|
Important Note: Because we can't always determine your intentions, we need to ask a favor of you when you send us email. If you DO NOT WANT YOUR EMAIL PUBLISHED in the Mailbag or in the Contributors section, please write "CONFIDENTIAL" in the Subject line or at the top of your email. That way we'll know it's just a comment to BuzzFlash. Additionally, if you submit a mailbag item and DO NOT WANT YOUR NAME associated with your submission, sign your email, "A BuzzFlash Reader." If you send email unsigned, we will post your name with your submission, or, if that's not available, your email name (not the full address, just what's on the left side of the email address). Please try and keep your word count under 500. We can only post a small percentage of what is sent to us. The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Thanks again for your email and your patience.
JESUS, THAT PAULA ZAHN WOMEN ACTS AS IF SHE WANTS WAR SO BAD, FOR A BUCK SHE WOULD PERSONALLY GO TO IRAQ AND CLAW SADDAM'S EYES OUT.
KAREN M.
SC
Subj: A tiny victory for progressives via Ted Danson
Dear BuzzFlash,
In a scene of Monday night's CBS sitcom "Becker", Ted Danson, who plays the title character "Dr. Becker", listens to a teenager who had an HIV test, explain that he doesn't need free condoms because "he isn't going to have sex anymore." Ted Danson replies (as Dr. Becker ) that the kid is "just as stupid as the Republicans." Wonder how that one got past the censors! It must be those pesky Iraqi spies "stirring up" writers at CBS!
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Powell - UN Presentation
Dear Buzz,
I watched and listened to Powell's TV UN presentation - must say it was a comfort to know someone in this administration could articulate an entire sentence.
However, the unstated and unnoticed story, for me, is the blatant fact that Powell only gave us a peek as to how much our intelligence sources supposedly knows about what is going on in the world, and it was a plethora of Iraqi data alone. So, Powell just inferred, for us poor citizens, it is obvious that our intelligence sources knew "plenty" about terrorists prior to 9/11. Couple the inference that our intelligence agencies must have had a bucket full of info about Al Qaeda prior to 9/11 with what foreign intelligence sources were telling the Bushitas and draw the obvious conclusion: who's kidding who?
The more this administration makes half-truth public disclosures, the more we understand King George's obsession with secrecy. I doubt even he wants to know the truth - much more comfortable to live in a fantasy world.
H. Boruck
Bend,
OR
Subj: Bush Visit to the Space Center
Dear BuzzFlash,
"To the president's recollection, he thinks he has been there," his spokesman said, adding that Bush's staff from Texas also thought they recalled such a visit.
You will recall that he also believes that he performed his AF duties while in Alabama. As with the NASA visit, no one recalls him doing so.
There have been numerous occasions in which Bush recalled doing something or supporting something that turned out to be "misremembered". Now if such things had occurred with Al Gore or Bill Clinton they would have been labeled as lies. You will recall the media flap over Gore remembering a trip with the head of FEMA when it was really with one of his assistants.
But in fairness to our esteemed President one should not forget his abuse of alcohol and his alleged use of cocaine. Either or both of these could be the underlying reason for his "misremembering".
Or to put it another way, he may not be a liar, he may just be brain damaged.
bob reynolds, orange park fl
Subj: U.S. to Hit Debt Ceiling in February
here's one for you - hot off the presses - the debt ceiling is about to be breached AGAIN - raised from $5.95 Trillion to $6.4 Trillion last June - now what another HALF TRILLION????
Doesn't that spell $1 TRILLION in red ink in ONE YEAR????
b
U.S. to Hit Debt Ceiling in February
By JEANNINE AVERSA, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The government is expected to hit the $6.4 trillion ceiling on the national debt around Feb. 20, the Treasury Department (news - web sites) said Wednesday, renewing its call for Congress to boost the government's borrowing authority.
Treasury asked Congress late last year to increase the government's ability to borrow, setting the stage for a political fight in Congress. Treasury, however, hasn't said exactly how much of an increase in the current statutory debt ceiling it wants.
Late last year Treasury warned Congress the government would hit the debt ceiling in late February, but didn't specify a date.
Subj: Becoming Internet Hero / Helen Thomas
Dear BuzzFlash,
Thought you might be interested in this response I received from Helen Thomas. What a great American!
----- Original Message -----
From: Helen
Thomas
To:
YT Cai
Sent:
Monday, February 03, 2003 4:02 PM
Subject:
Re: Hang In There
Thanks for those kind words; tough to be called an old hag, senile, an old bitty; and you're right they have no rebuttal; this administration has changed the rationale for war so many times, can't tell the truth, oil, etc. whatever is marketable to the gullible; it's incredible that so many who have never been on the battlefield want the young to die there; but then they don't think with out high tech, superpower weapons Americans will die, only Iraqis and who cares so long as they achieve their goals with his control of the Middle East
-helen thomas-
From: YT Cai
To: helent@hearstdc.com
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2003 3:20 PM
Subject: Hang In ThereDear Ms. Thomas,
It is regretful how patriotic and dutiful Americans like yourself are being maligned by the rabid right. Take stock in the fact that they are attacking you on a personal level while never addressing your messages. This is an age old tactic - belittle and marginalize the messenger while avoiding the message like a plague. They are doing it to the French who have the gall to ask for some proof against Iraq, the very evidence that our representatives should have demanded before abdicating their Constitutional responsibility to declare war.
In your case though, your observations are like a reality check for the countless Americans whose brains have not missed the direct connection between this latest Bush showing up on the scene and our country heading in an uncontrollable, downward spiral. It's like we are mired in a 1991 time warp. The same players, the same animosities, the same economic decline, etc., etc., etc.
You must have the restraint of a saint to sit through those daily briefings listening to propaganda and lies with no pressing follow-ups from your counterparts. I want to jump through the television each time Ari blatantly misleads the viewers, so I couldn't imagine having to witness such deceit in person.
Hang in there Helen, we admire you and wholeheartedly support your lone efforts to get us some real answers. Don't let them stifle you as we now need you more than ever.
Thanks,
YT Cai
Subj: Take Back the Media
Dear BuzzFlash,
I have been boycotting as many of the Rush sponsors as possible. The other day, we were discussing something at work and I told them it was a good thing that I hated that place anyway, because I was boycotting it. And, the other person asked why, and I told them I could not in good conscience buy anything that Sponsored Rush Limbaugh...and of course, the subject was immediately dropped, 'cause no one ever has an argument.
Now, the fact that O'reilly argues about that does not ever surprise me. He is the other biggest hypocrite on earth and agrees with everything Limbaugh says. I actually heard Limbaugh use the "left wing tax and spend democrats" in one of his commercials today. I was so mad, I actually forgot the product. I thought to myself, what a slimeball..has the nerve to criticize us for boycotting him and then actually uses a political party in one of his stupid commercials.
What a lowlife anyway, having to stoop to doing his own commercials! Jack Parr used to do that in the fifties and sixties! And, we all know the crooked republicans have all the money....they take it away from all the poor people in this country! They are the true welfare crooks!!!!!
Shirley.............St.Louis
Subj: O'Really on Rush Boycott
Dear BuzzFlash,
In interview with TBTM, O’Reilly said, “I don’t think your boycott has led to his losing sponsorship. Be that as it may, isn’t trying to silence somebody like Rush Limbaugh un-American in itself? Doesn’t he have the right to say what he wants to say? You’re against his freedom of speech.
So, is Rush simply an “entertainer”or not? If he is, then we have every right in the world to protest his content that we find objectionable. This isn’t any different than boycotting a TV show or movie because it is too violent, shows too much skin or affronts our religion. The rightwing is fond of denouncing left-wing actors or celebrities such Barbra Streisand or Alec Baldwin for expressing their views. How is this different? Their typical tactic is to attack the messenger so that the message is lost. O’Reilly is the biggest ass on FAUX.
Other thoughts:
Re: the conflict in Iraq. I am as nervous as GWB’s wingman in the National Guard. I’ll bet he sure was glad GWB went on a beer run and never came back!
GWB said during coup 2000, “I know you can judge the character of a man by the company he keeps.”Since he is surrounded by felons, drunks and draft dodgers…
How many convicted felons have to be appointed to positions of power and influence before there’s an appearance of impropriety?
Why does Bush clear brush in Crawford for photo-ops? Because chopping wood was taken by Reagan.
Predictions:
Frist will be the vice-presidential candidate in 2004. Cheney will cite health reasons and/or indictments.
Osama Been Forgotten will be conveniently captured or killed summer or fall 2004.
Bush will declare that syntax is drain on the economy and that the repeal be made permanent.
He’s been out of office two years, but Clinton will still be blamed for under-funding NASA, even though the Republican controlled Senate Appropriations Committee really set the funding.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Mr. Powell's Speech
Dear BuzzFlash,
Saw snippets and read stories about Mr. Powell's speech today and am still struck by how well he answered the question of Saddam' possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). I am more struck by how silly the question seems.
Is there really any question that he possesses WMD? I mean think about it. We know he has them, he knows he has them, Europe knows he has them. He has them already. A better question and one that gets lost in the mass distraction is the threat he represents. I truly think that this is the question that most world leaders are wrestling with. Does he pose a threat?
And to follow up that question we need to ask; does he pose an IMMEDIATE threat? The reason, I think that question is most relevant is that unless there is an immediate, recognizable threat, then war is not the option one chooses.
The cuban missile crisis. Now there was an immediate, recognizable threat worth going to war over. The Russians were basing ICBM nuclear weapons off the coast of our country. Hello, here's the photos, remove them or die. I get it. But Saddam? Immediate threat, that I don't get.
So again hats off to Mr. Powell for answering a question that really needs no answer, and ignoring the genuine question on everyone's mind.
Larry Hawes
Subj: excellent series of articles at The Atlantic online
Hi Buzz
Yeah, the SoTU is kind of old news, but you might want to share this with your readers -- the Atlantic Monthly has put together a fascinating group of essays about the real state of the union. There's one essay on the "mongrelization" of America, one on energy policy, one on the rural/urban spill in the US, one on the concept of trust in US culture, and on and on. Some excellent, thought provoking reading.
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2003/01/union.htm
And, no, I don't work for them. :-)
Keep up the great work. You're my first web check every morning.
Peace
~Amanda in Boston
Subj: If I Were an Iraqi Citizen
Hi Buzz,
If I were an Iraqi citizen right now I'd make sure I had something with which to defend my family. Forget the house, forget the business, the only important thing right now is to gather all my family - my elderly parents who suffer from arthritis and ageing type diseases like glaucoma, senility, etc, my siblings and their spouses and my children and nieces and nephews, and maybe my very young grandchildren even if they are too young and too weak from being malnourished and desperately see if I can save them by leaving Baghdad.
I'm sure it would be impossible to send all of them away - not enough bribing money, not enough contacts, not enough paperwork available to leave the country, not enough cars, or buses, or trains because the roads and highways and gas stations have been systematically destroyed for ten years. Besides I couldn't sneak all of them out because the police would catch them and detain them or worse, shoot them for desertion.
My family, which has its ancestry tied to this cradle of civilization since time immemorial, would have to make some very tough decisions just to save a few. Which few? The elderly have lived their lives, the babies and pre-teens are too young to survive without their family, the mothers and fathers refuse to leave their children, though every single one of them is willing to stay and send the young ones to safety. They are willing to give their lives. They pledge they will give their lives in this horrifying war that will rain on them.
So the only recourse left to my precious family is to break up and be scattered in all directions without the comfort of knowing if they will survive somehow. We decide that those who are left behind, certain only that death will literally explode from the sky will each have a gun, a rifle, a knife, even sticks or stones to defend their lives. Our family home will be our last stand, and no matter who comes through our door or crashes through our walls we will shoot and strike back until we are all dead. Everyone, even our own army and leaders, as well as the American soldiers are our enemy.
That's what I would be thinking and doing if I were an Iraqi right now.
Judith Foster, Berkeley
Dear BuzzFlash,
It might be worthwhile to repeat, over and over,...if it is there, the UN Inspectors should be able to see it.
Colin Powell showed us the pictures and diagrams. I kept thinking,' Well, if it is there, the UN Inspectors should be able to see it.'
Stephanie
Subj: What Would John Lennon Do ?
All U Need is Love.
Mark Breza
Subj: Oprah Show Poll on Iraq
Oprah is doing shows next week about war with Iraq, and has a poll on her site. Go to:
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200302/tows_past_20030206_plug.jhtml
Marie Jones
Buzz,
Am I the only one out there who noticed that the photos that were used by Colin Powell to "prove" Saddam was hiding something, had shell holes in the lower part of the photo?
That means it was taken during Gulf War I. Remember all the bombs?
It sure took a long time for the Bush Cartel to locate just the right photos to support their false allegations, didn't it?
I don't believe AT ALL anything Powell has to say.
Remember this: Colin Powell was the U.S. Government's man at Mai Lai, tasked with covering up that atrocity.
I have no respect for Colin Powell, and don't believe a word he says.
Buzz Reader
Subj: Filibuster Jeffrey Sutton
Dear BuzzFlash,
As a Texas state employee, I'm asking that you please keep my identity confidential. Miguel Estrada should be defeated, but to me, the more outrageous nomination is that of Jeffrey Sutton to the appellate court. BuzzFlash needs to publicize this nomination and encourage readers to fight for a sustained filibuster. Consider the possibilities of educating the public, and in particular women, of the true intent of Mr. Bush, by highlighting the particulars of the case Mr. Sutton successfully argued before the Supreme Court. A woman with breast cancer is fired by a supervisor who had a history of firing sick people. How subtle is that? The Supreme Court failed to protect this woman, and instead protected the supervisor, by stripping ADA protections from state employees. Where is the equal protection here? Some state employees are protected by state laws. Other state employees, in states like Alabama, are not. We know. The only "equal protection" this court and this president believes in is that equal protection that elevated Mr. Bush to the presidency. This nomination rewards Mr. Sutton for his "good work," and is an outrageous insult to sick and disabled people. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
A BuzzFlash
Reader
Hawley, TX
Subj: Your Response to Powell's Presentation is Unconscionable
Dear Senator Biden,
In an AP report (2/5/03) you are quoted as saying ''If I had this evidence before a jury that was an unbiased jury, I could get a conviction.'' This statement reveals your unequivocal bias in support of the Bush administration prejudging any conflicting evidence brought out by the UN inspectors, Iraq or international intelligence reports as poppycock before it's even been presented. I find your willingness to jump on the Republican warmongering bandwagon prior to hearing out the defense for a peaceful solution shocking and unconscionable.
On a regular basis over the past weeks and years, credible reports by experts, including UN inspectors, as well as American and foreign intelligence, have come out fully discrediting American and British allegations of evidence on WMD's and connections to terrorism. Studying these reports should lead any "unbiased jury" to view any new US claims of Iraq's violations with skepticism. Most recently I have personally observed Bush administration officials and President Bush himself misquoting, distorting and outright contradicting claims made by Hans Blix in his last report. On numerous occasions Blix has made it absolutely clear that he was neither presuming guilt nor innocence of a wide array of discrepancies in various reports of possible Iraq violations. Yet Powell, Bush and the Pentagon portray every day in every way a picture that Blix himself is already presuming guilt just like they are.
Is it any wonder that so many international leaders find it necessary to remain skeptical? Iraq and inspection reports have made it clear that the vast bulk of so-called "unaccounted for" biological and chemical weapons from early 90's reports involved substances that lose their potency within 3-5 years and can't possibly pose a threat. This subject will be addressed this week with the inspectors, according to Iraqi scientific advisor Amir Al-Saadi. Still in question would be evidence of further developed WMD programs requiring interviews with scientist and further study. International efforts are underway to resolve the civil rights issue involving Iraqi scientists and their fears they, too, will be misquoted, just as Blix has been. That process could easily help to verify or dispute claims of current Iraqi WMD programs.
The vast majority of Powell's presentation was based on sources extremely difficult for any layman to verify. I wish I could trust US intelligence claims but having read numerous reports that CIA agents are in despair that Rumsfeld regularly dismisses any of their reports on Iraq which don't support his position, it's impossible for me to view new reports without suspicion. Rumsfeld and other Pentagon officials petitioned for regime change in Iraq back in 1998 making their position clear and unwilling to budge. The latest British intelligence analysis on the alleged connection of Iraq to al Qaeda which refutes US intelligence claims is being viewed in Europe but doesn't appear to even be allowed in mainstream American media. Tony Blair's statements on this issue appear contradictory to most Europeans. Anyone who automatically accepts claims by al-Qaeda or Iraqi defectors as totally credible when they can obviously immensely profit from Saddam's demise ought to have their head examined.
I thank God that an objective international jury is still out on all of these issues involving Iraq. It is extremely depressing to watch you and my fellow patriotic Americans refuse to scrutinize without any objectivity whatsoever all Bush administration allegations against Iraq despite evidence to the contrary. Al Gore pointed out in December his views on Iraq that the international coalition to deal with Saddam Hussein should have been solidified before the warmongering began. This strategy could have wisely shared the kind of intelligence Powell presented long ago with international intelligence and inspectors. I submit this strategy wasn't pursued because inspectors dispute US claims rather than verify them and that's why the rush for war is on before the Bush administration's credibility is completely destroyed. I objectively admit I don't know what they'll find and I support the inspection process to go on as long as needed to clarify truth and justice, like France, Russia, Mexico, China and Germany. You should know perfectly well that it is documented Bush Sr. officials falsified evidence against Iraq in order to gain support for Gulf War I. How dare you blindly trust them now?
Eva Adams
Democrats
Abroad Member
Berlin,
Germany
Subj: North Korea
Dear BuzzFlash,
I used to think I'd be lucky if I survived George II with my job, my house and my health intact. Now, I'll consider it a miracle if we all LIVE through it.
N Korea threatens US with first strike
http://www.guardian.co.uk/korea/article/0,2763,889679,00.html
Donna Kellet
Dear BuzzFlash,
This morning on Good Morning America, James Woolsey of the CIA said "anyone who is not supporting the war is either working for Iraq or is imitating an ostrich."
This is abominable.
Bridget
Subj: NC Congressman with Racist Attitudes
Dear BuzzFlash,
Thanks for posting the link to this article:
N.C. congressman says internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II was appropriate
Article Link
As a Canadian, it's none of my business, but I hope you guys give this, um, jerk the same grief that Lott got. I don't think he deserves any better.
A BuzzFlash Reader
