The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Read the BuzzFlash FAQ for info on submitting to the Mailbag.

Subject: Diebold's Secret Voting Machine Switch

I realize y'all may already be aware of this, but the LA Times has a shocking story about Diebold's secret two-digit code that alters voting results!

The system's key vulnerability is that county election workers or others with access to the machines could type in a two-digit code and create a second set of results that would then be forwarded to the state as the county's official tally, said Bev Harris, one of the activists who filed the case. She said the Diebold vote-tabulating equipment at the center of the lawsuit is used in 19 California counties, including Los Angeles County.

State Joins Suit Over Voting Machines (LA Times)

Kevin C.

Subject: Democrats

I would like to see Kerry and others connected with his campaign becoming as aggressive and nasty as GW's group.

James H.

Subject: awol

Dear BuzzFlash,

As a Vietnam army veteran myself, I can assure you without doubt, that if a soldier is awol for over 30 days, he/she is written up as a deserter......unless of course your a "Bushie." Grateful for your online publications

Shel Ceresnie
Oak Park, Mi.

Subject: link to an interesting article

Hello,

This is a link for an article about a Bush supporter beating a participant in an anti-war protest:

Scuffle Breaks Out Between Protesters In Santa Fe (The New Mexico Channel)

Bush and his supporters are so "brave" that they can beat a man in a wheelchair. I have not been able to find more details but if I do I will send you any other links.

AJD

Hi Buzzy,

I sent this letter to Lou Dobbs on CNN, entitled "I typed professionally during the 60's and 70's.'

Dear Lou,

Regarding the th in the documents that Dan Rather presented:  None of your CNN news guys typed during that time period.  I did.  I even typed mathematics theses that required lots of super and sub scripts.  The IBM selectric balls could quickly be exchanged. There were variable fonts and half spaces.  There were lots of possible balls one could order and have as the ball for your typewriter.  There were also little plastic things called "type-its" and each typist had a big box of type-its and it took just a second to pop in a type-it into the typewriter.  Good, fast typists and slow typists alike could use these.  There was a little attachment that went on the typewriter and you just stuck it into the typewriter behind the ribbon and struck any key.  A th was nothing to do, either by using the proper selectric ball or changing it out or the type-it.  Also, contrary to the case now, administrators had obsolete things called a SECRETARY (a person who typed letters for you and let you sign them).  As an expert typist and one who trained typists, I believe the authenticity of these documents can NOT be shot down by your news people, at least not on the basis of a th showing up in the letter.

Margaret Waid

Buzzy, P.S., it took less time to put in the th type-it or the selectric ball than it does now to use Windows and click and/or drag on the mouse a few times to change the font to a superscript.  Also, I didn't mention it to Lou Dobbs but there were also obsolete things called Dictaphones that one could speak into and a Secretary could transcribe.  Also, there was something called Shorthand and Secretaries could take dictation and then write up the letter.  There was plenty of opportunity for a guy who would rather just talk than take tedious notes to get a letter on record.  Of course I don't know about the real authenticity of the documents, but I do know that people who do their own keyboarding on present day computers don't have a clue about the technology that was available in the early 70's and what it took to use it.  Another thing is that copies were made on carbon paper, and there were few copies made.  Carbons were traditionally signed separately from the original without the carbon paper.  So the signature would not be an exact copy of the original.  It is not as easy to make a clear copy of carbon copy as it is to make a clear copy of an original.

I hope this helps.

Keep up your excellent work, Buzz.  We need you.

Margaret Waid

Subject: frustrated

I am thrilled that the shrub's military record has received some attention from the media at last. This is a story that should have been on the front pages 3 years ago. It is so obvious to anyone that can read and actually understand facts, that Bush did not do what he was supposed to in the national guard. This is a FACT and no matter how they spin it, everything, and that includes the records released by the white house, point to W not showing up. As Paul Begala said on Crossfire, "not one person has ever come forward that saw George Bush during those missing months."

However, the democrat representatives on the talk circuit, STILL let the wingers make their talking points without any correction to the facts. The big spin, now that all the heads spit verbatim, is "he fulfilled his obligation or he wouldn't have received an honorable discharge." The democrats could just rip that to shreds but they all let it go unanswered. A bit of research would show that most dishonorable discharges were because of egregious crimes. Hell, even John Muhammad, the DC sniper, received an honorable discharge after striking an officer and 2 court martials.

They also say this is old news. Been rehashed and rehashed. They say that every time Bush is up for election this comes up. I have never heard a democrat say, it keeps coming up because it has never been answered with any satisfaction as to the missing months, the medical exam and the real reason Bush was grounded. The white house keeps saying all the records were released, he fulfilled his duty and he received an honorable discharge. Hogwash! The only true statement there is, he received an honorable discharge. But why?

The democrats STILL let the spinners get away with, "well it's not what Kerry did IN Vietnam, it's what he did when he came home. He accused all servicemen in Vietnam of committing war crimes and dishonored our troops." Now, it would be very simple to actually read what Kerry actually said and I KNOW all the democrats as well as the hosts of these shows know the context of Kerry's remarks, BUT STILL, these go unchallenged. Didn't any of these democrats ever hear of My Lai, Lt. William Calley or the myriad of other accusations and investigations regarding atrocities during Vietnam? The democrats just sit there and let the GOPers spin it that John Kerry alone has accused our soldiers of war crimes.

The RNC is great at getting all the talking points to the media. You can hear all the radio, Fox news and print media spew the exact same words. The DNC needs to organize all their speakers with talking points. DAMN, send a memo, a FAX or an Email. We just keep letting the wingers get away with whatever they want. FRUSTRATING, DAMN FRUSTRATING !

Bob Lambert
Northridge, CA

Subject: End Iraq War Now

How many more American soldiers and Iraqi civilians have to die before Kerry states the obvious: we can't win and we have to leave. The Iraqis aren't stupid. They know we came to control their oil, and have no intention of letting them have a real democracy, as was seen by the sacking of Gen. Garner when he suggested elections within 90 days of his arrival, the rule of Bremer from the fortified Green Zone, the assignment of death squad czar Negroponte as ambassador, and appointment of Allawi, who killed six suspected insurgents in cold blood, as interim president.

If our goal is to fight terror, this war is making it worse by giving terror groups a further insult to use as a recruiting tool.

How many people have to die just because the oil and defense industry can make bigger campaign contributions than everyone else?

A hundred years ago, the government broke up Standard Oil, a monolithic monopoly. Oil needs another breaking, this time of their political power. Likewise, we have to cut off the revolving door between government, the military, and the defense industry. When someone like Dick Cheney has a vested interest in the United States going to war and then we do, that's more than a conflict of interest. It's treason.

If elected or appointed officials want to go into those industries or serve as lobbyists, fine. Let them make the trip once, and cancel their government pensions. Or better yet, don't let them do it at all. Go work with Jimmy Carter building houses for poor people, teach college, make model airplanes, or sleep with any interns you didn't get around to in office. Just don't whore yourself out and compromise our government.

Military officers who work in the Pentagon shouldn't even be able to make the trip once. If they can't live on a general's pension, they should have picked a different profession (isn't that what conservatives always say when teachers complain about how little money they make?). Our soldiers and our democracy itself are in danger if we don't end this war now and fix these cancerous flaws in our government.

Michael J. Dixon
Santa Monica, CA

Subject: Bush responds to questions from audience

Dear Buzz (and I apologize for the length of this):

Poor George.  These are the types of questions (below) he gets on his campaign stops. The ones at the upcoming debates may be a bit, uh, "tougher," though (which is probably why he's trying to duck out of the one on Oct 8, which has a townhall meeting format.

President's Response at Ask President Bush Event, Aug. 11 in Albuquerque, NM:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040811-6.html

"First I want to make a prediction.   President Bush is going to win by a landslide. (Applause.)   Number two, I respect your position on human life and your demand for abortion [sic].  I respect it. And I thank you every moment. You're the top President when it comes to us speaking out for life. Thank you. (Applause.)"

"I agree with him. I hope we see you in a landslide.  First of all, let me say it's an honor to speak to you. It's an honor every day when I get to pray for you as President.  I just -- I wanted to say that. I wanted to agree with him -- your stand for life, for stem cells. We do not need to be doing research with fetal stem cells. And I appreciate that. (Applause.) Could I ask you two more questions?  Can I introduce my mother and mother-in-law who are new citizens to this country?"

"I'm a retired Navy, 20 years. (Applause.) I flew the S-3, the same that you came aboard in the Lincoln.  Four tours in Vietnam, and all I can say is, thank God we finally have a Commander-in-Chief.  Let me -- let me say something. You've got a lot of veterans in this state. People have served their country in this state, and I want to thank you for your service. And I thank you for setting such a good example."

"Mr. President, thank you so much. I just returned from a 13-month tour, Lt. Colonel Jackson. (Applause.)   I was the deputy commander of our forces in Kosovo. Mr. President, all the forces overseas are thankful that you are such a strong Commander-in-Chief, and even when I was Medivacked out, I was injured and Medivacked out to Germany, along with forces from Iraq and Afghanistan, the morale was very high, because we knew that you were in charge and going to take care of us. (Applause.)"

[From small boy in audience] "I was wondering if I could take a picture with you."

"First of which, first part of comment, just know that my wife and I are praying for you. We appreciate what you've done the four years you've been in office.  The question I have, one of our concerns is, is the continued erosion of the moral fabric of this country with the -- obviously the removal of prayer in schools, the removal of the Ten Commandments, abortion, and now we're faced with the issue of gay marriage. And, obviously, there was an attempt to at least get it in the Constitution among the parties in Congress, with no success. What do you plan to do -- when you're reelected -- to abolish that attempt by the left? And my second question is, would you mind if I got your autograph? (Laughter.)"

"President Bush, we want you to know something. This group of ladies right here, we represent an international company -- an international AGLOW fellowship. This is women all over the world. There is a woman over there by the name of Bernadette Martinez who is the prayer coordinator for New Mexico. And we want you to know, we are praying for you.  We are praying for righteous leaders in Washington and throughout our country, because we know that it's time for America to get back to its moral roots that our founders put in place for us when this country was founded. And it is time for the people in this country to realize and to call out for righteous leaders. That is our right as God's children. And we are doing that."

One woman asks Bush a "hard" question:

"Mr. President, I would like to know what your administration has done to help women and children in domestic violence situations." 

Bush says the Justice Dept. is working with states to make sure they have resources to bring people to justice and talks about his experience as governor of Texas.  The woman then prompts him: 

"And what about the Family Justice Center Initiative? Didn't you announce that last year?" 

Bush pretends he forgot: 

"...the pilot program -- $21 million?"

"Oh, I did, so thanks for reminding me. (Laughter.) How quickly we forget. It was a loaded question, wasn't it?"

Is it just me, or does this seem more like a prearranged love fest than a Ask-Your-President-a-Serious-Question session?

A BuzzFlash Reader

[BuzzFlash Note: Bush gets questions from no one except avid supporters. Every single one of his campaign stops/events are heavily pre-screened so he never has to answer real questions about real issues affecting real Americans. Questions are generally asked by ignorant Republicans who treat Bush like a religious figure.]

Subject: The death toll

Friends,

On the third anniversary of the event that the Bush administration continually uses to justify the slaughter in Iraq, here is my attempt to provide some perspective on the scale of the two atrocities.

In response to an attack by a group of fundamentalist extremists from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Lebanon, which killed about 3,000 in New York, [Pennsylvania] and Washington, the United States launched a massive attack on Iraq that has killed, to date, another thousand Americans and 10,000 to 30,000 Iraqi civilians who had not lifted a finger to attack the US (see attached PDF). Can you say "overkill"?

But whether the number of innocent civilians killed in Iraq has been 30,000 or 300, it's too many. Iraq did not attack the United States. Iraq posed no credible threat to the United States. Those who are now the movers and shakers in the Bush administration had been advocating war against Iraq since the end of the Persian Gulf War, and had been planning the invasion since they came to power in January of 2001.

September 11 was not the reason for the Iraqi invasion; it was a convenient excuse for a war that has divided the American people, wrecked the American economy, killed over 1,000 Americans, and maimed untold thousands of others--while inflicting many times more casualties on the people of a country that had not attacked the United States, a people whose "liberation" the Bush administration now touts as the retroactive justification for the war.

The Bush administration has blood on its hands--the blood of Iraqi civilians, and the blood of thousands of Americans. So do we, if we don't demand change.

Rick M.

Subject: Was Osama captured in early August?

Hi Buzz,

Found this in The Times Of India. I thought it was interesting.

Is Osama dead? The argument continues ...

NEW DELHI: The billion dollar question on the third anniversary of 9/11: Where is Osama bin Laden?

In the past few weeks there have been a flurry of reports. Russian press reported that the al-Qaeda chief is in US custody, Collin Powell saying he is on the run and a Pakistani minister indicating that the Osama is dead.

[snip]

Earlier this week, a Russian site, Profindpages.com, reported that Pakistani security forces have captured Osama bin Laden. He was captured not far from Chitral in the Northern part of Pakistan (between Chitral and Peshawar), in the first week of August. the site said.

Two "top al-Qaeda operatives" are being held in Pakistan and one of them is is believed to be Osama.

The capture of the "Big Fish" will not be officially announced until sometime next month, in what is sure to be "Headline" news throughout the world, the site said quoting US sources. [See http://www.profindpages.com/news/2004/09/04/MN348.htm]

[snip]

Whilst his capture would certainly put an end to a long running hunt and mystery, it would also raise a few questions as to why this has not already been announced.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Long Live The New Iraq!

Hi BuzzFlash,

Things seem to be looking up in Iraq these days...just look at the new employment opportunities in security and law enforcement at this great new website!  Long live the new Iraq!  

http://www.iraqcoalition.org/security/MOI_Info_Packet.html

You can be in the Iraqi Police Service (8 weeks training and a whopping $147 a month) or even better, a Facilities Protection Officer!  After an 'intensive 3 day training program,' you are looking at $56 a month - plus another $64 in hazard pay!  Plus you get a cool uniform and pistol.  All you have to do is guard oil wells for the Americans...what's the worst that could happen? 

They don't just let anybody in, though... An FPS candidate must meet the following qualifications for employment:

Age 18 to 50

Good moral character

Pass a literacy test

Pass a physical fitness test

No criminal background

(Sorry Dubya, you only qualify for 1 out of 5...try the Iraqi National Guard.)

Now, you've got to check this website out quickly, because Iraq is a free and sovereign country now and you'll have to get info like this from their new website at

http://iraq.usembassy.gov/

or

http://baghdad.usembassy.gov/

Please update your bookmarks.

Yes, that's right; the US embassy.  The sad and horrible thing is...I'm not making any of this up.

A. Grainger
London, Canada

Subject: daily howler comment

Thank you, amen and hallelujah for your comments on September 9. I no longer expect anything constructive from the pundits. Only those who have become thoroughly indoctrinated by their corporate masters are still allowed on tv. What's got my panties in a bunch is the attacks on Kerry's manhood that have been appearing on some of our so-called liberal websites. I've been on a one-person e-mailing campaign to BuzzFlash ranting and complaining about this -- BuzzFlash's word of choice seems to be "timid"; the other site doing this is not so polite.

Kerry is not timid and is not running a timid campaign. This is another fabrication of the media (along with the flip-flopping), and heaven help us if we continue parroting this tripe. For example, the AP headlined an article something like "Kerry Hints GOP Will Interfere with Black Vote." BuzzFlash used the word "suggests," rather than "hints," but to me both words sound fairly wussy. When I read the actual article, however, Kerry in no way hinted at anything. He said straight out that republicans did this in 2000 and it would not be tolerated in this election. A more suitable headline for Kerry's remarks would have started with "Kerry warns" or "Kerry attacks." Anybody who is still saying Kerry is not running an aggressive campaign is just not paying attention or is getting all their information from the lying and spinning mainstream press.

It's less than two months from the election, and the republicans are a cohesive, dare I say Borg-like unit, and we are whining and complaining that Kerry is screwing up and if only he would run his campaign like we say . . . blah, blah, blah.Once again we're forming the circular firing squad with our candidate in the middle. It's like everybody but you and Make Them Accountable has decided to do a Nader on Kerry. Anyway, thanks for recognizing that just because the media reports it, it ain't necessarily so.

And as far as the windsurfing non-issue goes -- it's just sour grapes from supporters of the candidate who apparently isn't able to ride a bicycle or a horse, or even chew a pretzel. Can't you just picture Bush trying to windsurf or snowboard?

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Doc expert who first said Bush AWOL docs fakes now says they are genuine!

Saturday's edition of the Boston Globe reports that one document expert, Philip Bouffard, who had expressed suspicions about the documents, said "he now believes the documents could have been prepared on an IBM Selectric Composer typewriter available at the time."

CBS News

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Election

Thank you for "It's time to cream him, John." I am sure this is the sentiment of millions of people. I could not agree with you more. I hope John Kerry reads it.

Ray Young

Subject: Strategy of Debate

BuzzFlash and Kerry should drop the attacks on Bush's military service. A poll has shown that 80% of Americans do not care what Bush did forty years ago, and the 20% who care intend to vote for Kerry anyway. In a debate, you should always drop your weakest argument and pound the opponent with your strongest: in this case, the thirty-five year deterioration of the American economy under mostly Republican stewardship.To emphasize Kerry's leadership qualities is to stage the electoral battle in the very theater where the Republicans want it fought: the military theater. The Republicans are far stronger on terrorism (even it is an illusory, scare-mongering strength) than on the economy, and whenever Kerry (or his well-meaning supporters at BuzzFlash) drag the debate back into the Vietnam era, they play into Republican hands by distracting the country's attention from the economic, social and medical miseries of the moment.

Daniel Birnbaum
Paris, France

Subject: Choice and Terrorism

Vice President Cheney said last week the America will be move vulnerable to attack if we make the wrong choice this election. It's a statement I agree with - but not in the way Cheney thinks.

We were attached by Osama bin Laden who killed 3000 Americans on 9-11. In response - Bush and Cheney decided to attack Iraq that had nothing to do with it and let bin Laden get away. Now they talk about Osama bin Laden as if he doesn't matter.

And - it doesn't help that Bush's family are business partners with Osama bin Laden's family.

So - we have a choice between staying with the leaders who are going after the wrong enemy and someone who will go after bin Laden. The choice is clear. America will be safer with John Kerry as president.

Marc Perkel
San Francisco, CA.

Subject: Slogan: Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?

A week ago, I heard Kerry giving a speech in which he gave to me his most effective mantra of the campaign. I haven't heard Kerry use this language again on the news and I think its a great campaign slogan. Maybe if BuzzFlash started promoting the slogan it would take off. It went tenor went something like: Bush wants you to re-elect him. WHAT FOR? For taking a Federal surplus and turning it into a record federal deficit. WHAT FOR? Losing one and and a half million American jobs over the past four years. WHAT FOR? Taking the United States down a deadly and dangerous road in Iraq seeking mythical weapons of mass destruction?"

The comments are mine, but you can fill in the blank after what for.

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
The mess in Iraq.

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
The record national deficit.

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
The loss of millions of jobs in the U.S.

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
Tax breaks favoring the wealthiest elite?

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
Opening millions of acres of public land to destruction.

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
Relaxing standards for clean air and water.

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
Standing by while millions lose their health care benefits and millions of children are not covered by health care.

Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?
Burdening schools with unfunded and costly mandates that leave all children behind.

Fill in a thousand blanks and shout it out.
Re-elect Bush? WHAT FOR?

Rick

Subject: Some follow-up on 9/11

Dear BuzzFlash,

This past Saturday marked the third anniversary of 9/11 and the murder of almost 3,000 of my fellow New Yorkers. The nineteen men, mostly Saudi, who committed this incredible act are of course dead, having been successful martyrs to their cause. What mostly disturbs me at this point is that there has been such a total lack of accountability demanded of those who utterly failed to protect us against this odious crime. In my thinking, the Bush regime, a complex of evil intent, old-fashioned incompetence, and cynical disdain for the American people, was criminally negligent. They had warnings - lots of warnings. They were handed some good solid information from Russian, French, Israeli, Jordanian, and German intelligence. And what did they do with it? Nothing, absolutely nothing. No, not quite nothing - Bush played golf. And Condi, well, our so-called National Security Advisor, was clueless as well as indifferent, and the rest of our protectors were quite the same. The regime didn’t even scramble on that day the military jets in the security plan we’ve heard touted so much. But the plot does indeed thicken when you consider that fifteen of the hijackers were Saudis and that we know much, if not all, of the funding, came from rich Saudis and that the Saudis in this country, including bin Laden family members, were spirited rapidly home just after the event without being adequately investigated. We know, too, that the Saudis were, and have been for a long time, privileged extensions of the Bush family, lovingly aiding them in times of financial difficulties. Thus, is it possible that in reality the Bush family have become, have been, whether by intention or not, players in the terrorism that brutally killed almost 3,000 of my fellows? I suspect Michael Moore knew whereof he suggested in his recent documentary.

It all sounds too horrible, too far-out to contemplate, too unreal, perhaps. But then why? Didn’t Bush and his handlers, or was it he and Bush Sr. themselves, do absolutely everything in their power to prevent any investigation whatsoever of this horrendous attack? Only intense pressure from some widows of survivors and a few others caused the Commission, highly compromised at that, to be created, Bush and fellows meanwhile stonewalling whenever and however they could. Then under some gentle pressure, apparently Bush himself and his overseer Cheney provided as little information as they could. Remember that farce of a questioning of the two, not separate but together, and then no notes allowed? Then we have the 9/11 Commission declaring that those Saudis that were sent on their way with the blessing of the regime were just fine, no problem at all, good people all. And who defended, most successfully, the Saudi government against a serious lawsuit initiated by some of the families of 9/11 victims? Why, none other than the law firm of the Bush family consiglieri, Mr. James A. Baker, III, himself locked into the infamous Carlyle Group. Incredible! Fifteen Saudis, Saudi funding, and we invade Iraq! Good God! In my opinion, George W. Bush, simply the latest most visible player of his crime family, and his regime are in de facto collusion with those who fund, even provide, the terrorists that our so-called president and company pretend to fight. And their principal modus operandi is to evade, to lie, to dodge any accountability, of course observing the gospel according to Karl Rove, a totally cynical process through which, if you simply keep lying, the lie will be believed, and besides the fickle public by the next day will have forgotten whatever it was anyhow, especially if you shift to another lie. This the Rovians know and use to misguide, evade, cover up, and deprive us of the simple truth.

When this gang of Republican thugs, thieves, fools, and hate mongers came to my city a short time ago, most New Yorkers saw them for the contemptible gang they are, who could care less about New Yorkers; instead, what they presented at their well-crafted show was advertising, sheer propaganda, intended for the rest of a shockingly gullible country.They insulted our dead by their very presence as they exploited those dead, whom they, our regime, had failed so miserably. They couldn’t give one really good goddamn about our dead - after all, how concerned are they about the 1,000 plus service people of ours now dead, whom they continue to render all but invisible, our many wounded - again silence and cover-up - and about the 12,000 or more Iraqi civilians they have killed and who have always remained officially invisible and uncounted? Yes, another anniversary came and went, and another anniversary saw these criminally negligent liars and cheats, who not only failed us but are part of the problem itself, profit from the deaths of our people. My city was insulted and rendered unclean by the presence of these liars, cheaters, manipulators, and their supporters. My God, if Americans out in the hinterlands cannot see through this charade, then it might all be terribly true that we get the government we deserve, and this government is criminal, nightmarish, and worthy only of utter contempt and an imprisonment that might prevent them from doing further harm to us and the world.

Norman Weinstein
NYC

Subject: It's Time To Cream Him, John

Dear BuzzFlash,

The above editorial is great and true. We are dealing with incompetent thugs and

I, for one , have known it all along and become more frustrated every day.

Is there anyway to ensure John Kerry sees this editorial? He really must, it's important

Marlene
Tucson, AZ

THank you fro the editorial. I assume it has been sent to Kerry headquarters. I wrote a similar diatribe, without the legal stuff to the DNC yesterday. This election should have been over months ago. We need to fight as dirty as they do. THe press is no help at all. Keep up the good work. You are keeping me hopeful.

Grace Love
Natrona Heights, PA

Press not looking at Bush record.

The press is totally buying into the GOP talking points method of judging this campaign. They refuse to do serious investigations into the past three years under Bush. Instead they concentrate on "how is Kerry going to get out of this mess." Through some bizarre self-willed blindness they refuse to connect the " mess" with the real creator, Bush, and only ask how Kerry is going to get out of it. The press continues to give Bush a free ride. If he earned this respect by actually doing a good job, I could understand it, but his presidency is a monumental failure of mega proportions.

The only thing Bush seems to be good at is criticizing John Kerry. Besides this, his domestic and foreign policies are a bloody mess.

Domestically, we went from a balanced budget under Clinton to the worst deficit of all time. First president since Herbert Hoover of the great depression to oversee a net loss in jobs. 30% of his tax cuts goes to upper 1% who earn 1.2 million per year, or roughly $576 per hour. Health care cost skyrocketing out of control and Bush is in bed with the drug companies. The list of economic failures is huge and getting longer.

Environmentally he has rolled back and gutted between 200 and 400 environmental protection laws.

Worst of all, foreign policy is a bloody mess. 1,000 US soldiers dead for a mistake in Iraq. United States is more hated by the rest of the world than any other time in history. Worldwide terrorism is getting worse by the day.

You take away Bush's one Kodak moment with the megaphone at ground zero three years ago and you have absolutely nothing!

Michael Reinholz

Dear BuzzFlash:

If there is a more "BRILLIANT" analysis of what Kerry must do [to win] I haven't heard about it. Simply brilliant and most definitely ON POINT! You have said what some of us who are still conscious and unafraid in the weakened and compromised media press corps have wanted to hear said!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.....PEACE!

A BuzzFlash Reader

If you listen to Senator Bob Graham, which no one is, Bush is more concerned with Saudi Arabia than with the American people. Why can't we pound home that argument for his removal?

Love you, Buzz

John Westermann

Subject: kitty kelly kicked matt lauer's ass on the "today" show just now....

kicked his ass!!!

kelly said that sharon bush [former wife of neil bush] said she, sharon bush, would end up dead in an alley if she didn't retract her statements that laura bush loved marijuana and george did coke at camp david.

wow!!!

larry
[mcmanus/los angeles]

p.s. did lauer go after cheney, scooter libby or robert novak when they committed treason by outing a cia operative? no!

Subject: Wrong Way Cheney

I still can’t believe the anemic response to Cheney’s claim that if you don’t vote for Bush, your inviting a horrible terrorist attack. Every time Cheney spews his ugly rhetoric, Kerry/Edwards should use the opportunity to counterpunch him right in the mouth. Cheney has a horrible track record predicting the future. Remember that Cheney prognosticated that Saddam had WMD, that Iraqis would great us as liberators, and that Saddam was collaborating with al Queda. These all have been proved wrong. Every time Cheney makes a dire prediction about the consequences of electing Kerry/Edwards, the voters should be reminded in no uncertain terms of Cheney’s track record of being exactly wrong. Given that when Cheney predicts, the exact opposite proves to be true, we must conclude that only Kerry/Edwards can guarantee our security! Vote Kerry Edwards, or suffer the consequences of another Cheney prediction gone awry!

Thomas Goodness

Lexington, KY

Will someone at BuzzFlash please hand deliver to John Kerry and John Edwards your Sept. 13 editorial. If they don't kick these bastards in the balls real hard and often, the election will go to Bush and Cheney. This is a crisis situation.

F Boudart

Dear BuzzFlash:

Brilliant editorial. The mainstream media has all but handed another four years to these Nazis. Will you forward your editorial to the Kerry campaign? Your site is a lifeline to the truth and as soon as I can find employment I will contribute to your noble endeavor.

Jill in California

BuzzFlash

Way to go!! Great editorial!! Finally someone has put into words what we all have been complaining about. Kerry has to get off his butt and start to fight. I just wonder if some of his so called advisors aren't working for Bush!

Since Bush's lead in the polls relies on the terrorism issue (instead of the economy) Kerry needs to make it clear that the terrorist are not in IRAQ!!!

Most Americans believe that Iraq was responsible for 911.

Phil Dirig

Remember when Pat Robertson said Florida was going to get hit by hurricanes because Disneyworld allowed "Gay Day"? No hurricanes hit then, but they are hitting the state now--maybe God is punishing Florida for the 2000 election!

Carol Schmidt
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Subject: 9/11 and the Quran

Thank you so much for the information...I should have just asked you first!!!

I am glad that I had the presence of mind to go on the web and google it...I sort of got a little ill, after reading it...but, knowing the source...I should have known there was nothing to it.

I hate organizations and people who make these things up, and expect that so many will...and, God help us, they are always so right wing...and christian conservative.

Really, folks, you would not believe some of the drivel that is coming out of the southwest portion of this state.

It is gonna take a miracle to change them...but, the fact that 8000 came from all around in the smaller towns to see Edwards...to Bushs' 10,000 was most heartening. I just talked to my cousin...and he says he has been in touch with the Kerry campaign and they are going to make at least 5-7 trips to Missouri in the following 6 weeks... so that is good news...hopefully, Ms. McCaskill, Jim and his friend who is running for democratic treasurer will be able to appear with them somewhere.

There will be a big rally in Texas county on Oct.6th....and I would love to be there, but, have promised to go to a relative's wedding.

We have to try at the state level, too...especially since Gore lost these battleground states.

Thank you so much for the help.....Shirley..........St.Louis

Subject: AK-47

Sent to the Brady Campaign:

----- Original Message -----
To: press@bradycampaign.org
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 4:33 PM
Subject: AK-47

26 years old Officer Kennya Hubert - Miami Dade Metro Police Dept. - tried to make a regular traffic stop at 184 Terrace and North Miami Avenue Miami, when the occupant of the vehicle jumped out of it and sprayed the officer's car with an AK-47 assault weapon. This incident happened on Sunday, September 12, 2004. Thank God the officer was not killed but was wounded and is currently in the hospital. Her car exploded under the barrage of fire from the AK-47.

There is enough danger in the streets with the illegal weapons we do not need now the blessing of our government to make the lives of our police officers or citizens unsafe with the expiration of the ban against such weapons.

The prohibition of the sales of assault and automatic weapons is not against our right to bear arms...but we do not need those killing machines, anyone that wants to play Rambo should join the Army.

A very concerned citizen

Jocelyn _
Miami, Florida

Subject: The Big What If

There is a question that has been keeping me awake nights since my return from the protests in NYC. What if the worst happens, even after all the work we are doing and will continue to do until November 2? What if we wake up on Nov. 3 and Bush has won by a slight, contested margin?

What are we going to do? Are we going to just sit there and stare at the TV, sick, defeated: our Democracy gone?

I know that we still have non-stop work to do to try our best not to have to face that. But, I think that it would be smart to begin thinking about that. What will we do?

Just contemplating,

Dot

Subject: Amen, BuzzFlash

Dear Buzz,

Your editorial today, "It's time to cream him, John," is right on the money. Kerry needs to dispense with the niceties, pronto. He has been energized recently, but even that is not enough.

His consultants are grossly overpaid, I'm afraid. My kids come up with better campaign slogans and ads for Kerry each evening as we engage in our customary anti-Bush rants. We live in the far northern nook of Illinois and are fortunate to get TV stations from Wisconsin and Michigan, where we can see Bush's and Kerry's TV ads. And it pains me to say it, but Kerry's ads are smarmy and ineffective, in comparison with Bush's -- which are slick, concise and memorable. It is painful to observe the difference, knowing that it has no correspondence in reality. Yes, image counts, as much as we may dislike this truth.

Kerry knows how to fight -- he has to turn the boat around and ram it into the vermin-infested White House NOW. We are way past the 'positive campaign' illusions here. Too much is at stake to proceed with undue caution. Someone has to remind him that the truth and the nation's support are on his side -- and the only thing to fear is the fear itself.

I wonder if there is a way to turn your editorial into a public petition that would be sent to Kerry? My guess is you'd get hundreds of names underneath it within hours.

A Buzzer.

Subject: "They All Died in Vain"

Marc Krug, in his reader contribution, "They All Died in Vain," is right on, I believe, in his speculation that George Bush wanted to avenge his father by taking out Saddam. There is an ongoing pattern of that in his political career.

Ann Richards, governor of Texas prior to George, dissed his dad at a Democratic convention by saying George, Sr. was "born with a silver foot in his mouth." George, Jr., with the help of the usual suspects, ran against her and took her out.

Then, Bill Clinton dissed his dad by taking the White House from him. Dubya couldn't go after Clinton directly, so he did the second best thing and took out Clinton's V.P. Al Gore. (Never mind that it took the gang of Republican thugs who continue to aid him, plus a judicial coup d'etat.)

I'm no psychologist, but I wonder if all this has something to do with an underachiever son trying to prove himself to daddy. It would also go toward explaining why anyone who disagrees with him or challenges his motives and actions, is considered an "enemy." He is out to prove himself at all costs.

Jim Bush

Subject: The contact info for your new article on woman fired for Kerry Bumpersticker

Here's her employer's link:

http://www.betterinsulation.com/search_results_for_alabamaMFG1.htm

The owner who fired her is Phil Geddes:

EnviroMate Insulation
13855 Court Street
Moulton, Alabama 35650

Phone: 256.350.0442 (to Trustee's Office, Phil is a Bankrupty Lawyer, too)

Email Address: phil@pgeddes.com

Pretty un-American to fire someone for their voting preference, but hey - it's the GOP way!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Olberman Still Claiming Forged Docs?

Buzz,

Just now watched Keith Olberman (sp?) of MSNBC interviewing some political analyst about the CBS documents. Both describing them as forged and wondering what sort of investigation would take place. I thought this was all simply resolved as a non-story. That the docs were proven legitimate and consistent with other docs of the late 60's early 70's. What's the deal? Am I wrong? Is this another example of smokescreen to distract from more Bush flaws? How do we put an end to this lying subterfuge?

Steve W.
Las Vegas

Subject: Bush's Belly

Dear BuzzFlash,

I love the picture of Bush pledging allegiance to his belly. How can he be so dumb after 4 years in our house. I remember the day he was inaugurated. He was standing next to Cheney when the National Anthem was played. He actually put his left hand on his chest. Cheney reached over and corrected him. Ol georgie was oogling as usual.

It was during all the parades and of course they were behind protective glass.

Mark Podhorzek, that is an excellent idea for a Kerry Ad. (Picture of old white men with bush signing a law against women who own their bodies) It could be short: WOMEN, DO YOU WANT THESE MEN TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR BODY? IF NOT, VOTE FOR KERRY!

To BuzzFlash: Do you forward your mail bag to whoever is in charge of making decisions for the Kerry Campaign? It sure could give those people over there some great ideas. They need ideas if Kerry is going to win this Nov. 2nd.

Thanks,

Carolina

Subject: Another Knock on his Noggin?

Ok, so I am watching CNN and Jr. is signing a book to show sympathy and support for the Russian children that were murdered by terrorists.

Jr. looked like he was growing another eyebrow over his left eye. Looks like another bruise or something. What the hell is it? I couldn't get a close look at it, but there was something there. ANOTHER spill? Maybe a gift from the wife? Maybe from that mood ring he gave her? You know... it turns red when she is happy, and turns into a purple knot on his head when she isn't...

One can only wonder.

Love buzz,

danielle in the panhandle

Hi Buzzers,

It is important that we let Dan Rather and CBS NEWS know we appreciate their reporting of the Bush record. We should watch CBS NEWS as our network source of news and information also. Please send in your thanks to them. They need kudos after the assault on them from the Repugs which is most certainly happening.

MP

----------- Original Message -----------
Sent To: 60m@cbsnews.com
Subject: Bush Military Record Investigation
Date Sent: 13 Sep 2004 06:53 PM

Dear Dan Rather and the 60 Minutes Staff:

I wish to thank you for your brave reporting about the facts of the Bush TexANG duty records. I know you have been getting a lot of flack from the Republicans on this reporting but, as a former video tape editor for the Los Angeles Bureau of CBS NEWS, I know the high standards practiced by your organization. I know that despite the unprofessional and dishonest reporting by competitors such as FOX NEWS, CBS NEWS will never give up their high standards of professional journalism. I salute you, Dan Rather and the 60 Minutes Staff, for tackling the hard stories that need to be told. Please do not give up on this important story about Bush's record.

Michael W. Prah
Vietnam Veteran for Kerry
North Hollywood, CA

--------- End Original Message ---------

Subject: 5 trillion dollar deficit in 10 years if Bush reelected

Bush has driven the country into economic ditch with a massive 5 trillion dollar deficit projection.

When GW Bush was elected 3 1/2 years ago, the projected 10 year "surplus" was predicted to be 4 or 5 trillion dollars. The prediction right now is for a " deficit" of over 2 trillion dollars 10 years from now. Here is the scary part. If Bush tax cuts, which predominantly go to the super rich, are made permanent, the projected 10 year deficit is 5 trillion dollars.

So this is a 10 trillion dollar negative swing with Bush in office!!! This idiot has driven the country right into a ditch. And in the process he is siphoning money from the middle and lower class to the ultra rich.

30% of the Bush tax cuts have went to the upper 1%. This is actually better than it could have been. If all of Bush's tax cuts had been enacted as he wanted, fully 45% of his tax cuts would have gone to the super wealthy.

WAKE UP PEOPLE. BUSH AND HIS CRONIES ARE PICKING YOUR POCKET ALL THE WHILE SCARING YOU WITH TERRORIST ALERTS AND DISTRACTING YOU WITH NON-ISSUES LIKE THE GAY MARRIAGE AMENDMENT.

Michael Reinholz in Seattle

My latest photoshop chops . . .

Did I go too far?

Al at megamojo.com contributed the new photo that is currently being claimed as a forgery by republican attack dogs.

Terrific editorial on what John Kerry needs to do. If only he would listen to you instead of what his advisors are apparently telling him to do. Actually, he should be directing his own campaign...and taking the fight directly to them. I'm not sure who I'm more disappointed in, Kerry or the American public for not seeing the damage done by the Bush/neocons already and the havoc they will wreak if they retain control.

Steve Figler

Subject: The Good Old Fight

Buzz, I am an old Liberal; I've lived in Austin for over 30 years. In my lifetime I've seen John F. Kennedy get shot down, Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy shot down. The Viet Nam war was fubar, just like Iraq, except it was 50 times bigger. I was up for the draft, had to face the real question .... I got a 300 number. And the race riots on TV.

Watergate, and Nixon. "Tin Soldiers and Nixon's Coming. We're finally on our own." Americans killed by Americans in Ohio. The current old-minded GOP cannot forgive Watergate. Impeaching Clinton did not slake their thirst for revenge.

Then came Ronnie Ray-Gun, and James Watt. The Earth groaned. Star-Wars, and enormous, ENORMOUS, "black budgets": off the books, not controlled by the People represented by Congress.

Then George "out of the loop" Bush and Iran-Contra, where we sold Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to Iran, our hated enemy. That was to fund terrorist activities in Central America. Read the book from the " School of the Americas".

And of course, the impeachment of Clinton; we spent over $60 million investigating that. Far more than investigating 9/11. Far more, and for nothing. At least he hasn't been assassinated yet, so that, I guess, is progress.

Now we are faced with another fubar war, another power-play. I say we can survive this, it is not as bad as the past. Truly. Progress is being made, although the pace is slow and halting. I applaud you for your website and diligence. Keep up the good old fight; it is due to folks like you that America continues to be the best place in the world to live.

Bill Peterson

Subject: Talk to a moderate Republican about Kerry

BuzzFlashers, 9/14/04

The best way to deal with the angst & anxiety of this election is to stay busy. Think of something you can do today to help the Kerry-Edwards campaign. Take pins or bumper stickers everywhere you go and talk to people about the crucial choice we face on 11/2. Reach out to the moderate Republicans in your family, at your work, school, or church. Let them rant about how Iraq is spinning out of control. Listen to their fears about the economy. Tell them about Kerry's plans for health care, the environment, and Iraq. Follow-up with these people over the next seven weeks and keep them on our side. WE CAN WIN.

Judy Munro-Leighton