The BuzzFlash Mailbag

THIS IS PART 2 OF THE SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 BUZZFLASH MAILBAG. CLICK HERE FOR PART 1.

Subject: Bush and the draft

First off, I am not a fan of Kerry but I will be voting for him. My choices would be McCain, Edwards, then Kerry.

Bush would be nuts to start up the draft again. The soldiers he has sent to fight this ridiculous war are volunteers. They knew what they were getting into when they signed up. They are also older on average than the draftees send to Vietnam, WWII, etc. Bush would be held accountable if he started sending citizens' 19-year-old kids off to war involuntarily. In other words, if the soldiers in Iraq right now were draftees, people would be taking to the streets to protest in numbers that haven't been seen since Vietnam.

Here is something interesting I have observed. I live in Tennessee, where Gore proved to be anything but a favorite son last time around. I live in an almost exclusively Republican neighborhood. As a matter of fact, the only Dem. presidential campaigner I have seen at the polls in the 10 years I have lived here was a lone Deaniac during the primaries. Well, folks, this time around, I am seeing plenty of Kerry/Edwards signs around here. There wasn't a Gore/Lieberman sign within a mile of here in 2000 but about 40% of the yard signs around here are of the Democrat persuasion. I hope it reflects something besides increasing ethnic diversity.

R. L. Hall

Subject: Did Stone give Burkett VALID memos ?

Is this the most likely scenario....

(1) the CBS memos are valid,

(2) they came from the White House via Stone, under suspicious circumstances,

(3) so they could be discredited because

(4) the memos will be released soon under court order and

(5) the White House wants to confuse the public into thinking the soon-to-be-released documents are forgeries (planted by Bush enemies)?

Makes sense to me.

Cheers.

Barbara Leonard
Christchurch, New Zealand

Subject: Letter to Washington Post...Write Your Own Today

Dear Folks,

Read the article and write your own letters by sending them to letters@washpost.com.

You May Paint Kerry a Flip Flopper, I Paint Bush a Liar.

Dear Editor,

In response to your article, "Despite Bush Flip-Flops, Kerry Gets Label"

Here is an appropriate label to hit back at Pres. Bush. Let us just call him a liar where he lied to our nation, our congress (which is an impeachable offense) and more importantly our soldiers whose deaths now are over the one thousand mark. Iraq had NO weapons of mass
destruction. Iraq had NOTHING to do with the attacks that befell this nation on September 11th, 2001. There was absolutely NO Niger/Iraq connection where Iraq was looking to purchase weapons grade uranium, something that Pres. Bush included in his State of the Union address to the congress (again an impeachable offense) and to the nation. Now we are engaged in a war that is not fighting the true war on terrorism where thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens have lost their lives and our wounded have come home only to find Pres. Bush cut their benefits. Some thanks from a grateful administration. Someone who has told lies that
resulted in the needless deaths of our soldiers or who has cut their benefits has absolutely no right to wear the uniform when he flew onto an aircraft carrier declaring "Mission Accomplished." Let us also remember that he directed these remarks to the Iraqi insurgents: "Bring 'em on!" and summarily painted a red circle on our soldiers' backs. Since that date, many more soldiers have died because Pres. Bush lied.

Mary MacElveen
Sound Beach

Despite Bush Flip-Flops, Kerry Gets Label (Washington Post)

Democratically Yours,

Mary!

Subject: CBS Memo Flap

Since everyone seems so anxious to push for firings at CBS, what would happen if lefties mobilized to demand the resignation of Brit Hume of FOX for various lies, the most recent of which is documented at MediaMatters - his report with Mr. York of the "National Review" on Bush's service that relies on Lloyd's investigation and ignores the more recent reporting by US News & World Report and the Boston Globe debunking Lloyd's analysis. I'm sure there is a lot more. If CBS is going to be attacked, how can we hit back (not that CBS is one of ours, but an investigation run by a right-wing Republican and a journalist - please!)

I don't know how to go about this, but any advice you have would be appreciated.

Sally Swisher

Subject: Hastert's Comments on C-Span

This morning we clicked over to C-Span just in time to hear Dennis Hastert talking about all the "great" things the Republican-led Congress has done in the last 10 years. One of the major "accomplishments" was that they have protected the surplus that was built up when Clinton was in office.

What the ....????? I had no idea that sending it so far in the other direction was "protection"!! Of course he also took credit for the surplus with no mention of the fact that without Clinton's tenacity in standing up to the legislature, it would not have been there. I have not been able to find the transcript for the entire address yet, but I'm sure it will make for some good, knee-slappin' laughs - or would if the leadership of this country was not such a serious matter.

These LIARS make me sick.....

I am happy to report that I am seeing more & more Kerry/Edwards yard signs, bumper stickers, etc. popping up around north Texas, but it is still an uphill battle from this vantage point.

Stephanie in Arlington, TX

Subject: Patiki--GOP Scumball

Republican Assembly members who helped block Democrats' attempt to override Gov. George Pataki's budget vetoes are working out a plan to restore the governor's cuts to public libraries -- but only in Republican districts.

Pataki makes secret assurance to fund GOP programs he vetoed (AP/Newsday.com)

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: a reminder

It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. -- Robert F. Kennedy (1925 - 1968)

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Service?

Hey Buzz,

So, let me get this straight. Bush is supposed to take this physical, right? But at the last minute he says, "Hey, guys. Sorry. I need to go work on a political campaign in Alabama." And then his superiors say; "Well, okay. We wouldn't normally allow this, but since you're going to be working on a political campaign, we'll make an exception just this once." Haha! These guys crack me up! So, not only did he manage to avoid service in Vietnam, he didn't even fulfill his obligations to the Texas Air National Guard. What a guy!

Meanwhile, a man who volunteered to serve in Vietnam gets viciously attacked by a gang of right-wing nut jobs, and said vicious attack is actively enabled by our mainstream media. What's wrong with this picture? Ah, America! Land of the free, home of the brave! Keep the faith, compadre! On to victory!

Best regards,

G. Will Hunter

Subject: William Schneider Writes for AEI

Hi BuzzFlash,

The truth about CNN's Bill Schneider affiliations: http://www.aei.org/scholars/scholarID.53/scholar.asp

You should set-up a page/section on Buzz/Flash to show the major "News" reporters and correspondents, along with their Party Affiliations / Beliefs. Do this for everyone: television, newspapers, magazines, etc. Have your viewers keep an eye out for any places where reporters and correspondents are affiliated and then report them to you. Let's reveal the truth about the so-called "Liberal Media", and how it does not exist.

Tom Wieliczka

Subject: The end of the world as we know it

George W. Bush is going to initiate a conservative revolution in the United States that I cringe to think about.

1) The budget deficit will get bigger and bigger and bigger -- because -- He is going to make the tax cuts permanent and add on additional new tax cuts.

2) The Bush Administration is going to initiate draconian spending cuts in social programs -- because he will give lip service to controlling spending by cutting education social security and the like as he simultaneously ratchets up military spending.

3) The rich will get richer, the poor will get poorer and the middle class will just slip away.

4) The war in Iraq will just go on and on and on as hatred of the United States turns this into a self-perpetuating war.

5) Big business will rule the roost in discrimination, environmental and liability suits.

6) Global warming will continue unheralded.

7) Gays will be discriminated against.

8) Women will be discriminated against.

9) Affirmative action will be done away with.

10) Title IX will be done away with.

11) The patriot act will be strengthened.

12) Civil liberties will be curtailed.

13) The Supreme Court will be filled with radical conservatives.

14) The United States will move towards a theocracy as the division between church and state is dismantled. Jews, Moslems, Lutherans and Presbyterians better watch their backsides.

15) The ranks of Al Qaeda will explode as the US continues its closed-minded religious-right approach to the Middle East.

16) Abortion will be banned.

17) Freedom of speech will be curtailed.

18) Freedom of the press will be further bought by big businesses literally and figuratively.

19) The US will continue its focus on petroleum as its primary source of energy while it waits for economic incentive to invest in alternative fuels.

20) US's seniors will continue to subsidize US drug companies.

21) The US's reputation will continue on its slide towards rockbottom.

22) Jobs and wages will decline further as Bush continues to encourage multinational companies to go where the labor is cheapest.

23) The Uninsured rolls will get bigger and bigger and bigger.

24) The US will continue ignoring China's threat to our economy and safety.

25) Immigrants will start looking for another country to go to for liberty and justice for all.

Angie Pratt
http://www.politicalposts.com

Subject: spending

where is the ad that shows --- Bush has never [met] a spending bill he did not like - never vetoed 1 -- even with the Republicans controlling the budget -- even with a war on terror going on.

Bush walks in with a surplus and now we are in the red, up to our neck -- this is not money America's had in the bank -- this is money that America has asked other nations to lend us--we now have loans -- like your car loan, your kids' education loans, your mortgage....

Where does Bush get the loan from -- China, Saudi Arabia, Japan. We didn't have the funds to go alone into Iraq. -- But now we have to borrow from Saudi Arabia.

Gary E.

Subject: What if America was Iraq?

Violence killed 300 Iraqis last week, the equivalent proportionately of 3,300 Americans. What if 3,300 Americans had died in car bombings, grenade and rocket attacks, machine gun spray, and aerial bombardment in the last week? That is a number greater than the deaths on September 11, and if America were Iraq, it would be an ongoing, weekly or monthly toll.

And what if those deaths occurred all over the country, including in the capital of Washington, DC, but mainly above the Mason Dixon line, in Boston, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco?

What if the grounds of the White House and the government buildings near the Mall were constantly taking mortar fire? What if almost nobody in the State Department at Foggy Bottom, the White House, or the Pentagon dared venture out of their buildings, and considered it dangerous to go over to Crystal City or Alexandria?

What if all the reporters for all the major television and print media were trapped in five-star hotels in Washington, DC and New York, unable to move more than a few blocks safely, and dependent on stringers to know what was happening in Oklahoma City and St. Louis? What if the only time they ventured into the Midwest was if they could be embedded in Army or National Guard units?

There are estimated to be some 25,000 guerrillas in Iraq engaged in concerted acts of violence. What if there were private armies totaling 275,000 men, armed with machine guns, assault rifles (legal again!), rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar launchers, hiding out in dangerous urban areas of cities all over the country? What if they completely controlled Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Denver and Omaha, such that local police and Federal troops could not go into those cities?

What if, during the past year, the Secretary of State (Aqilah Hashemi), the President (Izzedine Salim), and the Attorney General (Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim) had all been assassinated? What if all the cities in the US were wracked by a crime wave, with thousands of murders, kidnappings, burglaries, and carjackings in every major city every year?

What if the Air Force routinely (I mean daily or weekly) bombed Billings, Montana, Flint, Michigan, Watts in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Anacostia in Washington, DC, and other urban areas, attempting to target "safe houses" of "criminal gangs," but inevitably killing a lot of children and little old ladies?

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Newsday.com - Opinion

Hey --

In this morning's Times, Kit Seeyle (of all people, so take it for what it's worth) writes that the Russian school tragedy is influencing women's voting choice in this country. If that's the case, then it's because there's been such a poor job explaining the history of the conflict. Buzz has linked to the school incident but I've missed it if buzz has linked to any of the attempts to put this tragedy into a historical context (Katrina of The Nation has now written twice on the issue of Chechnya and Russia). So I'm passing this piece along.

Probably Kit Seeyle is wrong, she usually is. But if she's right, the only way to counter that is to make sure people are informed as to what the history of the story is. The tragedy is very real, but there is a history and just as 9-11's blowback was largely ignored, Putin's dealing with his own, Yeltsin's, etc., and the then USSR's policies blowing back.

Brutal Russian tactics spurred Chechnya terror (newsday.com)

Jake

[BuzzFlash Note: Volvo Liberal (on Daily Kos) writes about the Seelye article: "Kit Seeyle and The Decline of the NYTimes, Part XXIVXXIV"]

Subject: Bush

Please advise your readers that there are a lot of us Texans that don't want Bush. Never did and never will. I have two (2) bumper stickers on my truck.

One says: "Proud to be a veteran Ashamed of G. W. Bush"

The other one is: "Bush Lied People Died"

Maybe Russia or Pakistan will give him a home just don't send him back to Texas but be sure to get him out of the White House.

Jim P.

Subject: To shorty in tn...

Shorty, in John Dean's book Worse Than Watergate he explains a little about Bush sealing his records in the father's library. Seems while the rest of the country was counting those hanging chads, Georgie up and sealed all his docs and sent them to Poppy's library. Come to find out though, not only did he break at least one Texas law by doing this, but he upset several people including the Texas Archives Librarian, who then decided that she had had enough of him and sued. As far as I know, that case is still not resolved -- seems Gov Rick Perry, Bushie's appointee, is pushing back hard.

jackster
mass dem, proud liberal, scared grandmother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BuzzFlash Note: Kitty Kelley's book also references this: "Early in his administration, President George W. Bush moved to make sure that the family's personal, financial and political secrets, particularly his and his father's, remain sealed forever. After placing his records as governor of Texas in his father's presidential library, Bush signed an executive order on November 1, 2001, that blocks the release of all presidential documents. Until then, the National Archives had controlled the fate of White House documents, which automatically became public after 12 years. Under Bush's new rules, presidents now have the right to prevent the public from ever viewing their papers, even after they have died. Unless there is a successful court challenge, he will be able to bury the secrets of his father's direct involvement in the Iran-contra scandal as well as his own complicity in waging war on Iraq."]

Subject: Fw: CBS Memos, 9-22 editorial

My letter to the unabashedly Republican Chicago Tribune:

Dear Sirs:

Your paper's astonishing Republican bias was on painful display yet again today, as you sanctimoniously took CBS to task for airing what turned out to be questionable memos regarding Bush's TANG service. A few points:

1. The latest revelations on these memos is that CBS was indeed set up: the memos have been traced to longtime GOP dirty-tricks operative Roger Stone, who learned the black arts under Nixon and who had to drop out of the 1996 Dole campaign after his photos were discovered on a wife-swapping website. This piece of news was intriguingly missing from the Trib's coverage.

2. It is also quite interesting that when revelations surfaced about the fabrications of the "Swift Boat Veterans," when their allegations sharply diverged from the Navy's own records, and when their ties to the Bush campaign via longtime Texas fundraising operatives (the same ones who smeared McCain in 2000) were exposed, the Tribune also saw fit not to provide that information to its readership. This, after allowing page after page of Kerry-bashing columnists, day after day, to shred the Democratic nominee!

3. The Tribune seems to have missed what many others have picked up on: one or two funky memos do not change the meat of the story: i.e., Bush received preferential treatment (which he falsely denied all through his 2000 campaign) both to get into the National Guard to duck out of Vietnam service, as well as to get out of the Guard when he had tired of it and other opportunities beckoned. These facts have been borne out repeatedly even without the benefit of memos!

I must go in the record as registering my extreme disgust with the Tribune's attempt to sway the electorate in favor of Mr. Bush. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

Joanne G. Murphy
Skokie, IL

Subject: Bush Did Limit Access To Presidential Papers

In response to a question in the Mailbag about whether it is true that George Bush cut access to presidential papers, it is indeed true! I have before me an article that appeared in the November 2, 2001 (a Friday) Dallas Morning News reporting that, "President Bush issued an executive order Thursday that will allow a president to withhold a former president's papers even if the former president wanted to make them public.

"Advocates for government declassification said the executive order would usher in a new era of secrecy."

"The order grew out of a decision by the Bush Administration this year to block the release of 68,000 pages of confidential communications between President Ronald Reagan and his advisers...

"The papers in question, some dealing with Reagan-era officials who now have high-level posts in the Bush administration, were to have been disclosed in January under the 1978 law, which said the documents could be restricted for 12 years after Mr. Reagan left office."

The executive order covers not only confidential communications between a president and his advisors but, as Vanderbilt University historian Hugh Graham put it, "almost anything in the White House files."

Graham stated, "The executive branch is moving heavily into the nether world of dirty tricks, very likely including directed assassinations overseas and other violations of American norms and the U.N. charter."

Also, there's that little matter of Iran-Contra, involving Dubya's daddy.

J.D. Bush
Waxahachie, TX

[BuzzFlash Note: Another story on this: Bush Clamping Down On Presidential Papers -- Incumbent Could Lock Up Predecessor's Records (Washington Post)]

Subject: mailbag

Hi Buzz

And welcome back, mailbag!

This morning on Air America, on Morning Sedition, they kept repeating something that Richard Perle said one year ago today (9/22). I'm really paraphrasing, but here's the gist of it: "I would find it hard to believe, if one year from today, there are not public squares in Iraq that are named after George W. Bush." Yeah, I'll bet there are, along with the burning effigies! You're a real genius, Perle. Such foresight!

Thanks for the truth BuzzFlash. The truth is refreshing, even though it hurts - it beats lies! Don't know where I'd be without you.

Love to all,

Barbara in NYC

Subject: Bush needs to stop lying and "level with us"

Donna Brazille was on a local call-in radio show in Atlanta. When I asked why Dems can't come up with a strategy/slogan like Karl Rove's " flip/flop" one, she indicated that Kerry really should do the same. We know that Rove sends out talking points and Fox, Limbaugh, and local hate radio-talking heads toe the line. Even the so-called liberal media and national comedians help to promote the neo-con line. Brazille indicated that Kerry should continually ask Bush /Cheney to "level with us"...and stop lying!

My suggestion to those of you who know that another Bush term would be devastating, is to use that slogan whenever you write to a newspaper or call in to a radio talk show...request and ask that Bush starts to "LEVEL WITH US." Of course we know that he won't because he can't! But the tag will stick if we all use it.

Dee Turner
Atlanta

Subject: Hey Don't Forget The Casualties

Hey Folks,

Don't - please - don't forget the casualties of the civilians. At this point the number is about 37,000 civilians, that is about 36 times more than our poor privileged (actually, unfortunately the under-privileged) Americans. This means that the poor children who were killed for nothing are also going to be a target of the future, their siblings and relatives with the bunker busting bombs we sold today by the 500's to Israel today.

Peace,

Convinced that Kerry sucks.

Nate
Yellow Springs, OH

Subject: Soldiers' votes to be emailed or faxed

Dear Buzzy,

Ever since I learned of the Repug. plan to have absentee votes from the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan emailed or faxed, so that there is no secret vote for our cannon fodder, I have sought for some comment of outrage on the Internet and even on Air America -- and so far I have heard nothing. Don't we realize that votes can be changed en route at the various stations the votes are collected and distributed to the local venues? I heard also that the ballots need not be signed, but I do not think that was a mandate. In any case, we ought to be concerned that our soldiers be allowed the privacy of their votes, as we all should be.

Thank you Buzzy - our lifeline and hope for the future...

Veronica of San Diego

Subject: Bush vs. Reality

Mr. Bush has an interesting way of coping with reality; instead of facing it as a rational adult he childishly denies its existence. His delusional state is his personal misfortune - that so many among us are duped by his grotesque distortions of reality is a national tragedy.

Robert R. Regl

Subject: The election

It is somewhat gratifying to know that the Presidential race is becoming tighter again, with the polls indicating a dead heat. The liberal blogs are jubilant over this fact, and though it IS a step in the right direction, I do not see the cause for celebration. Let me be very clear about this: THIS ELECTION SHOULD BE A SLAM DUNK DEMOCRATIC SWEEP!! Not just for President, but the Senate and House should be returned to Democratic control. I can not think of one reason, not ONE, to return the Bush administration to power. The fact that the election is too close to call is an indication that Kerry has run an ineffective campaign, the media has become a megaphone for the Republican party, and the public is disengaged and easily misled by the Republican noise machine.

Fixing this should not be difficult!! Does anyone besides me see the idiocy of hauling Cat Stevens off a plane and sending him back to England when Osama and al-Zarqawi are still out there?? This is the way our steadfast, rock solid president shows his determination to keep us safe?? Why is the Homeland Security Department (a department originally proposed by Democrats, opposed by Bush -- and then supported by Bush when he got wind of the public support the idea had -- but of course he pays NO attention to polls) so underfunded? Does any one remember that our security minded, independent thinking president initially opposed making airport screeners federal employees, and favored keeping the private system of paying burger flipping wages and minimal benefits to people who should have been considered a vital link in public safety? Following that logic, why don't we just privatize the FBI and CIA? What have we done to secure nuclear weapons in former Soviet republics?

Has our emergency internal communication system been enhanced since 9-11? Are our chemical plants, nuclear power plants, more secure? What about our water reservoirs? How about rail yards?

These are all questions that should be out there, but Democrats and the media stare slack-jawed into space as we continue with the mental masturbation of dissecting military records of 30 years ago.
It IS maddening that when Bill Clinton was running for president in 1992 against Bush I, military service and past drug use were VITAL considerations when voting for president. Now that their boy has a murky past, suddenly the mantra is, "Don't worry be happy!"

Kerry must, I repeat MUST, state his case clearly, plainly and often. The public has neither time nor interest to research things in the library or on the internet. The crowd that can offer a well reasoned opinion on who should be thrown off the island on "Survivor" but have not yet made up their minds about whom to vote for will not respond to intellectual, theoretical, abstract arguments. Kerry must, I repeat MUST, not only keep up the attacks on Bush, he MUST offer voters a reasonable alternative. The fact that he has not done so is the reason why the race is too close to call, and we face the very real possibility that we may actually have an elected President Bush. And with no worry of a Bush reelection [campaign ahead], the first four years of this disastrous administration will look divine.

Jim Turner

Subject: Bush at the UN Again

Dear Buzz,

GW essentially "bitchslaps" the UN for not backing the United States decision to go to war in Iraq - deeming the entire organization " irrelevant". Now he goes before them asking for their help and wonders why he gets such a chilly reception.

The world is catching on and he needs to go.

Scott

Subject: Right Wing "Values" --Those Who Fess Up Get Clobbered; Those Who Cover Up Get Rewarded

Dear Buzz,

Right wing pundits have launched wave after wave of scathing attack on Dan Rather and CBS for failing to thoroughly investigate documents used in a news report.

Meanwhile the same right wing pundits give their wholehearted support to the Republican Party’s Presidential/Vice Presidential nomination of Bush and Cheney.

Cheney was told repeatedly by CIA director that facts he used in his speeches were flat-out wrong. Unfazed, Cheney kept right on spouting the same lies.

Bush and his staff were flat-out told, repeatedly, that the yellow-cake letter was unreliable. Nevertheless Bush used the discredited forgery in his State of the Union speech as a basis for plunging the United States into war. When it appeared that the truth about the yellow cake letter might come to light, the White House went on a denial and cover-up offensive highlighted by Condoleezza Rice’s untrue claims that the facts about the yellow cake letter had been hidden “deep within the bowels”of the CIA, and by personal, illegal, and underhanded attacks on Ambassador Wilson and his wife.

Right wing values are abundantly clear. Denial and cover up get you to the pinnacle of success and leadership. Fess up and you get clobbered.

Steve Bodenheimer
Charlotte, NC

Subject: it takes a child

from the mouth of my 14 year old son.

"SO MOM, DO YA THINK THE ACTUAL PHYSICAL STONING OF THAT DAN RATHER GUY WILL BE ON PAY PER VIEW?"

sometimes it takes a child to bring us back to reality.

karen massey
south carolina

Subject: The election

It is somewhat gratifying to know that the Presidential race is becoming tighter again, with the polls indicating a dead heat. The liberal blogs are jubilant over this fact, and though it IS a step in the right direction, I do not see the cause for celebration. Let me be very clear about this: THIS ELECTION SHOULD BE A SLAM DUNK DEMOCRATIC SWEEP!! Not just for President, but the Senate and House should be returned to Democratic control. I can not think of one reason, not ONE, to return the Bush administration to power. The fact that the election is too close to call is an indication that Kerry has run an ineffective campaign, the media has become a megaphone for the Republican party, and the public is disengaged and easily misled by the Republican noise machine.

Fixing this should not be difficult!! Does anyone besides me see the idiocy of hauling Cat Stevens off a plane and sending him back to England when Osama and el Zaquari are still out there?? This is the way our steadfast, rock solid president shows his determination to keep us safe?? Why is the Homeland Security Department (a department originally proposed by Democrats, (opposed by Bush -and then supported by Bush when he got wind of the public support the idea had- but of course he pays NO attention to polls) so underfunded? Does any one remember that our security minded, independent thinking president initially opposed making airport screeners federal employees, and favored keeping the private system of paying burger flipping wages and minimal benefits to people who should have been considered a vital link in public safety? Following that logic, why don't we just privatize the FBI and CIA? What have we done to secure nuclear weapons in former Soviet republics? Is our emergency internal communication system been enhanced since 9-11? Are our chemical plants, nuclear power plants more secure? What about our water reservoirs? How about rail yards?

These are all questions that should be out there, but Democrats and the media stare slack jawed into space as we continue with the mental masturbation of dissecting military records of 30 years ago. It IS maddening that when Bill Clinton was running for president in 1992 against Bush I, military service and past drug use were VITAL considerations when voting for president. Now that their boy has a murky past, suddenly the mantra is "Don't worry be happy!"

Kerry must, I repeat MUST state his case clearly, plainly and often. The public has neither time nor interest to research things in the library or on the internet. The crowd that can offer a well reasoned opinion on who should be thrown off the island on "Survivor" but have not yet made up their mind about whom to vote for will not respond to intellectual, theoretical, abstract arguments. Kerry must, I repeat MUST not only keep up the attacks on Bush, he MUST offer voters a reasonable alternative. The fact that he has not done so is the reason why the race is too close to call, and we face the very real possibility that we may actually have an elected President Bush. And with no worry of a Bush re election, the first four years of this disastrous administration will look divine.

Jim Turner

Forwarded by a BuzzFlash Reader:

Subject: another early thought

Hi again:

I just finished baking an apple pie to take to my kids' school and while I was cooking I remembered something that many people in this country have no clue about: On April 15, 1980, the Iraqis executed Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Sadr and his sister.

Does that name sound familiar to you?

Al-Sadr was one of the most respected Shi'a clerics in the world. In the run-up to the war between Iran and Iraq, this was an unforgivable act, although it would have been one at any other time also.

Al-Sadr was the father of the current al-Sadr who the US is trying to kill, and, as I've pointed out before, his city, Najaf, and Karbala, also the scene of heavy fighting, are two of the holiest sites in Shi'a Islam.

For us to be targeting this man and his followers is sheer lunacy. His father is a martyr to the Iraqi Shi'ites already, in addition to being a martyr to the Iranian Shi'ites. In addition, the Shi'ites are a majority of the population in Iraq and they were persecuted for many years under the Baathist party. Now that there is an active resistance centered around al-Sadr in Najaf, and with the US rattling its sabers at Iran over its nuclear program, the Shi'ites in both countries, and Muslims around the world are given yet another reason by the Bush administration to engage in a defensive jihad, which is a requirement of their religion. They aren't fighting us because they hate freedom, they are fighting us because the Qur'an says that when Islam is attacked and when the adherents of the religion are attacked and when its holy places are desecrated and attacked, it is the duty of every Muslim to fight against the onslaught.

Not a bad bit of recruiting that Bush is doing for al Qaida and the American people don't know a thing about it. The harder we fight to unseat and kill al-Sadr, the more we will be demonized in the eyes of Muslims and the more vulnerable we become the attack ourselves, no matter where in the world we are.

We should certainly anticipate another horrendous attack here in the US.

Thank you, George Bush.

See ya.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Blown Apart by a Booby Trap or Beheaded: Bush Lied, Americans Are Dying

Looks like Bush is going to be treated with kid gloves again by the complacent media. Now that CBS has backed off, the rest will cluck their tongues at Rather and shake their heads and fall right in line.

BTW, don't pay any attention to the people losing their heads in Iraq.

Remember when Nicholas Berg was "killed?" He sure dropped out of the news quickly, didn't he? Know why? Because too many people started asking questions and there weren't any answers to them that didn't lead in some way to American complicity in his demise.

That's what should happen here. CNN is marching right along with the rest of the propaganda machine trying to get people crazy over "Americans" being beheaded, just in time to give Bush the boost he needs and enough to keep his supporters riled up right until election day.

How can anyone think of voting for anyone other than Bush when Americans are being killed by those damn Iraqis?

Well, aren't Americans being killed everyday anyway because of Bush's lies that got us into this mess in the first place? Americans are dying because the president lied to the country, the mode of their demise makes no difference.

And like the good little bootlickers that they are, the major media outlets are tripping over themselves to be the first ones to lick the ooze from this craven bastard's boots.

Matt

Subject: re: I got a strange recorded phone call today

A reader discussed a recorded phone call from a little girl, telling people to call a toll-free number to get John Kerry off the presidential ballot. The 800-503-1443 number listed is for something called the P.R.I.D.E. Institute (www.prideinstitute.org) with this mission statement: "Our mission is to provide resources to the community that promote responsibility, integrity, decency and ethics and assist in providing relief to those in need. To promote traditional American values and principals." It's interesting to look at. I found a press release on eMediaWire in April, describing their mission to fight social terrorism:

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/4/prweb120461.htm

So, in other words, it's just another group of right wingnuts.

Sue

Dear Media:

Any station or press media that ran stories about the Swift Boats (without getting all the facts first) SHOULD ALL APOLOGIZE.

Not only SHOULD YOU ALL APOLOGIZE, you should run just as many stories CORRECTING YOUR MISTAKES giving the same amount of coverage to this story " Navy: Kerry medals approved properly" as you did to the Swift Boats - even more since this is the TRUTH -- and the other crap you were spreading is lies!!

Or, are you not interested in the facts? Maybe that's not what you're all about. Maybe you're about making sure a man who wants to keep Americans in constant danger is re-elected, so that he can give you more money -- even though it means more killing of innocent lives. But why should you care? YOU GET TO POCKET BLOOD MONEY!!

Signed: When Will Democracy Mean More than Your Paycheck

Navy: Kerry medals approved properly
Monday, September 20, 2004 Posted: 11:26 AM EDT (1526 GMT)
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/09/18/kerry.medals.ap/index.html

Subject: Mainstream media Patsies

Karl Rove is laughing in his lock-step/heil Hitler-Bush boots! The so-called mainstream media is pushing and investigating the Dan Rather/CBS forgery more than it is considering the gist of the story: Bush's service or non-service during Vietnam. This is playing out the same way that the Swift Boat Liars story did and the media is too stupid to realize that they are being used. Kerry can win this campaign, but not if he has to continue fighting Bush, Rove and the media.

D. Turner
Atlanta

We must continue to PRAY for Kerry's election and the welfare of this country!!

Subject: Where are the Iraqi Candidates?

If the election is really to be in January 2005, then it's past time when we should be hearing public debate in the Iraqi media. Consider how long before November we've been hearing from candidates in this country!

What will be the scope of permitted viewpoints? If a candidate eschews violence, decries bloodshed, but says the occupation forces should leave tomorrow, the bases close, will she or he be given protection, and ample time on the radio and TV?

Unless we hear Allawi's opposition, we cannot judge the USA's true level of commitment to democracy. Voters in both the USA and in Iraq, deserve to hear from Iraqi candidates starting immediately. There is little time before either election.

Kirby Urner
Portland Oregon

Subject: McCain and Powell: Kingmakers

From Colin Powell's autobiography: "I am angry that so many of the sons of the powerful and well-placed... managed to wangle slots in Reserve and National Guard units...Of the many tragedies of Vietnam, this raw class discrimination strikes me as the most damaging to the ideal that all Americans are created equal and owe equal allegiance to their country."

More here: McCain and Powell: Honk if You Love the Status Quo

Daniel

Subject: The Elections in Iraq

Judging by what I have been reading, the ONLY place they are going to conduct elections is in the "green zone" of Baghdad.

A BuzzFlash Reader

I've got it!!!! The Perfect Counterattack for "Flip Flipper."

BUSH IS THE "SUGARCOATER".

[BuzzFlash: "Two-Faced" is also a good Bush moniker.]

Subject: Catching up

I have been gone for four days....and forgot how much I depend on you for the real news....a donation goes out tomorrow.

While I was away..one night late in the hotel..I did get on the news....maybe Chris Matthews (slap my own face) and they had a tape of Dan Rather apologizing to the nation for not checking the documents.

Why in the hell do democrats do that? The worst mistake Bill Clinton ever made in his life....was apologizing to these nincompoops!! I can remember, after he apologized for his affair with Monica.....the media still went on saying, "Well, if he would just apologize, maybe the country would get on...would forgive him." Well, one night, some Clinton apologist (and they were few) said, "Nothing would appease any republican unless the man throws himself at your feet....and grovels..." The absolute truth...and it is the same with Rather. Why do most people not understand that it is just a diversion? Can anyone check their intelligence and know that every time the right wing comes up with anything they can use....they will....it will get their man in the White house in Nov...and that is all that matters. Most of them know he is and idiot, but he is a republican...and that's the name of the game...winning!!!

To mailbag writer...9/22...Robyn....there is no one who would love to have a live call in question and answer session with Joe Scarborough....(TeeHee)..he thinks we have all forgotten about the Lori Klausitis death.....and the revoked license of the Medical Examiner... In this state of Missouri...straight from the Missouri House records.

They wrote to me that, after my feigning an interest in the Medical examiner of yore, and wondering where he had gone....they wrote back that he had not practiced in this state for at least 9-10 years...because of testifying at at least 8 trials falsely. Now, maybe Joe would like to explain that.Poor Lori with her heart condition that no one knew about...a sprinter with no record of heart disease...were the parents and husband threatened?? What did happen there?

To Shorty in Tn..it is true, that all files back to the Reagan administration have been sealed by this arrogant smartass president...just cause he can, including his Governors papers from Texas.

Scott Mcglasson...sorry if I spelled your name wrong...it is absolutely true that the Muslim population all over hate George Bush...but they do not fear him for the way that they should.. They fear the man because he has been responsible for destroying their country...they hate him for this devised war...the illegality of it...the killing of so many innocents in their country...they poll 90 against Bush to 10 For him..and those are the safely tucked away Muslims who live in this country and do not want to go back.

And to the Buzzer, who wondered if being a balding dork with the personality of a fungus is a prerequisite for becoming a white house spokesperson.....well, yeah, Buzzer, have you ever seen his 'balding dork with the personality of a fungus brother who is now a member of the Bush cabinet...cannot remember the actual title...but, you cannot miss him...he is a twin...and I think his name is Mark. BuzzFlash can help us with that exact job this brother has. He may actually have a below average personality of a fungus....but, there is much nepotism in this administration.

I would not be surprised to see John Asscrofts son up there at any time...they all seem to own Washington DC now...

I am frightened....I watched just enough news in the last four days to see what the media in this country is up to.....they are always the "First"....that is the important thing....if it is a lie....they got it first...does not matter that the country and its people are in a shambles...One day , I think we are up....the next day down.

But, in all honesty....I think that you have to pay attention only to the Harris, Zogby, and the Rasmussen polls...they really poll registered voters and both parties.

I have seen polls this week...that have Bush up 12 points....please give me a break! I do not have that long to live....another four years of this maniac...with the colorful vocabulary...will do me in , for sure!

There are actually times, I think he does some of those silly remarks on purpose trying to appear to be the 'put upon' one...the one to feel sorry for...!! You know, there are those who want to win anyway....pity...that is okay...so long as he is elected to the highest office in the land....FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!!!

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

PS: Buzz...i was only anxious to come home to read this website....I really do need it....thank you!!!!!!

[BuzzFlash Note: Shirley, we're not sure who you're referring to, but we'll post if another BuzzFlash reader comes up with it.]

Subject: Rummy, Oh Rummy

"Rumsfeld: Violent areas in Iraq might not vote"

Have you guys SEEN this?! It's like saying, "OK, we can disenfranchise The Bronx, or the black vote, or Florida, and it doesn't matter because we still have most of the country taking part in the election"...but then this is the winning team from 2000 so I don't even know why I am surprised.

Thanks for a great site.

Lizzie Black

Subject: Rove theme song

I heard an old AC/DC song on the radio and couldn't help thinking of Karl ... it's called "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap". Ha!

A BuzzFlash Reader