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August 21, 2003 |
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Attention progressives: Have you heard the news? We have a chance to elect one of our own to a critical US Senate seat in Illinois. Nancy Skinner, nationally recognized progressive radio and TV personality and co-host of i.e. America Radio Network Doug Stephan Show, has entered the race. The reason? Nancy knows the reality of national politics these days: that candidates live and die in the media - 30 second soundbites - like it or not. And Nancy is one of the strongest progressives’voices we have. She routinely goes up against the likes of Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and the rest of the right wing pundits. And she beats them! We Democrats keep sending the same well-meaning and honorable people up to bat and we're getting clobbered. We need effective communicators who can cut through the right wing spin on every issue and who aren't afraid to stand up the President Bush and his radical policies. Too many Democrats have been afraid for too long to speak up and the results have been disastrous. If you want to reclaim the Democratic Party, we need to help our candidates. Nancy is up against the rich and politically connected but there is great buzz and excitement about her candidacy. Help Nancy by going to her website and making a contribution. All size donations help and we will send a message to the powers that be, that the new silent majority has spoken. Support those candidates who dare to speak up - and challenge this administration and the tactics of the far right. We DO have the power to make a difference. Go to www.SkinnerTheWinner.Com. Learn more about Nancy her vision for Illinois and our country. Get involved in her national Internet campaign. Put a link on your website. With new technology you can host a house party for Nancy wherever you are in the United States. This is a national issue because the control of the US Senate is in the balance, with great consequences for us all. Thanks for making a difference! Suzanne
Gougherty Subj: Socialism in Montana? City Commissioner John Rosenbaum said that he has lived in two towns that have provided their own electricity and in his experience, it worked well. He said that municipal power seemed to be able to provide a "stability" and "trust that corporate America don't have today." Jackie * * *
Dear BuzzFlash, It's really difficult to "look forward" to stuff these days, isn't it? The world changes so rapidly that it's even difficult to make long term decisions. Do you buy a house? Will you still have your job? Should you buy stocks? The list just goes on and on because we have no stability right now. We don't know what today will bring so that makes planning for tomorrow almost impossible. Things have changed here in the USA, changes that would have just over two years ago, caused us to have horrid nightmares. Did you ever feel that instability and deep uncertainty during the eight years that President Clinton was in office? Well, I never did because I had all the faith in the world in President Clinton. I don't think we hired President Clinton to be faithful to his wife, we hired him to be faithful to his country. He took care of us and he made our lives better. He knew what was needed and he did it. We felt safe and we were. We all knew that some day he would be out of office and we all hoped and prayed that Al Gore would be our next President. We knew that, with President Gore, we would most likely continue on the same prosperous and positive path that we had been on for the previous eight years. But that awful day, when we discovered that the Supreme Court had chosen who would be the next occupant of the oval office, I think we all knew that we could be in trouble. The difference between that day and this is that the trouble is a million times worse than we, would or could have, ever expected. If someone had told us that day that within the next two years we would be attacked here in the US, be engaged in a "forever" war, unemployment would be sky high, and right up there with it would be the federal deficit, the environment would be in tatters and pushed aside in the name of big, republican backing, businesses, and last but not least, we would be called a "traitor" or "un-American", if we even hinted at questioning the administration or the selected president, we would have found it all too awfully impossible to be believed. During President Clinton's years in office, we had faith and we had trust and we had admiration for his intellect. During these past two plus years, bush and his administration have destroyed not only what President Clinton gave to us, but also what we gave back to him. It will take a pretty grand President to re-establish and restore our faith in, our trust in and our admiration for the man who holds that office. We've seen what a great elected President can do and we've seen what a man selected by the Supreme Court can do. The Supreme Court made a very bad choice and that's what happens when the wrong people do the hiring. It's time for us to take back the job of electing Presidents again. We will decide who the next President of the United States will be. If we are going to pay his or her salary, then we damn well want to be the ones who do the hiring! pissed off patricia Subj: Ann Coulter's Past BuzzFlash, Why has there been no Kitty Kelly-type exposé of Ann Coulter? Her personal life and past seem to be deep in shadow. Is she that powerful? I'd like to know how she got that way that angry. There must be a reason or, if it's not organic, there must be backers with deep pockets. Whoever finds out will end their days either waist-deep in cash or dead. Who's willing to bell the cat? PlumBird Subj: Is Bush in bed with Kinder Morgan? Dear BuzzFlash, Is Bush trying to instigate a recall of Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano (D) of Arizona? Is he trying to control all the governorships? Why has Bush not stepped in to help Phoenix residents. Kinder Morgan, a gas company from Houston, has dragged its feet on fixing the pipeline to Phoenix. Some stations are charging $5.00 per gallons IF they even have gas. mv Subj: UN Bombing Buzz, After having seen the movie "The Quiet American" I can't help but feel very uneasy about the recent bombing of the UN headquarters in Iraq. The Bush administration wants the UN out of the way and what better way to try to scare them out. Interesting that the bomb was made of "military hardware" identified as being Iraqi! I am relieved that Kofi Anan has vowed to stay. mjg Subj: UN Bombing BuzzFlash, After years and years of dirty Republican tricks, I've reluctantly turned into a conspiracy nut. Why does the UN bombing in Iraq smell fishy to me? And smell fishier by the day? The point is, why the UN? Using Saddam's WMDs? No one wants to take credit? Does it smell like CIA, ISI???? I think I'm finally cracking up. Somebody help me, I think I'm going crazy. Renee Subj: FAUX News mocked the UN Dear Buzz, Bush makes so-called eloquent statements about UN Embassy bombing publicly, but if you really want to know what the Bushies think about it just watch FAUX NEWS! Yesterday after the bombing FAUX NEWS using a mocking tone stated in essence that this is what the UN deserves! "The body that tried to stop us from going over there...", "It happened to us now its happened to you...", "Now you know why we went over there...", statements were repeated over and over again mocking the UN. Some really sick shit! Nancy Lynn Nagy (TN) Subj: Bush "kids getting shot at" statement to journalist Dear BuzzFlash, This is in reply to Bevier's letter of August 20, asking if were true that Bush made the statement:
Yes, unfortunately it is true that Bush said this. I heard this myself on one of the cable stations. I was shocked (I thought I was immune to his stupid and cruel statements by now, but they just get sicker and crueler ) that his tone implied that he was offended, or that the journalist was somehow responsible instead of himself, for the "kids" getting shot at! Liberals, progressives, Democrats, anyone against this war should immediately begin substituting the description "kids" for the troops or solders. Bring the kids home NOW! It is indeed a "different kind of combat mission," just like a dry drunk is "a different kind of drunk". A BuzzFlash Reader from Chicago Subj: Orrin Hatch seeks to classify drug-users as terrorists
Dave Collins Subj: UN Bombing Buzz, I find it surprising that the UN, an institution opposed to the invasion and bombing of Iraq, should be the target of a suicide bombing. The UN never gave in to the Bush administration and the inspectors never told him what he wanted to hear. Therefore I believe that this recent tragedy has Bush and Cheney's fingerprints all over it. But sadly more Iraqis will pay. Who will stop our war machine? Leona Semizian Subj: More Campaign ad ideas The husband reading a paper and asking his wife "Did you know that..."
Just some more ideas--hope someone can relay them to an appropriate outlet. thank you, stevie gardiner Subj: Vitello's column "Things We Really Do Need to Know" Dear BuzzFlash, The thrust of this article seems to be that if things are ever going to get better, we citizens need to start taking more interest in figuring out complicated issues (instead of just swallowing Rove/Dubya's lies regarding whatever current debacle is causing us problems). True. Way true. Totally, really, completely true. Voters being uninformed at best, or totally ignorant at worst, is what caused the election to be so close that Scalia could steal it for Dubya. But that aside, why does every writer of every column that contains even one grain of truth about republican greed always feel compelled to take potshots at some Democrat who is pretty much blameless. Why Vitello wants to get pissy about Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who is in no way responsible for this blackout, is puzzling. Is there some sort of requirement that in order to get a column published, it has to contain words derogatory to a Democrat? Granholm is a popular, effective, intelligent governor who cares more about her constituents than lining her own pockets. We need more like her, and maybe a few less a-hole New York columnists who just can't bear to give republicans total blame even when it's justified. It would be a lot easier for ordinary citizens, like "Aunt Linda," to understand complicated issues if the media would quit lying at every turn and would research the contents of republican PR releases rather than just disseminating them as fact. And a little perspective would be nice. When republicans are 99% to blame for something and Democrats 1%, stop reporting that both parties share equal blame. So, if "Aunt Linda" and I promise to become more informed, will the people in the press please get off their sorry asses and start investigating things of actual importance to the country (this does not include who is getting kicked off any island on a TV show), start informing us about real facts we need to know and stop giving any credence to the fractured fairy tales republicans want reported as truth. I did learn one shocking thing, however, from the article. I am a First Energy customer and did not know it was owned by a British consortium. Is Tony Blair involved with more than just the Carlyle Group? It will hurt even more when I pay those future rate increases if I think some of the money is filtering out to him. And just so we're clear on this, it was Spencer Abraham, not Granholm, who said ratepayers would bear the cost of fixing the grid; but then again, he could have saved his breath -- with republicans in charge, it really went without saying. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: song downloading felonious hi, just saw this mentioned in the hightower interview; that the republicans are pushing for downloading songs from the net to be considered a felony--wouldn't this tie in nicely with states that permanently strip felons of their voting rights? states like florida or tennessee? more names for the felon lists... k Subj: Bush continued golf game after bombing in Baghdad - Barf!! BuzzFlash - read down a bit in this reuters article - Bush played 11 more holes before going back to the ranch to monitor developments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!!! Worst President ever............ http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3304342 A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Stupid Arnold Remark Buzz,
He has taken a page out of bush's handbook -- US dummies out here do not need to know any specifics, only the genius is privy to that. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Suzanne, Bill & DimSon/Aschcroft Buzz, Suzanne's 8/20 Mailbag description of Bill Clinton in Santa Barbara 'shooting the breeze with everyone, jogging on the beach..talking with volleyball players, signing autographs' - then arriving at the San Francisco Fairmont "all waves, friendly," is such a refreshing contrast to the sneaks we have to deal with now. DimBulb Never addresses the public, Never talks without a script, then hides on his faux farm never venturing into town, afraid even of his neighbors. A couple BuzzFlash links tell of upcoming trips for DimBulb and Ashcroft where their itineraries can't be published for fear of mass protests. Whereas SlickWillie shook hands with everyone, these two snakes have to slither unannounced in & out of town. T Quigly Subj: Janeane Garofalo on CNN's "Crossfire" Dear BuzzFlash: All this week, actress/activist Janeane Garofalo is sitting in for Begala/Carville on CNN's Crossfire program. She seems to be breaking the stereotypes that liberal Hollywood has nothing substantial to say, and has been refuting conservative Tucker Carlson's talking points with ease. My favorite quote of hers came on Wednesday's program, when she referred to the Bush Administration as "The 43rd Reich". Be sure to watch the show (4:30 ET/1:30 PT) the rest of the week. Vishal Re: The Barbarian for Governor Dear BuzzFlash, Please refer to Mr. Schwarzenegger as the "Barbarian" instead of the " Terminator". The masses have forgotten Mr. Schwarzenegger's earlier acting role, and the truth of the "machine" taking over the State. Regards, Walter Subj: I hope I'm wrong! But a friend suggested that with the recent bombing of the UN in Iraq, along with the connection that Al Qaeda is getting to Iraq, this could all open the doors for W to take our troops into Syria or even Iran. Please tell us we're wrong here!!! Plus, rumor has it the Guardian UK is considering bringing their paper stateside. God forbid, but an actual national newspaper with an opposing voice? Any info is appreciated! Keep up the good work! A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Arnold and Bush BuzzFlash, When Arnold says "children first" he must mean "cut their benefits", just as Bush's "support our troops" means "cut VA benefits." To bad Republicans don't explain their unique use of the English language. Larry, Subj: Shirley in St. Louis' Gas Bill In the Mailbag, Shirley writes about the enormous jump in her gas bill. I worked for a gas company many years. Here's what Shirley can do. First of all, hop in the car and drive to the customer service office. Do not call them on the telephone. Talk to the customer service rep about your bill and get an explanation. If you don't think you are getting the issue resolved or explained to your satisfaction, say that you want to speak to the head of customer services. Get all the info you want and need. If you are still not satisfied, get in touch with the Public Service Commission in your area. Write your local newspaper if you find that the public is paying for poor utility company management but back it up with facts. Get a copy of the company's annual report and a proxy statement if you can get one. Find out what kind of compensation and what kind of compensation plans exist for the executives, etc. You may or may not need to do anything depending on what you find out. But, if you think you have a good reason to act on your information, you would be well served not to put your position in the realm of politics. Make it clear that this is a consumer issue and that, you, as a rate payer, have a voice in the matter. These are just a few ideas and if any of them are useful, that would make me glad. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: BuzzFlash is my new "bible", and Janeane Garofalo is my hero! Buzz, I've been skipping watching CNN's Crossfire, as I was sickened by the agreement from both the "Right" and "Left" hosts on things like the need to keep progressive ideas out of the Presidential race. When both of the "Left" hosts, Begala and Carville, agree that even Dean is too far left for the Dems, I wonder why the show is called Crossfire. It seems like a FOX TV staged debate. But for this one week, with both Begala and Carville off, they have Janeane Garofalo filling the seat on the Left. Things have changed! If you read the transcript [LINK], I think you'll agree. Tucker tried to make Bob Graham sound radical, when Tucker used Grahams charge that Bush should have stuck with fighting terrorism BEFORE he decided to expand the war in Afghanistan by invading Iraq. In the past, the Dem hosts would have put their heads down and said something about "all politicians use excessive rhetoric." Janeane didn't duck at all: "Well, I would say that he is partially right. I blame the president. I blame the media cheerleaders." and "And it is the Bush/Cheney cartel's fault for this." It just kept getting better! I was especially happy when the subject of Judge Moore's defiance of the court order to remove the huge granite monument to the Ten Commandments he had placed in the courthouse came up. (NY Times story "Alabama Judge Defiant on Commandments' Display" attached below) In the past, both Democrat hosts and guests had an uneasy time handling the subject. They found it hard to defend the Constitution while pandering to religious voters at the same time. So, most just said "the matter is still in the courts." Janeane gave the most concise reason I've heard to date of WHY the restriction on religion and politics is needed. --- Tucker say: "But, still, beating up on him over the 10 Commandments? Come on." Janeane answers: "There's nobody beating up on him. What this is, is this administration and judges like him are trying to turn this into a theocracy. There is a reason there is a separation between church and state, because good government needs authentic debate. Religion doesn't have debate. Faith is just faith. --- She was so right. (Or, correct, and from the "Left?") "Debate." It's really as simple as that. Faith, as the word implies, requires the absence of debate. Religion is doctrinaire. If you object to the basic tenets of a religion, you must leave it or be labeled, rightly so, a heretic. Democracy requires debate. Democracy thrives on the mixing of diverse opinions on it's very foundation. A democracy is fluid and must adapt quickly to change. Maybe I'm the last to get that simple a point, but I'll never again have trouble debating why religion and politics don't mix. Thanks to the debate held between a failing/flailing icon of the Right (Tucker Carlson) and (as my wife pointed out) the "powerful mind of that tiny woman." PS: If you can, try catching CNN's Crossfire at 4:30 PM Eastern. If not, the transcripts are all available at: <http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/> Jack Ballinger =====
BuzzFlash, From "Tapped" [LINK]:
Steve Laudig Subj: Voting Machines Dear BuzzFlash, RE: Voting machines Since electronic voting machines are set up without paper trails, I ask these questions again... What would happen if a large section of the country had a power failure on an election date? With no paper trails, how could voters be sure their votes were counted? And wouldn't votes held in cyber que be easier to manipulate? ~ Cathy Subj: Looking for Hate in all the Wrong Places Dear BuzzFlash, For a man who has been labeled a "Terrorist" expert, Viceroy Paul Bremer doesn't seem to know his arse from his elbow. After the bombing of the Jordanian Embassy Bremer pointed an accusing finger at the Mighty Ansar Al- Islam. They "do really big stuff". Well, Paul, they really don't do "big stuff". And by the way Paul, according to General Tommy Franks, they don't even exist anymore. [LINK] According to that noted "truth teller", Ahmed Chalabi,the supposedly dead Ansar has joined up with Saddam Fedayeen to plot the the bombings of the Jordanian Embassy and the UN Headquarters in Baghdad. His evidence to prove this thesis: ZERO, as usual. We do know who has been REALLY plotting with remnants of Saddam's now defunct Security Service, The Muhkbarat. Why, it's none other than good old Ahmed Chalabi. He has done so with the benediction of our glorious Pentagon. [LINK] The latest word from ViceRoy Bremer is that the likely culprits were members of Saddam's much feared Muhkbarrat. Wow, what a "coincidence"! Chalabi yesterday claimed that he warned the Americans that a Really Big Kaboom was a com'in. His flunkies in the INC have now issued a press release "clarifying" his earlier statements. [LINK] Bremer also made the illuminating observation that the car bomb that struck the UN building was a specific attempt to murder the UN Chief in Baghdad, Sergio De Mello. The FBI, according to our man in Baghdad, is operating under the working assumption that the same gang that pulled off the bombing of the Jordanian Embassy also conducted the atrocity that felled Mr. De Mello and his staff. From this preliminary information we can conclude the that the criminal mastermind behind these evil acts hated both the Hashemite Monarchy ruling in Jordan whilst simultaneously harboring a deranged hatred of Mr. De Mello and the UN. He(or she) also had contacts with individuals who had (1) access to Saddam's munitions and (2) the technical skills necessary to pull off this monstrous deed. Who got those boys to enter the burning Jordanian Embassy and rip up the pictures of Kings Hussein and Abdullah? Who hated Mr. Demello and wanted the UN to butt out of Iraq? We report, You decide. Brad |
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