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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.

May 10, 2002

As long as their friend Dumbya is squatting in the White House, big oil will gouge while the sun shines. Make those dollars while they can! Average Americans are going to realize Dumbya is no friend of the people. His token tax cuts were made to increase the profits of his friends and family, partly through higher gasoline prices. That way, the wealthy get their big tax cut and they get your tax cut, too -- at the pump.

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In the beginning, we were told the U.S. would not have any problem identifying the origins of the anthrax. Now that they know, why haven't arrests been made? Are they attempting to devise a plan that would implicate another country? Have they ill-spent the money being poured into anti-terrorism? Have the FBI and CIA failed us again? What happened to all that superior jargon we heard? It's time to secure the American public and do the required job.

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Times were better during the Clinton years. The people of this country learned a lesson the first time a Bush occupied the Oval Office, but thanks to the SCOTUS, we have to endure a repeat of men who don't have a clue about governing. It seems the Justices believe we must scrape bottom before we find our way up, so they gave us another Bush. All for the sake of morality! Morality doesn't feed me, it doesn't protect me, and it certainly doesn't describe what sits in the Oval Office now.

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On reading BuzzFlash link to an article in The Tampa Tribune online edition entitled "Defenders of Children Show Impatience with Gov. Bush" by David Wasson, I have come to the conclusion that the governor has appointed a commission to save his butt, rather than save the children. Jebbies concern is self-motivated, not child-motivated. Compassion for the Bushies begins at home. How sad for the children of Florida to have a governor whose interests are egocentric.

* * *

Having worked at a Family Planning Clinic, I can give an educated opinion on sex education. This country needs sex education beginning at the earliest possible age. During my time at the Public Health Clinic, we saw girls who had become pregnant by relatives, because the girls didn't know what was happening to them. Just to put the record straight, these girls were from all races, religions, and financial backgrounds -- it was not isolated. They were also varied in age from the youngest, at 8-years-old, to the oldest, at 18. Imagine an 8-year-old girl pregnant! She had no idea what had happened to her or what was happening. It broke my heart. So I can tell you GW, sex education is necessary, because abstinence does not always work -- especially with some fathers, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, and cousins.

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Not in Rove's wildest dreams does Dumbya compare to Bobby Kennedy. I find it amazing the Bushies attempt a comparison to one of the greatest Americans ever, in order to promote the biggest nobody this country has ever had to endure! Sorry Karl, your guy doesn't come close to the stature of Robert Kennedy. We all know it because we're not as ditzy as Dumbya.

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May 9, 2002

John Lindh's trial will tell Americans if democracy still prevails in this country. If the government is allowed to subvert the "rule of law" for "security" reasons then we will know that democracy is dead. When considering Lindh's guilt or innocence, one must keep in mind the mistaken convictions of innocent men. Innocent until proven guilty is still the law of the land, and every American deserves a fair trial after being accused.

* * *

Considering the outrageous reaction to the legitimate questions voiced by Cynthia McKinney, does someone have something to hide? It makes one wonder why someone would so distort Ms. McKinney's comments? This is America, and Ms. McKinney has the responsibility as a Congressional Representative to ask the questions Americans want answered. Given the extreme smear of Ms. McKinney, I ask where are the other members of Congress and why aren't they questioning? What is being done to protect Americans? Why is a full investigation not under way? Just who is hiding what? And why has the White House requested no investigation? Democracy does not prevail under a cloak of secrecy!

Cynthia McKinney deserves an apology from all those who sought to smear her by distorting the truth and questioning her First Amendment rights of Freedom of Speech.

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Take my word for it, "Luke Skywalker" Dumbya is not! Think about it, do you believe Skywalker would have difficulty eating a pretzel? I do think the analogy of Darth Vader and Poppy may have some merit, but that is where the similarities end. This son doesn't know the meaning of truth, justice, and valor. He knows only tyranny, secrecy, and vengeance.

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Don't count on the U.S. following the lead of Brazil and investigating the "Moonies." The Reverend has been known to have a friendship with Poppy. As with the Saudis, the Moonies don't have to worry because anyone who has a relationship with Poppy is "safe" in America.

* * *

In supporting Thomas White, Bush shows us just where his compassion lies. Apparently Dumbya has great respect for a man who would gouge Californians of their hard-earned dollars for a necessity of life -- electricity. It goes to show you that Bush isn't interested in the well-being of the people, his ultimate concern is for the almighty dollar and revenge! White is an example of the kind of man Bush trusts to spend the taxpayer's dollars: a man who cheats the public.

* * *

I wonder how Thomas White will wriggle out of this one? He is despicable -- price-gouging people, who can ill afford to pay exorbitant electric bills, is a crime and he should be punished. Where is all that compassion now? Does Bush admire men who will steal from old ladies, old men and children? Does Bush respect this man who had an exemplar record with a bunch of exemplar crooks? If the men Bush appoints are the same ilk as White (and many may be), then America will pay dearly. Bush has gathered an expert group around him, I wonder expert at what? They say birds of a feather!

* * *

Now that the Crusader artillery system has caused so much flack for the Bush administration and has been canceled, I wonder what the army thinks of the boy wonder? They may find they were better off with men of intelligence, who were interested in the military for the sake of the military, and not a bunch who spout support when attempting to make a profit!

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May 8, 2002

In reading an article this AM regarding a local election, I was struck by the term used by the GOP candidate against the Democratic candidate accusing the Dem of being "a Clinton Clone." I'm sure the Repug meant to debase the Dem, but in thinking it over, I came to the conclusion we need a lot more Clinton Clones, especially since the Bush clone is creating chaos and confusion. Our country is in dire need of peace, prosperity and sanity. We could use an intelligent, informed approach to governance. So, please bring on the Clinton Clones and return to safer times for us all.

* * *

It is with deep regret I find out Bill Clinton's talk show is another less-than-the-truth news item dreamed up by the right-wing in their never ending search for scandal. The disappointment is profound, because the right-wing pundits and talking heads are the most boring, fantasy-based bunch ever assembled by main stream media. It would have been a refreshing change to get some news from a knowledgeable, intelligent source.

* * *

Another example of the Bush doublespeak to look good. First sign a bill into law, then file a law suit to question the legality! Hypocrisy reigns supreme with the Repugs!

* * *

We all know Enron attempted to walk away with billions while punishing California for not voting for their boy Bush. It's time to get serious about investigating Enron for criminal activity. Passing the buck cannot be tolerated. The workers and investors are not the only ones who stand to lose -- the taxpayers of America will have to ante up for the federally guaranteed loans.

* * *

Ever notice how Jebbie doesn't like finger-pointing when it's pointed at him? He attempts to weasel out whenever he's guilty. When a system he promised to "fix" goes awry, after he's been in office three years, I'd say he's responsible. Unfortunately, it's the children who suffer. It's time for Florida to elect a governor who is interested in substance and not empty promises.

* * *

Those on the right are always lecturing to those of us on the left about moral clarity. I wonder if any thought has gone into a leading conservative female journalist who fantasizes about the president's feet? Now that's kinky, bordering on weird. Sounds a little perverted. This lady would do well to talk things over with a therapist before unconsciously exposing herself in print to the whole world. The conservatives should examine their own thoughts before judging others.

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May 7, 2002

Doesn't anyone see that Bush, by repealing the estate tax, is making sure his inheritance will not be taxed. Ironic isn't it, that he can reap the benefits from the laws he creates? Why wouldn't quid pro quo apply here? He's certainly doing himself a big favor!

* * *

Has no thought been given to the fact that Iraq has a viable infrastructure due to the efforts of Halliburton, a company formerly run by Cheney? Somehow "aiding a terrorist" comes to mind when one considers rebuilding Iraq after the Gulf War. Why is this bit of news being overlooked? Why has the mainstream media failed to inform the public about the strength of Iraq, thanks to business-as-usual in the United States? Is this the reason for hiding in an undisclosed location? Why not investigate things worthy of investigation? Where is Congress? The American people deserve to know what our leaders have done and why.

* * *

The Washington Press Corpse presents Dumbya the Clown! He has finally found his true calling! He certainly makes a better clown than a president and his comedic abilities do not stop at a dinner in Washington -- he's a laughingstock every time he opens his mouth to read his cue cards. Isn't it comforting to know we have a buffoon for a president?

* * *

Mainstream media should be ashamed! While they are rubbing elbows at dinner, schmoozing and laughing at dull jokes, the American people have to read, on a news site from Pakistan, that 76 American troops are being held captive by the Taliban. When are these guys, who are supposed to be reporters, going to get off their butts and report the news? The Bush administration doesn't have to establish an office of disinformation, they have mainstream media to either do or not do the job for them!

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May 6, 2002

The Repugs, in general, and the Bushies, in particular, cannot admit that Bill Clinton was an outstanding President! The right-wing and the Bushies, with their attempts to discredit Bill Clinton, have returned our country to the chaos of the Reagan/Bush era. When I look around at the mess they've created, I realize, yes, by God, if you believe in peace, prosperity, democracy, and sanity, you know how good it was under the competent Clinton/Gore Democratic administration!

* * *

Heed his lips: Dumbya will not follow the rules, Dumbya does what Dumbya wants to do. To expect more or less will be a disappointment. He and his administration have an ax to grind and they will continue full speed ahead. How could anyone think that a self-centered, privileged son would have anything but his own interests in mind?

* * *

Another example of Bush double speak: An empty campaign promise by Jebbie to reform child care services. Gee, it sounded good at the time. This is a promise he overlooked, and the children are the ones to suffer. We must make politicians responsible for their promises. Florida would do well to send Jebbie back home.

* * *

The Bush administration can no longer justify Tom Ridge's silence. Anthrax in the mail killing Americans, now pipe bombs in mail boxes maiming Americans. Just what is Tom Ridge doing to protect American Citizens? We have a right to know -- remember it's "our money" and, so far, it doesn't look like we are getting any value. Bush may think he's entitled to spend our money at his pleasure, but I'd like to know just how secure are we?

* * *

What the American public must realize: the Bush administration's definition of national security applies only to security provided by friends and family of Bush for profit. Pumping up security at nuclear facilities doesn't add to the coffers of the Carlyle Group. Anyone else gets lip service.

* * *

The American people would be wise to unseat the Bush brothers in the coming elections. Neither one of the Bush boys knows what it's like to have to earn a living -- they have been supported by their father and his friends. Neither W. nor Jeb has experienced hunger. Average, and some not so average, Americans cannot depend on the Bush family to understand hard times.