October 4, 2004

The BuzzFlash Mailbag

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

THIS IS PART 2 OF THE OCTOBER 4, 2004 BUZZFLASH MAILBAG. CLICK HERE FOR PART 1.

Subject: Is Google Pro-FOX?

To Google's News Service:

I awoke this morning to find "Kerry’s Gaffes Doom Election Chances" listed on the Google news site as (!) the #1 story of the day. Google may have changed it in the interim--this will cause problems for those who try to corroborate my assertions here--but at 8:45 AM PDT, it was listed on top of every other story on its news site!  I found that especially interesting since that particular story built on the lies spread by Fox's own Brit Hume, as described at http://www.buzzflash.com/analysis/04/10/ana04019.html, which sought to "explain" Kerry's showing of strength in the debates by suggesting that he won because he was effeminate and sexually ambiguous.

Let me make my position on this matter perfectly clear. I don't for a moment believe that Google is telling the truth when it writes that its news articles are selected entirely by computer algorithm, and that no human editors are involved. Or, if that is true, then it suggests a "Take No Prisoners/pro Bush" computer programming bias on the part of Google. I hadn't realized until now that Google might be ideologically linked to FOX, but Google's decision to open its Saturday morning news bulletin with this mean-spirited story can't be interpreted any other way.

I will be distributing this email very widely and ask those who receive it to consider forwarding this email to their circle of contacts, including buzzflash@buzzflash.com, in a geometric progression so that a LOT of people might begin to question where Google's political sympathies lie.  Unless I receive a very convincing and contrite explanation from Google for this debacle, I will be dropping Google as my Home Page and will support other search engines instead of defaulting to Google.

Michael Green
Seatlle, WA

Subject: Unbelievable! Goss names Chevron Texaco VP as CIA Director

Why doesn't Bush just go ahead with the naming/siging ceremony and get it over with? Citigroup Washington Monument. Disney Congressional Building. Halliburton White House. Bechtel Justice. Boeing Lincoln Monument....ad nauseum. No shame. No humanity. No dignity. Cash registers in the place of brains. They make me retch.

New CIA Director Makes Changes at Top (AP/Truthout.org)

Suzanne
San Francisco

Subject: As sent to Land's End

Dear Sirs: 

As a multi-decade customer of Land's End and Sears, I am deeply offended that Land's End management apparently tricked employees into attending a speech by Rudy Giuliani that was said to be exciting and motivational, but was in fact a highly partisan, negative and despicable attack on the presidential candidacy of Senator John Kerry.   I cite the following local news source:

http://www.channel3000.com/politics/3768833/detail.html

Such management actions taken in the swing state of Wisconsin during a fiercely-fought national election contradict managements' claim of non-partisanship. This cannot be dismissed as merely an error in judgment as everyone is well aware of the content of Mr. Giuliani's speeches these days.   Moreover, that management would trick employees into attending a political rally some are bound to find offensive smacks of fascist state politics unsuitable to the American political process.

Consequently, I have decided that the patriotic counter-action is to end my household purchases of Land's End and Sears products and to return any products previously purchased.   I will use all means possible to persuade others to do the same.

Mark Lamb
Kirkland, Washington

Subject: Land's End

Hi Buzz,

I read the story about Land's End having Giuliani speak at their HQ, in the swingstate of Wisconsin just before the first Bush/Kerry debate. I immediately called Land's End, where I have been a loyal customer for years, to complain. They are getting lots of calls.

The name, Dick Mench, and number is 1-800-356-4444 ext. 6506. They say they didn't know the content of the speech would be political.

Sherry in Boston

Subject: The Hunting of the President

I watched the entire thing...as fast as I could remove the covering.

God bless you and thank you for sending it... It is worth everything to me, and I cried right along with Susan McDougal...she has always been such a pathetic person to me....and to think that she is giving so much of her time now, to the women in prison...I feel for her, and always did...the way I did when I watched her in shackles back then.

But at least for now...the hate for the liars...and especially Kenneth Starr...is magnified.

I will maybe get over it...but what a black spot on our history. Thank you so much.

Shirley...St.Louis

Subject: PAYBACK

Dear Buzz,

Well, we all knew how well Sen. Kerry did, and left the shrub sitting in the dust wondering what happened. And now comes the snakes slithering out of their holes to smear the Senator once again. Today,Sat october 2nd, I just viewed two commercials that were powerful enough to maybe deflate the percentage of viewers that said Kerry did good at the debates. These repugs are fighting for their lives, and they will stoop to anything. I only hope that MoveOn.org or a few of the other anti-bush outlets get on the ball and submit their own commercials! We need the commercial that will hit just as hard, and we need them NOW! I cannot even imagine the wrath that the Bush administration will do if they are re- elected into office. God help us all!

A Loyal BuzzFan Forever!

Sharon Carlton
Bellevue, Nebraska

Subject: Giuliani (Re Land's End)

Dear Sir or Madam:

Thank you for your reference to the article on Land's End employees being duped by management who told them that Giuliani was giving a "motivational" speech.  This was the final straw for me with this company that has consistently shifted to a line of clothing that is now manufactured almost totally offshore. 

I contacted Land's End this morning and instructed the call operator to remove my name from their mailing list.  I was asked the reason and I advised growing dissatisfaction with the company and the final deciding factor being the visit by Giuliani orchestrated in support of the Bush's (re-)election effort.  The operator advised that the company was misled by the Giuliani people.  He further advised that several employees got up and walked out.  I advised that if this was so, it indicates very poor judgment on the part of management. 

I gathered from the tone of the conversation that I was not the first customer to discontinue my shopping with the company on account of this recent event.  I do not know the demographics of Land's End customers but I imagine they are similar to my family - upper middle class Americans seeking a higher than average quality product. 

I wish to suggest that it might be helpful to readers to post an editorial asking readers if they wish to continue shopping with any company that exercises such practices.  Values are not totally forgotten by all Americans.

C. M. Callahan

Subject: Bush is Rushmore-level

In a column following the first Bush-Kerry debate, National Review's Jay Nordlinger described the President as "Rushmore-level."  Right.  Perhaps we can rephrase that: "Bush...another President with rocks in his head."

Bill Earls

Subject: Bush's Version of Hard Work!!

Dodging duty in the air national guard.

Being a frat boy most of his life, getting a DUI citation, stealing a picture from a dorm room (what a prankster).

Drinking, partying and foolin' around until about age 40.

Livin' off his daddy's money and name.

Several business failures and/or questionable ventures.

Lying and misleading most of his life and presently.

FOR OTHERS:

Going to Iraq and losing their lives and limbs.

Sweltering in 120 degree heat each day wondering if tomorrow will be their last day.

Families in distress here and worldwide over beheadings, kidnappings, deaths of innocent children and civilians in Iraq.

Well, it's all in a day of HARD work for the pResident!

Poor Bush, he must be EXHAUSTED!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: playing President on TV

I remember the first time I saw Harrison Ford on Letterman. I was so disappointed. My big screen hero looked quite uncomfortable. He was there to promote his new movie and I expected to see the confident swagger and cool demeanor of Indiana Jones. Instead, I saw a shy, fidgeting, tired looking older man, who resembled Indy, but he was very uneasy answering personal questions, and having an unscripted conversation in front of a live audience.

I laughed at myself for expecting that the movie image would be the real man. Then a little fantasy kicked in. If I would lose some weight, work out a bit, get my teeth fixed and get tan, I could be a movie star. It's not the actor; it's about the image.

The producers would fly me to exotic locations and set the scene to make me look heroic. Talented writers would give me great lines so I could respond confidently to the bad guys. The directors would surround me with throng, of admiring people, who would cheer as I beat up on the evil intruders who wanted to enslave them. And my favorite part, I would save an adoring Michelle Pfeiffer from certain death. Controlling the image is the secret.

And so it is with George Bush as evidenced by the debate. When his producers, writers, and directors don't control the set, he loses his swagger, he stumbles through his thoughts, he fidgets, he looks weary and lost.

On Friday morning, back on the set, with a controlled audience and a new script Mr. Bush looked and sounded like a guy who, just maybe, could have answered those tough questions as well as John Kerry did. But he showed us on Thursday that the real George Bush doesn't measure up.

He only plays a President on TV. We won't be fooled again.

Mike Mertes
Iola, WI

Subject: Put FOX in a Box

Dear BuzzFlash,

The two outrages by FAUX News (the attack on Kerry plus the false Kerry supporters) reveals once and for all that Fox is a propaganda outlet for the Bush Campaign, and it must be made to represent itself as such, and be subject to 527 Rules. Every program must have Bush appear at the beginning and end with him saying, "I'm George Bush and I approved this message."

I'm serious, though. This is the chance to discredit/neutralize FOX's propagandizing, and I hope someone at the DNC realizes that "just how fair and balanced is FOX?" needs to be the subject of widespread discussion. We open up the whole issue of how spin is affecting reporting, even in the mainstream.

Bottom line, FOX needs to follow the rules of a 527, if it continues to act like an agent of Bush. There is already a huge record of their falsifications. These recent incidents just underscore how deeply the Bush Cult permeates FOX culture, and how contemptuous they are of the duty to inform the Public, so we might rule ourselves wisely.

Here is no small matter: The same percentage supporting Bush is around the same percentage that believe the lies that Saddam was Osama, Saddam was tied to 9-11, Saddam was a threat. FOX viewers constitute a huge percentage of those who believe these three major lies. Can even 1 percent of them be corrected in their understanding? And does this not possibly decide who is President?

Put FOX in a box. They need to change and to make restitution (extensive corrections). Sue the bastards, and shout their infamy from the rooftops! Just a thought.

Jim P.

Subject: next president, could get to reshape high court...

And, God help us all...that is enough of a reason to get Bush out of there.!.

If Scalia and his bunch are allowed to stay in....we might just as well figure on rep. administrations forever.

Bllllllaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

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

Subject: was bush wearing an earpiece during the debate?

Wonder why Bush said "let me finish" even though the light was still green and no one interrupted him? or what about the lump on his back? There's some internet suspicion that Bush was wearing an earpiece. Sound farfetched? Check it out. If anything, shouldn't people be asking what was on his back and why he said that line?

http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2004/10/298647.shtml

http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=321

http://www.theleftist.blog-city.com/

http://www.bushvskerry04.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-774.html

A BuzzFlash Reader

A Republican friend of mine told me recently, "You only support Kerry because Bush didn't serve in Vietnam, that's the only issue that matters to you, nothing else." I hate to tell my friend, but he's wrong. I don't have a problem with the fact that George W. Bush didn't serve in Vietnam. Let me say that again: the fact that George W. Bush did not serve in Vietnam does not bother me. It bothers some people, but not me. Some people are bothered by the fact that Bush easily got into the National Guard at a time when it was terribly difficult to do so. That doesn't bother me. Some people are bothered by the fact that Bush was trained to fly an obsolete fighter, which pretty much guaranteed that he wouldn't serve in Vietnam in the event of a call-up. That doesn't bother me. Some people are bothered that Bush cannot account for his service after transferring to an Alabama unit. That doesn't bother me. No, Bush's spotty (at best) military service record doesn't bother me at all. A lot of young men like himself chose not to go to Vietnam. The list of young men who stayed out of Vietnam reads like a who's who of American politics. Young men like Bill Clinton, Joe Lieberman, Dick Cheney, Trent Lott, Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchanan, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Dennis Hastert, Clarence Thomas, and Karl Rove all avoided service in Vietnam. I can't say that I blame them, Vietnam was, in the words of Decorated Vietnam Combat Veteran John Kerry, "a mistake." So that fact that Bush showed enough wisdom as a young man to stay out of "a mistake" doesn't bother me in the least.

"So what does bother you?" my Republican friend asked. Bush chose to go to war in Iraq despite the opposition of several American Generals, half the country and most of the civilized world. Bush chose to go to war in Iraq despite the presence of greater and more pressing threats at home and abroad. Bush chose to go to war in Iraq despite the fact that he had not and has not yet found Osama Bin Laden, the REAL culprit behind 9-11 and the head of the most dangerous terrorist organization in the world. Bush went to war overstating the threat and underestimating the enemy. Bush went to war with no strategy to win the peace. Bush went to war with only the illusion of a grand coalition. Americans pay 90% of the bills and make up 90% of the casualties. Bush's "catastrophic success" has cost the lives of over 1000 American soldiers. These are the things that bother me. Lieutenant Bush not serving in Vietnam is not the issue. The fact that President Bush has repeatedly shown that he didn't learn a damn thing from America's experience in Vietnam, is the issue. Thank you, and God Help the United States of America.

If the Republicans will stop telling lies about the Democrats, we will stop telling the truth about them. -- Adlai Stevenson

Tony O.

Subject: Let's Be Ready

Hey Buzz!

Like most of the Oct. 1 Mailbag contributors and Kerry-positive day after punditry, I am excited about John Kerry's prospects of defeating Bush. I am in agreement with the many who predict that, based on this debate, most swing voters will swing our way. Since it has that too-good-to-be-true feeling that I feel is wise to reconsider, and since I did not see it on BuzzFlash yet, I wanted to put this message out.

Beware the image of Bush ineptitude. It almost proves that the extreme right is planning something sinister (btw, sinister is etymologically "to the left") close to Nov. 2.

This may be why the GOP hasn't really prepared Bush for debating. I know that would be a daunting task, so perhaps GOP efforts have been diverted to their coming surprise. They all still have the confident attitude of someone having an ace-up-the-sleeve in reserve, even after that horrendous performance. Of course, that attitude is smart politically, but they seem totally unfazed.

One can intuit that most important events so far have happened according to GOP plans. Planning and damage control are their keenest tools. So, it shouldn't shock that they've been planning all year for this. They know their man cannot win an election on his own merits; how could they not? I don't see the GOP limiting itself to its ordinary tactics this time around.

This warning is not meant to frighten. My message, if not this letter itself, should be destined for the contributor's page for widespread readership. We need to be ready with swift, organized, nonviolent response to any election tampering.

A concerned BuzzFlash reader,

Jay Stupak of Wilmington De.

Subject: "Wrong Choice?" Commentary from a Buzzflash Reader

We all know that the Vice President and other Republican supporters have been going around the country saying that the "wrong choice" will bring more terrorist attacks, implying, of course, that Kerry/Edwards is the wrong choice.   

The Democrats should point out that bin Laden and al Qaeda attacked us on 9/11 knowing full well that Bush/Cheney and the Republicans were in charge.   Those who are killing our soldiers and beheading American civilians in Iraq know that Bush/Cheney and the Republicans are in charge.   It is not as if the terrorists were/are saying, "We better wait till the Democrats are in power before we attack the Americans." 

So it may well be that the "wrong choice" was electing Bush/Cheney in 2000 and the right choice is to elect Kerry/Edwards in 2004.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Would you believe that our local Democrat chairman found a Bush/Cheney sign very blatantly sitting beside the U. S. Recruiting Station sign in front of their recruitment center and also had one tacked on the side of the building? When confronted, they apologized and said they guess they should have taken it down.  Very polite and nice about it, but could they have been thinking about the effect of the "Hatch Act" if pursued?

Hatch Act minefield: As political activism rises, so do violations, prosecutions (federaltimes.com)

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Going Upriver

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday night, I had the special privilege of attending a private screening of a brand new film, "Going Upriver," at the National Press Club in downtown Washington, DC. I am writing to urge you to see "Going Upriver" immediately. After watching it with fellow war veterans, I found the film truly inspirational and very informative.

Here's a link to the film's web site: http://keepitgoing.org/

"Going Upriver" tells the story of John Kerry's transformation from a thoughtful and enthusiastic student, to an heroic Swift Boat commander, and finally to a passionate and articulate leader of the anti-war movement. "Going Upriver" is powerful because it is a vivid account of a remarkable man's life, set in a remarkable time.

The film is especially powerful because for the past two months, America has been subjected to a relentless and vicious assault on the character of this remarkable man. Thanks to the power of money and lies, the Nixon-Era dirty tricks group "Swift Boat Veterans" have managed to convince a large number of Americans that Kerry's physical - and moral - heroism were cowardice and treason.

"Going Upriver" shows how profoundly wrong the GOP polices are. It shows how John Kerry believed in his country and nearly died for it, but came to realize the war was wrong and did everything he could to bring it to an end. When the film ends, you'll be moved - and inspired.

"Going Upriver" is opening this weekend in hundreds of theaters around the country. If it's opening near you, grab some Kerry supporters, some Bush supporters, and some undecided voters, and make an evening of it. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will think. And you will understand why John Kerry should be the President of the United States.

One way or the other, see the film. If enough Americans see it, they will understand the true John Kerry, and make him our next President. This way America and the world will have a future we can look forward to.

Paul

Subject: decision making process of the administration

Hey Buzz,

You know, I was completely shocked that more attention was not paid to GWB's comment about "the CIA just guessing" when its reports on Iraq were not rosy.

THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL FLAW IN THE WAY GWB MAKES HIS DECISIONS.

And this should be a worry to us across the board..........not just with foreign policy, but economics, too. (For instance, he's disregarding economic indicators that suggest his tax policies are having a harmful effect.)

Apparently, the administrative practice is:

if evidence fits/supports an objective........use it

if evidence does not fit or is supportive and objective........disregard it.  (Or bully the messenger, as apparently the administration did w/the intelligence gathering before the Iraq War and cost estimates before the drug bill's passage.)

Alleged "CIA guessing" perfectly illustrates this administration's disregard for the truth.
And it will get this country into real trouble when only the supportive evidence/factors are taken into account in a crisis situation.

Beth

Subject: Achilles smirk

It appears to me that Kerry found Bush's fatal flaw. The first debate showed a man who can't bear to be confronted or contradicted. Keep bringing on the truth to force Bush out of his see-no-evil bubblewrap. Let America see him smirking and frowning and sighing through all of the debates. Do we need a leader who so easily allows pique to control him? I think not. Let the man put the boy in his place.

Kathy Gustafson
Brookings, SD

Subject: Donkey Cart?

I just heard, at 12:00pm EST, Sunday 10/3/04 on CNN, that the US had killed a man in Iraq with a missile strike on a donkey cart. "Bring em on" baby.

Steve W.
Las Vegas

Subject: Integrity?

This BuzzFlash article from Editor and Publisher publicizes that newspapers are cautioning their journalists to refrain from covering pro-Kerry music concerts that feature popular artists saying, "Basically, the issue is this: We cannot compromise our journalistic integrity."

Integrity?

Ohhhhh, I'm sorry... I can't finish my thought. I'm laughing so hard that I fell off my chair on to the floor! Help, I've fallen and I can't get up! Ha, ha, ha, gafaw! Oh well, can I get anybody anything while I'm down here?

Another Brick in the Wall Keeping Journos from Political Concerts (editorandpublisher.com)

Cathy

Subject: Washington Office Breakin

Please note that there was a break-in at a Bush campaign office last night. The Republicans say that several laptops with campaign strategy on them . This sounds like pure Karl Rove. October surprise to be blamed on the Democrats perhaps.

GOP campaign office in Bellevue broken into, three laptops stolen (Infoshop News)

Burglars hit Republicans' office
Laptops stolen from Bush-Cheney state headquarters in Bellevue (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

Steve

Subject: Quote for the day

The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything. --Joseph Stalin

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: UK Telegraph reposts phony story on Teresa Heinz Kerry from last March, pretends it's breaking news

Dear Buzz,

Conrad Black's newspaper, The UK Telegraph, just re-posted a very negative story on Teresa Heinz Kerry.

I typed in "Teresa Heinz Kerry." Google News returned this:

Kerry told to take wife 'out of the spotlight' (Telegraph.co.uk)

Democratic election advisers have ordered Teresa Heinz Kerry to adopt a lower profile in the final stages of the campaign by her husband, Senator John Kerry...

At 8:30 PM ET it was first or second on the list. It was the fifth or sixth story down by the time I got finished doing a little research on the UK Telegraph and writing them a letter (not that it will do any good).

If you click on this story, you find that it was actually written in March. So why is it appearing in a Google search as breaking news in the last hour? You will also see that it is snide and catty while pretending to be "real" journalism. See the reference to the "graceful and elegant" first lady, Laura Bush. (Will someone tell me what she ever did to deserve admiration? I truly don't get it.)

So what happened here? Did Karl call the Telegraph and ask them to help out before the Sunday talk shows here? We know the "undecideds" will probably not be reading the UK Telegraph, so WHOM do they want to see this? Will the subject come up tomorrow morning? I somehow doubt it, but if it does, it will be a huge "GOTCHYA" for us.

Leslie Smith
Winchester, MA

Subject: Re: The Draft

Dear BuzzFlash: I just wanted to mention something interesting that happened to me at a wedding I attended this weekend. My husband was unable to attend due to the fact that he is on active duty right now and preparing to deploy to the Middle East for a year. I was having a hard time enjoying the reception without my husband there to join in the celebration. My brother-in-law noticed that I had been crying and offered comfort. We started talking about the situation with the war and the pResident and he revealed to me that he had already filled out an absentee ballot and sent it in with a vote for John Kerry. He told me that after seeing F9/11 and hearing rumors of a draft next year, he became angry and a liitle bit fearful at the prospect of being drafted. He is married with a baby daughter and is twenty-six years old. He had heard that the draft would be for people between the ages of 18-26 men and women. He not only sent in a vote for John Kerry, but he also convinced a friend to vote for him after telling him about the draft rumors.

I do not know if there is any truth to any of these draft rumors but I do know that the rumors are spreading. I am not here to help spread the rumor only to say that rumors of a millitary draft are spreading and persisting. I would not say that my brother-in-law is the most politically informed person but he is an intelligent man who works hard and is good to his family. Could this be a new voting bloc that people are not aware of yet? Young people who hear about a possible millitary draft and vote for the person who they feel will be the least likely to make that happen. The Bush administration counts on peoples' fear and ignorance. Their claims that a vote for John Kerry is a vote for the terrorists is not only stupid and un-democratic, but they also appear to be growing as tired and played out as the color coded terror alerts.

Could the Bushies' message of fear actually backfire on them?

Anne Keb
Corona, CA

Bush on the campaign trail, The Washington Post, September 28: '"I think he [Kerry] can spend 90 minutes debating himself,' Bush said, as the crowd chanted, "Flip, flop, flip, flop."'

At the September 30 presidential debate, John Kerry debated and mopped up the floor with the presumptive presidential candidate, George Bush, who could be seen for the inner child he is, flopping toward November 2, 2004.

Turning serious, Bush said, "You cannot lead if you don't know where you stand. I'm going to continue to speak as clearly as I can and tell the people what I believe. And I'm not going to change positions when times get tough."

Bush's statement reflects a troubled man whose character is rigidly inflexible and who can't own up to mistakes. You cannot lead if you cannot bend; only break, like a Coral Gables, Florida, tree facing a hurricane. Bush has two more hurricanes to go. I'm betting he'll try to weasel out, muttering something about freedom, liberty, terr'rists and flip-floppers.

Michael Arvey
Boulder, CO

Subject: Bush rips Kerry on Global Test (MSNBC)

It is time for Kerry to call a spade a freakin' shovel! Bush lied to the Congress, to the Media and to every American and that is why we went to war! Bush needs to be ousted. Kerry needs to join the international tribunal and Bush, Cheney, Rice, Powell, Rumsfeld and the rest of those bastard neocons who are committing war crimes and murdering our children can join Milesovic and Saddam in prison!

Rob Strong
Proud All American Bush Basher

Subject: Bug in the Ear

Dear Buzz,

First of all, thanks for everything you do....

I suspect the Kerry camp will pick up ideas HERE more quickly than contacting them directly. I, too, thought it odd when Bush said "let me finish" and neither Kerry nor the moderator was interrupting him. I think an ear check by Democratic and Republican representatives as they approach the podium is a MUST. Kerry should insist on it; if Bush balks, it's just evidence that the little cheater is cheating again, and the Kerry camp can nail him in front of the world.

I'm not particularly worried about the Vice Presidential debate; I doubt that Cheney needs help, but lazy little Bushtail is another matter entirely.

Darlene
Reno

Subject: Two major Bushisms from the debate

Dear BuzzFlash,

I went back over a film of the debate and followed it along with a transcript and noted the two following gaffes by our "press and dent." I think I see you got the first but did you see the second?

You know, it's hard work to try to love her as best as I can, knowing full well that the decision I made caused her loved one to be in harm's way.

I can just picture it now, Bush making out with a widower whose husband had been killed in Iraq. To the victor the spoils, huh? The second one may be a little Freudian as Bush and cronies seek to build new nuclear weapons.

I agree with my opponent that the biggest threat facing this country is weapons of mass destruction in the hands of a terrorist network. And that's why proliferation is one of the centerpieces of a multi-prong strategy to make the country safer.

He actually said those things. We are not seeing a political race here, we are witness to a competition between the thinking and the crass.

Tom in Sunnyvale

Subject: "The most secretive government of our lifetime"

It's a remarkable article, well worth reading, especially considering its author:"Ron Reagan considers George W Bush."

When President Bush says “Our strategy is succeeding in Iraq," read this chilling account by a Wall Street Journal reporter in Baghdad and see if you agree.

"This administration is the most secretive of our lifetime," and this from the head of a right-wing watchdog group. We've added a full page on The Secret Government. 

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Fox News Must Be Investigated for Its Coverage of Kerry Campaign

Please perform your journalistic duty and investigate Fox News "fake" news report about John Kerry yesterday. Josh Marshall has some questions to guide your investigation:

How long did the fabricated quotes run on the Fox News website?

Fox News says Cameron has been 'reprimanded.' How? Are there any consequences? What happened to him? How was he reprimanded? Fox spokesman Paul Schur told The Daily News "We're simply moving on from this, we have no further comment." And that doesn't inspire a lot of confidence that the 'reprimand' is anything more than a 'Carl, Don't post any more fabricated quotes on the website.' Meanwhile, Schur declined to tell the LA Times what if any discipline Cameron faced.

Just for the sake of discussion, can there be any question that Carl Cameron has contempt and disdain for John Kerry -- contempt and disdain that he has great difficulty keeping a lid on?

Shouldn't Cameron be taken off the Kerry campaign beat? Assume for the moment that Cameron's fabricated story wasn't supposed to run on the site. If Cameron sits around writing up phony news stories only for Fox News colleagues which portray Kerry as a swishy fool, can he really credibly cover the campaign as a straight news reporter? The answer is obvious, I think. Of course, he can't.

Fox says Cameron made an "error" because of "fatigue and bad judgment." What was the error? Making up the fabricated quotes? Sending a Kerry-bashing parody around to colleagues at Fox News? Posting it on the website as a news story?

Did Cameron post the material to the site himself, not realizing there was a problem? Or did a tech person or editor at the website get a hold of Cameron's fabrications and post it not realizing it was a fabrication?

How tired is Carl Cameron and will Fox News be requiring him to get more sleep?

Why did comments very similar to Cameron's fabrications come up again and again from Fox commentators on debate night?

If CNN's John King posted a story on the CNN website with fabricated quotes that had the president joking about funneling money to Halliburton or how only saps went to Vietnam, what would the fall-out or consequences be?

Sincerely,

Joe Angelelli

Subject: My apologies

I was one of the readers who accused you of stepping over the line with the Iraqi children article. Although I don't know that I'm convinced by the Guardian article, it shows that there is potentially some substance to your claim. I am shocked and horrified that we have come to a point where Iraqis might think this, not to mention that it could be true. My apologies. Keep up the good work!

Resentment of U.S. Builds as Baghdad District Mourns (LA Times)

Jim Westerman
Reno, Nevada

Subject:

How are we as voters to know the true vote on Election Day since the polls are manipulated now by Dubya's people? Wouldn't they be also able to manipulate the polling results? Who is independently going to keep an honest track of what goes on November 2?

Just Asking

A BuzzFlash Reader