (obviously those that are adverse). I am extremely dissapointed in you Mr. Moyers, even moreso b/c of this being "public" television....what a disgrace this is to my country and my freedoms.

Posted by: Rich | October 24, 2008 10:31 PM

I am extremely distraught on the many comments about Rev. Wright that have been filtered out (obviously those that are adverse). I am extremely dissapointed in you Mr. Moyers, even moreso b/c of this being "public" television....what a disgrace this is to my country and my freedoms.

Posted by: Rich | October 24, 2008 10:27 PM

I am extremely distraught on the many comments about Rev. Wright that have been filtered out (obviously those that are adverse). Why, to cater to the liberal media's agenda? I am extremely dissapointed in you Mr. Moyers, even moreso b/c of this being "public" television....what a disgrace this is to my country and my freedoms.

Posted by: Rich | October 24, 2008 10:23 PM

Mr. Moyers: I watched Emma Coleman Jordan tonight, and I saw your interview with Kevin Phillips. OK, there are people who can see what's going on. There must be millions of us who are really POed about the "Financial Crisis". If I grab a pitchfork and march to Washington, I won't be able to get on a plane. Surely there's something we can do? There needs to be a "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more" club.

Posted by: Ron | October 4, 2008 1:10 AM

1) If you turn off the volume to the VP debate and just watch, Sarah Palin looked constantly into the camera while Joe Biden answered the question to the moderator. To me, it looked like Sarah Palin was selling soap on TV, and Joe Biden was like a college professor answering to the student explaining the molecular stucture of soap. I didn't see any of your guests looking directly into the camera. 2)Bad words make bad cares (BOO-BAILOUT) Americans are re-investing the United States through their own financial means, to be PAID BACK...this is a LOAN!..Wall Street must be accounted for 700 Billion+ dollars going back into the coffers of American pockets (say 10 years given positive market returns into the same place that it came out of.) Warren may be old, but like you say, he's investing for a return. Where is that return going to come from Wall Street, and where has it just been given to Wall Street from? The problems of lender loans for deceptions that originated this MUST be re-written with specific launguage to say if you have $150,000, we will morgage your worth for a morgage at $75,000, not 300,000. It's the same principal...

Posted by: Jim | October 4, 2008 1:01 AM

Emma Coleman Jordan's comments tonight were both illuminating and chilling. Thank you for having her as a guest. I've recommended her segment to everyone I know!

Posted by: BP Hageman | October 3, 2008 10:56 PM

From the outset, every politician in Washington, and every national news reporter who is capable of tying his or her own shoes, knew that the the war in Iraq was started under false premises and pretenses. However, few if any were willing to stand up to the incredible political correctness/mass hysteria which resulted from the destruction of the World Trade Center. Take a look in the mirror, folks. Were you one of those who helped to give George W. Bush such a high approval rating in polls, or did you fly little American flags on your car (which, incidentally, decreased the national gas mileage and therefore required the importation of even more foreign oil)? If so, the war is yours, as well as Cheney's and Bush's.

Posted by: Don | June 8, 2008 10:27 AM

Is there a blog for the News Hour? I couldn't find one. But I'll post for Bill Moyer's thoughtful listeners. Did anyone else notice the irony in tonight's (May 30) News Hour? The segment on the Internet in China highlighted how people in China self-censor themselves. In another segment Jeff Brown interviewed Scott McClellan, who basically said, "I fed you reporters propaganda, and you didn't question me." While PBS reporters are right to ask Mr. McClellan why he only now feels guilty about feeding propaganda to reporters, how about some honest response to his charges about reporters OWN responsibility? PBS and other reporters were NOT very critical in the run up to the war. Why did it take the NY Times (just last month!) to find out that the military commentators employed by PBS and most other TV networks had been "coached" before appearing on TV. PBS reporters often could ask harder questions. Come on PBS, take a closer look at your own failure to ask tough questions. Your job should be to provide accuracy, not tell the listeners what they want to hear.

Posted by: Douglas Duncan | May 30, 2008 10:05 PM

Ed - who recently commented about Reverend Wright. NO, we cannot all agree, because what you hear in the media is very oversimplified. More important, it is an inaccurate portrayal of what goes on in that church. I have been to the Congregational Church in Chicago. Have you? You will find it much, much less extreme than the media portrays. Are you ever in Chicago? Go see for yourself. Do you think that all Mormons should have quite their church 25 years ago when it taught that all black people came from Satan? Do you really think that people agree with everything their ministers say? Mr. Obama is way smarter than that; so am I.

Posted by: Dr. Douglas Duncan | May 30, 2008 9:49 PM

Once Obama became a threat to Hillary Clinton's nomination for the presidency the hits on Obama came building on the racism in our country and analyzing every word so as to corrupt his message of bringing us all altogether. But I haven't heard any questions put to Hillary about the Clinton Chronicles. WHY? I recently sent e-mails to all the uncommitted superdelegate senators and congressmen I was permitted to e-mail which was the following: I am an Independent/leaning Democrat, 62, white and a woman and this is the first I've heard and seen the CLINTON CHRONICLES on google. These chronicles should be addressed now before Ms. Clinton uses any more of her racist digs on Barack Obama. America needs to transcend their racist roots to survive and for the world to respect us once again. Obama is the cleanest and worthiest candidate and if nominated we can transcend the bigot voters in our country and beat McCain. Without Obama, I'm with Nader/Gonzales.

Posted by: Joan Geitz | May 1, 2008 10:00 AM

I would like to get evryone's opiniomn of Reverend Wright now. Barack Obama has finally come out and cut Wright loose because of his controverial and racist remarks. Bill Moyers and all you who would support this reverse racism, how can you defend this man now? If you still defend him and his remarks then how do you reconcile your stance with that of Obama. Is Obama wrong when he states, "When I go church ....It’s not to hear things that violate my core beliefs". and I believe the next statement by Barack explains it best: "His comments [Reverend Wright] were not only divisive and destructive, but I believe that they end up giving comfort to those who prey on hate and I believe that they do not portray accurately the perspective of the black church" Thats right!!! His words "GIVE COMFORT TO THOSE WHO PREY ON HATE" Can we all agree now that what Wright has been bombarding his congregation and the public with is racist and hateful. When we as a people, of all races, can come together and condemn racism then we can truly live together as Americans. Let me quote Martin Luther King, Jr. "In the...

Posted by: Ed | April 29, 2008 9:44 PM

America at this moment in time, reminds me of a story that I saw recently on a popular television talk show where a family was dealing with the trauma of a grandfather who had molested his own granddaughter. Now the acts of the grandfather were willing to be ignored by the grandmother because after all this man was her husband and the man she had spent the majority of her life with. To deny him would mean the grandmother would have to deny, I’m sure, years of shared history and fond memories with this man. However, the daughter and the son-in-law just could not seem to get beyond what the grandfather had done to their young daughter and rightfully so. It was hard for them to recall good memories. To them even the good memories about their family were clouded by their pain. Now here we are an American family with an ugly dirty secret called “racism” which has operated at the highest levels of our government and business. May we not forget Senator Strom Thurmond who was an admitted racist the entire time he was caring for his black daughter a story which, by the way, did not get...

Posted by: Cathy Edwards | April 28, 2008 3:50 PM

I am responding to your broadcast with Rev. Wright, Trinity United Church of Christ. I am taken aback with his hypocrisy. Those tapes of his sermon showed the TRUTH of his hatred of white people and America---his home land(not Africa). His ancestors may have come to America as slaves, but he did not. The time of Martin L King has not existed in America for a long time. There are no laws telling blacks to ride in the back of the bus, etc. Any black child can attain any status he or she works hard to achieve in America TODAY!---Just like any white, yellow, or brown child. WORK for is the key word. I attend an Episcopal church where integration is real---white,black (Sudan,Africa), Spanish, oriental---I did not see one WHITE face in Rev. Wright's congregation. He does not preach the love that Jesus preached. Christ didn't point fingers or make excuses. I am a 60yr old white woman, who grew up in an extremely poor environment. I have made a success of my life, by working hard and not blaming anyone else for my problems. Tell Rev. Wright to start preaching that instead. Thanks for listening.

Posted by: Mrs. Thelma L. Sims | April 28, 2008 12:55 AM

Mr. Moyers, Hats off to you for conducting such an awesome interview with Rev. Wright! It was professional and I appreciated the fact that you allowed Rev Wright to speak w/o interruptions which are all too common in mainstream media. I really wish the uninformed would open up their minds and see who the real Rev. Wright is as defined by he himself! Kudos to you AND Rev. Wright for a JOB WELL DONE!!!

Posted by: Denine | April 27, 2008 11:24 PM

I will simply say thank you for a quality piece. All to often are we forced to hear people talking over one another trying to get gotcha points. Nice work.

Posted by: C.Tucker | April 27, 2008 10:06 PM

I just wanted to fwd an interesting email i rec'd: Rudy Giuliani's priest has been accused in grand jury proceedings of molesting several children and covering up the molestation of others. Giuliani would not disavow him on the campaign trail and still works with him. Mitt Romney was part of a church that did not view black Americans as equals and actively discriminated against them. He stayed with that church all the way into his early thirties, until they were finally forced to change their policies to come into compliance with civil rights legislation. Romney never disavowed his church back then or now. He said he was proud of the faith of his fathers. Jerry Falwell said America had 9/11 coming because we tolerated gays, feminists and liberals. It was our fault. Our chickens had come home to roost, if you will. John McCain proudly received his support and even spoke at his university's commencement. Reverend John Hagee has called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore." He has said that the Anti-Christ will rise out of the European Union (of course, the Anti-Christ will also be Jewish). He has said all Muslims are trained to kill and will be part...

Posted by: Sue | April 27, 2008 9:30 PM

I just wanted to fwd an interesting email i rec'd: Rudy Giuliani's priest has been accused in grand jury proceedings of molesting several children and covering up the molestation of others. Giuliani would not disavow him on the campaign trail and still works with him. Mitt Romney was part of a church that did not view black Americans as equals and actively discriminated against them. He stayed with that church all the way into his early thirties, until they were finally forced to change their policies to come into compliance with civil rights legislation. Romney never disavowed his church back then or now. He said he was proud of the faith of his fathers. Jerry Falwell said America had 9/11 coming because we tolerated gays, feminists and liberals. It was our fault. Our chickens had come home to roost, if you will. John McCain proudly received his support and even spoke at his university's commencement. Reverend John Hagee has called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore." He has said that the Anti-Christ will rise out of the European Union (of course, the Anti-Christ will also be Jewish). He has said all Muslims are trained to kill and will be part...

Posted by: Sye | April 27, 2008 9:28 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers; Thank you for your interview of Rev. Wright. So often we form misinformed (or "disinformed")opinions of people based on what the mainstream media pumps into our living rooms nightly. Rev. Wright obviously loves his country and is doing what he can, the only way he knows how, to make this country a better place. I don't really care for the way he goes about his business on the pulpit, but he can hardly be accused of hating the United States.

Posted by: D. Capehart | April 27, 2008 8:32 PM

Mr. Moyers you are the BEST!!! I edited some of your questions into my paper. used some of the blogs (gave everybody credit and anonymity of course) but I patterned the conlcusion of my paper Saturday night after you and this morning my professor email to tell me that I GOT AN A!!!!! YEAH!!!!!! My paper was balanced and insightful. Thank-you so much! don't mind the haters, they're just jealous!!

Posted by: RuDee | April 27, 2008 8:24 PM

I just wanted to fwd an interesting email i rec'd: Rudy Giuliani's priest has been accused in grand jury proceedings of molesting several children and covering up the molestation of others. Giuliani would not disavow him on the campaign trail and still works with him. Mitt Romney was part of a church that did not view black Americans as equals and actively discriminated against them. He stayed with that church all the way into his early thirties, until they were finally forced to change their policies to come into compliance with civil rights legislation. Romney never disavowed his church back then or now. He said he was proud of the faith of his fathers. Jerry Falwell said America had 9/11 coming because we tolerated gays, feminists and liberals. It was our fault. Our chickens had come home to roost, if you will. John McCain proudly received his support and even spoke at his university's commencement. Reverend John Hagee has called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore." He has said that the Anti-Christ will rise out of the European Union (of course, the Anti-Christ will also be Jewish). He has said all Muslims are trained to kill and will be part...

Posted by: Melissa | April 27, 2008 7:56 PM

Bill, you call that an interview? In case you have forgotten what interview means, watch the O'Reilly show. He has interviews.

Posted by: Richard Conant | April 27, 2008 1:33 PM

Finally, real journalism! Bye, bye CNN, MSNBC, NBC, CBS, ABC and the infamous FAUX NEWS. I will never watch or listen to your lies again. I prefer the truth, so it'll be PBS for me -- forever!!! You know it says in the Bible that not all will be able to see or hear the truth and that those who can are aligned with God and WILL be prosecuted in all ways. Those who are doing the prosecuting against Rev. Wright or anyone else for that matter, I guess we know who you're aligned with, don't we?

Posted by: Tracey | April 26, 2008 11:40 PM

I am not clear why the stopobama people are being allowed to use the blog for their personal purposes with this number of posts. I don't think everyone has to praise the interview, but the number of posts from this groups is extreme. I guess it is an issue of free speech.

Posted by: phoenix | April 26, 2008 11:26 PM

This was a beautiful interview. More of this and maybe more of us will believe the press. It was not judgmental it was insightful. Thank you for one mature journalist or reporter. I hope this is a lesson to many that its not only lies that sells truth can sell to. You just got yourself a new donor to your station. Thanks you.

Posted by: Abby | April 26, 2008 11:19 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers for providing a platform for Rev. Jeramiah Wright, Jr. to tell his story. He is more of a patriot than Dick Cheney, Bill Clinton, George Bush and a few others in that he honorably served this country and a president as well. America, can you stand to hear the truth? The time is now for healing.

Posted by: Laura Holliday | April 26, 2008 10:07 PM

Lovely Jeremiah Wright interview! Thank you so much, Mr. Moyers! I don't know why the naysayers think you should've pummeled the man- I thought you did a brilliant job at showing what this man is about. And by the way, has everyone forgotten that it was pretty common after 9-11 to wonder what in the world we had done to have factions hate us so much that they would perform acts that happened on 9-11? Um, we might be the "greatest nation in the world" for many reasons but our hands are not completely clean. (Note: Any educated person will take note that I am not saying that 3000+ people deserved to die in the towers because of this- anyone that disagrees with me will twist my words to intimate that I am saying we deserved it- I am not). I can only hope that the clips that make MSM are not taken out of context and twisted and fabricated into whatever will support the McCain and Clinton camps. Why can't we just look at the facts without projecting our own meaning into it? I don't have to agree with Rev. Wright to see that he is a wonderful...

Posted by: Lisa | April 26, 2008 10:00 PM

I have to admit once I heard the sound bites of Rev. Wright I thought who is this crazy man and why would anybody with any agenda those things this in public, but after this interview I would vote Rev. Wright for president. I think a lot of people reputations, at least in my eyes, will never be creditably again.

Posted by: Cory | April 26, 2008 9:10 PM

Lovely Jeremiah Wright interview! Thank you so much, Mr. Moyers! I don't know why the naysayers think you should've pummeled the man- I thought you did a brilliant job at showing what this man is about. And by the way, has everyone forgotten that it was pretty common after 9-11 to wonder what in the world we had done to have factions hate us so much that they would perform acts that happened on 9-11? Um, we might be the "greatest nation in the world" for many reasons but our hands are not completely clean. (Note: Any educated person will take note that I am not saying that 3000+ people deserved to die in the towers because of this- anyone that disagrees with me will twist my words to intimate that I am saying we deserved it- I am not). I can only hope that the clips that make MSM are not taken out of context and twisted and fabricated into whatever will support the McCain and Clinton camps. Why can't we just look at the facts without projecting our own meaning into it? I don't have to agree with Rev. Wright to see that he is a wonderful man...

Posted by: Lisa | April 26, 2008 9:07 PM

Anyone who judges Obama based on his association with this man should at least hear what he has to say. It seems to me that Wright's biggest sin is hyperbole. His words about God damning America and America's chickens coming home to roost are merely colorful ways to illustrate one of the Bible's most important themes: that God brings judgment on nations that oppress their most vulnerable people.

Posted by: texpat | April 26, 2008 7:35 PM

Bill: You forgot one thing in your interview with the good Rev Wright --- the smooch. Thats right, you forgot to have him bend over your desk and plant one on his big fat butt. You did this in every other sense of the term, so why not in fact? Pucker up butter cup!

Posted by: Craiger | April 26, 2008 6:15 PM

Mr Moyers: Well---- you missed one thing sir; the smooch. Thats right, you did everything else to defer to the good Rev, but you forgot to ask him to bend over the desk and to plant a kiss on his big fat butt! You did this in every other sense of the phrase - so why not in fact? Pucker up butter cup.

Posted by: Craiger | April 26, 2008 6:08 PM

In reference to sub-Herr Wright: When you are given another escaped terrorist slave to interrogate, Bill Moyers, he should be softened up first by CACI experts (waterboard, extended wakeful stress, nudity and sexual degradation, threats to loved ones, sodomy, hood, shocks, extreme temperatures, holy texts ground in excrement, stress positions, etc.). Let him be informed in no uncertain terms the atrocities and perversions he surely must have committed, else we would never have been forced to bring him in. Then you should get Brancaccio in for a good anchor/bad anchor routine of slaps, shocks, bright lights, confession writing and mock bargaining. It is only in this way a that high value renderee will come clean with the strategic information necessary to keep the public disinformed and manipulated, and elections safe for elitist, classist, racist manipulating Supermen, like myself. If you follow my recommendations I shall remain syncophantic to your cult forever (even renewing my WNET card), or at least until my Luger discharges in my mouth and my body is cremated by my underlings.

Posted by: Jesus' Smarter Brother: James | April 26, 2008 5:47 PM

WOW. THANKYOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR DOING THAT INTERVIEW MR. MOYERS. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING THIS INTERVIEW, BUT I WAS TAKEN BY COMPLETE SURPRISE AT WHAT KIND OF INTELLECTUAL MAN REV. WRIGHT IS. QUOTING THE BABLYONIAN TALMUD? HELPING PRESIDENT JOHNSON RECOVER IN THE HOSPITAL? THIS MAN HAS HAD AN INCREDIBLE LIFE AND HAS INCREDIBLE WISDOM, INTELLECT AND INSIGHT. I DON'T HAVE MUCH USE FOR CHRISTIANITY OR CHRISTIANS BUT THIS MAN ISN'T A CHRISTIAN. HE IS A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, HIS TEACHINGS AS WELL AS OTHER FAITHS AND BELIEFS. HE IS THE EMBODIMENT OF WHAT EVERY BLACK MAN AND BLACK WOMAN IS AND SHOULD BE. IF EVERY PERSON WOULD BE MADE TO WATCH THIS INTERVIEW, PRESIDENT OBAMA WOULD WIN IN A REAGAN-ESQUE LANDSLIDE ELECTION TOMORROW. TRULY GREAT! THANK YOU SO MUCH! IN THE NAME OF THE MOST HIGH, JAH! RASTAFARI!

Posted by: RASTA | April 26, 2008 3:25 PM

Well, well well. Some of these comments are disgusting. I now have a new look at Rev. Wright. Perhaps some of those questions could have been more penetrating. Rev. Wright’s comments about how shameful our country is regarding Iraq, Katrina, Viet Nam and the like really hit home. I find the Bill Moyer’s interviews to be very forthright. Each week he gives us a different look at how messed up our country really is. I just hope that many people saw this interview. I heard about it on CNN Friday morning. Obama has nothing to worry about. But to thing that the Republicans would stoop that low to a political campaign add in North Carolina denouncing Obama is ridiculous. Just think, if Hilary gets elected, 36 years of Bush and Clinton. Steve Zimmett, St. Marys, PA

Posted by: Stephen Zimmett | April 26, 2008 2:34 PM

Thank you Mr. Moyer for your in depth interview with Rev. Wright. Thank you for showing the sermons in more of the real context in which he preached. This man has been crucified wrongly!! We may not believe everything he believes in, but I'm sure he IS NOT a racist or unpatriotic! The truth hurts!

Posted by: FreeSpeech | April 26, 2008 2:19 PM

I was impressed with the skillfulness of the interviewer, Bill Moyers. It struck me, in a very positive way, that not only did we not hear about Barack Obama until the last ten minutes or so, but that the interview was very focused on the man himself, Rev. Wright. I’ve be waiting for a response from him ever since this happened. I found Rev. Wright to be compelling, likeable, and profound as a thinker.

Posted by: Michael Wathen | April 26, 2008 2:15 PM

Amazing. There are two sides to every story. A couple of the comments here show that some are too narrow-minded to realize this, and do ignorant things, such as labeling the interview a PR campaign. It shows how firm a grip the cable news channels have on the minds of the masses. No other source is credible, and anything that gets airtime outside these "news channels" is radical propaganda. That is preposterous and indicates a latent fanaticism in the minds of those who gave credence to those five second clips and loops taken out of context from Wright's sermons. I have no doubt in my mind that everyone here has said something that would be called "abrasive" or "hateful" if it were taken out of context and looped over and over again for emphasis. That doesn't mean you should be castrated for it. The ignorance in some of these inflammatory comments is just overwhelming. Great piece though.

Posted by: Luis | April 26, 2008 2:12 PM

I commend you, Mr. Moyers, for the courage to give Dr. Wright a chance to present himself to the American public. In reading the postings that criticize you for this, I am reminded of how polarized we have become since Cable TV has locked viewers into their corners of the ring, where they rarely listen to anyone who doesn't agree with them anymore. Those of us who admire both Senator Obama and Rev. Wright have been subjected to literally hundreds of minutes of those sounds bites on every station for the last 5 weeks, taking Rev. Wright's remarks out of context, but you are criticized for giving him one hour to speak in context! Those who castigate you show their own narrowmindedness and bigotry. Instead of reasoned discourse between the right and the left, between black and white, shouting and scoring points in argument seem to be the norm. We should note that this type of behavior is often a preamble to violent, civil conflict. Those who keep their radios tuned to the likes of Rush Limbaugh harden their views and descend into the fascist mindset that is always in the shadows. I hope those who posted those angry remarks...

Posted by: M Maye | April 26, 2008 2:09 PM

Thank you, Mr. Moyer, for trying to help generate more light than heat on the Rev Wright and his preachings. I believe, though, that you have only begun to scratch the surface maybe for lack of time, or for whatever reason. It was disappointing for example, for you not to have followed up on the Reverend's dismissal of Sen Obama's public utterances on the nature of their pastor-parishioner relationship by saying this is how one (Sen Obama) speaks as a politician and the other (Rev Wright) as a pastor. What happened to truth in all these then? Is this an example of how religion and politics are being shamelessly mixed together these days to gather votes? Whatever happened to separation of Church and State? What does this say of the intrusiveness of the Bible, and the glib use of its passages, as a handy tool for justifying this and that cause? Another question I did not see tackled in the interview was: Where does the maligning of the Clintons in the Reverend's sermons, from the pulpit no less, to promote Sen Obama enter the picture? Is this what he meant when he said he speaks as a pastor? In the...

Posted by: KewlNurse | April 26, 2008 2:08 PM

Thank you. My spirits needed a lift from the drag of dreck accumulated from watching Facist Fox and other news hitlerites. Unfortunately, even intelligent people of my acquaintance have been repeating what the networks have been spewing out, and now I have something I can counter them with, if, of course, they will listen. Thank you again!

Posted by: Sheila McLaughlin Sikorski | April 26, 2008 2:02 PM

Mr. Moyers, Thank you so much for this illuminating interview with Reverend Wright. Although I am not a Christian, I was deeply moved by Rev. Wright's message of social justice, love, peace and humility (what I've always felt true Christianity is, but has been so often ignored). I feel such outrage at the way in which his words were twisted by the mainstream media - it's a disservice to all of us when the public dialogue is manipulated. Thanks again and welcome back!

Posted by: Diana | April 26, 2008 1:54 PM

WOW! Lot's of people really show a high level of negativity. I was disappointed to read the other comments, but the comments are insightful. I was captured during the show with Rev. Wright. We have become so angry and vengeful. He may say a lot of things, but he does speak truths of the Old Testament. I am Catholic and a product of Catholic schools. He definitely does understand the Old Testament. He recognizes the trends and is able to say that this too shall pass, in reference to the trend of our times. I am hopeful also, but sad. He may not be perfect, but he is as human as all of us are. I hope we survive US. Thank you Bill Moyers for your contribution to public television.

Posted by: Nicki Sohn | April 26, 2008 1:34 PM

Thank God for PBS and their boldness and kindness in letting Rev. Jeremiah Wright voice his feelings, showing his remarks in context -- that the news media blew out of context and played over and over again to incite racial hatred and to cast expersions upon Senator Obama for not denoucing him. Thank God he didn't! He knew the truth about the matter and stood firm on his belief. The news media tried to show comments -- again out of context-- of the things he said in the interview before it was aired -- they put their usual negative spin on it to prejudice people against it before it even came on. Shame on the news media! Everyone was exposed and Rev. Wright and Senator Obama were exonerated. I trust that this will be enough to stop the negative effect of the ads that the Republicans are going to run next week. The news media says that it was bad timing for Senator Obama, when in fact it was great timing. I trust that the Obama campaign will pay money to run the entire interview on national tv before every primary. The news media is still taking the interview out...

Posted by: Rev. Christine Glover | April 26, 2008 1:16 PM

Thank you very much PBS and Mr. Bill Moyer for this insightful piece. Although, this program should have answered any and all questions concerning the context of Rev. Wright's sermons, ignorant people who have been poisoned by the biased and racist media will continue to feel the same way they felt before the program. The reason for this is that hate and racism is still pervasive and permeate the very fabric of America. It is attached to America like a parasite attaches itself to a host. By not having meaningful, intelligent, and constructive conversations about race, America's racial infirmity will continue to exist.

Posted by: Aaron | April 26, 2008 1:01 PM

Thank you, Mr. Moyer, for this phenomenal interview. It allowed Rev. Wright the opportunity to fill in the blanks surrounding the words of his that have been blasted all over the news of late. Rev. Wright showed himself to be a man of great character and loyalty, loyalty to a country who's society has oppressed him and those of his race for centuries. Every word he said rang true and his life of caring for the overall well being of his parishioners speaks volumes. He is the true Christian, not one of the flag waving zealots we usually have put in front of us by the (anything but) Christian right.

Posted by: Bob Newman | April 26, 2008 12:58 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, Thank you so much for this sensitive and illuminating piece, and for all of your work for so many years. If we had more journalists of your caliber, our nation would be a vastly better place. Sincerely, Ben Silverman New York, NY

Posted by: Ben | April 26, 2008 12:56 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, I would like to thank you for this wonderful piece. It was helpful to find out more about Rev. Wright, I was so impressed with his message and demeanor. The mainstream media, the Republicans, and Hillary Clinton should be ashamed of themselves for their portrayal of him. The race-based fear that they are trying to instill are precisely why we need true change in this country.

Posted by: whitman | April 26, 2008 12:41 PM

Bill Moyers, YOU ROCK!!!!! peeps... If you like PBS..pony up...put your money where your mouth is.. Buy the video, $29.95.. show it to your kids, your classes, your groups. Show your support,click on the 'digg' icon and let them know

Posted by: youth brigage goUSA! | April 26, 2008 12:34 PM

Thank you, Thank you! The interview allowed whole thoughts to be expressed and fleshed out, an interview for adults! What a refreshing change. Rev. Wright may have said things we do not want to face, but what he said was true. Thank you again.

Posted by: Shirley in Roseville CA | April 26, 2008 12:31 PM

Dr. Wright seems to preach wholly from the Old Testament where he exudes pride in Joseph's life in Egypt. Where Wright differs from my ministers is their sermons come mainly from the New Testament and Jesus Christ's ministry. I find Dr Wright preaches black theology, but it isn't rooted in Christ's life and work, which took place in all of 30 miles in Israel (Middle East). The 2000 year old story is one of love, truth, and forgiveness.

Posted by: Georgina | April 26, 2008 12:14 PM

The Reverend Wright piece was excellent, it gave basically an hour to someone who has been in the news frequently of late. To try to make Reverend Wright a bad guy is ridiculous. Any pictures you saw of him in his life he was trying to do the right thing. I mean, c'mon, he is a pastor and before that he was a medical technician trying to help save a president's life. It's gotten ridiculous that all people are judging is what philosophy a person has or whether they are liberal or conservative. What they do when they wake up and do the rest of the day should be the criteria if you ask me. I

Posted by: Steve Brohan | April 26, 2008 12:11 PM

Reverend Wright, Obama and the media can spin it any way they want with the now sweet, soft-spoken but still lying Reverend. It's still HATRED, RACIST and ANTI-AMERICAN. Nothing can justify God **** America. Nothing. Let's ask the Reverend about dry humping the air in front of the congregation, including children, while saying we did black people like Bill Clinton did Monica Lewinsky. I'm not stupid and know what "ridin dirty" is. And in front of children, shame, shame Mr. Wright.

Posted by: Tricia of Charlotte, NC | April 26, 2008 11:33 AM

Wow, it's sad to see that you're one of the only rational voices in the media. Everywhere else, it's just been a clamor to rip his sound bites out of context and do as much damage to Obama's campaign as they possibly can to keep this Democratic nomination process going. They don't care that in the process, they're deceitfully defaming an entire community on false premises. Anyway, digg it if you liked it.

Posted by: Carter | April 26, 2008 11:12 AM

This won't change reality-- Obama will lose in November because of this association, among other things. Obama said on the view that Wright was sorry for his comments, and that's why he hasn't left the church. Another bending of the truth?

Posted by: HRC | April 26, 2008 11:01 AM

Rev. Wright doesn't represent the "black church" anymore than the "Rev" Jacksons or Sharptons. This is strictly hate speach which only serves to hold down the black community and has no true spirituality/Christianity. Blacks, whites, Hispanics all should turn their back on him. Barack's membership in this man's church says he flushed his morals long ago, in choosing politics. He is betraying his black brothers.

Posted by: Kaneisha | April 26, 2008 9:22 AM

Mr. Moyers: I usually am very impressed with your program and the people you have on even if I don't always agree with them. I think you do a great sevice to the American discouse. However, I was very disappointed with the Rev. Wright inteview. I thought it was very much a softball interview. I wanted to hear why it was appropiate for Wright to say the things he said about Bill Clinton "doing the dirty" to the AA community like he did to Monica and his comments about Hillary never being called a n***er etc. First, the Clintons have done a great deal for the AA community over the years and brought many AA's into government posts during the Clinton years. Second, any woman from Hillary's generation knows what women went through to break into many jobs in the male dominated society. AA's are not the only ones that have had to be smarter and work harder to compete in the male dominated world. And women may not be passed up by a cab but they have to worry if the guy giving them a ride is going to try to rape them. Where were the questions to address...

Posted by: glenda | April 26, 2008 2:49 AM

Thanks for the helpful and revealing Jeremiah Wright interview. HOW TRAGIC! Rev. Wright is likable and his words compelling in so many ways. But he also deceives himself with a sense of his own righteousness and right-ness. Rev. Wright is apparently incapable of apology. Any pastor--ANYONE, for that matter--who advocates cross-cultural understanding, but offends massive portions of another cultural group, who despises the mass media for "miscommunicating" his own words, but claims to have successfully communicated with those same offensive words, who embraces his role as a citizen of and minister in the only major non-sectarian democracy in the world, but condemns "THEM" (not "US") for America's mistakes and sins, who defends what a reasonable interviewer calls "indefensible," who sings the righteous blues of self-pity for having outraged the sensibilities of caring, conscientious people in all walks of life, ought to have some sense of humility. Rev. Wright showed none. Mr. Obama, on the other hand, responded masterfully well in his Philadelphia speech. And he wasn't doing "what politicians do"--he did what a thoughtful humanitarian would do. Rev. Jeremiah Wright's failure is not that he is "unashamedly Black," but that he is also "unapologetically self-righteous." How contrary to the very...

Posted by: Stan | April 26, 2008 2:08 AM

Dear Mr. Moyers, I am rather disappointed that you did not ask more pressing questions. This man's racist, divisive preaching is not to be tolerated particularly when he capitalizes on this hate speak to buy himself a $10 million dollar home. Why did you not ask him about this? How about his sexually gyrating in church and insulting the Clintons -- or making the horrible comment in a sermon, no less, that Hillary Clinton doesn't know what it's like to struggle because she has never been called a n*gg*r. Can you imagine. Never mind the horrible mysogyny she faces every day at the hands of people like him and media thugs. Why didn't you question him about this. I can understand treading gently with the Rev. to get him to open up, but to let him off the hook like this does a disservice to your reputation -- and to your viewers. When you read all of his remarks "in context" they do not get any better. They are still horribly paranoid, racist and divisive and do nothing to move the debate toward unity forward in this country. We do not need to see an interview that is little more...

Posted by: Ann | April 26, 2008 1:43 AM

Thank you for the Jeremiah Wright story! Thank you! I wish everyone in the country could see this and appreciate Mr. Wright for what he is- without having to agree with his views. Thank you so much for airing this- I have never watched your show before and am glad to have discovered it through this. Thank you for this interview! I hope it helps the critics put this whole story in context and see what a wonderful man he is. Thank you!

Posted by: Lisa | April 25, 2008 11:56 PM

I am so glad that you did this program. I found Rev. Wright to be very articulate and a deep man of God. As the catholic priest says on the video circulating, if you took the words of Jesus and did small sounds bites, he would sound like a mad man. I have listened to the entire sermons in controversy and found to be true what i saw tonight - he is earnest, patriotic, and a great man of faith. And his words are really no different than other great ministers, such as billy graham, who has said, God will punish America, or he will have to apologize to sodom and gomorrah. thanks for the great show!

Posted by: bekka key | April 25, 2008 11:05 PM

Terrific Bill and I was worried going in following todays sound bites. I so more understand and I hope others do to. There is no doubt that Rev Wright is a brilliant man and patriot. I only wish that every American watched it. We (USA) have a lot of work to do and I hope that we take on the challenge. Saying any more would just be rhetoric and God knows we have more then enough of that going on these days. I hope this hits UTube ASAP and as I said I hope the people read and digest. Thanks again Bill - wonderful work.

Posted by: Wade - Nashville, TN | April 25, 2008 10:22 PM

that is it words out of context where is the hard questioning of moyers sorry I guess Bill has lost his journalist touch and would rather be a vehicle for the absurd no one including "pastors" have the answers

Posted by: J | April 25, 2008 9:02 PM

Oh. Flag Pins...Made in China.

Posted by: henry | April 25, 2008 8:27 PM

Oh. Flag Pins...Made in China.

Posted by: henry | April 25, 2008 8:23 PM

If this video excerpt on Wright is representative, I'm disappointed that you gave him a podium, but failed to ask any pressing questions. Far from misrepresenting his views, the news networks actually cleaned up Wright sermons. Much longer videos online are far worse. For example, go to YouTube and if you want, you can see Wright on the podium in front of a congregation of 8,000 including young children, imitating sexual intercourse while he says, "Blacks don't owe the Clintons nothin'. The Clintons did to us blacks what they did to Monica Lewinski." Here are some questions I would like to have seen asked: 1) "If you claim the excerpts mis-represent you, in what context is it acceptable for a Reverend to imitate sexual intercourse on the pulpit in front of children?" 2) "What evidence do you have that the U.S. government created AIDS to kill blacks?" 3) "Given that violence is a plague destroying the lives of inner-city poor, do you feel your hate speech helps lessen or contributes to violence?" 4) "It is illegal for non-profit churches to endorse political candidates. Conservative churches have been pursued in court by the IRS for doing so. Why shouldn't the IRS...

Posted by: JimF | April 25, 2008 3:39 PM

Why is it that some Americans have an aggressive stance to any views contrary to their own? In the land of the free, freedom of speech is still a problem; comments are twisted to denounce those, whose views you don't agree with. The issue really is not why Bill did not conduct an inquisition of Rev. Wright but why were Wright's sentences and speeches edited to make them even more extreme? Dirty politics that is reminiscent of football hooliganism has become standard fare in America (to the point where senior American politicians draw analogy to knife fights) and the mainstream media are politicised and sensationalist. Some of the comments on this blog reflect that unthinking, quickness to action that leads to blunder i.e. Iraq war. Racism is mostly endemic in America and Wright is just another facet. However hypocrisy is what makes it all ridiculous. It is laughable to hear comments denouncing one racist by others who probably still have issues with voting for a non-white or feel uncomfortable engaging with blacks. Has any one of those discourteous respondents heard the quote: "I detest what you say, but I'll give my life to defend your right to say it"? Wright's...

Posted by: O Quadri | April 25, 2008 1:46 PM

I am glad that there are so many questions that some of the writers to this blog would ask Rev. Wright, I also hope these people would ask there government officials about the spread of aids and the world trade center and many other poorly explained events in our history. I also hope they have asked about hurricane katrina efforts, about the war in Iraq, about the de-regulation of financial institutions such as hedge funds, the buildup of private military interest that now fight in wars without oversight of the people of the U.S. I hope the questions never stop coming but I also hope some reasonable proofs will be established and then new questions can be asked. If Rev. Wrights words offend you consider how the words of G.W. offend me, how day after day I see a person lie to the public and a V.P. say "so what" when questioned about what a two thirds majority of Americans think. You object to garlic noses but not to thick lips under the guise of it being descriptive as opposed to thin or non existent lips. I admit I don't exactly know what a garlic nose is but niether can...

Posted by: Paul | April 25, 2008 1:42 PM

I just watched the interview you had with Rev Wright and I found it to be completely devoid of any relevant content. The Nazis and the KKK did lots of charitable things for thier own people but they were still racists and filled with hate. Of course Rev Wright's comments are being used as a political weapon but if Obama has really been mentored by a man who may have a heart filled with hatred toward anyone who is not black then we need to know that. Your interview did not bring us any closer to finding out what type of mentor Obama had.

Posted by: Stephen | April 25, 2008 12:25 PM

Uhhhh..How about asking him the very simple question " do you really beleive the CIA gave black americans the Aids virus" That one question would show what a crack pot that guy really is....oh yeah...how does he justify buying a 10,000 sq foot house in an all white neighborhood, when he preaches that black americans are abondoning thier neighborhoods ? What a lame interview...my dog would have done a better job.

Posted by: Tom | April 25, 2008 9:18 AM

Bill You are a real Liberal lapdog. What a lame, limp wristed attempt at an interview.Why bother to ask Rev. Wright any questions at all? He didn't need to explain anything. You did all the apologizing for him. What a liberal loser you are.

Posted by: david | April 25, 2008 8:48 AM

Mr. Moyers, you are one of my journalistic heroes. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your voice of reason, clarity, and integrity. Thank you.

Posted by: Kirsten Harris | April 25, 2008 7:49 AM

These comments are predictably vulgar. I weep for the future.

Posted by: WLA | April 25, 2008 5:15 AM

Bill: "What did you think when you saw those very brief soundbytes circulating as they did?" Very brief? They seemed pretty long to me! And there are MANY of them! Did you ask him about his obscene, racist rant(s) about Hillary? It's LONG and cannot be called a "byte": Jeremiah Wright - Hillary Clinton attack, and white guilt. What about when Wright pumped his body pumps back and forth to emphasize his nasty "ridin' dirty" message out? Ridin' Dirty Did you ask Wright about that? Did you ask him about his understanding of the sexism brought against WOMEN? What about his comments against Italians ("with their garlic noses"), "rich white Europeans", and the rest of the "white" people? Did you ask him whether he'll "come out of retirement" once the election is over? And why did Obama appoint Rev. Wright to his official presidential campaign religious advisory committee AFTER KNOWING ABOUT HIS INCITEFUL COMMENTS? Also, why has no other candidate emerged with an influencial person close to them spewing, yelling and distributing (some are on a dvd) the type of devisive predjudice that Wright does? This is why Wright presents himself as being so soft-spoken in this interview: to counteract...

Posted by: concerned | April 25, 2008 2:34 AM

RE: Israels New Best Friend I was surprised that you would interview 2 men who deride conservative evangelical theology without inviting a conservative to the table to bring some balance to the discussion. It was clear to me that neither you Bill, or your 2 guests understand or accurately portray conservative evangelical theology (lets call it CET). You certainly do not understand dispensationalism. Rabbi Lerner is far off the mark when he states that the CET view of end times will have Jews convert to Christianity and lose their "jewishness". This simply is not the case. CET understands that there will come a day when all people will see the Christ or Messiah. The nation of Israel will at last meet the long awaited Messiah. This does not make them Christian - this will make them completed Jews. Regarding CET and the dispensational view of end times scenario... they do not teach that they can cause "any events" to take place by being Israel's friend as described on your show. A dispensational view believes future events will take place, regardless of what anyone does or believes. Regarding fear that CETs are stirring Arab world hatred toward Israel, this is not...

Posted by: Mark Luther | October 7, 2007 1:27 AM

Such a breath of fresh air every time I watch your program, it seems the truth is now a pocket in the news that is PBS/OPB. During late 2002, when this was all going down, I used to yell at my tv, but did not know where to go to make my voice heard to anyone else. I watched all the news pundits, the "real" journalists and they all said the same thing. What scared me most back then was that no one was even offering an opposite view. The "American People" went with what they were told by the newspeople they trusted. It was definately not fashionable to be against the buildup; and if you did, well, you couldn't be a commie any more, so you were either un-american or against the troops. I had few listeners among the people I knew, and even lost some long time friends. Because I questioned official policy. And now it comes full circle. Missed it the first time you aired this program, but boy am I glad I caught it this time. We are still in the woods on this, as we have a congress which bends with the tides at...

Posted by: bill scptt | September 8, 2007 2:09 AM

Great to have you back Bill! Keep up the good work. Please do whatever it takes to move toward the impeachment of the leaders of this country that ignore the laws of this country. we want our country BACK!!

Posted by: cynthia knight | August 11, 2007 2:12 PM

please do whatever is required to continue processes to impeachment the true evil doers. i want our country back. thank you bill

Posted by: bryan c taylor | August 11, 2007 2:06 PM

Your last program on impeachment was great. The duo in the White House should have been impeached in 2004,when the N.Y. Daily Times first advocated it. Pelosi's oversight is failing, since 80% of congress still represent corporate America and the administration. Either the Republicans squash a good bill or it passes and the President vetoes it. The public is between a rock and a hard place with a imperial-military gov't, an autocrat in the White House and only 30% of congress to represent them. Because of this an impeachment willnever happen. We the people are in a sound-proofed room screaming unheard.

Posted by: Janice Pound | August 11, 2007 1:54 PM

Bill, thank you for your show, as infuriating as it sometimes can be. People have answers and want new direction, but I am always amazed that the powers that be just can't see it. This is not why I'm writing though... There needs to be a refresher course in cause and effect, especially in the arena of politics. I was shocked and dismayed by how early the mechanisms of the 2008 presidential campaign kicked in. Our main campaigners were already set by Christmas 2006. We're into debates now, not next year when electoral concerns and current events could actually sync up in some synergistic fashion - long story short, they'd be more relevant next year than at this particular moment. How so? Well, unlikely as it may seem, the demeanor of the public could change. What happens if, God forbid, more terrorist attacks and near attacks happen in the U.K.? The current administration becomes more insular and, oddly enough, the public agrees. The Republicans who have been punching the fear 'hot-button' pretty hard would seem to reap the benefit, but also-ran John McCain suddenly sees his alignment with George Bush as asset, not detriment. Meanwhile, all the candidates who distanced...

Posted by: Dw Dunphy | August 10, 2007 10:14 PM

Please look into the terrible racist situation in Jena, LA. Talk to Alan Bean, bean@cebridge.net, head of Friends of Justice. He's been involved from the first and knows the story best. Thanks and keep doing your good, great work

Posted by: Cletus Stein | July 20, 2007 11:12 PM

Bill I enjoyed your documentary but I think you owe Oprah a huge apology. The only mainstream media voice who ended up joining the antiwar movement before the war took place was Oprah (Donahue was not mainstream). Oprah did a whole series of antiwar shows in the few months before the war. Michael Moore even endorsed her for president and praised her on page 87 of DUDE WHERE'S MY COUNTRY for showing footage of Donald Rumsfeld embracing Saddam no other major media would dare show. Here's an excellent article about a two-day antiwar show she did from Academics for Justice: Understanding What Just Happened on The Oprah Winfrey Show : Today, Oprah Winfrey started a two-part series focusing on the impending U.S. war on Iraq. About halfway through the show the broadcast was pre-empted by coverage of Pres. George Bush, with Colin Powell at his side, reading a prepared statement on Iraq. The coincidental timing of this pre-emptive press statement raised immediate questions about the motives of the White House war strategists. Students of the Civil Rights Movement will recall an incident in 1964 when activist Fannie Lou Hamer sat before a live television audience and gave a riveting account...

Posted by: Jackson | June 23, 2007 3:04 AM

gung ho american attitude took this country to war . thanks bill for the shows some like the dutch slagging off islam are pretty offensive though. I am a christian educated agnostic but from the moment 9/11 happened all you americans have been racist war mongerers. i say all because the USA has treated the whole middle east as one terrorist group rather than getting real. Islam says this and that ..so do christians have you never watched that hate and lye promoting show the 700 club.. watch it you will soon see that we call for war against nations that say they will defend themselves.America says it is an offence to defend yourself unless you are american or israeli.

Posted by: andrew frost | June 9, 2007 6:27 PM

How come Bill, you make references to Osama bin Laden "MASTERMINDING" the attacks on September 11, 2001? DO YOU HAVE A SHRED OF PROOF? DO YOU HAVE A SHRED OF PROOF? Or do you just buy into the Cheney Bush Crime Syndicate's lies? Journalistic integrity needs to be applied here.

Posted by: Chris K. | June 8, 2007 9:54 PM

I read the transcript of your interview with Jerry Miller. I'd like to have seen commentary from any who defended his wrongful incarceration. So often, the focus on victims seems like we're applauding those who flee from (or perish in) a burning building...without turning our attention apporiately to spolight the arsonists.

Posted by: Levert | May 7, 2007 1:50 AM

Mr. Moyers, your penetrating insights and tireless efforts to communicate the momentous truth are priceless treasures to this nation. You are truly venerated by people who need to understand and want to take personal corrective action. Myself, after watching "Buying the War", I am motivated to pass on my discovery to some of the 18-20 year old marines who are the direct victims and enablers of this monstrous perversity perpetrated in our name. It will be a humbling and cleansing experience.

Posted by: Peter | May 7, 2007 12:11 AM

Bill I am a great fan of your work but was deeply disappointed in the lack of research you did in "Buying the War". Specifically you accuse Oprah of buying into the propoganda, but neglect to inform your viewers that Oprah was so disturbed by her audience member's comments that she quickly followed up with several of the most antiwar shows of anyone in mainstream media. Townhall.com's Ben Shapiro even blasts Oprah for an antiwar show in an article tiled Oprah's Schnook Club . In fact Michael Moore even appeared on Oprah right before the war and in his book "Dude, Where's my country?" he endorses Oprah for president for being the only mainstream media to show a clip of Rumsfeld shaking Sadam Hussein's hand no one else would show. I just thought it was incredibly unfair the way you took one show of hers out of context and ignored all the other shows she did leading up to the war. That kind of selective presentation of information is the very sloppy reporting you despise and we expect so much more from you. Please correct the record!

Posted by: June | May 5, 2007 12:01 AM

We were shocked to learn the extent of the prevarication of the Bush administration in its rush to war in Iraq and the willingness most of the print media to allow itself to be duped and thorougly used by this most inept and corrupt adminisrations. Only the Knight-Ritter group acted as true journalists and investigated the claims of the neocons that Saddam Hussein was a danger to the United States.

Posted by: Ross Paradis | May 3, 2007 1:35 AM

Dear Bill, Many people welcomed you back to pbs. When and why did you leave? I am glad you came back? Please tell me about this. thanks, aster

Posted by: aster t. kidane | May 2, 2007 8:44 PM

Mr. Moyers, Thank you Thank you for the report on the MSM's complicity in the run-up to the invasion. I was well aware of this complicity while listening to the MSM before the invasion and was in shock. Because on the Diane Rehm show, BBC, Talk of the Nation, and on the internet there were interviews with General Zinni, retired CIA analyst, Scott Ritter, Zbingniew Brezinski and so many more questioning the validity of the intelligence and the wisdom of an invasion of a country that had not attacked us. Thank you for that over view! Here is my concern NOW. The same "cakewalk in Iraq" zealots have been able to repeat inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims about Iran's "alleged" nuclear weapons program repeatedly in the MSM. Polls now report that 70% of Americans now believe that Iraq posesses nuclear weapons. The one mainstreamer that seems to have learned his lesson is MSNBC's Chris Matthews. I have heard him seriously challenge these repeated claims about Iran during the last four years. He is obviously pissed that he was duped about Iraq! The most recent example of the MSM's complicity in allowing these unsubstantiated claims to be repeated is NPR'S NEIL CONANS...

Posted by: Kathleen | May 2, 2007 10:12 AM

Dear Mr. Moyers-- Thank you for returning to television to cut through the BS and the POFL (Plain Old Fashioned Lies)--and for doing so just in time to remind me why I dropped everything to go to law school "at my age" as I gird my loins for 1L finals! Thank you! Lisa

Posted by: Lisa | April 29, 2007 4:32 PM

George Orwell called it years ago: "One of the most extraordinary things about England is that there is almost no official censorship, yet nothing that is actually offensive to the governing classes gets into print, at least in any place where large numbers of people are likely to read it. If it is "not done" to mention something or other, it just doesn�t get mentioned. The position is summed up by (I think) Hillaire Belloc: You cannot hope to bribe or twist Thank God! The British journalist: But seeing what the man will do Unbribed, there is no reason to." Cited in ON BENDED KNEE THE PRESS AND THE REAGAN PRESIDENCY, by Mark Hertsgaard. Schocken, 1989. P. 2.

Posted by: Bill Becker | April 29, 2007 8:17 AM

I just wanted to add a postscript to Patricia Gracian's post of yesterday. While I could not agree with her more regarding the 2000 and 2004 elections, she neglected to mention an important resource: Mark Crispin Miller's recent book "Fooled Again: How the Right Stole the 2004 Election & Why They'll Steal the Next One Too (Unless We Stop Them). This excellent and exhaustively researched book is a must read for any American interested in this subject. And, in my opinion, this should include ALL AMERICAN's. For if you're not concerned about the integrity of perhaps THE most basic pillar of our society, then you need to question your right to truly call yourself an American. Of course, if you've read Howard Zinn's "A Peoples History of the United States", you know that many of the things that we were taught about the founding principles of our nation (including our system of "free" and "open" elections) were, and are, mostly just artifice used by the monied elites to gain the support of and to maintain control over the rest of us.

Posted by: Mark Kelley | April 29, 2007 6:39 AM

It's kind of scary because nothing has changed. All the information was in the open for anyone to see, yet the "journalists" and elected officials who conspired to sell us this pig-in-a-poke disaster, remain. Very few were held accountable. It's as if their true jobs are as Colbert described it. Anyway, thanks Bill for keeping it alive. Thank the good Lord for the internet!

Posted by: Kevin | April 29, 2007 2:21 AM

Dear Bill... Thanks for programs #1 and #2. Jon Stewart and his gang may be the most innovative thing that's ever happened (in my 65 years, anyway) to what we used to call Journalism. Jon and his team have led the crowd in journalistic breakthroughs, such as looking back through the clippings (remember when we used to do that as newspaper editors and writers?) while reporting or editing a "piece." But they're using video clips from the past. They first used the technique maybe three years ago with the piece "Conventional Wisdom," with Jon asking the question, "Well, we wondered, 'How does conventional wisdom become conventional wisdom?' " And then they proceeded to show maybe a dozen clips, starting w/ one of Lynn Cheney on a talk show, saying "They're just not in the main stream," and then the rest of all the various players, saying "out of the mainstream," "not in the mainstream, not in the mainstream, just not in the mainstream." Etc. Back to Jon: Ahh, so that's how. Repetition. (I guess he could have quoted Goebbels then, but didn't.) And there was a graphic of a "white paper" entitled "Republican Talking Points" or he had a mock-up...

Posted by: Bill Wilt | April 29, 2007 1:01 AM

Dear Mr. Moyers Thank you and your staff for doing such a great reporting job! I knew little about Iraq before the war. In hindsight I could have read more then. On the other hand the national news appeared to be echoing nearly all that the President had to say on the subject; Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and was ready and willing to use them. Who was I to question the Press and the President? The funny thing is I didn't believe a word of it. I waited for a ring of truth to come to light from all of the reporting. Instead reporters' regurgitated the President's story without corroborating it with facts. Take the White House firing of Hans Blix and then kicking out all of the U.N. weapons inspectors from Iraq. This had supposedly been done on the premise that Saddam had not been complying with U.N. Sanctions. If that were entirely true then the inspector's would not have been on the ground in Iraq in the first place. I remember thinking at the time that a little compliance was preferable to a lot of bloodshed. I had observed Hans Blix being interviewed on TV...

Posted by: Howard Randall Smith | April 28, 2007 8:51 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, Thank you so much for your show and this website. I am deeply appreciative of your insight and willingness to ask the questions that few journalists are willing to ask. In addition, I am especially appreciative of this website, as my wife and I do not own a television, because we do not want our kids sitting in front of it. So I am glad to be able to see your show online. Deepest regards, -paul p.s. I'd vote for you for president in a heartbeat.

Posted by: Paul Nakroshis | April 28, 2007 7:52 PM

Thanks for coming back with "Selling the War", one of the greatest programs since Murrow punctured Joe McCarthy's balloon. Thanks also for PBS finally showing some guts. I am surprised that no one quoted Joseph Goebbels - not only the famous first sentence, but also the remainder of the paragraph, which could have been written today: "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State." This should be shouted from every qualified candidate's speaking platform. Arthur Freund

Posted by: Arthur Freund | April 28, 2007 2:27 PM

Try as hard as I might, I can't find an "R" in Washington. Bill, please stop saying, "Warshington".

Posted by: Robin Oxman | April 28, 2007 1:23 PM

Hi Bill. I was moved to tears when I heard on Democracy Now that you were going to have your own show on PBS. And yeah I cried in relief to see you with Amy before the premier of your show. Thank you for replenishing my faith in the possibility of change. If people knew the Truth, they would not stand for what is happening within the corrupt Bush Regime. namaste' Kellie PS. Your Address to the National Conference for Media Reform this year was excellent.. "Life on the Plantation" It should be required reading/listening for ALL Americans. http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/011807B.shtml

Posted by: Kellie Russell | April 28, 2007 12:14 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, Our household is glad to see you back on the air. This country needs to hear your voice more than ever. "Buying the War" was indeed sobering. It confirmed our thoughts on media complacency during the period leading up to the invasion of Iraq and the toppling of Saddam Hussein. I wish however, that you chose to make the program a 2-hour report for the following reason: along with the Knight-Ridder people, much of the international media wasn't fooled by the Bush Administration. My partner is a Canadian who has lived in the U.S. for 10 years. During this entire time, he has avidly followed Canadian news on the Internet. When news reporting on U.S. and international events during the prelude to the war in Canadian and other overseas media didn't match up almost immediately after 9-11, we took notice. For a period of about 5 years, we were able to access TV news reports from a tiny internationally-focused digital cable news channel, Newsworld International (NWI). This network, operated by the CBC (Canada's public broadcaster) aired CBC's national nightly news program "The National", along with half-hour news broadcasts (in English) from NHK (Japan), Deutsche Welle (Germany) and...

Posted by: C.A. Nelson | April 28, 2007 4:41 AM

I just wanted to say that the show tonight with Stewart was amazing. He truly is someone to be inspired by. I think his approach, attitude, and sincerity is something very rare these days. I don't admire many people... but he tops my list. I wish I was so damn funny. Keep giving us hope and more laughs Jon.

Posted by: Bre | April 27, 2007 11:26 PM

Bill, I can't believe you're back on the air! I was happy for you when you retired your post on PBS to enjoy a long and healthy retirement, and to provide an opportunity for young aspiring journalists to build new careers with fresh viewpoints. But alas, you returned today with your same ole unbalanced liberal bias. Examples: No mention of Clinton's firing of US Attorneys, no mention of the anti-pornography goals pursued by the AG and the connection to the firings. You didn't even press your liberal guest when you asked if he could provide balanced journalism, and he responded about posting stories of "...republican corruption, as well as 'alleged' democrat corruption..." For shame! Bill, you've had a long and successful career, please make your retirement permanent -- the sooner the better!

Posted by: Byron | April 27, 2007 11:26 PM

This Viet Nam era vet has these two questions for Bill Moyers, consummate journalist to explore: When will we the citizenry expose the bad pun of a "free" press and undertake our responsibility for paying for it as durning Ben Franklin's time. AND When will we do a good civics course on what the US Constituion means when it states: { Only} the Congress shall have the power to decare war ...... or grant letters of marque and reprisal (pirate's liscenses) to privateers such as Blackwater. Glad you are back. We need dozens of you with independent funding, spiritual depth and a functioning BS meter.

Posted by: David Bean | April 27, 2007 9:34 PM

Thanks Bill, I wish there were more peoplelike you. we need them now more then ever!!...keep up the great work you do! Regards Ernesto

Posted by: Ernesto Guzman | April 27, 2007 5:28 PM

Thank you for coming back to TV. There are 2 television shows that changed my life. I've always wanted to tell you. As a child I watched in awe at Carl Sagan's Cosmos in my parents room because no one else in the house wanted to watch. The second was your interviews with Joseph Campbell. Thank you for that incredible program. Tell it like it is, brother.

Posted by: FRIEND | April 27, 2007 2:39 PM

On March 4, 2003, I gave a talk, "Bush’s Dream of a Democratic Middle-East," at the Plea for Peace Teach-in, held on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. I told a large audience of students and professors that what the Bush administration was telling the world about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and Saddam's ties to al Qaeda was more than error - it was a pack of lies. I had no special access to classified materials. I had worked neither with government organizations nor with media operations. All my information was gathered from reports and news stories, and my conclusions were the result of putting my training as a social scientist to work analyzing facts, studying history, and checking logic. I am saying this to make the point that nobody who was in a position to know then can now legitimately claim to have been ignorant of the facts in the run-up to the war. I knew the Bush administration was lying. So did the major media figures who sold the war to you. So when people who should have known tell you that they didn't know, you know what to tell them.

Posted by: Andrew Austin | April 27, 2007 12:59 PM

There is no substitute in a democracy for a vigorous press in pursuit of the truth, and an informed citizenry is the only way to prevent tyranny. "The most effectual engines for [pacifying a nation] are the public papers... [A despotic] government always [keeps] a kind of standing army of newswriters who, without any regard to truth or to what should be like truth, [invent] and put into the papers whatever might serve the ministers. This suffices with the mass of the people who have no means of distinguishing the false from the true paragraphs of a newspaper." --Thomas Jefferson Thank you, Bill Moyers, for your courage in speaking the truth to power, for educating us, for getting as close to the source of the truth as is possible, and promoting that truth despite the wickedness and ignorance produced on the cheap by a partisan corporate press which would sooner sell a son or daughter for the cause of partisanship and war, than to save our democracy.

Posted by: Brian Denzer | April 27, 2007 11:04 AM

In common with other posters who protested the Iraq invasion before it took place - hundreds of millions worldwide - I have trouble with politicos, journalists and newsreaders saying they didn't know. Why didn't they know? They were in a much better position than most of us to know. I was one of half a million on the streets of Sydney, Australia - the largest protest rally ever seen in that city - on 13 Feb, 2003. We were just ordinary people, and we knew. I met my boss and her family there by surprise. They are not a very political family. Have we dumbed down the media whilst they were dumbing us down? It seems they did a better job on themselves. Or have they been corrupted by the "newsroom culture" that exists - the moguls and CEOs who suck up to power, middle management who kiss up to upper management, reporters who go unrecognised unless what they write pleases their editors and on up, and those breaking with the herd who are shunned by their peers and colleagues. When Seymour Hersh was recently asked about what he thought could be done to fix the situation, he replied, after...

Posted by: A Whitten | April 27, 2007 9:47 AM

Thank you for an informative and much needed expose of a tyrannical attempt to control the American Public through the press.

Posted by: Perry Butler | April 27, 2007 2:51 AM

If we as a nation do not follow through with the full force of balances and safeguards against the terror that has engulfed us then we have no one to blame but ourselves. This terror is not from the outside but a cancer that grows from within. The harm we have wrought upon another sovereign nation is unforgivable. We are experiencing one of the worst horrors ever unleashed upon humanity. The sad part has to be the fact that we have fallen into the deep pit of hell by perpetuating "the big lie," page one of the administrations handbook. What their idea of a future is might just be anyone's guess. (go ahead google "the big lie") Citizens of the world rise and unite! Purge this evil from our midst. There is nothing to fear except fear itself. We have fallen victim to lies, deceit, and unparalleled hubris. We must demand accountability and retribution. If only we were still standing on the edge of the precipice with a chance to turn and run, but we have already fallen and are looking up at the long, hard and perilous climb given that we are not already dead.

Posted by: Anonymous | April 27, 2007 2:06 AM

I spent three years in Iran arriving just a short time before the war with Iraq began. I saw Iraq's army up close and it was a rag tag group then. That war went on for eight years! Iraq was subjected to ten years of trade sanctions. When the case for weapons of mass destruction was being made I could only argue against it. They're was no logical reason that this tiny post war, sanction ridden country that had been inspected for so long could possibly have the money, or brain power to pursue nuclear weapons, or other weapons of mass destruction. Then Colin Powel said he was going to present the administration's case to the UN. For a moment I thought maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Saddam does have weapons of mass destuction. I remember Powel's evidence as a single phone call which had been intercepted. It was laughable and it was now clear to me that there was no connection to Al Qieda and no weapons. I always thought that what helped with my certainty was living "outside of the beltway," Mr. Moyer's show confirms it.

Posted by: Margaret | April 27, 2007 2:02 AM

I am appalled that the news media, years later, when it's obvious what we Americans have known for a long time, use the excuses and just went along for the ride.

Posted by: Kathy | April 27, 2007 1:36 AM

Thanks Bill. Welcome back. Thanks to Knight Ridder, Scott Ritter, and millions of others who refused to be silent. One segement you showed speaks for the mood of the times beyond words. The one where Oprah Winfry silenced her audience member for having doubts about the coming war (how dare she). Many people just remember the right-wing attackers and apologists, but the war drums were played by many from all spectrums as your show exposed. Thanks.

Posted by: mike s | April 27, 2007 12:27 AM

Thanks Bill. Welcome back. Thanks to Knight Ridder, Scott Ritter, and millions of others who refused to be silent. One segement you showed speaks for the mood of the times beyond words. The one where Oprah Winfry silenced her audience member for having doubts about the coming war (how dare she). Many people just remember the right-wing attackers and apologists, but the war drums were played by many from all spectrums as your show exposed. Thanks.

Posted by: mike s | April 27, 2007 12:25 AM

Thank you for putting "Buying the War" on the Internet. I don't have cable (can't afford it) or TV reception, and it was a blessing to finally see and hear what I'd been wondering about all along. Meredith

Posted by: Meredith | April 27, 2007 12:11 AM

"Buying the War" explained how it happened, the media falling into the position of nothing more than the governmental propaganda machine, but I doubt the journalists who provided us with their respective apologies realize what an ugly situation they have helped to create. If the way to war was built upon lies, as everyone now knows (some of us knew from the beginning) this is the case, then America has become the largest and most dangerous terrorist organization on earth (one could argue we have been this for many decades). The civilian body count resulting directly from our actions or indirectly due to our reckless destruction of a sovereign nation is of a magnitude only dreamed of by our "terrorist" foes. There is good reason that the American people and military cling to their idea of "freeing" Iraq, to think otherwise results in an uncomfortable identity crisis. If we destroyed a nation without an ounce of truth in the reason to do so then we are terrorists. While journalists may now apologize for their past misdeeds I have not heard any journalist publicly coming to grips with our new identity, much less how to change it.

Posted by: Patrick | April 26, 2007 11:36 PM

I demand 9/11 Truth now! There is way too much evidence contrary to the official story. I have questions and I want answers - the REAL answers.

Posted by: MIHOP | April 26, 2007 10:50 PM

First, PBS needs to air the show again -- it's a must see. It should be mandatory watching for students at journalism and public policy schools. Second, Bill Moyers should win an award for his hard-hitting, clearly reported piece. It's the capstone to a long and distinguished career. Maybe it will help prevent needless deaths from a fiction-based war in the future.

Posted by: Lisa Sockett | April 26, 2007 8:35 PM

Bill, Your piece, "Buying the War," was a stunning piece of journalism. I wrote an entire piece inspired by your special. I'm always heartened to see fearless critics do battle with the entrenched powers that be. Well done. Here's a link to my commentary: http://www.nowpublic.com/citizen_journalism_the_last_bastion_of_skepticism

Posted by: Torrey Meeks | April 26, 2007 8:21 PM

Welcome back, Bill... You started out with a bang. "Buying the War", featuring those TRULY heroic Knight-Ridder reporters and their daring publisher, was bittersweet, in that it validated what many of us had known all along...and indicted even more strongly the pandering Congress and Media that forgot there is such a thing as fact-checking. And not prostituting oneself!

Posted by: Sara | April 26, 2007 8:17 PM

Your piece was a milestone. It's time PBS departed from its overly-republican leanings and gave some air time to the left and to the truth. Thank you for being that lone voice in the wilderness of neocon doublespeak. We have missed you and have needed you so badly to do what you did last night, shed a light on the corruption, lies and deceit of the current administration and the failure of the press to do its job. The press is still doing a miserable job. You are a true patriot. Now, they will come after you with all their bile and their ferocity. The people will back you up, Mr. Moyers. God bless you for having the courage to speak the truth. Could you possibly teach that quality to your peers in the press? Raspberry Graham

Posted by: Raspberry Graham | April 26, 2007 5:58 PM

Thank you, Bill for a Great show. Excellent as always in your research & reporting. If you have not already, Please investigate the collapse of WTC7 (aka, Building 7) at 5:20p on 9/11/01. WTC7 was 47-stories tall, heavily overbuilt, & heavily fortified to be the Mayor's Emergency Bunker; yet it fell straight down in 6.6 seconds! supposedly due to some damage on 1 side & some minimal fires. It is bizarre that it fell--& even more strange that it fell so fast, but did not tilt/fall over considering the building is long & narrow and all the damage & fires were on 1 side. Nearly 6 years later & there's still no official explanation. NIST continues to postpone their findings. WTC7 housed, among others, the FBI, CIA, Secret Service, & SEC. Lots of SEC documents pertaining to major corporate fraud & corruption were lost--or should we say 'destroyed'? Mr. Moyers--America needs You to investigate this. Thank you for all you do. Dave

Posted by: Dave | April 26, 2007 5:39 PM

My wife an i sat there and shook our heads over what has been done to our country. But our questions are- what happens now? all this was done, far worse than has been done before impeach? jail? or live with it, since we are in such a pickle now.

Posted by: j & M | April 26, 2007 4:44 PM

If this was Serbia and not the United States, Bush, Cheny,Rumsfeld,and several others others would be on trial before the World Court for war crimes. The closest comparison to this in U.S. History is the Spanish American War. When I see what we have done, I recall those lines by W.B. Yeats in "The Second Coming": "The best lack all conviction while the worst are full of passionate intensity."

Posted by: Rick Geary | April 26, 2007 4:02 PM

I have been greatly shocked over the last several years by the direction in which the country has been led, the dismantling of its checks and balances, but never was I more dismayed than last night. I found Tim Russert to be close to utterly reprehensible in failing to take any responsibility for how he allowed the adminstration to use Meet the Press basically unchallenged to trumpet their agenda (and wondered if his father would have been proud of such behavior). NBC should fire him forthwith. I'd also note that respectable alternative sources of media and governmental critics have long documented Colin Powell's rise through the military as a go to cover up guy for military atrocities. A simple internet search would have turned up those critiques, and viewed through that prism, maybe his speech at the UN would not have led so many to believe the lies he again ably sold (though I miss Dan Rather at CBS, I would have thought him more informed on the point). After watching the program, I turned to Hardball, an almost textbook example of the failures of journalism I had just seen so well discussed, and again witnessed McCain positioned overall...

Posted by: Jacob | April 26, 2007 3:52 PM

Hi Bill Great program. Just a few questions. The program reviews all the skeptical intelligence put together before the war. It details how American journalists bought the package and helped sell the public. Did the Bush administration buy it as well or did they just want to get rid of Sadam since he was no longer their boy? Did they believe an ecstatic Iraqi populace would hand over their oil as this new democracy flourished? With the current situation it is hard to believe that the administration did not foresee the sectarian strife. Did they hope to foment a bloodbath that would engulf the whole Middle East? Certainly this keeps Islamic terrorists busy in local conflicts. Maybe I am being too cynical but it is hard to believe that the Bush administration could be this ignorant of the situation in the Middle East. Look what happened in Indo China, just a massive bloodbath in Cambodia after the US left Viet Nam. Hardly Nixon’s fault.

Posted by: Bob Groff | April 26, 2007 3:38 PM

Mr. Moyer I just saw your show titled "Buying the War" It may be the start of the media recovering credibility once again. Our politicians have given their credibility away over the years and this current administration seems to have put the final nail in the coffin. Whether our political leaders will ever get it back is doubtful and hopefully the press will seize on the opportunity you have presented them and work hard to regain what they seem hell bent to throw away.

Posted by: John McConnell | April 26, 2007 2:15 PM

In 2000, the Yakima Herald Republic, small-city newspaper, initiated a weekly "teen writer" section called "Unleashed." In the paper's archives, you will find a column by Ian Callaghan called "Iraqi War Shouldn't Be a Valid Option" from November 2002. In it, a 17-year-old high school student makes nearly all the arguments against the war cited in "Buying the War." If a high school student could find and write about these arguments, shame on Tim Russert, whom I generally admire, for needing someone to "give [him] a call" and shame on Dan Rather for being more caught up in so called patriotic war-fever than a teenager. When he wrote it, I was afraid his tires would get slashed--I'm his mom.

Posted by: Patricia Callaghan | April 26, 2007 1:47 PM

Mr. Moyers, "Buying the War" is the best, most important hour and a half on TV right now. I've read Bamford's "Pretext for War" twice and am currently working on "Lapdogs." The fact that these aren't the #1 and #2 best selling books in the USA is troubling. Thanks for doing your part to shed some light on this urgent threat to our democracy. I hope you do a follow-up piece on how the corporatization of the news media is fundamentally driving this laziness (or in the KR reporter's words "lack of skepticism.") Great, great journal. Thank you.

Posted by: Matt | April 26, 2007 1:33 PM

great report, it seems many who were yelling to go to war had never been. i read several great columns by joe leonardi you may want to read here are links to 2 of them http://joeleonardi.wordpress.com/2007/03/31/the-taunts-of-a-coward/ http://joeleonardi.wordpress.com/2007/04/02/a-challenge/

Posted by: mia | April 26, 2007 1:09 PM

Welcome back from retirement, Bill, not that you were retiring during same. Yes, the media was duped, but we who bought it or didn't buy it and remained silent are culpable. While the media are responsible for fair and balanced reporting (although they don't always perform as they profess), we public are supposed to think, not buy what is served without question. I look forward to your forthcoming Journals and hope you will find the time to guide your viewers to those credible sources they can tap for solid information and opinions.

Posted by: Gordon Hill | April 26, 2007 1:01 PM

Yeah, we bought it all right: hook, line, and sinker. Whatever happened to objectivity? Healthy skepticism? Fact checking? The Knight-Ridder boys deserve a better country than the one whose integrity and democratic ideals we have so brazenly flushed down the toilet. To the poster signed Walt: just as it was wrong to go to war in Iraq, it was wrong to put a "hit" on Saddam Hussein, and make no mistake about it, hunting him down then extraditing him back to face an inevitable execution is the lowest form of cowardice. This country shook that man's hand through three administrations - we have no more right to "take him out" than we do Fidel Castro, Misolevic, Sung or any other despot whose policies we disagree with, no matter how 'morally righteous' we believe ourselves to be. It's exactly that kind of atavistic mentality that allowed Bush to commence with his "blood feud" against the Hussein family, complete with financial and military intervention from our own government. I don't know how Phil Donahue could sit there so calmly when Moyers revealed the 'memo' that prefaced his dismissal from MSNBC - George Orwell couldn't paint a scarier scenario than what is going...

Posted by: David Gerard | April 26, 2007 12:40 PM

Dear Mr. Bill Moyers, It's great to have you back. We need your voice to battle the main stream media news of sensationalism and deception. Your ethical and truthful insight is a breath of fresh air. Keep them honest Bill! Thank You

Posted by: Ken Griffin | April 26, 2007 12:34 PM

Great show. I am stunned. I realize now that I have now lived through my own McCarthy era. Where fear is the weapon against the truth and real Patriotism. I never thought this could happen again… I was wrong. --Jeff Ryan

Posted by: Jack Ryan | April 26, 2007 12:13 PM

Bill: Thank you for a thought-provoking, incisive, and critical examination of what went wrong in late 02 and early 03 here in the USA. Those were indeed dark days in the history of our country. I was one of the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets to protest the imminent invasion of Iraq. So I have been against this whole enterprise 100% from the beginning. I never had any doubt that the Bush administration was lying to us about EVERYTHING. It still stirs very painful feelings to watch Colin Powell deliver the “evidence” for WMD at the UN in the weeks before the invasion. Whatever credibility he had built up with me up to that point in time was completely extinguished when I witnessed that embarrassing performance. As others have commented on this blog – it was equally painful to watch last night some of our most well-known journalists (Dan Rather, Tim Russert, et al) take virtually no responsibility for their culpability in “selling” the Iraq war to the American people. They were basically mouthpieces for an administration that was peddling lies. Even I knew that then – that the emperor had no clothes! How could these experienced...

Posted by: Michael | April 26, 2007 12:10 PM

If the folks who produced this show carry no hidden agenda, except to bring the truth to an otherwise mislead American public, then God bless you all. You are a breath of fresh air, a beacon of genuine intelligence. Although it is a shame that this caliber of reporting airs years later after the fact, please do continue to report truly unbiased, quality news and, just as crucial, continue to report that news out to the mainstream in anyway possible. I would like to use a small example to explain how I feel about everything that is going on in our country right now. Knowing what the truth is and actually doing something about it can be two very different things, I think. For example, lets say that everyone who posted a comment on this blog lives in the same city, lets call the city City-A. The population of City-A is 500 and each of us owns an automobile. Our automobiles are designed so that if they break they can only be repaired by a certified auto mechanic. In City-A, there is only one auto mechanic to fix all of our automobiles, and she does a quality job too. One...

Posted by: Nick Kline | April 26, 2007 12:06 PM

Bless you for giving us the truth. It feels like manna from heaven. However, you are too kind and forgiving about the reasons behind the propaganda put out by our media parading as "news". We no longer have journalists in our mass media. These people are little more than actors and yes-men. They know full-well what they have done. Put them under oath and dredge up their emails. They are traitors and cowards. How do I know this? I, along with many more activists, at various times since before the 2004 election, sent them carefully researched items of great importance to our nation- including links with very specific incontrovertible evidence - begging them to air these items on national news. Never did they act on these- when these items were very obviously verifiable and accessible, and when contact information to all of the witnesses was included in my letters. In that vein, I am herewith including more truths that the media refuses to cover for the benefit of our nation. It is in fact treasonous to neglect to cover the theft of the presidency by installation by the Supreme Court in 2000 and by overwhelming fraud and disenfranchisement that occurred...

Posted by: Patricia Gracian | April 26, 2007 11:52 AM

Your excellent inquiry into the actions and mentality of journalists during the prewar Iraq period, is instructive(hopefully, to today's journalists) for an even more serious development currently taking place-the transformation of America into a form of Fascist state. I do not see any evidence of journalists describing certain actions and statements of the Administration as those that are more characteristic of Fascism than democracy. As one example, there was extensive coverage of the President's authorization of NSA to gather information about everyday citizens without any provocation or jusicial review. I did not see in any of this reporting any mention of the fact that such actions are more an attribute of a Fascist state than a democracy. A plethora of other examples may be found. I am providing a list prepared by Laurence W. Britt, of early warning signs of Fascism. I hope that you and others will bring these to the attention of journalists throughout the U.S. They are: Powerful and continuing nationalism. Disdain for Human Rights. Identification of enemies as a unifyng cause. Supremacy of the military. Rampant sexism. Controlled mass media. (Note efforts of FCC to give control of media outlets to a few owners,). Obsession with...

Posted by: Roy Ingham | April 26, 2007 11:05 AM

Mercy! Woe! I missed the show. Is there going to be a repeat broadcast? Please!

Posted by: Lawrence Boxall | April 26, 2007 11:02 AM

Posted by: rese questioner much as i hate to succumb to paranoia & so shy away from conspiracy theories - it's also been very frustrating that there was clearly something wrong with the warren commission report, and the lack of any attempt to investigate that murder. this picture does seem to hold some real consistency with our recent history... this is interesting enough to follow for a bit, thank you for providing links

Posted by: Jill H | April 26, 2007 10:57 AM

Mr. Moyers, I once had respect for you. I now have come to the conclusion you are a disinformation agent. Sure, you point out crimes of the White House concerning the war. I feel this is an effort to demoralize the american people. The underlying message in your documentaries. The Cryptocracy is above the law, above the constitution, and we the people are impotent to do anything about it. Mr. Moyers 9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB. YOU ARE COMPLICIT IN HIDING THAT FACT!!! OUR GOVERNMENT KILLS ITS OWN CITIZENS FOR A POLITICIAL AGENDA. THE NAZIFICATION OF AMERICA IS UNDERWAY! Mr Moyer document that fact. Please people Video Google. "Committee of 300" watch the presentation by Dr. John Coleman. Mr. Moyers job is to lead you down the path away from the important issues. I see Mr. Moyers as an agent for the NWO. WAKE UP PEOPLE! Gary Allen

Posted by: Gary Allen | April 26, 2007 10:02 AM

Mr. Moyers, you are a national treasure; God bless you. You got this so right. When you run for President, I want to be your speechwriter. Here's a sample: Iraq…all I can say is f-ed up is as f-ed up does. Though I am glad that the Dems are now in a position to at least provide some oversight, it appears that Bush Jr didn’t get our November message; or just doesn’t care. Unfortunately our boys and girls in Iraq are caught in the middle, no way to win, no way out. If Iraq is so damned important why doesn’t Jr. order a draft and flood the place with trigger-happy Bubbas and Zekes until we’re building Wal-Mart’s on top of Mosques? Why? Did you watch his 60 minutes interview? His idea of citizen sacrifice is, “having to cope with the terrible events on TV.” He won’t even increase the taxes on billionaires to pay for this mess. For Bush and Cheney, drafts are to be dodged, not ordered. Well, we’ll surge then…20,000 troops more in a country of 25 million. That increases the ratio of Iraqi to US from 192 to 1 to a whopping 167 to 1. Oooo. We’ll...

Posted by: Dan | April 26, 2007 9:48 AM

Mr. Moyers, Welcome back! I was just blown away by your show last night on the selling out of the media. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We need more journalists like you and a few others who arent' afraid to ask the hard questions. I myself became aware of how biased the TV news was in the past few years only because I started to go to the internet to find out what was really going on in this country. What about the people who only get their information from TV? Must be that 30%.

Posted by: Kathleen Jacobs | April 26, 2007 9:43 AM

In response to rwbiles accusing Bill Moyers of being biased... Did you not pay attention to any of the show tonight? Do you actually think that any of the statements in your post are false? There was and will continue to be as long as the current administration is in power, a blatantly obvious conservative agenda and Mr. Moyers did an admirable job proving that tonight. Not only is this agenda shoved down the throats of the American public, but unfortunately the majority of mass media does nothing to question these tactics and ideals. My only hope is that before this presidency is over the media will have the guts to help broadcast the need for an impeachment. The lies were made even more blatant tonight and we as a country deserve better than that. Thank you Bill for your outstanding journalism.

Posted by: jillian mitchell | April 26, 2007 9:41 AM

Years ago I agreed to go on a giant roller coaster. The feeling I had last night watching your program was exactly the feeling I had as I rode. I was equally thrilled and frightened. I am hopeful that other news organizations will follow your lead. Thank you for doing your job as though lives depended on it because they do. Karen

Posted by: Karen Frost | April 26, 2007 9:36 AM

Mr. Moyers Yesterday I saw the greatest piece of journalism in the last ten years. It was made by you Mr. Moyers. Thank you. Please do continue your job, we need this voice. I am totally outraged by the New York Times. They did not mention one word, in today’s issue, about your “Buying the war”. The NYT is no more in my bookmarks. Please podcast the program so I can send to my friends. Nando

Posted by: Nando | April 26, 2007 9:26 AM

The News Media was not bamboozled. It for the most part is owned and controlled by the Zionist and Dual Citizens (Israeli Citizens). It is these same people who are in the highest levels of the United States government promoting the wars and other Zionist interests instead of the interests of the United States. This is the same reason that the News Media and the United States government do not hold Israel responsible for its violations of International Law, United Nations resolutions, and the inhumane treatment of other people. www.CitizenAmendments.org

Posted by: Anton Grambihler | April 26, 2007 9:15 AM

I am happy to add my voice to the Moyers’ cheering section. This report did justice to what many people knew at the time – there was no credible evidence to provide a basis for an attack on Iraq. The timing couldn’t have been any better as this administration prepares us for another attack, this time on Iran. Hopefully and with the help of Bill Moyers, the American people will not stand for it. For those who have been motivated to take action after seeing this broadcast, there’s a lot you can do. Write letters to the editor of your local paper, call, email or fax your members of Congress, get informed and stay that way by watching the Lehrer Nightly News, BBC News, Washington Week in Review, Now, Foreign Exchange, and now, Moyer’s Journal. Fire the mainstream media -- they clearly cannot be trusted – and seek information from the alternative media. Vote with your money by purchasing from local and like-minded independent merchants whenever possible -- stop feeding the corporate beast. Vote in elections on an absentee ballot. Talk to your friends and neighbors, roll up your sleeves and get involved with your local party or an issue...

Posted by: Laura Bonham | April 26, 2007 9:14 AM

Thank you for restoring our faith in journalism and for demonstrating what a professional journalist with a sense of responsibility for the truth can accomplish. At long last.

Posted by: Katherine Rouzie | April 26, 2007 9:14 AM

THANK YOU Bill Moyers....... may America begin thinking freely again with help from genuine journalists like you.... vietnam vet

Posted by: woke | April 26, 2007 9:08 AM

Thanks again Bill, I was MORTIFIED to hear Walter Pincus of the Washington Post recall that 1981 was when the press allowed the Dems to take over THEIR truth seeking responsibilities. Because of this millions of people can even begin to fathom what kind of warped perception this set in motion for the next two decades? That’s sickening. Isn’t it incumbent on every real patriot in the media to put aside their fear and SHOUT from every rooftop EVERY DAY AND NIGHT, FROM THIS POINT ON, in order to sort out what has become a puzzle, wrapped in a riddle, rolled up in an enigma? I stress the importance of this because we’re talking about trying to peel off the layers of a two decade old propaganda onion! Won’t things only get worse if this deceptive and nightmarish pattern of behavior continues to be even slightly downplayed? I can only imagine how little time you have but I hope you can respond, Mr. Moyers, thank you. Godspeed, Albert E.

Posted by: Albert E. | April 26, 2007 9:06 AM

Excellent Documentary But the Press was docile for so long!!!! Mr. Moyers? From the posted article above: http://karws.gso.uri.edu/JFK/the_critics/griffith/Press_and_assassinatio n.html Not only did journalists, representing THE NY TIMES, ABC, NBC, CBS, Scripps Howard, UPI, AP, Hearst, Reuters, Bill Moyers, Paley, etc., "associate" with the CIA, they recruited for the CIA, gave CIA agents false credentials as journalists, and planted false information with foreign officials--and with the American public as well of course. Over 200 journalists had signed secrecy agreements with the CIA (THE NY TIMES "Sulzberger" for only one notable example), or had "employment contracts." (Aguilar, "The CIA and the Media," Journalism Forum, CompuServe, February 24, 1996) If we had a press cooperating with the very people who wantedto"change foreign policy"in the JF Kennedy,Jr. assassination, then what? Evidence now is overwhelming certain people in and associated with the CIA did in fact kill the President. Frank Sturgis admitted it. See See the last testimony of Hunt to his son: The Last Confessions of E. Howard Hunt http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/13893143/the_last_confessions _of_e_howard_hunt/1 Regarding your story on Posada (CIA) These are excerpts from http://jfkmurdersolved.com/posada.htm He and Bosch(CIA) were both convicted of blowing up civilian aircraft and hotels. Regarding Bosch= terrorist who Bush Sr,(CIA) Pardoned Bosch...

Posted by: rese questioner | April 26, 2007 9:03 AM

Great program, I am still suprised that the news programs still give time for Cheney to spread his lies about Iraq. Fair and unbiased seems to mean that news networks give same time to lies as they do the truth. Find out what the truth is and stand behind it.

Posted by: Marty | April 26, 2007 8:51 AM

Mr. Moyers: Welcome back. Your intellectual honesty, integrity, and search for truth is refreshing and welcomed by a populace too uninformed sadly surrendering of critical thought. Your program on Iraq was exceptional in exposing the self perserving and cowardly herd mentality of the media that is reflected in our populace. We've become a nation of intellectually convenient single issues driven by special interests. Our conglomerate media has become our Oracle Delphi formulating our national conversations of superficiality, not substance. Mr. Moyers, what you exposed in your program of a complicit media applies to a larger extent to the Israeli Palestinian issue as you well know. Would you perhaps take the next and more courageously required step to highlight the role of our media in singling out the single Pro Israel narrative for our consumption thus impeding any hope of peace in the Holy Land? You will be smeared, attacked, and perhaps fired by the Chairwoman of the CPB given her Pro Israel credentials, but at least you would leave honorably serving our national interests. With much respect and gratitude for your illustrious work I remain Mohamed Khodr M.D.

Posted by: Mohamed Khodr MD | April 26, 2007 8:38 AM

Mr. Moyers, An excellent show. Cathartic to some reporters, I'm sure, but one (just one?) issue was missed. Yes, many were 'swept away' but some sold their soul to the devil. Armstrong Williams, among others, is most notable. Here is a man who wrote stories on the payroll (taxpayers money) to support the administration. That, plus the airing of (Rove produced) fake 'news stories' that were fed to us as real!? WHERE is the FCC and where are the apologies from the networks. (Oh, for the days of a 'fairness doctrine'.) Good work, thanks and please keep digging, (Both sides) Reed Kalisher Pembroke Pines, FL

Posted by: Reed Kalisher | April 26, 2007 8:25 AM

Bill, this program was simply riveting and eye-opening. What became obvious to me as I watched deep into the program is that the mainstream TV network and cable news channels are ALL owned by large corporate conglomerates, whose CEOs et al are 99% heavy contributors to the Republican Party. Can you imagine the pressure brought to bear by them and large corporate advertisers to buy into the marketing of the war? Bravo to Dan Rather, Tim Russert, Phil Donahue, Walter Issacson and a few others who had the courage to appear and take their medicine. Shame on the many who declined to appear. George Will's comments made me sick to my stomach. Finally it was obvious that Colin Powell's credibility with the American people sealed the deal for the invasion. With the trillion plus spent on this debacle so far we could have funded national health care, rebuilt the public school system and fixed social security. This administration will go down as the absolute worst in American history. THANK YOU for having the courage to produce and present this extremely necessary program. I just hope there will be front page coverage in the Times, Post and other major news outlets.

Posted by: Jerre R Haskew | April 26, 2007 8:18 AM

Mr. Moyers, I do so appreciate your work in general and specifically the piece on buying the war; however, I think that it tended to obfuscate the issue. The failure of the press vis-a-vis the invasion of Iraq was not the result of a great outbreak of patriotism or of the national fervor following 9/11. That failure started and was set up long before 9/11 and was easily predictable. The failure of the “press” to inform the public (even modestly effectively) during the 2000 election is of similar magnitude to its “Iraq” failure. The fact that virtually none of our population has the slightest notion of the huge damage done to our country by the Reagan administration is an equivalent failure and goes back decades before 9/11. The “hogs at the trough” frenzy during that idiotic Clinton impeachment further underlines the nature of the problem: The “press” in this country is terribly, terribly dysfunctional. It is fatally infected with “celebrity” and the money and corporate greed that drive that engine.

Posted by: Frank Propst | April 26, 2007 8:11 AM

Just seen your great report on buying the war. As a Brit who is in USA I have to say its the highest level report. British media did question the assumptions. There was a British WMD UN inspector who committed suicide because the British Gov't towed the US line, trashed the World respected scientist and brought the inspectors integrity into question. Honour and integrity some editors lack. Every morning I think the editors of the Post and NYT should stand up to their journalists and announce the number of Americans killed in Iraq because they did not have the courage to question or report the facts. Instead of paying for the smug suited experts, Fox and CBS should pay for every Mother or family of a dead soldier to be given a ticket to DC or NYC to ask the editors why they did not report the truth. The Knight Ridder boys can be called true reporters for their factual research. Shame on those professionals who were not brave enough to read and investigate and question the sham evidence. Good on you for reporting this. Should be shown in every high school, to every TV watching youngster that thinks TV/media...

Posted by: peter brown | April 26, 2007 7:59 AM

Wow Bill, what a breath of fresh air...someone out there who wants to truly report what is going on & present evidence that is factual and accurate. It was purely coincidental that I ended up watching your show last night but it restored my faith in human nature because I found someone out there brave enough to speak up & challenge government policy over the war in Iraq. I have totally lost confidence in news media and the TV because of the continual garbage that gets pumped out but what saddens me more is the amount of intelligent, intellectual people out there that are prepared to just sit back and accept the party line although I guess I do have a glimmer of sympathy when I listen on PBS radio/TV to just how many of these challengers end up being black-balled in one way or another. I would not consider myself a political person just a normal everyday gal that can't understand why the general public has such an insatiable appetite for being swept along with the scare-mongering tactics that the politicians use to win public support for their dire actions however it might be said that we are always...

Posted by: Karey Mayers | April 26, 2007 7:56 AM

A sobering report, though it leaves me quite dismayed with our traditional media. I hope new media continue to gain access to larger audiences so when reporters such as Knight Ridder's rise above the manipulation of the political pundits and corporate greed then they can tell the true stories more loudly and give us all access to opposing perspectives. Kudos to the Knight Ridder's free thinking, investigative reporters. I hope we hear more from you in the future. I'm thankful my children are not of military age during the Bush war campaign. Bless our service men and women and I hope they all return home soon. Shame on the White House WIG cronies.

Posted by: Carolyn A. | April 26, 2007 7:44 AM

The most despicable thing I took away from tonight's program was the near unanimous refusal of most of these "journalists" to take responsibility for the part they played in all of this. I sensed no remorse let alone guilt for the role they played in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. On the contrary, those on the left seem intent on blaming it all on someone else while those on the right arrogantly and self-assuredly still languish in the delusional belief that the were right all along, all of them, as noted in the program, enjoying the "fruits" of their labor with new positions, promotions, and repeated TV appearances as experts. Even the editor from TNR just wasn't "getting it" in his admittance of his "tragic mistake" -- he made a lot of mistakes, and he sounded as though he felt he was wrong in part because things haven't worked out so well in Iraq, as if, in the attitude that many seem to harbor, had things turned out a little better, that would make this fiasco based on lies justifiable. It's disgraceful. Talk about a lack of accountability. Even Tim Russert, a supposedly respected newsman, didn't seem...

Posted by: TJ | April 26, 2007 7:42 AM

The report was excellent -- the sort of TV that impels folks to send money to their local PBS station. But, alas, it reveals the sorry state of the Washington press corps(e). The scene at the Bush totally scripted press event was sickening -- with a "reporter" giggling as she tossed Bush some softball about "faith" or some such irrelevancy. What J school teaches that? It may be understandable that not all reporters are Iraq specialists, but it's not acceptable for them to participate in fakery such as Bush's press briefings. And then there are papers across the country slashing their staffs and closing overseas bureaus, which only ensures that experienced specialists, such as Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel, are unlikely to be retained or replaced when they leave. It's almost a shock to an American's system to come upon an English press conference and hear reporters challenging the BS their politicos are trying to dish out.

Posted by: Keith Nichols | April 26, 2007 7:31 AM

There is HOPE and Trust again in the 4th estate now that you're back on the air! You have been sorely missed and so much needed, Mr. Moyers! Your show of Wed 04/25 was outstanding - frightening but outstanding. Thank you thank you thank you for following your bliss and opening our eyes, minds, and hearts to the realities of the world in which we live.

Posted by: Beverly White McCartt | April 26, 2007 6:54 AM

Bill, thank you for your service to our country. I think the biggest story of the new century is how the democracy of the United States was overruled by those that had vast global military ambitions, by use of the false flag attacks of 11 September 2001, where there were no suicide pilots, but a devastating military controlled demolition not just of the World Trade Center, and a missile attack on the Pentagon. Yet no credible investigation was allowed, yet no credible media outlet covered the fact; many covered up the facts.

Posted by: Chris K | April 26, 2007 6:37 AM

Bill, thank you for your service to our country. I think the biggest story of the new century is how the democracy of the United States was overruled by those that had vast global military ambitions, by use of the false flag attacks of 11 September 2001, where there were no suicide pilots, but a devastating military controlled demolition not just of the World Trade Center, and a missile attack on the Pentagon. Yet no credible investigation was allowed, yet no credible media outlet covered the fact; many covered up the facts.

Posted by: Chris K | April 26, 2007 6:36 AM

Bill, thank you for your service to our country. I think the biggest story of the new century is how the democracy of the United States was overruled by those that had vast global military ambitions, by use of the false flag attacks of 11 September 2001, where there were no suicide pilots, but a devastating military controlled demolition not just of the World Trade Center, and a missile attack on the Pentagon. Yet no credible investigation was allowed, yet no credible media outlet covered the fact; many covered up the facts.

Posted by: Chris K | April 26, 2007 6:35 AM

I was amazed that the information presented on your program tonight, Mr. Moyers, was "allowed" to air. Why is it that we (my husband and I - both retired) did not trust any of the networks or cable "supposed" news sources during the war buildup time period? We live in a pretty liberal state and have access to Canadian TV - so we watched Canadian news, BBC news, listened to NPR and local affiliates constantly, read several papers and consulted the internet - also we read some books. (We also monitored the hearings concerning Media ownership which didn't seem to bother enough people.) But we did not trust the news sources on TV. As a former English and Journalism teacher, I am appalled that so many of our citizenry (and young people especially) do not know the difference between straight news reporting, feature pieces, opinion/editorial pieces, and propaganda. As to the "talking heads" on cable TV, I have no comments about their brand of "entertainment" that I dare make public. Only at the time of Katrina, did some of the cable sources finally "wake up" and actually begin to report the truth - and I began to watch occasionally just...

Posted by: Sonja Rossman | April 26, 2007 5:11 AM

It is time to demand the IMPEACHMENT of Bu$h & Cheney. We must show the World that our Country still belongs to the people, by the people and for the people. Without IMPEACHMENT our Country will be lost and left to the Criminal Elites to plunge our nation into an Orwellian nightmare. It's not to late, yet. AMERICA CHANGE IT OR LOSE. IT.

Posted by: Jack De Feo | April 26, 2007 4:52 AM

I hope PBS is planning on having a REBROADCAST of this and all the other programs in your series. I am sick of all the worthless reruns on cable of unimportant topics. This information needs to get out on the airwaves more. O'Reilly is busy slamming you, Mr. Moyers, the last two nights. Also, let's get Phil Donahue back on the airwaves. Any possibility of that?

Posted by: sally | April 26, 2007 4:42 AM

At a time when British rocker Brian Ferry finds himself apologizing for his comments on the "veritable historical success of Leni Riefenstahl's movies and Albert Speer's use of buildings, parades, flags, etc.", one should not be surprised as to the use of mass media in advancing one's cause. Moyer's piece efficaciously exposes (plames) the collective Fourth Estate for it's tacit complicity and the who's who of dupes it invariably represents. Nice job!

Posted by: Luis T | April 26, 2007 4:39 AM

It has been painful to see press, congress, and those who should know better jump on the bandwagon of politically correct and stay there for so long. How about a show with “Alternative Media”: Pacifica Group/ Democracy Now with Amie Goodman, Radio Nation/ Nation Magazine, FAIR /Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. These are among the very few voices in the media who have been standing up for the truth and democracy and therefore deserve recognition; the keepers of liberals’ moral. I hope to see Dan Rather and Phil Donahue back on television (preferably at PBS).

Posted by: Nina | April 26, 2007 4:18 AM

Hi Bill, After watching your program this evening, I was absolutely amazed at the premier American journalists that admitted getting caught up in patriotism when reporting the run up to the war against Iraq. I studied American Revolutionary history and I'm saddened by the hijacking of those great ideals. I assumed that these same journalists, many of whom I've admired through the years, would have been well schooled enough in the lessons from Nazi Germany and the fear mongering of McCarthyism of the 1950's to let this obvious charade ensnare them. Al Qaeda and other Islamic extremists main goals are to topple secular despotic regimes like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq, not America. They were no friend of Saddam Hussein. Poorly paid journalists risk their lives and die horrific deaths around the world to stand up for the honor of their craft. In a society that venerates and protects the press, the journalists that skipped the hard questions to curry favor with the Bush administration should hang their heads in shame. They did nothing to serve their country.

Posted by: Joe Fitzgerald | April 26, 2007 3:47 AM

Watched your show tonight. It was excellent work - but it really infuriated me. I wish Dan Rather, Tim Russert, and the rest of the so-called "Mainstream Media (MSM)" SOBs were in front of me so I could kick their collective rears! Now they feel remorse and think that they should have spoken up in 2002 about the BS that Bushco was feeding America and the world. Yeah right! These SOBs should be tried and imprisoned for disseminating the propaganda that has caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people! Has the MSM changed its ways? I think not! Cheney is still lying about Iraq/Al-Qaida/WMD and no one challenges him. And now the MSM, Russert et al are selling the Neo-Cons next war - Iran. Great job by the K-R folks. Welcome back and keep up the great work!

Posted by: Ben G | April 26, 2007 3:24 AM

Selling the War was a very informative presentation. I somehow have been able to get the information straight, but have many contacts who still believe some of the fairy tales they were fed. Now the question is how do we make these people accountable for their action which has cost so many of our young people their lives. Maybe Dennis Kucinich is right, we need to impeach Cheney and put Nancy Pelosi in the White House to ride herd on George Bush. Thanks for a great article. It has inspired me to send in my donation to KCET.

Posted by: Bobby Fraker | April 26, 2007 3:15 AM

To Mr. Moyers and PBS, Thank you, Mr. Moyers, for your interest in truth and for speaking from a place of intelligence. I'm also grateful to PBS for airing your show once again. The insight and journalistic professionalism offered in your work deserves a place where it can be heard. I've just finished watching "Buying the War" It brought back so much of what I thought and felt during that time when this administration was selling us on the necessity of going into Iraq. The holes in the justification were enormous and the 'evidence' was so incredibly thin. As we approached the inevitable it made me weep to think of the loss of life and the terrible effects that this act would have on our country for years to come. I'm also impressed and grateful for your willingness to show the media's collusion, intentional or not, and lack of journalistic integrity in not looking for or reporting the facts during that time. I've worked for nearly 15 years as a journalist for four major daily news papers, operated by four different news organizations, and I was appauled as I watched the news media's absolute willingness to be led by it's...

Posted by: Cliff Vancura | April 26, 2007 2:49 AM

Where to begin, where to begin. Okay. Let's just ignore the horrible failure to report the facts about Iraq / 911 and Terrorists. War has happened. But I ASK YOU NOW... When are you going to report the FACTS about electronic voting machines. and when will it hit the CMSM and when will these electronic voting machines be removed permanently? Oh let's see, let's just let another TORNADO of MEDIA BLACKOUT happen again. We've lost the Constitution, and we are losing Civil liberties nearly every day now. Bradblog.org out or DIE. (Die as in DEAD DEMOCRACY or more accuratly, DEAD CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC.) (And no I don't mean the cancer suffers like on the Mike Malloy Board who seem to like to take me out of context..)

Posted by: Phil | April 26, 2007 2:37 AM

Finally you're back, and it's about time!! We missed you, Bill! Our gratitude goes out to the Knight Ridder reporters who did the right thing when it was not easy. Posting by rwbiles implies bias because of Bill's November 2002 statement. --But that's a conclusion after nearly 3 years of Bush. There was plenty by then to support this kind of a conclusion. A conclusion based on a thorough review of the facts is not the same thing as preconcieved bias.

Posted by: Suzanne in Ashland, OR | April 26, 2007 2:34 AM

Thank you, Mr. Moyers and Knight-Ridder Journalists for having the integrity and the courage to present the facts to the public. It is very unfortunate for this country and for Iraq, that others in the media industry did not have the fortitude to insist on facts and to be objective. That is the basis of good journalism. It is sorely lacking in today's Mainstream Media. I long ago switched from corporate-sponsored news to alternative news sites. Yes, I still watch NBC Nightly News, but with a large grain of salt in hand. I have ignored my local paper, The Indianapolis Star, for years because of flagrant right-wing bias. Their readership numbers have slipped; and they now feature local news on the front page. This happened after it became readily apparent that the war in Iraq was a debacle of the first order. The truth hurts. Do you see this as a trend? Of course on TV, Fox News is nothing more than a propaganda arm of the RNC. Unless one aspires to a thorough brainwashing,Fox News must be avoided at all costs . Dan Rather and other journalists seem to hang on to the excuse that they were "bamboozled...

Posted by: Patricia Davis Chang | April 26, 2007 2:25 AM

Welcome back Bill, I have been waiting for this day since you declined to continue your old series on PBS and have been following your words in the interim. I am one of those Americans who actually wrote letters, from the White House down, protesting our attack on Iraq clear back when the inspectors were turning up zeros. Making their fuss over aluminum tubing. By the way, since I am on the subject, have you noticed the correlation between that much vaulted phrase "Shock and Awe" and Shekinah, same pronounciation. I found the phrase strange and somehow out of place. It is interesting to google what Shekinah, means. Something like the holy spirit of God, that will return. I have watched as one by one, reporters turned their backs on their convictions, media giants created mouth pieces to destroy the truth of the situation. You give me hope for the future, in your return, that the media need not be a puppet in the hands of it's controllers. My kudos to all of those that have stepped forward in the making of this series, to their studying deeper into the truth and for having the courage of their convictions. I...

Posted by: Rose | April 26, 2007 1:52 AM

What a fine program tonight. I add my words here, also, because you deserve all the attention we can muster for your vital work. All cheers to you.

Posted by: Martin Fass | April 26, 2007 1:47 AM

Dear Mr. Moyers, It is great to have you back. Well balanced (not in the Fox sense)fact based program with out the spin. I look forward to to many, many more programs. Thanks. By the way did the Knight Ridder (now McClatchy)stories have any influlence on the demise of Knight Ridder?

Posted by: Richard Jordan | April 26, 2007 1:43 AM

We need more journalists like those terrific guys at Knight-Ridder. I'm so tired of "celebrity" journalists who care more about their careers and pay checks than their responsibilities to the public. Kudos to Knight-Ridder. You guys are newsmen to be proud of.

Posted by: Marla Hoskins | April 26, 2007 1:42 AM

Good show but you missed two very important people in this discussion. Hans Blix the top U.N. inspector who to announced to the world pre- war that there were NO weapons of mass destruction and Mohammed El Baradi the head of the atomic agency who discovered that the famous "16 WORDS" document was FABRICATED.

Posted by: suzy | April 26, 2007 1:41 AM

I am so grateful that you are back. Now all we need to know is how to prevent big corporations, political power and unthinking reporters from doing this again.

Posted by: Barbara Epstein | April 26, 2007 1:40 AM

I am so grateful that you are back. Now all we need to know is how to prevent big corporations, political power and unthinking reporters from doing this again.

Posted by: Barbara Epstein | April 26, 2007 1:40 AM

what a pleasure to hear some reporting instead of some regurgitating. consider me in front of my tv every time you're on. thank you. if i may be so bold, now how about a show that demonstrates how little this regime has done for new orleans? it looks like iraq down there. where is the leadership? where is the responsibility? where is the heart that beats in this country?

Posted by: james lee stanley | April 26, 2007 1:35 AM

How good it is to have you back, Bill Moyers. We need your vision and your integrity more than ever. Thank you for all that you do.

Posted by: Lori Keenan | April 26, 2007 1:31 AM

How is it that the fact that two separate inspectors--one of whom was the Bush replacement in Iraq--said "nothing there," and that "sound bite" is so rarely reported (remembered?)?

Posted by: gerald fleming | April 26, 2007 1:30 AM

"Buying the War" was true and good. Thank you. I hope it prompts the Democrats to hold endless public hearings on all the lies told by Bush Inc. I am delighted that Jon Stewart will be joining Bill Moyers -- a dream team!

Posted by: Kevin Cahill | April 26, 2007 1:27 AM

Thanks and welcome back! Perhaps more folks will now just ignore the streaming lies whenever they make the mistake of watching the mad puppet or his puppetmaster on TV. Amy Goodman recently asked Dennis K twice about the word "TREASON", but he would not bite. At least he now has done HR333, which is just a little tiny start. And shame on and woe to his compatriots that drag their feet or even block what he is trying to do. After this broadcast tonight, it should be blatantly obvious to everyone that what has been going on is so far from acceptable that impeachment should have started several years ago. And we are not out of serious danger yet from those that brought us 911. We are being set up and conditioned, and the press is not screaming bloody murder about what is happening. Here are the drills going on NOW: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=ABR20070420&articleId=5444 Here is Cheney setting us up for a small nuclear "event": http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0704150326apr16,1,6049960.story Watch this clip that puts it all together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyyOWBBvKj8 Realize that IRAN is not even close to being stupid enough to detonate a micro nuke like that over here. And they don't have them, anyway. If...

Posted by: moi | April 26, 2007 1:09 AM

--Bill Moyers’ commentary at the end of his PBS show Now on November 8,2002 the Friday after Republicans won control of the Senate in midterm elections wow, thanks for that quote. not only is moyers a great journalist but he anticipated all those things a good 4 years in advance. my question after seeing tonight's piece is this: would we have had a chance to avoid this tragic mistake if not for FOX news? I mean, was corporate ownership of the MSM (as mentioned by Rather) already enough to seal our doom?

Posted by: Steve in CNJ | April 26, 2007 1:07 AM

Bill, Bravo!!! What an informative, in depth RE-debute! This is a timely, and incredibly revealing piece that will rivet anyone who has been seeking to glimpse the truth behind the scenes... beneath the horrible cloud that never lifted after 9-11...a glimpse at the real smoking gun! At the end of his show this evening Lou Dobbs gave you a nice plug, for which I'm very thankful. Otherwise I would not have known you are back on the air. Don't forget your old shows. A timely revisit of some of your classics would be quite enjoyable... one of my all time favorites is the two-part show you did with the American poet Robert Bly. And of course everyone remembers the 2 part Joseph Campbell show, both in 1981 if I am not mistaken... (chuckle). In any case tonight you broke back into the broadcast news-magazine format with a Beethoven-esque symphonic crescendo ... I can't wait to see how the series progresses ... Thanks Bill!

Posted by: JTCoyoté | April 26, 2007 12:58 AM

I heard about tonight's show from a friend and I hope that many other friends also heard and watched. Just as lies can be repeated, echoed back and forth until they appear to be truth, so truths can be pursued. It all depends on the moral character of those speaking. I am deeply grateful, as always, for Bill Moyers' morality, and now, for the editor and reporters of Knight Ritter as well. It takes courage to pursue unpopular truths, over time, until it is at last time to be heard. May it now be time.

Posted by: Page Allen | April 26, 2007 12:57 AM

I heard about tonight's show from a friend and I hope that many other friends also heard and watched. Just as lies can be repeated, echoed back and forth until they appear to be truth, so truths can be pursued. It all depends on the moral character of those speaking. I am deeply grateful, as always, for Bill Moyers' morality, and now, for the editor and reporters of Knight Ritter as well. It takes courage to pursue unpopular truths, over time, until it is at last time to be heard. May it now be time.

Posted by: Page Allen | April 26, 2007 12:55 AM

Bill; Thank you for an honest look into the folly of this war. I remember a conversation with a colleague of mine days before the invasion. I was against going to war, because the UN Inspectors found no WMDs, and on principal that it was illegal, immoral and unethical for the United States, Defender of Liberty, Beacon of Peace, to arbitrarily invade a sovereign country. My colleague likened me to Hitler. Yes, the media did a good job of making going to war a test of patriotism. I had an Uncle who died in Auschwitz during World War 11, so the comment about Hitler really stung hard. Watching the broadcast tonight I am reminded of the words of Henry Thoreau on Civil Disobedience…why does it [government] not cherish its wise minority? Why does it cry and resist before it is hurt? Why does it not encourage its citizens to be on the alert to point out its faults, and do better than it would have them? Thank you. I hope this is a lesson for all journalists.

Posted by: Toni | April 26, 2007 12:54 AM

Bill, Bravo!!! What an informative, in depth RE-debute! This is a timely, and incredibly revealing piece that will rivet anyone who has been seeking to glimpse the truth behind the scenes... beneath the horrible cloud that never lifted after 9-11...a glimpse at the real smoking gun! At the end of his show this evening Lou Dobbs gave you a nice plug, for which I'm very thankful. Otherwise I would not have known you are back on the air. Don't forget your old shows. A timely revisit of some of your classics would be quite enjoyable... one of my all time favorites is the two-part show you did with the American poet Robert Bly. And of course everyone remembers the 2 part Joseph Campbell show, both in 1981 if I am not mistaken... (chuckle). In any case tonight you broke back into the broadcast news-magazine format with a Beethoven-esque symphonic crescendo ... I can't wait to see how the series progresses ... Thanks Bill!

Posted by: JTCoyoté | April 26, 2007 12:54 AM

Bill; Thank you for an honest look into the folly of this war. I remember a conversation with a colleague of mine days before the invasion. I was against going to war, because the UN Inspectors found no WMDs, and on principal that it was illegal, immoral and unethical for the United States, Defender of Liberty, Beacon of Peace, to arbitrarily invade a sovereign country. My colleague likened me to Hitler. Yes, the media did a good job of making going to war a test of patriotism. I had an Uncle who died in Auschwitz during World War 11, so the comment about Hitler really stung hard. Watching the broadcast tonight I am reminded of the words of Henry Thoreau on Civil Disobedience…why does it [government] not cherish its wise minority? Why does it cry and resist before it is hurt? Why does it not encourage its citizens to be on the alert to point out its faults, and do better than it would have them? Thank you. I hope this is a lesson for all journalists.

Posted by: Toni | April 26, 2007 12:53 AM

WELCOME BACK BILL! THANK GOD YOUR BACK WITH THE TRUTH AND FACTS YOU GIVE ME HOPE THAT ALL THIS EVIL WILL BE DELT WITH.THANK YOU THANK YOU GUS G.

Posted by: gus g. | April 26, 2007 12:41 AM

I am glad you are back. The truth about anything important is often hard to distinguish from opinon. You and your staff make that distinction better than anyone I know. Thank you. However, in light of the truth about going to war against Iraq, it is obvious that the war was no "blunder" by the political powers of the Bush administration and the recent past leadership of the Republican party. The Iraq war was in fact a deliberatly prepared agenda by those powers without consideration of the tradgic consequences in terms of death to tens of thousands, anguish and misery to even more, and the destruction of the promising futures of thousands of young people. And so, I ask for your people to help the people of our great nation find out what motives these "leaders" of our nation who are responsible for the tragic impact of this war had for perpetrating this abominal act. It appears to be that the motive was and is that the Iraq war would provide almost unlimited opportunities to create vast wealth and power (through orchestrated corruption, deceit, and "planned" mistakes) to the "network" of the Bush administration and the then Republican leaders and...

Posted by: Carl Surber | April 26, 2007 12:39 AM

Bush is a puppet. He, this administration and those in control create conflict, provoke mistrust, fear, hatred, etc., and have orchestrated this invasion & occupation (and most of the conflicts, 911, etc.) simply for the purpose of developing more mistrust, fear, hatred, war, death, destruction, chaos, etc. To all: please see the video “The Money Masters” (probably the best of many other references) – can be downloaded from Google “Videos” in 2 or 3 segments, a total of about 3.5 hours – to learn how and who controls the money (trillions), and hence the politics, governments, the media, and most international relations, etc. We need to get him / them out of there – beginning with Cheney (so he doesn’t become President), and we need to get out of Iraq NOW. Staying any longer will not make it any more right or justify anything. The sooner we leave, the more good lives and expense we will save, (and possibly regain some integrity if we simply admit we are in the wrong). Although, this does not mean that it was wrong to have taken out Saddam, but it would have been better to have simply watched & controlled him – as...

Posted by: Walt | April 26, 2007 12:26 AM

Great to see Bill Moyers back and reporters with integrity.

Posted by: Norm Doebel | April 26, 2007 12:26 AM

Bush is a puppet. He, this administration and those in control create conflict, provoke mistrust, fear, hatred, etc., and have orchestrated this invasion & occupation (and most of the conflicts, 911, etc.) simply for the purpose of developing more mistrust, fear, hatred, war, death, destruction, chaos, etc. To all: please see the video “The Money Masters” (probably the best of many other references) – can be downloaded from Google “Videos” in 2 or 3 segments, a total of about 3.5 hours – to learn how and who controls the money (trillions), and hence the politics, governments, the media, and most international relations, etc. We need to get him / them out of there – beginning with Cheney (so he doesn’t become President), and we need to get out of Iraq NOW. Staying any longer will not make it any more right or justify anything. The sooner we leave, the more good lives and expense we will save, (and possibly regain some integrity if we simply admit we are in the wrong). Although, this does not mean that it was wrong to have taken out Saddam, but it would have been better to have simply watched & controlled him – as...

Posted by: Walt | April 26, 2007 12:24 AM

You're report gives me some hope America is starting to recover from the most serious damage done by Bin Laden - the weakening of your democracy. If his goal was to make America less of a free and democratic place, where the truth used to come out - then regrettably, he succeeded beyond belief. Donahue's comment hit, I think, the key causal link in the failure of American democracy, which enabled your government to start a popular unjust war, and untold slaughter in Iraq. He said questioning the government's war pitch "was bad for business". Telling an overwhelming majority of citizens about something of which they've been passionately convinced otherwise, is bad for ratings, and therefore, because of your media ownership structure - bad for business (except PBS thank god). So all your Government has to do is convince a strong majority to passionately believe in something ("911-Saddam-Al Queda","911-Saddam-Al Qaeda","911-Saddam-Al Qaeda"...), and then it appears your privately owned press is relatively (or spectacularly) unwilling to check it - and your democracy fails. It is unable to resist government corruption of truth.

Posted by: Craig Wilson | April 26, 2007 12:23 AM

Beyond the war in Iraq, it surprises me how many political issues get run up by the press, with no one stopping to think, or at least present opposing viewpoints. For example, the sales pitch for war in Iraq is quite similar to the sales pitch for the war on gobal warming. A lot of talk, glitz and glamour, but no real indepth reporting to see if the facts are really right. They just take the word of the people who's government jobs depend on them being right.

Posted by: David | April 26, 2007 12:21 AM

Just seen your great report on buying the war. As a Brit who is in USA I have to say its the highest level report. British media did question the assumptions. There was a British WMD UN inspector who committed suicide because the British Gov't towed the US line, trashed the World respected scientist and brought the inspectors integrity into question. Honour and integrity you have but some editors lack. Every morning I think the editors of the Post and NYT should stand up to their journalists and announce the number of Americans killed in Iraq because they did not have the courage to question or report the facts. Instead of paying for the smug suited experts, Fox and CBS should pay for every Mother or family of a dead soldier to be given a ticket to DC or NYC to ask the editors why they did not report the truth. The Knight Ridder boys can be called true reporters for their factual research. Shame on those professionals who were not brave enough to read and investigate and question the sham evidence. Good on you for reporting this. Should be shown in every high school, to every TV watching youngster...

Posted by: peter brown | April 26, 2007 12:15 AM

Thank you for doing an incredibly important job. What you two did as true journalists could only be highlighted and shown by another authentic journalist—Bill Moyers. Thank you Mr. Moyers for returning to us professional, reliable, objective and critical journalism. Where have you been? The nation has been turning its “lonely eyes to you.” We tend to talk about the media’s “failure” to push and question the administration and their ludicrous and outright embarrassingly silly evidence, which they presented as infallible in order to sell their war. However, I don’t think that we can honestly speak of “media’s failure.” The media corporations successfully accomplished exactly what they set out to do, or should we ignore the powerful people who today own the mass communication organisms, and their marriage to politicians, particularly to those who embody this current government. I personally never “bought” the war. I found the arguments for it farfetched and illogical. I also questioned the nation’s reaction to the tragic events of 9/11. I saw the xenophobia and belligerent rhetoric and actions as a sign of weakness—not of strength. In Spain, a nation who is familiar with terrorism, Spaniards showed strength when they did not allow President Jos...

Posted by: Marianella Belliard | April 26, 2007 12:15 AM

Bush is a puppet. He, this administration and those in control create conflict, provoke mistrust, fear, hatred, etc., and have orchestrated this invasion & occupation (and most of the conflicts, 911, etc.) simply for the purpose of developing more mistrust, fear, hatred, war, death, destruction, chaos, etc. To all: please see the video “The Money Masters” (probably the best of many other references) – can be downloaded from Google “Videos” in 2 or 3 segments, a total of about 3.5 hours – to learn how and who controls the money (trillions), and hence the politics, governments, the media, and most international relations, etc. We need to get him / them out of there – beginning with Cheney (so he doesn’t become President), and we need to get out of Iraq NOW. Staying any longer will not make it any more right or justify anything. The sooner we leave, the more good lives and expense we will save, (and possibly regain some integrity if we simply admit we are in the wrong). Although, this does not mean that it was wrong to have taken out Saddam, but it would have been better to have simply watched & controlled him – as...

Posted by: Walt | April 26, 2007 12:13 AM

Just seen your great report on buying the war. As a Brit who is in USA I have to say its the highest level report. British media did question the assumptions. There was a British WMD UN inspector who committed suicide because the British Gov't towed the US line, trashed the World respected scientist and brought the inspectors integrity into question. Honour and integrity you have but some editors lack. Every morning I think the editors of the Post and NYT should stand up to their journalists and announce the number of Americans killed in Iraq because they did not have the courage to question or report the facts. Instead of paying for the smug suited experts, Fox and CBS should pay for every Mother or family of a dead soldier to be given a ticket to DC or NYC to ask the editors why they did not report the truth. The Knight Ridder boys can be called true reporters for their factual research. Shame on those professionals who were not brave enough to read and investigate and question the sham evidence. Good on you for reporting this. Should be shown in every high school, to every TV watching youngster...

Posted by: peter brown | April 26, 2007 12:11 AM

Thank you, Bill, for coming out of retirement to cast your unerring light on the Administration's hypocrisy and deception in the drumbeat for the invasion of Iraq. We may never know all of the real reasons for this destructive travesty, but we can depend on you and your team to dig relentlessly for the truth. The Knight Ridder reporters did a fine job of investigative reporting, but were obviously hampered by not having a national outlet...and by a "news industry" more interested in currying favor with the "usual sources" in Washington (and not putting their heads up to be smeared by the administration's slime machine) than in doing good old-fashioned reporting. Those who did try to get the truth out and listened to are to be admired and thanked. The others are to be despised. The administration has betrayed our country and destroyed many citizens' faith in their government.

Posted by: Georgialee and Philip King | April 26, 2007 12:07 AM

Emily Seate, it was a commentary...he presented it as such. Bill O. R. does it, Brinkley did it, and so on, what's the beef?

Posted by: Robert Russel | April 26, 2007 12:05 AM

I am sad. You have embraced me as a policital refugee from a Coummunist regime many years ago, and now I doubt my trust in America and everything it represents. It is crystal clear that most Americans will wake up only when the Chinese will take over as the number 1 economic power. Only when physical pain will reach you will you wake up. Until then, you will rot in front of the TV because your lazy minds and buts don't want to move. You will be eaten by the mediocrity of your bosses, as you are now by the Bush crap hole. Some friends try to tell me that it's not quite like this, but I work with seemingly wise people that disregard anything that stands in the way of their ego. If your attitude is 'if I can get away with it, I'll do it,' then you are a Communist and a Nazi. Sure, you can't see it because you haven't really lived it, but I can. This is why the world is starting to see you as Imperialsts; because you are. What you are is INDEFERENT, which is the opposite of love. You guessed wrong, I am...

Posted by: Radu | April 26, 2007 12:03 AM

Thanks for the reporting. It was outstanding and not like the fake news we get from FOX News. I still think the resaons for the Iraq war are: 1. Bush wanted to kill Saddam because Saddam wanted to kill his daddy. 2. Cheney and Bush wanted the Iraq oil.

Posted by: Lee | April 26, 2007 12:01 AM

thank you bill.. job well done..keep it coming please..we must impeach the p. and v.p. we must impeach them...we have no other options...we always impeach liers...

Posted by: dennis ruen | April 25, 2007 11:56 PM

thank you bill.. job well done..keep it coming please..we must impeach the p. and v.p. we must impeach them...we have no other options...we always impeach liers...

Posted by: dennis ruen | April 25, 2007 11:55 PM

Thank you for your wonderful, insightful program. I emailed Mr. Bush the night before we invaded Iraq begging him to wait for the U.N. As far as I am concerned, the only issue was always the fact that we never had a right to pre-emptively strike a sovereign nation who had not first declared war on us. It did not matter to me what kind of WMDs or such people said Saddam had. It was just morally wrong to go into Iraq. Frankly, several of us said before the 2000 election...If Bush gets in, we will have a war. Glad you are back, Bill.

Posted by: Emily Seate | April 25, 2007 11:52 PM

Is Bill Moyers' reporting without bias? Here is Bill's 'unbiased' position in November 2002...prior to the war. Is he unbiased? You make the call: "The entire federal government – the Congress, the executive, the courts – is united behind a right-wing agenda for which George W. Bush believes he now has a mandate. That agenda includes the power of the state to force pregnant women to surrender control over their own lives. It includes using the taxing power to transfer wealth from working people to the rich. It includes giving corporations a free hand to eviscerate the environment and control the regulatory agencies meant to hold them accountable. And it includes secrecy on a scale you cannot imagine. “Above all, it means judges with a political agenda appointed for life. If you like the Supreme Court that put George W. Bush in the White House, you will swoon over what’s coming. And if you like God in government, get ready for the Rapture.... “So it’s a heady time in Washington, a heady time for piety, profits and military power, all joined at the hip by ideology and money. Don’t forget the money....Republicans out-raised Democrats by $184 million and they came...

Posted by: rwbiles | April 25, 2007 11:51 PM

May GOD bless you'I'm a vietnam vet, and it's sad we all wanted to impeach clinton over a sex scandal. And bush started a war on a [LIE]and nothing said. What dose that tell us as a people. IT'A SAD DAY IN AMERICA?

Posted by: freeman h lamar | April 25, 2007 11:48 PM

Thank You. The critical intellect is sacred, not money, titles or positions of power. More elusive than even the bluebird of happiness it must for our own preservation & survival be our only quest. You are one of several saving graces among a frighteningly failed American media. Now i & each of us must go forth & respect & follow our animate intellects.

Posted by: George | April 25, 2007 11:44 PM

Just seen your great report on buying the war. Every morning I think the editors of the Post and NYT should stand up to their journalists and announce the number of Americans killed in Iraq because they did not have the courage to question or report the facts. Instead of paying for the smug suited experts, Fox and CBS should pay for every Mother or family of a dead soldier to be given a ticket to DC or NYC to ask the editors why they did not report the truth. The Knight ridder boys can be called true reporters for their factual research. Shame on those professionals who were not brave enough to read and investgate and question the sham evidence. Good on you for reporting this. Should be shown in every high school to every TV watching youngster that thinks TV is all reality.

Posted by: peter brown | April 25, 2007 11:43 PM

I am still awed by the power of the beating war drum. Politicians of all stripes hopped on board and they all now hide behind the flimsy excuse of "we were all looking at the same flawed intelligence". No one would dare oppose the war train. I watched Colin Powell "making the case" and I was dismayed by the utter lack of hard evidence. But I viewed that presentation as if I were a juror deciding whether there was enough evidence to convict a person accused of a crime. There was not enough evidence to send someone to jail, let alone to invade a country. Who really beats that drum? And the answer is not "a right wing conspiracy", the right wing marches to the drum just like the left wing does, but someone else beats the drum...

Posted by: walt | April 25, 2007 11:42 PM

Thank You. The critical intellect is sacred, not money, titles or positions of power. More elusive than even the bluebird of happiness it must for our own preservation & survival be our only quest. You are one of several saving graces among a frighteningly failed American media. Now i & each of us must go forth & respect & follow our animate intellects.

Posted by: George | April 25, 2007 11:41 PM

Thanks to Bill Moyers and the unsung reporters from Knight Ridder (now McClatchy), whose work I've been following for the better part of quite some time. Keep wearing out that shoe leather and rattling those cages.

Posted by: Patrick O'Grady | April 25, 2007 11:40 PM

Just seen your great report on buying the war. Every morning I think the editors of the Post and NYT should stand up to their journalists and announce the number of Americans killed in Iraq because they did not have the courage too question or report the facts. The Knight ridder boys can be called true reporters for their factual research. Shame on those professionals who did were not brave enough to read and investgate and question the sham evidence. Good on you for reporting this. Should be shown in every high school to every TV watching youngster that thinks TV is all reality.

Posted by: peter brown | April 25, 2007 11:39 PM

Unfortunately, this summary of how this corrupt Administation and the compliant news media sold the war to the American public will only be appreciated by PBS viewers. It is unlikely to appear in context in the Washington Post, New York Times, or dare I say, on FOX, or on any other national network!!! Thanks for an award winning investigative piece of jounalism. Regards, Barry in Orlando

Posted by: Barry Dodson | April 25, 2007 11:39 PM

Thank you all for your unwavering work to find and report the truth from within this quagmire of misinformation. Another unfortunate result of current mainstream press inability to "go out on a limb" is the absence of any definitive follow up of atrocities within the Veteran Administration system going back to the beginning of our "war on terror." I state this because back in September 2004 I was told by a VA bureaucrat in Minnesota that incoming wounded US soldiers were being held overseas before being admitted into their respective states until AFTER 2004 presidential elections in order to minimize public distaste and rejection of growing casualty counts as a result of war in / occupation of Iraq...is this possible? Also, is it possible that our occupation of Iraq is actually based on secret policies and decisions stemming from Cheney's secret Energy Commission? Please keep up the good work, "the ink of the pen is far more valuable than the blood of a martyr."

Posted by: Robert Russel | April 25, 2007 11:38 PM

Thank you all for your unwavering work to find and report the truth from within this quagmire of misinformation. Another unfortunate result of current mainstream press inability to "go out on a limb" is the absence of any definitive follow up of atrocities within the Veteran Administration system going back to the beginning of our "war on terror." I state this because back in September 2004 I was told by a VA bureaucrat in Minnesota that incoming wounded US soldiers were being held overseas before being admitted into their respective states until AFTER 2004 presidential elections in order to minimize public distaste and rejection of growing casualty counts as a result of war in / occupation of Iraq...is this possible? Also, is it possible that our occupation of Iraq is actually based on secret policies and decisions stemming from Cheney's secret Energy Commission? Please keep up the good work, "the ink of the pen is far more valuable than the blood of a martyr."

Posted by: Robert Russel | April 25, 2007 11:37 PM

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you! Welcome back, we've missed you terribly! Thank you Thank you, you've validated everything I've thought since this whole "fabrication" began. Oh, finally, we can hear an objective voice on this horrible war, terrible presidency, despicable press

Posted by: laura schmidt | April 25, 2007 11:34 PM

Thank you, Bill, for coming out of retirement to cast your unerring light on the Administration's hypocrisy and deception in the drumbeat for the invasion of Iraq. We may never know all of the real reasons for this destructive travesty, but we can depend on you and your team to dig relentlessly for the truth. The Knight Ridder reporters did a fine job of investigative reporting, but were obviously hampered by not having a national outlet...and by a "news industry" more interested in currying favor with the "usual sources" in Washington (and not putting their heads up to be smeared by the administration's slime machine) than in doing good old-fashioned reporting. Those who did try to get the truth out and listened to are to be admired and thanked. The others are to be despised. The administration has betrayed our country and destroyed many citizens' faith in their government.

Posted by: Georgialee and Philip King | April 25, 2007 11:31 PM

I honestly don't think it was that difficult to read articles in the NYT that told us the other side of the propaganda. For instance it was written that Powell and Cheney were having difficultly,perhaps not speaking to one another, after Powell expressed his opinions against invading Iraq. That was published in the NYT prior to Powell's disappointing speech to the UN. I'm glad that Bill Moyers is back. Cathryn

Posted by: Cathryn | April 25, 2007 11:30 PM

Mr. Moyers: May I add my Canadian voice to the "welcome backs" It has been a while since I have been able to watch U.S. documentaries without wanting to put my foot through the screen....maybe I will re-new my PBS membership...just to say thanx. You were missed...

Posted by: sandieJOY | April 25, 2007 11:30 PM

Excellent program! And my congratulations to Landay and Stobel for their integrity and strength in reporting objectively. I wonder if it were possible to produce this type of program during the "crisis"? For example, some of the issues that the masses and mainstream journalism seem to be supporting today. Wouldn't that be the next step to this awesome effort?

Posted by: gloria | April 25, 2007 11:28 PM

Ever since I started watching Bill Moyers on Democracy Now, I have have accepted him along with a host of other journalists as the ones in who's reporting we can rely upon. I congradulate Mr. Moyers and the Knight Ridder trio for doing their job as any journalist is expected to do. I am however dismayed by the fact that these same people who were proven to have lied in their efforts to sell the war to the American people are also the ones who have taken strong positions regarding supressing the 'Mother of all lies' the very 9/11 attack on America, which is also reffered to as the 'seccond Pearl Harbor'. There are now millions who beleive that all these liers were directly or indirectly responsible for the catestrophic attacks on 9/11, as these attacks empowered them in an un-presidented mannar. The question is that if they have done it the first 9/11 and have succeeded in making our democracy nothing but a subject of mocerry in the rest of the world, what will prevent them from pulling off another attack like that and just declairing Emergency Rule or Martial Law, in the pretext of protecting our Nation from...

Posted by: Syed Mohiuddin | April 25, 2007 11:28 PM

Excellent program! And my congratulations to Landay and Stobel for their integrity and strength in reporting objectively. I wonder if it were possible to produce this type of program during the "crisis"? For example, some of the issues that the masses and mainstream journalism seem to be supporting today. Wouldn't that be the next step to this awesome effort?

Posted by: gloria | April 25, 2007 11:27 PM

I too was blindsided, caught by surprise at your reappearence in the house, even a bit choked up. I'm locally vocal but not "a voice"... Nontheless, I was VERY disappointed that twice you shirked from relaying the most-accepted estimates of dead, not to mention maimed, Iraqis. ....."thousands dead".... . ? This statement needs nothing less than a correction. Perhaps your writers aimed Journal's reintroduction at livingrooms of the uninformed and offended. I would guess that anyone watching this program was urged to and accompanied by someone who is as horrified by our fatal affect on the innocent as I am. The definition and measure of war is the destroyed and partially destroyed bystanders. Why did you not say hundreds of thousands?

Posted by: everett shelow | April 25, 2007 11:19 PM

I'm amazed that you and your editors had KRT support for your investigations. As an intern at the Miami Herald during this period I was reminded that the paper had to keep feeding ever higher paybacks to stockholders (by cutting reporters and support staff, sharing motel rooms during hurricane coverage) or Tony Ritter would sell it -- which he ultimately did. I can only hope McClatchy can somehow stand up to market and political forces -- forces which in my brief tenure sidelined stories potentially embarassing to the publisher, powerful politicians, etc. Thanks so much for your great work, showing KR at its best, though I agree with earlier comment that Pacifica/IndyMedia were also digging behind the facade.

Posted by: Sarah | April 25, 2007 11:17 PM

INTEVIEW ALEX JONE BILL.HES AT INFOWARS.COM AND PRISONPLANET,TV..THANK YOU

Posted by: ralph russo | April 25, 2007 11:17 PM

It should be obvious to every American citizen after watching Bill Moyers report that it is our government that controls the information we receive through its economic intimidation of American corporations that own the media. The Administration exploited the peoples fears after 911 for its own capitalistic goals evidenced by the rise of the stock market. War evidently is the best thing for the economy regardless if it is justified. Beware when the press & media are afraid to report the facts and the truth for that can cast doom for a democracy.

Posted by: Rich | April 25, 2007 11:16 PM

INTEVIEW ALEX JONE BILL.HES AT INFOWARS.COM AND PRISONPLANET,TV..THANK YOU

Posted by: ralph russo | April 25, 2007 11:15 PM

INTEVIEW ALEX JONE BILL.HES AT INFOWARS.COM AND PRISONPLANET,TV..THANK YOU

Posted by: ralph russo | April 25, 2007 11:14 PM

Thank you Knight Ridder's and thank you Bill Moyer. I was raised to care and to read. I read the doubts in the news, even though they were hidden in the back of the newspaper. I knew that things were not right before we went to war. I appreciate with profound respect your jobs well done. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We are out here and we do listen and we do care about our world, factual informatkion, and your doing your job for us.

Posted by: Saundra Kosar | April 25, 2007 11:13 PM

Has everyone forgotten their history? Following, a definition and two quotes that frame the dire straits of our situation with a press hamstrung by cro·ny·ism(krn-zm) n. Favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.: From Wikipedia.. The term Fourth Estate refers to the press, both in its explicit capacity of advocacy and in its implicit ability to frame political issues. The term goes back at least to Thomas Carlyle in the first half of the 19th century. Novelist Jeffrey Archer in his work The Fourth Estate made this observation: "In May 1789, Louis XVI summoned to Versailles a full meeting of the 'Estate General'. The First Estate consisted of three hundred nobles. The Second Estate, three hundred clergy. The Third Estate, six hundred commoners. Some years later, after the French Revolution, Edmund Burke, looking up at the Press Gallery of the House of Commons, said, 'Yonder sits the Fourth Estate, and they are more important than them all.' Marilyn Ferguson in "Aquarius Now" reiterates, "Exploding digital technology, the Internet, especialy the World Wide Web, may be harbingers of a global renaissance. Millions of bloggers, linked and having their say, call to mind...

Posted by: JJ | April 25, 2007 11:05 PM

It is incredible that smart people like reporters can claim that they were fooled by the administration when common people on the street and the mayority of the world saw that we were being led to war by false information. War is big business and the media is part of big business. We must have a plan to prevent situations like this (i.e Iran) ever again. The leaders of our nations must be held to a higher standard, therefore they must pay the price for taking us to war under false pretenses. Trials similar to to the ones in Nuremberg should be held to uncover the truth and punish the guilty. Presently the Senate is debating whether to fund or not fund the war and whether we should withdraw our troops. Again, the leasers that want to bring back our troops are being called traitors by many leaders and media channels. We must demand that we pull the troops out NOW. The war is lost but if it makes all the flag waving "patriots" happier let's declare victory and pull out the same way we went in.

Posted by: Daniel | April 25, 2007 11:01 PM

Mr. Moyers - you are my hero. Thank you for providing an alternative model for courage, integrity, truth and honor. It's so refreshing to be reminded that true heroism doesn't only come in the form of body bags these days. PDW Pamela D. Winfield, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Religion and Philosophy Meredith College Raleigh, NC -and- daughter of Richard N. Winfield, 1st Ammendment Lawyer /World Press Freedom Committee / Professor of International Media Law in New York.

Posted by: Pamela D. Winfield | April 25, 2007 11:00 PM

One of the most important lessons my father taught me is that, if you're going to call someone a liar, you better be able to back up your words. While Bill Moyers can be applauded for pointing out the medias' general and massive failure to adequately check the Bush administration in its run up to the war, he should be ashamed for repeatedly and slanderously insinuating that the case was "engineered," built on on "false pretenses," and the result of "Machiavellian" schemes. Moyers presents no hard evidence that "Bush lied" and that the right wing pundits were the administration's mouthpieces, but he took every opportunity he could to make those suggestions. Like Dan Rather, I still believe that people like Colin Powell truly did believe. You can say that the administration built its case on the flimsiest of frames (and that the press went for it hook, line, and sinker), but be careful who you call a liar. I had to chuckle: Evidently the Bush administration is smarter than the press corps.... Another cause for shame: "We were fooled, but THEY did it to us!" Please! Quit the whining and just take ownership!

Posted by: Martin McGinley | April 25, 2007 10:59 PM

Just watched Buying the War, What a waste of my time viewing this biased, inaccurate and redundant piece. Trotting out Dan Rather, disgraced and a fraud, along with his politically driven ex-producer and presenting him as some objective journalist was a hoot! And saying Phil Donahue, another political hack, was driven out of his show because it was counter to the Bush Administration is laughable. The fact is nobody watched Phil, and Dan was caught with his non-ethical pants down. This type of one-way political programing is exactly why I do not support PBS.

Posted by: Gary | April 25, 2007 10:52 PM

Just watched Buying the War, What a waste of my time viewing this biased, inaccurate and redundant piece. Trotting out Dan Rather, disgraced and a fraud, along with his politically driven ex-producer and presenting him as some objective journalist was a hoot! And saying Phil Donahue, another political hack, was driven out of his show because it was counter to the Bush Administration is laughable. The fact is nobody watched Phil, and Dan was caught with his non-ethical pants down. This type of one-way political programing is exactly why I do not support PBS.

Posted by: Gary | April 25, 2007 10:49 PM

Great show. I am stunned. I realize now that I have lived through my own McCarthy era. Where fear is the weapon against the truth and real Patriotism. I never thought this could happen again… I was wrong. --Jack Ryan

Posted by: Jack Ryan | April 25, 2007 10:47 PM

The current situation with the U.S. government demonstrates how capitalism fails our society. The corporate greed of executives, including those "executives" in the White House, has reached a threshold of catastrophic porportions, where Earth is perishing and overwhelmingly rich executives are only getting richer. Cheney was CEO of the US' biggest contractor in Iraq (Halliburton) and Bush has links with the Saudis and oil corporations in Texas. This greed for more power and stealing of natural resources from lands that belong to people has now embroiled the U.S. in the third world war, which has no end in sight. By the way, the only way to end this war is to consider what the enemy wants: peace and a self-determining middle east. Israel has to return to its pre-1967 borders before more negociations can take place for actually establishing its territory as defined by the U.N. in 1948 (with Jerusalem as an international city; Gaza-West Bank land bridge; Golan to Syria). If the U.S. government was more willing to listen rather than bullying and be greedy for more power, then maybe it could consider taxing oil companies and pay for fighting CO2 emissions. Call this communism, call this socialism, in...

Posted by: Astrobio | April 25, 2007 10:34 PM

Thank you, Bill, and thank you, folks at Knight Ridder. I have a file about 2 inches think of clippings from the run-up to the war, much of it as you have reported, and more from folks such as those at the Guardian in England. Based on that I preached a sermon in the church which I was pastoring which agreed with the position of my denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), which called the war "immoral, illegal, and unwise." The result? I lost my job. I was forced out in one of the worst years of my life. This work you have done is balm for me, and vindication. thank you.

Posted by: David Oliver-Holder | April 25, 2007 10:31 PM

The Iraq war was conducted badly. For 3-1/2 years we've been telling Representatives, the White House, and the Pentagon they screwed up, and how. They don't care what we think, never did. But it's time for the DNC and it’s operatives to grow up, and put an end to adolescent name calling, slander, and irresponsible statements in the press. The Democratic image these days isn't that we're against the war it's clearly that we want the White House, and we’ll do or say anything to get it. For awhile it looked like Pelosi & Reid would be professional and negotiate with the Executive Branch on Iraq. Then Reid makes a reckless and irresponsible statement, embarrassing us in Nevada, and likely violating aspects of A-III, S-3 of Constitution. America will never return to the 90's when we had 5 major terrorist attacks on our assets, and did nothing. We've needed a robust National Energy Policy for 20 years, and Congress won't do it. We want border control, and Congress won't do it. We want illegals documented and Congress won't do it.. And so on, and so on. We’re sick of personality freaks, and hard-core political hacks. We demand experienced professionals with...

Posted by: Frank Anthony Lane | April 25, 2007 5:50 PM

Bill, Thank you for your reasoned approach to news and current affairs. I believe that what you do so well is to: "mitigate as far as possible the damage done by the madness of our rulers". taken from this quote: “We are going to be governed whether we like it or not; it is up to us to see to it that we are governed no worse than is absolutely necessary. We must therefore concern ourselves with politics, as Pascal said, to mitigate as far as possible the damage done by the madness of our rulers.” Pierre Elliot Trudeau

Posted by: Tom Boushel | April 25, 2007 5:26 PM

Mr. Moyers, Your presence was missed. Thank you for coming back.

Posted by: Rosanna | April 25, 2007 5:23 PM

Bill Moyers is one of only a few actual journalists that can be found on american television today. For someone to question his ethics is truly the act of a pathetic human being. But the sun will shine on the truth...it always does eventually. Mr. Moyers, thanks for constantly being a man of character. You are a beacon of light for many of us.

Posted by: davidzah | April 25, 2007 5:19 PM

Hindsightis easy. We did not find weapons of mass destruction, just mass graves. I'm old enough to remember hearing that Hitler was not a threat to us, so we should not get involved, and we did not until thousands had been put to death.

Posted by: Marie | April 25, 2007 4:44 PM

Earlier, I had asked about Bill Moyers' promotional schedule in connection with "Buying the War." There was no reply. I mentioned that I had heard two Moyers interviews in two days with uncritical interviewers (Bob Edwards and Terry Gross), and I predicted/wondered how many more there would be. Add at least two to the list; Tavis Smiley and Democracy Now! To say that I am "uncomfortable" with Bill Moyers being given an uncritical bully pulpit, courtesy of public broadcasting, is an understatement. That the fully-mobilized forces of NPR, PRI and PBS are all lining up to promote Bill Moyers is even more discomforting. I really do wonder if anyone on any public broadcasting medium is going to ask Bill Moyers any hard journalism questions, as Fox News has been doing.

Posted by: Charles | April 25, 2007 4:08 PM

Dear Bill, Love you. Missed you. Trilled you are back. We need your voice and integrity on the air as a reminder of how journalism should be. you have kept me sane!! Welcome Back and Best Wishes,

Posted by: Nina | April 25, 2007 2:44 PM

I loved your answer to Amy Goodman this morning on Democracy Now!, to her question "Well, why are you back", which was "The world is still here." I loved that answer, because it is not just a simple answer to a simple question, but it says a lot about what you do and the state of the world. Yes, the world is still here and it is our job to make sure that it stays here! As long as it is here, people like you cannot stop talking about what is important and what we need to do to keep healthy and peaceful. Welcome back Bill! We love you!

Posted by: ETHIOLIB | April 25, 2007 2:12 PM

Great job, I heard you with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now! I do have one criticism for you: you claim that the only outlet which got the story correct was Knight Ridder. However I would add the Pacifica network, DN!, FAIR and the FSRN reporters who with far fewer resources nailed the uranium cake fraud and other issues well before the main stream press did. They should receive the same accolades you grant to Knight Ridder.

Posted by: Phil | April 25, 2007 12:36 PM

This administration has brilliantly blurred the lines of support by confusing many of us into thinking that by not supporting every White House decision we therefore are not supporting the troops. How can they say that wanting to end this seemingly endless war and bring the troops home is NOT supporting the troops while at the same time extending multiple tours of duty IS supporting the troops? It is no longer a war on terror that the administration is waging but rather a war on words and the American mind that they appear to be winning.

Posted by: Jim Goodnow | April 25, 2007 12:32 PM

Hey Bill, just watched you on Democracy Now. It is so reassuring to have you back on the beat. I was a weekly viewer of Now, until you left in December of 2004, and I will be a dedicated viewer of Bill Moyer's Journal in the future. Keep doing what your doing !!!

Posted by: Richard | April 25, 2007 12:07 PM

I'd like to share the content of a press conference - the text of it can be found here: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/21728 and a small excerpt is: Because I believe the vice president's conduct of office has been destructive to the founding purposes of our nation. Today, I have introduced House Resolution 333, Articles of Impeachment Relating to Vice President Richard B. Cheney. I do so in defense of the rights of the American people to have a government that is honest and peaceful. It became obvious to me that this vice president, who was a driving force for taking the United States into a war against Iraq under false pretenses, is once again rattling the sabers of war against Iran with the same intent to drive America into another war, again based on false pretenses. Let me cite from the articles of impeachment that were introduced this afternoon, Article I, that Richard Cheney had purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and the Congress of the United States by fabricating a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the use of the United States armed forces against the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to our...

Posted by: Jill H | April 25, 2007 11:03 AM

Hindsight is a wonderful gift

Posted by: Marie | April 25, 2007 10:57 AM

Bush still has no clue. Any terrorist group is as happy as a lark that we are staying in Iraq. It is easier to kill us there, it is cheaper to kill us there, it destroys our reputation in the world, and it bankrupts our economy. Despite Bush's daily words, any terrorist would hate to see us leave and spend money and effort protecting and enhancing our home.

Posted by: Cynthia Iberg | April 24, 2007 9:41 PM

Lisa, your conservative friend sounds sadly familiar. So many of the people I worked with - who were well educated people, and consider themselves to be Christian - held similar views. It was a painful environment to be in. When Eisenhower gave his warning about the military industrial complex, one of the things he mentioned was the 'spiritual cost' of maintaining a standing army. It's sad that speaking of spiritual values has become so difficult. I had a friend who worked in the Balkans, not as a combatant, but in a more vulnerable position of one who had to travel & work with some of the 'criminal elements' in that area. He came away from that experience with a real disgust for religion (in this case with Christians who carried out genocides against Muslims). I felt a bit conflicted when reading John Walcott's speech, since he seems to share some of that same feeling about religion. My belief is that the answer to this suffering is fundamentally a spiritual one. When Mr. Walcott says: "I hope you'll understand that I am somewhat passionate about this because if truth is merely relative - if one person's truth, in other words, is...

Posted by: Jill H | April 24, 2007 8:51 PM

Lisa, your conservative friend sounds sadly familiar. So many of the people I worked with - who were well educated people, and consider themselves to be Christian - held similar views. It was a painful environment to be in. When Eisenhower gave his warning about the military industrial complex, one of the things he mentioned was the 'spiritual cost' of maintaining a standing army. It's sad that speaking of spiritual values has become so difficult. I had a friend who worked in the Balkans, not as a combatant, but in a more vulnerable position of one who had to travel & work with some of the 'criminal elements' in that area. He came away from that experience with a real disgust for religion (in this case with Christians who carried out genocides against Muslims). I felt a bit conflicted when reading John Walcott's speech, since he seems to share some of that same feeling about religion. My belief is that the answer to this suffering is fundamentally a spiritual one. When Mr. Walcott says: "I hope you'll understand that I am somewhat passionate about this because if truth is merely relative - if one person's truth, in other words, is...

Posted by: Jill H | April 24, 2007 8:50 PM

This is a letter that I recieved from a conservative friend. I am posting it in response to the mother of the soldier returning to Fallujah. This is exactly the thought process that scares me so much as an American who like so many others longs for a true democracy, with true democratic ideologies. This letter is an example of so many people's point of view about why we must continue to "destroy" our "enemies". Please, why do these people believe that other human beings are any different than ourselves? Whether it be in Iraq or Palestine. Please define "ENEMY". When they look and act so much like "OURSELVES". Here is the letter: The lady who wrote this letter is Pam Foster of Pamela Foster and Associates in Atlanta She's been in business since 1980 doing interior design and home planning. She recently wrote a letter to a family member serving in Iraq .... Read it! "Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001 ? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that...

Posted by: Lisa Kiss | April 24, 2007 1:40 PM

Better late than never. But this would have been more useful in 2002. Many of us knew from the start that there was something fishy about the enterprise, but who could have known MSM had been so thoroughly corrupted?

Posted by: R E Winn | April 24, 2007 1:08 PM

Dear Bill: Thank you and God Bless you for coming back to mainstream media with your fair and unbiased journalism. We missed you. Even though it is late but thanks for speaking out the truth. Wish you all the best. Our country needs people like you so that the justice and truth that we stand for can be preserved. Thanks to PBS to bring you back Wasi

Posted by: Wasi Raj | April 24, 2007 12:44 PM

Thank-you so much for coming out of your much-deserved retirement, Mr. Moyers. Our democracy needs you now more than at any other time in your past career. My husband and I completely stopped watching TV in 1996, but I will make a point of watching this show at the homes of friends. Welcome back, and let the show begin!

Posted by: Linda | April 23, 2007 11:17 PM

Wecome back Mr Moyers, Your Joseph Campbell series changed my life. I am privileged to have the opportunity to post here. I hope my words effectively express my feelings. The Poltics of Defeat The other day I was sad to hear Senator Reid proclaim that the “war is lost”. I have been even more disturbed to hear the administration use phrases like “surrender date” and “cut and run” over and over again. Doing so in attempt to imply that the Democrats lack the “will to win”. Each party dispensing these baseless barbs without a single credible challenge by the opposition. This is the language of defeat. WHO IS DEFENDING THE HONOR OF OUR MILITARY AND THE SECURITY OF OUR COUNTRY!?!? In using this politically motivated and misleading terminology I believe the truth is distorted. Perhaps worse is the grave disservice these words do to our troops in harms way. Their bravery and incredible accomplishments ignored, maligned, and dishonored by these words. A little more than four years ago we invaded Iraq to eliminate WMDs, depose Saddam Hussein and his sons and bring Democracy to the Iraqis. There were no WMDs. Saddam and his sons are dead. The Iraqi's have held...

Posted by: Ron Hurst | April 23, 2007 11:00 PM

Mr. Moyers, I always knew I would get the truth if I listened to you. You have been my inspiration to write, to question and to call out corruption where i find it starting with Joesph Campbell and how to focus. Now was a mainstay of mine. Now nothing could possibly make me happier on TV than Seeing you on again, you are one of the reasons i support PBS. OF course your wisdom and ability to call a duck a duck in washington is probably why the Rove machine axed the support for PBS. Thanks for restoring my faith in some media!

Posted by: charles a knicely | April 23, 2007 10:55 PM

Thank you with all of my heart for being such a deep well of inspiration and for 'bestowing your boons' upon us. I am wondering if and when you might get round to addressing the UFO connection .... BEFORE we are coerced and misrepresented by 'the secret government', one more time.

Posted by: eileen | April 23, 2007 7:06 PM

There is no public voice as compelling and true as public broadcasting, and on public broadcasting, there is no one quite as compelling and true as Bill Moyers. Profoundly glad to have you back, Bill. I was highly skeptical of the reasons for the war, but started wondering if I was crazy---because no one else was asking those questions! But I share the question of the man who stated: "after you've yelled 'I'm mad as hell and I won't take it any more!'", then what? What do you do when the mainstream media and the "opposition" political party (both of which should be asking the hard question) fail you?

Posted by: Susan | April 23, 2007 6:44 PM

I am grateful for the wise voice of an elder. Thank you for your insight and sense of civility.

Posted by: Anne | April 23, 2007 5:19 PM

Dear Mr Bill (I couldn't resist.) This is really exciting! However, I always find myself a bit frustrated after watching your broadcasts. I want to open my window and yell out, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" I'd appreciate some concrete advice and ideas on how I can affect change. Thanks again for coming out of your semi-retirement.

Posted by: Francesca | April 23, 2007 4:50 PM

I am so glad to hear that Moyers is back. It is time to start watching TV again! The next Moyers Journal should be a tough expose on all of the unanswered questions and misleading answers about 911 from NIST and the 911 Commission. 911 was the lie that Bush used to sell us the war in the first place. How did two airplanes take down three steel frame skyscrapers? Why did the collapse of the three WT towers exhibit all of the signs of controlled demolition? The facts are still there waiting for someone with the guts to investigate.

Posted by: Allan Hoeltje | April 23, 2007 4:46 PM

Hi Bill, Thanks for coming back. The TV & the nation is richer because of you. I am looking forward to many an hours of thoght provoking discourses from you. Thanks again.

Posted by: Asif Khan | April 23, 2007 4:40 PM

"hes back!" well, he never went away. that, for all our own good. someone left of the classic cronkite/brikley old school breed of honest reporter. not part of the new half price half breed 10 second shock clip renta-reporters of the day. thankyouthankyouthankyou

Posted by: alex | April 23, 2007 4:17 PM

Bill, Would you please explore the issue of iminent danger as the cassis belli to attack Iraq. Would Saddam really attack the U.S. with his lousy 5 or 10 nukes when we have 10s of thousands nukes ready to totally distroy his country? That is the real issue, not did he have WMDs.

Posted by: Don Zwier | April 23, 2007 3:45 PM

Is there a schedule of all of the interviews that Bill Moyers is doing to promote his new PBS program? I have heard him on two public radio programs in two days (Bob Edwards' Weekend and Fresh Air with Terry Gross.) The interviews sound rehearsed in that Bill keeps saying the same things, using the same anecdotes that sound off-the-cuff but apparently aren't. And not a single tough question was posed to Bill Moyers about his activities in the Johnson administration, or about some of his past statements and financial support for left-wing activist organizations. How many different NPR programs will be hosting Bill Moyers for interviews this week? And how many interviewers will ask Moyers any hard questions?

Posted by: Charles | April 23, 2007 1:02 PM

Finally something worth watching on tv. I am very excited! I never seen you on air; I've only watched your documentary "The Secret Government" from which I also had to write a paper on for my PolSci Prof. I was stunned and shocked that the US commited and most likely still is commiting such atrocities. I was wondering where I might be able to purchase a copy of "The Secret Government"? Thanks!

Posted by: Marco Acuna | April 23, 2007 2:25 AM

Dear Bill, I am so glad you are back. You are needed now more than ever. It is so good to have a voice of reason and truth. The current media is basically all about ratings and infotainment. I agree with one the comments above. Please consider a series on the current Supreme Court and instigate how we get back our constitution. Thank you. Shari

Posted by: Shari | April 22, 2007 8:49 PM

Listen to Bill! He will take you places you cannot go alone where sheep's clothing is removed to reveal truth to power. Moyers follows Morrow in a great, great American tradition that is alas, in it's last throws.

Posted by: RichCarp | April 21, 2007 10:04 PM

Dear Bill, Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming back! Add my voice to the chorus who cheer your return to regular broadcasting.

Posted by: Bob Rutledge | April 21, 2007 9:43 PM

I am a retired officer in the GAARNG who has followed this war since President Bush first started the build-up after 9/11. I have been amazed how the public has been duped, but I firmly believe the public has began to comprehend the scope and consequences of the deceit of the Bush administration in the run-up to the war. I think they will sort it all out and start demanding our government correct its course. It might not happen as fast as we would like for it to, but it will happen. Also the guilty probably won't be punished as they really should, except by history.

Posted by: Robert Willis | April 21, 2007 2:29 PM

Bill has been a breath of fresh air ever since I encountered him. We are indeed fortunate to have him with us at this level

Posted by: Brooks Gardner | April 20, 2007 6:03 PM

Dear Bill Welcome back! Have missed your regular programs but have continued to watch on PBS, specific issues. We have written to you before and sent you some material we have published because your work has been quoted in them, and certain discussions on PBS and other programs. Yes, the war has been all wrong from the very beginning. We do not have to remain self-centered---simply look at all the opinions from the rest of the world and see how wrong the Bush administartion has been. After all there is much more to our world than just America right? Although we have too many who do not think so! Welcome again, and we look forward to your continued insight. Alex

Posted by: ALEX | April 20, 2007 5:02 PM

What of our dollar Hegemony?

Posted by: Bret Carpenter | April 20, 2007 4:10 PM

Thankyou Bill for continuing to inspire as well as perspire instead of retire. Back in the Nixon days I would often hear myself muttering: Geez! It Can It Get Any Worse Than This?! Man Was I Wrong! It Is Far Worse Than My Worst PTSD Flasback. So I no longer use the phrase because Nixon, Reagan, Bush, and Bush have all shown how much lower down the low road they can go and drag us all down with them.

Posted by: Anthony Martin Dambrosi | April 20, 2007 1:00 AM

Dear Bill, We’re glad you’re back! While you were away we created our own blog. We meet at the Glendale Public Library in Glendale, California. We’ll be watching you and talking, here on the Moyers Blog and on our local MoyersTalk blog. We invite other groups to meet in public libraries and perhaps form a network of such blogs. We’ve copied your blog rules to use. Let’s hear it for civil, civic participation.

Posted by: Moyers Talkers - Glendale, CA | April 19, 2007 11:23 PM

You are the reason I finally became a member of my local PBS station. Welcome back

Posted by: Sharon | April 19, 2007 10:29 PM

Welcome back Bill! We need your calm, intelligent voice and discerning eye. NOW hasn't been the same since you left and the media in general seems bought and paid for by the electorate. Bless you!

Posted by: Jamie Risedorph | April 19, 2007 8:42 PM

Welcome back. We have missed you terribly. My wife and I make it a point to watch any show with which you are asssociated (and we have continued to tune into NOW with David Brancaccio). No pressure, but you are to us the most credible journalist now working. Best wishes. We are really looking forward to the series.

Posted by: Ron Sidener | April 19, 2007 6:57 PM

From time to time, after you left us at NOW, we climbed a small hill, glimpsed your mountaintop orations, and were sustained against the storm. It still rages, but your return causes us to hope and to give thanks. This is truly wonderful.

Posted by: Juliania | April 19, 2007 2:44 AM

A rainy day in Oregon.......bearable after learning that you are returning.

Posted by: Gaila | April 19, 2007 12:20 AM

Welcome back, Bill, enjoy listening to the profundity of your ideas and discussions. As for the war in Iraq, so much grief and sadness, not a single person left in that blasted land who has not suffered the loss of a child, spouse, friend...??? Terror, tyranny, oppression, just the words simmering inside the cauldron of lies, hate and hypocrisy? Justice and freedom? Who is the oppressor and who the oppressed? Whoever would find the answer with the light of wisdom and understanding, would become a pioneer in stopping this whaling absurdity of a madness. peace and love

Posted by: farzana | April 18, 2007 8:53 PM

I couldn't be happier Bill is back. We despirately need a voice of truth and candor in this media sea of cowardliness, info-tainment, of ignored stories, and of down right lies. I've been watching Bill for 33 years. Horray!

Posted by: keith brewer | April 18, 2007 2:57 PM

Bill, I can remember you overview of the Watergate crimes on PBS during the seventies. I wrote how grateful I was that someone had presented the blur of news activity in a from that the public could digest. Crimes were being uncovered at such a flurry that it was hard to remember what happened and who did what. You helped America understand how our very core Constitutional principles were being attacked and possibly being unrfaveled. During my latter years in Houston. I was able to befriend Constitutional historian,John Henry Faulk. He and I spoke of the tremendous and essential effort you were making to maintain the fundamentals of good American journalism with questions and substantive information. I think it may be interesting to hear from the many think tanks and individuals like Jessica Tuchman Mathews and John D. Sachs who pretty much mapped out what would happen if the US unilaterally went to war with Iraq. The real issue is why didn't their advice coem to the forefront by the media and acknowledged sufficiently by our Washington leaders? Your efforts during these surreal days when answers are not questioned and automatic allegiance is viewed as a good thing, is one...

Posted by: Henry T. Nielson | April 18, 2007 2:17 PM

Bill, welcome back! It's about damn time! The courage to tell Truth to Power is pitifully rare in the media these days, and yet we need it today more than ever. I can't think of anyone who does it better than you. Go get 'em, Bill! I'll be tuning in every week.

Posted by: Jay B | April 18, 2007 1:30 PM

Our country is going through some really rough times...set backs of tens of years, and no one seems to be able to do anything about it. Congress seems incapable. There are so many lies being told by this administration, that it's very discouraging. At least when Bill's covering the story, I feel that someone's documenting the truth and the air is cleared. It's uplifting. Thanks Mr. Moyers. Michele H.

Posted by: Michele Hadjopoulos | April 18, 2007 1:01 PM

Mr. Moyers - You once sent me a note calling me a "person of conscience". I have treasured it. As a small town editor in rural Tennessee, your journalistic courage has been my inspiration in our continuing battles against bigotry, meth, dog-fighting,apathy and poverty. I am so relieved to see you have regained your public voice.

Posted by: sherri bruner osteen | April 18, 2007 12:42 PM

Dear Ruth, To sign up for the Bill Moyers Journal Newsletter, please click the following link: http://webmail.thirteen.org/mailman/listinfo/moyers-update -Bill Moyers Journal

Posted by: Bill Moyers Journal | April 18, 2007 12:32 PM

Dear Bill, How do I sign up to get on a list serve or something? I'm not up to date on the technology of these things. Like blogs. Thanks, Ruth Sherer, San Mateo, CA

Posted by: Ruth Sherer | April 18, 2007 12:23 PM

Gentle sanity is back. Hoist a glass to that! And thank Bill Moyer...

Posted by: Malcolm Campbell | April 18, 2007 12:03 PM

This is the best news in TV journalism in years. I have really missed your objective reporting and relentless pursuit of the behind-the-scene stories that deeply affect us. I will be with you all the way.

Posted by: Richard McNally | April 18, 2007 10:11 AM

Maybe I'll donate to Public Broadcasting now!

Posted by: Jean R. Clemente | April 18, 2007 9:53 AM

Thank Goodness! We might make it, after all.

Posted by: Judi Allen | April 18, 2007 9:20 AM

Thanks for all you have done in recent years for media reform and standing up for the traditional role of PBS in the face of the NeoCons. I look forward to your show. Best wishes and thanks

Posted by: David A Gregory | April 18, 2007 3:39 AM

I am so grateful that you are back on the air. Your voice of honesty and clarity is very refreshing, like a cup of cold water to a parched soul. I was in Kenya when i heard you were axed from PBS, and I knew America was being deceived into settling for less than the truth. Thank you for gifting us with yourself.

Posted by: rpower | April 18, 2007 1:44 AM

After your decades of courageous reporting I was sorry to see you leave the airwaves JUST WHEN WE NEEDED YOU MOST! However, your lifetime of work has always reminded me of that Nobel winning poem by a fellow Irishman about "The Troubles" entitled "The Voice of Reason is Getting Hoarse". I continue to cheer your "Voice" on Bill.

Posted by: Bill Seaton | April 17, 2007 11:51 PM

Bill, So glad to see and hear your voice again. You've been missed. I'm thankful, in advance, and hopeful about the prospect of your take on the upcoming primaries and election. That said, I hope relative to your new piece on "Buying the War" that you'll shed some light on hard reasons why the Washington Press core and so many others failed to follow good journalistic practice in their reporting. Can you help us also answer the question - how can we as consumers of the news use our market power to promote balanced, penetrating, objective, and insightful journalism? Best, Mark Dawes

Posted by: Mark Dawes | April 17, 2007 11:43 PM

Just want to add my voice to the others cheering your return. I will never forget how bleak and ominous it felt watching you announce your "retirement" from "Now." It's been a long and ominous winter and I hope this is an indicatation that a balance of powers is beginning to be restored to government. Thank you for your dedication to the constitutionally mandated freedom of the press.

Posted by: teresa swayne | April 17, 2007 11:38 PM

Damn! Does this mean you WON'T be running for President? Or is this the first step?

Posted by: Jerry | April 17, 2007 11:11 PM

Knowing you (Bill) are getting back on PBS is thrilling! Thank you for your caring, clarity, integrity and courage. I remember when you predicted an "explosion of investigative journalism". I hope you're right, and that it's beginning! (BTW, I was born on June 5, too... in 1941.) I love you!

Posted by: Joyce Bonner | April 17, 2007 10:49 PM

Your renewed presence is much needed....welcome back. Please comment about the focus on the cadidates fund-raising as an overwrought media subject. Why don't we just nominate, and then elect, the candidate that accumulates the most money. Sort of like the Monopoly game.

Posted by: howard kronish | April 17, 2007 10:20 PM

I am so grateful you are back! You are so important to this country.

Posted by: Martha | April 17, 2007 10:11 PM

Bill Please do a piece on Venezuela. Our Government is slandering one of the world's best leaders of a totally democratic and benevolent Government. Please set the record straight.

Posted by: Charles Koch | April 17, 2007 10:02 PM

At last, the voice of reason is back. Thank you, Mr. Moyers!

Posted by: dswartz4@cox.net | April 17, 2007 9:17 PM

It's so good to have you back on PBS and also here at this blog. Now if we can only get you to run for president.

Posted by: Brian | April 17, 2007 9:10 PM

Hallelujah!!!!!

Posted by: Lou Ann McKimmy | April 17, 2007 8:39 PM

Bill - this is wonderful and crucial. Please, please, please consider doing a series on the Supreme Court and what we can do to keep this court from dismantling OUR constitution.

Posted by: Julli | April 17, 2007 8:35 PM

What wonderful news!! We need you, Mr. Moyers, now more than ever. I have not quite forgiven PBS for cutting you back and for lots of other reasons...but your reappearance will help soften some of that resentment. I add my thanks to those of many others who know what a special person you are and how much your voice is needed in our country just now.

Posted by: Deborah Blair | April 17, 2007 7:29 PM

You're back! Thank you! Thank God! Never in the history of the USA has there been such an urgent need for your honest and ethical voice on the "media"---where it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish a so called news commentary from a used car commercial. Robert Dial

Posted by: Robert Dial | April 17, 2007 7:21 PM

Welcome back Bill! It's been a long dry spell for us out here in the hinterlands

Posted by: Rick McCauley | April 17, 2007 7:14 PM

Welcome back, Bill! I look eagerly forward to your blog and program. Your voice is missed whenever we can't hear from you.... frequently.

Posted by: Deborah White | April 17, 2007 6:54 PM

This is truly HUGE! I'm thrilled that one of the very few citizens who can shake us out of the apathy and cynicism now rampant in America -will be back in our faces again! Give it everything you've got, Mr Moyers... I am with you all the way. Most sincerely

Posted by: sslyon | April 17, 2007 6:29 PM

Great to have you back Bill, I'm looking forward to your new show.

Posted by: Stan Bohner | April 17, 2007 6:19 PM

Ditto with all the welcome backs! The preview was inviting and I cannot wait to see the program. The whole Iraq occupation is still so incredible I don't think it can ever be explained but Bill Simon is a top notch respected journalist and not believeing him, not supporting the reporters who were coming up with this information to me was the end of American's freedom as we knew it.It is a different world now and the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 did not make it so different. The indifference and ignorance of We The People changed our lives forever after that day by refusing to let the truth be heard. Thanks to these brave journalists and to you Bill, please keep coming back with more. We would rather live with the truth than live in The Matrix.

Posted by: Barb | April 17, 2007 6:18 PM

Congratulations! I have missed your excellent journalism. America NEEDS the educatin you present. I want to know more about the Islam religion, especially the branch called the "Talkfear" (my spelling is incorrect. But the session on Sunday night on PBS in Denver had a program on the history of the development of Islam going back into the 1920's and 30's) This history is essential to build an understanding of today's Islam movement and the Wasabi Arabs fundamentalism movement. I want to learn more. MUCH MORE! Welcome back!

Posted by: Loretta Scott | April 17, 2007 6:15 PM

Bill: Any chance we’ll see more Podcasts? The few you kicked out a while back were genuine treats. Don’t get discouraged – post 2008 your type of reporting will come back in vogue again.

Posted by: John - | April 17, 2007 5:59 PM

Thank God you are back! You've been gone way too long. You're an inspiration to all and I look forward to watching your show again every week.

Posted by: Lee Fuentes | April 17, 2007 5:53 PM

I am so excited to hear that you are back. I would love to find a way to help you so one day you can retire but for now. . there's no one else that does what you do. Your style of listening truly allows many points of view to be heard. I think that's what journalists stive for but few achieve.

Posted by: Laurel Denton | April 17, 2007 5:41 PM

Thanks for returning Bill. I wish you the best of everything. I'll be watching.

Posted by: Ed Smith, State College, PA | April 17, 2007 5:23 PM

Bill: Never seen a more thought provoking journalist. I am deeply saddened and feel sorry for our U.S. leaders: Perle, Wolfowiz, Rumsfeld, Cheny and Busch. In their quest to "do something" after 9/11, they were incapable of planning and thinking through all of the major consequences of the actions they were undertaking. Part of a failure to understand cultures and misguided egos that "we know best" how deliver and implement punishment. Also, they might have listened to much to foreign lobbies from the region. Those lobbies were tired of Iraqi sponsored suicide bombers in their communinties and realized it was the ideal time to push the U.S. to invade and clean it up for them. Now, sadley, it is apparent our leaders still do not understand what they are doing; they want us to think that they do understand but they do not. After Rumsfeld was replaced, President Bush said, "He accepted the responsibility of their shortcommings." Now, the public is holding him to those shortcommings. We are tired. President Bush--- you had your chance but you mismanaged it. It is time to become sober about the Iraqi situation and work together to resolve this mess. You both have important...

Posted by: Jack Davis | April 17, 2007 5:22 PM

Delighted you're back. Posted a love letter, of sorts, to you on the Clotheslineblog last week. It's been a brutal six years under Bush and Co. Glad you're back to help us get through the final stretch.

Posted by: susan Lenfestey | April 17, 2007 5:21 PM

Lets get to the point. Everything is far is just symptons of a system which is broken and the system generates the brokeness that only a broken system can emit. The real problem is K street and until that is gone we will get K oed.

Posted by: jim milty bates | April 17, 2007 5:06 PM

Great to have you back on a regular basis. Have always enjoyed Bill Moyer.

Posted by: CW Daily | April 17, 2007 4:58 PM

Your reputation for fairness & completeness in reporting is legendary as is your willingness to speak truth to power. It'll be wonderful to have you back on PBS on a regular basis and I look forward to the blog as well. Sorry I missed you here in Marshall as couple weeks ago.

Posted by: rnidess | April 17, 2007 4:57 PM

Bill Moyers!! Welcome back!!!

Posted by: Linda Dunham | April 17, 2007 4:54 PM

Bill, Your voice of reason has been sorely missed in the national discussion. Please bring some of the progressive investigative reporters like Robert Parry, Greg Palast, and Juan Cole into the dialog. Welcome back to PBS!

Posted by: SirScud | April 17, 2007 4:50 PM

So much of what you questioned and thought was going haywire in gov't indeed is: ie attorney general's office, questioning anything equals being traitor and now we're getting "since so many have died and been wounded we must fight to win for their honor". Consider a program about winning and the American psyche. "Proud" is a cardinal sin, I believe. Value enormously your point of view. Paul Seligson

Posted by: Paul Seligson | April 17, 2007 4:50 PM

Dear Bill, its been to long for you to be gone. your voice is truly a light in the darkened sky. a gleaming beacon of knowledge in these troubled times. i fear for my childrens children that they may not know an inspiring voice, a shoulder on which to lean on, that they will not know a soldier of right persuing the "wrongs" who work dilgently removing from us our born to rights. Thanks! Peace Tom

Posted by: tom | April 17, 2007 4:49 PM

My only regret is that CNN, FOX, MSNBC and the major networks will not benefit from having Mr. Moyer's thoughts on the air. There is so much double talk to contend with, so much fear mongering.

Posted by: Louis J. Kochanek | April 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Oops, didn't mean to be anonymous. That post at 4:36 was mine.

Posted by: ellroon | April 17, 2007 4:38 PM

Thank you! Have always appreciated your voice. Off to blogroll this site!

Posted by: Anonymous | April 17, 2007 4:36 PM

WELCOME BACK BILL.....WE NEED YOUR CLARITY

Posted by: larry barnes | April 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Great. The Thomas Paine of our time back on the air to help re-awaken the true American spirit. The revolution against the ghosts of John Adams and the Federalists.

Posted by: Don M. | April 17, 2007 4:29 PM

Bill it's so good to have a voice of reason in the wilderness back on the air. I look forward to your new series on PBS.

Posted by: Kathy G | April 17, 2007 4:29 PM

The hope for 'the return of a democracy that will actually remain accountable to citizens' just went up by 80%. You give me great hope for the political future of this country. Welcome back Bill !!!

Posted by: Kelly Oliver | April 17, 2007 4:27 PM

This is the best news I've heard in a long time! You've been missed by so many of us. Bill, thanks so much for returning!!

Posted by: Betty | April 17, 2007 4:22 PM

THERE IS A GOD!!! the end.

Posted by: Joyce Michelin | April 17, 2007 4:20 PM

This has been a long time coming...

Posted by: Brian | April 17, 2007 4:16 PM

Thanks for hanging in there with all of us, Bill - yes, sane and wise voices are rare these days - and your probing questions illumine rather than deflect from root issues and causes. Good news!

Posted by: Barbara Frost | April 17, 2007 4:16 PM

I guess good does triumph over evil. Glad you are back Bill.

Posted by: Vicki Ann Lancaster | April 17, 2007 4:07 PM

welcome back and THANK YOU!

Posted by: eileen | April 17, 2007 4:07 PM

Thank you so much for returning. I hope to see more wonderful conversations between you and Kevin Phillips and Karen Armstrong too. I have bookmarked your new blog.

Posted by: colleen | April 17, 2007 3:43 PM

What and idiot! I can't believe he is back. I guess it is true what they say about a bad penny...

Posted by: JG | April 17, 2007 3:37 PM

What a relief to know that your well-reasoned voice, Bill, has returned to the media mainstream. Thank you.

Posted by: Angela Lindner | April 17, 2007 3:32 PM

For many years I've considered Bill Moyers our nation's most distinguished teacher. Thanks for coming back.

Posted by: David Krikun | April 17, 2007 3:30 PM

Bill Moyers, it was a sad day when you went off the air. We were first acquainted back in the 80's with your historic interview with Joseph Campbell. Ever since I have been a huge fan and greatly admire your inquisitive approach to so many different topics. I very much look forward to your next endeavor.

Posted by: Jerry French | April 17, 2007 3:29 PM

Welcome back, Bill. you are a national treasure and are sorely needed!

Posted by: Ruth pabich | April 17, 2007 3:26 PM

It is good to have you back Bill. Looking forward to the new show. We need your reporting now more than ever.

Posted by: Jen | April 17, 2007 3:24 PM

Hi Bill, just checking out the site. I will have a comment about Social Security when it is appropriate. Meanwhile you might want to do your homework. Peter Peterson is not an honest source.

Posted by: dale coberly | April 17, 2007 3:21 PM

A voice like yours is needed to help us sort out the complexitites of the 21st Century. I'm so glad your back.

Posted by: Bill Lord | April 17, 2007 3:20 PM

Bill: Echoing the others, my family is delighted to have you back on the air, as well as on this blog; your journey has been our journey; our awareness, activism and spirit have been nourished and strengthened by your clear-eyed guidance through the years. Thank you...John Ellis

Posted by: John Ellis | April 17, 2007 3:19 PM

We are SO happy to have you back on the air. We've missed you, and your thoughtful and insightful commentary.

Posted by: Patty | April 17, 2007 3:05 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, It is wonderful that you will be coming back. In these dreadful days, with lies and deceit and killing, there seems to be almost no surcease. You are a boon, a gift, a treasure. Thank you. Lester Colodny

Posted by: Lester Colodny | April 17, 2007 3:01 PM

Yay! This is great. I am adding it to my bloglines account right now! Bill, what articles and other blogs have you been reading this week? Curious about what's on your reading list.

Posted by: Theresa | April 17, 2007 1:56 PM

Glad to have you back Bill! Can't wait for the series.

Posted by: Charlie | April 17, 2007 10:49 AM

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