What would you say about Brian Williams if you were interviewed on the air? ...and Why?

2015-02-07T12:02:47-05:00

I have conducted a few interviews and will be possibly doing another one on a major national network tomorrow (Sunday). Thus far I have been fair, firm and tactful. Some of my fellow vets are asking me to unload on him on the air. Please share your thoughts....what would you say on the air and why?

Staff note: Question title updated from original "What are your thoughts on Brian Williams..."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-02-07T12:06:11-05:00

I think he should be fired! Sgt Chris Lessard

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-02-07T12:09:29-05:00

Oh I apologize, I did a quick read on the title and not the meat of your question Sgt Chris Lessard.

I understand your caution about unloading on the air, especially these days.
I might say something to the effect that it is unfortunate that some try to glorify themselves through the actions of others.

There is no way to falsify yourself in this day and age. People need to realize that.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 7 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-02-07T12:59:51-05:00

I would roll with the "I'm not angry, just disappointed" sentiment.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-02-07T13:52:39-05:00

I think it goes to the character of the main stream leftist media. The have to fabricate things to get ratings because if they told the truth, they would lose their political support. Anyone remember Dan Rather? They got caught, just like fareed zakaria who is a plagiarist.

Not to go all conspiratorial but... One item is a fluke, two an anomaly, but dozens of examples over decades is not just a pattern it is a plan.

A plan to keep citizens from information that would allow them to make informed decisions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpw-n4TFf_M

Response by SFC Frank Hartley made Feb 7 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-02-07T14:15:07-05:00

The guy is a Grade A tool to the Nth degree.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 7 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-02-07T14:22:52-05:00

Even though this is issue is personal to us, one of the big things to remember is not to let that seep into the interview itself.

What Mr. Williams did was unprofessional. What you need to do is be the Consummate Professional. Beyond reproach.

Things I would personally say.

"You've gone on record as to the sequence of events. We all know that our memories play tricks with us. Is this what happened here?"

"You're a journalist. If you ran into this story. What would your reaction be?"

"Do you think this is something that can be apologized for? Can it be forgiven?"

Response by LCpl Nicholas Webb made Feb 7 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-02-07T14:29:19-05:00

No matter what the networks response is, no vet is gonna forget this. Credibility shot. Apology missed the mark by a mile

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Feb 7 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-02-07T16:48:03-05:00

I see no point in becoming an emotional, ranting and raving lunatic and please don't pull the "I served my country..."
Instead, use this as an opportunity to address media bias, selective reporting, media's obvious political leanings...
Do something that improves reporting (for us!).
While I might agree that he should be fired...what would that really solve, what would change, other than his employment status??

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 7 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-02-07T19:47:55-05:00

Brian Williams has not done anything that Chris Kyle has been proven of having done in a court of law... Hard to condemn a man for imitating your idols... Still, his integrity as a news anchor is in question, a career we hold to have higher standards of integrity than the war stories of veterans... even if they are published.

Response by Sgt Chris Lessard made Feb 7 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-02-07T20:05:31-05:00

UPDATE: Given that Brin Williams has taken a temporary leave of absence, my interview was cancelled/postponed. However, I truly appreciate the feedback I received on this thread from all of you. Thank you very much for chiming in. I enjoyed reading all of your comments. Stay safe out there,

Semper Fi,

Chris

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 8:13 PM

2015-02-07T20:13:10-05:00

Though he wordsmithed his apology to downplay what he did, he did recant and I am satisfied. For me it was far less damaging what Geraldo Rivera did and being expelled from Iraq for divulging details of a future military operation back in 2003.

Next question is, did Tim Terpak, the CSM who accompanied Williams to the Rangers game, did he know about this who mix-upand embellishment of the story?

Why keep kicking the guy when he's already down.

Response by LCpl Joel Hess made Feb 7 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-02-07T23:17:40-05:00

Hey Chris, Really liked what you said on the interview this week. Like you said, you dont forget. I still remember the 7.62 round hitting my windshield on the push in 03. I remember sitting across the river from Fallujah in 04, and rounds being shot past my head. You dont forget, and you dont put yourself in another mans shoes to bolster your war experience. Just as a Marine doesnt take a medal intended for another, stealing a story from another is just as wrong in my opinion. Great job again, way to represent the Veteran Community Bro.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Feb 8 at 2015 1:31 AM

2015-02-08T01:31:12-05:00

Just remember, he is a human being, and I am not sure where he is mentally but something is definitely not right with him.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-02-08T01:33:47-05:00

Brian Williams is a person that has done quite a bit of good in the way he has reported on the military, but as we have seen in our own careers and lives, 1 "oh crap" can wipe out 99 kudos. There was no reason for him to lie and embellish his story, and while I would never crucify anyone for a mistake, this one is on the "oh crap" level.

As a journalist your credibility is everything, and because of a careless attempt to sensationalize an event his is gone...

If I were to ask the question, it would simply be: Why did you feel the need to lie?

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Feb 8 at 2015 1:36 AM

2015-02-08T01:36:47-05:00

He's a chump. But if I got the chance to go on air about it I would ask " why doesn't jane asshat fonda not get this kind of negative attention?" Caps on her name purposely lowered.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-02-08T11:15:58-05:00

Sgt Chris Lessard. I would invite his employer to sponsor a Polygraph or fMRI examination at the No Lie MRI company . . . focused on whether he knew and intentionally fabricated and/or embellished this and/or any other news story.

If he intentionally lied this should end his news career . . .

If not then maybe he gets a little of his credibility back . . .

Keep in mind that many if not all of his news stories have been very supportive of our troops . . . and unlike many other talking heads in the media . . . he really made an effort to go in country and report what he saw.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

o http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/imaging/mri-lie-detectors
o http://www.noliemri.com

MRI Lie Detectors

Can magnetic-resonance imaging show whether people are telling the truth?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-02-08T11:58:20-05:00

I was not there and therefore do not feel that it is my place to comment or pass judgement on the situation.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-02-08T12:02:05-05:00

He was in the chopper right behind the one taking fire so I'm going to give him some slack. If he wasn't even in the area, then he should be castigated but he was there so I give him some slack.