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September 29, 2003 |
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Subj: California Election Dear BuzzFlash, As a California voter I do not know what kind of voting machine I will be using in the upcoming election. Last November it was the punch card and I sent a letter to the ones in charge of voting machines in the state to procure ones with a paper trail. Unfortunately just the fact that they had to be enticed by voters to make the common sense purchase does not mean that it was done. If I find in October that the new machines do not have a paper trail I think that there should be printed on the internet a complaint to be given to those in charge at the time of voting. We know that the Republicans will do whatever they can to win and the easiest way it can be done is by rigging the machines. If you think this idea has merit please consider a possible remedy. Phyllis Pircher Subj: Bushies Hi, Buzz. The Bush administration's latest spin point on the Iraq quagmire is that "we're now fighting them over there instead of in our streets here." It seems to me the "terrorists" in Iraq can say the same thing; "Now we don't have to go to America to kill Americans, we can kill them right here." JohnW Subj: Sound Familiar? While reading the story in the Washington Post about this farmer I had a strange feeling I’d heard this somewhere else. Washington Post: Farmer's Explosive? A Bug Bomb At Trial, N.C. Man Blames Misunderstanding for Standoff on Mall During cross-examination, prosecutor Jay Bratt said Watson knew he was leading police on and was glad to get the full attention of the government that he felt had ignored him. "At no time did you say [to police], 'Hey, you don't need all these people. You're overreacting,' " Bratt told Watson. "Isn't it correct to say you were happy to let law enforcement assume the worst about what you had on the tractor?" Watson disagreed: "No, sir, I was not happy about that. I can't control what somebody's going to assume." Bratt played a portion of a videotaped interview after Watson surrendered, in which an FBI agent suggested to Watson that he wanted authorities to assume his tractor and trailer were loaded with explosives. Humm…this scenario sounds so familiar…Oh ya! During cross-examination, prosecutor Jay Bratt said “Bush”knew he was leading “the country”on and was glad to get the full attention of the “congress”that he felt “would ignore”him. "At no time did you say “[to the congress]”, 'Hey, you don't need all “this force”. You're overreacting,' " Bratt told Watson. "Isn't it correct to say you were happy to let “both the congress and the people”assume the worst about “Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction and a connection to 9-11?" “Bush”disagreed: "No, sir, I was not happy about that. I can't control what somebody's going to assume." Bratt played a portion of a videotaped interview after “Bush admitted that no weapons of mass destruction can be found in Iraq and that Saddum was NOT connected to 9-11”, in which an FBI agent suggested to “Bush”that he wanted authorities to assume “Iraq”loaded with “weapons of mass destruction and was connected to 9-11”. Cary Dilloway Subj: Voting Machine Fraud Dear BuzzFlash, I have been reading the articles on your site re how easy it will be for Bush to steal the next election because of computer voting. I am copying these articles to send to the Democratic secretary of state in my state to ask if he can assure me this won't happen in California. Please ask your readers across the nation to do the same. If the person in charge of elections in their state is a Republican they should send the articles to the highest elected Democratic official in their state. Keep up the good work. We have to stop Bush. Debbie Mills Subj: Incredible police state ordinance suggested for FTAA talks Police State Watch: Florida Officials Propose Authoritarian Ordinance to Prepare for FTAA Protests Wall Street Journal: "An ordinance would ban masks, puppets, padded clothing, bandanas or signs on sticks as the city braces for protests at mid-November talks for a Free Trade Area of the Americas; the rules would end when talks do. 'Looks like they're not even going to let us rabble rousers into the city,' grouses a veteran of Seattle riots at 1999 World Trade Organization summit. In the poll, 54% say free trade isn't worth jobs lost when U.S. companies send work abroad; 38% say trade means more jobs here." (LINK) Read NBC completely whitewashed version of the story (with ZERO reporting on what the ordinance actually bans) below. http://www.nbc6.net/nbc6specialreports/2511733/detail.html A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Daschle's betrayal Dear Buzz: Senate Democrats should call for Senator Tom Daschle's resignation as their party leader. Tom Daschle, has lost all sense of doing what's right. He shows no understanding of the party's ideology and has apparently loss his will to stand up for public safety. I speak of his cosponsorship to the NRA's gun manufacturer immunity bill, S. 659. One lesson painfully learned in the 2002 Election cycle was that nowadays no one is sure what Democrats stand for. Sadly, Senator Daschle's actions have only reinforced this perception. His actions will further divide the party and push folks like myself, who feels abandoned by those Democrats weak on the gun issue, into the Independent camp. No one should be leading the Democratic party when they're willing to sponsor pet projects for the NRA, the Republican party's #1 special interest group. Beth Martin Subj: Economy Dear Buzz, The morons in charge say that the economy is recovering, but all the people that I know under the age of 30 have either been laid off or have had to quit college to get a job to help out parents under a strain in this economy. Of my sons, one lost his job months ago and is not finding another and the other one has a hard time finding part-time jobs. The only people I know who are employed are over 50 with established careers. The damage this 'temporary' recession has done is long term in some lives. Most of these kids will not go back to pick up where they left off in college and the savings accounts drained will not be refilled by magic, so there is a chance that social security will be even more necessary in the long term. But the republicans had to do something because they saw full employment as a danger of rising wages and perhaps even a resurgence of unions in the workplace. I say this recession was planned and wanted by the big shots. A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Lie Night with David Letterman Buzz, Did you happen to catch Colin Powell on Letterman last night? Letterman? Does Powell have a movie opening this weekend or something? No one appears on the Late Show as a guest unless he/she has something to hock to the American public...Jewel and her inane collections of middle school love poems, Colin Farrell and his latest product placement--eerrrrrrrrr--action thriller...and Colin Powell with his "new release" of rationalizations on Iraq. Letterman, historically, is a tough interviewer. He often puts guests right on the spot with such hard hitting questions as, "Did you have a nice summer?" and "Didn't you just buy a house? How's that workin' out for ya'?" But last night Dave got a break. Powell essentially gave a "things are pretty good over there" speech. I'm reminded of the scene at the end of Animal House when all hell breaks loose during the big parade and Kevin Bacon is still yelling "ALL IS WELL!!!"...he eventually gets trampled and flattened by panicking citizens. Powell made remarks about standing up for what you believe in and about having the courage to go it alone...is this the same guy who stood up, calling his proposed Feb. 2003 speech to the UN "bullshit" and then turned around to give it anyway? Is this the same guy who had a problem with the trigger-happy yahoos at the Pentagon, yet stood by and allowed them to run roughshod over the White House during crucial pre-war planning? Powell even made a remark about P.T.A.s now forming in Iraqi schools as evidence of progress. P.T.A.s? What are they discussing at these P.T.A. meetings...duck and cover procedures? Candle making? The use of Letterman's show as an administration infomercial is nothing new...wasn't Ashcroft just on the Late Show? Was an audience even allowed to attend the taping of that? Was Paul Schafer removed as band leader that night because of his Canadian background and ambiguous sexuality? Was the Top Ten list temporarily changed to the Ten Commandments? All in all, the lines between politics and entertainment have been blurred for a while now...we all know that. But shows like Letterman's are not set up for political guests, talking policy...there's no equal time allotted. I wouldn't have a problem is Powell was there to talk about his dog or football. Without balance or debate and without a tough, informed host, these guys get a free pass at the public every time. What's next? Condoleezza Rice on Big Brother 5? Oh wait, she's already a permanent cast member of that whole "Big Brother thing". How about Rummy on Fear Factor? That's much better...he'd be a natural. Eric Jensen Subj: CNN <cnn@cnn.com>; Wolf Blitzer <wolf@cnn.com>; crossfire <crossfire@cnn.com>; Aaron Brown <newsnight@cnn.com>; insidepolitics@cnn.com <insidepolitics@cnn.com>; loudobbs@cnn.com <loudobbs@cnn.com>; Howie Kurtz <kurtzh@washpost.com>; wash post <letters@washpost.com>; Wash Post Ombudsman <ombudsman@washpost.com>; reliable sources <reliable@cnn.com> Subj: Hero's Welcome How come there has been no coverage of our brave soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our country? Surely they deserve more then being mentioned as a number on the news. They gave their lives for our freedom, and yet they return to America quietly in the dark of night. Their flag draped hero's coffins are hidden from the public view upon return to our native soil. Why has the media chose to ignore the return of these brave soldiers to Dover AFB? Surely they deserve better. Every brave soldier deserves the same consideration given to Princess Diana's death. Their memorial services are no less important than those from 9/11. Why does cable give more coverage to Laci than to a Lieutenant in the Army. Who were these brave men, where are they from, how did they come to join the Army? Their biographies are surely more newsworthy than Nicole Simpson's. Why have the media gatekeepers chosen to lock them out? Surely they deserve better. They paid an even higher price than Jessica Lynch, yet they receive far less praise in the media. Its a disgrace. Treat them like the heroes they are. This isn't about cable ratings it is about honor - the honor of our fallen heroes. Honor them and cover their memorials at Arlington and elsewhere. Cover their final return to American soil at Dover. Give them their due respect. thank you, stevie gardiner Subj: Repuglicans Dear BuzzFlash, Being relatively new to the net and even newer to your site, I applaud greatly your efforts to open the eyes of the American public and to openly support the views many of us have. And....hopefully our numbers will grow and grow and grow. Anyway....I notice the use of the word "Repuglicans", which is certainly quite good. However, would not the word "REPUGNANTCANS" be more appropriate??? It uses the ENTIRE word, leaving NO DOUBT in anyone's mind, EXCEPT the DUMBEST and the BRAINWASHED, of course. Just a thought! Keep up the good work and I hope to contribute something even though I am retired. "SEMPER DEMOCRATS (w/backbone!!) AND SEMPER DEMOCRACY!!!!! (I'm NOT a former Marine, but I just couldn't resist!!!) Florian Subj: BBC NEWS | Middle East | Saddam minister granted immunity Regarding the BBC story "Saddam minister granted immunity" (at LINK) Of course Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rice/Powell gave total immunity to Iraqi Defence Minister Sultan Hashim Ahmed, the head of Iraq's military. And if he'll just hint that Saddam had a baggie of Anthrax in his Old Navy cargo pants, or had mustard seeds and a gas lighter in his kitchen, Ahmed will be announced as the winner of the next Mega-Millions Lottery! Jack Ballinger BuzzFlash: The biggest irony regarding the Fly Boy aircraft carrier landing photo op is that it will be used against him in the election in so many creative ways. In fact, so many of his photo ops can be turned around to bite him right in the ass. Well, that's the risk you take when all you've got is imagery. I know what sign I'll be carrying if we finally get him out - "Mission Accomplished". Barbara in NYC Subj: Gonad The Magnificent Hi, BuzzFlash folk; I have only seen one movie by Arnold S. (spelling??). That was more than enough, thank you very much. The name of the movie was "Conan the Magnificent". I modified its name slightly to describe the main actor. This was many, many years ago-way before Gonad became political. Please feel free to use this name. I'm tired of "Governor Gang Bang". If you were to give credit to me for the use of this name, my wife, my mother, my siblings, and two out of three of my kids would be favorably impressed! Cheers, Malcolm
Drake Subj: The fraud The pResident is a strong misleader. Michael
Barry Subj: David Corn Great interview. You mention Hannah Arendt's banality of evil in connection with Nazi Germany and Hitler. As I recall she used it in connection with Adolph Eichmann, arguing that evil was not, as often portrayed, an act of comic-book-like villains or monsters. Instead evil comes on little cat feet, often merely banal and thoughtless, a radical, conscienceless evil, acts of very ordinary people who have children, dogs, a family life and hobbies. Evil follows orders. Mark Worden Subj: Read this link! http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030319-1.html It is the letter from Bush declaring that his intent to wage war in Iraq. He explicitly states that Iraq was linked to September 11, 2001. It absolutely refutes the backpeddling on the issue. Regards, Janice Manyak re: Reality Check in the Whitewash House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/06/20030605-1.html A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Regarding the September 25th interview with David Corn Dear BuzzFlash, Mr. Corn is obviously both well-informed and clear-thinking on the subject of the current administration in Washington. It appears to me that all that stands between him and a genuine vision of the truth is the lack of a belief in genuine evil, which is what we now have in our federal government. This does not come from a religious point of view; it is comes from my observation of the behavior of those who clearly want to do vast harm, not only for the obvious financial benefit to themselves, but for the sheer joy that some receive from the exercise of power, which, for those lacking in empathy, is most easily exercised by hurting others. Mr. Corn suggests that they believe that what they are doing is right and good. I suggest that the reality is that they do not care what is right, nor what is good. They are simply enjoying themselves, as would any good sadist in their positions. Podolphus Dismay Subj: Breaking Good News! Halla-freakin-lulla! This came across my email as a breaking news item! Could the media FINALLY be waking up? Karl Rove in jail for treason? Wouldn't that be the day! Maybe this administration is finally starting to self destruct...
Faron Thomason Re: Mission Accomplished: The Lie Dear Rosamond Great work! The Bush gang, "the Administration" and the powers that be - flood the information system with lies. (It's more like shoving the lies down our throats) They think (and history demonstrates) that if they flood the system, any alternative or TRUE view will be swamped. We have the freedom of speech (people in Britain don't even have it the way we do) If every one of US that is watching these criminals wrote an article like Rosamond's, we could record systematic lies of the powers that be. Maybe even turn things around, Thanks, Pete Lets see... Last week the Neo-fools stated that THEY never said Saddam and / or Iraq were involved in 9-11 This week, it was ...we never said "mission accomplished." My money is on next week, when they say "We never attacked Iraq... Saddam did it to make the USA look bad." Would it be too sick to laugh? Ardy Jay Subj: My Response to Paul Bedard's 'Mission accomplished': Bush brag or Demo fib? To whom it may concern: Below is the e-mail I sent to US News and World Report in response to Mr. Bedard's essay. Yes, Bush actually DID say the words 'mission accomplished ...and in the context of declaring victory. ( See below. ) * * * Dear Sir: In Mr. Bedard's article he says the following: "After weeks of Democratic assaults that President Bush was a nitwit for declaring "mission accomplished" in Iraq during his May 1 landing and victory speech on the USS Abraham Lincoln, the White House is bidding to set the story straight. The issue should be a simple one: Bush never uttered those words. " Mr. Bush may not have spoken those words on the deck of the Abraham Lincoln, but he did say them. Below is the partial text of a CNN story from June 5:
In light of this, it becomes rather difficult for me to believe that the words 'Mission Accomplished', under which President Bush stood while delivering his address on board the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, were meant as anything less than a declaration of victory. Certainly, they were intended as such in the speech he gave almost one month to the day afterwards. John Urie Subj: Bill O'Reilly's choice of words BuzzFlash, Day in and day out, Bill O'Reilly constantly refers to most non-FOX media (cable and print) as "the elite media", while deeming his own network as "the free media". Yet, FOX News is the highest-rated cable network. Isn't this like calling Wal-Mart "the free retailer" or Microsoft "the free software company"? Vishal Subj: Bush Iraqi Spending Insanity BuzzFlash, Iraqi spending versus US program cuts or equivalents: Spend: Iraq's foreign debt, now US responsibility: $200 billion Spend:
New curriculum for training Iraqi army: $164 million. Spend:
To import oil products to oil rich Iraq: $900 million Spend:
Computer study for the Iraqi postal service: $54 million Spend:
Build seven planned Iraqi communities: $100 million Spend:
Build two Iraqi prisons: $400 million Spend:
Monthly Operational costs Iraq: $4 billion Spend:
Each US F-117 fighter jet to bomb Iraq to smithereens: $1,120,000.
a Spend:
US total annual budget funding for National Endowment of the Arts: Tragically wasted: US GIs killed: Over 300. Maimed for life: Over 1,600. Suzanne
de Cornelia Subj: Even Freepers are worried about the jobs picture..... . It's pretty
remarkable to see Freepers running scared Keep up the fantastic work :) Jas Subj: Another insult to troops!!!! A friend in Bangor, Maine sent this letter from their daily paper. Karen Webb * * * Letter to editor in today's BDN...G
Subj: Revenge? or Spin Dear BuzzFlash,
A BuzzFlash Reader Subj: Another Lie I have just finished reading one of your articles that again details the numerous lies told by Bush. One thing that I have never heard mentioned though is before the attack when Bush said that it was going to be up to him to -hug- the family members who had lost loved ones in the 'war'. if there was to be one. I don't remember the quote exactly but the image I got from it was that he, Bush, was going to suffer as much as the true victims of this upcoming war. Where is the hugging? J. Michaels Subj: Congressional races BuzzFlash, It appears the worms have turned. Slowly but surely, they now realize that their ventriloquist and puppet act in the White House is no longer working. Cheney and the boys blew it. Now the Conservatives are afraid it will not only cost them the White House next year, but also affect the congressional races. Note how the right-minded columnists have been moving away from their earlier blanket endorsements of everything Bush. Some have even said "they" were wrong. Everyone from Drudge, to Novak, to even Safire are posting critical columns. They are even trying to distance themselves from Fox News. Imagine that. I say don't let them do it. Call them on their lack of professional ethics. If the media became willing mouthpieces for the Dark Side, it's their problem. Strongly question their motives at every turn. The real objective of next year's election: Go after the anti-American Republican Congress. They are the key. Trot out their Contract with America and show how it's failed. Go after each and every Republican congressmen on his own turf. Question everything they have voted on and make them defend their actions. People from all walks of life, as will as the Bill of Rights, have been hurt by their votes. They have been in control since 1993 -- it's time to take a inventory of their failed leadership. Bush has made them all vulnerable. If the Democratic presidential candidate refuses to debate Bush on the issues, he can only run on his miserable, failed record. Make the Republicans spend their multi-million dollar war chest to do it. Don't give him any free forums. Refuse to debate him. Instead, have our presidential candidate dog Bush's steps as he campaigns around the country. If he goes to Omaha, send our candidate to Omaha the next day to question what Bush said while he was there. Chase him around the country and make him appear to be running away from the truth...which he is. Take the opportunity to get in a jab at the local Republican congressmen as well. Everything is broken, and the independent and conservative Democratic voters know it. Just emphasize that the Republicans did it and only the Democrats can fix it. You don't even have to give details -- Karl Rove would only twist them if you do. Bush is the master of double speak -- so let him sing to his own choir. No one else is listening anymore. His $87 billion dollar speech was his downfall. You can't double speak $87 billion dollars. So go for the whole ball of wax this time -- the White House is only part of the picture. We have an opportunity to take back our Constitution from the the Dark Side, maybe our last chance. Don't blow it by concentrating on Bush. Go after those congressional seats. S. Harrington Subj: Joe and Wes Dear Buzz Flash, I found it odd yesterday that Senator Joe Lieberman would draw attention by his comments to Wes Clark's one time praising the current administration. It seems to me that very often by his votes in the senate that Joe has done the same thing. Of all the congressmen in the race for president none has been more apt to side with Dubya and the bully boys in the White House than Senator Joe. Some of these candidates voted reluctantly voted for the war and some voted against it, but Joe Lieberman beat the war drums just as loudly as Rumy and the neo-Cons. Joe is also among the most conservative men running and while a presidency by him would be preferable to Dubya's it would still be a highly conservative administration. As for Gen. Clark's praise of the current administration, I am glad that he is now a democrat, because like the prodigal son returning to his father, I think that he can a very good liberal. I was chairman of a small union local in the 1980's and during both Reagan elections I know many union members who voted for Reagan. Reagan himself was at one time a Roosevelt Democrat, who as he became wealthy became Ronnie the fascist gun in the west as Gov. of California. I would remind Joe that Gen. Clark as an impartial servant of whatever administration is in the white house has been forced by the demands of duty to serve equally both democrat and republican alike. Bill Clinton must have seen something about him he liked, or else he would not achieved the rank he did under the best President of the last century. I trust Clinton a hell of a lot more than I do Joe Lieberman. Steve Subj: Boston Globe Article Check out the article on the front page of the Boston Globe. It discusses how the Iraq council is pushing towards self-rule. Congress isn't too happy about the fact that Bush wants 87 Billion to rebuild Iraq but the Iraq council wants to normalize relations with Iran and Syria, buy electricity from them and join OPEC. As Rep. Markey comments in the article: the president wants an blank check for rebuilding Iraq and they in turn want to shake down the American consumer for higher gas prices. I think we should call this whole fiasco: "Smirks Folly". Donna Subj: Arizona poll on Bush thanks for posting the link to the Arizona Republic (azcentral.com) story on Bush having only 34% approval by AZ voters for a second term. I live in phoenix and I subscribe to the Repugnant. The morning I read that story, I knew it would show up on your site. I was going to submit it but someone beat me to it. You may be interested (but not surprised) to know that in the newspaper, it was printed waaaay in the middle of the back part of the A section. One would think that such a remarkable story would deserve a front-page mention of some sort, at least a more prominent mention than to be buried. Arizona is not as conservative as it once was but it is still a conservative state. In the last 55 years, only twice have Arizona's electoral votes gone to the Democrat: Truman in '48, and Clinton in '96 (and he nearly won it in '92. This galls the AZ GOP to no end!) Bush's chickenhawk, wrap-yourself-in-the-flag antics tend to play well here, usually. The GOP should be very, very worried that even generally conservative Arizonans don't think much of a second term for W. But, you know, this poll was rather inconvenient for the right-wing establishment here, so of course it gets buried. Keep up the good, no, GREAT work. Michael Fallai Subj: Lies, deception and betrayal; just another day in Bush's* America Dear BuzzFlash, Traditionally the US has left it up to its' enemies to unmask American Intelligence agents; but once again the Bush* Administration has foraged into new territory by doing this work for the likes of Al Qaeda, in deliberately revealing Valerie Palme's status as a CIA operative. Under normal circumstances this would be a stunning revelation- unfortunately for this misadministration, it's merely par for course. Like a passenger trapped on a runaway elevator, I am constantly amazed that our nation has yet to hit bottom with the Bush* White House. However I must confess that I was not very surprised when Ambassador Wilson identified Karl Rove as the lawbreaker who exposed a covert US agent- patriotism is clearly second place to partisanship in the Rove/Bush* political playbook. The CIA obviously believes a crime has been committed since they are turning the matter over to the Dept. of Justice, QED. The question now is, 'what's next'? Will Mitchell clear Nixon of wrongdoing? Oops, I meant- will Ashcroft clear the White House of revealing Palme's status? Interestingly enough Attorney General John Mitchell, the convicted Watergate felon who misused the DOJ to advance President Nixon, does offer some words of wisdom for today; at the start of the Nixon presidency he declared, ''Watch what we do, not what we say.'' Applying Mitchell's advice to the current administration, I have no doubts in predicting we'll all breathe easier when John Ashcroft eventually declares Karl Rove innocent, shortly before pronouncing the true culprit to be Bill Clinton. Skip Van
Hook Subj: trying to curtail non bid contracts AP News - from Tampa Bay Online
Isn't this shutting the barn door after the horse....... A BuzzFlash Reader Buzz, I was just thrilled, like everyone else, that General Clark was getting into the ring. But now I see that he is just another politician. Bush hides behind the American flag. Clark hides behind the word General. My straw the broke my confidence in him was when he had 1 minute to answer a simple question. Do you support the privatization of social security. All we got was blah blah blah. My vote goes to Dean or Kucinich or Braun. In that order. Michael
McNett Subj: BuzzFlash Postcards Just wanted to let you know what I did with the sixty Bush Lied postcards I ordered from Buzz. I took twenty five and went to my local Barnes and Noble. I quietly slipped them into the book jackets of books written by Coulter, O'Reilly, Savage, and Ingraham. I then took the rest to the Publix grocery store and put them into cases of Budweiser and other beer. I figured I would open the eyes of the NASCAR crowd. Sadly I have no more left, but on Monday when I get paid I will order another sixty. Thanks Buzz, Maria Subj: Tucker Carlson incident with FOX I'm surprised that nobody has picked up on the incident with Fox news and Tucker Carlson. As a joke, Carlson gave the phone number of Fox news for anyone that wanted to comment on something he said. Fox news retaliated by publishing Carlson's unlisted home phone and all the Right Wingers deluged Carlson's family threatening harm to him and his family. This was on Crossfire Thursday. Phil Morris, Ross, Ca. Subj: Joseph Wilson Dear BuzzFlash: Let me start off by saying that I am a huge fan of your site. You are an oasis in a media wasteland. I read your site daily. In typical media style, they have decided to release a major story on Saturday, once again. This story deserves to lead every local affiliate's broadcast and should be banner headlines on every newspaper in the land. There has to be relentless pressure applied to get this story to the public at large. What the "unnamed sources in the White House", which Joseph Wilson himself identified as Karl Rove in Seattle a few weeks ago, have done is nothing short of treason. This is far more serious than breaking into the Democratic headquarters or consensual sex with an intern. This could -- and probably has -- lead to the death of operatives in the field. This is why the National Agents' Identity Act was written. Relentless pressure must be applied to John Ashcroft and the Justice Department to pursue this charge. Since John Ashcroft is a shill and a pimp for the Bush Cabal, it should really call for a Special Prosecutor, had we not let the Act expire. (Big, big error... ) I know that BuzzFlash will do it's part in keeping the story in front if it's reader base. We need to widen the circle until Tom Brokaw and his ilk are telling the public about this heinous crime. I hope that there are enough high placed, career employees at CIA who will see this through. As we have seen, they can create a torrent of leaks that can overwhelm poor little Rovie when they want. This is the time. This is the issue. This is impeachable if Bush can be shown to have knowledge of it. Keep up the good work. Norbert Radtke Subj: Ahnuld As a liberal democrat I was fascinated by the California recall debate. Much to my chagrin, the one that I thought "won" the debate, hands down, was the conservative republican candidate, McClintock. He presented himself as a very sober campaigner; dignified, forthright, a person of very good character. Naturally I did not agree with his position on the issues that were discussed, but importantly, he presented himself as an honest man of conviction. Then, to my horror, I saw that the loud mouth right wing talk show hosts were willing to sacrifice him in order to "win" the election. Even if it meant backing a gang-banging, egomaniacal, womanizing movie actor. Which proves for all how really unscrupulous the loud mouths are. No wonder they love such adulterers as Newt, Hyde, and Dick Morris...such felons as Ollie, Admiral Pointy, and crazy Liddy. tsk tsk! Dorothy
Schreyer Subj: My letter to Senator McCain AND our newspaper Dear Senator McCain: I recently wrote you and asked you to endorse General Wesley Clark for President. I don't know if you have yet decided to do that, but I do think there is something I am sure you would want to do. For three years now, we have heard that it is unpatriotic to disagree with the president on any issue. I know you are not a man who buys into that rhetoric, and I appreciate that you do not pander to the right wing and that you have always given my views consideration, even though I am a Democrat. I have heard you say, however, that certain comments are inappropriate and perhaps even offensive. So, I am asking you to make a public statement and to come forward to honor General Wesley Clark in another way, if in fact you have not yet decided whether or not to endorse him. You made a statement saying that you found the Dixie Chicks' comments about Bush to be offensive, while supporting their right to voice those comments. Since you supported Bush by making that statement, surely you would show the same support for a true patriot, and a fellow veteran like General Wesley Clark. I think General Clark deserves the respect of having another veteran speak out publicly and say that it is sad and offensive for Limbaugh to smear him, even though it may be legal. General Clark went and faced danger in Viet Nam so that Rush Limbaugh could stay home on 4F status. Nothing in my entire life has ever made me so distraught as this irony. I have also encouraged people to get veterans that they know to go and tell Rush that he should be ashamed of himself. I know, Senator McCain, that you will be one of these. For silence is indeed consensus. Sincerely, Martisa Vignali Cc: Arizona Republic Subj: #1 Reason to Vote No on the Recall If the recall succeeds, the GOP scores the biggest win possible in subverting America's democratic system. Less than half the states have double-digit electoral votes. The only state even close to California's number is momma-packs-a-pistol Texas with 32 votes. California is the big prize: 54 electoral votes. It exceeds all the electoral votes combined in the blue-eyeshadow-Tony-home-perm-states that will all go to Dubya. If Ahnauld wins in California--Bush is handed 2004 on a golden platter. How long will it take the GOP to install programmable paperless Diebold voting machines throughout California? With its CEO already vowing he'll do anything to ensure a Bush win in 2004? Faster than you can say Florida yeehaw! Then two lunkheads will bookend the country and destroy western civilization as we know it. Vote god-please-if-there-is-any-mercy-I-beg-of-you No on the recall. Suzanne Subj: mailbag September 26, Shaun O Mac Hi Buzz, again - thank you for showing me, America and the whole world the decency of american people "How do you sleep at night?" Shaun O Mac asked Mr. Bush i remember this question. Mr. Bush was asked this question because he was proud to allow the most death penalties in America, AFAIK - called it justice and he "liked" to visit the "shows" and told us, that he slept very well after those "justified killings". I remember him laughing about a women, begging for her life and i shivered - he NEVER asked himself if some of those Americans he was proud to have "killed by justice" maybe are innocent? Wouldn't be only ONE innocent enough to haunt him in the night? And he NEVER asked why most of the killed are black? He killed (or better "let kill") without being aware that humans make mistakes? and it's only just for fun, even if he may have ordered to murder an innocent American? maybe for Mr. Bush there is no difference? Death penalty is death penalty, whether it is a criminal, an innocent victim or a brave soldier - independent of the reason or person? Maybe he thinks that soldiers are only "troops", not humans - like Steven Spielberg's army of anonymous computer-troops in Star Wars I? And maybe he is only the great general in front of a huge table, playing with little tin soldiers? Bevier PS: "It kills me when I hear of the continuing casualties and the sacrifice that's being made" (General Zinni, "Is Bush's War in Iraq A " Brain Fart") such words i would expect by the president - "it kills me when I hear of the sacrifice" sleep well, Mr. Bush - you called the soldiers "kids", remember? sleep well, my prince and dream of the "kids", hungry, lonesome, desperate, wounded, aware of being forced to kill innocent civilians, crying for dead friends these kids will come home, haunted by the dead children of Iraq - these kids never again will sleep very well but that doesn't matter, it's only their duty to sacrifice: don't worry, be happy, Mr. Bush Nix Nay on Iraqi Pay Paul "Lawrence of Arabia" Bremer compares his Iraqi plan to the 1948 US Marshall Plan that aided 16 European nations and 270 million people for $13 billion ($100 billion today) to reconstruct their own nations and revitalize their economies. In 6 months time the US is approaching $200 billion spending for 1 country, the size of California, with 26 million people. Iraqis yet have basic services despite a Niagara Falls of greenbacks. Halliburton and Bechtel are rebuilding the nation we rubble-ized, instead of Iraqi firms. US GIs are acting as human shields for their corporate works. US states are in the worst fiscal tailspin since WWII. Bush rejected $125 million for 1,300 US border inspectors, while sending a $150 million request to Congress for 5,300 Iraqi border inspectors. Bush fought $200 million for US first responders, and approved $290 million for Iraqi first responders. The list goes on ad nauseum. Americans need a Marshall Plan. To replace 3 million lost jobs, beef-up infrastructure, improve education and health care. $87 billion would wipe out all the states budget deficits. Bush should roll back the massive moola in tax cuts he gifted to the US's richest 2% of Americans to pay for the Iraqi occupation. Turn Iraq over to the UN. And bring our GIs home. Viceroy Bremer should skip the beguiling little silver cups of sherry, and hone up on his history. Suzanne
de Cornelia Subj: Saudi Arabia You should check out today's lead article in the LATimes. It's an eye-opening indictment of the Bushies' failure to stem the flow of money to Al Qaeda, and most particularly from Saudi Arabia. Why exactly did we spend billions to destroy Iraq while leaving effectively intact the network that financed Sept 11? As you would say, just asking. Michael Padnos Subj: Re: New York Times: The Failure To Find Iraqi Weapons From: "Chris" The New York Times says:
The conclusions were "based on the best intelligence available?" No they weren't. They were based on omissions and other purposeful distortions of the available intelligence. They were essentially fabrications and the Times should know that by now, if not prior to the war (when you and i clearly understood what was happening). Numerous reports and articles have made it clear that the administration created a pretext for war. David Corn's brief review (below) is one of many examples and doesn't cover all the lies and inconsistencies, such as Powell's and Rice's statements prior to 9/11 that Iraq posed no threat. The Times' editorial is simply face saving rhetoric. Chris
Subj: Winnowing the Field BuzzFlash, In choosing the Democratic nominee, more consideration should be placed on the candidate's accomplishments. As we have seen with George Bush, someone who has accomplished nothing in his own life can accomplish little or nothing for others when holding a position of power. Mr. Bush has failed in everything he has done in life and as President. Some feel that he is only a puppet of extreme ideologues, but that suggests that he is mostly manipulated and has little responsibility for his decisions. It is more the case though that his mind is completely closed to all but the narrowest of views. Past accomplishments would offer the best measure of nominating the best candidate and electing the best President. Wesley Clark is a 4-star General, a Rhodes scholar, first in his West Point class and earned a silver star. He has succeeded in everything he did and that bodes well for his potential as President. Governor Dean is also very accomplished. He is a physician and a former Governor. His success with an internet campaign to rise from obscurity is another indicator of success through accomplishment. The rest of the field is questionable. Richard Gephardt couldn't manage the legislative program of the most charismatic and popular Democratic President in modern times or hold onto House seats. John Kerry, Joe Lieberman, John Edwards and Bob Graham are the reason for Howard Dean's emergence. Democrats feel that they have no voice in this government. On the left there is Kucinich, Moseley-Braun and Sharpton. These are candidates whose views are closest to mine, but in these polarizing times, their ideas are no match for the corporate media onslaught and RNC money. The debates are entertaining but they are mostly fodder for the media's games. And the amount of money a candidate receives does not mean that the candidate is going to be a success in office. So, the candidate's accomplishments are the best measure to decide who would beat George Bush, as well as be a success as President. In my view only two of the candidates have passed this test so far - General Clark and Governor Dean. Bob McCabe Subj: Bush's News Conference I just happen to catch some of Bush's news conference held with Putin. This man that is occupying the White House is an embarrassment to our country. Bush looked scared, nervous and kept rolling his eyes when the Russian reporters were trying to ask their questions. He (Bush) also kept stating "one question at a time." I guess he has trouble keeping two questions in his mind. I don't know how anyone else feels but I am frustrated and embarrassed that he represents our country. We have got to get a solid Democrat who can beat this guy in 2004. Not only because he can't utter a complete sentence if it is not written on a card in front of him but how this country is slowly sinking under this administration. Keep up the good work, BuzzFlash, you are my source for news. Joyce Sheets Subj: Debates I watched the debates...with the, now, ten candidates. Was as usual, impressed with Dean...and for only ten days in....so impressed with Clark. Please, to the one on high, that they could team up and be prez and v.prez...in any order. And, you all, you know when Dean gets that perturbed look, he has a right...Gephardt and Lieberman and Kerry...are constantly using him for a punching bag...and he does not do that to them!..He has consistently said that they should hang together...if they want to beat George Bush .I am sick of the ones who try to slam him...just because of his polls. It makes them look jealous and like they would rather beat him down than Bush. Lieberman, of course, has always been Bush Lite, to me! After the debates, late at night...on c-span, they had a town meeting, an hour and half with just Wesley Clark. He is great...so smart...and is so humble that people are so happy with him. I hope so much...that the two best candidates get together and knock 'em dead!!! Shirley.............St.Louis Subj: Arnold's real problem Arnold's refusal to debate Gov Davis is very simple to understand. Like most weight lifters, I'm sure Arnold took his share of steroids. One of the side effects of excessive steroid use is that male gonads shrink. So it should be obvious that Arnold doesn't have the balls to debate Gov Davis! Regards, Bill Subj: Bush Lied and Our Sons and Daughters Died Hi, I would like to suggest that whenever possible the slogan be re-worded as
Please help make this as personal as it truly is for those unfortunate families who have lost a cherished member. Thanks, Joe Niederberber Subj: Who (Karl Rove) Outed Valerie Plame? Dear BuzzFlash, The burgeoning Karl Rove scandal will be an interesting test of whether Republicans feel that treason is a greater crime than extramarital oral sex. Jon Krampner |
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