BuzzFlash Mailbag for September 04, 2008
BUZZFLASH MAILBAG
Want to join the conversation? Share your thoughts with other Mailbag readers by clicking here. You also may comment below; post articles yourself at BuzzFlash.net; or send urls for BuzzFlash to post to: www.buzzflash.com/contact/newstip.html.
Subject: The Republican Circus
I refused to watch the republican convention and give them any ratings from my TV. But, from what I did see from the snippets afterwards, they turned my stomach. I was hoping Rudy's false teeth would fall out of his mouth. The Republicans are a hopeless bunch of septic sludge, sewer stench, swamp gas blowhards who do not have anything to offer this country except pain, suffering and despair. If they want to throw around despicable descriptive adjectives for their convention, then I have a few choice words for them too. I won't watch tonight either.
To criticize an American citizen for Community Organizing and going into the trenches offering encouragement, jobs, housing, counseling, hope and dignity to people who have lost everything and lifting them from the deep dark valley of despair is the lowest form of indecency and shows the level of character that comes from the Republican party. Character Assassination is not acceptable.
For the MSM to hail these speeches as a home run shows the level you have stooped to too.
Grace Fascetti
Bethel Park, PA
Subject: Unanswered questions
are palin's kids being home schooled? does her husband have a job? did she talk to her daughter about birth control? if not, maybe it would have been a good idea. what about the pregnant daughter's boyfriend, why isn't he in school? does he have a job?
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: THAT MIKA WOMAN ON MSNBC
I turned on the TV this morning to hear that woman named Mika on that msnbc morning program. I was surprised to hear her saying that speech last night would appeal to working women. I was stunned by that. What part of that speech was she talking about? I heard nothing about what she would do for health care, the economy, schools, help for college education for those who can't afford it, day care and she has a history of cutting programs that help single and unwed mothers! So does Mika think the fact that Palin has a uterus means we will vote for her? What an insult to all women! The democrats better get out front on that and show what she will do to women if she gets the chance. Women like Mika will mislead them.
Kate Johnson
Tampa, FL
Subject: Maverick? My Barnyard Epitaph He Is!
When will the raucous flock of chattering parrots known as the Main Stream Media finally stop squawking that John McCain (or for that matter Gordon Smith here in Oregon) is a "Maverick"? You should not be allowed to bestow upon someone the usually helpful moniker of supposed Maverick if he slavishly votes the party line 90% or more of the time.
Ron Paul might deserve the title of Republican Maverick. And there are plenty among putative Democrats who are such. An example is Senator Lieberman, who not only was a featured speaker at the Republican Convention, but touted for the Republican VP spot (although technically he is probably more accurately described as someone flying under false colors like Caribbean pirates used to do as opposed to being a mere Maverick).
Republicans used to have a lot more Mavericks. Teddy Roosevelt contesting Taft, Nelson Rockefeller contesting Goldwater and Tom McCall any time come to mind. Unfortunately, since the "ethnic cleansing" commenced in the early 80s by conservative zealots, that slightly breed has been long since scrubbed from the party.
In any event, neither McCain (nor Smith who is now pretending he is against the war) come even close to being genuine Mavericks no matter how many times lazy or incompetent reporters insist on repeating such misnomers.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: The church lady
A Kos contributor coined this nickname for Palin, a reference to the classic Dana Carvey Saturday Night Live Character.
Palin IS The Churchlady.
"Well isn't that special...she comes off all nice and churchy and proper...and then stabs you in the face with sarcastic verbal daggers...all with a nice little smile." "The Church Lady" is the ultimate, infectious pop culture nickname for Sarah Palin. It says it all. Spread the word.
Victor C.
Subject:
After watching both the Democratic and Republican conventions I see a different message coming from each camp. The Democrats speak the language of peace. The Republicans speak the language of war. The Democrats talk about unity, that we are one country and one people. The Republicans are divisive. They talk of people like us vs. people like them. The Democrats see a future of peace and prosperity. Republicans talk of war, service, and the honor of service and sacrifice.
The Democrats call for getting off of carbon based fuels in 10 years advocating wind and solar and dealing with the issue of global warming. The Republicans call is "drill here now". More oil, more coal, and more nuclear. The Democrats stress the economy. The Republicans stress abortion. The Republicans claim we are on the verge of victory in Iraq. The Democrats believe you can never win a war that should never have been fought in the first place.
But one thing both parties are running against is the last 8 years of George Bush. America went from the biggest surplus in the history of the world to the biggest deficit in the history of the world. We went from $1.00 a gallon gas to $4.00 a gallon gas. We went from the most respected nation to the most feared nation. We went from a nation who said "Never Again!" after the concentration camps in Germany were liberated to a nation that has accepted the use of torture. We are a nation of secret prison camps and a nation where the government listens in on our phone calls and both parties and both candidates approved it. We have allowed the Tobacco lobbyists to pass out checks on the floor of the Senate during a vote. We have allowed the insurance companies to determine when to pull the plug. Churches have gone from being funded by tithing to being funded by the government. And as they say, one can not server two masters.
So we have to ask ourselves, who are we? What have we become and what do we want to be? Do we want our cars to be electric or still run on gasoline 10 years from now? Do we want war or do we want peace? Do we want a planet that continues to get hotter or do we want to address the issue of clean energy? Are we in the "End Times" or are our best days still ahead of us. Clearly we all want change. This election is about whether you believe change comes from Washington, or if change comes to Washington. Who do you believe will create the future you want to see?
I'm Marc Perkel - And I approved this message!
Marc Perkel
San Bruno, CA.
Subject: DOT waste!
hi, have others, in different parts of the country, witnessed really obvious wasteful spending on the interstates?
I witnessed Oregon DOT (ODOT) replacing perfectly good signs. they spent approximately $4.5 million replacing these signs, between Grants Pass, Oregon, and the south Lane county line, about 100 miles north of Grants Pass.
ODOT made the claim to me that the signs "weren't reflective enough." BS. these signs were just fine-better than signs in any other country i've visited.
Furthermore, they not only replaced the signs themselves, they replaced the new-looking CUSTOM, heavy duty galvanized steel sign supports, and even the concrete anchorages of the signs!
ODOT refused to respond to my enquiries re the steel supports and concrete anchorages.
ODOT did, however, go back and bury the concrete anchors, apparently to hide the evidence. But they were a bit too late: I've got plenty of photographic evidence, including photos of two contractors putting up a new sign/supports on top of a new concrete anchor. The new signs appear to be identical to the old. In fact, these two contractors told me that "there is absolutely nothing wrong with the old signs. We don't know why ODOT is replacing them."
If BuzzFlash is interested in sharing this information, I can send you copies of as many photos as you want.
Jumpoff Joe
Grants Pass, Oregon
Subject: They labeled protesters terrorists?
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-terror4-2008sep04,0,7911659.story
This is an odd label to give protesters, but I think they labeled GOP convention protesters as terrorists. This is creepy.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: After They Slaughter Innocent Civilians Our Police Departments And Our Military Sing The Same Tune
"Which is?"
"That the PD/military cannot comment on what took place because an official investigation is underway."
"After which?"
"They sling us the one about 'The cops/troops believed that the deceased was armed and feared for their lives."
"Based on?"
"Last Sunday's murder* of Eddie Franco (homeless) by an Inglewood policeman whose name has yet to be revealed and with the PD refusing to answer any questions about said incident on the grounds that an investigation of the matter is underway."
"Just as every time an Iraqi civilian is killed in some U.S. aerial bombardment, we get 'Pending an official investigation the military spokesperson would not comment on these civilian death(s).'"
"The answer being?"
"Our electing someone president who's going to work with Congress and us to dismantle Empire-USA plus turning things around here at home."
"And then what sort of world."
"It'll be up to us."
*'Inglewood department's silence over shootings sparks criticism' - Thursday's LA Times
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: GOP reframing "community organizer"
It should be obvious what's being implied in the new attack by the republicans intended to marginalize Barack Obama's experiences as a community organizer.
The implication is that Obama's activities were centered in communities of color and as such intended to further continue the dependence on social entitlement programs.
What has to happen at this point is for a wide ranging response from community organizers from all walks of life to help show that organizational activism runs the complete spectrum.
I'd like to also add excerpts from George H.W. Bush's inauguration speech:
"I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes leading, sometimes being led, rewarding. We will work on this in the White House, in the Cabinet agencies. I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I will ask every member of my government to become involved. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in".
Reggie Holmes
Granada Hills, CA
Subject: Rage Against the Machine couldn't be silenced
Even after cutting off the power, the Minnesota Gestapo couldn't silence "Rage Against the Machine"!!
Brian
Charlotte, NC
Subject: GOP Convention
The morning after Sarah Palin’s speech and her acceptance of the number two spot on the Republican ticket, the associated press reported that a chunk of ice the size of Manhattan had broken away from the northern arctic. Scientists described it as a “shocking event that underscores the rapidity” of the effects of global warming.
The story is a perfect metaphor for where the Republican Party is in relation to reality and the 21st century. If this convention is a precursor to the future of the Grand Old Party, it is destined to be one made up of predominantly white males and evangelical fervored women with a radical right-wing social agenda. Delegates were 93% male, 5% Hispanic and 2% black. With higher numbers than the last two conventions, 2008 completes the morphing process that began with the Barry Goldwater candidacy.
The 2008 Vice Presidential nominee is absolutely perfect for her constituency and John McCain. She denies global warming. She opposes abortion under any circumstances--no exceptions. She would ban books that she deems unsuitable from libraries and would fire librarians who balk at her judgment. She opposes sex education in schools and believes that the Iraq war is “a task of God.” The convention speeches on John McCain’s treatment as a prisoner in North Vietnam were emotionally wrenching in their tragic details. Ironically, that treatment, as horrible and repulsive as it was -- would not rise to the level of torture under the legal advice solicited by George W. Bush concerning the treatment of “enemy combatants.” Advised that he was not bound by the Geneva Convention, Bush was also advised that interrogation techniques that did not result in death should not be considered torture. The Vietnamese might well have been using the same “play book” for interrogation as the U.S. has been using on detainees -- written by Communist China and used by North Korea during that war. Interestingly, the only voice present at the Republican Convention that has spoken out against the interrogation techniques of Guantanamo and foreign “retention” prisons was that of John McCain.
We heard a lot of stirring patriotic speeches and viewed a waving sea of “country first” signs. Implicit in its tone was that Obama democrats do not put their country first, nor share the patriotic imperative of republicans. Sarah Palin smirked that “unlike some” (presumably Obama), John McCain “chose to fight” in Vietnam. One must wonder if she is aware that Barack Obama was about seven years old when McCain “chose to fight”? Meanwhile, as cheering McCain-Palin patriots wrapped themselves in the American flag, millions of Americans were wondering if they could scrape up enough money to pay this month’s mortgage or buy a tank of gas -- much less afford an American flag.
Bill Sanders
Ft. Myers, Florida
Subject: commenting on the children
does everyone forget mccain's so called joke about chelsea clinton? he said the reason chelsea is so ugly is because her father is janet reno. this is so offensive on so many fronts. so i guess you can make fun or talk about a democrat's kid but don't touch the republican kids. could you imagine if obama's daughter was older and it was her?
andrea fisher
Subject: A Split In The Progressive Vote Could Reproduce What Happened In Germany After Its 1933 Election
"Which was?"
"Germany became a totalitarian state."
"Why would this happen in America if John McCain becomes our next president."
"His pursuit of Empire will get us into a nuclear war with Russia and that'll be it for life on earth."
"But if we elect Obama, might not the same thing happen?"
"Depends."
"Upon what?"
"Whether he means it when he says that change must come to (not from) Washington."
"If he does means it?"
"Survival has a chance."
"But what if he doesn't?"
"As with McCain, survival will have no chance at all."
"So why should we vote for Obama?"
"Any chance for survival is better than no chance at all."
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: Future of Sarah Palin
I'm not buying into the Bush/McCain feud.
I instead predict that, if this horrow show manages not to implode long enough to steal the election, the Republicans will proceed to throw Sarah (Mrs. Jed Clampett) Palin under the bus and replace her with who they really want: JEB BUSH. Gramps McCain will then need to step down, due to his lingering POW injuries, and the fascist Bush regime will continue to terrorize the world.
Anyone who votes for these people is an IDIOT.
Patty Siebert
Flossmoor, Illinois
Subject: The GOP Convention & the election
Buzz:
I have heard pundits mention that the one good thing that George Bush has accomplished during his presidency is that he has kept America safe. Didn't the tragic attack of 9-11 occur on his watch?
We have suffered through 8 years of economic woes and several years fighting in a "selective" war. When asked about Osama bin Laden, Bush says that he just doesn't think about him any more.
Barack Obama needs to keep reminding Americans that our votes will be a referendum on Bush and John McCain's attachment to Bush. (It also won't hurt to remind voters that Sarah Palin doesn't believe in abortion, even in cases of rape...didn't it work against a previous Democratic candidate?)
Lastly, as an African-American, it's been difficult viewing the Republican convention because I only saw 3 or 4 people who looked like me. It says to me that a large, virtually white group of conventioneers are setting policies that will possibly affect me, but they haven't cared enough to actually reach out to minorities. To be honest, if my television had been a little grainier, I would have thought that I had traveled back in time to a 1950s or 1960s event, where minorities weren't welcome.
It boggles the mind and makes me work harder to elect Obama/Biden.
Dee Turner
Atlanta
Subject: greens and palin
Hi, Buzz!!
A BuzzFlash Reader asked what environmentalists think about Sarah Palin. I read a press release from - I believe - the Sierra Club the other day. They call Gov. Palin's nomination for VP "shocking."
She evidently has no problem with shooting wolves and bears from the air. I have seen video of this type of thing, and it's horrifying. The animal hasn't got a snowball's chance. This is not sport; it's murder. And she's in the pocket of Big Oil - just like the present occupants of the White House - so naturally the destruction of pristine Alaskan wilderness means nothing to her.
It would be interesting to hear what real hunters think of "hunting" from aircraft. The hunters I have known don't want to have a guaranteed kill. For them, the fun lies in outsmarting the quarry. If you can (more often than not, you can't). The fun lies in being in the wild, even if you don't get off a shot. Of course, they always hope for a kill, but they don't need one to have a good time. I suspect that they would consider "hunting" from aircraft to be not real hunting at all.
So, to answer the Reader's question: Environmentalists do NOT like Sarah Palin!
Jane Hawes
Edmond, OK (still a red-state Democrat)
Subject: Palin and pregnancies
I have finally figured out why I do not like the discussions about Palin's pregnancies or supposed pregnancies and how she handled her life during that time.
Most of the discussion is by men. Men who know nothing about being pregnant. Men who seem to have a textbook idea of what the course of pregnancy should be. Many pregnancies do not follow the textbook course. Do more reading before you open your mouth.
Mary Wollstonecraft
Silver Spring, MD
Subject: Sarah Palin
Like everyone else I am hesitant (not scared) to say something for fear I could possibly lose my job. NOT if I work for myself. The way to counteract this FASCISM is to definitely NOT VOTE for the McCain and Palin team. Do you want to be afraid when you step out of your house in the morning? That is not what this country was founded on, we broke away from the king of England in 1776. Then in 1781 we stomped the British (McCain and Palin Tories) and proved our independence. They came back for more in 1812 and we defeated them once again in 1814 and protected our newly founded government. Please do not forget your roots, Democrats!!!!!
Extremely Patriotic (Democratic)
USA
Subject: ??
Buzz,
Do you think McCain-Palin campaign was going to hide the pregnancy until after the election (a mere 2 months away)? The Palins say they went public w/Bristol's story because of the blog rumors regarding Trig's birth ... which leads me to wonder if they were going to hold onto that little secret until after November 4!??
(And shouldn't Americans take offense to that?)
beth
michigan
Subject: About Iraq
Well, I guess none of our brave soldiers are dying anymore in Iraq. At least there's NO reports or mention of it ANYWHERE on the TV, internet or newspapers.
I wonder why they hate America so much?
Or is a soldier's life no longer important?
Mike Curtis
Greenbrier Ark
Subject: Scare Tactics?
Does anybody know when the Replublicans will release another Bin Laden Tape to scare Americans? Isn't that their usual tactic? When all else fails, let's scare em. I was not impressed by Sarah Palin. She bored me. Sounded like the same thing over and over and over and over again. However, one thing I know: If you dish out criticism, be prepared. Don't cry foul after you already jumped in it.
Anita
NY
Subject: With Barack Obama As Our President Another World Is Possible
"But will it happen?"
"Depends on whether he means it when he says change must come to (not from) Washington."
"If he does?"
"There's a chance we can change the world."
"If he doesn't?"
"No chance we can change the world and we might as well have elected John McCain."
"So what's the answer?"
"Any chance is better than no chance at all."
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: Staying focused
Amen to the Buzzer who preaches to all of us, we must stay FOCUSED!!! We are not the party of "OMG...someone has had an abortion...or someone is pregnant out of wedlock" Even though...to all who have thought, and I have to admit, I have...that the girl does not look 5 months...she looks like someone who might have JUST had a baby...I have been there three times...and anyone who has had a child knows how you look before and after! So, what is suspected by some of us, could absolutely be true...and if so...there is a bit of hypocrisy ... But, we still need to not care...whatever they do or did to the child...is their cross to bear! Not ours ... God knows this party has been vetted and vetted and vetted! Remember the 90's...that's all you have to think about...the horror stories going around about the Clintons ... 'Well, if you were married to her, wouldn't you go out on her?" speaking of Hillary...men are so damned jealous of a strong woman. Even people like Rush and Drudge spoke of how ugly Chelsea was...it was very sad...so, we know more than anyone how it feels to be talked about nasty!
And yes, Lisa Johnson ... you had to actually look for a person of color. It is a rare person of color who will be a republican...and then at the end...I loved it when they talked over John Rich...The tall Black guy...who is a country rapper ... but, part of the Music Mafia...and Gretchen Wilson...which broke my heart...I hoped she would not be a part of it. As you watch ... remember Big Kenny Alpin...one of the founding members...will not show his face...he is a very helpful guy...was in Africa working with Aids victims...he is (I would not say liberal) but he believes in the same things Obama does...and what most of us think is important...even if we cannot afford to go to Africa to do it.
I hope they talk over his music tomorrow night ... something to look forward to ... Hey...it's hard to find something to look forward to at a Republican convention...but, I must watch it because I don't want to discuss anything I have not watched ... Everyone...just keep focused...the actual campaign will start by the end of this week...and many more things will come out about the VP for McCain! 'Raising McCain'...is not a good song.
Did you see the security escorting someone out right after Sarah's speech? Could'nt tell whom ... but there were many ... so, she might not have said anything.
Shirley
Subject: Palin's daughter
The kid will have a tough enough time, please show some compassion and don't write about her.
Melissa
Wilton, CA
Subject: A Pit Bull With Lipstick?
Did I miss something in her speech, or did she liken herself to a pit bull with lipstick?? Ew, I can tell! She's already gone to the dogs in her national debut! A mean woman, in my opinion.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: Palin's Speech
Wow -- that was sure a spectacle and the sinking of the Titanic rolled into one.
The Good: She ditched the Amy Winehouse Beehive.
The Bad: Her cynicism and sarcasm. She didn't discuss her qualifications or what she would bring to this country.
The Ugly: The whole thing, less ditching the beehive.
What a nasty, ugly woman. What a nasty, ugly convention. What a nasty, ugly political party.
This is downright terrifying.
Lisa Johnson
Tacoma, WA
Subject: The Republican Convention
Never in my lifetime have I heard and seen such an orchestrated parade of lies and distortions as was presented tonight!
I will not go into details, but look who was calling who "Big Brother"! Romney! I think his speech of lies will be refuted by the facts, one by one. The whole wretched convention - especially tonight - is an unbelievable exercise in avoidance of facts and the truth.
The Palin selection is mind-boggling in its audacity and lack of concern for the future of this country. I am revolted by her. I do think the weirdness and inconsistencies regarding the birthing of the four-month old baby are enough to justify some proof. Why are so many usual records and reports missing?
We absolutely must go all the way toward getting Obama and Biden in office. Otherwise, the decline of America - if not the world - will advance rapidly.
Creed Ballew
Arkansas
Subject: Palin as VP or Potus
Everyone is focusing on the trainwreck that Sarah Palin would be with foreign policy and international affairs. However, my concern is on what basis of experience as the Governor of Alaska which has less total population than some Congressional districts in the lower 48. What does she care or would she even know where to start with problems that are faced by urban areas, mass transit, the rust belt, loss of jobs, infrastructure, etc? What does she know about major social programs - does she have a clue? We were recently in Juneau and were laughingly told that there were only three ways to get to Juneau which I soon found out was true - by birth canal, by air or by boat. Past the Juneau airport, the main highway just stops, dead ends, and doesn't connect to anything else. Alaska is beautiful, breathtaking in fact, but when you are there you feel isolated from the rest of the United States. From reading the papers there, you can see that they have profited well from the increase in energy prices, and thus, really have little to worry about in terms of massive deficit.
So my question is not a matter whether she has been governor or not, how does her experience in Alaska hold much relevance to the job of say, NY Governor, IL Governor, CA Governor, etc., but more importantly, to the VP and potentially to the experience and understanding which is necessary to serve as the President of the US which could easily happen.
God help us all!
Peggy in TX
Ft. Worth, TX
BUZZFLASH MAILBAG
buzzflash
delicious
digg
yahoo
technorati
Technorati Tags: BuzzFlash Mailbag Array
