 |
||||||
|
March 12, 2004 |
||||||
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. If your letter includes hypertext links, please include the entire URL. 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.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Here's where the Bush tax cuts went and why they didn't produce jobs:
Generated by www.freelunch.com (a source for free economic information tables and charts. registration required.) These attachments are graphs of corporate profits. These are simple quarter to quarter differences. The tax breaks made corporate profits soar to record levels. These were of course pocketed as bonuses and dividends -- not used to create jobs as there's no consumer demand out there. A BuzzFlash Reader ++Paul Farmer, Aide Worker: Bush used aide as political tool in Haiti On BBC Farmer, who's been a medical aide worker in Haiti for the past 20 years said that the medical situation is catastrophic, and blames the Bushes for using it as a tool against Aristide. He also said that Aristide had finally established a course for teaching doctors who did NOT speak French or English, students that were not accepted anywhere, and they had been taught by Cubans. As soon as the US came in, the CLOSED this school, where there were over 250 doctors in training. The US ambassador to Haiti is spinning the Aristide story (not really well, his ego seems to get in the way) saying that Aristide was taken out to for his own security, that they didn't "convince" him to leave, they just "talked" to him, and they are VERY disappointed that he's now saying they kidnapped him.... A BuzzFlash Reader ++Scalia Hey BuzzFlash, How about a semi-regular feature: “Where’s Scalia?” I’d love to see periodic updates on what groups he’s speaking to and what folks he’s partying/vacationing with…before he goes home and has his clerks write his opinions. Or are John Ashcroft and Dick Cheney writing them all now? You could ask BuzzFlash readers to send in their notes (sightings). Jane Allen Hi! Very interesting link to the article re: Dennis Miller's having to pay people to be in his audience. It struck a chord of recognition with me--I remembered that they had to do the same thing with the "Dr." Laura show. Her show didn't last too long either. I did a search and found this archived article: http://www.tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/2980 and have "cut &pasted" said article below. Liz Taylor * * *
BuzzFlash, As an activist of sorts, I get so disappointed because I have to send e-mails to Senator Hutchison and Senator Cornyn, who will never face the true facts regarding Iraq. This letter is an example of the propaganda that these Senators keep throwing out to the public. It makes me sick. Just wanted you to see this letter. People need to be aware that we have no representation in today's government. The joke in this letter is that Senator Hutchison maintains that Hussein was a threat to this Country and still maintains that he killed his own people and how they lived in fear. Maybe she needs to visit Iraq again. Thanks Buzz, * * * March 10, 2004 Mrs. Shirley
Smith Dear Mrs. Smith: Thank you for contacting me regarding the current situation in Iraq. I welcome your thoughts and comments on this issue. I have traveled to the Middle East to visit our troops and assess the situation first-hand, and I have seen how the objective has shifted from a conventional military campaign to a cooperative rebuilding effort with the people of Iraq. Our opponents in Iraq fight against American efforts to facilitate democracy and win the war against terrorism. I support President Bush's creation of an independent commission to look at American intelligence capabilities. The gathering of intelligence is never perfect, but we must ensure the process is sound. We do know Saddam Hussein sought to conceal weapons of mass destruction programs from the world. He used them in wars with Iran and to murder his own people. For more than two decades, the Iraqi people lived in fear, speech and movement was monitored and regulated. Saddam Hussein was a threat to America, and the world is better without him in power. America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the United States has led a coalition effort by seventeen countries that have committed troops in Iraq. The United Nations has returned to the area, and an effort is underway to work with the coalition and Iraq to turn control over to the Iraqi people. The United States is committed to rebuilding efforts in Iraq and it is imperative we support the military men and women fulfilling this mission in Iraq. I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to keep in touch on any issue of concern to you. Sincerely, Kay Bailey Hutchison ++Kerry is absolutely right--"It's Scary" BuzzFlashers, 3/11/04 You can forward any BuzzFlash article or your own ideas & comments to John Kerry, info@johnkerry.com Here's the message I sent today: * * * Senator Kerry, THANK YOU for your honest and gutsy comments about Bush and his administration. Today 3/11, you said, "These guys are the most crooked, you know, lying group I've ever seen. It's scary." Please do not back down or qualify this statement in any way. You are exactly right. This is a statement you can hear across the country from anxious Americans. Use your position to say it loud and say it often. -It is scary to know that Bush and Co. altered a photo to make it appear you stood next to Jane Fonda. -It is scary to realize that Bush's lies and deception led America into a disastrous war. -It is scary to hear George Tenet say he warned Cheney in private that Cheney was wrong about WMD in Iraq. -It is really scary to know this made no difference. Cheney continues to spread the same lies about WMD and Saddam Hussein's nonexistent link to 9/11. -It is scary to think of the crooked actions of this discredited administration that have damaged our nation's credibility. -It is scary to watch Bush use every trick in the book to trash you and your record. The Republicans will come after you for "negative campaigning" because you had the nerve to tell the truth today. THESE GUYS ARE CROOKED. THEY LIE. THEY HAVE LED OUR COUNTRY TO RUIN. Please do not back down. Say it again tomorrow and the next day. We are behind you and we appreciate your honesty. Thank you again. Judy Munro-Leighton if john kerry were to back down and apologize for calling the gop the lying crooks they are, then he will lose sixty votes right here!!!! sixty of us in fl ++Elisabeth Bumiller of the NY Times Here is a letter I just sent to the New York Times: To Whom It May Concern: Considering the disgraceful way Elisabeth Bumiller conducted herself as moderator in the February 29, 2004 Democratic candidate debate in New York City, I was not surprised to read her article entitled "Bush Ready and Bursting to Bring It On," in the March 8, 2004 edition of the New York Times. By ending the debate with this question, "Really quick, is God on America's side?" Ms. Bumiller chose to ignore the U.S. Constitution and its clear separation of church and state. Badgering the candidates to "really quick[ly]" declare themselves Christian or not is clearly pandering to the Christian fundamentalists in this country. According to the Constitution, belief in the Christian God is not a requirement to hold elective office in this country. Christianity, more than any year in history, is a divisive wedge issue in this election. After reading the article in yesterday's edition, Ms. Bumiller looks like nothing more than a cheerleader for the Bush White House. Personally, I'm glad to discover Ms. Bumiller's leanings this early in the election season. After the disgusting way mass media treated Al Gore in 2000, it is not surprising to see you already "Gore-ing" John Kerry in 2004. Despite what you may believe, the American people are not as stupid as you think. We remember Election 2000, and we are seeing the same shenanigans in Election 2004. Your newspaper would better serve the public by choosing to print the truth about George W. Bush's administration, record, and character. With the publication of Ms. Bumiller's latest piece, however, it is obvious you instead chose to become the Bush campaign's mouthpiece. In the future, when I want to know only what George W. Bush and his cabal want me to know, I will turn to your newspaper and look for Elisabeth Bumiller's byline. That is, of course, when I'm not looking for Judith Miller's byline. Sincerely, Jeffrey
M. Stewart ++Bush as Despot I am currently reading American Dynasty" and I now see that I was mistaken in referring to Bush as "Napoleon". I now see that he considers himself as KING of the US because of his relations to British aristocracy/throne. It also clarifies why he is so friendly with and joining forces with the British. Maybe he wants us to return to being a British colony, and of course he would be KING GEORGE! Sincerely, Carmen ++Mailbag: Ooo-wee, Kerry! Dear Buzz, Kerry told the truth when he called the GOP attack machine the biggest group of liars he's ever seen. And poor wittle Marc Wacicot, he's all hurt. Waaah. Hey Mark, sorry your panties are in a bunch, but remember in 2000 when Bush said to Cheney in front of a live mic that NY Times reporter Adam Clymer was a "major league asshole"? And Cheney said, "Yeah, bigtime"? I don't recall any apologizes issuing forth back then. So I say, Keep it up John! You don't have to tell the truth in a hushed voice! Mike Kress ++The media is after Kerry now I can't believe I turned on the stupid news last night and there they were making a big deal over Kerry saying something when he didn't know the microphone was on. Kerry was saying "they are the most crooked". Then his campaign staff said he was not referring to Bush, but to the Republicans. Well, Kerry has the right to refer to Bush as crooked. Bush most certainly is crooked. I am glad Kerry is sending Clark all over Ohio to stump for him (or "walk point" for him) because that is where Bush is going and believe me, Clark will call Bush crooked. That is what we have to do. Even MoveOn should not be calling Bush "President Bush". They should call him "Bush". The GOP doesn't even call our last elected president "President Clinton". They call him "Clinton". Why do we owe this thief, Bush, any respect at all? Here's a few Clark quotes.
Kerry can call Bush whatever he wants. Bush deserves it. Clarkie04Kerry ++Donate I was a Clark supporter, but now the Democratic Party has a nominee and Democrats need to learn to put their money where their mouth is. I donated $250 today to John Kerry's campaign and challenge everyone else to do the same. When big corporations are funding an $180 million war chest for W, it is time the little guys say "enough is enough" and small donate Bush into the ground. I'd like to see us show Bush just how united we Democrats can be, and show John Kerry that we BuzzFlash readers are a political force to be reckoned with. I know we can't all afford it, but even $10 contributions, in multiples, eventually lead to big money. *Note: although I've been a Democrat all my life and was once a state Delegate for Clinton in Texas, I am not an official part of the John Kerry campaign. This request is purely as a citizen tired of the Bush lies and not on behalf of John Kerry or my employer. Marc L.
Lippincott ++Lou Dobbs On CNN's Lou Dobbs program, Wednesday night, March 10, a large segment of the program was devoted to the problems inherent in electronic voting. Of course, ample reference was made to the Diebold/Republican connection. I doubt that liberals are going to "solve" this problem per se. However, my observation is that we are having some success in at least bringing the issue to the public's attention. At the risk of sounding naive, I will say that I believe it is going to be a lot harder to steal an election under the intense glare of public scrutiny. Moreover, we can never, never have a Democratic lay down and roll over like we did in Florida in 2000. Al Gore was so worried about being " statesmanlike" that he threw in the towel way too early. Instead, he should have been waving the bloody shirt all over this land, day after day after day. We never can, and never will, forget Florida. Is it not important what happened there, as Tim Russert and Chris Matthews implied in 2000? Just ask the families of the 555 slain soldiers who died in Iraq. Another thing that tends to be overlooked about the Florida scam was the blatant racism underlying the whole thing. Mary Francis Berry and The U.S. Civil Rights Commission called it a wholesale attempt to disenfranchise black voters, but this received scant attention in the media. The Republicans' strategy was as transparent as it was simple: They knew that Florida is essentially a 50-50 Democratic/Republican state. They had ample opportunity to study this during Jeb Bush's two gubernatorial campaigns previous to 2000. They also knew that Florida has a large African American population, centered primarily in certain counties. This black population votes,consistently, in favor of Democrats by a margin of more than 9 to 1. So, slice away a good chunk of that vote, and you carry Florida. It's as simple as that. Hence the state police posted outside of voting stations, the trumped up, bogus criminal record background checks, the early closing and undermanning of black electoral precinct voting stations, and the shunting off of the oldest voting machines to black areas. The outrage was complete, and they pulled it off. But even then, they couldn't steal enough votes to get themselves over the top, so they went cry-babying for a 5-4 decision before the U.S. Supreme Court. The irony of Bush and his "anti-trial lawyer" Republicans marching off to federal court was not lost on many legal analysts, including Professor Alan Dershowitz. This year, we have to be mindful of the fact that the Republicans are prepared to do whatever it takes to win this election. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Donald P. Russo, Bethlehem, Pa. ++crooks and liars i am reminded of a west wing episode where unbeknownst (ostensibly) to bartlett the mike is live and he says things about an opponent that would not be diplomatic if done intentionally. I was thrilled and excited when hearing kerry mumble those words and realized at last, he gets it, he really gets it. go kerry! whisper the truth and let it guide your diplomacy. nancy firestone ++Kerry/McCain Ticket Maybe Not So Bad? Hello BuzzFlash, Is a Kerry/McCain ticket such a bad idea? I don’t think so. It may be that America is ready for a split ticket and who better to offer the country this option than the Democratic Party. As a life long Democrat and a Vietnam Era Veteran, my historical observation is that the current wave of cultural and political polarization has much of it current roots from the schism wrought by that war. Senator Kerry represents an individual who served heroically and honorably in Vietnam. But, he left military service disillusioned with the policies of that war. Many did! Senator McCain represents an individual who was a war prisoner, served heroically and honorably in Vietnam who went on to complete his Naval career to retire as a Navy Captain. In the Senate, the two have forged a strong friendship and political alliance on many issues. They have managed to put the war, and its reverberations, behind them. The question is this: Has America done so? A Kerry/McCain ticket may help us do that. And it could help heal America. Some say the war is long over and it should be left behind. I hear this especially from people who did not live through Vietnam. This is a cynical and uninformed view. The same young people who did not experience the war still developed emotionally and culturally under the influence of parents and family members who did. This is true just like it is true that those who survived The Great Depression, WWII, and the Korean War forged the character and beliefs of many of us who fought and lived through the Vietnam War. The Great Depression, WWII, and the Korean War forged a nation as the Vietnam War has also impacted everyone living today. It polarized us. Its impact is not resolved politically or culturally. A Kerry/McCain presidency may help us move away from a people of polarized political positions to a people moving toward a common future. It may help us begin to heal as a nation, truly learning to compromise politically while putting the past behind us. These two men have a demonstrated independence wrought by their early experience as warriors. Such willingness to stand apart produces bold ideas and initiatives. I think they have the stuff to lead America as a team. Plus I think they can get elected. Tom Allen ++To Shirley Dear Shirley, You asked why would gwb would want another term since he's already done what he set out to do. Unfortunately he's not done. I envision a 2nd term to include the following goals: 1. Appoint even more right wing nuts to the Supremes since a 2nd gwb term will more than likely fall into retirement age for some of them (including Rehnquist). 2. Recall Roe v Wade. 3. Finish off the remaining old growth forests 4. Turn Alaska into a gas station 5. Return the draft 6. Turn the mideast into a mega gas station armed with young American draft aged kids (my son will be in Canada). 7. Send even more jobs overseas to force more of our kids needing jobs to join the military to guard the gas stations in the mideast. 8. Starve all the remaining social programs and "drag them into the bathtub to drown". 9. Spoil the remainder of our clean air and drinking water. 10. Prosecute any and all dissenters. 11. Add Manatees to the menus of fine dining establishments. I could go on and on. Unfortunately there is still more damage he can and will do. ABB Travis ++I refuse to drink the Republican Whine Hello BuzzFlash: Well, here we have it, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The truth is that the Republicans can dish it out but they can't take it. During the election of 2000 I listened as Rush Limbaugh railed against Al Gore every single solitary day, lambasting him with lies, accusations and distorted statements all in an effort to push George W. Bush into the presidency. And guess what, with a little help from Jeb Bush in Florida, it worked. Now Rush and his understudy, Sean Hannity, are in a dither. They are whining and complaining that it's illegal for liberal or progressive organizations to fund TV advertising that call into question the failed policies of George W.Bush If this isn't the irony of all ironies I don't know what is. Two guys that spend 3 hours a day, five days a week in a perpetual advertisement for the reelection of George W. Bush are assailing Moveon.org for 30 second spots that shine the light on Bush failures. How S-T-U-P-I-D does the Republican party think we are? Do they think we don't see the duplicity of their whine. Do they think that we're so ignorant that we can't pronounce Nuclear? SORRY RNC WE MAY BE FORCED TO EAT THE MEAL YOUR SICK SURROGATES CONTINUE TO SERVE THROUGH THE CLEAR CHANNEL BE WE REFUSE TO DRINK THE WHINE. Carolyn
K. Ball ++I guess potty mouth is acceptable behavior for a presidential candidate, then? "Senator Kerry's statement ... was unbecoming of a candidate for the presidency of the United States," Racicot said. * * *
A BuzzFlash Reader ++Economic Questions I would like to ask what I think is the obvious question - Why has no one pointed out President Bush's economic record as Governor of Texas and his record as a businessman? Did he not run for Governor of Texas toting his ability as a businessman? Did he not run for President citing his ability as Governor of Texas? With the singular exception of the Texas Rangers, did any of the business ventures that President Bush lead or was actively involved in make any money? What was the economic state of Texas when he left Austin for Washington? Are the answers to these questions that all of his businesses lost money, providing a convenient tax shelter for his rich friends? Did he not leave Texas in worse shape than it was when he took over for Ann Richards? If I am correct, then it is easy to see why, with a trillion dollar deficit and an increasing number of lost jobs, why he thinks he is a success. It is a repeat of what he has done before. Since he thought he was being successful then, he must be thinking that he is successful now. Please correct me if I am wrong. In peace, Tony Mitchell,
Ph. D. ++Kerry Wasn't Quite Right No one expects government to be totally honest, in fact Americans expect our government to be deceptive when national security is at stake or there is a need to deceive our enemies. We citizens are even reluctantly acceptable of political distortion of fact to advance bills through the house and senate. However, the Bush administration has exceeded an acceptable level of tolerance. With power comes an expectation of honest leadership, but the Bush administration has escalated fact distortion to a level of total fabrication. Without a doubt it is bad enough to manipulate intelligence to overthrow a brutal dictator, but this administration has become boldfaced liars about science and health research, retirement expectations, labor statistics, deficit projections, budget needs, educational progress, corporate favoritism, and untold conflicts of interests. And this isn't a complete list. This report by the Editorial Director of CBS News, Dick Meyer, enlightens us to some extent of this administration's callousness. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/03/11/opinion/meyer/main605270.shtml Yea, Kerry didn't quite get it right when he said the GOP was "the most crooked, lying group I've ever seen." He should have said "The Bush administration and the GOP are the most crooked and lying group America has ever seen. Fu's Fume Subject: George's real defining moment True. 9/11 was a defining moment for us. It was one of those reality checks that changed the status quo and crushed our complacency. It was something that not only affected us but it also affected the world. What 9/11 was NOT, is a Republican defining moment. It was NOT all about Bush as a leader, nor was it a personal call from God to raise George above everyone else. No politician can claim this crime as their party's issue. No Republican, no Democrat, Independent, or Green can lay personal claim to this tragedy as an example of their superiority or leadership. Least of all Bush. George sat like the class idiot in a tiny chair looking like a clown and ignored what was happening as 300 firefighters died that day because they bravely ran to the Towers to save life and property. That is George W. Bush's defining moment. That is on tape and is part of history now. That will always be George's defining moment. Judith Foster, ++Bush 9/11 Ad Dear Buzz, There is only one political advertisement for which Bush could justify using images from 911.
Richard Mann ++Kerry comments You guys in the media are unbelievable. Kerry says something that 40%-50% of the country agrees with and you guys act shocked. Right on cue the media takes the phony republican "blast fax" "talking points" and runs with them. Maybe if you people were interested in investigating the claims like reporters should, instead of "parroting" the official RNC party line, you would actually see why a lot of people believe this. Bush lies about WMD and you say "oh well" and Kerry tells the truth and you are shocked. What a joke. Where was this outrage in the "march to war?" Your "believe me now" and worry about it later attitude toward the Bush Administration stuff is a disgrace. Especially in light of how far you were up Clinton's ass about everything. Remember the alleged "hooker love child" thing? How about the whole "wag the dog" thing. Now you guys don't say a word about the political timing of the whole lets get Osama now effort in Afghanistan. Why now, why not 2 years ago? Edward R. Murrow must be rolling over in his grave, but don't worry I'm sure that Randolph Hearst is proud of your new Drudge like attitude. Goebbels would have been amazed at how easily you "major league assholes" are manipulated. Now you "follow the money" right into your bank accounts. The media has become nothing more than a bunch of corporate whores. thank you, stevie gardiner RE: Will the real economy please stand up? I don't know if anyone else tunes in to Lou Dobbs Tonight on CNN, but if not, you don't know what you're missing. Mr. Dobbs is a strong opponent of outsourcing -- pretty much this administration's entire economic policy -- and just last night he did a couple of items worth mentioning. He interviewed Bev Harris and a representative for Diebold. Wow, Bev Harris is formidable. Each and every time the Diebold rep made a statement about how wonderful the voting machines are or how they had corrected known problems, she countered with the facts. No holds barred. It was clearly a win for the good guys. And Lou Dobbs even asked a number of pointed questions about the Diebold chairman's public declaration that, and I'm paraphrasing here, he would do anything to see Dubya win the election. Tsk, tsk. It was wonderful. (He is not an advocate of electronic voting.) The night before he had on the Florida Secretary of State, who insists that all is well in chad-land and that Florida has had no problems at all since it started using electronic voting machines. Tain't so! Mr. Dobbs cited several well-known incidents to refute her claims, and she tried to gloss over them, but he had her dead to rights on it. She came off looking dishonest, to say the least. Of course, would you expect anything less from a Jeb Bush appointee? On the topic of outsourcing, Mr. Dobbs has been running an on-going series, and he brings on proponents and opponents. The good news is, he argues -- vehemently at times and quite persuasively at all times -- that outsourcing is ruining our economy. He calls outsourcing a symptom of the administration's faith-based economy. That's just a sample, but I hope more of you 'flashers will tune in to his program and lend him your support for helping to set the record straight. Just last night he spent some time discussing all the hate mail and name-calling the neocons are shoveling his way. I'm sure they are making every effort behind the scenes at CNN to silence him/cancel his program. Sharon
Andrews ++Kerry's remarks..and the fuss about it. Dear BuzzFlash Readers: For whatever good it will do, I have been 'on the horn' this morning, e-mailing the news stations, and anchors of same stations telling them to get their red-white, and blue knickers untwisted and start concentrating on the important issues that are facing this country. Since I know that will not be paid attention to as much as this juicy "Kerry was not nice saying things he really feels", no one seems to remember Mr. Bush, (also on tape)..when he called a reporter (when he didn't know(?) the mike was on...) a "major league a..........e". As we all know, there are two sets of rules...one set for Bush and the another set for the rest. Mr. Bush is not the only one with memory loss. Mary in Indiana ++First Victory for Public Broadcasting
Michael Fowler ++limbaugh stumbles badly today
Eliot ++i am shocked i am shocked to see that cowardly boy george is running ads attacking kerry on defense of this country. when kerry was getting shot at fighting for his country, coward boy was awol and probably drunk!!!!!! shorty ++Medical Records Hi BuzzFlash So, Ashcroft wants to see our medical records? Well now, he can see our records if we can see his medical records, as well as ALL the elected official's medical records, and their family members records, also. After all they do work for us, don't they??? Angela...Philly, PA Dear Buzz, First of all: Mr. Kerry .... never apologize for the truth. Second: Go Maureen! From another member of the "Wrong Generation to Mess With" ....just wondering if anyone else is drawing an analogy between Martha and Dubya? Lying and cheating to line the wallet angers a jury of average Joes and Janes; Mr. Bush your jury is the American voting public. Martha's jury saw through her lies and your jury has seen through yours. It's just a shame we cannot return our verdict as quickly. L.H. ++Apology to Republicans Dear Buzz, Republicans have demanded that Senator Kerry apologize for describing some in their Party as crooks and liars. In these troubled times, it is important to look at our own actions, as well as those of our opponents, objectively. In this vein, let us recall the brave actions of the foremost Republican, George Bush, during the 2000 campaign. Who can deny the courage it must have taken to offer the gracious public apology, ``I regret everybody heard what I said,'' after he called a New York Times reporter an “a__hole”. On this basis I have reached the conclusion that good Democrats should apologize to Republicans, and I therefore offer the following: To those Republicans it may concern (you know who you are),
Steve Bodenheimer ++President Yugo Excerpt from The Hill on firefighters taking offense at Bush's 911 political ad:
Excuse me John McCain, but you are full of hot air, better known as republican bean soup! If Bush's strongest aspect of his presidency was his leadership after 9/11, not only is Bush in trouble, but you too, John. Bush flew around the country like a scared rabbit after the attacks. He didn't address the nation until 7 pm that evening. In the following week, he snorted like a bull in a Madrid arena and made macho threats. He nearly blew Afghanistan off the map, killing many innocents. And don't forget the anthrax episodes that still go without real investigation. Bush resisted a department of Homeland Defense, then flip-flopped and introduced Tom Ridge with his box of Crayons [terror level] After that, anytime anyone muttered the word 'Arab' we had a color alert and the country nervously wrung their hands. Then came Saddam and Iraq... more killing of innocents brought on through the assistance of Bush's flagrant lies. Things continued to go down hill. Listen John, if all of his ineptness after 9/11 is the strongest aspect defining Bush's presidency, you republicans really need a new candidate. And listen John, don't ever take your buddy's ineptness and try to make us believe it was leadership. Bush failed in every aspect before and after 9/11. And one other thing John, no matter how hard you republicans try to reinvent this clown as a Mercedes Benz, the more we see him for what he really is... a Yugo that should be recalled! ~ Cathy Hi BuzzFlash, Becky Burgwin - You Go Girl! The are definitely messing with the wrong generation. We may be aging, but we're not tired yet! We've still got loads of strength to fight and not only that, we're older, wiser and angrier - angrier because we now really understand what BushCo is trying to take away from us and future generations. We ain't gonna let it happen. Thanks for such a great commentary. Makes me even more proud to be a Boomer. Buzz, I was out of the country on vacation for a couple of weeks and didn't have a computer. I really missed you guys, although it was good to give my head a little bit of a rest from all the bad news. Sometimes you need a break - to rest up so you can start fighting again. I'm so glad you're here (not that I thought you would go away). Also, my prayers go out to all of the victims and their survivors in the horrible attack in Madrid. Is it my imagination, or has GeeDubya caused every terrorist group in the world to wake up again? The ETA has been pretty quiet for some time now. I can easily see the Cartel's influence in all of the horrible events going on in the world these days. Barbara
in NYC ++Hell no, Tell Kerry - Don't apologize Bush always wants Dems to apologize and that way the Dems keep losing. It is BUSH who should apologize to the American people for all his nasty secrecy and deception and pandering to the wealthy. Kerry owes no apology. If he apologizes, then he will lose the election. NO APOLOGY. Keep criticizing Bush, Kerry! If Bush can't take the heat, then he should get out of the White House kitchen. GO KERRY! A BuzzFlash Reader **** Wes CLARK supporter backing John KERRY for President In other words, purple hearts don't apologize to chicken hawks ++Letter to the Editor - Bush 9-11 ads confuse me Bush's TV ads confuse me. He seems to be pointing out all his failures as if they were accomplishments. He uses 9-11 but is running from the investigating panel as if he were hiding something. He touts the economy but the economy is in the worst shape ever. Taxes are the highest ever - gas is at record high - government spending at record highs and increasing - record deficits - and state economies pushed to the verge of collapse. Schools are shutting down. Hospitals are closing. Greenspan is talking about rationing social security and medicare. Government spying on people. 2 million jobs lost. The country is falling apart. His ads are reminding us of his failures. Marc Perkel ++Oh Kay, O'Connor, Oh Lunatic. March 10, 2004
Maybe Kay could name one of those lusty, but sadly demised states or nations? Although there are a few states we could do without, Florida for instance, I don't recall the demise of any. Now I have known more than a few gay couples and while they are at times lusty and occasionally perverted, but only in the nicest consensual way, we didn't need a fire-extinguisher to put anything out. Homosexuality IS, too, like gravity. Say we drop Matt and Jimbo off the high dive, will they not both drop, although Matt will definitely splash first and Jim might take a while to hit the water since there are butterflies with more body weight, they will both eventually get wet. Take Rep. Thad Balkman of Oklahoma, please take him and kick his butt to Mars, along with his partner, but not his gay, festive or sexual partner, the lovely and enchanting Rep. Lance Cargill who compare homosexuality with incest and bestiality while Kay equates it with pyromania. Since none of them can prove gay marriage will damage any marriage not already damaged by husbands or wives like Thad, Lance and Kay, I think we can safely equate Compassionate Conservative Republicans with raging paranoia, with a touch of insanity. Make that a gargantuan touch of insanity. Karen Webb, Moore, Ok. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news...bush_ads {A second Bush ad tells voters they face choices on the economy, health care and the war on terrorism. "We can go forward with confidence, resolve and hope. Or we can turn back to the dangerous illusions that terrorists are not plotting and outlaw regimes are no threat," Bush says in the second ad, without mentioning Kerry by name.} I am guessing he is referring to the dangerous illusions he himself held between January 26, 2001(?) and September 10, 2001 which caused him to disband the Bin Laden Task Force, pay the Taliban $41 million dollars , ignore numerous and specific warnings, go on a extended vacation, etc. Who’s the idiot writing these commercials anyway? They can be so easily used against the simian fool. And speaking of dangerous regimes... Turk Meister ++Kerry's Mic Let's all write Mark Racicot a nice little letter and tell him to go back to the nineties, all the way through and he can hear some real nasty things being said about democrats. There is no way, any democrat could ever equal the horrendous things being said about the Clintons and all democrats during that time. It is a great wonder that that man managed to keep this country solvent....for Bush's administration to tear down! Racicot is a jerk anyway...and always has been! Shirley............St.Louis ++Apology? Hell no! I cannot begin to tell you how glad I am that Senator Kerry is refusing to apologize for his off the cuff remarks...which, of course were true! That is the one place where Gore went wrong...he walked on glass so as to not irritate the republicans in 1999 and 2000. And, was one of the reasons he lost...that and having Lieberman for his running mate. I do hope that Kerry takes this stand on all things. Television shows were full of it last night. But, I have noticed a trend...anytime they show the Kerry one...they show a Bush slam to the left that is just as bad or worse! On the Chris Matthews show (you know the right wing nut who is trying his best to be impartial this time)....Former governor Cuomo of New York was on...and he said in 15 minutes, the speech I have been waiting to hear from the democrats for four years...he did not apologize for one thing...he reiterates that Kerry should not apologize for one thing...and said that they are, in fact, the biggest bunch of lying crooks ever! He stated word for word what he meant...and it has all come to pass! He talked about the lie about WMD....(Wmd and Wmd program related activities) are not the same!! And, he discussed the taxes, in depth, how the top bracket will never, ever spend that extra money, their accountants will invest it...and investments do not even touch the little man or in most cases, since 2001, the man in the middle. I only know in our case, our 401k, which is minute, compared to someone making 200k a year...lost for three years in a row...we finally got some return on it in 2004 (an election year)..The way this one works, is we put in a percentage of salary, the company matches it, and the interest during the Clinton years had been matching those amounts. Starting in 2001 (the statement comes out in October, and could not possibly have been caused by 911) not one cent of interest was paid...nor in 2002, nor 2003. They started back up in 2004...go figure! Certainly this country is worse off now than in my lifetime...so why 2004? Election, pure and simple. I might add that this company is a conglomerate, owned by factory farms (the reason for the dying small farmer) and is the most republican bunch I have ever seen. In all their meetings that I have been to, they cannot make a speech without bashing a democrat! (My husband, who is republican anyway,....does not flaunt it, but is almost retirement age and does not rock the boat) Anyway...I am thrilled with how Kerry is handling this so far...I hope and I think he will never crumble to the right wing machine To those of you who remember the Clinton years, especially in the end...he apologized at least 5 times that I saw, about something that the media should not have even had a part in....a moral lapse? Bush should be lying prostrate at our feet!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, on every show, the same thing.."If he would just apologize!" by some dimwitted rep. pundit...and finally someone with guts like Tim Robbins...said, "You guys will not be happy until the man grovels!!!" A truer statement was never spoken! I pray that we win in Nov........Shirley.....St.Louis ++Agreeing with Mr. Bush for a change After a groundbreaking ceremony on NYC, George Bush moved about 400 yards to a partisan fundraiser where he gathered $1.6 million in campaign contributions. His remarks, quoted by the Washington Post of September 12 included the following: "On September 14, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the twin towers," Bush told the donors, who each gave $2,000. "I'll never forget that day. . . . The men and women searching through the rubble took it personally. I took it personally. I have a responsibility that goes on." I would say he does have a responsibility for the failure to protect America on September 11, 2001, having ignored explicit warnings of immanent danger and spent the entire month of August 2001 on vacation at his Texas "ranch". His subsequent delays and opposition to reorganization of security, and to a bipartisan investigation of the failures of intelligence and action to prevent September 11, 2001 attacks on America, as well as his continuing failure to fund needs of state and local first responders, present a continuing failure of responsibility. So, I find myself in agreement with George Bush that he has a responsibility for 911 that goes on. I continue to wonder when he will actually step up to it. John F.
Williford ++republican hypocrisy - what else? Hi, Buzz!! I thought I was past being amazed by Republican hypocrisy, but once again, my jaw hangs to the floor as I hear Tom DeLay, of all people, trashing John Kerry for "negativity." Is there no limit to their hypocrisy, or do they simply have no shame? As I listen to Kerry, though, I am reminded of another Democrat during another Presidential campaign. A listener at a Truman rally once shouted, "Give 'em hell, Harry!" Truman replied, "I just tell the truth, and they think it's hell!" GIVE 'EM HELL, KERRY!!!!!! You too, Buzz!! Jane Hawes |
||||||
 |
||||
| DAILY BUZZ | ||||
| INTERVIEWS | ||||
| ANALYSIS | ||||
| MEDIA LINKS | ||||
|
Unless
otherwise noted, all original |
 |
|||
