October 14, 2003

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Subj: Bush's Cuban Wet Dream

What's Dubya/Rove's sudden interest in Cuba? Our 53rd state?

Let's see, the media need a diversion from the CIA outing, etc. Sell them winter junkets to the Caribbean to cover the new "coalition of the willing." That's Colombian drug lords and gun runners to you and me.

"Liberate" Cuba and insert some deposed South American dictator. Drain IMF money from Central and South America and launder it through offshore Cayman Island bank accounts...something Dubya's pals at Citigroup are so well versed in. Which has the added benefit of defaulting loans to collect those collateralized public resources, and US taxpayers pick up the tab. Trifecta!

Junior would pick up the ex-pat Cuban votes in Florida...which would resonate with the Hispanic vote in California and Texas. And hey, Cubans are already Christians...its that ungodly Satan Castro who keeps them from donating to Pat Robertson. Its all so perfect!

And what a Xmas thank-you for the corporate amigos. Disney, Citigroup, Wal-Mart would do cartwheels at the thought of a "free" Cuba. Imagine a monorail ride straight from Disney World into Havana! "Destination" luxury casino hotels on the beach! "Buena Vista Social Clubs" and Hemingway bars on every corner selling wild game burgers! Cubans needing new guns, new cars and Citigroup credit cards! And with reconstruction and hotel erection they'll have some dough.

Bush could wear a manly Hemingway-esque safari outfit for his "Mission Accomplished Part II" photo-op with the caption; "In Cuba, they call me Papa now." This project needs a name. How about "Operation Desperado?"

Suzanne, San Francisco


Subj: Rush Taking Personal Responsibility

From the Washington Post October, 2003:

Limbaugh, perhaps the most prominent conservative commentator on the air, said on his program that he began taking painkillers five or six years ago after unsuccessful spine surgery, which caused lingering pain in his back and neck. He said some of the news stories about him ``contain inaccuracies and distortions'' but that he could not elaborate for now. He closed by asking the audience ``for your prayers.''

From Interview at the American Century Championships July, 2003:

RUSH LIMBAUGH: You know, I've played the Bob Hope three times and the AT&T twice. It wasn't bad. It's just the game is mental. Once you've mastered the physical aspect, not mastered, but 90 percent of the game, all of the other things being equal is mental, and for some reason, I just was not able to execute my swing today.

And I think it had nothing to do with physical characteristics. There's nothing wrong with me. I think it's just for whatever reason, maybe I was tired, I have no idea what it was. And that's the thing that frustrates me about the game, I'll go play well two rounds, come out and do today and not really know why I did poorly. But that's what makes me an amateur.

RUSH LIMBAUGH: Now, is anybody surprised at that? That Bill Clinton would take 16 shots and record a 5, is that what it was? Now that shouldn't surprise -- the thing about golf and I know this is a cliche, and I've only been playing it, what, six years. I started in 1997. [Right after the unsuccessful surgery no doubt]The thing about golf, really, is you'll find out, at least I have, what people are all about and made of. You find out whether they quit. You'll find out whether they fudge or cheat. Any number of characteristics that people possess in their personalities will come out usually in 18 holes of golf, whether they have a temper, whether they have a controlled anger or whatever it is about them, you'll learn it.

Yeah, and you’ll find out whether their act of contrition is just so much more smoke being blown up your ass!

Turk


Subj: CNN Nails It

Breaking News: Bomb Blast in Baghdad kills 6, injures at least 10

I'm sorry but does anyone have CNN on in the background right now? They did something that is truly amazing, and I am sure all the rightwing blowhards will be turning purple and having conniptions tomorrow....

What they did is, they featured a "split screen" coverage. On one side of the screen they showed the spinmeisters from the Bush Administration talking about how great the schools are doing, how trade is improving, the electricity has been restored, etc etc, all the happy talk.

Meanwhile, while they're talking, on the OTHER side of the split is live coverage of the chaos...the sirens, the fires, the crowds in the street. Almost like a direct, visual refutation of everything these guys are saying!

If you saw it I am sure you will agree it was priceless.

Joanne G Murphy
Skokie, IL


"Administration sources said they believe that the officials who discussed Plame were not trying to expose her, but were using the information as a tool to try to persuade reporters to ignore Wilson. The officials wanted to convince the reporters that he had benefited from nepotism in being chosen for the mission."

This was the quote from the Washington Post story on the top of the webpage today. Isn't this the same thing as saying that Robert Hassen and Aldrich Ames weren't trying to give government secrets to foreign countries to harm the U.S. Instead, they were simply trying to earn an honest dime for their wife and kids? This is ridiculous.

Marc P. Taxay
Pittsburgh, PA


Subj: Bush reading?

Buzz,

In an article that you quoted to expose blatant pro-Bush propaganda by our military

http://www.markcrispinmiller.blogspot.com/

.....I respectfully ask you to support our president, even if you don't personally agree with him. I respect him for standing up in the face of adversity and making decisions based on what's important and not just popular.

I'm sure he's reading the papers, too, and realizes that his chances for re-election aren't good.....

This opinion from one of our serving military men stands in stark contradiction to previous reports [LINK]:

Bush said he insulates himself from the "opinions" that seep into news coverage by getting his news from his own aides. He said he scans headlines, but rarely reads news stories.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Bush* Admin Makes Soldiers in Iraq pay for R & R...

Incredible - simply beyond words.

Special Resort: Last month my son and other members of his unit had to turn down the opportunity to get away from combat for a couple days, because they did not feel it was right that they had to pay monies out of their pocket to stay at a special location established outside Mosul Iraq by the Army. To visit this so called resort, each member is required to pay a $75.00 deposit plus all meals consumed at this resort (3 day pass). As of today, my son and others are lucky to get 1 or 2 meals a week that are not defined as MRE's. And now we tell them that you need to pay the Army to get a couple days away from combat! [LINK]

Bradley


Subj: More on Banana Republicans

Republican Utopia:

1. Low taxes on the rich

2. Weak government except for the military

3. No regulation or restraint on businesses

4. Weak or non-existent labor unions

5. Little or no spending on social programs

6. No concern about shrinking middle class and gap between rich and poor.

There are probably a couple of more I haven't thought of, but this sounds more like our client states in Latin America than any place most of us would want to live.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Limbaugh

I personally, would love to know what lower back pain means to Limbaugh. I do not of course, believe anything the man says....but, recently, I was felled by a real bad accident, fractured my lower spine in two places. It took ten weeks to not just be in excruciating pain...and I was given by my Doctor a pain reliever (none of which Limbaugh took) that was supposedly non-narcotic. I was to take up to 8 each day, of course, they were expensive...and I do not have unlimited funds like Limbaugh.

But, it took all of the ten weeks to heal the fracture...then I am left with damaged vertebrae and Discs. Now, I am down to taking only two of them a day. These capsules....take a little longer to ease the pain...but they never messed with my head therefore, no addiction. The most frightening thing about the quotes from Limbaugh, to his housekeeper ...was...getting the 'Blue" ones...that those things, when you start taking them, you know you just cannot stop!

He will be excused for his addiction...and will return to the airwaves criticizing Ashley Wilkes (Wesley Clark) and Nakita Dean (Howard) as always with all the caustic meanness he has become known for...and his listeners will love him more than ever! While Dems cannot get by with anything....Swarzenegger hit on at least 16 women...and they excused him....Bill Bennett gambled away 8 Mil...while criticizing everyone on the left...and was excused (he didn't think it was anyone's business, while we were at one time paying his salary (the taxpayers) The fact remains that Bennett could have (if he had that kind of money to throw around) given it to any number of charities that are going broke now! Then Limbaugh...and his admitted addiction...will somehow get out of the legal thing, even though they have him on tape and e-mails. Screamed to the top of his lungs, about Bill Clinton, not inhaling one marijuana cigarette...and crucified Roger for his drug problems.

Can someone, anyone please explain to me how they do this stuff and no one gets on their case???? WHAT LIBERAL MEDIA, INDEED?????????

Shirley...........St. Louis


Subj: Your 2 stories about the HUGE protest in Lexington KY will embolden others to act

Hi Buzz,

Thanks again for posting the AP and Courier-Journal articles about the HUGE protest in Lexington Ky on 10/9. The organizers of this demonstration hoped for 400 people max, and that was a stretch in conservative horse-farm country of Lexington. We are still in awe about the size of the crowd, mix of people, and passionate outpouring of opposition to Bush, his war, and every aspect of his administration. It is my sincere hope that your posting these two articles about the 1,500 demonstrators in Lexington will embolden others across the country to take to the streets whenever and wherever Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld, Powell, Perle, Wolfowitz or any other administration official speaks. I hope people know they will meet others who are just as angry, frustrated, and scared about Bush's actions. Hopefully they will decide to join the massive protest in DC on October 25th. Best wishes to all and thanks again for your hard work.

Judy Munro-Leighton
Louisville, KY


Subj: Bush Administration defined and explained

A group of megalomaniacal, prevaricating sociopaths have sown shock and awe. They have reaped defiance and hatred.

Wes McKane


Subj: Why can't 'W' Read?

This morning, after reading Helen Thomas' online article (The)"President Should Get His News From Newspapers," I was amazed, disgusted and annoyed once again at the spoiled, little, rich kid who is governing our wonderful country. Throughout our rich history many of our most important debates have been held, not on TV, nor even by Congress, but in the black and white prose of newspapers, and now, I unhappily read that George W. Bush does not even partake in the panoply of ideas that most of us engage in daily. Upon reading this, I was many things, but sadly I wasn't surprised.

This article made it clear to me that no matter how many citizens rail against the evils of this White House--it simply won't matter--the news will never reach the one person that it is intended for. The Newspaper, at present is the only place that individuals can count on getting their letters printed, it is still, the most democratic of forums. However, reporters, individuals, citizens, each and every one of us could write the most insightful, damning or moving words to persuade our pea-brained president that his politics are destroying this country and now we know that they will never be read, by him, nor spoken aloud by his handlers. I just hope that the obvious isn't true and that Mr. Bush can actually read.

In any event, here is an idea. Each and every American should send in a copy, several copies if they so desire of their local, national, syndicated, tabloid, university, even high school and elementary newspapers to the White House. Make sure that that the important points are highlighted, underlined, include dictionaries if you are worried that the words are too big. Write, "please read this Mr. President," in crayon, so as not to scare him, perhaps this way he will read first hand that many of us are worried about the direction that he and his advisors are taking us. I doubt it, because I don't have faith that he cares about anyone but his elitist cadre of friends and business associates, but it might be worth a try.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Won't See This on the News

On the night of debates in Phoenix, AZ, in the Hyatt ballroom at the Clark post-debate rally, a group from the Albanian community here in Phoenix Arizona entered the ballroom, which was already packed. There was the hugest homemade sign I ever saw KOSOVA LOVES CLARK and another saying ALBANIANS FOR CLARK

They gave speeches about the lives that Clark spared, gave Clark a plaque, some broke down and cried, some yelled "We love you General Clark". They mobbed him.

I thought they would never let Clark and his wife out of that ballroom. Soon the whole room was shouting WE WANT CLARK. It was great.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Texas GOP

I saw something interesting on a message board about the texas gop party platform. It can be found here

 

 

The thing that jumped out at me was that every republican who ran for office had to read and initial each page, maybe you know a reporter who could find out if george bush or tom delay ever did that because it says some interesting things. It includes parts that are in direct opposition to current administration policies (the patriot act for one) and it is itself sometimes contradictory, at one point forbidding the forming of a constitutional convention to try to change the u.s. constitution and then later calling for the repeal of the 16th amendment. If there are copies signed by bush or delay someone could make some serious political hay out of it.

Brian


Subj: Dowd-praising Arnold today in BuzzFlash

Dear BuzzFlash,

Although I agree that Dowd's column makes little Dubya look foolish,(and what doesn't?). her comments on Arnold in that same column, A Tale of Two Fathers, make it unfit for BuzzFlash.

I am a Californian who is in mourning. My state has been hijacked by a gang banger. As I am sure you are aware, Dowd wrote a column last week excusing Arnold's assaults upon women. This week, in her star-struck way, she threw several compliments to her current idol, Arnold, into the piece you printed. Please read A Tale of Two Fathers again. Is it worth it to print this tripe just to get a little negative comment about Dubya? It's not to me, and I would submit that many Californians will find it offensive today.

Karen-


This from the story BuzzFlash bookmarked, "Suicide Bomber Kills 7 in Baghdad," [

] just look at the quotes of the American guards. And Later Bremer's response.

"'It was perfectly timed,' one American security guard said of the attack."

Perfectly Timed!? They blame Hussein's guys for this? During our two wars with them they seemed pretty incompetent to me. This sounds like the work of the other guy the Bush Admin. is unable to "hunt down." To me this sounds like a self fulfilled prophecy.

Anyone can, once again, point to the Bush Cartel's ability to link al-Qaida to the Iraqis, even if they have to do it their selves.

Just what type of inelegance are the bombers receiving to be able to perfectly time these attacks?

Another Quote:

"We knew things have been getting more dangerous, so we kept pushing the perimeter out and adding new barriers," the American guard said.

Strange; "getting more dangerous..." They must be in a different Iraq than the Bushies are making their daily comments about.

----------------------

Note Bremer's response:

L. Paul Bremer, the U.S. civil administrator for Iraq, pledged that American forces would "work with the Iraqi police to find those responsible and bring them to justice."

"find those responsible and bring them to justice" This is bizarre response I often hear the Bush Admin. say over and over after suicide attacks. What does this mean?

How far do you have to go to find the person responsible for a suicide bombing? And now that it has happened, what can possibly be done to bring that person to justice?

And, if they perhaps mean the persons they typically blame for inspiring these desperate acts (ben Ladin and/or Hussein), they really haven't had a good track record for accomplishing that goal.

Maybe, they could bring the real cause for the Iraqis current levels of despair to justice, starting with arresting themselves?

And, also!:

"... Bremer said in a statement issued shortly after the bombing... 'They will do anything, including taking the lives of innocent Iraqis, to draw attention away from the extraordinary progress made since liberation.' "

Now there's the kettle calling the pot black! And I find it really creepy, their use the word "progress."

Tony Romano
Austin, Texas


Subj: Rush goes free; Tommy Chong goes to jail for selling bongs

Rush Limbaugh will never be charged with the conspiracy to trafficking in controlled substance, meanwhile comedian Tommy Chong is spending 9 months in jail because of Ashcroft's "Operation Pipe Dream." Instead of jailing people for selling bongs, shouldn't Ashcroft be looking for the person at the White House who committed treason?!

Free Tommy Chong!!

A BuzzFlash Reader

* * *

He's taking one big hit [LINK]

Chong, who built a career on drug-based humor, begins serving a nine-month term for selling paraphernalia.


Subj: View from California

Dear Buzz,

I thought I would share my experiences as a poll worker in a heavily black precinct in Los Angeles. Nine of us worked from 6:30 AM until 9:30 PM in the small home of two of the poll workers. Over seven hundred people voted with us, which was very busy, although we had 2,100 on our rolls, unthinkable for the size of our polling place. We had older folks coming in with walkers, gangbangers, first time teenage voters, moms with babies and new citizens all waiting in the long lines. I was very moved by the efforts of our neighbors to exercise their rights as citizens, regardless of the results. We had funky punch card voting units two of which broke, had the stylus lodge in the machine preventing proper voting. Even with constant instruction to voters to check for hanging chads we had a small percentage of dimpled, hanging and pregnant chads.

As far as the outcome, I was shocked at the number of Democrats statewide who obviously voted for Schwarzenegger. As a long time BuzzFlash fan and committed lefty, I have to reluctantly point out that Davis and Bustamante ran idiotic campaigns. By tripling the car tax Davis lost lots of middle class, union members and low income working folks. My car tax just came and it was $440. Giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants was another divisive issue that lost him more votes than it gained him. If Davis had just resigned, Bustamante might have had a chance, but Bustamante was so wimpy and ineffectual most people just went for the movie star.

So what does it mean? If Schwarzenegger had been a Democrat the Repos would have blasted him for being a Hollywood elite, a Kennedy and a groper. I think the fact that the rabid Wingers embraced him is bad news for the right wing of the Repo Gang. Now that they've given their support to a Pro Life, gay rights gun control Republican maybe the party will move to the left. Bad news for Tom Delay and perhaps bad news for lefties like me because some Independents may go back to the Repos if they seem less insanely intolerant. Maybe good news for the country if that signals the death knell of the Jerry Falwell crowd. As a Californian I 'm sick about our environmental future with a Hummer-driving Governor. Smog fills Yosemite and is killing the Sequoias, ATVs roar across the desert Dunes and the back country is shrinking and ever more fragile. I just hope that Ted Kennedy can exert a strong influence on his nephew-in-law and we remain a kick-ass Democratic stronghold for 2004.

One last thought. I have voted on a Diebold touchscreen machine and they are bad news. I am telling everyone I know who is in a precinct that has touchscreen voting to vote ONLY with an absentee ballot. The only way we can thwart the theft of 2004 is to refuse to use the no-recount-possible, corruptible touchscreen units. I intend to register one thousand new voters before 2004 and I am giving each one a list of the lies of W, a description of the problems with Black Box voting and a warning to request an absentee ballot as early as possible. I am telling the Registrar of L.A. County to expect huge absentee requests and to be ready. Spread the word. Vote absentee if you want your vote to count.

Leslie Crabtree
Altadena, CA


Subj: He Was?

Buzz,

For years, when I could stomach it, I have monitored Rush. (The only way you can argue against an idea is to hear it first. You may remember my rebuttal of Rush's misrepresentation of NASA data on CO2 emissions that BuzzFlash graciously posted.) Of course, instead of ideas, what I usually heard was Rushbo's careful construction of straw men that he would then knock down. Then would come the parade of ditto dudes with their fawning, "Omigod, Rush, you're brilliant." Gag me.

Often -- so very often -- in the course of my "research," out of pure frustration, I would scream in the general direction of the radio, "Are you HIGH? ! ? ! ?" Little did I know...

Dave Paquette
Woonsocket, RI


Subj: Bush Energy Bill Repays Supporters

So, what is the cost to taxpayers of the Bush Administrations “thank you”to his core supporters, the Energy Bill? Is it $8 billion or $50 billion? This sounds a lot like Iraqi math all over again. Is it $2 billion, or is it $79 billion plus $87 billion plus likely another $50 billion? The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill's total cost to taxpayers, including lost revenue, would reach $40.3 billion through 2008 and $52.6 billion over the next decade. Naturally, Bush’s Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, is telling us the tax impact should not exceed $8 billion.

So please, someone tell us, which one it is? And while you are at it, tell us how we can afford to pay back all of Bush’s campaign donors at the same time. Under the cover of 9/11 this administration is dragging the average American to its own fiscal version of a rape room. Bush offerings include: sweetheart deals for contracts in Iraq, enormous tax breaks for energy industry friends, creation of lower cost jobs in other countries; offshore tax havens; and, a reduction of pollution compliance and costs to producers. The combined impact is lower tax revenues, higher deficits, and further environmental deterioration for most Americans. An extraordinarily high percentage of Americans are out of work, living below the poverty level, and are without health care than insurance. When is enough actually enough?

Barry Baker
Bethel, CT


Subj: Rush

The key value Rush delivers to Republicans is the link of Social conservatives to the insatiable "supply side" fiscal conservatives. I like to think that the gated communities that the top 1% live in are not restrictions on the Hollywood elite, the "pointy headed Eastern intellectuals", the "Femi Nazis", or the limousine liberals---they are more likely there to keep out hard working religiously based social conservatives than folks with similar social/financial pedigree. This breach in the coalition should be exploited. The Grover Norquists should be separated from the Pat Robertsons. GWB has been the beneficiary of this cynical alliance, lets split them.

Pat


Subj: Quick Thought

Buzz,

As I read an editorial today in the LATimes, this sentence jumped out at me:

" In addition, lawmakers moved to prevent national security advisor Condoleezza Rice, who is exempt from being required to testify before Congress, from administering the funds. "

I'll bet that the Iraq strategy re-org plan installing Rice as the team leader was at least partially made for this reason, namely, that unlike the embarrassing (to the W.H.) Congressional panel interviews with Rummy, Wolfowitz, Armitage, et al, RICE CAN'T BE CALLED TO TESTIFY AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.... if we start seeing the Pentagon and State Dept. reps shunting difficult questions from Congressional committees to Rice, that'll make me more convinced that my guess is correct.

Dave Dorsett


Subj: Iraqi 'terrorists'

Has anyone noticed that there doesn't seem to be any terrorists in Al Qaeda? No iraqis connected to 9-11. No reports of Iraqis in Afghanistan. No mention of Iraqis held at Guantanamo. You can bet big bucks that if there were any the administration would be making big noises about it.

The sad reality is that Saddam's Iraq was the most terrorist-proof nation in the Middle East. Islamism, the terrorist ideology was Saddam's major enemy and competitor in the Middle East. In one stroke, the Bush Administration has opened up another 25 million Arabs to terrorist propaganda and infiltration.

Dick Mulliken, Jefferson, N.Y.


Subj: Rush Coverage

Dear BuzzFlash,

This is going to come as a surprise even to me as I type it, but it must be said: Please be careful about attacking Rush too much. There are three reasons.

1) The overwhelming majority of dittoheads are simply not going to change their minds about their hero because of this. They are brainwashed, doe-eyed admirers of Rush and short of him being convicted of serial rape or murder, they are not going to abandon their man. In fact, over-attacking of him will only embolden Rush as well as his fans. They will be given even more ammunition to claim that "liberals" are "vicious" and love to practice the " politics of personal destruction." Bla bla bla.

2) The news about Rush runs the risk of sending more important stories to the sidelines (Plame outing, Iraq policy, slowing economy, prewar lies and distortion, and so on). Don't let the downfall of one fat bigoted loudmouth dominate the news, as tempting as it is.

3) Rush feeds on "controversy." As much as this revelation probably upsets him, it is far worse in his mind to simply be forgotten or to become boring and irrelevant. Keeping this alive as a news story will only enhance his stature.

Mind you, I believe it is important to follow this story closely. Very closely. And report the developments. But I caution against overeditorializing it. And believe me, this is not coming from a Rush apologist posing as a BuzzFlash reader. I would like nothing more than to get Rush on Meet the Press with a host of journalists and have Tim Russert read him his previous statements about druggies and lay into him relentlessly until Rush broke down in tears and quietly left his post behind the golden mic for good. But it would be a mistake to underestimate the rabid blindness of his fans and their willingness to turn this whole thing around on the "liberal media."

Ben Spiker
Raleigh, NC


Subj: Black Box Voting

BuzzFlash..

Last week I made a phone call to Plan Nine Publishing, which is publishing Bev Harris' 'Black Box Voting', in order to make a contribution. I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to David Allen, founder of Plan Nine.

Amazingly, Mr. Allen was kind enough to speak to me at length. His dedication, passion, and knowledge were obvious to me. I learned much more than I had known about a subject that, to me, is the most important issue we have today. Nothing else matters when your vote no longer counts. And believe, me, it's happening. Some of what I learned was shocking, even though I have been following this issue for a while now.

Knowing that Mr. Allen and Ms. Harris would provide 'Black Box Voting' on line, for free, should dispel any idea of profit concerns. That Diebold has shut them down and that the site continues to get hacked should tell you that they have someone's attention, and that someone is worried.

I was also surprised to learn that this is not even what I would call a small organization. On the contrary, the effort seems to be coming from just a few people.

I understand that there are still fertile areas to explore and discover.

THIS CAUSE IS EXTREMELY VITAL TO DEMOCRACY.

They ask a subscription donation of $1.95 per month. I'm not requesting that the readers here meet that. I'm asking that they far exceed it. Once the unaudited tabulation of our votes is in place, it's all over. Please support them.

Sincerely,

Jim Cloud


Subj: Suicide Study [LINK]

Dear BuzzFlash,

I don't know why they need a new study on this - all they need to do is look at the statistics & studies done on the Viet Nam vets. More Viet Nam Veterans committed suicide after they returned than home than in the population in general. (I don't have the numbers handy - but - it's a significant amount) Part of the problem is that these soldiers know we are not fighting the good fight, that this is not a just war & they know it. Our military are trained to fight but they need to believe in the cause, the cause needs to be a just cause. It is quite apparent now that Bush lied - to the average citizen, to Congress & even to the military. This was not a just war. It was a war to boost Bush's political ambitions & many soldiers can not accept this nor should they be expected to. Our leaders should not have put them in this situation. We send them to other countries to kill people, which they are trained to do but the human mind has to be conditioned to accept this & part of that acceptance is that the war is just, that our country's future is at stake - us or them. The facts just don't support this view, so it's no wonder these soldiers are having mental problems. What I am surprised about is how much faster than Viet Nam this is happening.

We are headed for some serious fall out in the next year or two regarding the soldiers who are serving/have served in Iraq this time. Not only with PTSD but the depleted uranium issue & all of this will be happening at the same time Bush funding cuts hit he VA medical system.

My husband is a Viet Nam veteran who has PTSD - this is not something I would wish on anyone. It not only affects the veteran but his whole family.

Linda


Subj: 3 reasons why Bush will get 2nd term

No matter how many votes there are against him, there now are three reasons Bush is set to get a second term:

1. Diebold Election Systems--no paper audit trail

2. Election Systems & Software, Inc.--no paper audit trail

3. Sequoia Voting Systems, Inc.--no paper audit trail

The above Republican-run companies furnish and maintain 80% of the US voting machines. No recount, no audit, no recourse.

Unless you want Bush "Rangers" to tally the 2004 election, SUPPORT HR 2239 now and DEMAND that it be made into law.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Junkie Affects Nation-Media Ducking

One junkie, Rush Limbaugh, with an open microphone has unprecedented influence and power over the political discourse of this nation and major media outlets talk only about his unfortunate drug problem. Well this is one drug problem that affects millions!

Hey major media cowards I bet you’re all too scared to do this:

1) Introduce Limbaugh to your very large and diverse audience through his own words.

2) Engage people from left and right who understand "El Rushbo's" brand of Conservatism. There is no shortage of solid information about Rush.

3) Report on Limbaugh’s very strong ties to extremely prominent members of the GOP.

A junkie with 20 million listeners. Many of those 20 million believing and trusting in Rush Limbaugh the man, the icon, the junkie. Limbaugh listeners vote 3-1 GOP. He's hummmming along, but he delivers.

Those numbers dictate the probability that violence on prominent media people could possibly occur. Years of Rush’s influential misinforming and demonizing of the "liberal media" has likely captured some extremists. Major media just doesn't have the courage to fight off the volume of attacks, both figuratively and possibly literally, that would occur should they reveal and attack Limbaugh’s hate filled world.

FEAR will muzzle the incredibly huge and important story of an ambitious, wealthy and powerful Right-Wing junkie, whose stoned daily monolog affects our Nation.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Rev. Robertson Hanging By a Thread?

Dear BuzzFlash:

The author of this article asks if Robertson has access to materials and can make a nuclear device. However, far-right preachers like Robertson usually don't do the dirty work themselves. Instead, their rhetoric incites their followers so that one of the followers does the dirty work for them. For instance, the preachers rail against abortion, but it is usually their followers who obtain guns and explosives and kill doctors who perform abortions and bomb women's clinics. In this case, where Robertson says he wishes he had a nuclear device, perhaps one of his followers will actually decide to do the deed.

R. M. Johnson


Subj: Link about High Rate of Suicides

So, the military wants to know why so many soldiers are killing themselves. How about because they are fighting in a long-term, futile effort created by the Bush Administration? This article indicates almost 500 soldiers have been sent home due to mental health issues. The situation in Iraq must be terrible...[LINK]

Ben


Subj: Can anybody say...quid pro quo?

Dear Buzz,

It's no wonder why Jay Leno, multi-millionaire, whined about the tripling of California's vehicle tax, he owns a huge car and motorcycle collection. Instead of contributing money (not needed) for Arrnuld's recall campaign, Jay Leno did something better. He used his show to become a propaganda shill for Arnie! Priceless! And highly effective too. Can anybody say...quid pro quo?

Nancy Lynn Nagy (TN)


Subj: Taking cues re: Limbaugh

BuzzFlash:

Is it possible that Rush "in Limbo" will change after this current episode? Did Dubya change after it was revealed that he was a drunk? Nope! He only got worse. I'm taking my cue from Dean in Wautoma,Wis.....regarding Limbaugh. Rush has never shown any sympathy for anyone who wasn't a fellow right-wing,neo-con,nut case. Therefore I am sending a letter to the local paper to ask why this hillbilly heroin addict isn't headed to jail instead of hiding out at a rehab ( and who's to prove that he has actually gone to one ?). I've never bought The National Enquirer, but I did today.

Dee Turner
Atlanta


Subj: Ronald Reagan on Valerie Plame

"Whether you work in Langley or a faraway nation, whether your tasks are in operations or analysis sections, it is upon your intellect and integrity, your wit and intuition that the fate of freedom rests for millions of your countrymen and for many millions more all around the globe. You are the trip-wire across which the forces of repression and tyranny must stumble in their quest for global domination. You, the men and women of the CIA, are the eyes and ears of the free world." [LINK]

-- Ronald Reagan, June 23, 1982, Signing the Intelligence Identities Protection Act

Wyeth


Subj: CNN's Miles O'Brien asks "WHO CARES?"

CNN's LIVE FROM...

Democratic Debate

Aired October 10, 2003 - 14:06 ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Well, before they can get at President Bush, the Democrats have to duke it out amongst themselves, and duke it they did last night. Who won, who lost, and I suppose I could ask who cares, but CNN's senior political analyst Bill Schneider certainly does.

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST: I care.

O'BRIEN: Bill Schneider cares deeply.

-----------------------

WELL, SINCE THE REPUBLICANS ARE DESTROYING JOBS, WAGES, BENEFITS, HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, TRANSPORTATION, ENVIRONMENT, BUDGETS, COUNTRIES, PEACE, ETC. -------------- I CARE.

KEITH GORDON ARROYO GRANDE, CA


Subj: Pic of Bush portrayed as a Byzantine era Saint--For Real!

Dear Buzz,

Bush Rejects Criticism Over Iraq Policy [LINK]

Here we go again with the digitally enhanced picture portraying Bush as a Christian Saint immortalized in Byzantine era art!

This picture below was used in the above article. I hope it is still there when you check the link so you can see it for yourself. If not here it is below:

This is a joke, isn't it!!!! ?? Check out this pic of W. and then look at the Saint portrayed in the Byzantine artwork in the background of this email! The only difference between the "real" Saint at the bottom and the phony Saint, GW Bush, is the "real" Saint has no smirk! And rightly so!

His halo is a little off center too...hmmm. What does that tell you?

Nancy Lynn Nagy (TN)


Subj: Is Bush Co. saving Saddam for the election.

I wonder if Bush Co. is waiting to take down Saddam when needed to help win the election (????)

B. L. Blankenship.....


President Missing-in-Action From Wounded Bedsides

"Annoyed by what he calls the 'filter' of media reporting, President Bush will seek to bypass it today to make his case on Iraq." [LINK]

President Bush has a habit of bypassing a lot of things -- but as a veteran and an American -- the most interesting that he is bypassing are the bedsides of his wounded troops. I searched Google to find reports of the President and Vice President visiting our returning wounded soldiers -- guess what? Weren't any! I would think the "Aviator" would want to share experiences with those he leads and inspires as the Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces. Too busy bypassing those "pesky filters?" The UK had a ceremony to honor their dead as a result of Iraqi Freedom. Why hasn't the White House organized one for the US dead and wounded? Too busy working on that "pesky RNC Convention" near Ground Zero?

Or could it be that the wounded are spilling over into hotels that neither George W. Bush or Dick Cheney would be "caught-dead-in" -- forgive the pun...

Iraq War Casualties Overflow Walter Reed Hospital

Washington Times, August 4, 2003

Officials at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are referring some outpatients to nearby hotels because casualties from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have overloaded the hospital's convalescence facility.

"We have an informal agreement with any number of hotels in the area. If we come to this point, they will take [patients] for us," said Walter Reed spokesman Jim Stueve. "They're very supportive and cooperative when we need that assistance." Mr. Stueve could not specify how many soldiers are in hotels, but said Walter Reed is referring about 20 patients or their relatives to hotels each day.

Or it could be that the heavy weight of the halo (http://www.ap.org/) he bares in carrying out his divine neo-con mission leaves him little time to commune with us mere mortals.

In all fairness, he did visit a memorial to POLAND's soldiers in June 2001; an American cemetery on Omaha Beach in May 2002; and lastly, wounded American troops on January 17, 2003; wounded at on April 11, 2003 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda; and a visit on September 11, 2003 to Walter Reed -- the last two visits are not listed on his White House web site and occurred without the media in attendance.

Gee... on March 19, 2003, Iraqi Freedom, President Bush's (43s) war was launched. Since then, there have been large numbers of casualties (more than 41s Gulf War), both killed and wounded. As of October 10, the U.S. death toll stands at 305 men and women—166 since George W. Bush landed on an aircraft carrier wearing a military flight suit to proclaim that the primary conflict was over (May 1, 2003) and that "the United States and our allies have prevailed." Estimates stand with over 1,000 US troops evacuated from Iraq -- March to early October -- classified as "wounded." [LINK]

Why hasn't George W. Bush, a self-proclaimed military aviator and soldier, been to visit his wounded troops only once since he stood on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln and why on September 11, 2003 having now admitted that no connection exists between the attack on the Trade Towers on that day in 2001 and Saddam, or Saddam and Al-Queda? Could it be that he would have to admit that the WMDs he sent them defend their country against did not exist?

Avid BuzzFlash Readers,

Amanda Lang

"We've gone from the "coalition of the willing" to the "coalition of the billing" -- ching, ching -- $87 billion please!

Tom Lang


Subj: Lynn Samuels' Show on Sirius Left

Dear BuzzFlash readers,

Rush Limbaugh may be in junkie rehab on his lawyers' counsel, but the bigger news is that the Legendary Lynn Samuels - and her sexy NYC accented liberal voice that will not quit - has a new talk show on "Sirius Left". It airs live on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Listen in your car or over the internet. Check out Lynn's website (www.lynnsamuels.com) for more information, or go to Sirius' homepage.

Luv and peace,

David McCarthy
New York City


Subj: Iraq and White House Whitewash

I am very dismayed that the White House and Vice President Cheney would use scare tactics such as Mr. Cheney did in the speech he gave today, reported thus on CNN's website: "WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Vice President Dick Cheney said Friday that terrorists are "doing everything they can" to get weapons of mass destruction that could kill hundreds of thousands of Americans "in a single day of horror.""

Your administration has tried to whitewash the real reasons we ventured into Iraq, and is now attempting to whitewash the repercussions of your poor planning there. Further, you've done nothing to address the true, imminent threat of terrorism by Al Qaeda in Afghanistan -- where the Taliban is again on the move, and our servicemen and women are sitting ducks because you never provided the numbers or support they need to get the job done! Bin Laden is still on the loose, thanks to you. And to use such scare tactics as you have done to quash resistance to your Iraq policies is what is truly "reckless in the extreme" -- beyond that it is cowardly, terrorism of the WORST kind -- against your own citizens -- and will not work. Further, your blatant efforts to profit financially from your foreign policies -- and to help your cronies at Halliburton profit (what happened to the free market there?) -- is offensive. If anyone should be recalled, it is the entire Bush administration. I'm ashamed that you represent our country -- and you should be ashamed, as well.

Jennifer Doyle
West Roxbury, MA


Subj: Iraq Surveys

I know you’ve heard the latest drivel about the Iraqi “survey”saying they want Americans to stay there. Not sure if you saw it but when Wolfowitz was asked by congress who was sponsoring these surveys he reluctantly admitted it was “probably”the American Enterprise Institute. Sure I don’t have to tell you about those guys. I have not heard this information ANYWHERE other than when Wolfie testified. Just thought maybe you could do something with this info somehow. Infotainment networks are spouting this incessantly today.

Keep up the fight,

Larry Parker


Subj: Howie Defends Rush Against Hypocrisy and Praises Right-wing "Ideals"

Fairfax, Va.: Howard, The question of fairness in re Rush Limbaugh: I guess the counter to that would be, would Rush attack someone under similar circumstances? And the answer to that is, fair or not, you bet he would. Has. So where does that leave us?

Howard Kurtz: That leaves you in the situation of deciding whether to employ the same tactics you see as unfair when Limbaugh uses them. I'm certainly not saying Rush should be beyond criticism here. He kept this secret while lecturing others on morality. But a certain gleefulness in kicking a man when he's down is not an attractive quality.

Click here: Media Backtalk (washingtonpost.com)

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Bin Laden's Son Plays Key Role in Al-Qaeda

Dear Buzz,

Quote: Saad bin Laden, one of Osama bin Laden's oldest sons, has emerged in recent months as part of the upper echelon of the al Qaeda network, a small group of leaders that is managing the terrorist organization from Iran, according to U.S., European and Arab officials. ... Kenneth Katzman, a terrorism analyst for the Congressional Research Service, said Saad "is touted as his father's stand-in. Because his father is incommunicado, a lot of people are looking to Saad to give them direct instructions."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21484-2003Oct13.html

Not good. More fuel for bush's holy fire.

Regards,

Elaine
? 9/11 ?

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