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Part I of II
Re: Macabre Horror of the Bush Regime in a Nutshell
Dear BuzzFlash,
> Why,
they ask, would the White House pick a man from a company directly
>
concerned with attacking Iraq to spearhead the country's aid and
>
restoration?"
I can answer that question. It will give him the opportunity to inspect first-hand how well his products did on their intended targets.
No? Did I miss something?
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Shooting War in Korea?
Dear Buzz,
Last night I had dinner with a friend, who is a friend of a woman whose husband is a soldier just back from the Korean DMZ. She said he told her of being "shot at DAILY," and that two of his buddies had recently been KILLED there. Now our trustworthy corporate media would surely report this if this really happened, right? Anyone else out there hear similar stories?
Julie in Austin
Dear BuzzFlash,
Why did Bush personally sign a commendation certificate for the agent who thwarted the Moussaoui investigation which may have prevented 9-11? Hmmm.... Conspiracy anyone?
http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/3719173.html
Carl
Subj: I liked this little interchange
Dear BuzzFlash,
This is from today's Note on ABCNEWS.com. I liked the way Dean turned DeLay's criticism right back on him.
"DeLay sounds positively like Jim Jordan in attacking Dean on Iraq in the New York Times: "'I saw his speech on C-Span, and I think it was outrageous,' Mr. DeLay said. 'He either doesn't know what he's talking about when he says we're going to take unilateral action, or he's seriously uninformed, or he's just misleading the American people and his party.'" LINK
Although the Times couldn't reach Dean ("Dr. Dean did not respond to a message seeking comment left with his office today"), his campaign reached us this morning and Sue Allen told us this: "The Governor finds this attack ironic, given that the party of Mr. DeLay and the president ignores the more pressing threat of terrorism, and the more pressing threat posed by North Korea's positioning in terms of possessing nuclear weapons."
"You don't make these decisions based on polls; nevertheless, recent polls indicate that more than 50 percent of Americans oppose this rush to war being waged by Mr. DeLay and the president."
"Meanwhile, the party of Mr. DeLay and the president continue to run up federal deficits and ignore domestic issues."
"But it's flattering to know Mr. DeLay watched! We have arrived, I suppose."
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Presidential Bid
Mr. Gephardt:
I am not one of your constituents, but I feel a need to write you concerning your announced plans to run for President in 2004.
As a union member for thirty years, I have been aware of your repeated contact with organized labor. You have been very prominent in the labor news letters I receive from my union. Unfortunately, your contact seems limited to asking for campaign support.
Where have you been when organized labor needs YOUR support?
I don't recall hearing from you when the Longshoremen were locked out by management last fall in an effort to break their union. I don't recall hearing from you when the Aircraft Machinists were being pressured by the airlines last fall to provide wage give-backs to repair the damage caused by their mismanagement. These moves are only the tip of the iceberg, and our Ship of State is steaming at full speed ahead right toward it.
You have been silent during the recent moves by the Department of Labor to redefine how the Fair Labor Standards Act was going to be interpreted. These changed interpretations affect ALL working Americans, not just union members. Will you remain silent when they turn to the National Labor Relations Act?
American jobs have been wrung out of our economy by the provisions of both NAFTA and GATT. What have you done to stem the tide?
American liberties are under assault by John Ashcroft. What have you done to save the Constitution, something you are obligated to uphold, protect, and defend, from ALL enemies, foreign and domestic?
You can't seem to remember that you aren't a Republican. Your support for George Bush's war for oil, while he ignores the real national security threats like Osama bin Laden and North Korea, speaks volumes about you.
Talk is cheap, Mr. Gephardt. While I am talking now, I assure you I will act when the time comes. If you are the Democratic nominee for President, it will not matter to me what endorsements you get from any labor organization, including the AFL-CIO. I won't vote for Republicans, but if Richard Gephardt is the nominee, I won't be voting Democrat either.
Sincerely
Matt Froelich
Fontana
CA
Subj: John Brady Kiesling's Letter of Resignation
Dear BuzzFlash,
John Brady Kiesling's courageous and eloquent letter of resignation is the contemporary equivalent of Martin Luther's posting his 95 theses on the door of the cathedral at Wittenberg. Thanks for posting it on your website.
Jon Krampner
Subj: DeLay in Hiding
Dear BuzzFlash,
Regarding John Powell's comments in the Friday, February 28th, mailbag concerning an attempt to e-mail Tom "bugman-turned-bagman" Delay (sic). Yes, Mr. Delay is in insular hiding. Recently I attempted to e-mail and fax this "representative" at both his Texas and Washington locations.
None of my attempts were successful. I ended up resorting to "snail mail", which apparently is Mr. Delay's preferred method of contact. The reason is obvious: "snail mail" is the easiest to ignore. No doubt Mr. Delay has a cadre of goons who scan through his correspondence; forwarding the glowing one(s) to his highness while submitting the critical ones to Kaiser Ashcroft for further action.
Having contacted numerous Senators and Representatives, I have never before seen such obfuscatory tactics. Then again, Mr. Delay is a uniquely odious and vile representation of the exact plague festering in this country today.
Bill Dougan
Dear BuzzFlash,
Last week sometime, I was watching the last part of Tom Brokaw's report and I heard something that really struck me. Tom was interviewing American soldiers in Iraq (or maybe it was Kuwait, not sure). At the end he asked a young soldier how he feels going into this war. The young man's response was something to the effect of "well, I'm glad I'll be battle-tested, but the idea of going in there and busting up someone's family doesn't make me feel too good". I thought it was quite striking to hear a soldier express something like that (aloud) when they were actually in the war zone. It would have been so interesting to hear what else this young man had to say, but of course Tom, being in charge of propaganda (and censorship) for NBC, quickly changed the subject.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Helen Thomas
Hey Buzz:
Did you notice our gal Helen has been sporting a very dapper black French beret at the last couple of White House press conferences? Do you think she's trying to send subliminal messages to Ari or plain old drive him nuts?
She is an absolute treasure and has more guts than this entire administration put together. Mr. Kieslings, who's outstanding letter of resignation, joins Helen on my list of most admired patriots. I just wish that list would grow longer!
Marlene W.
Subj: Great Job
The link you had the other day that showed what Bush had promised and what he really did was priceless. Bush is running around the country promising everything to everybody but he is only delivering to his wingnuts.
I didn't know that Donahue was the highest rated show on MSNBC. They are stuffing MSNBC with right wingers. They triple teamed Alterman. Matthews is either too stupid or else he knows who butters his bread.
Keep up the good work.
Mike Dickenson
Richmond,
VA
Subj: Whatever happened to....?
Does anyone else wonder what happened to: (1) The commission to investigate who knew what before September 11...you remember the one that Kissinger quit? Please find out and tell America. (2) The investigation of ENRON, the arrest of Kenneth & Mrs. Lay, and the full history of Harvey Pitts at SEC? Please, will someone ask the Wall Street Journal, The MSNBC, the Wash Post, Robert (Slobodan) Novak, Cato Burn, and the people who know everything?
Thanks much.
A BuzzFlash Reader.
Dear BuzzFlash,
Soros comments will probably will be ignored by the media.
Where is also the coverage of the Pope against the war, the Jesuits, the ArchBishop of Canterbury, The Dali Lama, the Episcopalians, even Bush's methodist church denounces the war all the serious sects except for the usual suspect of the Hezbollah wing of the fanatic christians fundamentalist right wing (Falwell, Robertson, Franklin Graham).
Sincerely,
Jon Sebastian
Buzz...
I noticed that several PATRIOTIC, HONEST, IRREVERENT, AND ALL-AMERICAN listers mentioned Smirk's recent speech at the American Enterprise Institute where he said the U.S. goal is to reform the Middle East...Well, the truth is finally starting is starting to leak out about the true intentions of this administration and its grandiose plans for the world...In addition to BuzzFlash, I frequently read CounterPunch (URL http://www.counterpunch.org/), and they've had several excellent past articles by a former CIA analyst regarding the real reasons for war with Iraq...Besides control of oil reserves/prices/supply and security for Israel (i.e. give Sharon a free hand in dealing with the Palestinian 'problem') among others, one of the other major reasons was the geopolitical and economic hegemony of both the Middle East and Central Asia (a fancy name for neo-colonialism)...Let's face it, empires (er, superpowers) always act in their best interests, and realpolitik (not moral clarity, silly) requires that rich countries want either compliant or corrupt governments in the poor countries whose resources they need...So installing a compliant regime in Iraq is only the first step in what will be more 'wars of liberation,' 'spreading democracy to the unclean,' or whatever Orwellian euphemism the administration refers to it...If one wants to be truly moral, what gives us the right to impose our political and social mores on others, especially through the blunt instrument of war?...Hell, our evolving experiment in democracy is barely over two hundred years old...What bullshit we are fed...Any guess as to what country is next after Iraq?...After the Middle East and Central Asia are in the fold, who will be next?...What happens when Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Columbia, Malaysia, et al, wander too far off the reservation?...It can become absurd and unsustainable as a long-term foreign policy...Will we succumb to perpetual war as in Orwell's WAR IS PEACE?...I dunno...Our European friends are already scared, and it may well get scarier when you think beyond Iraq...
Rick
A BuzzFlash
Reader
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
Mr. Moyers:
I am glad that there is still the voice of sanity in America. Lately, I feel as if I have been having a bad dream. In two short years my country has been hijacked by the "war mongering imperialist dogs" the communists used to call us. Can't the people of America realize what's happening? How can this administration keep getting high approval levels with what they have been doing. I don't want my country to be blamed for starting WW3. If domination of the world is their final goal, what are we to do? Is Iran next and/or N. Korea?
I have just finished re-reading the "Politics of Lying" by David Wise. The parallels are very eerie to what the Nixon administration tried to do. These guys are succeeding with the mainstream media in ways Herb Klein, Charles Colson and Ron Ziegler could never have imagined.
Keep voicing the rational side of politics. We need to hear it or we will all be overcome by the irrational craziness being spewed like poison gas. Hopefully reason will win in the end and these people will be seen as they really are. They are pathological liars. Judge Judy's expression is my latest favorite.
"Don't pee on my leg and try to tell me it's raining"
A Yellow
Dog Democrat from Alabama
Chuck Nelson
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
I've been nominating Bill Moyers for "Journalist in Exile" for months on MediaWhoresOnline.org and have no idea why they haven't listed him as one of the good guys. If you watch NOW on PBS, you'll see how far this intelligent man is willing to step out on a limb to speak the truth. Thanks for this contribution. Mr. Moyers is one of the people I respect most.
Sincerely,
Your loyal reader,
Julie Lawell
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
Bravo Bill Moyers!!! I too am an American, born in freedom, fighting for truth, acting out of love for all people.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: One U.S. Diplomat Stands Up Against the Madness of King George
Regarding John Brady Kiesling's letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
I want to know more about this man. I want to hail him, praise him, reward him, promote him, elect him, and literally kiss the ground he walks on.
Please, if there is a way to convey my deepest gratitude, respect and admiration, please do so or let me know how.
This is a man of true character (one of the few left in this world) and his letter should be posted for all the world to see.
Thank you for publishing it.
C.Cook
NY,
NY
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
Friends: I am in complete agreement with the views of Bill Moyers. Also I am a senior well along in years and it is so tough to accept that fascism is creeping into our county.
Bet wishes, David Edovitz Winthrop, (Boston) Mass.
Subj: Why Republicans Feel Threatened by Genetic Research
Dear BuzzFlash,
No need to wonder any longer why Republicans are so set against genetic research. This headline says it all:
"Stupidity should be cured, says DNA discoverer"
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993451
Steve Bodenheimer
Subj: Goldberg says "Two Cheers For McCarthyism!" It's a GOOD thing...
Did you ever think you would see the day when someone would try to revive McCarthyism? Do all Republicans want to put us back in the 50's - blacklists, hearings, backyard bunkers, women pregnant and barefoot in the home with aprons? God save us....
http://www.nationalreview.com/goldberg/goldberg022603.asp
Sincerely -
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: DO SOMETHING ...cancel your newspaper subscriptions
Dear Buzz,
I wrote the email about all democrats canceling their newspaper subscriptions and have seen several posts in the mailbag in agreement, like the one below.
BuzzFlash needs to have a forum where your supporters can unite and implement several boycotts of this type. Instead of everyone complaining they will have a way to make a difference.
For starters: EVERYONE who reads BuzzFlash should cancel their newspaper subscriptions NOW !! They will save money, and they can contribute to sites like this instead of GIVING THEIR MONEY TO THE THIEVING RIGHTWINGERS.
You remember the first thing bush said after 911 was to keep traveling , keep flying, keep spending your money........THEY NEED IT.
Stop supporting the thieves.
We don't need to form a union...... to march...... make speeches.... just stop giving them your money..... together we have COMPLETE ECONOMIC CONTROL OVER THEM.
CANCEL YOUR NEWSPAPERS ........ EVERYONE.
They will listen or go broke!!!!
a loyal American
Subj: Pope and Iraq
Rob Moitoza's letter has my head really spinning! What a FANTASTIC idea! Let's contact the Pope, the Dalai Lama, and every other major religious reader of any importance today and invite them to convene in Baghdad to oppose the nefarious plans of the Bush administration to destroy a nation whose history stretches far back beyond the founding of the United States.
What an opportunity for the religious leaders of the world to show leadership and strength of moral character against a bankrupt administration whose only concern is the bottom line. We need to draft those who represent our highest aspirations to stand firm against those who represent the basest of our impulses. This could spark a new spirit and direction for humankind!
How about it, Pope? How about it, Dalai Lama? How about it, all you spiritual and moral leaders of the world? Converge on Baghdad and let's see if we can convert Saddam and subvert George the Evil!
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: War Protest Idea
Dear BuzzFlash,
So...Anti-war ads are rejected by major tv networks because they don't "run advocacy commercials" while new pro-war ads are coming out for airing on those same networks? It's time for folks to get really creative. How about this:
You know how people decorate their lawns with lights at Christmas? Well how about making some anti-war "decorations" with rope lights? I can see a large "Peace on Earth" sign in my mind's eye. Or how about a large circle with a W in the center with a slash through it, each element represented by a different color light set?
Just imagine the dark of night being lit by antiwar messages all over the world. The symbolism alone gives me goosebumps.
Do a Google search to find sellers of rope lights.
By the way...Peace on Earth.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Rightwing MSNBC host advocates arresting leaders of anti-war movement
Read down. He writes:
"The
Sedition Act - Time to Act.
Time
to Arrest the Leaders of the Anti-War Movement, Once we Go To War?
We Must Protect
Our Troops!..."
The appropriately named Savage then gives a link to the text of the Sedition Act (his real name, BTW, is Weiner, which is even more appropriate):
United States, Statutes at Large, Washington, D.C., 1918, Vol. XL, pp 553 ff. A portion of the amendment to Section 3 of the Espionage Act of June 15, 1917.SECTION 3.
Whoever, when the United States is at war, shall willfully make or convey false reports or false statements with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the military or naval forces of the United States, or to promote the success of its enemies, or shall willfully make or convey false reports, or false statements, . . . or incite insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty, in the military or naval forces of the United States, or shall willfully obstruct . . . the recruiting or enlistment service of the United States, or . . . shall willfully utter, print, write, or publish any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the form of government of the United States, or the Constitution of the United States, or the military or naval forces of the United States . . . or shall willfully display the flag of any foreign enemy, or shall willfully . . . urge, incite, or advocate any curtailment of production . . . or advocate, teach, defend, or suggest the doing of any of the acts or things in this section enumerated and whoever shall by word or act support or favor the cause of any country with which the United States is at war or by word or act oppose the cause of the United States therein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than twenty years, or both....
****
Things are getting scary, boys and girls...
Dwayne Eutsey
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
Dear BuzzFlash,
Hooray for Bill Moyers. That is exactly how I feel I was around during the Vietnam war protests and the same people are coming out of the woodwork. It is scary how much dissent is not being allowed in this country. Thank God for people like Bill Moyers.
Ruth Deel, Thousand Oaks, CA
Subj: Between a Rock and a Hard Place - George W. Bush
Dear BuzzFlash,
Let us assume that what the Bushies have been telling us for months is true, and the war on Iraq is really about disarming Saddam Hussein.
Taking it a step further, let's assume that the weapons the UN inspectors have found up to now don't amount to much of a threat to anyone, that Saddam destroys the missiles that overreach the UN limit by a few kilometers, that there is no other evidence of weapons of mass destruction, and that few people are convinced that there is a reason for a war whose consequences are unforeseeable.
Let's continue and assume that China, Russia and France use their veto in the Security Council to nix the war, and that Bush and Blair do not manage to get a majority of the other members of the Security Council to vote for war either.
Under these circumstances, it would not be Saddam Hussein, but the Bush Administration which would find itself - or perhaps already finds itself - between a rock and a hard place.
There are admittedly around 200,000 troops in the Gulf region, both the US and England have sent planes, ships, helicopters, and other weapons to the region, all waiting to deploy. A deal in writing has been made with Turkey for over $20 billion dollars, with other countries for less, but still US taxpayers' money.
President Bush has been speaking for weeks as if the war were already over and won, telling us about his plans for the future of Iraq and the Middle East, as if war were something you draw on a piece of paper with no horror, blood, death, trauma, or their after effects.
Diplomatic negotiations have been going on at a dizzying pace to sell a war, we are told of the moral reasons for war, the humanitarian reasons for war, the ultimate peace and democracy reasons for war - and nobody is buying it. The Pope isn't, nor is the Archbishop of Canterbury, nor the people of Spain, Italy, or England, whose leaders are Bush's staunchest allies.
President Bush has said that our economy will improve as a result of this war. But neither the economists nor the people buy that either.
What can Bush do? Can he just say "ooops" and call the 200,000 troops, the ships, the planes, the bombers and the helicopters back and pretend that none of this happened?
Can he just pack his cowboy hat, the dogs and Laura up and move quietly back to Texas, where he can understand the world?
Or must the United Nations first, and quickly, find a way to save the face of George W. Bush, and the embarrassing position in which he has put the United States, the world's only remaining super power?
It's a dilemma.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Duh, Homeland Security
Dear BuzzFlash,
Great idea. Bush and Ashcroft have struck again! At a time of super high identity theft, they are going to tag you at the airport and prevent you from flying if you have a bad credit report. You will be tagged red and not allowed to ever fly again. Now, the person who stole you identity causing you a poor credit report unbeknownst to you can still fly free and he or she may even be a terrorist. Nice going Bushcroft.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Dear Buzz,
Interesting that you linked to the Washington Post. Compared to the news article in Newsweek and the original breaking news, the Washington Post did a remarkable good job of dismissing the report. To bad you didn't also link to Newsweek and the original report: http://middleeastreference.org.uk/kamel.html.
Nothing shows how the corp-media is twisting or distorting the news to back corp-gov. Newsweek didn't even mention the reasons beyond Kamal's veracity that the inspectors have for dismissing this report (the inspectors own negligence and complicity in hiding this report).
Perhaps Kamal is a liar, but this should have been reported long ago. Also, I'd like to know more about Ekeus' motivations in dismissing this report. Just because he believes Kamal is a liar in general doesn't make Kamal a liar in this specific case.
-Alan Cossitt
Subj: Governor of Minnesota Being Sued
BuzzFlash,
While the Governor in Minnesota, the one who took over from Jesse Ventura, says he is for tax free zones in our state, especially up here in economically depressed Iron Range found it ok to cut into the 21st Century Mineral Fund which was setup for copper and nickel mining up here, which in fact would of added a few thousand badly needed jobs for fired miners. Yep the ones who were laid of with pink slip in hand. Laid off because cheaper and lower quality iron can be had from Japan etc. The steel used to make the gas guzzlers for the corporate entities who think nothing of the people in our country. Money is their main concern, we want it all!!
More hypocrisy from the Grand Hypocrisy Party !!
Buzzzzzzz, Tom
Re: "Reflections Upon America and the Bush Cartel from Canada"
Dear BuzzFlash,
Could you please forward my email to J.A. Young in Burlington, Ontario for this reader commentary to say thank you so very much for being totally right on! It makes one so sad to see these mindless numbskulls demolishing everything America has stood for, what made her great. Hopefully they have ignited global social activism that will revitalize progressive people everywhere. And more on Howard Dean. Love Him! Thanks BuzzFlash and JA Young!!
Suzanne, San Francisco
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
Dear BuzzFlash,
I think I know what Bill Moyers is trying to get across to the true patriots. I am the sister of a NYC Fire Chief, who was involved in the WTC disaster, the aunt of a fire-fighter, who was involved in the WTC disaster, the aunt of an Air Force Captain, (female) and a nurse, who was sent to Washington to counsel the survivors and the family of the survivors, and a true American, who is against the war in Iraq. Before the WTC disaster my flag was always displayed on the national holidays, Veterans' Day, July 4th, Presidents' Day and so on but now I feel like a hypocrite if I put my flag out - I am sick of the propaganda on all the TV channels, incidentally it is obvious they are owned by the same people who elected our president, the corporations and the Supreme Court.
I am also the wife of a WWII vet, a battle of Normandy survivor and the mother of 6, and grandmother of 5. Forget the war, Mr. Bush - take care of the guys who defended their country for the likes of you - a rich boy put into office by your daddy's influence. - my WWII vet could use some of the billions you are inclined to spend on a country you plan to demolish, and then build up - just maybe a little bit of that- like $900 a month would pay for my husband's prescription drugs - I toured D.C. recently and there is a plaque stating that Vets and families won't have to worry - your government will take care of you - I have the exact words if anyone is interested.
The only good republican in the White House is John Duncan, Jr. - he is not afraid to stand alone in Washington because he remembers who elected him, the people of Tennessee. Our Representative Mr. Duncan listens to us and his name is not FRIST, the senator whose father and uncle were the MEDICARE thieves.
Buzz, how come you never tell the real story about him - it is very interesting - look it up. He is on a pedestal here in TN.
Bernadette Fitzpatrick, Knoxville, TN
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
Dear BuzzFlash;
Mr. Moyers is right concerning wearing the American flag to win our rights back. While I was in college as an undergraduate Nixon was President and the effects of the Vietnam War were in full bloom. As a protest to that war I quit everything, including joining civic groups and clubs, participating in sports, saluting the flag and cutting my hair. The only thing I was truly active in was the antiwar effort and certain illegal recreational activities. This was no small feat at Oklahoma State University. When Nixon was finally cornered and resigned many I associated with at the time were sadly wondering what to protest now. But I knew what to do, as Mr. Moyers stated, it was time to take back the flag and our country which had been hijacked. Working within the system rather than turning my back on it, I now try to do my part for God and Country. When Reagan and his ilk not only hijacked the flag, but kidnapped God, I answered by wearing a Boy Scout uniform serving as a Scoutmaster and attending Church regularly.
I support those who protest by burning or not saluting the flag. It is their Constitutional right to do so and I will read chapter and verse to anyone who dares to broach the subject with me. But as for me, I chose to protest by being the one who leads the pledge, with "under God" included, to teach Sunday School and lead religious prayer and discussion.
Today, Mr. Moyers is a dangerous man. He is not dangerous because he may inflict harm or pain in our world. He is dangerous because he is truly moral and reasonable, a compass to those who seek knowledge and enlightenment. Maybe what makes him the most dangerous is that he is right. His action of wearing the flag on his lapel, like his works in religion expose the hatemongering of the false prophets of the religious right.
Thank God our country has someone around like Bill Moyers (and BuzzFlash) to keep the affluent honest.
Richard Dunaway
Subj: Republican State Rep. Cited for Soliciting Male Prostitute
Dear Buzz,
I thought you might be interested in this as yet another example of Republican hypocrisy. Especially here in Utah where the Republicans are currently holding up a Hate Crimes Bill (because it would protect Gay and Lesbian people with "special rights") and sit in constant judgement of setting moral standards for the "rest" of us, it seems particularly ironic.
Here's the link to the article in the Salt Lake Tribune.
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Mar/03012003/utah/34193.asp
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Ashcroft and the Word
Dear BuzzFlash,
What would we do without you? I reach for my keyboard when I am devastated by what I see on the 'news' channels. And now that we have lost Phil from MSNBC, our dependence is on you, and our members, for real news and wonderful comments. I am writing today because I have a mental vision of the Ashcroft crouching and listening eagerly for the WORD "LET'S GO", when he comes off the crouch and pounces on all real patriots who have dared exercise their Free Speech against the hawks in Washington. The fact that the concentration camp at Wickenburg has been refurbished, according to the Los Angeles Times, with dormitories and even the cookhouse, for the purpose, say authorities, to allow the imprisoned Japanese-Americans their true history!! Who but a fool would would believe that? I would have thought that no junta/cabal/cartel, call it what you will, could possibly take over a country as big as ours - to have all states intimidated, lickspittles rewarded and even the houses of Congress subdued. They gained control of the three branches of Government, so who do we go to for redress of grievances? Truckloads of dissenters on the roads to the concentration camps have no appeal - there is no court with influence enough now to enforce our Constitutional freedoms. Are we lost when the WORD is given? I fear so. I have emailed my folks to warn them of such an event - that they will know what happens to us. Grow, Grow, little BuzzFlash, Grow! And thank you BuzzFlash for your sanity and the feeling you give us that we are not alone.
Veronica.
Re: Bill Moyers on the American Flag
Dear Buzz,
Bill Moyers is correct in taking back the flag. Because the flag belongs to all of us and not just some. After September 11th, I displayed my flag as a sign of support for my country, but as the months wore on, I distanced myself from the flag. Because, it was being morphed into something that I no longer recognized. It was being perverted by those whose only intentions were to shut down dissent within our country.
Then last July 4th, while I was at a parade, I wanted to show my children what America was truly about. Pride in one's country, not necessarily one's government. Along side of that parade, people were handing out flags to the viewers, and I decided to take a couple, and broke down in tears. It was then, I realized that the flag belongs to even me. A dissenter of this government. I was not about to let George Bush, Dick Cheney, John Ashcroft and those that believe like them, to own the flag that belongs to all of us.
When Betsy Ross was sewing together that precious flag, it was not her intent to let one group own it, distort its message, and to pervert it. Her clear intention was to show that this flag belongs to you and me.
Thank you, Mr. Moyers for reminding all of us, that it is okay to wave the flag, yet also show our dissent. Our founding fathers would expect no less.
Regards,
Mary MacElveen
Sound
Beach, NY
A flag
waving dissenter.
Subj: Fire Kudlow
Dear BuzzFlash,
CNBC’s Lawrence Kudlow calls for "taking out" Hugo Chavez and a U.S. Special Ops overthrow of the elected government of Venezuela.
So Donahue is cancelled by MSNBC for not following the Bush administration party line. NBC didn’t want to be embarrassed by his anti-war opinions. But sister station CNBC's Larry Kudlow of Kudlow and Cramer, Wednesday on Hardball with Chris Matthews, advocated the overthrow of a democratically elected government and the murder of its president.
The most cherished of American values is that democratic institutions are more important than the individuals who are elected. Think of what we would be saying to every government in South America where fragile democracies have final taken hold. Kudlow is saying …forget the election, forget the Venezuelan constitution. We don’t like him so send in troops and "take him out". (not "remove" but "take him out")
Mr. Kudlow should be universally condemned for this outrageous affront to democratic ideals, American values and International law. CNBC should fire him immediately for stepping far beyond the bounds of civilized discourse by advocating murder to support his oil interests.
If NBC allows him to continue to be part of their company they will have become just another corporate stooge with no integrity as a news organization and no moral authority. Apparently, now, on NBC you can call for murder and a coup and be rewarded with a show but call for restraint from war and you will be fired. Kudlow’s is the worst kind of un-American, lawless rhetoric and it must not be tolerated.
Hardball with Chris Mathews
February 26, 2003
http://www.msnbc.com/news/878214.aspExcerpt:
MATTHEWS: Let me start the proposition. Let’s stipulate here this may be the first time that the United States and Europe agree on anything. We both agree it’s too cold. But, what do we do about the high price of heating oil? You next, Lawrence.
KUDLOW: There’s nothing you can do about it except take 300 of the best Special Ops forces we have, go down to Venezuela, and get rid of that Castroite, Hugo Chavez. That’s the only thing you can do. The weather is an act of God and Iraq’s going to be over in a couple of weeks, so you’ve just got to have some patience there.
MATTHEWS: But you’re considering about regime change in Caracas, I hope.
KUDLOW: I am not kidding. He’s a bad guy. He’s a Castroite. He is trying to change that whole continent and he’s getting - you know what...
MATTHEWS: How many governments do you have on your list that we have to effect a regime change in?
KUDLOW: Well how...
MATTHEWS: Let’s start with Iraq and now Caracas and Venezuela...
KUDLOW: How much time you got? How much time...
MATTHEWS: ... Iran, Syria, Libya.
KUDLOW: Look, I believe in democracy and human rights, and Chavez is not on that list.
MATTHEWS: OK.
KUDLOW: He’s on the dictator...
MATTHEWS: Let’s go to...
KUDLOW: ... Hitler list.
Excerpt:
MATTHEWS: By the way, just so everybody finishes on a sober, positive note, Lawrence, you first. Do we have enough oil in that Strategic Petroleum Reserve to get us through this war if we have a crisis on the market?
KUDLOW: Yes, we do, and particularly because of our support from Kuwait and from Saudi Arabia. However, if by some horrible activity, their oil is rendered null and void, then we might have a problem because of your pal, Hugo Chavez, in Venezuela, which is why I want to take him out.
from Les Vogt 03/01/03
BUZZ,
THE PAST TWO DAYS I HAVE NOTICED THAT DUBYA'S FACE HAS SCRAPES AND SCRATCHES ON IT LIKE THE ONES THAT WERE ON THERE WHEN HE "FAINTED FROM CHOKING WHILE EATING PRETZELS". DO YOU THINK HE MAY BE "EATING AND CHOKING AGAIN?
JUST WONDERING.
MILLIE
Subj: Cancellation of the Phil Donahue Show
To whom it may concern,
Please note that I have cancelled my access to MSNBC (Canada) via Rogers Cable due to your canceling of the Phil Donahue Show. It was Mr. Donahue's presence on your network that had prompted me to subscribe in the first place. Apparently quality programming takes a back seat to joining the legion of jingoistic forces pushing for bloodshed.
Mr. Donahue represents a beacon for reason and balance. While I may not always have agreed with his viewpoint, he conducted himself with maturity and dignity for his guests. Opposite points of view could be presented in a manner that elevates debate and plain "thinking". Your actions confirm that only one side can now have control of the airwaves. Mr. Donahue never had a chance to succeed in the "numbers game". MSNBC did not do right by him.
I applauded you for bringing him back to TV. My support for MSNBC has ceased with the cancellation of this LEGEND's program. I really feel your advertising is totally misleading. Professing "Independent Thought" to attract viewers, with minds of their own, while bolstering the right-wing agenda openly by bringing on Bush Administration supporters as commentators is a disgusting joke which will not bring you the dividends you so deeply crave.
America really does need independent voices, free to discuss all sides of the issues of the day. MSNBC has not distinguished itself. You might as well be CNN2 or FOX News2. You have lost my respect as a result of your poor treatment of Phil Donahue, a respected American all around the world.
By the way, Mr. Donahue's show was one of the few on TV today that most of my family enjoyed viewing together!
yours truly,
Phil Skrobacky
Subj: Al Qaeda captured right as war case being made.
Dear BuzzFlash,
How is it that they capture Al Qaeda types right when they need a hit of good p.r.?
Today's arrest could have been engineered to silence those who say that an Iraq attack takes our eyes of the Al Qaeda ball....if my memory serves me, other arrests have had suspicious timing in terms of diverting our eyes from other Administration difficulties.
My guess(in total seriousness) is that they know EXACTLY where UBL is and will capture him right before the next Presidential election, or in the event the war goes really sour and they need to demonstrate a big success.
Dave Dorsett
Hi Buzz
Note your news note that Iraq will destroy missiles, and a headline in today's newspaper-'Bush says Iraq must disarm, exile Saddam'
Let's meet them half way---they destroy missiles, we destroy missiles they exile their dictator, we exile our dictator.
The whole world is safer and saner!
Best
Cole...
Subj: Prophesy
May I be among the first to predict our future, given the tolerance of the American people for this regime headed up by the first American dictator, George Bush?
In 2004 there will be no "free" election. They are moving so fast and unchallenged against laws that protect us, that by then there will be no end to the subterfuge that will put him back in power for another four years. By 2008 the current myth of freedom will be accepted as gone.
One must be a Pollyanna of the worst variety to be blind to the writing on the wall as our liberties are hacked away daily. Oh, yes, we will be safe. The question is from whom?
Michael Ferguson, Tennessee
