April 19, 2004

MAILBAG ARCHIVES  
The BuzzFlash Mailbag

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Subject: Scrub A Dub Dub...Don't let him do it

BuzzFlash,

BuzzFlash,

Check it out: Bush strikes another blow to 9/11 victims and their families.  Not only that, but he appears to be covering Poppy's behind. And what about the future release of Holocaust records?

Bush to replace US Archivist - Position is not vacant

http://hnn.us/comments/33519.html

The Haunted Archives

http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20040503&s=editors

Is Weinstein too secretive?

http://hnn.us/articles/4604.html

Bush doesn't want publicity. He doesn't want to have to explain why he wants to replace Carlin. Perhaps he should get that publicity.

Necco
OK


Subject: The NEWS from Woodward's new book

Powell considered Cheney and his cadre of neocons as the "Gestapo" and criticized (1) the rush to war, (2) the insufficient "evidence" of WMD and (3) Tenet's appeasement of Bush. But wait: wasn't it Powell who went to the UN to sell the "no doubt there are weapons of mass destruction" party line. Answer: Yes.  These are ALL traitors and liars and we'll be paying for their greed, sycophancy  and careerism for centuries to come. Assuming we survive it.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subject: Guantanamo Detainees

Hi Buzz,

Well, I didn't think I could get more disgusted with the state of the country and those who are currently in charge, and then I read the interviews with some of the released Guantanamo Bay detainees in the newest Harpers Magazine (couldn't find a link). Holy crap!!! These people -- with no legal representation, no evidence, no anything except being in the wrong place at the wrong time -- were literally "tortured" for two years before being let go without even an apology. Every method of inflicting enormous pain and psychological torment were used on the detainees (and presumably are STILL being used on those who are still there)--that is, every method that won't leave a mark that could be photographed or used as evidence. Sleep deprivation, cold, heat, being caged, chained, bound, gagged, prevented from praying or talking or moving, even strange muscle contracting injections... revolting. Not just for a couple of hours either. TWO YEARS!!!

I'm ashamed to be from a country that can treat other humans this way. It would be shameful if they were GUILTY and we did this to them: it's monstrous, sadistic and gross. That we do this to people without anything resembling due process or even, shucks, the most rudimentary glances at the Constitution, is simply a human rights disaster. I can't find words strong enough.

And to think this is done in the name of those who died on 9-11. (I suspect my Repuglican acquaintances would claim the detainees were just making it up. I'm certain they're not. There's too much evidence to back their claims, including photos.) Back in 1984, when I was in high school reading "1984," I thought the idea of my government becoming an agent of torture was just a horrible fantasy. But it's come true. And hardly anyone is saying a thing.

R. Ellis
New York


Subject: Regarding Iraq and Congress

How is it I don't read or hear much on Congress being outraged by being duped in going to war with Iraq? Especially, after the recent books - 9/11 Commission hearings - I just thought the Democrats would have started some sort of action in Congress on Bush.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subject: From a news story...keep up the good work guys!

"One adviser said the White House had examined polling and focus group studies in determining that it would be a mistake for Mr. Bush to appear to yield" 1. Isn't this the guy who said it was a mistake to listen to pundits and pollsters? Why is he doing so now? 2. Isn't this also the guy who said that doing the right thing was more important than doing the popular thing? How long, Oh Lord, how long?

Charles M.
Memphis, TN


Subject: Woodward book/Presidency

Dear Buzz,

You know, I keep wondering how the history books are going to record the 2000-2004 administration. Who was President?  Al Gore, George Bush, or Dick Cheney?   

Beth


Subject: Global Idiot link contribution

Hey guys,

Bush is a global idiot. He doesn't read, he doesn't comprehend, he doesn't understand basic facts or study.

Here's the link I hope you can use that underscores that he is, indeed, a global village idiot... and should be isolated like that cab driver told you:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1192158,00.html

Dusty Rhodes


Subject: Who said it... LBJ or GWB?

Who said it? Was Lyndon Johnson talking about Vietnam, or was George Bush talking about Iraq?

1) "Our purpose is a limited one, and that is to permit self-determination for the people of ___."

2) "America's objective in ___ is limited and it is firm. We seek an independent, free, and secure ___."

3) "We seek neither territory nor bases, economic domination or military alliance in ___. We fight for the principle of self-determination -- that the people of ___ should be able to choose their own course."

4) "As a proud and independent people, ___ do not support an indefinite occupation, and neither does America. We're not an imperial power."

5) "Overall, we are making progress. We are satisfied with that progress. Our allies are pleased with that progress. Every country that I know of in that area that is familiar with what is happening thinks it is absolutely essential that Uncle Sam keep his word and stay there."

6) "There's a historic opportunity here to change the world."

7) "So far as changing our basic strategy, the answer would be no."

8) "We're carrying out a decision that has already been made and will not change."

9) "The time is now, and the place is ___."

10) "Now is the time, and ___ is the place...."

11) "A great many mistakes have been made."

12) "Freedom is the Almighty's gift to every man and woman in this world."

Special Bonus Freebie Question:

13) "Gosh, I don't know."

A) Lyndon Johnson B) George Bush

1A 2B 3A 4B 5A 6B 7A 8B 9A 10B 11A 12B 13)B Adapted from: Shades of LBJ, by Derrick Z. Jackson

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0416-01.htm

Joe W.


Subject: ...Meet the new Boss......

Got to thinking a bit. Since there is no elected government in Iraq and since George Bush is the Commander in Chief and therefore the ultimate authority of an occupied country then technically George Bush is now the dictator of Iraq . Go figure.

 "Democracy cannot be created with force."  

Lp


Subject: From a different GW Bush

Forwarded from the Roanoke Times...

http://www.roanoke.com/roatimes/news/story165702.html

Civilian deaths bring more outcry in media. More than 600 soldiers and Marines are killed and very little is said about it. Four civilians are killed, and the government and the media carry on like the world is ending. The civilians are there (voluntarily), making $100,000 a year. The soldiers and Marines are there under orders and making $20,000 a year. There is something drastically wrong here.

GEORGE W. BUSH SR.

Judy F.


Subject: Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy comedy act

Those of us old enough to remember the Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy comedy act, will be envious of the private performance that will be presented to the 9/11 Commission in the near future. The Dick and George team have been practicing their act for over three years.  Dick, who is balding and speaks out of the side of his mouth, resembles Bergen naturally. He will put words into the mouth of George, who is portraying the part of Charlie the wise-cracking, smirking dummy, also, quite naturally.  Unfortunately, the terms of their appearance before the Commission does not permit any recording or even note taking and will be a one time appearance.  The actors will not be under oath as have the other persons appearing before the commission as this shall be purely entertainment.

Eugene "Jerry" Wilhelmi
Florence, Orego


Subject: "Anyone But Bush"

the new Bush campaign slogan - "Anyone But Bush."   Who is responsible for 9/11?  Anyone But Bush   Who is responsible for the "Oops" on the WMD's?  Anyone But Bush   Who is responsible for the dead soldiers in Iraq? Anyone But Bush   Who is responsible for uniting the dissenting Iraqi factions in armed resistance against US troops? Anyone but Bush   "It's not his fault. He did the best he could.  Re-elect Bush/Cheney in 2004"  

Paid for by the Committee to Excuse the President.

Steve W.


Subject: Tehran Times story

On April 13th on his radio program, Thom Hartmann read several paragraphs from a story from the Tehran Times which discussed an American (CIA/Military?) covert operation to smuggle WMD into Iraq via Iran. I think the operation also involved threatening Iraqi scientists into cooperating somehow. I tried to send the mp3 file to you as a zip file, but I think it was too big because my ISP kept rejecting it. You can, however, download it from www.whiterosesociety.org and listen to it yourselves. Again, it's the Thom Hartmann broadcast from April 13th.

Thom made the point of noting that even if the story is not true (he said that he didn't think the Tehran Times is always a reliable source), he wanted his listeners to understand that the story is being widely circulated in the Middle East and that the people there do believe it to be true and this in itself has implications for how the United States is perceived. On the other hand, if the story is true, this could be the 'October Surprise' the administration is concocting.

D.M. Bock
Chicago, Illinois


Subject: RE: Weird Question

A reader said in yesterday's mailbag, "I haven't seen this but it has been bothering me all week. When the White House released the PDB, very little was blacked out. If they released the entire document with so little scratched out, why would they black out the page number?"

Perhaps the assertion made in a German magazine (can't recall the magazine details) that the original PDB was not 1.5 pages long but was actually 11.5 pages long is true. If there are only two pages, there's absolutely no reason to black out the page numbers. The only reason to black out the page numbers is to hide the actual number of pages. If they only released the first and last page...page 1 and page 12, then obviously they wouldn't want to leave the page numbers viewable because they couldn't then claim that there are only two pages. Hide the page numbers, and who could prove there were more?. If there were really 11.5 pages in the original PDB, there is a conspiracy going on here to cover something up. Some people have called this accusation a little tin hatty or a conspiracy theory, but then it's up to them to explain why anyone would black out the page numbers if there were only two pages to begin with.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subject: jesus god!!!!!!!!!!!!

jesus god!!! jesus god!!! i just saw a general grange on wolf blitzer say the enemy taking hostages can actually be a good thing because it emboldens our troops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jesus christ! have these bush people gone completely mad!!!!!!!!!

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subject: Bob Woodward's new book

New Bob Woodward Book: Bush Secretly Ordered Iraq War Plan. The Source for the Revelation: George W. Bush. 4/16    

I think Bob Woodward can't stand the fact that all the liberal writers are making a FORTUNE and nobody wants to buy a book from him. So he is throwing "us" a bone. . . .   Tell him I won't buy this book: EVER!!!!! Nor will I buy ANY book he writes.   P.S. Let him know I have bought EVERY liberal political book on the market, and sometimes several copies to pass out; since Clinton Came to town!!!!!!!!!!!!

buzz reader


Subject: RE: Did the White House Pull a Bait and Censor with the August 6th PDB?

Dear Buzz:

I've just read the above post for the first time. As a matter of curiosity, I found, online, a PDF of what the White House released.

I work for a large law firm which handles multi million dollar, corporate civil litigations. My job is to handle and research documentary evidence in these cases. A part of that job is to determine whether evidence exists that documents have been redacted. Where there is evidence of redactions, I check the privilege logs to find out whether opposing counsel has provided a basis for that redaction and, if not, to bring it to the attention of the lead attorney on the case.

While I see no evidence in your post that the font is different on page two (from page one), I do notice something that I always look for in the course of my duties. If you look on the bottom of page two, you will see two faint shadow lines above the footer text. Those, my friends, are very distinctive redaction tape shadows.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/images/04/10/whitehouse.pdf

It seems logical to me, that if the FBI were conducting some 70 "full field investigations," the report would make some mention of what those investigations were researching. It seems to me that such a description would take about another 10 pages. Also, it is a habit of people in law and in government to try to ensure that a reader knows whether or not he has the entire report or memo.  One frequently numbers pages "page 1 of 12" and so on. I think the blacked portion at the bottom of each page is such a numbering system.

Just thought you might be interested.

James Higdon


Subject: Shortened PDB

Why is nobody talking about the fact that the original Aug.6, 2001, PDB was eleven and a half pages, not a page and a half? Are the 9/11 commissioners, including the Democrats, unaware of the discrepancy, or what?

PLEASE, PLEASE follow up on this. As a BuzzFlash reader points out, Die Zeit reported in Oct. 2002 that the PDB was ten pages longer than this little thing released by Bush last weekend:

http://www.zeit.de/2002/41/Politik/200241_fahndungspannen.html

TRANSLATION:

Crawford, August 6, 2001. George W. Bush is on vacation. He wanted to spend the whole month at his ranch in Texas. "'The Presidential Daily Brief"' was part of his morning routine. In the PDB, as it's called in CIA jargon, a senior CIA official presents the President with a summary of the security situation. On this morning the CIA Director personally briefs the President. Instead of the usual two or three pages, today's briefing paper consists of eleven and a half printed pages and carries the title "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S."
See also:

http://antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=2306

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subject: More Iraqi Ironies (Heads Up)

I haven't had time to search for the article yet, but you may be interested in looking for it. In an NPR headline, I heard there was an American (from Jordan?) who was kidnapped out of his hotel room in Iraq. Apparently, the kidnappers were dressed as Iraqi police (or not), and walked right into his room and forced him out of the hotel unnoticed. The man is the head of one of the personnel security firms contracted to supply bodyguards in Iraq.

Tony Romano
Austin, Texas


Subject: OFFICIAL 2004 RNC CONVENTION PROGRAM

6:00pm - Opening Pledge of Allegiance to the Confederate flag.
6:30pm - Vice President Cheney announces new high for the Federal deficit.
6:40pm - Trent Lott starts silent "slave auction."
7:00pm - Tribute theme to KKK.
7:10pm - Collect offerings for Kenny-Boy Lay defense fund.
7:20pm - Bush daughters propose a toast.
7:25pm - Chairman of Carlyle Group welcomes delegates.
7:35pm - Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia gives keynote address.
7:45pm - Dennis Hastert officially sends convention staff jobs overseas.
7:55pm - Marvin Bush conducts an "S & L looting" workshop.
8:00pm - George W. Bush announces a new reason for Iraq war.
8:25pm - Bill Frist discusses "new math" in calculating Medicaid costs.
8:30pm - Andrew Card presents blank check to the pharmaceutical industry.
9:00pm - John Ashcroft "Prayer recital & constitution burning" ceremony.

9:30pm - * Intermission *

10:00pm -Vice President Cheney announces another new high for the Federal deficit.
10:15pm - Photo montage of the 10 months Bush spent on his ranch during first term.
10:30pm - Colin Powell officially retracts his U.N. speech.
10:40pm - Robert Novak names the White House staffer who committed Treason.
10:50pm - Condoleezza Rice flashes a boob to General assembly.
11:00pm - More boobs appear, specifically the entire FCC.
11:15pm - "Stealing election" workshop.
11:20pm - George W. Bush presents a brand new reason for War in Iraq.
11:30pm -  Dick Cheney announces new tally for American Military casualties.
11:59pm - John Snow proposes give-backs for American companies based off-shore
12:00am - Nomination of Republican candidate.
12:05am - Dick Cheney gives Presidential acceptance speech on behalf of W. Bush. 

Forwarded by a BuzzFlash Reader


Subject: Iraqi land mines..........

I have a prediction that when the present set of troops that have just returned from Iraq have a chance to tell their stories it will not be a pretty one. Of course when they tell the truth it will once more be called "Bush bashin." Could be a real "land mine" for the present administration.

Lp


Subject: campaign slogan

I think a great campaign slogan would be A VOTE FOR BUSH IS A VOTE FOR CHENEY.

Lp


Subject: The latest rumor on GOP-inspired subterfuge

-- a GOP-inspired, Drudge-slathered whisper campaign (inching into the papers) to get Teresa Heinz Kerry to release her tax returns (in order to show the Heinz Kerry family as decidedly NOT "people like us" and provide grist for 10,000 investigative stories)

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/TheNote/TheNote.html

Sharon A.


Subject: Save our Troops - Send Bush to Texas

It's simple.

Save our Troops - Send Bush Home

Save our Troops - Elect Kerry

Save our Troops - Defeat Bush   let's get some more one liners, republicans can only think in one liners.   

R. Aschmotat
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin


Subject: 9/11 hearings

Dear Buzz,

Having just read the BuzzFlash reader commentary "Is Bush Guilty of Criminal Negligence?", I am compelled to ask you why this Commission so studiously avoids asking the questions your reader proposes. All this blather about bipartisanship is disgusting. The question we need to ask is the same one that is asked of my wife and I every time an issue arises in our small business: who is responsible? Inevitably, it's the two of us!!! Government compliance? The IRS? Well, we didn't have enough actionable info to be able to fill out the forms; our employees weren't vigilant; well, we just need to make some structural changes.... These excuses wouldn't work for us and they shouldn't work for Bush and his cronies. Buzz, I know you are busy (and I appreciate your hard work) but please, even if you can't answer this email, put up something on the site that addresses why everybody on the Commission and in the media dances around the issue of Bush's responsibility for the tragedy of September 11.

Sincerely,

Don Lang


Subject: Tenet briefs Bush

If there is one thing important that came up in the hearings today it was when DCI George Tenet revealed to the 9/11 Commission that he had no phone or other contact with George Bush during August of 2001.

This seems to me to be in direct contradiction to statements by Bush and Condi Rice that the President was in daily personal contact with the Director of Central Intelligence.  Indeed, this daily contact was touted as the thing that distinguished Bush from Clinton and made him more committed to fighting terrorism.

Think about it.  Not once during August.  Not once before or after the August 6th PDB.  Not once in the entire month before September of 2001.

Why isn't this being mentioned anywhere?

Sincerely,

A Loyal BuzzFlash Reader


just like the others that dared to stand up to the bush mafia...........the white house now has jamie gorelick in their sights and they are going to do everything they can to destroy her! which will also serve as their warning to the others on the commission not to mess with them.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subject: Mad as Hell, is a gross understatement.

I just watched NOW and I am about as mad as I have ever been. On Tuesday, the Cheerleader-in-Chief said we will give our guys everything they need.

There are military families in food lines in San Diego and he is offering a $50 a month raise in base pay. All the way up to $1378 a month and they get the added benefit of being shot at.

He gave an average of $30,000 a year in tax breaks to people who don't need any money and he says he is taking care of our guys.

Lying bastard scumbag and that is also an understatement. He has no idea how the other half lives and he doesn't give a crap and that is an understatement.

Outrageous!!!!!!! Our guys have to wait for medical treatment. They keep getting time in country added on. He wants to "stay the course" which at this time is around 90 of our guys in transfer tubes every two weeks.

Which is kick all media out if they don't agree. I can tell you if the people of the USA new the actual cost to Iraqis in lives lost and injured they would understand why they are so pissed at us and they are pissed.

Bush is a carpetbagger. He wants their oil. I hear Bob Woodward says that just because Bush asked for a battle plan for Iraq in Nov. 2001 doesn't mean he planned to attack and it wasn't in retaliation for anything.

I am convinced that they didn't do anything about counter-terrorism because they wanted an attack, but they didn't want one on the scale of 9/11, but they got more than they bet on. They wanted reason to attack Iraq and they manufactured one out of whole cloth.

When is someone going to explain why Bush and Cheney have to go to the 9/11 commission together. Don't they trust each other?

Karen Webb, Moore, Ok.


Subject: Barbara's daily buzz April 16, 2004

Barbara wrote:

The Supreme Court of the United States failed the American people. The Administration appointed by the SCOTUS failed the American people. The Congress of the United States failed the American people. The Intelligence Agencies failed the American people. Mainstream media failed the American people. It's time someone, somewhere begins to accept the responsibility for those failures. The mission of the 9-11 Commission is far greater than the mandate they've been given. It is up to these men and women to do their best to salvage our country and preserve Democracy! Our lives and the lives of our children depend on the findings and recommendations of this Commission!

Barbara, I believe you are correct when you state that "It's time someone, somewhere begins to accept the responsibility for those failures." I just don't think the 9-11 commission or the Senate or the Congress or the Administration is going to step up to the plate. Ultimately the responsibility falls on the people. The people have slept while the military industrial complex stole the government. The only way we will get it back is to stand up and take it. The people have the power to elect representatives that will be responsive to our wishes. All we have to do is figure out how to convince the sheep to quit listening to the propaganda being pedaled by the idiots that are presently in power. I am baffled by how willingly the people accept the blatant crap that they are being fed. By the same token, I am also baffled by how willingly the people allow themselves to be fleeced of their money. I can only attribute the people's strange behavior to being under the spell of a cult. I hope that there is somebody in this country smart enough to figure out how to turn this thing around. Personally, I am terrified but not of terrorists from other countries but the terrorists that currently occupy the White House. I would really like to know if you come up with any ideas how to get us out of this mess. I would be more that willing to help.

R Franklin Stencil
Washington State


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