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Daily BuzzFlash Minute
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Barbara's Daily BuzzFlash Minute
WELCOME to Barbara's Daily BuzzFlash Minute, a collection of insightful ruminations, reflections, and rants on the events of the day (with the exception of the weekend). A regular contributor to our Mailbag, we've elevated Barbara to her own BuzzFlash page. We'll collect a week's worth here and then archive them. Come visit each weekday to see what's pushing Barbara's buttons.
March 29, 2002
Enron is indeed a scandal waiting to happen. Too bad those right-wingers would probably get caught up in it, otherwise they could have a real good time with this one! Lot's of juicy stuff, including sex and a questionable suicide, I've heard from some sources! This is one that could outlast three or four terms in office, and they might even be able to prove something! Just wish someone had the guts and funds to get it started. No one need worry about being implicated, Bush could pardon them all when he leaves office.
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I know the right-wing and the Repugs will never admit it, but Bill Clinton actually knew what he was doing! And it was a far better job than we've seen from the current guys who think they know how to conduct the affairs of state, both domestic and foreign! They have managed to bungle everything -- talked the economy into a slow down, in order to justify a massive tax cut for those who don't need it, prompted massive lay offs, ruined the environment, threw treaties in the garbage, financially supported a regime that committed the most horrific act ever against the United States, and ignored a volatile situation in the Middle East which may now begin World War III. This campaign of errors started with a theft, and now they expect America to trust them, to trust idiot judgment, to follow them into oblivion? Oh, for the days when we had a President who knew what he was doing and loved doing it so much we had peace and prosperity for a long time. Now all we have to look forward to is fear, war, ineptness, and bumbling policies that are too little too late. I would say one thing, George W Bush has changed the tone in Washington and the new tone doesn't resemble the less life under the leadership of Bill Clinton.
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Typical of the Bush administration -- deep freeze the Congress, suck up to the corporations!!! What a deplorable slap in the face, to the Congress and the people of the United States, that Ridge would refuse to testify in Congress and yet accept an invitation (which the taxpayer's are bearing the cost of attending) to appear at a conference for Fortune magazine in Chicago. Tom Ridge has even agreed to a question and answer session. This is hypocrisy and payback at it's lowest. I certainly hope someone on the Hill sits up and takes notice of how they are viewed by this White House and it's Office of Homeland Security -- as insignificant. As a citizen, I resent not being privileged to know what's being done for my security.
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All the dropped bombs, all the surveillance equipment, all the weapons of modern technological warfare . . . and bin Laden's still at large. Investigations, analysis, ultra modern lab data have failed to turn up the "anthrax" mailer. More "detainees" have been released than charged. To date, two men are awaiting trial, charged with crimes associated with 9-11! Most of the bodies showing up for count are civilians, and Americans have suffered casualties. This man who sits in the White House has told us our military is understaffed, under-funded, and needs an overhaul. He has also alienated friendly nations through various acts of treaty ignorance and an arrogant attitude. Now, is this any way to start a vengeance war with Iraq?
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The Repugs in Congress better wake up -- Dumbya considers himself the king of the world and ALL his subjects must do his bidding! Thus far, he has not shown a willingness to "work with" or "negotiate," his intent is do it his way, period! Congress, no matter which party affiliation, will find themselves digging for whatever they may want. Get in line boys, Bush benefits Bush! The new and most important party for this administration is the Bush party. Dumbya marches only to his own tune -- everyone else either gets on his band wagon or they are tossed in the can without a thought regarding party! Ironic isn't it, more of Bush doublespeak -- "a man of the people" is just an egocentric, maniacal, tantrum prone, child posing as president.
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March 28, 2002
Excerpt from Washington Post article by Walter Pincus, "'Although relatively small amounts of plutonium are involved,' Energy Inspector General Gregory H. Friedman said in his report, 'Recent world events have underscored the need to strengthen the control over all nuclear materials, including sealed sources.' He added, 'In the wrong hands, these sources could be misused.'" The understatement of the year, regarding the plutonium that is apparently lost. These are the kind of things that make you wonder who's been in charge. Just a little plutonium?! Dirty bombs?! Are we really considering nuclear weapons? What will be left of Earth? No vacations in outer space yet, so if nuclear gets started, there's no place to hide. Secured caves, secured bunkers, bomb shelters -- nothing will be safe. Star Wars won't protect you from fallout! I would think the smart thing to do would be no nukes and find out where the lost plutonium is cached.
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After reading the history of El Salvador, the conclusion is it would take an idiot to laud El Salvador as a success story. Stage right, enter Dumbya! He is arrogant enough to present El Salvador, in honor of the father, a success. Guess they believe if they say it long and loud enough, that's all it takes for people to believe it! Sorry, no whitewash here! Just another Bush story attempting to boondoggle the public! The Texas cowboy has struck out again!
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It's rather ironic, all the secrecy surrounding this administration in the name of "terrorism and security." Because of the unending war, we find secrets kept in the most unusual places domestically! We are not privy to names of those who "contributed" to America's energy policy; we can't know how Tom Ridge is spending taxpayer money or how he plans to make us secure; nothing is released on those being held in custody since shortly after Sept. 11; we aren't being told what's happening on the anthrax investigation; and the "shadow government" is hiding in secured caves. On the foreign front we can't know what's going on in Afghanistan because it could possibly compromise the war effort; we haven't yet heard any details regarding bin Laden, other than "he did it"; and we don't know if there is a coherent plan mapping a direction in the future of the war on terrorism.
But, guess what, the Bush administration has warned Saddam that we are going to get him and that it may take several months. But, we are coming! Get your weapons ready, your army ready, your terrorists ready, and here we come!
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In answer to Richard Cohen's column re: "I've Got Harlem on My Mind"-- I too believe the guy hanging out in Harlem would be the one best to attempt a resolution in the Middle East, but it would take intelligence and an ego-less administration to see the advantage. I'm sorry to say the current administration is neither intelligent nor without ego! What would they do if he was successful, while all they've been is verbal, critical, and disengaged? They are not driven by the atrocities or the trauma, only how to personally look good, while doing as little as possible. Remember that this administration prefers to delegate, delegate, delegate! It's a terrible thing when statesmen are more concerned with image than with humanity. People are dying, while these guys are concerned about appearances. So, I'm afraid the guy most qualified will not be asked to do what he does best. This administration would never admit that the Harlem guy can outdo them!
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Such good news -- Gas masks to be issued to area residents. How reassuring to know the government will be spending seven million dollars on gas masks. Kind of makes one feel all warm and safe inside, doesn't it? For God's sake, what's wrong with these people? Gas masks in order to burn nerve gas in a populated area?! Where are their heads? Burning nerve gas should be relegated to an area far from human habitat! It makes one wonder, if it's necessary to issue gas masks, then it must be dangerous, and if it's dangerous, why in God's name are they doing it where people live? Has it become, "leave no person behind, just kill em"? If there's an accident, what happens to the people downwind? Wind and weather need to be considered in this equation and obviously it's been overlooked! People live in these areas, or does that make a difference? Has collateral damage extended to American citizens?
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March 27, 2002
Hooray!! In the CNN after-speech analysis of Bush's speech to the "first responders" in S.C., I actually heard, "he (referring to Bush) was singing to the choir." Is there some hope that mainstream media will begin to do their job and tell the truth to the American public? It's about time someone in the mainstream told the truth about Bush reading speeches to "invitation only" audiences!! Granted it was a subtle reference, but at least it was truthful! One can only hope!
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For the purposes of clarification -- didn't we hear Enron shredded documents, didn't we see evidence of those shreds revealed by a former employee? So why is the DOJ prosecuting Anderson for obstructing justice via document shredding? Why have they not charged Enron with the same crime? Could it be the DOJ is obstructing justice? Could the DOJ be covering for Enron? Will we ever see anyone in Enron charged with anything? It seems, after all, having friends in high places, who donate lots of money to your campaign, and provide aircraft for your convenience, has its benefits.
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The success of Michael Moore's book, "Stupid White Men," reflects the true feelings of the majority of the American public. As I've heard so often "polls don't really mean anything," and I do believe it! Polls can be manipulated and results can become whatever is desired. People may support an effort in keeping them safe, any effort, but they don't support Bush in the way that is being projected. I believe when people spend money to support an ideal, a lot of people with just a little money, then you know it's real! I would venture a guess that while the American people support self preservation and being "protected," they don't believe that Bush is the "supreme" answer. I issue a challenge to Liberals, Democrats, and Independents: ask questions, continue oversight, and don't be afraid to stand for your ideals. We the people need to be heard and heeded. Our desires for our country should be the guiding principal in OUR DEMOCRACY.
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Bush, on numerous occasions, stated we should not be "nation builders" and we are not the world's "police"! How times have changed, or have they? Given his penchant for saying one thing and meaning the opposite, was he really envisioning a world dominated by the Bush administration, living according to the terms dictated by Bush? Was his plan to become the leader of the world? I do believe this has been attempted before him, on numerous occasions, and, in the end, failed.
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Is it business as usual in Florida? Are we going to see a repeat performance of election 2000? Will the same problems run rampant? Will the majority of voters be overruled again by the SCOTUS? Is it possible for a handful of local yokels to subvert the will of the majority? Don't you think some kind of oversight might be helpful? Will it be another civil rights debacle? Will people be denied their right to vote? Will the country again be denied the "winner" in an election that affects the nation? Don't you agree that the time to rectify the problems is now? Perhaps an overhaul in Florida government is needed. It's time to send the transplanted Bushies back to wherever they came from! My suggestion is vote Democratic and return Florida and America to the people!
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March 26, 2002
We are not only engaged in an endless war, we are engaged in a war going in all directions! When Bush assumed office someone must have told him we were involved in "globalization." Bush, being Bush, must have concluded that it meant "a war with the entire globe!" He seems to be making enemies where we once had friends, and goading our enemies into seeking ways to strike back! Someone needs to brief him again and inform him globalization was a term used for trading purposes only. They need to advise him that it really isn't necessary to wage war on a global basis. We here in the United States, even assuming we are the only "superpower" in the world, may find ourselves in a war with the world. Sooner or later someone needs to realize diplomacy works better in the long run than "bullying." What's that old saying, you can attract more flies with honey? Are we in the middle of a quicksand bed, slowly going under? If Bush continues plundering ahead we may not be able to regain the peace and prosperity we had for the 8 blessed years under Clinton.
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It's too bad that when Bush promised to "change the tone" in Washington, he wasn't smart enough to realize that it was his own party that needs to change. The GOP in Washington are the biggest bunch of cry baby, partisan, hate-filled, scandal mongering, get even, subversive, so-called "representatives and senators" I've ever seen. My mother used to say it was wiser to clean up your own back yard before telling the neighborhood to do so! That's advice Bush should heed. His party is responsible for the mean-spirited "tone" in Washington today! Clean them up and start changing where change is obviously needed!
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When a tiny island in the Caribbean supports over 400 banks, it stands to reason that offshore accounts are rampant. Without investors, how would these "banks" stay in business? It doesn't take rocket science to figure that one out!
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Once again I read the local morning paper and discover Dumbya is coming to town. Plans are for a "fundraiser" in the Repug primary (these guys are partisan even in their own party). I also read he plans a stop at a local university for a speech centering on terrorism and "homeland" security. Further down I see the speech at the university is by "INVITATION ONLY" -- don't want any surprises, like someone who doesn't agree with him. In my opinion, when everything is "invitation only," he isn't a president of the people. He is self-serving, egocentric, and fearful. Yes, fearful! Every "grass roots" appearance has been by invitation only. This is not representative of the people. So, if his representation is invited-only audiences, then he must be fearful of those who are not invited. I also ask the question, why, when these appearances are shown on television, is it not revealed that this "rally" was closed to the public? Why is this information withheld from the general population? Why is it necessary to create an "illusion"? Why is free speech stifled? Why do they get away with reporting less than the truth? Why, in America, is democracy subverted by someone who is supposed to be the president?
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An excerpt from an article on Yahoo! News Associated Press, by Sandra Sobieraj: "Rasmussen later told reporters that Bush promised his new tariffs on imported steel were only temporary." From the sound of it, Bush is up to his dirty tricks of doublespeak again. Either, he's going back on his promise to domestic steel or he isn't being truthful with Rasmussen. Be sure of one thing, whichever he chooses to honor, it will be the one giving Bush the most benefit! Yes, Georgie, "old habits in Washington are hard to break," and how quickly you have gotten back into the habit!
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Bush indeed has a thin skin! Past history has shown us that he has an uncontrollable temper -- verbally attacking a reporter in a restaurant in Texas in front of the reporter's four-year-old son and wife, using language that is considered inappropriate. It's obvious his "handlers" don't trust his reaction to questions, since it's a rare occurrence that reporters are allowed to question him. His appearance in Peru shows that his reaction to a question he doesn't like provokes anger. His unrelenting campaign to wage war with Iraq, against advice, shows a willingness towards revenge. Those who don't agree with his policy and are willing to protest are relegated to a "zone" out of eyesight so that he doesn't have to deal with it. In my opinion, he responds to dissent with anger and inappropriate behavior, in many instances that are truly detrimental to the well being of our country.
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March 25, 2002
Just can't resist a comment: Tom Ridge obviously had GW Bush in mind when he created a color-coded alert system. "Draw" your own conclusions!
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I think that Americans are listening, and are questioning the policies of the current administration! The truth is evidenced in successful liberal rallies, in best-selling liberal books, in successful liberal web sites, in protesters willing to protest, in patriotic Americans rightfully asking questions, and in Americans standing up for what they believe in.
The mainstream media simply isn't allowing us to hear the questions or sentiments from true Americans. Every time I see the "results" of recent polling on the 24 hr. "news" channels, it gives me pause to wonder -- how did they arrive at that conclusion, since most of the people I know are not happy with the Bush agenda? Every time I see a "news" report that is positive to Bush, I wonder how they applied "spin" to the situation?
The point here is that the American people are no longer getting the truth from mainstream media, we are getting the "news" as reported from the White House. It is an advantage for mainstream media to continue the illusion of Bush as a "man of the people," because they benefit financially from doing so.
This behavior is also a cover-up of what mainstream media knows they did NOT do -- report the truth about what was happening in Florida during election 2000. They also did no in-depth reporting on the Supreme Court's misdeed in appointing Bush to the presidency. They did not tell the American people how civil rights were violated or how the right to vote was overruled by some in the Repug party. They aren't interested enough in reporting the "war on terrorism" with any clarity. They don't want to admit their part in aiding and abetting one of the worst crimes committed in American history. They don't want you to know that reporting Bush as he truly is -- incapable -- would be to admit their own culpability in his incapability. And, lastly, they don't want to admit that the rest of the world sees what mainstream media doesn't want Americans to understand.
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To believe in the myth that the Office of Disinformation has been scrubbed, is to believe pigs fly.
On March 20, the NYT published "U.S. Concludes Al Queada Lacked a Chemical or Biological Stockpile," by David Johnston and James Risen. The article stated that, "Testing so far had not turned up any evidence of anthrax or other materials that would make chemical or biological weapons." It also stated, "Americans searching the camps had not found physical proof of testing or production and if tests had been conducted they were small scale." The article even mentioned a statement from General Tommy Franks saying, "Searches of 60 sites a month ago turned up no evidence of weapons of mass destruction." It was a relief to read this article, assuring America that our government and our military is on the job, protecting the American people.
Then, "the news" on Saturday, March 23 announced evidence a "lab" somewhere in Afghanistan that could have produced "anthrax." The same General Franks was on one of the Sunday Talks saying that the possibility of producing chemical or biological weapons exists, they just haven't found any evidence that the chemicals or biological substances have been weaponized! That's somewhat different from the NYT article. Apparently, the intent here is to maintain the fear factor and continue to forge ahead with whatever agenda the Bushies are promoting. They seem to think they need the fear factor to continue and that makes one wonder why!
The problem with this administration's new "brain child office" is the confusion, and the possible lies they produce, in order to maintain power. It's reprehensible that fear is a necessary component for leadership. The idea, up until now, has been that leaders are there to protect the people, not to scare them to death. Anxiety can be as devastating to your health as war, it just takes longer.
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I have been under the impression that America was founded on the premise that all men are created equal and individual rights were the basis of American democracy. I thought that, as Americans, we could chose to worship in whatever way we deemed personally beneficial and this was the beauty of being an American. For years I've listened to and observed the efforts of many in our country to convert and "transform." I've always felt that it was a good expression of individual rights and, certainly, an expression of a legal right to do so. I've also begun to observe there are those who believe that Americans must follow a single belief system, based on what they believe to be the only way to worship. If I'm not mistaken, the Taliban recently attempted to found a nation on a single interpretation of religion. It failed. The original tenet of individual choice must be maintained if a nation is to survive. It is folly to believe that force and monolithic tenets will develop faith and values.
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