Just listened the segment with the Marcus Johnson Trio - very well done. The music was great!

I also enjoyed the discussion about diversity in the news media. Some excellent points were made, and I agree that hard news stories are still needed. That is definitely one thing that I like about NPR, as a whole. The reporters get out there and investigate a topic, and they are presented in a fashion which allows the listener the ability to really understand. There are times when segments are 8 to 10 minutes in length. I think that really makes a difference with what the reporter can present, and it helps the listener to really understand and gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

Sent by ernise | 2:14 PM ET | 05-01-2008

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday! I just started listening to the show about 2 months ago and I must say I love it. Michel Martin I enjoy the way u handle all conversations (so smooth). I love those barber shop guys-wish they had more time. Everybody keep up the good works! Job well done!

Sent by Lavasia | 6:35 PM ET | 05-01-2008

Dear Michel,
I recently discovered your show on Sirius, and I love it. I so appreciate your objective, ethical inquiry. Keep up the great work!

Sent by Penelope Snow | 9:40 AM ET | 05-02-2008

Hello Michel,

I'm at work and Ive been reading and listening to all of the coverage of Obama's denunciation of his former Pastor Rev. Wright. I must say the entire saga is disheartening. Both men in my opinion have acted in hurtful ways.
This entire saga began when Obama's relationship with Rev. Wright was questioned because of some snippets of the pastor's sermons were highlighted by those that wanted to find something on Senator Obama, a viable candidate for president. When you run for the nation's top office, this is what you can expect and Obama's speech under the banner of 'a conversation about race' was suppose to address this question. Personally, unlike many, I didn't think that speech was all that or a masterful depiction of the question raised. It was masterful in what it articulated the lack of honest conversation about race in this country and how that needs to change. But, on the question of his relationship with Rev. Wright it left much to be desired. Why? Did Senator Obama talk to his friend and mentor before he gave that speech? Did he consult with Rev. Wright about the questions and ask him to partner with him on a strategy to address the questions? When anyone runs for the nation's top office, everyone associated with that person also run. If Rev. Wright is such an important person in his life, why not ask for his help when he decided to run for this office, privately, so that publicly they are on one accord? As for Rev. Wright, he has every right to defend himself. Should he have done so, so publicly? Maybe so, maybe not, but again-if he wasn't consulted from the beginning, if his relationship, his contribution was disrespected from the beginning, maybe he felt this was the best way to handle the attacks on his character and ministry. Why didn't he call his friend Senator Obama and have a conversation privately? What distresses me about this whole situation is that we as Black people seem to try harder to get along and love everyone else and we don't give that same effort in loving each other. This relationship shouldn't be a public discussion and it is despicable that these prominent, educated, ethical, important and vital men to our community have allowed politics to destroy a wonderful relationship of 20 years! It is the tradition of the Rev. Wright's and the Black church-a cultural designation, that gave Senator Obama the opportunity to run for president, and be a viable candidate. If either of them wanted to not engage in 'politics as usual' what would have been a sign of something different would have been if they had stood together on the same platform and answered the questions and supported each other. That would have truly been revolutionary. I'm disappointed that Senator Obama made Rev. Wright his former pastor and that neither man has stood steadfast on their 20-year relationship. Surely, this is not the first time controversy or disagreement has entered the relationship. Why couldn't they work together and stand together to support each other and thereby help a viable candidate that has an opportunity to make history? I'm disappointed, saddened and more than disheartened.

Sent by Tanya Radford | 10:54 AM ET | 05-02-2008