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September 22, 2003 |
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Subj: You missed a good one! Dear BuzzFlash: Today (09.19.03) you linked to an Alterman piece on MSNBC re: 'The GOP Slime Machine' and you were right to do this. It outlines, and braces us for, what's coming up from the GOP in its effort to pull out every lower-than-slime tactic to discredit Gen. Wesley Clark (and let us note that the Media never picked-up on, nor echo-chambered, the truth to discredit W. Bush (e.g., military deserter, failed businessman [except in one case where taxpayers funded his Rangers stadium project], utterly and unabashedly clueless in foreign policy knowledge or skills, etc...). That said, it's the next part of Alterman's piece that just-as-much needs to be trumpeted, at least to the As-It-Turned-Out-Pro-Bush-Green-Voters . . .
Regards -- Richard
Russell Newton Subj: YIKES! IF THAT WESLEY CLARK GUY IS SUCH A HOT HEAD AND MENTAL CASE------HOW IN GOD'S NAME DID HE RISE TO A FOUR STAR GENERAL? MAYBE WE SHOULD BE TAKING A GOOD LOOK AT OUR MILITARY! RANDI Subj: U.S. May Study Israel Occupation Tactics [LINK] Oh great, just what we need. Just what our soldiers need. Should we go ahead with this hell bent plan; do suicide bombers come after our troops? No, what is needed is a regime change here in Washington, DC that used a series of lies to put our men and women in harms way in the first place and used them to kill innocent Iraqi citizens. Mary! Subj: Wesley Clark Dear Buzz readers, Have you noticed the negative spin the media is giving Wesley Clark (who, by the way, is the Republican's worst nightmare). Today's headlines in the NY Times stated he was the "late-arriving candidate" that was pushed by the Clintons and discussed in great length how similar their backgrounds were. You'd think Clark and Clinton were the same person. God forbid! CBS News put the same Clinton spin on his candidacy the other night, indicating the possibility that Hillary (oh, God forbid) could be his running mate! Well, I guess the Republicans are really scared. General Clark is a very viable candidate, and I think they feel very threatened that he could actually win the election if he got the nod. I fear that they will do anything to keep their boy, Shrub, in power and I wouldn't be surprised if there is another terrorist attack just before the presidential election and/or Shrub will cancel the elections. They are ruthless and will stop at nothing. Just needed to vent. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Rice, Rumsfeld, and Bush suddenly admit there is no 9/11 connection with Iraq, and the media doesn't pick it up on it? Dear BuzzFlash- It is very simple. The Bushites picked a day which the news all over the East Coast (and most of the U.S.) was dominated by Hurricane Isabel. It was a day when all Federal offices in Washington were shut down (and there was no press hanging around). Do you think this was a coincidence? NO! They are trying to slip it through with as little notice as possible!! (What better day would there ever be to leak this?) I think the Bushites are totally negative for this country. They have (and will) damage us badly as a nation. But they sure are slick at handling the media. Randy Natalino Subj: Congress must set conditions on $87 billion for Iraq Dear BuzzFlash, Bush lied to lead us into an inhumane, illegal war, now quagmire. Congress must set stringent requirements on any further Iraq funding: Not one additional cent should be allocated without a full accounting of all funds spent to date. Senator Kennedy stated that Bush isn't accounting for the $4 billion a week spent in Iraq. It appears $2 billion weekly is paying off world leaders for their support of Bush policies. Bush needs to fire Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz--immediately. They were they most vociferous war mongers. They belligerently mocked Generals, the 30 million global peace marchers, the UN, the heads of all world religions, a plethora of human rights organizations, and the 90% of world countries who all screamed that Bush Incs. plans were doomed to fail and would only increase terror. Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz have failed America, the world, millions of innocent Iraqi citizens, US GIs. The public needs to demand they go now. Bush needs to fire Colin Powell. The Associated Press has exposed his February 5, 2003 speech to the UN Security Council as a pack of lies. Stop enriching Halliburton Corp. Cut its contracts. It failed miserably in its contractual obligations for catering and supply services for US troops.The reconstruction projects should be bid as much as possible to Iraqi firms. Last year the richest 1% in the US saw a 10% increase in their wealth. Bush borrowed over $100 billion to give this group multiple tax cuts. Roll these tax cuts back now to pay for the Iraq war. It is insanity that we are needlessly cutting needed civic and community services across the US to pay for Bush's fraudulent war to enrich his friends. Bring the troops home now. Turn Iraq over to the UN. This phony war is not worth ONE more GI life, or one more GI maimed for life. Call you Senators and Representatives today. The Congressional toll free switchboard is: 800-839-5276. Suzanne
de Cornelia Subj: This explains why the state's are in a deficit I love this link to a site that calculates the cost of Bush's tax cuts/militarism as it affects the budget of each state - and the loss of social programs. There really is a shift of monies going from the middle/lower classes to the upper class... http://database.nationalpriorities.org/tradeoff A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Disney's "Threat Matrix" says, dissenters aid terrorists, Gitmo's cool BuzzFlash, I hope everybody watched "Threat Matrix" on ABC last night. If you missed it, it might also be listed in your TV guide as "Alias for Right-Wingers" or more precisely, as "24 for people who trust George W. Bush". Here's what you missed, if you didn't catch it: 1. There were anti-trade, anti-WTO protestors outside the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where a bomber was about to blow the place up. The protestors also had signs echoing the Anti-Iraq Invasion protestors' signs, saying "No Blood For Oil". When the bomber was thrown into a Bomb Squad van so he could blow up safely, killing only himself, the blast made a "No Blood For Oil" sign in the foreground flutter up into the shot. When approaching the Exchange, seeing the protestors caused the manly hero to say, "What do these idiots want?" Thanks ABC, owned by Disney. 2. The hero at one point has three foreign teen terrorists in a Homeland Security jail cell. His legal advisor says they need to get them lawyers, that that's a basic right in the US, and that the Justice Department will have to follow the Constitution. The "hero" of the show says he's making them "enemy combatants", so that he won't have to give them lawyers. He says, "We have to keep a Chinese Wall between our prisoners and Justice". I assume he meant the Department of Justice, but his assertion was chilling in any case. On "24" last year, they sent the bad guy to Gitmo, too, but we weren't supposed to feel smug and proud about it. 3. One of the first things said by the Homeland Security / Ari / Rumsfeld guy at the press conference - (is he supposed to be the head of the Department? No, he refers to "Secretary Ridge". Is he supposed to be the spokesman? What hath Fleischer wrought?) - anyway, his big, pretentious, close-up, character-defining line early in the first act is, "We never negotiate with terrorists." This policy is re-iterated at least once more later in the episode. Then, the plot device at the end of the episode is, they get the hero's ex-wife and operational partner (!?) back from terrorists by - wait for it! - negotiating for her. In fact, they trade the three teen terrorists for her, because "she's worth it". Nice. Sounds about like the behavior, attitude and ethics we expect these days from the real Department of Homeland Security. I hear Sean Hannity will appear on the next episode. No, really. Do you think I could make that up? Robert Dobbs Subj: If people got outraged at "It Depends On What Your Definition of 'Is' Is," then this OUGHT to REALLY rile them! Dear MWO -- So, the media jumped all over President Clinton for his now-infamous, "It depends on what your definition of 'is' is," statement in his Paula Jones deposition (I'd love, for once, to get a little context with that, but, alas . . .). Now we've got Bush saying (and having said for the past year): "Al Qaeda perpetrated the horrors of September 11; Saddam and al Qaeda had ties; we're going to wage war on Iraq to prevent any future September 11ths -- but, I never said Saddam was actually behind September 11." Oh, the humanity! Oh, the double-standard in outrage over (1) the degree of mendacity, (2) the degree to which the first involved a stupid sex affair and the other involves war, peace, national security and the deaths of U.S. soldiers and innocent civilians. But be assured (as a casual listen to CNN, NPR and the three broadcast networks lets us know), that Bush's "that parrot's not dead!" attitude will be ignored or glossed over by the same gaggle of media flunkies that were shocked, shocked that Bill Clinton would prevaricate over an embarrassing stupid affair. We live in a sick, "bizzarro-world," media-funhouse. Truly tragic... Sincerely, Richard
Russell Newton re: 9/11 admission gets little play Dear Mr. Buzz, The mad hatters in the administration simply announced Bush's admission on the same day that Clark announced for President. I wouldn't doubt it was done in the same HOUR. Herr Rove figured it was as good as a Friday night release. And he was right! A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: mailbag 9/18 Dear BuzzFlash, You all know...we can wake up and wake up and it does not seem to matter a whit! We knew what was going on in Florida, in 2000,...and it didn't do one bit of good to know...they did what they wanted anyway... It now seems that the Killer D's are going to lose that effort in Texas and Perry and Delay are going to win...so Texas will go all Republican by the next election...that's 2!..And because some right thinking judges stayed the recall election in California, everyone (Mcclintock) is screaming his head off...about how we are changing the laws in the middle of the stream!..On c-span...someone called in and said that was exactly what was done in the 2000 election in Florida..and he even tried arguing that it was just not the same! I remember very well exactly what happened to California..right after Gray Davis was elected....the Texas hooligans (energy policy, that incidentally we cannot see because it is classified by this administration) charged them so much for energy that they had to pass the charges on to someone...it is like in most states, the taxpayers get that....and that is exactly what happened in California. People just do not remember, it started right after the election...everyone knew that their energy was being supplied from enron and the companies out of Texas...it was all a plan to take that state and have it delivered to the GOP in 2004. Fact is, that Bush could get in there once...on his own with a little help from Brother Jeb and the crooked Floridians....but, he would never make it back in because of the protection provided blatantly by the media and everyone around him....that worked for at least two years..now that Democrats are fed up...they are not going to legally elect this idiot for a second term..so the only way he can win, is with the help of redistricting, and recall. IF the Judges in this case, stay the course...people in Ca. will have a chance to see what idiots are trying to take over, and maybe it will not happen....but, we have everyone screaming murder, because it is illegal..and if anyone should know illegal....it is the Damn Republicans!!!!! We are now having our troubles in this state...for the first time in my life...a Rep. from out in Kirkwood...has linked with the gop run house, and overturned Gov. Holden's veto of concealed carry ....we voted that out two years ago...but they tried to pass it on the sly and Gov. Holden vetoed it....now they have overturned it...people in Kirkwood are livid!..... They are starting a recall for this particular rep..and I hope it works! They also, overturned his veto of a bill to enforce a waiting period for abortions.... Show me a republican...and I will show you a person who will try his best to change your way of life ....for the worst!!!!!!!!!!!! I think a lot of people just do not realize that in 2004, the biggest concern for the Gop...is just winning...and the Democrats are going to come out in the greatest numbers ever, and they know they can never get New York..so they are trying to get the other states with lots of Electoral votes...ergo..California, and Texas....it is a fight all the way...we have to win....we must win!!!!!!!!!! HELP>>>Howard, Wesley....anyone on our side except Liebermann....double help!!! Shirley, St. Louis Subj: Keep those cards and letters comin' "President Bush is asking Congress for $80 billion dollars to re-build Iraq. And when you make out that check, remember there are two L's in Halliburton." - David Letterman, "Late Show," September 8, 2003 Sent to the DNC: Hey boys and girls of the DNC, glad you finally decided to join the fight against the right. Your silence has been conspicuous the last few years. Glad to see you've finally discovered the wonders of the Internet. Were it not for it, the informational blackout during this unprecedented period of national crisis would have been complete. Sites such as Media Whores Online and BuzzFlash have stepped in to fill the vacuum left by the moribund left represented by the DNC and the DLC, and by the courtesan press. Well now, I guess you finally smell the blood in the water for old Georgie Boy. Better late than never, I suppose. While those on the loyal left are glad to finally have our official party apparatus (the DNC) decide to pull its weight, you ought to at least give credit where credit is due to those who worked tirelessly to inform the American public about the tyrannical power grab of the Republican Right. You can do so at the very least by adding links for MWO and BuzzFlash. I also think you ought to go the extra distance and thank them loudly and profoundly for the spirited yeoman’s work they've done. While our party leadership was asleep at the wheel—or worse dodging for cover, MWO and BuzzFlash were in the thick of it, countering the mendacious spin of the right point for point in real time. I hate to imagine how much worse shape our nation would be in were it not for them informing and motivating the millions of thinking, freedom-loving Americans who make up our party. In short, they were doing YOUR JOB! Jay Bagi Subj: Growling at the DNC Hi, Buzz. A web site which purports to be "Kicking Ass" against bush but doesn't include BuzzFlash as a resource is like riding a bike with flat tires. You might get there, but not on time, that's for sure. I'm a "piddly" contributor to DNC, but there isn't much to go around after bills and taxes (sound familiar?) As a loyal buzzhead or buzzer, whatever term is appropriate, I sent the following letter to the DNC "Kicking Ass" site. As for you, Buzz, you're the greatest! - Elaine - ******* Hello. I am a monthly contributor to the DNC. Not much, only $20, but it's a lot on my budget and yet well worth it if it helps to flush bush down America's toilet. However, I notice you do not have BuzzFlash listed as a Readme source. Why not? It was through BuzzFlash that I accessed a link which led me to your web site and convinced me to become a contributor to the DNC. It is through BuzzFlash that I continue to remain informed daily as to the political scene, nationally and globally. BuzzFlash puts it all together on one site, and I consider them to be the premier resource for bush opponents. This must be some sort of unintentional oversight on someone's part. I respectfully suggest that you add BuzzFlash (http://www.BuzzFlash.com) to your list. If you choose not to add them and if you do not have (in my opinion) a plausible reason for excluding BuzzFlash, then I will find it hard to believe that the DNC is doing all it can to oust bush, and I will, with all due respect, cancel my monthly contribution to the DNC. Regards, Elaine Cole Subj: FYI: O'Neil on C-Span Dear BuzzFlash, C-Span's re-running former Treas Sec O'Neil speaking at to-do for Gerald Ford Library. Dwelling on Ford's good points as President: Humble and not overbearing, didn't lead by intimidation, but by getting people to work together, understood the world, understood human needs. Goes on to "we need to show the world we can do more for the world than just deploy military might, for example, we could bring clean water to the 2 million lacking it in Ghana [kudus Bono!], should not accept goals beneath ourselves. Great idea "no child left behind" but should add "one at a time." Goal should be all children in the world!!! "This nation needs to go with our better angels, and that would be a tribute to Ford" Everything he's saying has a sub-text of criticizing Bush. Worth watching on C-Span's archives. I've actually come to like the guy. ALSO--I'm not imagining it--If you watch a Bush speech, even in front of the 3rd ID, he gets mostly polite applause now. They always strike up the band super loud at the end, because nobody is applauding after 15 seconds! Jim P Subj: Taking liberties with old glory? Buzz, The news on KFOR said the damage in DC from the storm was not as bad as other places, but she said, "Isabel took liberties with old glory", while they showed a picture of the flags around the Washington Monument. You would think that the Bushes who are pushing all kinds of legislation condemning flag desecration, would have known that you don't leave the flags up during hurricanes. It is like they didn't know it was coming. We need to have the entire bunch arrested. I understand allowing the employees to go home to prepare, but the Bushes, Cheneys, Rummy and the rest should have been out their taking down all those flags they want everywhere. Karen Webb, Moore, Ok. Subj: Better Tactics Dear BuzzFlash, A few days ago I saw a documentary on television about an aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg. I think it has an application to our current political situation. During an artillery duel between Union and Rebel gunners, the Union gunners used a superior tactic. They concentrated all of their fire on one Rebel gun until they knocked it out and then aimed at the next. Within an hour they had clear an entire Rebel artillery battery from the field. Here's my thought: If the Democrats would concentrate all their effort on one Republican figure until they pushed him/her off of the stage, then they could concentrate on the next one. And so on down the line until November of 2004. My candidate for the first person to target is Karl Rove. The allegation that he blew the cover of Valerie Plame should be investigated and if true Karl should be ushered off to the "crossbar hotel." Democrats should talk about nothing but Karl until the issue is settled one way or the other - nothing else! If every Democrat across the country would write letters to the editor, call the local news producer, etc. etc. And every Democratic member of Congress would talk about nothing else, we would get to the bottom of this in no time. Let's concentrate our forces folks! We're in the battle for the soul of the nation - let's treat it that way. Rick Delaporta Subj: Not a precedent? Buzz, Not that I think it should ever be repeated, but I find it strange that the guys arguing against delaying the vote in California think that the Supremes butting into state election laws and giving us Doofus Dubya as president shouldn't be considered a precedent. I can assure you they will think it a precedent it the vote doesn't go their way. If the vote on recall is a resounding "no" or if Bustemonte wins. The Supremes butting into states rights should be limited to just when a repub doesn't win the popular vote and a Bush is running. Karen Webb, Moore, Ok. Subj: our sobriquet for Bush
Tom Subj: Bill O'Reilly 21 Spin Tips O'Reilly also refers to himself as a "news analyst". Well, if you split the first part from the last and add the letter "c", it makes for a better description of what Bill O'Reilly really is - an "anal cyst". Marguerite [BuzzFlash Note: Ironically, it was an "anal cyst" that apparently kept Limbaugh from serving his country during Vietnam. If Rush dropped his pants, would we find Bill O'Reilly? Just asking.] Subj: the subject of Ann Coulter Dear BuzzFlash, It seems to me that one of the best ways to acknowledge Ann Coulter is to spend lots of time ignoring her. Dangerous and inaccurate as many of her comments and positions may be they should be relegated to the body of misinformation that abounds in a media willing to suggest that all opinions merit attention and actually carry some weight. As has been noted elsewhere, attempts to be "fair and balanced" can result in the bizarre notion that when, for example, the majority of scientific opinion states that the earth is round while a few dissenters continue to say it is flat, news organizations may feel compelled to print, in 'fairness' - - opinions differ as to the shape of Planet Earth. Free speech allows even the absurdities espoused by Ann Coulter to find their way into public discourse, and I am glad BuzzFlash has printed some of her outrageous pieces -- it is always helpful to be informed about the nonsensical things people like Coulter and O'Reilly keep putting out. But I think it should be said that less is more in some of these cases, and silly propagandists should be tagged as just that. One cannot argue in any real way with the garbage-in, garbage-out crowd. Ann Davido Subj: George Bush vs. Real Presidents It's an old saying that truth is stranger than fiction. I have proof to back it, in the form of actual quotes by Abe Lincoln and Shrub:
Sue Subj: Another Bill O'Reilly Spin Tip Buzz, Another O'Reilly spin tip: if someone refuses to come on your show--take it as a compliment! They're running scared, afraid to face the great O'Reilly and be unmasked as a spinning liberal fraud. (Ordinarily, of course, when someone declines an invitation, you might consider that they are too busy, or even too important to be bothered with your nonsense.) Allison Kassig Sent to: letters@slate.com Subj: Saletan's "They're EQUALLY Wrong" crap Dear Slate -- I'm but a simple country lawyer. From Alabama. I'm no sage. But good God in heaven even I can tell the difference between, say, a President lying about a stupid sex act and a President lying about (hmmmm...) a Saddam-9/11 link, WMD in Iraq, or Kenny Boy who??? That Mr. Saletan, as Slate's "Chief Political Correspondent" can only muster enough "insight" to opine that both Republicans and Democrats lie, ergo, a pox on both their houses, smacks of utter laziness or cynicism. Look, whatever Mr. Saletan's making, I propose that you pay me half, and I'll be able to come up with commentary more insightful and elucidating than "well, ya just can't buleeve anybody these days..." Jeez, "Chief Political Correspondent." What a joke. For a good 15-20 years the hard core Right Wing hate and distortion machine (see, e.g., Roger Ailes, Lee Atwater [did he repent just for the heck of it?!], Rupert Murdoch, Richard Scaife, O'Reilly, Limbaugh, Gingrich, DeLay, and all their slimy ilk) have made power-for-the-sake-of-naked- power be their goal, their only goal, and their strategic credo has been, and continues to be (e.g., the Texas GOP, Coulter, etc.), By Whatever Means Necessary! But now, just now, for the first time in 20 years (Bill Clinton being the one, shining exception), some Dems and their supporters (Conason, Franken, for example) have decided to fight the lies with truth and, for that, YOU'VE decided to take the easy, lazy way out and just say, "Well, they're all just a bunch of shrill pols." That Saletan, as your "Chief Political Correspondent," can't tell the difference between lying about sex and lying about WMD and the reasons for war, is unfathomably (hmmm, what's the word in English?) stupid. Another Media Whore -- Wm. Saletan -- is born. Sincerely, Richard
Russell Newton Subj: We need jobs Buzz, I know those wealthy people who got them great tax cuts, must be burning a hole in their pockets deciding where to spend it. My question is, Has anyone ever heard a peep out of the Shrub asking the CEO's, corrupt one's and all, to start hiring people? rk/seattle Subj: Great link The Bush Regime's priorities W. Rodgers
A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: G BUSH VS REAL PRESIDENTS BRILLIANT, FUNNY, AND SO TRUE. THANK YOU TO WHO EVER WROTE THIS. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. LESLIE Subj: Just wondering I went to Border's on Friday, 9/19 to hear Al Franken and have him sign a copy of his book. Though I arrived early, there was not room in the auditorium so I was directed up the stairs to the second floor to wait on line to have the book signed. I was assured by two different store clerks that everyone waiting on line would be able to hear Mr. Franken's remarks through the PA system. Guess what. Someone forgot to turn it on. While the clerk apologized for the error, I can't help but wonder - If they were able to broadcast Tom Clancy, why not Al Franken. Perhaps a bit of censorship. Nah! Not at a bookstore. Not when we have librarians standing up to the UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL. Would Border's be afraid to stand up to a bookstore full of readers. Nah. I must be getting paranoid. We all know bookstores are the front line against government censorship. Or are they. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Tom Ridge Sighting Buzz, Tommy was spotted at a all-night drive-through in Northern California. He was diving into a mountain of 1/2 pounder cheesburgers, a double heaping of freedom fries, a giant Coke, vanilla milkshake, and four jelly donuts. He seemed a little lonely and got into a chat with some rent-a-cops about security around the popular drive-thru. He opined that it could receive a "green" code any day. They all chortled over that, then discussed heading over to the new Hooters after Tommy finished chowing down. There was a brief hot discussion of Hooter girls possible use of duct tape. Your secret Tommy-watcher on the job BuzzFlash. Over and out. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Pot Calls Kettle Black BuzzFlash, "It's disturbing that Democrats have spewed more hateful rhetoric at President Bush than they ever did at Saddam Hussein," DeLay said in a written statement. Well, isn't that special and he put it in writing? But the Democrats aren't even close to the amount of hateful rhetoric DeLay piled on Clinton. In fact DeLay hasn't spewed as much hateful rhetoric at Saddam as he did at Clinton. I mean he did air that lovely movie by Jerry Falwell accusing Clinton of being complicit in 24 deaths, including the death of his childhood friend and closest neighbor, Vince Foster. Not one accusation has been proven. They are still blaming Clinton for the mess they are in now. That DeLay knows hateful rhetoric when he hears it, he just has a problem identifying it when he is spewing it out of his own mouth. All I have to say is, "Pot, pot, pot is calling the kettle black." Karen Webb, Moore, Ok. Subj: Newsweek poll Majority (47% disapprove 46% approve) disapprove of Bush's Handling of Iraq http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s950176.htm A BuzzFlash Reader Buzz, Just a note about our AWOL president running like a scared rat during the hurricane. The queen of England stayed with her people and walked amongst them during the awful blitz over London. She was a true champion of London's citizens and this idiot doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone of us!! He's worse than the cowardly lion, at least we could love him! Ruth Gottlieb Sent to: business@RockyMountainNews.com <business@RockyMountainNews.com> Subj: Clear Channel Dear Business Editor: In the Rocky Mountain News' September 20, 2003, Business Section, the following story lead appeared:
Well, perhaps Clear Channel has been accused of such things is because it's done such things. Sincerely, Richard
Russell Newton Subj: Lies "Not and issue anymore"?!?!?!?!?! Dear BuzzFlash: We just read in one of your items (MediaChannel.org - "Weathering the Hysteria") that the Dems in congress (Jim Hightower's "Wobblycrats") are now saying the fact that Bush lied to the American people to build his case for the illegal Iraq war is now "no longer an issue" because of the new debate for his $87 billion request to continue his illegal war. HELLLLOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Dear Democratic congressional critters: The reason the "Squatter in Chief" is requesting the additional money is BECAUSE he lied to get us into this war. Doncha think maybe that should be discussed as part of the issue before sending more money down the black hole that the Iraquagmire is becoming? It seems to us that these two issues are really inseparable. We wouldn't be in this mess needing all this additional money (building all this additional debt on our childrens' backs) if we hadn't been "Bushwhacked" into this needless foray of nationbuilding for oil. Perhaps BuzzFlash and all its readers can start a letter writing campaign to our congressional "representatives" asking them to continue the debate as to what "WMDs" (weapons of mass deception) were used to get us into this horrible situation, killing hundreds of our own soldiers (and wounding thousands more) and killing and maiming thousands of innocent Iraqis. Since the corporate media has abandoned is responsibility in keeping this issue forefront, it would seem to us that a little "Hightower-esque" grass roots organizing may help to keep our congress reps in Washington a bit better focused on what is REALLY important to our future -- AND to keep the heat on the feet of the most heinously evil administration our great nation has ever known. We're writing our reps now. We hope everyone else will, too. Thanks. Ken Follett
and Brent Cabrera PS -- Please feel free to copy and send to your friends! Subj: The New Yorker: Fact Hey guys, I think this Sy Hersch article from Jan. 2003 bears repeating at this time. Now that we know there were never any WMD's in Iraq, it's worth reminding people that the bushies knew where the REAL threat was, and sat on that info while pushing to invade Iraq! In fact they only came out with it when they found out it had been leaked! Can you put the article out in your "Must Reads" ??? http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?030127fa_fact Kathy Subj: Think Tank DON SEGETTI & DIRTY TRICKS Today, Sunday, I listened to Madeline Albright on a TV expound on the present state of affairs the United States is facing. Something reminded her of what she had written in her book and the Dirty Tricks that Don Segetti tried to play on a Democratic conference she was hosting. REMEMBER Karl Rove is a product of SEGETTI DIRTY TRICKS GANG who sent COD packages by the dozens to her conventions along with phone calls, etc. DAMMIT, why don't some Democratic group do a little digging into Karl Rove's background and expose him for what he is. Madeline Albright and her book would be a good place to start. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Bush Weaves Dear BuzzFlash I swear, just caught 10:00 news, they had the standard "president/helicopter" shot, Bush walking away, and Bush WAS STAGGERING! It was like a 4-second clip, but keep an eye open. I mean, how do you fall off a Segway anyway? Jim P Subj: Let's take back our democracy Hi All, Please take a moment and check out the web site www.voteitforward.com ....It is about setting a grass roots voter registration movement in motion....If we all vote we can take over the government the old fashioned way....Its easy. Find two people who didn't vote in 2000 and inspire them to vote in the next election AND (here's the magical part) inspire them to do the same....to inspire two more people to vote, etc....after 20 cycles we will have generated almost 2,000,000 new voters...do the math...over 100 million eligible voters didn't participate last time. Gore won by about 500,000 votes....If we get out the vote we can win the election......Forward this e-mail to everyone you know, and find to people to inspire to vote...... Brought to you by Steve Wolf and Bruce Paine BuzzFlash, I will send every news outlet in Philly the following letter. A BuzzFlash Reader * * * Read the following Presidential Letter at: [LINK]
Seems like the President, in the last sentence of his letter, told the Speaker that he determined that Iraq either "planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001." Now the CBS News on Sept 18th at: [LINK] quotes the President on Sept 17, 2003 as "We have no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved with the Sept. 11" attacks. This is the man who campaigned on and still claims he has returned "integrity to the White House" A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Hooray for Sen Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) BuzzFlash, Perhaps you didn't read this article, which is on your site. in its entirety. Therein is the following paragraph which really impressed me, and I thought you might like to mention it on your site. Imagine a politician doing something noble and worthwhile. It definitely should be applauded. [LINK] "The Minnesota Senior Federation has organized six trips to Winnipeg this year. One more is scheduled for late October. The cost of the trips--the bus charter, meals for seniors and hotel accommodations--are paid by U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.)." Impressive ... Nate Roth Subj: Buzz on Drudge? Buzz, Just wanted to pass this on in case you get any corroboration or explanation from other sources. I clicked on my radio that was tuned into Chicago’s WLS 890am (from listening to the Ski Anderson program). Drudge was on, and as background noise, I didn’t change the station. My ear perked up when I heard a caller mention BuzzFlash.com. I stopped what I was doing and listened, but the ‘air’went dead. That’s right. Right after BuzzFlash was mentioned, the air went dead for a noticeable period of time followed by ‘technical difficulty’type music. Then there was music that seemed to be Drudge’s bumper that led into the bottom-of-the-hour news. This seemed to be a technological ‘glitch,’but I wouldn’t bet on it. Seems that Buzz (French) fried the Clear Channel airwaves, yes? Just a thought, (maybe I didn't hear it correctly, but that's my best recollection) AnnA Subj: How the Bushies confuse 9/11 and Saddam Dear Buzz, Part of the problem with the Bushies' phony Saddam-9/11 link is that they believe they have given themselves what the Reaganites called "plausible deniability." They have worked hard to try not to state that "Saddam was behind 9/11", so it's not their fault if people "make that connection." So what to do? Well, look at http://www.esgs.org/uk/logic.htm, a list of well-known fallacious forms of argument. There you will find the following entry:
Problem is, Paul Krugman is the only commentator I've seen actually use the name "Argument by Innuendo" to describe what the Bushies are doing. Most TV commentators can literally be seen struggling for words to describe the trick. There is no struggle once you know the trick's name: Argument by Innuendo. I'd like to see the Bushies try to plausibly deny that they employ Argument by Innuendo, if all over the place people called it that when they saw it. -- Barry Schwartz Subj: Federal Marriage Amendment BuzzFlash, Clicking around the TV dial, I stopped by to listen to Jerry Falwell for 30 seconds, where I saw a banner asking for support for the "Federal Marriage Amendment," as he spoke of the necessity for one man, for one woman per lifetime. How unrealistic, and what a crock. Religion has no place in politics; and religious icons and politicians have no business legislating people's intimacy and personal lifestyles. The amendment being introduced by Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) is intrusive and intolerant:
Thanks again, Buzz, for nursing us through this long Neo-Con Hard Religious Right Nightmare. Kate, Boynton Beach Subj: Fire Sale in Iraq Just when I think I'm beyond shock, the Bushies manage to make my jaw drop again. I am absolutely flabbergasted that the U.S. has taken it upon itself to sell off Iraq to the highest foreign bidders. Shouldn't the Iraqis be the ones to decide if they want to have a free market economy? Whatever happened to that b.s. about Iraq's oil and resources belonging to the Iraqi people that Bush spouted last February? Why do I even bother to ask? A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: West Wing changes Buzz-- I read the article about "The West Wing" cast changes, new Republican slant and Martin Sheen's departure. I am disgusted. No more NBC for me until they stop blacklisting vocal Democrats. I wrote NBC and told them so and I hope others do as well. NBC needs to remember half the country voted Democratic in 2000 and those 50 million voters don't appreciate their attempts to silence vocal Democrats like Sheen. I'm blacklisting NBC until they repent and rehire Sheen. A BuzzFlash Reader (send email to nbcshows@nbc.com, TheWestWing@nbc.com) Thought you might be interested in a letter I sent to NBC concerning their West Wing show. Tom McComas
Subj: WE NOW PAY FOR THOSE LIES Dear BuzzFlash, George Bush should hang his head in shame and apologize profusely to the UN. He should apologize to the American people, and the world, for making the biggest blunder in recent history - following his so called Bush doctrine and starting what has turned out to be a costly and unnecessary war. THIS IS BUSH'S WAR. The UN did want want it, there were dire warnings from leaders across the world, but still the Bush administration decided to grab the tiger by it's tail, and now look at the mess WE are in, and the world that they ignored and defied now has to step up to the plate and clean up BUSH'S BIG MESS! I suppose George Bush is used to messing up and getting people to bail him out. It looks like his cowboy policies do not work anymore. The right thing to do is admit his failures and tell the UN he is sorry for causing all those hard feeling around the world. But then that is the right thing to do - the big question is WHEN HAS GEORGE BUSH EVER DONE THE RIGHT THING FOR OUR COUNTRY? A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Oil for Food Money Can someone please write an article that analyzes how the 'Oil for Food' money that was turned over to the 'Coalition Authority' (i.e. Bremer) has been spent. In light of Bush's request for an additional $87 billion from Congress, of which ~$20 billion is for reconstruction, and his request for international donors, one wonders what became of the ~$45 billion (or is my figure incorrect) that was handed over to the US authorities by the UN in the last resolution that gave the US coalition authority and responsibility as the occupier of Iraq. Ian Atkinson Subj: Weasel Words Dear BuzzFlash, You really have to listen carefully to the words that are used by the Bush administration. Very often they give the impression of meaning one thing, but when you parse them, their meaning is entirely different. For example, polls indicate that 70% of Americans were led to believe that Iraq was somehow connected to the 9-11 tragedy because the administration constantly mentioned Saddam’s support for “Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda-like”organizations. Yet last week for the first time both Condi Rice and President Bush stated publicly for the first time that there was no connection between Iraq and 9-11. In response to Senator Ted Kennedy’s charge last week that up to $1.5 billion dollars in expenditures in Iraq each month is unaccounted for and possibly being used to “bribe”other countries into aiding our forces in Iraq, our President said he regretted this level of “uncivil”discourse. Note that Bush did not deny the charge. Instead he turned it around so as to create the impression that Senator Kennedy did something wrong. By making this non-denial denial, the President is admitting that bribes were made. But his words give the casual listener the impression that the problem is Ted Kennedy’s lack of civility. I suggest that in the future all White House statements be parsed by a semanticist so we know what the hell the President is saying. Mark Salditch |
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