Support BuzzFlash Get a copy of click image MORE BuzzFlash INTERVIEWS WORLD MEDIA WATCH P.M. CARPENTER MAUREEN FARRELL BARBARA'S DAILY BUZZ SOUTHERN STYLE CARTOONS THE ANGRY LIBERAL EDITORIALS CONTRIBUTORS MAILBAG PERSPECTIVES ANALYSIS NEWS ALERTS LINK ARCHIVES SEARCH ABOUT FAQ

Important Note: Because we can't always determine your intentions, we need to ask a favor of you when you send us email. If you DO NOT WANT YOUR EMAIL PUBLISHED in the Mailbag or in the Contributors section, please write "CONFIDENTIAL" in the Subject line or at the top of your email. That way we'll know it's just a comment to BuzzFlash. Additionally, if you submit a mailbag item and DO NOT WANT YOUR NAME associated with your submission, sign your email, "A BuzzFlash Reader." If you send email unsigned, we will post your name with your submission, or, if that's not available, your email name (not the full address, just what's on the left side of the email address). Please try and keep your word count under 400. We can only post a small percentage of what is sent to us. The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Thanks again for your email and your patience.

NOTE: There will be no BuzzFlash Mailbag on Friday, October 31st. The Mailbag will return on Monday, November 3rd. Hally Hoppoween!

Subj: Media Whoredom at its Finest

Dear BuzzFlash,

This missive from the LA Times is media whoredom at its finest.

"He [Bush] chided one reporter for posing a "trick question." He brusquely refused to entertain a question from another who had interrupted him. He teased a third by angling for a softball question by dangling a luncheon invitation as an incentive. He mocked one reporter for having "a face for radio," and complimented a nattily attired correspondent on his vest."

Bush insults the press whores, and they eat it up!

Yes, "It was a good afternoon for the American people."

Pardon me, I have to go vomit now.

Nancy

* * *

October 29, 2003
REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
Jocular Bush Keeps It Light for Most Part
At his first news conference in three months, the president makes a kind of peace with the press corps.
By Edwin Chen, Times Staff Writer

WASHINGTON ‹In the space of 48 minutes, on matters large and small, the many sides of George Walker Bush were on full display Tuesday as the president held his first news conference in nearly three months.

[LINK]

Subj: It's been 771 days since Bush said he'd catch Osama bin Laden 'Dead or Alive!'

President Bush used a Rose Garden news conference today to compare the suicide bombers plaguing troops in Iraq to the terrorists who attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, and said the United States is "not leaving" in the face of escalating casualties and chaos.

[LINK]

Bush twice compared the guerrilla assaults in Iraq, which have included bombings of United Nations and Red Cross headquarters, to the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

Against lightly overcast skies, Bush said the nation "must never forget the lessons of September the 11th."

White House needs to cooperate fully with Sept 11 panel [LINK]

Brian

Subj: Bush's disgusting smirk

I saw Bush on the news last evening telling reporters that we won't back down in Iraq.

That stupid SOB (Sorry Obnoxious Buffoon) can't talk about Iraq for 5 seconds without getting into the smirking, "Bring em On" posture that makes me want to regurgitate.

I'll never get over seeing him standing on the deck of that aircraft carrier wearing his inside out jock strap and strutting around like a mini-me Jessie Ventura. Just looking at Bush makes me sick.

Every time Bush tells reporters that we will not back down in Iraq I find myself screaming at him through the TV screen,saying "Why don't you go over there you sorry excuse for a human being? Why don't you walk among the Iraqi's never knowing which direction the next bullet, bomb, RPG is coming from? You pathetic AWOL sock puppet".

This guy has to go before I have a stroke. Impeach Bush NOW!!!!!!!

Carolyn

Re: Bob Barr Calls for Impeachment

I thank Jim P for reminding us of the depth of Republican hypocrisy when it comes to the conduct of the President. I hope others will follow his lead and make it clear how abundantly Bush has satisfied every standard they set for impeachment. Other of the House prosecutors made similar impassioned cries for justice that seemed like loopy ranting applied to Clinton, but fit Bush perfectly. I recently sent this reminder to Lindsey Graham about his remarks at the time:

"The president of the United States sets atop of the legal pyramid. If there's reasonable doubt about his ability to faithfully execute the laws of the land, our future would be better off if that individual is removed. And let me tell you where it all comes down to me. If you can go back and explain to your children and your constituents how you can be truthful and misleading at the same time, good luck."

Is there "reasonable doubt" enough for you about our current president? Has he been sufficiently misleading to meet your standards? I know, of course, that the above was really only empty political posturing --- but how, exactly, do you explain that to your children?

Albert Clark, NY

Subj: Article in The Hill online, "GOP unity is strained by attacks"

I read your article and found these comments by Senator Lott more than a little disturbing. This is a prime example of the Republican paradigm, which has no basis in the reality of the majority of the American people. Whether or not he meant what he said, Senator Lott should resign for saying it. He certainly doesn't represent the American ideals when he suggests genocide as a solution in Iraq. I hope this gets published in every major newspaper in the country so that people can see how insensitive Congress has become to humanitarian efforts while promoting military action. These are truly dark days in the annals of American history.

"Honestly, it's a little tougher than I thought it was going to be," Lott said. In a sign of frustration, he offered an unorthodox military solution: "If we have to, we just mow the whole place down, see what happens. You're dealing with insane suicide bombers who are killing our people, and we need to be very aggressive in taking them out."

Jeff Morgan
Rochester, MN

Subj: A Fresh Idea

Dear Buzz,

From the pictures on the Lincoln, and our President himself, I'd say we've now had Bannerflap explained to the best of his ability. The sailors wanted it, because everybody knows it's not a homecoming from war, however delayed, without a message-banner, like they'd all been watching too much Queer Eye on board. Would the White House have printed a banner for the sailors that said HUGE MISTAKE, or WELCOME FLAMING AWOL? The president also blamed the war-weary sailors for hanging the banner behind his podium, and admittedly they did, though Wingnut would have helped if he could have unsnapped the crotch harness on his parachute. Every time he raised up his arms, though, out came the tears. And Chris Matthews called him a war hero. I kid you not.

John Westermann, author of Exit Wounds, High Crimes, The Honor Farm, Sweet Deal, and Ladies Of The Night. http://www.johnwestermann.com

Subj: "JUST MOW THE WHOLE PLACE DOWN"....

Well, at least we can't complain anymore that the Republicans don't have a plan. Trent Lott on our problems in Iraq:

“Honestly, it’s a little tougher than I thought it was going to be,”Lott said. In a sign of frustration, he offered an unorthodox military solution: “If we have to, we just mow the whole place down, see what happens. You’re dealing with insane suicide bombers who are killing our people, and we need to be very aggressive in taking them out.”

Um, yeah, I guess that's a little bit unorthodox. That should really win the hearts and minds....

http://www.thehill.com/news/102903/gopunity.aspx

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: Crime rising from 1990s' record low

Crime across the USA continued to tick upward in 2002 for the second straight year after record lows in the 1990s, according to a new FBI report that cites increases in rapes, homicides and burglaries.

[LINK]

How can this possibly be happening during the reign of God's Own President, George W. Bush, The Most Moral Man (Besides Reagan) Who Ever Lived?

Try saying economy.

And what about the god-fearing, bible-spewing, law and order red states? The Bureau has statistics on ten categories of crime. Let's compare the rates per 100,000 population of conservative, traditionalist Texas and commie-liberal, morally decadent, New York State:

Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants:

[Overall] Crime Index:

New York: 2,803.7
Texas: 5,189.6

Violent Crime

New York: 496.0
Texas: 578.6

Property Crime

New York: 2,307.7
Texas: 4,611.0

Murder And Non-Negligent Manslaughter

New York: 4.7
Texas: 6.0

Forcible Rape

New York: 20.3
Texas: 39.1

Robbery

New York:191.3
Texas: 172.5

Aggravated Assault

New York: 279.7
Texas: 361.0

Burglary

New York: 400.4
Texas: 976.1

Larceny-Theft

New York: 1,660.1
Texas: 3,163.4

Motor Vehicle Theft

New York: 247.2
Texas: 471.4

Ten categories, and New York beats Texas in nine of them, in most cases handily. And Hillary Clinton's one of our senators! There must be a computer glitch somewhere....

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: curious minds want to know......

we saw arnold schwarzenegger tell tom brokaw that he would address all the sex harassment issues after the election. then right after the election when asked about it he called it OLD NEWS. we want to know what brokaw thought of that, it was kind of like a slap in the face to brokaw as well as the people of california.

shorty and coworkers in memphis

Deficit? What Deficit?

Reading the mailbag, I came across a submission that referred to an article last spring that really piqued my interest, considering that the U.S. is running the largest deficit in its history. I'm referring to:

Keepers of Bush image lift stagecraft to new heights
http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/05/16/nyt.bumiller/

Now if you read the article carefully -- well, you don't really have to read it carefully -- you will be utterly dumbfounded at the sheer waste of taxpayer money, which was, is, and forever will be spent just to make Dubya look his Texican best. To hell with fully funding No Child Left Behind. We will grovel at the steps of the U.N. and go begging around the world for money to rebuild Iraq after our "Shock and Awe" campaign. We will continue to cut back on afterschool programs for our children. We will not enact a worthwhile Medicare drug benefit so that our elders do not have to choose between buying food and buying necessary medicine. BUT we will always find the funds to ship monstrous lighting equipment across Europe just so Dubya can have his "moment" in the sun and other asinine wastes of good money. If he feels this is good use of scarce funds, It's no wonder all his companies went belly up!

I'm absolutely apoplectic!

Sharon Andrews

just saw schwarzenegger with ted kennedy giving a little speech. he always says his is not a republican governorship, it is a governorship for republicans, democrats and independents. so does that mean he will not be campaigning for bush in 2004? :):) just asking. maybe he will campaign for the democrat and bush. :):):)

karen massey

Here's a new name for Iraq, Massa's Oil Plantation.

Michael

Subj: 400 More Sick Soldiers Wait for Medical Care at Fort Knox, Kentucky

Friends,

This article describes 400 more sick soldiers waiting for treatment at Fort Knox follows on the heels of the story describing 633 wounded, ill, and injured US soldiers living in "squalor" at Fort Stewart. Paul.

First article Fort Stewart published on October 17, 2003: http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20031017-024617-1418r

Second article Fort Knox published on October 29, 2003: http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20031029-020609-6750r

Paul

Subj: Article from The American Prospect

I felt compelled to point out what Clinton said about Gore's honesty, when compared to Bush's claims of honesty.

The Clinton Formula [LINK]

"When I left office we had a 65 percent job approval, or something like that, so two-thirds of the people favored my policies. And that's why they attacked me personally so much, why they tried to attack Al Gore and make him look dishonest. And to say that compared to President Bush, and their backgrounds in public life, that Gore was dishonest was ludicrous. But they got away with it. "'

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: Calif fires Boxer's fault per GOP

Couple of GOP turds, Mary Bono and some other bozo just blamed Barbara Boxer for the Calif fires on Hardball.

Oct 29

VJ

Subj: A-Lott of Stupidity

My Dear Buzzers,

Regarding this quote <http://www.thehill.com/news/102903/gopunity.aspx from Trent Lott in today's online edition of "The Hill":

“Honestly, it’s a little tougher than I thought it was going to be,”Lott said. In a sign of frustration, he offered an unorthodox military solution: “If we have to, we just mow the whole place down, see what happens. You’re dealing with insane suicide bombers who are killing our people, and we need to be very aggressive in taking them out.”

What exactly is the difference between this and our March 2003 policy in Iraq?

Sincerely,

SAN

Dear BuzzFlash,

Thank you so much for your interviews with Tom Tomorrow and Bill Moyers. They are two outstanding individuals who are true patriots. Last night, I finally got to see/hear this O'reilly character on Charlie Rose. He is something else. One thing O'Reilly said, was that liberals were secularists and he was a traditionalist. He then used a really stupid scenario about when he attended a Doors concert. ?? Something about a guy lighting up a joint and a woman (who had her two kids with her) asking the guy to put it out. When the guy responded "f- you", well O'Reilly approached the guy and tells him to put it out or he would make him eat it. He then said something about his police friends not doing anything to him. He said this incident was an example of why marijuana shouldn't be legalized. Huh???? His rational is crazy alright. He did agree to come back on the show and debate George Clooney. We'll see. I will refuse to give him any more of my time. O'reilly, like many of these radicals are trying to put us in the with us or against us categories. You know - the you're a good person because you're a believer or you're a secularist who wants to get rid of God. They will use emotionally charged issues to get the religious righteous groups to dispel the democrats at every chance. This is really their only weapon as bush doesn't have a good record to run on. So they will make a big deal about God in the pledge, abortion, and homosexuality. I believe it could backfire because most Americans are not religious radicals. I have a hard time with these groups receiving our federal dollars for faith-based charities when they preach hate against anyone not believing as they do.

The religious groups, pharmaceutical companies,and oil-petro-chemical industry giants are bush's biggest supporters. That seems about right- the ones trying to dictate their morals on others or the ones controlling our prescription drug costs/policies and the ones controlling our energy policy. Not to mention, each of these groups has a vested interest in marijuana remaining illegal. So much for compassion, unless it's one of their own. Oh yes, the private prison industry is another supporter of bush.

We have a religious radical in our highest office and right now the world forgives the American citizens as they saw how he stole the presidency. If he is elected as president then it will show the world that we support his policies. We can expect more hate and possibly more attacks against the citizens of this country. Someone who says "bring em on" without any personal risk to himself is the biggest coward ever. They don't hate our freedoms- you idiot. They hate our government's foreign policies.

We must educate the masses and organize because our lives depend on it. Yet like you Shirley, I am still having difficulty with members of my own family. Keep the faith, because the powers that be are screwing up every day. Let's focus on the loss of life because of his failed war for power and oil. I am very worried about our concrete jungle version of Vietnam, not only since my brother is now there, but because our soldiers deserve better from their gov. and I don't see light at the end of this tunnel. The Iraqi people have suffered enough!!!!! Peace, love and perseverance -you beautiful and strong BuzzFlashers.

sdawn
San Marcos, Tx.

Re: "Mission Accomplished": Anatomy of a Deadly Lie

Thanks for this story and analysis. Here's a link to the official White House website that shows the April 24th 2003 "Jobs and Growth" banner more clearly: [LINK]

Keep up the good work.

Todd

Subj: Banner Lie

Noted on MWO:

Still, it's also impossible to agree with the banner that was draped near Mr. Bush on the carrier deck, proclaiming "Mission Accomplished." Aides say the slogan was chosen in part to mark a presidential turn toward domestic affairs as his campaign for reelection approaches.

[LINK]

Barry

Subj: Mission accomplished.....NOT!!!!!!!!!!

Too damned many lies are circulating every day about this stupid administration! How in the world are republicans not embarrassed to death!!??

I was irritated when Bill Clinton gave them a reason to impeach him...no, not at him, but, Jeeesh...by then I knew what they were...LEECHES!!!

This Mission Accomplished thing is getting downright silly! We need to print up new bumper stickers...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED....NOT!!!!!!

Then, everyone would at least know that we know...and we will use it!

We know that Bush "thinks" by now that he can get away with anything...and the only thing that scares me is...that he might! They are working on a way, folks to steal another election...watch my words...they are working on a way to leave no paper trail...we have one year to work fast....and make sure it does not happen!!

I am at the point now, where I would almost do anything to get this man out of office, I am on the edge!!!!!!!!! This bunch may act like they are not at all scared of Dean and Clark...or maybe Lieberman (whom I could not vote for)...or Gephardt...whom I would! But number one and two...are Dean and Clark! Now, I am quite sure they know that it is going to be harder this time...unless, they produce both Saddam and Osama...and that would not surprise me at all!

Very serious intelligent politics are like what I saw on c-span one night this week, and I stayed up until one A.M...had to get up for work the next day...but worth it!! Bill Clinton (it always warms my heart, to see all of the Kennedy Center..filled every seat...standing in reverence to this man, who the republicans bashed almost into the ground) -- he was, without a doubt, the most intelligent man ever to grace the office!

And, with him...Robert Dole...who are doing so much good in this world...with their efforts to help underprivileged children and the Aids work they do...it was so nice..and funny...I hadn't laughed like that for so long, especially with politicians!!

Just goes to show you, that Tom Delay cannot ruin the entire world...and I have heard enough people talk about the spectacle that was the Impeachment Mess, and the old gentlemen who marched into the senate chambers, with their stupid speeches....and half of it not true. I will never forget any of those men...I can name them all, given time..right now! Many of them were voted out of their offices that very same year....and I remember Phil Donahue saying in a discussion with Larry King, that it was the worst thing he had ever seen!

But, these idiotic republicans need to find someone who is smart, to begin with. Not Ahnold...he is another puppet!!!

Much money will now come from the Government..the same one who ruined Gray Davis....the Federal Gov't will bail them out...and Ahnold will deliver 54 electoral votes to Georgie in 2004, if the dems out there do not get rid of him first!

Well, we can always hope!!!!

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

Subj: CA Fires - where's the Nat. Guard?

Southern California is a disaster area Over 1600 homes have been destroyed. At least 16 lives have been lost. 10s of thousands evacuated.

Where are the National Guard?

In past fire emergencies the National Guard has played an important role. Where are they THIS time. Stuck in a no-win, never-shoulda-been sent illegal war instead of protecting lives and property at home. Write your congresscritters.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: Bush Sr. Speaks

Check this one out:

In his memoirs, "A World Transformed," written five years ago, George Bush, Senior, wrote the following :

"Trying to eliminate Saddam...would have incurred incalculable human and political costs. Apprehending him was probably impossible.... We would have been forced to occupy Baghdad and, in effect, rule Iraq.... there was no viable "exit strategy" we could see, violating another of our principles. Furthermore, we had been consciously trying to set a pattern for handling aggression in the post-Cold War world. Going in and occupying Iraq, thus unilaterally exceeding the United Nations' mandate, would have destroyed the precedent of international response to aggression that we hoped to establish. Had we gone the invasion route, the United States could conceivably still be an occupying power in a bitterly hostile land."

Mark

Subj: "I was the first"

In his press conference on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, Bush said "I was the first president to advocate a Palestinian state." But wasn't President Clinton the first president to advocate a Palestinian state? Bush has made this statement before, and no one has called him on it. Perhaps some sleuth could unearth a citation that would give credit where credit is due.

Bob Love
Bellevue, WA

Subj: Ronnie's Bio

I hadn't planned on viewing the CBS drama about Ronald Reagan since the guy's presidency was a joke. But since the neo-cons are trying to disparage it, I plan on telling many of my friends ( those who can stomach a rehashing of his presidency) to watch it !

Here's hoping that CBS won't be intimidated!!

Dee Turner
Atlanta

Subj: You've confused me

Dear BuzzFlash,

You've utterly puzzled me with your news headline for one article, "White House Lies." As a former journalist, I must inform you that for something to be news, it has to be distinctive or unusual. Because the Baby Bush White House lies every day (and probably even in its sleep), the fact that it is doing so again is no more newsworthy than "Rattlesnake Venom Found Harmful to Humans" or "Sun Expected to Rise in East, Set in West." If you do find that this White House has told the truth about something -- anything -- now, that would be news. I look forward to it, but I'm not holding my breath.

Jon Krampner

Subj: Zell Miller

Can Democrats please dump Zell Miller. This guy is a total hack for Bush. He claims to be a Democrat but that is barely in name only. He is unbelievable, today he said that he will endorse Bush for reelection. That is great news so maybe he should switch parties if Democrats are to liberal for him. Miller is a swine of the highest caliber and should be banned from all future DNC events.

Yan

How do you like the latest in Bush double speak? Now, if we want to know how well we're doing in Iraq, all we have to do is count the dead. The greater the number the more successful we are! This makes me look forward to the scrolling names at the end of the PBS News Hour.

A BuzzFlash Reader

* * *

Bush Says Attacks Are Reflection of U.S. Gains [LINK]

By Dana Milbank and Thomas E. Ricks

President Bush yesterday put the best face on a new surge of violence in Iraq as his top defense aides huddled to discuss additional ways of thwarting the anti-American rebellion there before it becomes more widespread.

The president, speaking after attacks on police stations and a Red Cross facility in Iraq killed at least 35 people, said such attacks should be seen as a sign of progress because they show the desperation of those who oppose the U.S.-led occupation.

Dear BuzzFlash

I just had a flash, while reading the Buzz!

Why not ask everyone to email BuzzFlash a picture of their anti Bush bumper sticker on their car, or a sign on their property, or whatever creative anti Bush message they dream up.

You could start a spot on "the site" and everyone could check its progress, growing daily in leaps and bounds, I'm sure.

Maybe create a contest or some other fun venue out of all the necessary vitriol, which we all know is going to escalate in the next 52 weeks.

It could be numbered, sort of a visual petition, "a signs across America" intent on ousting the bums.

Email a copy to the White House as well. The Autoresponder always thanks me, and tells me that Georgie boy likes to get my letters.

Pictures might display some of the humanity behind the faceless poll numbers, encouraging others to take some kind of a stand as well.

It could evolve into a place of humour, even joy, and hopefully bolster the spirits of the concerned citizens (or at least the BuzzFlash readers) of Planet earth in the coming....whatever is coming.

Does this sound a little too much like that old Jimmy Stewart Christmas movie where the good guys always win and the angel gets his wings?

I hope not, cause that's what I grew up thinking the USA really stands for-- the good guys always winning.

At 51 years old, I realize, and must admit, that its been quite a while since I felt that way about the USA - but - apparently ...it's still there in me.

R. Jackson

As I saw your article on Mr. Friedman and wrote a letter to the NY Times, I thought you might like to see this. Thanks for all the great articles.

On the bottom of his new article.

On Oct. 23, when I cited 900 wounded in action in Iraq, I was referring to the period since Mr. Bush declared major fighting over on May 1. I was still wrong. Pentagon data shows 1,059 U.S. soldiers wounded in action from May 1 to Oct. 22.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/30/opinion/30FRIE.html

A BuzzFlash Reader

Sent to Tom Daschle:

Subj: Zell Miller endorses Bush

This is what happens when you run a candidate solely for the purpose of having a Democrat win, when the person is a democrat in name only.

The only advantage is when you have a chance to organize the Senate, other than that a "psuedodemocrat" votes against you most of the time. And when he gets a chance, sells you out.

His support for Bush and his campaigning for Bush will quite likely cost you another Senate seat in Georgia. They may not even have to rig the voting machines, which they might have done to defeat Max Cleland.

Why not as a matter of principle and as a lesson to others read him out of the party. Rip the buttons off his three piece suit. Make him cross the aisle in disgrace for betraying the party and the nation. Boo him as he does so.

Robert E. Reynolds, Orange Park Fl

* * *

Mell Miller Endorses Bush [LINK]

The Democratic senator from Georgia comes out swinging for the president.

by Fred Barnes

10/29/2003 3:25:00 PM

Fred Barnes, executive editor

SENATOR ZELL MILLER OF GEORGIA, the nation's most prominent conservative Democrat, said today he will endorse President Bush for re-election in 2004 and campaign for him if Bush wishes him to. Miller said Bush is " the right man at the right time" to govern the country.

Subj: Ridicule this president and his crew.

As a good friend pointed out to me shortly after 9-11, the administration’s weakness is ridicule. Remember Ari Fleischer saying that we should watch what we say? Why is any question un-patriotic?

I believe that one of our most powerful weapons is to help others laugh at them. So I am suggesting that we follow Franken’s lead and bring these ‘jokes’into the common lexicon:

1) First off, as a few articles have suggested this is the ‘Backwards President’. I have been thinking for this for a while, and I think that nearly every thing the President and the Neo-Cons say is exactly the opposite of the truth. This is no big news, there are many books on the subject, but I think the full extent of this problem is yet documented (I don't think you can write books that long). Beyond the items documented in the books, EVERYTHING they say is the opposite of truth. Try it for a few days, listen to every word they say and look for spin. Here are some examples:

• There are WMDs! The WMDs don’t matter!
• I’m a uniter not a divider.
• The Liberal media.
• I will bring integrity back to the White House.
• They hate freedom, democracy and they are un-patriotic.
• Clear skies initiative, healthy forest initiative
• The bombing is proof that things are getting better! It is making them desperate.
• I really want to know who leaked the CIA agent’s name.
• I’m helping the 9-11 Commission.
• I support the troops.
• I am a fighter pilot.
• Mission accomplished.
• I’m the education president.
• Saddam is tied to 9-11.
• Tax cuts mostly go to the middle class. Tax cuts will stimulate the economy.

And many more…. As this site demonstrates!

2) Next comes his speaking voice. When he started public speaking, he had no speaking style. But now he has developed this intimate wooing voice. It is that same tone that a guilty husband uses to try to coax his reluctant wife to do something she doesn’t want to do.

It turns my stomach. It seems like he trying to seduce the country into believing his spin. It would be good fodder for a Saturday Night Live skit, if they were brave enough!

3) Lastly, lets turn “Fair and Balanced”into slang for what FOX really does! I am using it ironically while I roll my eyes. If enough of use it, we can get it into the public lexicon.

The more we ridicule them, the more people laugh about how nonsensical their statements, the less power they will have. And while arguments immediately bring up the defenses, joking is another way to speak the truth. So start telling those jokes!

Respectfully submitted,

The Gadfly
A BuzzFlash reader.

Subj: A more aggressive bumper sticker

Dear BuzzFlash,

Although I like your “Recall Bush”message, I think, unfortunately, that it is time to be a bit more aggressive and to the point. How about “Bush: He lied”or “He lied”: Bush”as bumper stickers. I know that this kind of message sinks to the level of the nasty opposition but that seems to be the times in which we are. After that, the message is true and direct in its public relations content. People need a stark, in their face message sometimes. If you had a sticker like that, I would pay $500.00 for one thousand of them and put them on telephone poles, etc. in a heartbeat. Think about it.

Stephen M. Potopa
Phoenixville, PA

Subj: NYT: US gov't. paying Halliburton "enormous sums" for gas - what a SURPRISE!

[LINK]

But the 87 billion going through... how much will Halliburton get of that? And how much will end up in our Vice President's pockets as "deferred payment"?

Has the US government become just another money making business for big business and (semi) elected officials?

There are more reasons to get rid of Bush than have ever existed in the history of the US, but the Democrats can't find any.... where is someone with a new and fresh political party???

A BuzzFlash Reader

Sent to letters@washpost.com:

Subj: Bush alludes to past drinking

Its not just drinking he alluded to as this quote from your story shows:

"You've got to understand that sometimes, and a lot of times, the best way to help the addict, a person who is stuck on drugs and alcohol, is to change their heart," Bush said......"See, if you change their heart, then they change their behavior. I know." [LINK]

He has been accused of using both drugs and alcohol. Isn't your decision to use "alludes to past drinking" a bit selective? After all he has refused to answer questions about drug use in the past. And here he alludes to "a person who is stuck on drugs and alcohol" not just alcohol. It sure sounds as though he is talking about himself, and for abusing both.

With his aides speaking so openly of his past heavy drinking and rowdiness is this some sort of attempt to preempt some story about to break?

One last point, Bush again is on another extended weekend away from the White House, all at great expense to the country.

When did Halloween become the "Halloween weekend"?

You guys seem to go out of your way to spin everything this man does to put it into the most favorable light.

Robert E. Reynolds, Orange Park, Fl

Subj: profiteering parallels to Vietnam

Brown and Root a subsidiary of Halliburton, got all of the construction contracts for Vietnam, about 1963, after JFK's assassination. Halliburton has Iraq contracts all sewn up. The Texas oil men are playing their same old game. Someone should write an article about it. I'm too sleepy.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: With the Upcoming Reagan Movie, Let's Counter Attack

As we all know there are those on the right that are highly critical of this movie being aired. Well tough you know what. Below is a link to contact, Mr. Leslie Moonvies the head of CBS as well as Mel Karmazin who is the COO of Viacom who owns CBS. Let us counter what the right has to say by voicing our own opinions. At this site, it also gives you letter writing tips to follow so that your voice is heard.

http://www.ruralstrategies.org/campaign/cbs.html

Please send this notice out to all groups that you are presently on as well as onto your private email lists. Let us fight for freedom of speech and expression!

Mary!

Buzz,

It’s a long one, but worth it. I thought you’d both enjoy if you haven’t seen this already...

While walking down the street one day, George "Dubya" Bush is shot by a disgruntled NRA member. His soul arrives in heaven and he is met by St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.

"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem: We seldom see a Republican around these parts, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in; I'm a believer," says Dubya.

"I'd like to just let you in, but I have orders from the Man Himself: He says you have to spend one day in Hell and one day in Heaven. Then you must choose where you'll live for eternity."

"But, I've already made up my mind; I want to be in Heaven."

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to an elevator and he goes down, down, down, all the way to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a lush golf course; the sun is shining in a cloudless sky, the temperature a perfect 72 degrees. In the distance is a beautiful clubhouse. Standing in front of it his dad...and thousands of other Republicans who had helped him out over the years...Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, Jerry Falwell.... The whole of the "Right" was there...everyone laughing...happy...casually but expensively dressed.

They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had getting rich at expense of the "suckers and peasants". They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. The Devil himself comes up to Bush with a frosty drink, "Have a Margarita and relax, Dubya!"

"Uh, I can't drink no more, I took a pledge," says Junior, dejectedly.

"This is Hell, son: you can drink and eat all you want and not worry, and it just gets better from there!"

Dubya takes the drink and finds himself liking the Devil, who he thinks is a really very friendly guy who tells funny jokes and pulls hilarious nasty pranks, kind of like a Yale Skull and Bones brother with real horns. They are having such a great time that, before he realizes it, it's time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves as Bush steps on the elevator and heads upward.

When the elevator door reopens, he is in Heaven again and St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit Heaven," the old man says, opening the gate.

So for 24 hours Bush is made to hang out with a bunch of honest, good-natured people who enjoy each other's company, talk about things other than money, and treat each other decently. Not a nasty prank or frat boy joke among them; no fancy country clubs and, while the food tastes great, it's not caviar or lobster. And these people are all poor, he doesn't see anybody he knows, and he isn't even treated like someone special! Worst of all, to Dubya, Jesus turns out to be some kind of Jewish hippie with his endless 'peace' and 'do unto others' jive.

"Whoa," he says uncomfortably to himself, "Pat Robertson never prepared me for this!"

The day done, St. Peter returns and says, "Well, then, you've spent a day in Hell and a day in Heaven. Now choose where you want to live for eternity."

With the 'Jeopardy' theme playing softly in the background, Dubya reflects for a minute, then answers: "Well, I would never have thought I'd say this -- I mean, Heaven has been delightful and all -- but I really think I belong in Hell with my friends."

So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down, all the way to Hell. The doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren scorched earth covered with garbage and toxic industrial waste, kind of like Houston. He is horrified to see all of his friends, dressed in rags and chained together, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. They are groaning and moaning in pain, faces and hands black with grime. The Devil comes over to Dubya and puts an arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand," stammers a shocked Dubya, "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a clubhouse and we ate lobster and caviar... drank booze. We screwed around and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and everybody looks miserable!"

The Devil looks at him, smiles slyly, and purrs, "Yesterday we were campaigning; today you voted for us."

Joey Martin, Chicago

Subj: 9-11 Column: Kean Mutiny

Dear Mr. Podhoretz:

I am writing to register my disgust and disdain for your Op-ed column railing against the release of documents pertaining to the World Trade Center disaster. For me and my family September 11th, 2001 started out as a tremendously sad day to begin with for that day was to be the funeral of my daughter who died several days earlier from breast cancer. Needless to say the family canceled her funeral due to the tragic events of that day and also because many family members were not able to get into New Jersey from New York. To offset my overwhelming grief and sadness about my daughter's death at the tender age of 27 I went to Ground Zero to help friends of mine that I grew up with in Jersey City, New Jersey and who are now working in various agencies of law enforcement and emergency service agencies rescue and comfort people at Liberty State Park, also in Jersey City. Since I am also a television cameraman for ABC-TV I was prompted to do double duty as a professional. I am also a Vietnam veteran as well Mr. Podhoretz and I can tell you that all of the time I spent in Vietnam "never" prepared me for the extent of what I witnessed on September 11th. You are way off base Mr. Podhoretz with excoriating Tom Kean. We, Americans, [all], need to get to the bottom of just what exactly happened and make abundantly sure that something like that never, ever happens again on American soil...period! Now, you, Mr. Podhoretz can use your bully pulpit at the New York Post to rant and rave on the Op-ed page all you want, that's your professional right and I suppose your duty as well. But it is "my" duty as a concerned American citizen to call you on it. You are wrong Podhoretz...get over it and let the truth be told whatever it might be and let the chips fall where they will! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Ron Gordon
Princeton, NJ

Subj: This is the definition of Stupid

Many more operations appear to be drawing more attacks. "That's our purpose out there," to "engage," the overall U.S. commander here, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, said.

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | 'Long, Hard Slog' Playing Out in Iraq

Steve Laudig
Honolulu, HI