[McGruff]

My reaction...

I have a question. Was he speaking for the family or for himself? That makes a huge difference.

[JavaTheHutt]

OK, first off, good job on Lauer's part by challenging him. For once, it actually did something besides act as a mouthpiece for the lunatic fringe.

Speaking of the lunatic fringe, it's quite obvious this uncle is a charter member. My question is this: Were Cindy's handlers hiding behind the curtains somewhere? He had his speech a little too well rehearsed. His assertion on the facts and figures he used in his statements lead me to believe he was well rehearsed to spew those talking points.

[YaYa123]

I watched the interview, and I agree, Lauer did a credible job politely reminding the uncle we don't pay ransoms, and Lauer even explained how doing so would encourage the insurgents to go after even more US soldiers and civilians.

But I do NOT applaud NBC for having the uncle, or any grieving family member on at a time like this. The family hasn't been notified, the US military hasn't even identified the bodies. Lauer was given the chance to look good, but only because NBC ill-used a family member. I'm thinking NBC had this particular family member on because he had something controversial to say, creating an interesting segment in which Lauer could excel.

[OldFriend]

Even Lauer had to be shocked at the idiocy of this man's suggestion to pay that huge ransom.

And for the man to then say that he didnt' care what use the money was put to as long as he got his family member returned safely.

Perhaps idiocy is the wrong word but the man's comments were beyond rational.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

"...we're obliged to applaud Lauer for his courage in sensitive circumstances in standing up, politely but firmly, for a U.S. policy designed to prevent the taking of even more hostages."

Is Matt out from under the influence of that She-Devil Couric and sees the writing on the wall that balanced news garners ratings? He's probably just getting some footage together so he can apply at FOX. ;)

[Antoninus]

"Yes. The ransom is available from Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath party funds seized by the U.S. government. More than $100 billion in cash and gold, that the U.S. government apparently had plans to return to the government of Iraq. I would think that that money, part of it, could be used to pay ransom."

"Millions for defense, but not one penny for tribute."

Great country we used to have...

[facedown]

This guy is a plant. He uses far too many details and lawyer language to be "an ordinary citizen".

[surelyclintonsbaddream]

How sad for the family. In a post from USAToday, the wife stated her husband was doing what he wanted to do. He enjoyed it.

So it appears the uncle has his own agenda.
He doesn't state he wants ransom paid for the other soldier, only his nephew.

Wonder what the lefts thoughts are on this. Think of the money paid out for each soldier captured. More would be captured. The money will go for more weapons that will be used to fight and kill more of our soldiers.

Sounds like a plan, why didn't we think of that. How moronic can one get? I am not a rocket scientist, I am not even a scientist , heck I am not even the scientist assistant and I can figure this one out. May God Bless these families. Give them peace and comfort and help them remember the joy they had with their loved ones.

[Republican Red]

I think the U.S. government was too slow to react to this, they should have had a plan in place. Because the U.S. government did not have a plan in place, my nephew has paid for it with his life."

I didn't see the interview but from reading the above statement it sounds like the guy is critisizzing the plan on getting his nephew back - not critisizing the war.

This still makes me livid. Doesn't this man realize that troops were injured and one soldier died in trying to find/rescue his nephew. He just spit on those soldiers and another soldiers family going through the same pain of loss.

[mewzilla]

Mr. McKenzie, what in God's name do you think they'd've done with the money?