BuzzFlash
presents Barbara's Daily BuzzFlash Minute
exclusively on BuzzFlash.com
A collection of insightful ruminations, reflections, and rants on the events of the day (with the exception of the weekend). We'll collect a week's worth here and then archive them. Come visit each weekday to see what's pushing Barbara's buttons.
August 6, 2004
Don't tell me the White House didn't know about this ad! Karl Rove and George Bush have a history of playing dirty in politics, so if they didn't directly orchestrate this anti-Kerry's heroism ad, they most certainly sanctioned it. I thank John McCain for speaking out against such horrible lies, but he ought to wake up and smell the stink coming from his party. This is abominable, and somewhere, somehow, someone needs to stop this mean spirited, nasty, slander! It makes one wonder if those Vets behind this ad protest too much. Do they resent the truth that stopped the madness and brought them home from a senseless war?
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Bush is not qualified to be president. His gaffs, his intellect, and his downright poor judgment should be enough to tell the majority of the American people that it's time for him to go! The man doesn't have what it takes to be the leader of the free world. He is neither brave nor bold and he's never done anything to benefit anyone other than himself! The best thing that could happen for the American people, our country, and the rest of the world would be for him to resign, because when history writes his legacy, we may find out, after all, that he is a liar!
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Has anyone else noticed that the only time Bush is smiling and joyful these days, is when his invited audience is cheering him on? Otherwise, he reads his speeches in a rather dull, monotone way, without inflection or enthusiasm. It makes you realize he's really not man enough for the job. Maybe the job is getting to him, maybe he's tired of it all, maybe he's decided this isn't fun, or maybe, just maybe, he'll cut and run. One can only hope!
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August 5, 2004
Ever get the feeling you've gone through the mirror and down the rabbit -- err excuse me -- the monkey hole? As I live and breathe, I don't believe we've ever seen such chaos and confusion in America. WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, even Grenada were not as much of a mess as we are living today. These days it's one step ahead and three back. One would think that in the Twenty First Century man would have found better ways to solve their disagreements. There are days when I think the Bush regression has gone all the way back to medieval times. We crossed the Clinton/Gore bridge into the Twenty First Century, but Bush/Cheney took us back over it, blew up the bridge and re-established the Spanish Inquisition.
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It has become downright thigh-slapping funny every time Bush floats what he thinks is good policy and finds out the public just won't accept his bullshit. He then embraces something similar to what the public wants, but still within his safe zone. Then he wraps himself in the flag and claims ownership. For example, Prescription Drugs for Seniors, Voting reform, tax reform, Environmental reform, Homeland Security, 9-11 Commission, and now the recommendations made by the 9-11 Commission. Talk about flip-flopping -- he's the master. If you don't believe me, just ask Poppy and Barb about all the excuses and flip-flops he made while growing up!
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Radical fundamentalism in any country spells disaster for its citizens. No matter how well intentioned, no matter what their belief, it is unhealthy for the average person when one member of society attempts to force their fundamental religious beliefs on the rest of us. When extremists attempt to dictate societal norms, they become terrorists! In some parts of the world it's Burkas, here at home it's "barefoot and pregnant"!
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August 4, 2004
A person's history is a beacon of what we can expect them to do in the future. Bush's non-service in the National Guard is indicative of his pattern of irresponsibility and unaccountability. His alleged excessive use of alcohol and drugs is important information for citizens as they develop an informed opinion on how Bush will face life's challenges and/or disappointments. Whether or not Bush has been honest, truthful, and forthcoming during other challenges in his life allows us to know if we can trust him with challenges that affect us all. The fact that Bush sowed his oats into his forties tells us a lot about his character. Past history does matter.
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Why is it that a large percentage of people in the United States can continue to believe the empty air coming from one man's mouth when it's been proven that no matter what he says you can count on the opposite happening? How anyone can believe Bush is tougher than Kerry on terrorism is beyond me, especially when I look at the statistics coming out of Iraq! Knowing that the hunt for Osama was abandoned for the hunt for Saddam, how can anyone believe we are safer today? When the yellow, orange, and red threats of a terrorist attack hang over us heavier than the smog in LA, how can anyone believe we are safer today? It reminds me of the stories out of Germany about the masses being mesmerized by a madman!
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In viewing yesterday's "Re-opening of the Statue of Liberty," two thoughts came to mind. First, the era of "freedom fries" must be over, since we are again recognizing the precious gift we received from France -- the beloved Statue of Liberty, the most renowned symbol of freedom! Second, George Pataki is probably the hokiest politician the Repuglicans put before the American people. If ever I've heard contrived emotional speeches, his was it. He was all over the place delivering words that reeked of canned and orchestrated Repuglican faux patriotism. It was not the least bit heartfelt!
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August 3, 2004
It will be a cold day in hell before I can be convinced George Bush is a bold, brave leader, especially since he's afraid to answer a question by 4'10", 80-year-old Helen Thomas. During today's televised White House announcements regarding the 9-11 Commission recommendations, as he was calling on predetermined members of the Press Corps, one could hear the small but distinctive voice of Helen Thomas coming from way in the back of the group with a question. Bush dissed Ms. Thomas and went to CNN's Suzanne Malveau. It's a disgrace that the president of the United States is afraid to answer questions. It's a disgrace that the White House Press Corps did not defer to Ms. Thomas because of her experience and tenure. It's makes me ashamed of Bush and the current White House Press Corps. It's time to demand some respect for Ms. Thomas.
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"We have nothing to fear, but fear itself." Profound words, spoken by FDR so long ago, ring so very true today! The Bush administration runs around scaring the bejezzus out of us all, in order to cover up the facts. Fact #1: The Bush administration did not heed the warnings of a terrorist attack, resulting in the horrors of 9-11. Fact #2: They did not capture Osama bin Laden, resulting in an increased threat of terror. Fact #3: They rushed into a preemptive war in Iraq, resulting in fear and loathing worldwide and the unnecessary deaths of Americans and Iraqis.
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The "Orange" alert reflects the terror felt by the Bush administration and the Repuglican party nationwide. They are so afraid of John Kerry they had to do whatever they could to divert the attention of mainstream media from the Kerry/Edwards message to the American people. The Bush administration trots Sec. Ridge out when they need a diversion. They use fear to cover up the truth about their lack of ability to protect the American people.
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August 2, 2004
If Americans really want to be afraid, then the fear should be directed at one who makes statements like this: "God speaks through me." This came from the same man who ordered "Shock and awe"! Delusions of Grandeur are indicative of mental illness and a "God Complex" is indicative of instability. So if fear is what you want, remember George.
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Oh, if only mainstream media would investigate and attack George Bush the same as they are attacking John Kerry and the Democrats. The American people would not be in the peril we are in today if they had! I believe CNN, starting with Bill Hemmer and Wolf Blitzer, is an extension of the Bush campaign. They have joined the ranks of those who will stop at nothing to see Bush elected in November.
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In this, the 21st Century, Benedict Arnold has a new face and his name is Zell Miller. Miller would like to portray himself as a patriotic American, but, folks, any man who would abandon those who voted for him and adopt the tenets of the opposing side is without a doubt a traitor. Miller is as unpatriotic and un-American as any traitor. Don't believe him when he tells you most Georgia Democrats support him and his loyalties, because they don't!