October 12, 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.
Subject: debate.....2nd
Bush reminded me of a fundamentalist preacher...I remembered them from my childhood...in a small town...I don't hear them anymore.
Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson sort of gave them all a bad name...especially Falwell...by lying so much. Jimmy Swaggert...wait until Bush tries tears to get his way....what a sight!!!
Shirley.....St. Louis
Subject: Letter to the Editor - Please send reporters to America
As you all know, we in America are holding elections on November 2. I would ask all the world to send reporters to cover it. We used to be a free nation with a free press and fair and honest elections. We are not that country anymore. Our press is controlled by President Bush's party. The electronic voting machines are supplied by another Bush supporter and it is widely known that these machines are easily altered. Our president stole the election in 2000 and then lied to the world and initiated an unprovoked war in Iraq in defiance of international law and putting all the people of the world in a more dangerous place. The stakes in this election are high for every person on the planet. This is the point where people of good conscience must speak out and tell it like it is. We have a duty to prevent a madman from starting more wars. I therefore ask the world news media to come to America and pay close attention to an event that will shape our future for generations to come. I'm Marc Perkel - And I approved this message!
Marc Perkel
San Francisco, CA
Subject: How can he protect me from terrorism when he can't protect me from the flu?
Dear Buzz,
A one-sentence LTTE in the Boston Globe says it all:
I just want to know how our president can protect me from terrorists when he can't protect me from the flu?
Mary H. Snyder
Vineyard Haven
Regards,
Elaine in Oregon
It's ironic that Mr. Bush walks the exaggerated walk of a tough guy - a "cowboy" if you will - Yet, by all accounts he is the most cowardly President to ever reside at 1600.
The latest indication of that is the wearing of communication equipment at the last debate. Who knows what they were telling him but the receiver was clearly visible during the night. I watched the debate with others, and the box was a topic of discussion during the debate. It was a hard rectangular box of some sort and clearly visible. All the explanations in the world that don't include in them the existence of a hard rectangular box are bogus! The obvious implication here is that he's weak and cowardly for needing someone to hold his hand to make him feel equal to his opponent, who stood and fought valiantly, alone.
He ran from the 9/11 investigation and did all he could do to duck and dodge accountability until the 9/11 survivors shamed him into a corner and he acquiesced to appointing an investigative panel. Then he ran from testifying in front of the panel, until he was shamed into another corner and then weakly and meekly agreed to testify but only if he could have Mr. Cheney by his side. That's the actions of a cowardly man.
His insistence on destroying the lives and reputations of good and honorable men and women when they criticize him is another example of his weakness. He can't stand and defend his honorable actions because he has committed none so he has to attack reputations and motives of his critics. His campaign of arrogance, greed, and fear is the catalyst for the current hatred in the body politic that resulted in the "Anybody But Bush" movement that is gaining steam by the day. Fortunately we have a strong and capable candidate to fill the position of "Anybody But Bush," in John Kerry. The point is that to spark such a united movement is testament to his "great uniter" talents, but is also a reflection of his extreme positions. We all know that extremism is a symptom of weakness. Truth, strength and relevance are always found in the center. He can't function in the center where thoughts collide because of the heat of debate and compromise that occurs there. So he attacks the motives and character of the other. This is a clear sign of cowardice.
His scowling in the first debate is yet another example of his cowardice. A man that can't sit quiet with the comforting support of the wisdom and weight of his argument to calm him is a man conflicted with his own position. We can all draw conclusions from his actions about what kind of commander in chief he is. We need a real man with real character and an adult's approach to leadership to replace Mr. Bush.
Ian Monte Bright
West Dundee, IL
Subject: the question
A reporter asked the president if he could state one mistake he made, that was in the spring. Now weeks before the election, at the debate Friday, an American asked the question, the same question, and he still could not think of one.
That means between spring and October, with all that we've learned, and the results of all the president's economic, foreign policy, health predictions proven wrong....that Mr. bush STILL can't think of one thing he's done wrong.
This president reminds me of when I tried to train my dog when it was younger.
But my dog isn't supposed to be the leader of the free world. My dog has learned responsibility and accountability because I never rewarded him when he made a mistake.
If you allow this president to make such major errors, yet retain power...you allow ALL future presidents to try to get away with the same. And that spells doom for our country.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: Bush being wired for debate: Rove dirty trick?
Bush being wired for the debate is a side issue that is not important compared to all real appalling facts about the Bush administration. This has the tell-tale signs of a Rove operation. I'm afraid we might be being set up for another Rather style attack on our credibility if we are not careful in pursuing this. Remember that the video feed that seems to corroborate this comes from Fox. They could claim that we doctored the tape and the photos by releasing a new tape the has no bulge. Please be very careful about any evidence that supports this. The last thing we need now is for a massive Bush campaign attack on our credibility by claiming that our sources are false and only a nasty attack by us on poor president Bush. It's too close to the election to recover if that should happen.
Please be very, very careful with this issue. Perhaps the best way to deal with it would to use the Fox technique of claiming only that "some people are saying" this so we are reporting it, but we don't know if it's true. Hey, two can play the "We report, You decide," game.
Jerry Jauch
Pompano Beach, FL
Subject: From the Freewayblogger
Dear Friends,
Thanks so much for your help over this past year. We're heading into the final stretch before the election and hopefully prepared for whatever fresh hell may follow. On Wednesday, October 13th, activists across the country will be putting up handpainted signs expressing their political beliefs on the freeways and highways of this nation. As of now there are over 600 of us signed in from 175 cities and suburbs in 44 states. I have no doubt there'll be over a thousand of us come the 13th, and I truly hope you, your friends and readers will join in. The rules are simple: paint a sign and put it where people will see it. Please let me know in advance if you'll be joining us and I 'll add you to the list
Signs can be any size, large or small, and can say whatever you want them to. When the Founders of this nation gave us the right to free and unfettered political speech, that meant we had the right to speak out and make our feelings known to as many of our fellow citizens as possible if we chose to do so, and on October 13th, that's just what we're going to do.
This event is being covered by Air America, MTV, Pacifica Radio and will be receiving national and international media attention, so do what you can to spread the word. I don't know what, if any effect this will have on the election, but I do know this - people are going to know how to express themselves when they see it being stolen again.
Thanks Again,
Scarlet P.
Freeway
Free Speech Day: Driving America to Think (freewayblogger.com)
Subject: re: Neo-Cons, Unions, Anti-War and Sept. Harper's article
I just read the BuzzFlash article about labor's opposition to the Iraqi War. I immediately thought of the Harper's magazine article in September by Naomi Klein about the Neo-Con socio-economic, socio-political experiment being conducted in the "liberated" Iraq. Essentially, non-Iraqi foreign workers hired by multi-national corporations have displaced Iraqi workers and consequently the foreign workers are being targeted and killed. Even Iraqi citizens who work for the multi-national corporations are being targeted and killed.
One of the most significant accounts in Ms. Klein's article involved the Iraqi oil industry workers in Basra. They asked for a raise. The multi-national corporation managers said no. The Iraqi workers, although not technically a union, told the managers that either they got their raise...or they'd go join the insurgency. The Iraqi workers got their raise. (Talk about a bargaining chip).
The interests of the Iraqi workers were of no interest to the Neo-Cons running the CPA. Multi-national corporations were given the green-light to economically carve up Iraq which would mean that Iraqi workers would just be replacing one monopolistic dictator (Saddam Hussein) with another monopolistic dictatorship (the multi-national corporations). From what is reported in Ms. Klein's article, a whole lot of Iraqi citizens are not too pleased to see control of their factories and businesses, and their jobs, being outsourced to these multi-national corporations.
I can understand why the Bush administration and the corporate-controlled news media here at home are not too keen on having this aspect of the Iraqi War reported. Hopefully, John Kerry will make this an issue in his final debate with Bush. Not only for the sake of the Iraqi workers, but also for union members and workers in the U.S. Now we know what the intent of globalization really is...just look at the Neo-Con dream (nightmare) unfolding in Iraq. We need Kerry in the White House just so Iraqi workers will finally have a voice in the future of the new Iraq...not just the multi-national voice.
Sincerely yours,
Paul Sorrells
Austin, TX
Subject: Where is that so-called Democracy?
I was listening to NPR yesterday and heard accounts of what I had previously heard rumours of - people threatened with being arrested at a Bush/Cheney rally if they showed ANY signs of support for Kerry.
One gentleman was a high school teacher and took several students to a rally for educational purposes, and when it was discovered (somehow) by secret service that one of the students had a faded Kerry sticker in his wallet, they were told they must leave. The teacher said he would vouch for the students, and they were then threatened with being thrown in jail.
There have been actual cases of people being thrown in jail for wearing shirts that had protest slogans on them and then refusing to leave. The local police later apologized when confronted with the rights of our constitution, stating that the secret service made them do it.
And, of course, we've all heard about the forms that people are required to sign when entering a Bush/Cheney rally stating that they DO plan to vote for them because, of course, we only want happy smiling faces in our pictures!
Why, oh, why, isn't this being publicized more?!!! There were so many accounts from across the country when I heard this on NPR yesterday. If the average person knew how truly evil they really are then this election would be a no-brainer, but as we know, most people don't take the time to investigate things and dig for the truth like we do.
One of the letters I read said that the Bushies are the wealthy who want to remain that way, but in my travels I'm finding that SO many average Americans are supporting him because they just don't get it and they believe the BS that they have been fed for so long. We don't have long to try to try to educate people about the kind of ugly truths like I've written above (and, of course, that is nothing in the big picture!).
Christine E.
Subject: DeLay
Caught your note that no Republicans should be returned -- I concur, wholeheartedly. Maybe you could see your way clear to mention that Kenny Hulshof, who got 14 grand from DeLay's PAC and sits on the ethics committee that did nothing of substance about Delay's abuses, has a bona fide Democratic challenger waging a grass roots campaign for Missouri's 9th Congressional District. There is no daylight between Hulshof and the Republican leadership, and Kenny Number 2 (Kenny Boy Lay being number 1) is Bush's mouthpiece in Missouri.
Don't believe the polls, Missouri is in play.
Dave Raithel
Boone County Coordinator
Linda Jacobsen for Congress
www.lindajacobsenforcongress.com
Subject: this was funny
I don't think anyone else picked up on this: did you notice that bush referred to Kerry as "Kennedy" one of the times he said he had the most liberal record in the Senate?
It was funny after the debate when one of the pundits was asked for most embarrassing moments and he mentioned bush's stating the 'Dred Scott' case as an example of what type of judge he wouldn't appoint. That was idiotic, indeed, but the mix-up with the name was hilarious.
I called my son afterwards and he caught it, too, so it is not my imagination.
Liz
Subject: Oh Canada
Hey BuzzFlash,
As a Canadian watching the debate, I was interested to learn that Bush thinks Canadian prescription drugs might kill Americans.
Then he went on to say something about a "third world country"-- was he calling Canada a so-called third world country? Yikes-- does this mean he's gonna invade us next? We have oil, lots of water, and plenty of those trees he talked about clearing so they wouldn't burn (!).
Save Canada, America. Vote Kerry.
Peggy Karfilis
Subject: A Question for America: What Would Be too Much?
All men having power ought to be mistrusted. --James Madison
Shortly after George W. Bush unleashed the "Dogs of War" on Iraq last year, and right after an emerging insurgency started growing, Bush asked, "What's the matter with those people; don't they know how good we [Americans] are?" And that right there is at the heart of what I see as a very big problem with so very many of my fellow American citizens--and one that in many ways is getting worse and not better.
Here in the U.S. there is a deeply-held belief that no matter what this nation's governing body does abroad, no matter how bad what it does may appear, no matter what horror may result, the American government means well; That the government has good intentions and means well; And, generally speaking, the American public wonders why the rest of the world can't see how "kind" and "generous" and "self-sacrificing" America is and has been. Unfortunately the road to hell is paved with "good intentions."
My questions to my fellow American citizens are this: What for you would be too much? What would this nation's government have to do in its foreign policy, or domestic policies, that would cause you to forsake your basic belief in and support for that governing body and its policies? (more, at www.ommp.org)
Jack Dalton
Portland, OR
Subject: Empty Suit
The White House insists that there was nothing under Mr. Bush's jacket but his shirt. You know, I could not have said it better myself.
Turk Meister
Subject: how quickly we forget
I keep reading the same commentary about how "everyone" thought Iraq had WMD. Blix didn't think so. Scott Ritter didn't think so. El Baradi didn't think so. "Everyone" thought Iraq was an imminent and gathering threat to the region and the world. I watched the U.N. hearings as nation after nation after nation from Africa and the Middle East begged the world not to allow this travesty to happen. France tried to stop it.
Dominique Villepan gave a logical, detailed, and impassioned presentation against invasion. Our response was to change french fries to freedom fries and pour French wine down the gutter. Germany tried to stop it. We responded by calling them "Old Europe" as if that invalidated their stance. Millions around the globe protested the invasion. Those protests were based on the absurdity of the claims that Iraq posed a threat.
Bush and Blair couldn't force the rest of the world to join them but they did manage to avoid being stopped. The bottom line is, irrefutably, that not "everyone" thought Iraq had WMD and was a threat to others. In truth, Bush, et al., were a distinct minority.
Kathy Gustafson
Brookings, SD
p.s. Premium suggestion - Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun."
Subject: It is forbidden for to criticize Der Fueler!!!
In the second debate, in response to a question where he was asked to name three mistakes he'd made, His Fraudulently replied: "I made some mistakes in appointing people, but I'm not going to name them. I don't want to hurt their feelings on national TV."
Let's analyze this statement. If he made a mistake in appointing people, the way to correct that mistake is to get rid of them. So either these people had already left the Bush administration, willingly or otherwise, or Bush is incompetent because he has not removed people who proved to be incompetent.
Who has left the Bush administration lately?
George Tenet
Paul O'Neill
Richard Clarke
Jerry Bremer
and a couple of others.
The one thing that these people all have in common is that they left,
and then they criticized Bush.
So what Bush is saying is very, very clear: the only mistake he made was in appointing people who later said that Bush was wrong.
Mike Laudedale
Albany, NY
Subject: Audio Anomalies
First, I am an ardent admirer of BuzzFlash and support J. Kerry for President.
I watched the Bush CNN segment with Jon King. I work in television broadcast engineering so I have some experience with the types of systems used in acquiring AV signals from remote locations.
In listening closely I believe what we heard were two identical audio signals, one via the regular telephone dialup talk back loop (IFB) that all new orgs use with remote locations, and the second which was the satellite feed.
The latency between a dial up loop -- via undersea cable these days -- is about 65 milliseconds, while a satellite feed is 250 ms. Depending upon the number of satellites used in the hook up, the latency can get quiet large, two bounces = 1/2 second.
If you listen carefully to the voice, enunciations, and cadence, you may come to the same conclusion as I -- that it is the same voice, delayed through two separate transmission paths, and mixed together at CNN inadvertently.
While I know Bush is stupid enough to need another voice, in this instance, the technical evidence I believe can be explained --- at least on this one!
Keep up the good work.
Algie
Subject: Meet The Press Political Bias
Why does Tim Russert confront Senator John Edwards with such contempt, asking him the same question over and over, unable to accept the simple concise answers that Edwards provides? Yet, when Vice President Dick Cheney is on the program, Tim Russert sits there quietly like some kind a timid insecure child admiring his favorite television hero allowing Cheney to ramble on and on mumbling his wishy-washy jargon of lies and deception making the most dishonest of used car salesmen blush.
It appears to me that Tim Russert is a right wing corporate media whore who's only job is to slant the news towards the fascist right wing agenda similar to the way FOX News slants their news. I noticed that after each of the debates Russert immediately sides with the right wing spin masters. I can't understand why NBC calls his program "MEET THE PRESS" when the guests only meet with him. This is not the "MEET THE PRESS" that I remember from my earlier years.
It was Franklin Roosevelt who said, "The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in essence, is fascism - ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or any controlling power." I read that now only 5 corporations own the media in the USA. It's obvious by any standards that this media does not support fair and balanced reporting of the news. Why are there more than 450 right wing talk show hosts on radio across the nation while there are probably less than a dozen who present the other side?
Now I read in the L.A. Times that Sinclair Broadcasting, Which Reaches a Quarter of American Homes, will be presenting a right wing Propaganda Anti-Kerry Documentary Just Days Before the Election, in Prime Time. If NBC, ABC, FOX or CBS had any thought of being perceived as being fair and balanced, they would go after this story. But just to prove my point is true, they will sit on their thumbs hoping for that last minute intern story (all it has to be is an allegation) that will take down John Kerry's campaign for good.
Dan Evjen
Seattle
Subject: Why are Bush supporters so dense?
Dear BuzzFlash,
I am sorry to say this, but you have got to question the intelligence of the Bush supporters. This man lied, exaggerated, took us into an unnecessary war, now the Duelfer report confirms that the UN sanctions and inspections had been working, and IRAQ IS ONE BIG EXPENSIVE MESS, and I cannot believe that there are people in our country who want the person who was responsible for the deaths of thousands, George W. Bush, back in the white house for another four years. What the heck are they smoking? Who will want a president who has lied and used bad judgment, and who has shown sheer incompetence in waging a war??
What kind of message are we sending to the rest of the world? You have got to have a very low IQ to believe that the next four years will be different with this administration. They have nothing to lose, since Bush cannot run again, so they will go all out to further run this country into the ground with their ridiculous policies.
The Bush administration has not admitted to a single mistake, they have stubbornly refused to change course in Iraq, and not been held accountable for any of their misdeeds (what a terrible example for our kids).
This is a disaster folks, and it is time that people stop drinking the Kool aid and woke up from their hypnotic state.
Keep on buzzing...
Roseanne
Subject: please get this online
This is a scathing report, and I find it reprehensible that the United States Commission on Civil Rights has caved in to pressure from the Republicans, and decided to withhold release of this report until after the election. The importance of this report and its findings cannot be stressed enough.
The holding back of this report is tantamount to a cover up of gross proportions.
I suggest all Americans read this report. I think Bush supporters might have trouble swallowing it.
It is by the US Commission On Civil Rights, and it is a report the republicans have tried to prevent the release of, before the elections. It is called Redefining Rights in America...The Civil Rights Record of the George W. Bush Administration, 2001-2004.
They held a vote Friday, and agreed to not release it until after the elections. Go figure.
Thanks.
http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/bush/bush04.pdf
Ruth Wells
Hurley, NY
[BuzzFlash Note: See also Bush's civil rights record (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). Excerpt from the report: "This report finds that President Bush has neither exhibited leadership on pressing civil rights issues, nor taken actions that matched his words..."]
Subject: The election in Australia
Hi BuzzFlash!
Greetings from an ardent subscriber in Australia!
Well, here in Oz we've had our election and the incumbent (and George Bush sycophant) John Howard has won, and even worse, increased his majority. More terrifyingly, it looks as though he has gained controlled of the Senate. This is totally unexpected, as all our polls predicted either a Howard win with reduced majority or a 50 - 50 result. We have compulsory voting and there was a largish "Undecided" vote of 10 per cent or so. Looks like all the undecideds opted to stay with the devil they know!
There are many people here in Oz who are VERY depressed right now. We can only hope that you folk in the U.S. do the right thing and vote out George Bush. We will be thinking of you!
Cheers,
Margaret Foley
Subject: Adios Internet
Buzz,
If DimSon is in office November 3rd, say adios to the Internet - that communication tool that has united and informed us on critical issues. An informed electorate is a dangerous electorate to this cabal. Buzzers need to prod their friends to the polls with this reminder.
Conspiracy theory? Not really. Molly Ivins gives us an example of what is to come with: "...public libraries and schools around the country are no longer receiving high-speed Internet access and telephone service. The Bush administration, without public notice, put a moratorium on $1 billion in new grants the states expected to receive by the end of the year. This could shut down service in many states. It is particularly critical in rural areas. The Federal Communications Commission wants tighter rules ..." Censorship on the Net.
Let's get rid of these fascists before they get rid of our Internet (including BuzzFlash).
T. Quigly
Subject: Bush Is Such a Character
After viewing the first two presidential debates, I have to wonder whether President Bush's debate strategy is to imitate the mannerisms of famous movie characters.
In the first debate, he stuttered and stammered his way through the night, which reminded me of Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie "Rain Man." In the second debate, he shouted and paced in front of a TV audience, which reminded me of Peter Finch's crazy TV anchorman Howard Beale in the movie "Network."
I wonder which famous movie character Bush will be channeling in the third debate. Whoever he's imitating on Election Day, my vote is still going to John Kerry.
Rick Smolnicky
Portage, IN
Subject: Article for use anywhere on BuzzFlash
While many commentators couldn't figure out why W was rambling on about the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision during Friday's debate, I did some research and found that in "right to life" circles, "Dred Scott" is a code word for "Roe v. Wade."
Just as the Dred Scott case put the Supreme Court on record as in favor of slavery but was later overturned when public opinion solidified against slavery, so the right wing believes that Roe v. Wade will be overturned when public opinion solidifies against abortion.
Here's the first few paragraphs and link to one "Republican National Coalition for Life" article which makes the code word use clear.
The right wing knew exactly what Bush was saying in the debate while the rest of us couldn't figure out why Bush was talking about Dred Scott.
If Dred Scott Wasn't The "Settled Law of the Land," Neither is Roe (Republican National Coalition for Life)
...Many respected legal authorities think that, like the Dred Scott decision and others, Roe v. Wade is a settled case, but it is not settled law. In fact, no law has been passed that makes abortion legal in this country. Like Dred Scott, Roe has the potential to be overturned, given the right circumstances and the right make-up of the Supreme Court. Political rhetoric notwithstanding, we subscribe to that view. In his heart, we believe Senator Ashcroft thinks so, too.
But we must remember that Cabinet officers, including the U.S. Attorney General, serve at the will of the President of the United States. In this instance, George W. Bush has never said that he would, or even wanted to, overturn Roe. To the contrary, he has said he thinks the American people aren't ready for that yet. He certainly made it clear that respect for the sanctity of human life is not a requirement for his nominees to the federal bench and the Supreme Court....
Carol Schmidt
Subject: re bush
Do you remember just prior to the first debate, there was a directive that no video was to be shot from the rear? I sure did wonder what that was all about. I'll bet it was not Kerry requesting that. Think it was due to the prompter in Bush's suit?
Henry
Subject: Receivergate?
Uh-oh, Receivergate. Bush is so desperately busted on this. The fact that they had to rush out the testimony of his lying tailor just adds fuel to the fire. Hey, who knows, suits with odd bulges in the back, could become the latest hot fashion trend in Washington. Watch for it, the rectangular swelling that won't go away. Could become as popular as the flight suit codpiece. Hmm . . . a Georges de Paris creation, is it? When is some Republican congressman going to lash out against the French-suit wearing George Bush? What an odd little debate rule, the TV cameras are forbidden from showing the candidates from the back. Why was that so important, Mr. Baker? No crib notes indeed! How about this? You can run (a wire), but you cannot hide (it under your jacket). Here's another, use a prompting device, go back to Crawford. Let's hear what our chief executive has to say about all of this, "People have got to know whether or not their President is a cheat. Well, I'm not a cheat." Right, we believe that too. Nixon would be proud.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Active member of The People's Email Network http://www.thepen.us
Subject: Kerry's response to Bush's taunt...
During the 2nd debate, Dumya kept repeating "he can run but he can't hide"...
Kerry ought to have responded with: "as Americans carefully scrutinize MY public record, I'm certain they understand that I've never been one to "run" or "hide" from anything in my life, including Vietnam....
Milena in Vancouver
Subject: Bush: "You can run but you can't hide"
Dear BuzzFlash:
Please do whatever you can to let everyone know that Bush's attack on Kerry's senatorial record, "you can run but you can't hide" is the exact same thing he said about Bin Laden.
Thanks. And please keep up the great work.
Steven R. Rhoads
Subject: Suppressing the Florida Vote
Mydemocracy.org - Aug 24th, 2004
The vile smell of vote suppression is hanging over Florida
State police officers have been going into the homes of elderly black voters in Orlando and interrogating them as part of an odd investigation that has frightened many voters, intimidated elderly volunteers and thrown a chill over efforts to get out the black vote in November. The officers, from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which reports to Gov. Jeb Bush, say they are investigating allegations of voter fraud that came up during the Orlando mayoral election in March
Not surprisingly, many of the elderly black voters who found themselves face to face with state police officers in Orlando are members of the Orlando League of Voters, which has been very successful in mobilizing the city's black vote. The president of the Orlando League of Voters is Ezzie Thomas, who is 73 years old. With his demonstrated ability to deliver the black vote in Orlando, Thomas is a tempting target for supporters of George W. Bush in a state in which the black vote may well spell the difference between victory and defeat.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: Sinclair Broadcasting
For those who want to write to Sinclair affiliates and tell them that it is not in the public interest to show the propagandistic and factually false anti-Kerry film, here is a link that shows a map of the stations:
http://www.sbgi.net/business/television.shtml
All of us must get involved in stopping this Rove dirty trick.
Nancy Cashman
Yonkers, NY
Subject: Are the media playing politics? (Peter Johnson, USA Today)
Following are my comments to the Editor regarding the article.
Dear Editor,
I am writing about the above article. I've just reread the article to make sure I am not mistaken.
The conclusion reached in this article is that the networks/cable outlets are showing bias because they are not airing an equal number of good comments/bad comments on each candidate. For instance regarding the first debate, the number of good comments about Kerry outweighed the number of good comments about Bush, therefore there was a media bias. This is preposterous. Kerry did perform better than Bush in the first debate - even his own people admit this. To pretend otherwise, to insist that there should be an equal amount of good comments about Bush's performance would be dishonest.
Interestingly enough, the article leaves out MSNBC, who did give rave reviews of Bush's performance after both debates. Why was MSNBC left out of the article? Could it be that this author is showing his own bias?
Also, no mention is made of the instant polls after the debate which closely resemble the percentages that show up in the positive/negative coverage. Clearly this author is trying to say that, regardless of the facts, the networks/cable should give an equal amount of good/bad comments about each candidate.
I do think the media should report on the lies of both the Bush & Kerry campaigns, but this doesn't mean they should give equal weight to each distortion. There should be some kind of weight given to the seriousness of each misstatement. "We went to war to get Saddam's WMD" far outweighs "We have spent $200 billion on Iraq" (we have spent $120 billion with an additional $80 scheduled for the next year). This author seems to be saying that equal amounts of time, good versus bad comments, should be given to each misrepresentation. That is absurd.
Linda Kekumu
Subject: 21 Reasons to Elect Kerry
Yesterday, the Philadelphia Inquirer joined other major newspapers in endorsing Kerry for president. In the endorsement, the paper announced that it will also publish a series of individual editorials -- 21 of them -- providing detailed, specific reasons why bush should not be elected and Kerry should. The first of that series ran today, and it's worthwhile. I plan to read these editorials every day and circulate them to my email list.
21 Reasons to Elect Kerry: Ideology vs. Science (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Sue
Subject: A BuzzFlash Reader
The FCC Rules on political broadcasting. Let the readership judge for themselves about Sinclair.
www.fcc.gov has further contact info, I'll defer that issue to you.
But Sinclair could "resolve" the problem by providing at the same terms, the opportunity to air Moore's film (at a similarly opportune time, say the night before, and with no ads). Yes I know, I know, the Oscar, the money, etc.
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/policy/political/candrule.htm
Thomas S.
Subject: FCC Ruling from Election Year 2000 -- Sinclair Should Not Be Allowed to Show Documentary
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-00-1341A1.doc
This is a ruling that the FCC made as to whether A&E could legally show "Biography" and be exempt from the equal opportunities requirements. I am not a lawyer, but it seems to me that the declarative ruling (and it references a number of others, such as one re: U.S. News and World) seems to infer that the airing by Sinclair of "Stolen Honor" would violate the requirements because the exemption that was made for "Biography" was done so because:
...the format of the programs included, among other things, one-on-one interviews with presidential candidates, background information, and relevant footage; the programs were regularly scheduled; and the programs were under the complete editorial control of producers whose decisions concerning the programs were based solely on objective, reasonable, good faith journalistic judgment and not an intention to advance the candidacy of a particular person."
The ruling grants the exemption to "Biography," saying that as few as five programs would constitute a series, but then goes on to say (and this is where I feel that Sinclair is completely off-base:
Concerning the second factor, AETN appears to exercise complete control over the subject series of presidential profiles. With respect to the third factor, good faith news judgment, there is nothing in the record to suggest that AETN's proposed presidential profiles are intended to advance or harm any particular candidate. Based on the foregoing, we believe that the subject "Biography" programs are exempt from the equal opportunities requirements pursuant to Section 315(a)(2).
I hope that some fine legal minds check this link and others out. It's not just a matter of boycotting Sinclair. This is ILLEGAL! And from what I can understand, Sinclair should be required to show Michael Moore's film as well.
I rest my case.
Regards,
BC
Subject: Act up about ANTI Kerry Doc Sinclair broadcasting is calling NEWS!!!!!!
Hey everyone,
Sinclair Broadcasting, owner of 62 stations in the US, including WB, FOX (of course) and ABC affiliates, is planning to air an anti Kerry documentary as NEWS. Now we all paid to see Fahrenheit 911 if we chose to. Is it fair that a company, heavy contributors to Bush, should do this incredible assault on the integrity of our press? NO!!!!!
I e-mailed the three stations in Boston, urls below, to ask them to op ed that it is wrong and speak out against their affiliates or face our boycott. Please do the same.
And if you are in any other state (especially FLA), go to Sinclair's web site and e-mail the stations they own in your market with the same info....PLEASE! THIS IS SO BUSH-LIKE AND UN-AMERICAN!!!!!
http://wb56.trb.com/about/station/wlvi-feedback-page.htmlstory WB 56 in Boston
http://www.fox25.com/default.htm Fox in Boston
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/station/index.html Channel 5 ABC in Boston
Valerie
Subject: a little input, please?
Hi Buzz!
I have had a "One-Term President" (.org) poster in my store's window for over a year now... Just TODAY (a few minutes ago) - I had a "gentleman" come in, identifying himself as a member of the corporation that owns the building in which I rent my storefront.
He dictated to me that, since the building was owned by a Corporation, I was forbidden to display any campaign flyers.
Now- considering that the flyer does not say to vote for-or-against anyone... did he have a right to have me remove my flyer?
I asked him if I was supposed to move my car off the main street also...he knew it was my car.
http://www.realnewslinks.com/cah1.html)
God- I despise hypocritical republican's sheeples...
Thanks!
Kim
[BuzzFlash Note: We're no legal eagles, but have a lawyer check your lease. If the lease doesn't say anything about it, put the sign back up and make the "corporation" prove its case. You might want to also check with your local ACLU chapter.]
Subject: Re: The Hammer: Tom DeLay: God, Money, and the Rise of the Republican Congress
Brings to mind the words of a noted lawyer, James Welch: "Have you no shame?"
(To then Senator McCarthy.)
Sydney P.
A quote from the GOP's Senate candidate, Tom Coburn:
You know, Josh Burkeen is our rep down here in the southeast area. He lives in Colgate and travels out of Atoka. He was telling me lesbianism is so rampant in some of the schools in southeast Oklahoma that they'll only let one girl go to the bathroom. Now think about it. Think about that issue. How is it that that's happened to us? --Tom Coburn, 8/31/04
Jim K.
Subject: Re: Your Afternoon Buzz
What a singular contribution "elaine of petaluma" has performed with the info she provided for a Sinclair boycott! That was my first thought upon reading the piece earlier today. But Elaine got busy and set it up. I envy her Web skills and appreciate her contribution. I'm disappointed that I don't have any SBG stations here in "square state" country, but I'm busy enough trying to beat Bush in conventional "major party" ways. Good luck and Good strength to all of you working to save a once-proud Republic!
Rich Lathrop
Boulder, CO
Subject: Quote of the day
Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war. -- Donald Rumsfeld
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: please tell him
michael moore should let any tv station or cable channel that wants to, show fahrenheit 9-11 for free at the same time sinclair is showing their hit piece.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: bush receiving help during debates by radio
Hi,
I assume you have heard about the rectangular object and wire on upper right hand corner on Bush's back during both debates. It is almost certain to be an electronic prompting device. Such a device looks like this:
http://www.comtekcom/IFBCueing/ifbcueing.html
I didn't see any reference to it in today's BuzzFlash and may have missed it in previous editions. The David Lindorff article (salon.com) is very good.
If this story makes it into the mainstream more than it has already, it should help defeat him.
Best,
John Dey
Subject: US Civil Rights Commission busts Bush on record
Of course the Bush administration is dragging its feet on Civil Rights. That is the defacto Republican platform. When the Republicans assimilated the DixieCrats in the 50's, they took them in sheets and all. They could not openly advocate the "Southern Way of Life" -- discrimination, segregation and lynching -- but they could covertly practice it. No one said to leave it behind, so practice it they have, in the Senate, the House and the Whitehouse. It is one of the great successes of the Republicans. So now, here we are 50 years later, and the Republicans are pushing the clock back to before the Civil War. No one is there to tell them they lost.
If fact, it could be easily argued that the South won that war, even though the Union won the Civil Battle. Bush will talk about Condi Rice and Colin Powell. Sure, some of his rich, well educated friends are African-Americans. But that is like saying it was cool in New York yesterday so there is no global warming. It is applying a microscopic observation to a macroscopic problem. Baloney!
It is a testimony to the effectiveness of their fear campaign that people accept this stuff.
New Campaign Issue: Hiding Bush's Civil Rights Record (SF Gate)
A Reader in Illinois
Subject: Letter to KOVR-13 Sacramento
Many, many Democrats in this Blue State will be very angry if this station goes ahead with the broadcast of the "documentary," "Stolen Honor."
I am sure you are aware of the rapidly expanding movement in California to boycott this station and your commercial supporters. I am in touch with many activists in the Sacramento area.
It would be good to relay OUR concerns to the ultra-right Smith Boys (and other Sinclair shareholders, as well).
Think twice,
Norm Pettit
La Jolla, CA
Subject: Winona LaDuke
Hi!
Last Saturday (Oct. 9, 2004), Winona LaDuke, vice-presidential running mate to Ralph Nader in 1996 and 2000, spoke at the West Plains, Missouri, Civic Center. During the Q & A session following her speech she was asked (by me!) if she would support John Kerry in the November election and she said, "I'm voting for John Kerry." I think that is a significant endorsement and hoped that the AP might pick it up from our hometown paper. Alas, our hometown paper chose not to cover the event.
How can I get the word out nationally? Or is it out there somewhere and I've just missed it? I think such an endorsement could sway some voters, particularly Green Party voters, Nader supporters and Native Americans.
Any ideas? Thanks.
Terry Moore
P.S. Thanks for having a REAL way to contact you with hope of response.
[BuzzFlash Note: We couldn't find mention of her endorsement on the internet. Maybe you should contact your local media, AP, Reuters...and tell them what she said to you? Good luck!]