Hey Rick Sanchez..
With a hat?

How unprofressional...
Oh he really brings the next generation of news...

Still so cute!

To Bozoness he's still a better journalist hat or no hat. Rick keep up the good work.

What's wrong with his natural hair???

Why use the toupee at all? Lots of women find bald men very sexy... I know, I married one.

As far as I'm concerned, Rick would look good with or without hair. Besides, it's his brain and his journalistic integrity that we love the most, no matter what package it comes in!

Be yourself Rick. We love you just the way you are.

TOO funny for words!

For SURE bald men are sexy!!!!! Yummy too!

"Medicare 4 All" should be the name of this bill because it is definitive and easily understood. The administration is upset about "myths and lies" from opponents, but what could be more vague than "National Health Reform'?" Sounds mysterious, doesn't it?

You have got to be kidding?

Rick Sanchez?
A good journalist?

Last week he lullabied his fans with the promise of a story that links drug addiction as a Gateway to Heroin!

No kidding, I said.
Really?
But wouldn't that be a breaking news story?

In the end he never delivered what he had promised at the beginning or top of the hour.
He never delivered what he promised in the end...
That mysterious link between Ocycontin and Heroin.

No connection to his initial claim of a theory
No connection at whatsoever.

You didn't get that haircut Kyra suggested did you? Hmmm, I wonder why?LOL Keep up the good work Rick, we watch you everyday.

One more thing CNN. 

I'm taking bets from friends. 
What are the odds that CNN will publish critical comments on CNN, such as...
Something (or someone who) that challenges CNN through the use of graceful and elegant argument...

...that it's difficult to consider (snicker) CNN a serious NEWS organization...

Adieu. 
HurricaneBetty 

I used to think that Rick was a pretty goofy anchor who did not have much in the way of commentary. That all changed when I saw him rip apart a former health care CEO on the air. Kudos! I was so happy to see that he had the balls to say what is right about the health care debate. I will watch you more now.

Rick, you rock! Sigue echandole ganas!

Michael Vick: Greed had raised it ugly head again. How depressing that someone who drowned dog with his bare hands gets a job dealing with our kids, or even dealing with any people Here is another bad example of greed but it worst now, greed is being taking to another level, greed with murder. No bail out here.

I'm impressed.

CNN...

Looks like it is reconsidering its policy on censorship!
A step in the right direction.

PEACHY.
And...
GRAND.

I don't always agree with what you say, but that is what freedom is all about.I spent three years of my life insuring that right. To do your part you could hold classes on how to use today.s tech. I have been spending several days trying to communicate with you.

Man the extra hours on air are taking a toll on you. Getting up too early to fill in for Heidi made you sit and look like a stump.....lol

Rick;
You know the goverment already has a health care plan for everyone in the congress, white house and etc. Why can't everyone just use that one, then we don't have all this problem of debate and the use of fuel and cost of flying all over for town hall meeting's every day. Why don't CNN bring this debate up and see what the American people have to say and take a poll. Ask some of the senator's and congressmen about this plan.
Thank you, have a good day

Rick;

I am an avid watcher of your show. The other day you had a young mother who let you air the arrival of her son in distinguished ceremony. I am a veteran and not too long ago I wrote an extremely good song that describes the emotions of the service men and woman who bring our fallen Soldiers home the be laid to rest. I recorded the song in a Nashville Studio and a SSGT (101st ABN) stationed in Afghanistan sang the song for me while he was home on mid-tour leave. I work at Covington Power Services in Nashville as a mechanic and brought it into work for everyone to hear and it brought tears to their eyes as they remembered friends that have fallen in the Middle East. This song would be great attached to that video you aired. I would be extremely pleased if you would like to listen to it. Please let me know. I could send you an MP3.

Respectfully;
Thomas J Devine

cash for clunkers. i know people who cant afford a vehicle and i see all these cars being destroyed. people who have small children that have to walk miles to get places. what in the world is happening.

Rick,every American should be required to watch President Obama's townhall meeting today in Montana. Straight from the hoarse's mouth. Although that still wouldn't be good enough for some people. God bless them.

I really enjoyed seeing you being tasered! LOL. No wait, I don't think I really got a clear picture. Do you think you could do it again? I am torn between wondering if this was an act of "bravery" on your part or an act of "stupidity." I think maybe "stupidity." Most people do not have to have a MACK TRUCK RUN OVER THEM TO FIND OUT HOW IT FEELS!. Obviously, you do. And I can only imagine that CNN had to pay you BIG BUCKS, or at least I hope so. I would really be disappointed if you did this FOR FREE OR IF IT JUST COMES WITH THE JOB.! Now, if you won't do it again so that I can see it again, will you at least put it on your blog so that I can see it over, and over, and over, and over!? That way, I can remind myself everyday how STUPID YOU REALLY ARE. Do you think maybe you get get Obama to comment and let's see if he thinks you acted "stupidly!?" Ya, Ya, Ya!!!

After seeing what a taser will do to you at your size or the police officers size. May be its time for the police to do there job the right way than the short cut ! I was told if the flashers are on to stop.Know its saying taser real close in your future.

On cash for clunkers:

Congress really missed the boat on this one. First we bailed out the big three US auto makers. Then we give away money for dumping gas guzzlers which we're mostly American made cars so there goes a lot of parts sales. And what vehciels are people buying? Mostly foreign made better mileage vehicles.

Congress should have restricted the Cash for Clunkers program for purchasing American made cars by the big three companies they're trying to save!

IF A DOCTOR IS BOOKED UP AND DOESN'T WANT MORE PATIENTS --- IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO FORCE
DOCTORS TO TAKE ON MORE? AND IF SO, THEN WE ALL ARE GOING TO HAVE LONG WAITING TIMES NO MATTER IF WE GET TO USE OUR OWN DOCTOR OR NOT.
THANKS

the town hall meeting format is the way ALL legislation should be considered. Shame we didn't consider that prior to invading Iraq. Might have been interesting to see whether American's would have reacted to the potential of death to multitudes of our soldiers and many innocent citizens of Iraq along with the cost of an extended war in the same manner that we react to reform to health care.
I believe that much of the angst at town hall meetings is about personal political ideology (ie abortion, illegal immigrants, welfare recipients etc.). Amazing that most of the rhetoric is about "piss on everyone else,, what's in this for me". Kinda like the banks, oil companies, auto companies, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and the rest of the corporate big shots.

Mr. Sanchez: I am a senior citizen,Vietnam Vet & have worked for the DOD/DOE. I remember when the U.S. was the biggest credit nation & had a large manufacturing base..(1980).. By 1993, we were #1 nation in debt in the world. Manufacturing was leaving the U.S. for money. For decades the health system has been broke & everyone in D.C. knows it & why. From Jan. 95 to Jan 07, the GOP had plenty of time to fix it but did nothing.The Dem's. did little to help.
I have come to understand your presentation & appreciate the balance & facts that you give your viewers. Ms. Amanpour & yourself help americans become better educated on complicated subjects. Thx for your efforts & keep up the good work!
P.S. I have traveled around the world over 8 times so I understand how my country effects the rest of the world!

Nice hat! Nice workplace, too. Must be nice to to be a part of the free media of our country. I like the stories about Hispanic-Americans, too. The story about Cuban-Americans.

on Healthcare:
If my research is correct, people wouldn't have health-care from their jobs if it wasn't for The H.M.O. Act of 1973. Is that correct? But Pres. Obama and Congress have no plan to change or repeal that Act, do they? Just to be clear.
And there is no plan to deny healthcare at work, is there? And there is no plan to mandate companies or businesses to change their insurance plans to a public plan, right? Companies and businesses can keep their private insurance plans for their workers if they want to, right? Just to be clear for people who have health-care at their jobs and want to keep it.

Rick I keep hearing people talk about no more spending on Americans. I find that strange because the argument should be about spending around the world. We spend trillions of dollars a year on the world needs, while we argue about American needs like health care. We can fund health needs around the world but can't afford heath care for our own citizens. My mother always said: take care of home first. That should be our policy for now own. Sorry world but we got problems of our own.

Over these past weeks I have been sickened by the conduct of those who have 'tantrums' at these so-called town meetings. There are the
quick soundbite clips presented by the media....... but I think there is a missed opportunity which reporters are not looking into.

Why not take these people aside and interview them... in a calm rational manner..... I would find it interesting to see a reporter probe into where they are getting their information and then present the facts to them to see what their reaction would be.

Thank you.....

some info. there will be 3 hurricanes; 2 in gulf-1in florida. All 3 big.
at passing of billy graham major earthquake. By end of year we will
know we not only people around earth. there shall come a new fear
in the land; it shall come about as the worm eatheth flesh they shall
say we have a cure but it shall not prevail and shall grip the land.
remember.

Ignoring Single Payer Health Care Plan

President Obama has completely bypassed the single payer system without giving us any reasons for his choice, and has kept the HMOs in operation instead. I believe the taxpayers have a right to know why he denied us what appears to many to be the most promising health care reform plan available. He should state all of the single payer advantages and indicate why they are not sufficient.

We need Real Health Care Reform

Past experience has shown us that the present HMO profit motivated system is unsustainable. President Obama's proposal is not a true reform, but is a continuation of the same HMO system increased by 47 million more members. The single payer system is a proven successful true reform that will stop the HMOs from exploiting the citizens.

Rick- Have you ever heard of a County in the State of Texas where you are Guilty until you're proven Innocent? That’s if you or your attorney can prove you are innocent. Believe it or not, there is a County in Texas called Fort Bend County that makes and breaks their own laws via the 400th District Court and other courts within the same County.

Briefly, I was wrongly accused of Burglary and Evading Arrest over a year ago. To prove that I am not guilty, I turned myself in because I have nothing to hide, posted a bond, hired an attorney and attended approximately 16 court arraignments without allowed enter a plead. Obviously, the Prosecutor could not back up his claims.... that the sheriff had me on a video tape running away from the scene.

Even though, I provided my attorney with the police report indicating that I lost my school ID prior to the whole incident. I was still subdued to face prosecution on a mistaken identity case. I know my where about the day in question and I have repeatedly profess my innocence. But the Courts and the Prosecutors have continued changing stories ( first they claimed to have the tape, then they later said the tape was not available). I was at work on the date and time in question. I have never visited Fort Bend County since I arrived in the United States. When I turned myself into sheriff's custody, I was jailed for 24 hours before a bond was posted for my release. On the same day, there was another individual with the same name, who just got moved to another cell unit upon my arrival. I learnt this information through the jail guards. But I never pursued the information rather I informed my lawyer about it. Though, my lawyer have never had the opportunity to present my case due to numerous arraignments. I lost several job opportunities as a result of court appearances or arraignments. My one year work permit was technically expired prior to the expiration date.

On the separate note, my asylum petition case was denied. ICE has asked for me to leave the country immediately. I have since left the country. However, there is still a current warrant for my arrest in Texas. The bond that I posted in Texas have been revoked because I did not attend the last court date. The trusted family that posted the bond on my behalf are being harassed to pay up the bond money or face legal action.

Rick.. I am a poor immigrant from Columbia seeking for a better life for me and my family back in Columbia. I did not commit the subject crimes, I know that I am absolutely innocent. Since, my work permit was approved, I have worked continuously with no interruptions. My bosses shall attest to this fact. Ironically, according to my lawyer, three people are currently convicted and serving time for the same crime in question.

I would have remained in the US to fight for my good character, should the asylum petition have been granted. More-over, I am still willing to come back to the US, if the courts could locate the sheriff's video linking me to the subject crime scene.

Rick... I need your help to get to the bottom of these cases. On more serious note, there are other cases such as mine filed away in the Fort bend county court districts. I wish to indicate to you that you will not regret any efforts in digging deeper for the sake of mankind.

Please help me, Rick . May God bless you!

Respectfully,
Dawis Micolta Gamboa

Rick

CNN has banned radio talk show hosts from being guests or interviewees on their network. Even though they have their own radio network and some of their TV hosts also have radio shows. This disgusting example of censorship for pay is designed to attack radio hosts who are successful and may dare to question the government and their actions. CNN is bought and paid for by the government and has lost all its alleged journalistic integrity. When they do not want you to hear an opposing viewpoint it is because it is bad for their business. When they embrace an opposing viewpoint for the purpose of civil debate then they have journalistic integrity. I will be watching BBC news!!!

Could we stop a hurricane? Probally not. Can we prevent one? Maybe. What if we were able to cool a specific portion of the mid-atlantic by only a few degrees, for a few months. Sounds to ambitious? what would my budget be? a billion or two to stop hurricans before they start. I wondered where the cool water could come from, some have proposed draging an iceburg to the mid-atlantic. Then I realized the cooler water need is just a few feet below and could be brought to the surface with wave pumps. There is now considerable and conclusive evidence that only minor reductions in Mid-Atlantic water temperature would be needed to reduce or eliminate hurricane formation. Wave pumps would not require any energy, other than wave action, would not generate any heat ( a big thing) and could temporarily bring colder water to the surface when and where needed. Something to think about, it could work, and save what, billions?

If people showed up at a presidential event with a loaded weapon when Bush was President, do you think a law would have been pushed through declaring that individuals cannot have a weapon within 500-1000 feet of the president?

Rick,
This is the west, this is Arizona. Keep you liberal east coast gun control scare tatics to yourself. It's no big deal. It is our right to keep and bear arms. These people are expressing thier rights. We are not going away.

Rick, I think so-called citizens carrying guns (legal or ill legal) is unAmerican. The Secret Service has a tough enough job protecting our president without dopes like these. When does the Secret Service decide someone with a loaded gun is dangerous? There is alot of money to be gained in the proposed health care plan for these thugs to want to defeat it this badly. Also why do we spend the money going through security lines at the airport when these people are free to walk the streets in our country? This is clearly not what the framers of the constitution meant.

Please get the gun-toting guys off the air. Have you lost your minds? Can't you see that you are encouraging these guys to bring guns to rallies in order to get on TV?! Shame on you!!!! Are you trying to get someone killed or is it just that ratings are so much more important than public welfare?

This trend towards guns at political events is disturbing. If people on both sides of a political issue show up with weapons, anyone with an iota of sanity can forecast the escalation of conflict from yelling to shooting.... Mob rule is not the way to run a democracy!

It is allright to have a weapon on your house to protect your family, but carrying weapons on the street it is a mandate only for law enforcements...

Mr. Sanchez I get the impression you are anti police. For a man whose brother is a cop I would think you would understand a officers perspective.

Where is respect for our President? With terrorist out there why allow people to show up with weapon @ his rallies? This should totally not be allowed.

People are carrying guns to the events because of their 15 minuets of fame. Stop showing them on TV and they will go away

Are the extreme right NRA type actually the true Nazis of today. After a little research, most historians agree that the Nazi's in the 1930's before WWII, used the Protestant Church and The Party's commitment for families and small business to take power and save the nation from liberalism and communism. Professor Guenter Lewy, author of "The Catholic Church and Nazi Germany" quotes Hitler as saying that he "... regard Christianity as the foundation of our national morality and the family as the basis of our national life." I do not understand the way the Right is using words like Fascism, Nazi, Hitler, Communism. It's like they never went to college. The Nazis came to power from their alliances on the right. Looking at Republican ideology: Country First, Support for the Family, Belief in God and Support for Small Business are the same principles that the Nazis used to convince the German people to give Hitler and his party power before the people found out what it really meant to be a Nazi!

Regarding the guns brought to the rally. Why did they only show the african american person with the gun and you clearly stated there were others with guns?

It's amazing that things are allowed to happen with President Obama where it never happened with other Presidents. Is it because he is an african american. I believe it is all racial. No repect for the President.

The right to openly bear arms at a public event like that of the president's appearance in Arizona is absolutely insane. Perhaps Bill Maher is right that many of the people of America have become rather stupid. Excuse my frankness.

I live in Arizona and I must say I am shocked with the nutty actions of some people with assault rifes etc. Did you know there is an old law on the books here that it is legal to beat your wife once a year. Do these gun nuts beat there wife? after all its the law its O.K.
I think we need to re think our state gov.

When you show the police video I hope you tell why he was stopped by the officer and what his rap sheet is. For all you know the police have dealt with this man before. Just showing 2 minutes of video does no justice, show what happened leading to the video

This comment is directed at Rick Sanchez . . The display of firearms at a presidential event is being done by persons who are anti-gun fanatics (or lunatics in this case). No responsible American citizen would even think of carrying a firearm to a presidential event.

Please do not cast blame on the NRA and/or responsible gun owners in this case. It is totally insane and I hope the persons who are doing this are arrested for disturbing the peace.

Thank you for presenting this to America!

Never get out of a car when you are stopped by the police. I bet your brother would agree

I want to know Mr Jenkins police record

before the cops stop him they know the mans history and they know what he is capable of

This video is disgusting. How many more black men will have to be abused before proper actions will be taken to eliminate this type of behavior. The police officer who initiated the physical contact with Mr. Jenkins should be fired and never allowed to hold a position of police officer again. He's a danger to the public he's suppose to protect.

Rick, in the video of the Mninesota police beating, why was the driver's door open? Certainly there was excessive force after additional officers arrived, but I think the first officer was well within the realm of professional behavior to attempt to subdue the guy.

Please balance your news. The President, his spokesmen, several congressmen have stated things about the so-called Healthcare Reform that are "not" true. You are giving President Obama and others a pass – their untruths are excused as simply "he misspoke". Anyone who asks for clarification, states things that are actually in the legislation being floated in the house, or is in opposition is called "angry, "mob", etcetera.

Rick why aren't they showing the first guy your colleague saw with the AR 15 not being shown we need footage of that guy, God forbid something goes wrong, he is the only face we have but not the only one we know was armed. "Please find footage of that guy.

Regarding armed man at president's meeting:

Rick,when I saw the clip on those policmen beating on that black man is sad.I have alot of male relitives, son's,and grandson's... I have no hope for our blackmen when a police is allowed to carry on in this matter.... This a fact !

Cocaine on money-

Rick

Does this mean that 90% of us with a $20 bill in our pocket would fail a test by a drug-sniffing police dog?

Rick,
Drillin' and grillin'. Good to see that CNN has picked up on the reporting and cut back on the entertainment. I realize that we've trained a pile of experts who can speculate on the subject du jour, but I think we need to get these guys and gals out of emerging news and go out and get the facts. That would help a lot in cutting some of the noise out of hot issues like health care. I think that even you, Rick, got it wrong with the supposed Obama 'back off' from the public option. I believe that he simply said that it is not the backbone of the plan, but still in his mind a necessary component. Presidents are vulnerable. Obama is arguably the best that we could have gotten at this time in our history. Let's not encourage the 'crazies' to take action to threaten our new world image and the leadership that Obama has brought. We can't stop the Palinista's from exposing their ignorance and rallying their base (aka, Al Qaeda), but we definitely need them to leave their AR15's at home and foul out before they use their weapons on one of us imaginary, anti-amerian ghosts.

Rick, read the Arizona NRA website, you might find the catalyst for the gun toters

Hey Rick, where is the picture of the other guy who is not Afro-American? The newsman said he saw someone else who was not an African- American with a weapon...let me see his picture also. Let's be fair.

This retired cop, Lou Palumbo (Spelling?), where did you find him and how loing has he been retired? Police officers are not trained to kick?? Front kick, side kick? Common peroneal strikes? Any of that ring a bell with your "expert cop". I can't see the video of the Minnesota traffic stop well enough, and the verbal part is the most important. But for this retired desk jockey to say cops aren't trained to kick is complete ignorance.

I don't understand how the secret service would even allow these people to walk around with loaded weapons in the streets. The president is within proximity of some of these hi powered rifles or even handguns, to me this is a very fine line they are walking, its the president of the United States and these debates on health care has alot of heated exchanges, this is a high security risk to the people as well as the President.

Rick, The strangest thing to me, is when I see our senior citizens against the public health care plan. Why would our government change anything for the worse. If anything medicare will get even better. And by the way, we are always worried about the national debt our children are going to have to pay, why not make sure our children will always have public health care if they want it.

Regarding man with gun at President Obama's meeting: Did anyone get his name and how long ago he purchased the permit to carry this gun? Is he a plant from anti gun activist? I would think anyone who carries a Concealed weapons permit would not show up with an AR14 other than a plant from activists

CFC best idea our gov has had in years....problem is b.crats can't handle the operation...so how can they handle HC.

I saw you wearing a pair of shoes where the tips curved upward. That seems to be the kind of shoes that I need to wear to help prevent me from falling, because my left foot drags due to a ruptured disk that damaged my sciatic nerve. Could you please email me the name of the shoe, and where they may be purchased so that I can buy a pair? Thanks in advance.

Rick,

Please try to change your name to Khan, or Mohammed and travel to see whether the detention of S. Khan was publicity of a racist computer program designed to stop people based on the name. Thanks.

Why doesn't CNN show more Town Hall's from places like California's 13 District, where Rep. Pete Stark, who helped write the House bill, held three town hall meetings and was greeted by hundreds of supporters and very few rude opponents. Remember there are other outside the Midwest and South who are very much in favor of a public option, and your reluctance to show these people make you look like you may be caving to corporate interest and sponsors (insurance and pharmaceutical companies).

Rick,

I have spent my entire adult life working with young kids who did not know their way and most recently working in homeless shelters working with people who are mentally ill or veterans who have lost their way. I challenge anyone to do this work for just a month and come away with the same positions regarding how we treat the lesses of us.

Thanks,

Will

We will not abandon our American Hero. This is what I just heard President Obama say as he addressed our Veterans. My brother, Gregory Tate, is a veteran who served in Afghanistan in 2004 and 2005 but I believe has been sadly abandoned by his country. He has served in the Iowa Army National Guard since the year 2000. He had always been the man in his unit who could add levity and make people laugh, which was greatly appreciated by his fellow soldiers. While he was deployed in Afghanistan he had the added difficulty of finding out that his wife had an affair and became pregnant. He suffered through a difficult divorce while 17,000 miles from home. Gregory lost his sense of humor in Afghanistan and he did not seem like himself at all. Then five months after returning home, a soldier from his unit with whom he had served, tried to kill him by choking him to death. He went unconscious before another soldier intervened. He was soon revived but suffered superior vena cava syndrome (severely bloodshot eyes due to being deprived of oxygen). After this incident, he began to loose even more–his grip on reality. He suffered delusions that the government was after him. He was paranoid that everyone in his unit as well as at his workplace knew he had been "choked out" and were laughing at him. He was convinced that the lyrics to his favorite songs were being altered on the radio, just to torment him. He was suspicious that his brothers and sisters were trying to lure him into a trap because he refused to seek counseling. He thought his professors at Iowa State University were angry at him for serving in the Army. There were countless other delusions. He felt he needed to escape Iowa. He had happy memories of a vacation in California so he abruptly quit his job and drove out there. He struggled to find a job, and shortly after he did start work, he was convinced that his coworkers were secretly laughing at him, that they knew about his mishap in Iowa. He left there and went to stay with an Aunt in Colorado; found a job, and again was overwhelmed with paranoid thoughts. Thank God his boss was a Vietnam veteran and recognized the symptoms of PTSD. He was kind enough to contact me and I was able to persuade Gregory to come home and go with me to the VA for help. I had no idea how ill my brother had become. Though I am twelve years older than Gregory, we have always been extremely close. But since he returned from war, he had been very distant; it almost seemed he was angry with me. I was at a loss how to deal with this and unfortunately had let him keep his distance. I was very shocked and saddened at how far down he had spiraled.

Mother and I took him to Des Moines where he was admitted to the VA hospital with PTSD. It was during his intake that I learned of his plan to kill himself. We just narrowly escaped losing him forever. He was taken to the VA in Knoxville, Iowa where they treat mental illnesses. Unfortunately, all of the other patients that he encountered there were seeking help with drug/alcohol addiction. His feedback to us was that his particular needs were not met. He stayed at the VA December of 2007 then January and February of 2008. Because my father had a stroke in February of 2008, Gregory wanted to be closer to home, so he left the hospital and came to live with me. It was five months before I saw him laugh again, which I believe was a sign of recovering the Gregory he once was. He continues to improve and is doing much better though some symptoms remain.

While in the hospital, the staff worked on getting him transferred back to an Iowa unit of the Guard which was great because he was in no condition to figure things out. The people at the VA in Knoxville were really wonderfully kind and did their best to help him. I do really wish that there had been more focus on PTSD though. I also really wish that someone could have helped him wrangle through the process of getting disability pay for his time in the hospital. He fell behind on all his bills. I did my best to help him, but I myself am disabled and have a very limited income. He had been working on trying to get paid for 12 months now. Twelve months after he first realized he should file for compensation, he still has nothing. Well, nothing but threats of repossession and threats from debt collectors. The stress of that has fallen not just him but on me and our mother and father. We all get collection calls for him daily.

It makes me so disgusted when I think what he has sacrificed for his state and his country, and then for him to be treated with such disregard. The Iowa Army National Guard says that they will not pay because "technically" he was in the California Guard when he was admitted to the hospital. It is the IOWA National Guard that he as worked for for nine years. It is the IOWA Army National Guard that called him to serve in Afghanistan. He went to the Veterans' hospital in IOWA. But Iowa refuses to pay him. He is only requesting pay for the three months he was hospitalized, not the additional five months that he was unable to work or keep a job due to his severe PTSD symptoms (for which a just and honorable system would compensate him!)

This system need to be fixed. Our soldiers deserve so much better than this. I would be willing to do anything to make this better for all the other soldiers that will follow this same unfortunate path. Please tell me what can be done! And please do what you can.

Thank you. God Bless you. And God bless all who serve our nation in uniform.

Sister of a Soldier who survived becoming another suicide statistic,

How in God's name is it legal to show up for a presidential event with a freeking gun???!!!

Bozoness,
Rick is sitting BEHIND the scenes, so what if he's wearing a cap? Why does he need to look professional when he's not on-camera. Lighten up, huh! Rick, honestly, do you really wear a hair piece? Whether you don't or don't, you're still a very good-looking man. Great mouth, dazzling smile!

OPEN LETTER TO BARACK OABAMA,

President Barak Obama
United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Mr. President,

It is with all sincerity that I am commending you for working toward a universal health delivery system for the United States of America. I know that with your foresight and vision, that every citizen of the United States of America will enjoy medical services when required and not when covered by insurance. I closely monitor the events that happen globally and gauge how they may impact us here not only in Canada, but in North America entirely.

It is very alarming that the Republicans in your great nation are again implementing their fear mongering tactics and intimidation in an attempt to derail your noble effort. I, as an optimist however see a positive in the Republican tactics and these very tactics they are implementing are exposing the high degree of racism that seems to be alive and well in the United States of America. As a Canadian watching and monitoring your country’s events through various media outlets, this is the loud and clear message that I am getting from the Republican misinformation campaign. Your administration should remind the American people that Republicans are the ones that lead the United States into the massive recession and have Americans ask Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Lou Dobbs why these Republicans now have all the solutions and why are they protecting big business? The current medical delivery systems and coverage are dominated by and profited from by big businesses and that is why the Republicans are using these low tactics including borderline advocacy of anarchy to try and derail your long overdue health care system overhaul.

I realize Mr. President that this is none of my business but I felt that you should be aware of the wrong image the Republicans are projecting to the world about America. It is bad enough our own Prime Minister Stephen Harper blamed the grassroots American consumers for causing the global recession and will only appear on the American Conservative station Fox News to appeal to the conservative base. There is the strong possibility of a Canadian federal election being called in October of this year. Maybe you should reflect on history (NAFTAGATE) in which the current Canadian Conservative government meddled in your Democratic Party nomination process. I would strongly suggest that you make a statement of Michael Ignatieff being Prime Minister material that would lead Canada back into a surplus position. I hope you will find the time to respond to me.

Sincerely,

Gerald McIvor
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3C 4J4

i don't get you i dont understand your comment about obama and guns whats the diff between presidents and guns at rallys are you affraid he will be shot cause he is a black president or do you just dont like guns or dont you like white people? remember it was a black man in your video carrying an AR-15 you libs drive me nuts the man said he will carry becaouse he can good enough for me as long as he not breaking the law have at it all states should have that law and if you guys dont like it go to new york where only criminals have guns. ohhhhhhh i feel safe there you bunch of nancys.

maybe i should be more clear i don't know why so many people are up in arms about guns. the thing i don't like are dumb people with guns there are a lot of dumb people who have guns the people who know about guns and respect them and don't play with them you know the ones i mean the morons who play with them like there kids toys they bother me. unfortionitly we can not stop them from ouning one unless they are crimminals it is my right to have one and i will have them let me put it this way libs don't like being told what to do in there life period well we don't either you would get offended if there was something you liked and if said you can't have it you damn sure would have something to say about it i have that same right.like a woman who terminates a prenacy i don't like it but who the hell are we to tell her she can't if people would just mind there oun buesnes the world would be a better place at least if you have a gun and the bad guys trying to do harm to you and you have one also it evens up the sides a little.

Rick, How will co-ops help stop insurance companies from not covering people with pre-existing conditions and denying coverage? It seems like it may help with pricing, but no reform.

"What are the odds that CNN will publish critical comments on CNN, such as…"

Oh, you mean the way FOX is always so self critical? I'm not a huge fan of CNN in general (the only ones I can stomach are Jack Cafferty and Rick Sanchez) but they are certainly more honest than FAUX NEWS.

Rick, how about this : Each state should the same health policy their

congress person has. example if you are from NYC you have the same
policy as your rep.

seems to me health care in usa is more about wallstreet not the people the coop system is more of the same employer base health care will eventuly fail if it cuts into bottom line if public option is in place people will have alternative

This is another way of proving how stupid many people in this country are. Why do people need to carry guns for? The old west passed over 150 years ago. GROW UP America. No wonder we're laughed at around the world.

This is about healthcare. I want a single payer plan similar to medicare run bvy the government. I am sick of paying high costs for insurance and if we dont get help, I am not going to be able to afford healthcare within the next few years. I sincerely hope that Obama does not back down to the republicans who only want to make the rich richer. Didnt anyone learn from the last 8 years? if he doesnt keep the public option open, I will not be voting for him in 2012.

We need to outlaw guns whenever and wherever the President is making a public appearance. I dont give a damn what the law in that state says. We need to protect our President and especially this man because there is stil so much racism in this country. It totally disgusts me to see this mess on TV. These people are whacko and need to be stopped. What if someone else grabs the gun from the person who is lawfully carrying it and kills a bunch of people? Most people that carry guns have them because they are scared of their own shadows.

Rick, All that this special interest group is really accomplishing is to encourage all sorts of extremists to start showing up at presidential events toting guns. How irresponsible.

I would totally support a bill that calls for a no weapon perimeter around all political events. I totally respect people's rights to bear arms, however, for safety sake, people can just check their guns at a predetermined location safely outside the event.

Better worry about concealed weapons than open carry.

When a representive for the insurance companies states
the only reason for having lobbist in Washington, is so
they can "keep an eye on things". "watch the process"
They must think we are stupid, like the companies paying
huge bonuses to employees so they are able to keep them in their
clutches (actually they are paying because they don't want
their "secrets" to get out.
This Country was built on the premise, "by the people for the
people. " All these, all of these corporations are for profilt.
above and beyond, "for the people." Isn't it against the law,
to misinform,LIE, about the true intention. PROFIT

As a Canadian I am fascinated by the debated currently raging in America over health care. It seems to me the matter comes done to a basic point. If Americans want to continue to pad the pockets of insurance companies and their investors through privately insured health care, then keep the system you've got. On the hand, if you believe as most Canadians do, that making money off of sick people is morally abhorrent then you really need to consider the public health care option.

Forget the nonsense about this is socialism, what do you think medicare and unemployment insurance are? Just as the Russians learned a couple of decades ago and the Chinese are realizing today, so-called "pure" Communism doesn't work. On the other hand neither does pure free enterprise capitalism. Look at the mess created by your unregulated, irresponsible banking and mortgage system. Time to get into the 21st century folks!

I am a middle aged woman who craves intelligent reporting and gutsy demeanor in order to get to the heart of the story. You use all of your talent to show people in a very natural and real discussion that the facts can be dug up and looked at in a very respectful way, yet gain knowledge from the experience. Thank you for your on-air candidness...it is refreshing. By the way, I hope that your wife appreciates just how damn cute your are!!! I do...

Rick, the Hitler comparison is hurtful to many (including myself as an African-American female) and hits below the belt, which will never hit the point trying to be made. Ignorance and hatred will get in the way of logic and progress ANY DAY, PERIOD! People wake up!

Rick: I am a cardiologist: I am apalled at the audacity of politicians cashing in on the ignorance of American public regarding the essential health care reform: universal coverage, which would prevent others paying for emergency room visits of people who do not have coverage; and curb on the unfair advantage of insurance companies, which could be curtailed only by a public option, on which platform you could require disease management based only on evidence basis and not unnecessary procedures, as well as necessary emphasis on preventive meausres: ultimately hoping to bring down the cost.

Hi Rick,
I'm a 2Nd generation to Holocaust survivor my mother is stile alive this is UN believable to me it very scary I am sure it is the Republicans with their stupid thinking. saning hi Hitler in the 21 first century this lady should be Arrested, this is very offensive to all Jew's

That picture from Iraq of the high Iraqie man making a speach at that hotel in Bagdad while they are being bombed, makes me think of Pres Bush sitting and reading to the children while he was told we are being attached on 9/11, Makes me think he had knowledge ahead of time.

RE: Town Meetings:
I'm appalled at the way so many Americans are conducting themselves at these town meetings, and the cruel things they are saying; no wonder we cannot agree on something that can help us all. By the way: Go Barney Frank!

Lets not get too far ahead of ourselves. The reason that President Bush did not move was because he didn't have any idea of what to do or say. Given the circumstances, I think I would have been too shocked to do or say anything. What concerns me is where we are as a country. I have lived in Japan and France. I am a vietnam vet. I worked over 30 years and always had issurance. When I found out two years ago that I had cancer that all changed. I lost my home, and my job. I can not get health issurance, no matter what the cost. This is where we are. People who have done the right thing all of their lives are being pushed out of the system for things they have no control of. And you tell me this is the america I fought for. I don't think so.

Will

We need heathcare reform now. We need a public option. We lost our insurance when my husband got laid off. He's since been diagnosed with a dibilitating disease and will need continuous care. I have no healthcare and have medical problems. We need reform to cover preexisting conditions now. Both of us as patients and me as his caregiver. He's got five years to go to get Medicare. My God what do we do?

I think the bill board it very offensive. I have been overweight all my life and even have had lap band procedure done. I am still overweight. It is is not easy to be like the world thinks we should look. I would love to be a size 6 and shop in the regular shops for cute clothes. but I am not and I do this best I can,,,,I try to eat healthy but I just do not lose wieght so easily. And I try to eat lots of vegetables in fact I eat a really more vegetarian diet than protein. I think whoever thought up that bill board should look at theirself and make sure that their life is in order before they decide what is best for others.

Hey Rick: Tampa lost one of its finest last night. We all feel for his
family and 3 year old son. As a mother of a Deputy, in another
County, my heart aches for his wife and mother. He was killed in
a stupid moment of fear by the other person. He had on a bullet
proof vest that didn't protect all parts of his body. God Bless our
Deputies. Elizabeth

I hope they ment the hairdresser. Is that you hair?

What really stands out about all these Town Hall meetings whether President Obama is talking to the American people or Congressional Reps are, our Prime Minister would NEVER do that, not in a milion years. Just saw a conservative radiio talk show host doing a Town Hall radio show in the White House, yet another thing Prime Minister Stephen Harper would not due. President Obama is a people person....Prime Minister Harper.....he isn't!. Canadian people don't go to Town Hall meetings unless to hear about some local issue, not federal politics.
Okay, I'd prefer universal health care, socialized or not but PM Harper conducts his Prime Ministership more along the lines of 'communism' than relating to the people.
What he sayd, it more or less goes, At least, President Obama LISTENS to the people and goes around the country, visiting this and that state to again....listen to people and try to answer their questions.
Harper makes his decisions and we Canadian don't get to know about it until we read about in the our two national newspapers.
Right now, I'm totally disgusted with the insurance companies in Ontario, knowing they do not take on people with "pre-existing" health conditions". This health care reform is too complicated for me to fully understand it. Most Americans HATE the thought of... socialized medicine and their commentse about Pres. Obama....are over-the-top and over the line, despite the First Amendment of free speech. Using certain UGLY symoblism to compare President Obama's plan for health care reform, is offensive and insulting and shows the mentality of the people who choose to compare Obama to 'Nazism". Like the woman at one Town Hall gathering to used the term "Heil Hilter in talking to an Israel citizen or an Israeli America. I thought that was pure and simple IGNORANCE. Sometimes, the Town Hall meetings...they bring out the WORST in people. If one person doesn't agree with another on what Pres. Obama is doing, name calling is juvenile school yard stuff.

Hey Dee Dee,

Forgot to add....I'm a "middle-aged" woman too but a young thinking middle aged woman. Rick's younger than me by quite a bit, however, male personalities have female fans of all ages who like intelligent conversation and....most important. HOW it's delivered and he's got what it takes. Listening to Rick is like sitting next to or across the table from him. God....that hour goes fast for me.

Changes that must be made before anything will be done:
Multi-million dollar medical settlements in the courts must be stopped – a cap, dollar amount, must be imposed.
Insurance companies must become open to public regulation.
Lobbyists and PAC groupos must be outlawed.
Term limits must be placed on both houses of congress.
HMOs and Hospitals must be overhauled to be more effective and more efficient.

I doubt that enything suggested above will ever happen. Congress had a mouth full of their "sugar-tit" and refuse to let go. Lobbyists have bought every office of every administration and they are responsible for what is done or not done (mostly what is not done).

Affordable health care is a bag of wind. How is health care affordable for a family that is out of work? with no income?

Rick, here is goverment waste at its very best. I am disabled under SS. It took mounds of paper work and a court judgement for me to get it. First let me tell you I CAN NOT WORK! I AM A DISABLED PERSON! I AM TOTALLY DISABLED!! After I got my benefits I received a pamphlet from SS telling me what I can do and can't do. I read through the booklet and came to a page that actually made my jaw drop! In the booklet it explained that even though I am TOTALLY DISABLED, I am allowed to make 499.99 every month and still keep my SS. If I make 500.00 I lose my benefits. Please explain to me why it is possible for a TOTALLY DISABLED person to make 499.99 a month. Maybe I misunderstood??? If you're totally disabled, doesn't that mean you CAN"T work??? If you are supposed to be unable to work, how are you able to make 499.99 and still collect your benefits. I thought totally disabled meant that you CAN work. Obviously, SS doesn't think this way. Please help me understand??

rick,who is going to stand up for the senior citizens,those that live on ss cannot afford much more,no col for 2 yrs. and medicare will go up how are we supposede to make it,between medications,the economy,cost of groceries and rent,what are they trying to do kill us off so they don't have to pay out what we worked all these years for,well they won't get me my health may but I will scratch CACA with the chickens b4 I give in thanks hope to live long enough to hear you comment on the air.........thanks

Rick,

I think you are animal lover. But have heard you this? Out of Richmond, Va., the CEO of the SPCA, Robin Starr, left her 16 yr. old, blind/deaf dog in her hot car for 4 hours (Aug.19.). Now, ready for this? No charges were filed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gee, if Smith and Jones did it, they would've been charged and jailed.

Yes, the dog died.

I was just watching your show about the pastor from Arizona. this man
should not be preaching, he is an evil man who is using to pulput to insite others to do what he is preaching. he has no business preaching the word of God. he is the one who is evil. I wonder if it was a white president he is threating , I bet he would be arrested right away. very disturbing.

Its too bad the sex offender/kidnapper wasn't suspected of having illegal drugs. The place would have been crawling with cops looking into the smallest of spaces.. Why are law enforcement and the courts so comparatively unconcerned when it comes to physical violence, even against children? Such misplaced priorities can encourage and in this case enabled such obscene evil.

rick this story about the girl kidnapped 18 years ago is just one more thread in the fabric of whats wrong with this country these people should die look at the pain and suffering these 2 people inflicted on this girl and her family people should fear what would happen to them if they harm a child but there is no fear of the punishment thats why we have so many second offences you start killing these people and the next person that thinks about doing this would have something to think about instead of six months in jail rick you said you have adaughter and would like to strangle this man i have a son and would like to put my foot on his throat so as not to dirty my hands on this trash when are we as human beings going to wake up and stop worring about the rights of predators when you stop acting like a human you give up your rights as a human there are to many of these stories out there no one can stop them but us rick you seemed angry and just wanted to let you know you aint the only one you keep on fighting the fight by telling the stories

Wow! As a Vietnam Vet, I ask myself how could we as a country become so evil. I listen to VP Cheney and I am terrifled that we could think that we could stoop to such lows and not even think about it. These are not the values I putmy life on the line for. How could we go so far wrong. We are better than this.

Will

The Royal Kingdom of God ruled by Jesus since 1914, is going to replace human governments according to Daniel 2:44 in the true God's own appointed time. You, who claim to be God's ministers, please read God's Word, the Bible, and pray for understanding, so that instead of blaming God for sickness, violence, and death, you could be praising God and you will be effective in leading your flock in a loving way, not yelling, nor cursing. Listen to this: "Furthermore, the world is passing away (dying) and so its desire, but he who does the will of God remains forever" (1 John 2:17). May Jehovah God protect the lives of President Obama's family and those who work hard for the common good. In King Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Rick,
People like that Pastor Steve Anderson from Faithful Word baptist, talking about President Obama should die from brain cancer like the late Teddy Kennedy.....the American/African talking to a CONSERVATIVE interviewer who knows Chris, Chris with the gun when the gathering was about health care reform and then Chris is a member (?) of the same church this pastor comes from....is pastor Steve inciting hatred to his congregants and if any one of them feels the same, that person could actually attempt an attack on President Obama. Hope Pres. is informed of these so-called innocent threats despite what others have said to you.
With the multitude of HATE groups, particularly in California but they're spread across the U.S. many of them along the south, that's truly scary.
I really do hope the Secret Service ferret, pun intended, out Chris and the pastor because I havent yet figured out if Steve hates the man himself, his policies or the fact that he's an American but of African decent and....'god' forbid, a liberal. Being liberal seems to leave a nasty 'taste' with Conservatives.
There are.....numerous neo-nazi groups in California, filled with pure, irrational hatred and given the opportunity, they'd probably like to have a go at getting rid of President Obama.
He made HIStory in becoming elected by a majority, yet he's become the object of such hatred, such vilification due to 'socialism' and healthcare reform. His campaign centred around change and to status quo Americans, change no matter what its format, is unnerving to most people.
Unfortunately, HATE groups can't be legally punished unless they do something physically to another person/s. Likewise with Pastor Steve who's speaking hate and he calls himself a christian?! I'm not, don't pretend to be one. I guess Pastor Steve is a fundamentalist evangelical.
Rick, no offense, I know you're catholic and pray and I like you a whole lot even though faith means nothing to me. I didn't know that a person had a choice to not believe in something they can't see. I'm not being condescending when I say this because you have the right to believe in religion.
I'd love to have a meaningful discussion with you....wishful thinking. You are an outstanding t.v. journalist whether you're anchoring or going on assignment and....you also have great charm. Lucky Suzanne. Hope I spelled her name right?

Phillip Garrido should been left in prison. I've heard that when inmates find out that a newcomer is in for murdering, molesting or whatever, a chld, sometimes that inmate is murdered. Jaycee Dugard will be psychologically scarred for life even if she manages to assimilate emotionally and mentally back into the outside world now that she's with her mother. I feel for her and her two children. Garrido is pathologically sick and should be treated as such.
In Canada, in Ontario, there's facility for the criminally insane....too bad California didn't have such a facility. He's a permanent danger to other girls and women and should be imprisoned for life.
Even if he did have a troubled life, it's what he did to Katherine Callaway Hall and those other two young girls, that's what counts and why he should be dealt with....pronto.

Please ask any guest you have on to please say what school they went to for high school if they say " I seen" this or that. Thank you......Don

Hey there Ricky with the cool hat

Why aren't you reporting on meaningful matters such as Van Jones' potty mouth and Obama's attempt to indoctrinate our little school children???? Come on Rick........leave the preacher alone......he is history......report on the scumbags in this administration who are trying to take over the U.S. and rewrite the Constitution. I thought you "loved" being here in America?

Hey Texan. You don't even have the courage to use your own name. Does anyone remember that George Bush was in a classroom when he was informed about 911? How anyone say that someone who supposed to be a man of God would ever pray for someone's death? What is this crazy stuff about rewriting the constitution? The conversative movement has been playing on our fears and innorance for too long. As someone who fought this country, I am terribly offended.

The police killing the pastor is further proof that the war on drugs kills more people than the drugs themselves. Decriminalization of some drugs like marijuana would ease up a lot of the conflict and lessen the load on our prisons.

Rick, I think you loose this one. For you to say that because the victim was a preacher he should not be suspect!! Remember the Catholic priests who were sex offenders?

We have clergy who molest children, clergy who pray for certain people to "get brain cancer and die;" why is it such a stretch to think a pastor might get into drugs? We are all human and subject to temptation.

Rick,
I watched Larry's interview with Chris Brown and several times thought "why is he giving an interview"? He just kept saying that he didn't want to talk about it. OK Keep quiet and stay home.

about this poor preacher I think the cops have to much power and there is a lack of dealing with citizens...I live in the suburb of Detroit and when I travel in the city I will never stop for unmarked police car even if it will cost me my life ..never know

Hey Rick, it is obvious that Chris Brown is completely ignorant, but he sure can dance, And in this day and age that seems to be more important than being smart and nice.

HI Rick, I couldnt find where to go on the preacher. Here is how I see it. Was the preacher in a slum part of town? He was dropping off an addict? Would his first reaction to a surpise bust in plain clothes be impersonators of the cops? So he took off because he is a preacher helping an addict that may be into something deeper than drugs? Did he almost hit them cuz they were in his way and he feared for his life not knowing if they were really cops or not? They couldnt shoot out his tire? They went right for his head? Now it appears the guy was innocent? There ya go ask those questions. thanks

Rick

It's a shame that history, even recent history, is not taught well. Most people never heard or read
the Eisenhower quote. Nor do they know this one and I paraphrase: If you don't know history you
are bound to repeat the mistakes that were made.

Hey Rick,
What makes the actions of those military "contractors" any differant from what the guantanamo "soldiers" did? Why does the media always try to make the military service seem so rightous? There are good and proffesional individuals everywere...even in jornoulism, no? Just sayin'

Thanks Rick

First of all even undercover cops should identify themselves before they arrest or shoot any one.

How are people supposed to know the difference between unmarked police cruisers, undercover policemen without badges and THUGS.

The preacher died for nothing out of bad judgement and how was he supposed to know that these were not thugs who wanted to hijack his car or take his wallet.

Hallo USA wake up.
The police is getting out of hand for hiring half baked and ignorant people off the street. What to they learn at policing school. Hallo?????!!!!

Hey Rick,

My comment on the pastor being shot by police is that if the pastor had no reason to be afraid why would he try to run? I fear for my son and daughter-in-law everyday because they are both police officers. They endanger their lives everyday to try to make us safer. How can any of us think to ignore these facts?

Rick, you are exceptionally good, especially at digging out the dirt on politicians.

I need your help, because somebody needs to investigate a massive fraud by the last administration against Mexican SS beneficiaries – I'm not Mexican, but live in Mexico, and it hit me, too.

You have my e-mail address. I don't have one for you, but wish I did. CNN probably doesn't allow its staff to have e-mails accessible to the public. I can't contact you, so please contact me, and I'll send you the information.

This matter is governmental theft on a GRAND scale. Yet, though it has gone on for YEARS, it hasn't been publicized. Government documents of ACTIVE files have been destroyed, just before the inauguration. PLEASE try to help.

Rick, as a Chicago Police Officer, I am tired of seeing your anti-police slant on every topic involving police use of force. Today, 3 Sep. 09 the topic was the reverend that was shot. Unfortunate as it was, even law enforcement officers make mistakes. When a doctor, judge, attorney, etc. you are never to be found. When it's the police, you are all over the story. It's absolutely sickening to watch your show, how you practically salivate when you can slam the brave men and women in law enforcement. Why don't you do a piece on the black offender that was just released after serving nearly 30 years in prison for a rape and just commited two more on the north side of Chicago. How about the young black offenders targeting the white yuppies in Lincoln Park. You remember that area don't you Rick?. That would take some guts though. Maybe you media people lost your moral compass when hired by Corporate America. What a shame.

I think that the police who shot the pastor should lose their jobs. What is this country coming to? Cops are getting too gun happy. I thought they were only supposed to use their weapons when there was an imminent threat.

Just wanted to send out a reminder to all those PARENTS concerned about The President of the United States speaking to the nation's school children. He is their Commander in Chief, too. Let's also not forget that on September 11, 2001, then President George Bush, was in a classroom speaking to YOUR school children.

people need to get off it and schools can do what they want.
someone needs to tell kids to stay in school and do well.
this congressman is getting too picky
pat

The state senator from Oklahoma is an example of why the Party of No needs to remake itself. We the people chose President Obama for the highest office and we put our trust and faith in his ability to lead this nation. Making statements that he should not be addressing school children without some kind of local school board control is almost amusing. If President Obama can offer guidance and positive reinforcement to just one student who may not get it at home, then I say get 'er done Mr. President. The GOP is just afraid all of these little impressionable minds are going to be so impressed that they'll vote Democrat when they grow up. Nothing wrong with that either.

Why don't we just say it! People are angry because the "black president" wants to talk to their kids! If he were a white man, this would not be an issue, whether democrat or republican. It is so sad...we still have a long way to go!!!!!!

Hi Rick:

I watch your show all the time and I think you do a great job. You are fair on both sides of the table with issues ! But I think that senator from OK had you backing up.

God Bless,

Demetrius

I am so concerned that this is about outright hate and racism and we still refuse to talk openly about it. Anything that President Obama says or wants to do for this country is challenged. We tried to get health care in 1945. The British passed National Health Care three years later. We finally got Medicare in 1965. Neither the British will give up their health care system or we would give up medicare. We are the only civilized country that does not provide health care for its citizens.

The reason that I was critical of President Bush was because I believe that he used fear and lies to cause the death of thousands of innocent and young people. Not because he was our president. That is not the same as not respecting the office. It was disrepecting the office and the people he represented.

Will

I seem to remember President Bush sitting in a classroom of children when 9/ll happened. I don't remember the conservatives or the Republicans complaining about that.

I feel it would be an honor to have President Obama visit me in the classroom, if I were still a student. My grandchildren would feel it's an honor to have him!. It shows his interest in all citizens of the US, not only adults. Also, he could answer any questions right there! If my teacher would ask me to do a written assignment on how the President has inspired me, I would have much to say. It's a "thinking" piece of writing. Nothing wrong with that!!!! Our children need more of that.

Rick, are we stupid enough to think that President Obama's race is not the issue. Okay my Caucasian brothers and sisters get over it. Barack Obama is the President of the United States, and he deserves our respect. I wish the President would come to our schools here in the little paper mill town of Plymouth, NC.

Rick, why is the president allowed to have czars. Have they been vetted? Are they constitutional? Would most americans feel secure if they knew a little bit about the background of these czars?

I feel that I must apologize for some of my earlier comments. Not the ones about conservatives and other whackos, if anything, they weren't strong enough. I mean the personal criticism directed against Rick Sanchez. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of his reporting in the past several years. On the infrequent occasions that I watch any of the news channels (because of my work schedule), I usually watch MSNBC. After reading some of the previous missives on this blog, I realize that I may have misjudged his reporting. Admittedly, he still seems somewhat sensationalistic, but he in no way deserves to be compared to the zombies over at Fox. It's stupid of me to complain of his purported bias without at least making an effort to read some of the other comments in this blog. And, to be perfectly fair, I'm not the most un-opinionated or middle-of-the-road person, politically speaking. My apologies.

Rick people have lost their mind"s and soul's. Their is only one
Pesident of the U.S. which is President Obama. I hope that the President does not fall victim to the voice of the pagan's.
I have never seen so much hate since the late 50's and 60's.
It is a shame that here it is in 2009 and their is so much hate in
this world, Pagan's get over it .President Obama is our President and
if you call your self an American we must respect the President.
Stop looking at the color of his skin. Stop talking about you wont
your America back. Because it was never your's in the first place.
It is an America for all people. Red,White ,and Blue that is the America thatI know. Not Black / Not White but America.

I am a proud American who finally has a president whom IL can be proud of. America is blessed to have Barak Obama as President.

jack from Arizona

While some radical Republicans are getting their faces on T.V. a lot these days (crying woman, "I can't bare to think of my child having to listen to that (the President)), (oh pleeease), who we are not hearing enough from are the majority of Americans (Did you get the word "majority"?) who voted President Obama into office to do exactly what he promised to do and is trying to do. The campaign is over people!

Michael,
Guess you weren't aware that Rick Sanchez has a younger brother, a police officer, I believe....in Miami and Rick has in his earlier days, covered the police beat in Miami, so....don't knock someone unless you understand what HE is talking about.

I've heard the misinformed outrage over the President's talk to children in the nation's schools and what these parents BELIEVE President Obama is going to say to them. These parents, they don't want their children being 'brainwashed" by Pres. Obama's 'agenda'.
The irony of that.....t is the Pax Americana Institute is all about....basically returning the United States BACK to the days of full patriarchy and traditional "family values". It doesn't allow for any social/moral independent thinking. If that isn't a Conservative agenda, then I don't now what is and these parents whom Pres. Obama is going to be talking to, are greatly concerned that the Pres. is going to talk 'socialism' et al.
These moral/social conservatives DON'T like what they believe President Obama is about to say, enough to keep their children from school.
I wonder if any of these parents have heard of the BOHEMIAB GROVE of Sonoma County in Northern California where high-profile MEN from all walks of life, back in Bush's administration, decided on the country's policies WITHOUT consulting the American public.
At least President Obama is as transparent as he can be. It's just the rest of the U.S. who can't see this transparency for looking at it.
He is an American of African descent and the newest President, a DEMOCRAT and the "change" he campaigned on....the Republicans just can't stomach it.
Since when was liberal considered a 'dirty' word in American poilitics.
Republicans DON'T have the monopoly on running the White House.

I believe that President Obama is doing a great job, and is extremely courageous for taking on health care. It seems that no-one is looking long term. The costs after say 20 years is much lower than the piecemeal stuff that we are doing now.

If the Fox News Network and Rush Limbaugh keep lying about this critical legislation, than I think that the FBI should investigate them for criminal libel – a libel so odious that it incites people to violence. The evidence is already there – gun toting at Presidential rally's racist rally's with people screaming, throwing things, etc. The "Death Squad" lies. Let's start using the laws that are on the books as they are intended- not to block free speech, but to reel in nuts that are maliciously trying to harm the public and incite riotous behavior.

Hello Mrs. Eileen G. Curras,
Yes....that' Rick's real hair. I looked at the picture of him behind the scenes in his natural environment and the caption underneath the picture (tsk, tsk CNN) gave the impression that his crew had to put his hair together. He does not wear a hairpiece and he's got great hair.
If anyone needs a hair makeover, it's Donald Trump, aka "The Donald", millionaire/billionaire extrodinaire....he with all the real estate. Personally, I call him "combover". I think Rick looks GREAT with/without his backwards cap.

Rick, conservatism has a new meaning; racism. That the president of the United States plan to deliver a speech to the nation's schools is causing an uproar among the so called conservatives is something quite concerning. We need to defeat racism in all fronts.

Watched the story about the "Storm Mountain" fire today.
If you haven't read YOUNG MEN AND FIRE by Norman Maclean yet – you might enjoy it. Similar story about firefighters caught near the Missouri river in a terrible forest fire in Montana in 1949.

Rick, open up the topic of MDVIP a program for doctors to have more time with patients (the GOOD NEWS) and the $1000 +++ people must pay to the doctor and third party "TICK on the DOG".
Does it discriminate against the elderly? those on medicare?those that cannot afford another $1000++ per year to keep their current doctor? One of my 87 year old relatives said they would sell their house to pay their doctor for MDVIP if necessary. (the BAD NEWS)

Has greater GREED taken over the doctors?

Is this type program another argument for HEALTHCARE REFORM?

Dave Howard

As at the last election i was republican but from now i am no more. I am totally ashamed at the lack of respect we are showing the president. It is so sad and shameful and a poor example to the world. If we cant respect our president now and teach our children to do the same because he is a democrat or for any other personal reasons when it becomes a republicn it will be vice versa because this is the new politics we want to practice. if we continue this way, the entire world is laughing at us we will loose our respect gobally. do these citizens causing all these commotion think its politics its much more than that its the new America we want to show the world. Please grow up and stop this bickering. This is our president at this time let us respect him.

regarding obama's speech to students.... why does the media put only stupid people on the news? what about the bright people, college educated, making comments about the speech. seems like all that is on tv are undeducated hicks from small towns! goodness, don't want to sound mean, but c'mon!

I do not see anything political in the speech, but everything Obama says goes under great scrutiny by these conservative republicans, whether the issue is the economy, health care and education and it is very sad. I don’t think there would be any of this nonsense if this is a white president. The underline issue is race and as Obama will say, hopefully this will provide “a teaching moment” for Americans. In terms of Health care, Here in Canada, we have publicly funded health care system we greatly enjoy and I thank the government every time I visit my family MD or a specialist. The point is, for these privileged republican conservative the current health care or education system works fine and they don’t want anything to change.

Rick, Thank you for airing the story about the Arizona Pastor. The other news network(FOX) did not bother to air this story.Instead they are talking about the President 's hidden agenda by speaking to our school children and and Van Jones.

Please stop reporting on that Pastor with the toxic ministry....he does not deserve to be seen or heard – he is probably very happy to have national coverage. I am going to turn the volume down whenever I see he is on the TV screen. We need good news whenever we can get it!

Happy Birthday Rick,
It's my birthday too, only YOURS is a MILESTONE and I had, still do, that you'll be around for a long time to come. I've watched you from day one and will continue to watch you.
I also follow you on Facebook and....I don't give a DARN about your critics.
I' ve been following the story on pastor Steve and yes, someone should be calling the IRS and as for Pres. Obama's speech, it was innocent, so those who DIDN'T allow their kids to go to school, they're out to lunch, so to speak.
I love you and you're one of the best!

Not letting school children see the President's speech on staying in school? How stupid! It's not about the speech Rick not at all! It's just racism against the President because he is black and they want him to fail on EVERY level! Simple as that! It is so sad that we have this much ignorance in this country in the 21st centry! I hate to see what these children are going to turn out to be being raised by such idiots!

Hi Rick! Happy Birthday! and Anniv! Congrats!

My family and I love your show! You are cute, smart, fair and honest! May God bless you and give you a long and fulfilled life!

Oh, by the way, Continue to keep them straight!

Your story about the story of the ladies that was run aways and prostitutes killings. And I believe your comment. Had the women had been of someone more up standing, more to the point weathly or a elected official or family member of an elected official. The investigation would of been more intense. Like any other crime or is more in the public eye.

And note.. this is one of the odd times focusing on the news in sometime on CNN. So, I didn't realize the show was only on for a years. So, congradulations for your one year of being on air.

Respects

Hi Rick, just saw the comments on Walter Ellis. I live outside of Milwaukee and what you failed to mention is the 2000 other murders in the same area during the time period. It is easy to see the pattern if you pull out those murders that were not linked by the DNA. Thanks

What a pathetic group of people we have become. A few years ago, hearing the President speak to encourage students to stay in school and work to achieve their best was accepted by the majority. The Republicans will never approve of anything President Obama does or says. Can they not accept the fact that we have an intelligent Black man as our president. If they are in fact, conservative Christians, where do they get their values? Does this behavior follow the teachings of Jesus Christ or are they following the teachings of Rush Limbaugh and others like him?

Sorry for delay, computer issues. First, Happy Birthday to you and your staff. I appreciate your views on the news. Referring to Obama's speech and our schools...sometimes it's hard to know when one should allow our kids to make their own choices and mistakes, and when we should be responsible adults, to protect them from things they are too young and inexperienced to understand. This is one of those times we need to be the adult and not allow our kids to be swayed by a charismatic speaker who is proving to make changes in this country that are so dangerous to our futures. We need to let our kids grow up and learn to discern right from wrong, to weed out the truth from things that simply sound good. I applaud the school principal who chose to protect the children.

Regarding Pres Obama's speech to school kids, and the fold who did not want or did not let their children vew/listen and the schools that did the same, I wonder if it is only they do not want their kids to hear ANYTHING from a black guy? But, had it been a black NFL, NBA star or Golpher, they would have lined up in droves I'd imagine.

I watched it on CNN, that is something every kid should see, even those that are in college!

Something does not compute here. Sad state of affairs.

Congrats to you and the staff on your anniversary!

Yes Elsa Kassaye from Toronto, Ontario, I too am from Ontario but two hour's north of.
The government of Canada paid for my x-rays at our local hospital and when I had to have CTScan, same hospital and an MRI in a hospital, a 45-min drive south from where I live. I need chiropractic care for spinal OA, the full treatment....$3,000.00+. My spouse and I don't have health insurance because he's basically a self-employed contract worker. My eye exam, my psychotherapy, I pay a sliding-fee-scale amount to her) a podiatrist I need, dentist, dental specialist (anaesthestized) or my dentist who pulls teeth, he too is an out-of-pocket expense. I need laser therapy, more money.
If I go to my doctor, OHIP pays that, Gynaecology is paid for. I need a dermatologist, it's not covered. You'll recall that some years back, OHIP DE-listed many specialists services. Hearing exams and/or hearing aids, not covered. Massage therapy, not covered.
I'm not yet old enough for OAS, only three more years to go.
So maybe you have private insurance to cover ALL the specialists you need to go to, whereas, I don't. And if having the provincical government pay for SOME services, is considered "socialism" then I'm all for universal health care across Canada. Americans compare socialism, some....to Naziism. That's not even worth dignifying.

To echo Mimi a little,
Rick, you are....what can I say other than WOW, a handsome man, and you also have great intellect, you're fair, and honest and....just ignore your crtiics. I can't believe you've been for a year now. You and "Team Sanchez" you should go and celebrate. I know you'll probably do that privately. Maybe CNN will have a little behind-the-scene party for you, low-key but a little get-together, with Kyra Phillips and let's not forget "Murph" and some of your other colleagues.
Congratulations....Rick, you deserve it! Your team, they are the foot soldiers of the Sanchez Hour.
You know, hypothetically speaking, if you and Kyra were to co-host somethng on CNN, you'd be a riot together.
CNN is well worth watching and if I have to be out, I tape it from 2:30 until 4 o'clock just so I can watch the two-way chat between you and Kyra Phillips, there's great rapport there.
Love you, Ricardo Sanchez.
Las Fotos Del Dia.....love that segment. If you speak a little bit of Spanish daily, I might be able to pick some of it up. BTW, what does....I don't know how to pronounce this.....lacka lacka or is it lacalaca or laccalacca??

What leaders we have! Grown men acting the way our congress are acting! They're supposed to be leaders! BOOT them out and get someone that will think about REAL Americans!

Rick,
I HAVE to digress here from ALL this rancurous debate on Pres. Obama's healthcare reform.
I have a question that NO one has EVER answered or...EXPLAINED about the preceeding days before MJ died. He finishes rehearsals Wed. a.m. 12:30; goes home to TRY to get some sleep. Dr. Conrad Murray is staying in the same house. Why, when Michael begins to complain about chest pains, DIDN'T Dr. Murray, a supposedly unacredited cardiologist, look into Michael's situation THEN. He could have been feelings the effects of anxiety which can, when intense, speed up one's heart beat and make you feel very unwell. Where was Dr. Murray THEN? I honestly believe IF Dr. Murray had paid attention to Michael then, dialed 911 and got MJ to a hospital, just possibly he'd be alive today.

The S. Carolinan Rep. Joe Wilson, who yelled out during Pres. Obama's speech, "You lie!"....besides showing total lack of decorum and all the pressure of all those Town Hall meetings I guess he'd been attending plus whatever questions HE was being asked, that outburst showed complete lack of respect for the office of the President. President Obama being the christian that he is, accepted the apology, however, I believe Wilson's Republicans colleagues pressured him into making a public apology and I believe that apology was disingenuous.
What is President Obama was Caucasian and had campaigned on Change??

Congressman Joe Wilson should apologize to the American people and to the house of congress. This is not about him or President Obama. This is about how we hold up our insitutions during trying times. Any member has the right as any other citizen does to say what they believe, but not at that time or that place. We have moved away from the days of phycially challenging each other to death. This is the 21st century, not the 18th.

Will

Lets have a definition of illegals.

Rick, I have a very important question that seems to bypass the news reporting. Here is my question. The people who are engaged in the marches on Washington as the 9/12 project are the same people that cry support for our troops. I share their spirit in that regard, but my question is do they understand that the same elected and now serving politician and the military that they both claim to support would have to take up arms against them if they tried to overthrough the government? I believe the oath says to defend the country against enemies, foreign and demostic. Am I right about this?

Thanks,

Will

We need more people in this country like the sherrif in Arizona.Maybe we could get rid of all these foreigeners!