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Subject: The NY Times -- where making shit up is good enough for its editors

I can never decide who is worse at the New York Times -- Nagourney or Wilgoren. Wilgoren's more viscerally nasty, but Nagourney is more likely to just kind of make stuff up. Sam Seder was talking about this on the air a little awhile ago.

Quoth the Nagourney: Actual Nagourney NYT excerpt -- "In Iraq, the transfer of sovereignty has led to some reduction in American casualties." [see Bush Plans No Rest in Next Month; 2nd Term Agenda Near (NY Times)].

BUT that statement was outright LIE by that NYT 'reporter.' There were more casualties during the month of July thus far than there were in June. [And there are still ten days left in the month of July] The New York Times -- where making shit up is good enough for the editors.

-Atrios

Subject: Sandy Berger another friend of President Clinton

Hi BuzzFlash,  

When a patriot as fine, and loyal to America as Sandy Berger, who made sure, Americans were safe when we celebrated the 2000 New Year, can be demonized, by the repugs who wrap themselves in the American Flag, this is politics at it's worse. But there is no surprise at how low down and dirty the repugs can get. As low as anyone can go, what ever that is.

Angie..Phil

Subject: Re: Jenna's Behavior Toward Reporters

To borrow Jay Leno's famous comment to Hugh Grant: What the hell was she thinking? Well, take a look at that photo again, and understand that this is how Jenna's father, his cohorts, and all the repugs really feel about all the rest of us citizens. Jenna's just reflecting that feeling, sitting there in her limo, looking out at the peons.  

Doesn't the photo look a bit different to you now? A true reflection of dear old dad's and the entire band of repug thugs' attitudes. Paper trails for voting machines? Nyahhh, we're in control! Fire rumsfeld for being incompetent? Nyahhh, I'll do what I want. Give you my military records? Nyahhh, I know something you don't know!  

What an immature thing for her to do. She honestly should know better, but the fact that she doesn't makes you wonder. But hey, I'm glad that poppa decided to drag those girls (kicking and screaming, I'm sure) into his campaign. I think they'll end up helping a lot, but not yet sure who they'll be helping.

Sue

Subject: The DNC, and My 18th Birthday

What follows is a short 300-word piece about the DNC and what John Kerry's election means to me. I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If it interests you enough, I would also appreciate a publication of any kind. Thank you.

I would like to take this time to thank the DNC for giving me a gift. On July 29th the DNC will wrap up the 3-day convention that is to take place in Boston, Massachusetts, after John Kerry has announced as the official presidential candidate. On July 29th I will turn 18, and thus be eligible to vote. And whom will I vote for? None other than John Kerry. What will be my party affiliation? Democratic.

The 2004 election will represent all that is sacred in American Democracy, and it could quite possibly be one of the most important elections of the 228-year history of the United States. From our civil rights, to gay rights, to women's rights, to the protection of our environment, and the utmost truth: these issues all hang in the balance. And this election has the possibility of providing itself as a catalyst to the progressive ideals.

I want to look back on my 18th birthday as something more than becoming a legal adult. I want it to be symbolic for the day that Democracy came back to life. The day that change began, and the truth took hold. John Kerry might not be the epitomic symbol of everything that is progressive, but with his election it cannot be denied that change will come. With the prospects of Democrats like Barak Obama (whom I will also be voting for) and the advent of grassroots movements in both media and among the people, that hope only solidifies itself.

Soon enough the obtuse and frivolous views of the Neo-Conservative agenda will burn out, and will garnish little support from the people. The Bush White House has alienated the country, nay the world, for long enough. The greatest gift in the world is, arguably, freedom. And with this election we the people will be closer to getting that freedom back.

Travis May

Subject: Progressive Radio

Progressive Radio finally in  MIAMI -- 940 AM -- for those of us with a two digit IQ.

Hooooooooooooooooray!!!!!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: What Would Jesus Do?

The upcoming national election will seal the fate of our nation's leadership for the next four years. As I see it, the policies of the Bush administration are foreign to the ideals I have been taught and believe in! I was thinking today about "what Jesus would do" if he were running our country. I started writing an article to that effect, but broke off to search the Internet to see if anyone had already written something on that topic. I found an excellent article, "What Would Jesus Do?" by Ernest Partridge at http://gadfly.igc.org/liberal/WWJD.htm . It was written in 2002, but is timely nevertheless. Great food for thought if applied to the policies and actions of the Bush Administration, including the war in Iraq.

What Would Jesus Do? Here's my own list of questions written before reading the Partridge article:

Would he wage a pre-emptive war on a country that was not a threat or make peace?

Would he build the world's largest military or encourage non-violent protest?

Would Jesus take from the poor to give to the rich?

Would he allow torture, believing that the ends justify the means?

Would he sanction the killing of innocent men, women and children?

Would he support religious intolerance or preach universal brotherhood?

Would he attract followers through fear and hatred or through love?

Would he give healing miracles to those with money, but not to the poor?

Would he encourage the moneychangers to enter the temple or overturn their tables?

Would he take contributions from corporations in return for voting for their interests at the expense of the people?

What Would Jesus Do? What are your questions? Add your own questions, there are a thousand others. This is a time for all of us to examine our hearts and our values, along with the fruits of our own actions and those of our leaders. Then stand up and be counted with your vote in November!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: 30's-Style Cartoon About Bush's Economic Failures

The expanded version of the fully-animated commercial my friend Tom and I created for MoveOn.org's "Bush in 30 Seconds" contest is now online. Originally planned to be only a couple minutes long, the full-length version is now a seven-minute look at the hard times living under Bush's economy. You can get more information and download it here:

http://www.brothercanyouspareajob.com

The completed short is an appropriate juxtaposition of Bush's economy with a depression-era style that I think is appropriate when describing the first presidency since Hoover to preside over a job loss. I hope you like it.

-greg
http://www.thetalentshow.org

Subject: Re: Check out Bush-Hitler: Hypnotizing The Masses

The comparisons between Bush and Hitler infuriate Bush's base. There are many similarities between the two. Hitler's propaganda machine stirred up public opinion against the countries he invaded without justification. The same thing happened with the Iraq war.

The FOX network and the majority of  TV and newspapers in the US are spreading Repub propaganda. How many times did members of the regime claim Iraq had WMD? Many.

The right-wing propaganda machine is viciously attacking Samuel Berger, a real hero in the Clinton administration, just as they have attacked anyone who has revealed their mistakes and blunders over the past several months. Respected individuals, some are Republicans.

Hitler was an unqualified nobody who became leader of a radical right-wing militant organization called the NAZI Party which came to power at a turbulent time in Germany, and he became dictator. Bush came to power through vote fraud in Florida where his brother is governor and the state government is controlled by a lopsided Repub majority. Also, a Repub majority in the USSC declared him the winner by stopping a vote recount.

Bush has been called the least qualified candidate for president in this nation's history. His supporters include corporations and the wealthy, radical right-wing militant and white supremacist groups, the Christian Right, the defense industry, the NRA, and other radical right-wing organizations. The radical right-wing will likely do anything to stay in power. 

Since his ascent to power in the US, Bush has become a de facto dictator, disregarding the UN on Iraq, implementing a preemptory strike doctrine such as the Japanese attack on this country which brought the US into WWII. Bush abolished treaties and refused to participate in peace negotiations in the Middle East and elsewhere. The Bush regime and the Repub majority in Congress have proven time and time again they will abuse their power. Many legal and constitutional experts have declared Bush's attack on Iraq as illegal and a violation of the UN charter of which the US is a member. Even Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan quit the League of Nations to carry out their military aggressions.

The war against Iraq has committed the US military to a quagmire of civil war in Iraq with no end in sight, depleting this country's resources, killing and wounding many thousands of US military and Iraqis, at the same time allowing terrorism to spread and become ever more of a danger to the US. Which country will he decide to attack next?

For over 50 years this country fought against the USSR's attempt to spread communism around the world. Now Bush has proclaimed his intention to spread democracy to other countries by the use of force. He will fail as surely as the USSR failed, and the US will likely suffer the same downfall as the citizens of the Soviet Union unless we get rid of the internal threat and take back our country in November. To do that, the rubber stamp Repub majority in Congress must be returned to the minority party where they belong. RB 

Bush-Hitler: Hypnotizing The Masses (Information Clearing House)

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Why?

Subject: Republican Modus Operandi

Shirley Smith

Subject: Re: Today's Top 5 Headlines on BuzzFlash.com

I am proud of Michael Moore. He is fighting with the Republicans on their scale where it's nothing they can do but make cheap shots at the Kerry/Edwards campaign. So far their cheap shots haven't worked. With the amount of money that Kerry is receiving it is obvious most Americans want G.Bush and D.Cheney out of office.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Re: Iran and "Intelligence" failures

I think the timing of the Bush II empire's interest in Iran is very interesting. Wasn't it Iran that Ahmed Chalabi was spying for? Maybe Bush II empire will put him back on the payroll.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Who You Stickin' Your Tongue Out At?

Dear Buzz,

Now that Jenna Bush has been photographed sticking her tongue out at us, how long will we have to wait for a picture of her or Barbara (the younger one, I mean) mooning us? I for one would pay good money for that.

A BuzzFlash Reader

P.S.: I'm not Larry Flynt.

Subject: Contributor

Good ole W loves convincing people he's an average guy.   He has been able to accomplish this by carefully cultivating and shaping his image.   By now, everyone must be aware of the Bush team's staged photo-ops of him working on his ranch in Crawford.   The footage of George chainsawing brush is priceless.   Did they really expect us to believe that W, who had wealthy friends and business acquaintances bail him out of every failed business venture, is a blue-collar working man?   Maybe it wasn't just the image of him working with a chainsaw.   Perhaps we were supposed to be convinced by his attire.   You know, the cowboy boots, the cowboy hat, the big belt buckle and jeans.   Oh wait!   I forgot to mention his big pick-up truck.   My favorite regular guy moments come when W is down at the ranch and television reporters are forced to give their news updates in front of that barn and tractor.

Briefly examining his political appointments, however, reveals his policies favor big business, not regular people.  

Remember the Medicare prescription drug bill?   It turns out that the administrator of the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services, Thomas Scully, talked with pharmaceutical companies about employment while the bill was being written.   Understand why Medicare can't negotiate for lower drug prices?

Speaking of pharmaceuticals, before becoming chief counsel at the FDA, Daniel E. Troy represented major drug companies.   Troy and the FDA announced that it's their responsibility to put side-effect warnings on drugs.   Consequently, lawsuits against pharmaceutical corporations in state courts were invalidated.

Interior Department Secretary Gale Norton and Deputy Secretary J. Stephen Griles, both lobbied for coal, oil, gas and mining companies.   Since their arrival, the Interior Department has announced it will no longer deny mining permits even when the possibility of "irreparable harm" exists.   Additionally, the department reduced its ability to enforce protections for water and pollution cleanup standards.   Companies also have been permitted to mine without adequate funds to clean areas they've damaged.

Last December, an EPA report about mercury emissions from power plants was altered to play down the threat.   The EPA official in charge of air pollution is Jeffrey Holmstead, a former attorney at Latham & Watkins that represents utility companies.   It just so happens, at least 12 paragraphs in the mercury report are identical or remarkably similar to proposals given by Latham & Watkins.

It's obvious who W really cares about protecting.

Brian Henry

Subject: socks

Subject: Jenna comes by it honestly

This morning (July 22) I was so delighted with the picture of Jenna sticking her tongue out at reporters.  Such a charming young lady!

Then, by coincidence, my copy of Bush on the Couch, by Justin A Franklin, MD, arrived and I couldn't wait to start reading it.  And what to my wondering eyes should appear (on page 26) but this account of a  performance by her dad:

As Texas governor, when he held a news conference to address the  subject of a fatal heat wave and related forest fires that were ravaging a part of the state, he summoned a Forestry Service official to the microphone by saying, "Tree Man, get up here!"  While the official talked, Bush looked toward the journalists, stuck out his tongue and made a funny face by puffing up his cheeks like a blowfish.

I sure wish you could provide a link to that picture!   

A Devoted BuzzFlash Reader 

Subject: By now I'm convinced that America is fatefully ignorant

And I hate to say so. I was not involuntarily born here, I chose to come here. From a VERY democratic country in Western Europe. And I've paid taxes here for 20 years, and don't even know if I'll get my Social Security (that *I* have paid into) should I choose to move back to the old country at any time.  

So, half my life in one country, half my life in another country. I think I can opine....  

What REALLY is upsetting me in reading the news in the US is that everybody thinks that the US is the beacon of democracy and freedom. And that this is the false vision the government projects to us. I've got news for you, the US is laughable when it comes to democracy and freedom. And yet we project that vision upon other countries, to the extent that we go to "war" with them to liberate them and make them "free" and "democratic."  

Let me tell you about free and democratic elections: Multiple parties (from a stock of usually more than ten) form coalitions regarding platforms. These are voted on (NOT voted on the people, but their platforms) via referendums, held on Sundays, so people can come and cast a traceable paper vote without it being hardship on their families.  

Let me tell you about free speech:  People can say whatever they want, write whatever they want, watch whatever they want, do whatever they want, and if it's silly the other people just laugh.  

Let me tell you about military: Kept to a minimum, and used for humanitarian purposes mainly.  

Let me tell you about healthcare: It's a given, it's free and their taxes are not higher than ours.  

Let me tell you about education: It's free, through university, and their taxes are not higher than ours.  

I could go on.  

And this is a country that does NOT brag about freedom and democracy and wants to export its brand of it to other countries.Yet it somehow seems to have so much more than we do.  

I feel cheated.....and not least because I have lived in a real democracy. But also because I'm being lied to, daily. And because I KNOW that most people in America don't know what real freedom and democracy means.  

Maria
NYC

Subject: Slimfast and the Bush Family

A quick note to Dolores, in Ohio. I got the same answer back from Slimfast with one difference. Mine did not mention freedom of speech. So, I thought I had better write to them again and point out the matter of freedom of speech. I wonder how many people wrote to them and mentioned freedom of speech?

I told them that I had used their products for several years (the truth, of course) and that since they felt free to drop Whoopi, I felt I must drop Slimfast. I also told them that if actions like theirs ended at sometime with our not being able to speak our minds, we would be in serious trouble. I have not heard back on this second missive.

And, Kay. What to do with the junk mail you get from George and Laura or Barbara Bush... if you are not up for target practice with darts, try this. When Barbara contacts me from some sort of Care America, I fill in the blanks with the information that I am a Democrat and I resent receiving these things. Then I send it back in their postage paid envelope. I leave my name on it so that they know who is sending it back. I have done this four or five times, on their 37 cents, and the dingbats still send them to me.

Thank you, BuzzFlash, for keeping us in on what is going on in this country.

Stephanie
Dearborn, MI

Subject: Slim-fast gets it both barrels

I, too, received a response from Slim-fast, but from a different person:

Thank you for contacting us to share your comments about our relationship with Ms. Goldberg. We do read all e-mails and take them seriously. We also appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position. Ms. Goldberg's remarks created a great deal of negative media and consumer attention and this affected Ms. Goldberg's ability to positively communicate our message of weight loss. Because of this, we decided to conclude the current advertising campaign. Slim Fast believes its decision in no way impacts Ms. Goldberg's freedom of speech, now or in the future. Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns.

Kathi Eckler Consumer Support

Well, as they say...don't pee all over my shoes, hand me an umbrella and tell me it's raining. I don't give up easy. I got my poison pen out and replied to their ridiculous Stand-by Statement:

Thank you for responding even though I did not request an answer. My profession is Public Relations and I certainly recognize a cop-out retort when I see one. Ms. Goldberg's remarks were reported in the media at the urging of rabid, politically motivated, people. Her remarks had nothing to do with her ability or non-ability to communicate the Slim-fast message of weight loss. Please keep in mind, she did not say anything about weight loss or Slim-fast. She did not associate the Slim-fast company in any manner.

My dear, it appears that Slim-fast caved in to aggressive, politically motivated, people. That alone, casts Slim-fast's corporate culture into a bad light. Good corporations have codes of conduct and ethics. When Ms. Goldberg was removed from the ad campaign because of her remarks, your company failed in corporate ethics and codes of conduct by caving into a biased media frenzy. And to say that the decision to fire Goldberg in no way impacts her freedom of speech now or in the future, is laughable and an insult to the intelligence of fair-minded consumers.

You did not need to gag her to take away her freedom of speech. All you needed to do to violate that right was to fire her, and you did. When Slim-fast fired Goldberg because of her comedy routine remarks, the corporation created plenty of negative media and consumer attention all by itself. The buying public sees right through this episode. I suggest that Slim-fast should get a new Public Relations manager.

~ Cathy

Subject: Kerry Leads Bush Big Time!

A BuzzFlash reader asked: "Why is it that when Kerry is leading Bush by 4 points the news media always cites that the margin of error makes them dead even but when Bush may lead Kerry by 4 points the news media says Bush has pulled ahead of Kerry"?

The answer is simple : As long as the news media can create the illusion that Bush and Kerry are close it will be easier for the public to buy into when they tamper with the voting machines and give the bush a close win. But if the true margin of Kerry's huge lead were cited up to election time the public will not buy a Bush close win. The strategy is brilliant, but unfortunately this dumbed down electorate will buy it.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Did this really happen?

This is a good story, but I've no way to verify it. Anyone know if it really happened?

Bush & John 3:16
President Bush gave a big speech earlier this month about how his faith is so "important" to him. In this attempt to convince the American people that we should consider him for president, he announced that his favorite Bible verse is John 16:3.

Of course the speech writer meant John 3:16, but nobody in the Bush camp was familiar enough with scripture to catch the error. And do you know what John 16:3 says? John 16:3 says; "And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me."

K.S. Hestir

Subject: Berger

The Sandy Berger thing is going to die out like an old flame.  Everyone knows by now that all archive original documents are on microfilm. He could not have taken anything but copies, and he was to testify before the 911 commission...even though they decided to take a looooooooonnnnnngggggg time!  So, if the witnesses saw him stuffing them in his drawers, socks, pant pockets, up his nose, every pocket in his jacket...no matter...they will never be able to prove it! 

They want a little diversion from what is coming out...even though everyone is so bored with the damned thing by now, who would bother to even read it!?

They also think that it might help with a nice smear on Kerry, since Berger was his unofficial security adviser!  Kill two birds with one stone...two democratic birds...Clinton was the cause...and Berger is part of it all.

Well, isn't that the way they played the game when Clinton was president?

That is the way I remember it!

Please God, help us get rid of this lying bunch in the White House...please!!

Shirley......St.Louis

Subject: mailbag....7/22

To Kay, Oklahoma...during the time that Clinton was being taken to the woodshed everyday, ate nineties, not a day went by that I did not get mail from the rightwingnut organizations for donations!  Even my husband, who is republican, said, "Do they ever check to see how anyone votes?"  I usually tore them up, but after a while when they started coming more and more, I started using their prepaid envelopes (they had to pay) and sent back scathing letters to them, calling them names, every one I could without getting handcuffed and sent to jail. Finally, after about ten of those, with them paying the postage, I never heard from them again...it was worth it!!!

Delores Dryden...I got the same form letter from the slimfast people...and I answered it, just to get on their nerves...the fact that they did deny her free speech amendment is there for everyone to see, and I told  them so.  Why should anyone lose their job just because they had the nerve to say something about someone at a private party?? I am not believing it...not for a minute!

Travis...you did the exact thing I was supposed to do today...take a democratic friend to see fahrenheit 9/11.  Like you, I want to see it again, too...much of it is too involved to absorb in one sitting (had to postpone until next week).

Kathy...that, while I likely believe that you heard right...is scary...there is quite a difference in feces and fetus...although...I remember well, in the beginning of this Bush presidency, before everyone got onto him...I remember him saying something when he was in the Redwood Forest about something back in history...when the"Calvary" had to come in and save the innocents. "Not Cavalry...Calvary!!! Unfortunately, I was the only one who heard it...

Jeez...that village in Texas must really be missing their idiot by now!!!

I think there is something in the air now, regarding the Linda Ronstadt incident. She says it happened much differently...and there are a number of explanations.  The demonstrators who were supposed to have trashed the Aladdin could have been plants...knew of her show...knew that she might recommend Fahrenheit 9/11...much like the scary bunch who came into Miami to stop the recount....they scared the hell out of me!  Knowing, after reading everything I have today about it, that the people buying the Aladdin out were the "Hard Rock" people...I would imagine there would be problems. They are much more progressive!!!

These rightwingnuts have gotten a tiger by the tale in Michael Moore...he is not scared...he will not waver...he will not falter, and he will not fail! Where have I heard those words before?

Uh Oh, no uranium from Niger, if he is not with geedubya, he is with the terrorists??

Shirley......St.Louis

PS:  Good to have Bonnie Raitt on our side, too...I saw her in person for the first time in 2002, and it was great!!!

Subject: This is too good not to pass along

NEWSWEEK reports that President Bush, appearing before a right-to-life rally
in Tampa, Florida on June 17, stated: "We must always remember that all
human beings begin life as a feces. A feces is a living being in the eyes of
God, who has endowed that feces with all of the rights and God-given
blessings of any other human being."

The audience listened in disbelief as the President repeated his error at
least a dozen times, before realizing that he had used the word "feces" when he
meant to say "fetus."

Bryan Wilmoth

[BuzzFlash Note: Apparently, this is an internet rumor with no factual support. Funny, but not true.]

http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/fetal.asp

Subject: Bill Maher

Subject: Media Study

Hey BuzzFlash,

You should add a link to this on BuzzFlash.com, it's a media study. FOX news is advertising it on their website so you know a ton of Repukes will take it. We need to get some Dems to take it by advertising it on our web sites.

2004 Media Bias Study

Steve

BuzzFlash Note: We wonder who is backing this "study."

Subject: The Pakistan connection

Dear BuzzFlash,

Have you read this article in the Guardian Unlimited? It seems to me that if this is true there is something more rotten in Washington DC and the White House than we have been privy to up to now.

Richard F Stencil
Washington State

Subject: 9/11 COMMISSION

Dear Buzz,

I'm sitting here watching the news and everyone is making their point on how there were intelligence failures and information not being shared. It was also told that during the Clinton admn. there were four separate warnings and during the Bush admn. there were six warnings for the eight months he was in office.

My question is why aren't heads rolling? Everyone is tip toeing around like they're walking on egg shells! I know it isn't all Clinton's fault, even though stuff happened during his term, but it seems like everyone is forgetting the PDBs that Bush & co. had that SPECIFICALLY warned of hijacking of airplanes and flying them into buildings!! If the roles were reversed, the Repugs would be screaming from the top of their lungs, and yet, as Reagan used to say, "Here we go again." Why is everyone sooooo afraid of this administration?? This happened on Bush's watch, and with the PDBs, HE'S the one who should be held accountable!

And this commission comes out saying that "we" (collectively) didn't know that people would want to kill us. Oh Pleeeeze give me a break!!! Saying it looks like it's imminent that we will likely be attacked again. What? The slimy, pencil neck, beady-eyed retard keeps saying that he's the peace pResident and we're winning the war on terror!

God I hate this administration! They're worthless as tits on a boarhog! Just worthless! I'm so sick of it!! Come on Nov 2nd! A Loyal Buzz Fan Forever!!

Sharon Carlton
Bellevue Nebraska

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 OF THE JULY 23, 2004 BUZZFLASH MAILBAG.