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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 17, 2002

The Bush administration is attempting to take the attention off Bush and his incompetence. They have developed a strategy of blaming the Democrats of playing politics. They are saying the Dems had the same info as the White House and did not alert the American people last spring. The GOP thwarted their blame game, because when asked the same question -- why didn't Bush notify the American people -- they said the documentation was "classified." Now, tell me, why would Democrats release classified material that only the president can declassify for release! They are trying to confuse the public in the hopes it can be swept away under the carpet.

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My heart goes out to the families of the victims of 9-11. To lose a family member in such a horrific way is terrible and heart rending -- but to now learn that there were warnings and the current administration didn't do enough to alert Americans to the possible danger is overwhelming. Again I say to them, I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to the entire American country.

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Just why would Dick Cheney feel it necessary to warn the Democrats not to ask questions? Is it for the same reasons he tried to squelch an investigation? Are they afraid of the real truth being told? We all know Bush and the gang are incompetent, so what else is lurking in the shadows that may come to light? For a party that wanted desperately to get into the intimate life of someone else, they sure don't want legitimate questions regarding that which affects all Americans. We need an objective investigation, because we need to know the whole story and the truth that surrounds 9-11.

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It is not about politics, it's about INCOMPETENCE! Dumbya does not have what it takes to lead America! He ignored the warning signs, he was not capable of assimilating what the FBI, the CIA, and the numerous foreign sources of specific information were telling him. He was too busy staying out of Washington protecting himself to do what was necessary to protect the American people. AWOL again on all fronts! Bush should resign simply because he cannot do the job! He is INCOMPETENT.

PS- Cheney should accompany Bush when the door hits them both in the rear!

* * *

Bush's hypocrisy is truly abhorrent. He's been strutting around, with bullhorn in hand, shouting patriotism! He's been telling America and the world "we're gonna get 'em"! He's arrogant and a braggadocio. He's led the American people down a self-serving "rosy" path. Now we know he's a liar and a cheat. Now we know that he knew and didn't do enough to prevent the deaths of 3000 innocent people.

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Where is all that talk about his "experienced" administration now? Where is all the talk about "glad we have Dumbya as a leader"? The boy is incompetent and does not have enough of a brain to connect the dots. It's also obvious, "his" administration is not as experienced as we've been led to believe. They can't have it both ways -- either they can or they can't and we all know now THEY CAN'T! Most three-year-olds can play connect the dots, but then there is George W.

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The spinners are out in full force. The freepers have been busy all morning. They are attempting to rally support for Dumbya! It's all over mainstream media that Bush did not have enough info to connect the dots. Hogwash, Bush knew! As president, and with such an "experienced" bunch in his administration, he should have protected the American people. They were able to "protect" John Ashcroft by providing chartered government flights, they apparently alerted Jebbie (he called a state of emergency Sept. 7), and Bush was away from the White House most of August and early September. Don't tell me he didn't know! He was busy -- saving his own butt!

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We have another weapon of mass destruction that can kill hundreds of thousands! The Bush administration is determined to allow this weapon to embark on the highways of America. They have received the warnings but, again, they appear not to want to do anything about it. At least 3 tons of powdered plutonium is set to travel across approximately a dozen states in the very near future. Despite the warnings of potential hazards, this administration will proceed, knowingly putting millions of Americans in harms way. Somehow the Bush claims of concern for the people are lost in the reality of allowing such dangerous material on our highways, especially at peak vacation travel times.

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May 16, 2002

Has our nation just been subject to an attempt to replay Reagan's supposed release of the hostages? In their arrogance, did the Bushies believe they would be able to get the Taliban to release Bin Laden to them? Did they think they would be able to elevate the Bush stature, and put Bill Clinton down in one fell swoop? Were the agencies asked to stand down because Bush was arrogant enough to think he would succeed? Did Bush want to do the bin Laden family a favor by putting Osama bin Laden in jail, rather than seeing him killed in battle? So many questions and 3000 Americans dead.

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Yes indeed, the emperor is naked! Bush has been wearing an invisible cloak of patriotism. He's all talk. This nation should know, based on his history, that Bush can only speak of patriotism. Since Bush was AWOL during Viet Nam, that should tell the people something about how he practices love for country! It takes more than words, it takes appropriate action. Bush's actions tell us volumes!

* * *

Jimmy Carter has expressed an interest in the Cuban people. His heart and his actions have always been with the people of all nations. To attempt to "spin" his intent is unbelievable. President Carter has accomplished in Cuba what no one else has been able to do -- he stood before the Cuban people, and Castro himself, and promoted democracy, decency, honesty, and integrity. That's a lesson that would serve those who attempt to discredit him well. Unlike the Cowboy from Crawford, President Carter, a Peanut farmer from Plaines, is a statesman and a true American patriot. I might add he was elected to the Presidency, another comparison Bush would rather ignore.

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All those who trashed Cynthia McKinney need to apologize! She was right -- her questions were appropriate. This administration had been warned and chose not to investigate. The spin doctors are out in force and it's ridiculous. We are being told the administration wants to look ahead, not point fingers. Bull, why weren't they looking ahead August 2001, why were they telling the intelligence people to back off investigating terrorism? Was their penchant for aiding their friends more important than protecting the American people? A full and thorough investigation is in order.

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If we have a thorough investigation of 9-11, what else will we find out about the incompetent administration squatting in the White House? What else did they "over look" and why? The American people deserve to know why and how terrorists were able to come into our country and kill 3000 innocent civilians! The taxpayers are paying big bucks for security and it's time we are told what we are getting for our dollar.

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Why was a "threat assessment" from the FBI credible enough to cause John Ashcroft to fly only government charter? Did this administration believe Ashcroft's safety more important than the people of America? Were innocent people considered "collateral damage" by the Bushies? Why was the credibility enough to protect Ashcroft and not American citizens? No wonder this administration did not want an investigation!

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The American people are compassionate. We would be willing to forgive an honest mistake, but we cannot forgive hypocrisy. We cannot forgive when lies are told to cover up and hide the truth. When someone stands up and tells us what a good job they've done, when in fact they didn't, we take offense. It is intolerable and we cannot forgive someone who lies about events that affected the American people in the horrific tragedy of 9-11.

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May 15, 2002

Every time I hear Bush utter the words, "free and fair elections," I have to laugh, because there was nothing fair in Florida during the 2000 election. Dumbya's rise to power came via five of his daddy's friends on the Supreme Court. We all know how fair they were -- they subverted the will of the people to put some spoiled rich guy in office. And they wonder why Dumbya's judicial nominees are being questioned! I'd say deny appointments to all of 'em!

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I'm sure the Cuban Americans have good reason to hate Castro, and I'm sure that there have been atrocities committed by Castro against the Cuban people. I wonder, though, if the sanctions are hurting the people of Cuba, why would the American policy be to deprive the people of essentials necessary for life? It seems the Cuban people are the ones who've suffered this past 40 years. Castro seems to have gotten along just fine. Why not lift the embargo and welcome an opportunity to help these people who have been suppressed?

* * *

The emphasis should be on the truth behind the picture of Bush the RNC is so proudly selling for campaign solicitation. Dumbya was on Air Force One flying away to "safety." This is a picture of a "chicken" in flight. It is a true depiction of Bush and how he handles a crisis. Save my butt first and damn the rest. He was AWOL during Viet Nam, and he was AWOL on 9-11. Dumbya is not capable of courageous leadership. This nation should be aware, his motto is "cut and run."

* * *

It's confirmed, we've all known the FBI was warned of possible terrorist attacks associated with planes, and now Mueller acknowledges a memo from an Arizona agent. My question is why, why was it ignored? Could the rumors that our intelligence agencies were told to stand down be true? Do the FBI and CIA have to take the heat for orders from higher up, or were they just incompetent? Why does the White House want an investigation squelched? There are too many unanswered questions. The American people deserve to know the truth, we deserve to know how terrorists were able to attack our country and kill 3,000 innocent civilians.

* * *

CNN, after advertising they would bring us Jimmy Carter's speech in Cuba live, did not! We were given a few snippets and some analysis, but not the speech in its entirety. I wonder if the White House put out the word that Carter would show Americans what a true statesman should be -- something Bush has not accomplished. Perhaps Dumbya doesn't like it, because Carter can deliver an entire speech in Spanish. Mainstream media can bring the news of car chases for hours, but somehow it's not possible to view history, live in the making. A glimpse into the reality of mainstream media today.

* * *

It takes one to know one, and Jeb Bush should know plenty about sinners. I'd say the man needs to clean his own house before he casts aspersions on the Democrats. He is, without a doubt, one egocentric personality. He can call up a tear, point a finger and try to weasel out of guilt, but I think a lot of people in Florida are on to this carpetbagger. Send him back to wherever he came from and do Florida a favor.

* * *

May 14, 2002

Typical GOOPer insanity -- selling pictures of Bush running away in Air Force One. A historic moment for Repugs, their leader personified as a chicken. Into the annuls of history goes the RNC and the Bush administration as the biggest comedy of errors this nation has ever had to endure. Wonder which no-brain came up with this one?

* * *

An excerpt from an article by Peggy Noonan, "Presidents should be boring. We don't hire them to entertain us, we hire them to be stable, sane and sure-handed." She's right on one point, Bush is boring, but he doesn't meet the other requirements put forth by Ms. Noonan. Stable, sane, and sure-handed are not part of the Bush repertoire. I'd say the American people are not getting their money's worth and lest she forget, the people did not hire Bush.

* * *

The network news anchors seem to be getting a taste of the Bush administration economics. The big news guys are reaping the rewards of supporting the theft of the presidency. I wonder if their tax cut is equal to their salary loss? Amazing isn't it -- how compassionate conservatism has changed our lives? We are finding out how fast we can spiral down.

* * *

We really are in trouble. It's taken the FBI nine months to find out they should have been more aggressive! Duh -- I could have told them that a long time ago. All this hemming and hawing would be laughable if it weren't so pathetic. It's time Americans get their money's worth. A serious investigation should begin immediately, no more pussyfooting cover ups!! It's the safety and security of America at stake.

* * *

The California/Enron dreaming saga is a testimony to how far the Repugs and this administration will go to gouge money from innocent people. It also gives us insight into the Bush/Cheney regime -- either they didn't know what was going on or they did. If they didn't know, then they are inept and incapable of doing the job required of them. If they did know, they are responsible for aiding and abetting a morally criminal action. The tone in Washington has changed, and it stinks.

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May 13, 2002

Now, doesn't it make you feel all warm and fuzzy knowing that another unelected squatter is making decisions regarding our future? Karl Rove is now one of the top policy-makers in the government of the United States and, like Bush, he didn't have to win an election. Our country is in the hands of thieves and they accuse us of being unpatriotic because we are ask why? Sounds crazy to me!

* * *

Indeed, it was a pleasure to watch President Jimmy Carter do what he does best -- promote peace and reform through dialogue. President Carter is a man we can all be proud of as representative of the American people. His efforts through the years have been the most worthwhile generous offerings of the best of America. Thank You, Mr. Carter, for your gracious service to our country.

* * *

It's amazing, the GOOPer's (that's Grand Old Outdated Party) holler foul and attack whenever and wherever the Democrats tell the truth. These guys can't take the truth because it shows them for what they are --despicable lechers. My grandmother used to say, "the truth can sometimes hurt." I hope James Carville will expose all the hypocrisy that runs rampant in the conservative right wing Repuglican Party.

* * *

The lead line in a Houston Post article by Glen Martin: "President Bush may have a lot on his mind at this year's G8 economic summit in Canada." It struck me when I read this -- it won't take much to overload the Bush mind -- like how to hum and haw while awaiting someone to whisper in his ear what to say, how in the world to remember all the names from all the places, and, above all, how to pronounce the words written on those cue cards. He can't handle any more!

* * *

If someone has a mental problem it should be considered when the government brings charges against them. If anyone is mentally deficient, it should have a bearing on the case. That said, I wonder why mainstream media and the current administration are treating the current "terrorist" kinder than John Walker Lindh? Could it be that Luke Helder comes from a red state, while John Lindh comes from a blue state. Other than that, it seems both young men have similarities -- they are both in their early 20's, they both have been dismayed by the government, they both chose to actively make a statement, they both seem to have personal issues that need attention. Thus far, the government has not shown us that John Lindh injured anyone. So, I wonder why the press has chosen to vilify John Lindh and soften the coverage on Luke Helder? I personally believe that both these young men have problems that should be dealt with psychiatrically and not criminally, but I find mainstream media's stance reprehensible.