October 22, 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: There must be someone...
...compiling a list of all these irregularities with regards to Voter Registration, Early Voting, etc. etc.... It is hard to keep up with them all, but I would like to. Or is there a website specifically devoted to this?
This is not news to you, but Europeans are really concerned about this election. The reports about irregularities in Florida, Ohio, etc. are spreading like wildfire around my office here near Munich, Germany.
A BuzzFlash Reader in Germany
[BuzzFlash Note: See next letter...]
Subject: Voter Fraud
Dear BuzzFlash,
There are now several excellent information clearinghouses documenting the ongoing, nationwide voter fraud being perpetrated by the GOP and their allies.
Voter Registration Fraud Clearinghouse and
These two sites have state-by-state, story-by-story breakdowns of exactly what is going on, where, when and what we can do about it. NEVER AGAIN!
Daniel Curewitz
Yokohama City, JAPAN
[BuzzFlash Note: Thanks for the helpful information.]
Subject: Pepper the media with requests that Bush get a physical
I'm sending this request to every media outlet I can think of.
Bush cannot postpone his physical exam until after the election because the people have a right to know if he is healthy enough to continue being President for four more years. This ought to be a requirement for running for President or Vice President, and the news media ought to insist that it is a responsibility of the President even if it is not a requirement. He owes us.
Margaret Waid
Subject: Sinclair
I saw a Brigham Young University show on DirecTV in the last few days. It was about media in close elections. They first discussed Reagan's ads and then discussed a Swift Boat for Bush ad, and the speaker said it was true. The only other person that was there said nothing. I was repelled and turned it off.
This may be the show that Sinclair is going to use.
J. Karasek
Subject: America Is Afflicted With The W Disease
Why in the world would anyone want four more years of the misery of the W disease?
George W. Bush's mindless tax cuts have brought the country to the edge of bankruptcy. His heartless economic policies have resulted in loss of jobs and increased poverty. His approach to public health has resulted in the current flu-shot shortage. His unwise and illegal war against Iraq has resulted in the deaths of 1100 and the crippling of 8000 American soldiers. His foreign policies have made America the most hated country on the planet. His bumbling, inarticulate speech and simple-minded notions have bewildered the whole world and made him (and by extension our country) an object of ridicule throughout the world.
America can recover from the W disease and return to political and economic health by electing John Kerry as our president.
Robert R. Regl
Hattiesburg, MS
Subject: Baseball, Enron and Bush
Was just searching for Houston baseball info tonight and Google handed me this link. I would title it: "LEST WE FORGET."
Bush visits top contributor for Houston baseball bash (The Detroit News, April 8, 2000)
Regards,
BC
i find it interesting that the media pounced all over the teresa heinz dissing laura bush story but was hush hush on the pat robertson being called a liar by the white house people story.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: what the smirk means
Dear Buzz,
Here is an excerpt (p. 101) from Erich Fromm's The Revision of Psychoanalysis (1992, Westview Press) concerning the necrophilous (death-loving, destructive) character:
His skin looks dead, and in his gestures he marks the frontier between himself and the world outside him. In the more extreme case, he wears a permanent smirk rather than a smile, and the expression on his face looks as if her were smelling a bad odor.
Who does that sound like?
Joe Heaphey
Subject: Bush physical condition--giddy-up hoss
I read the articles of his possible health problems yet no one no one no one covers a possible serious problem.
Lack of Balance. Scooter-Bike. Ever see him on a hoss on his ranch? He is afraid to ride a hoss per his associates.
Cowboy boots-Cowboy hat. No Hossman?
Who will tell the people? Press will not. DNC will not. Kerry will not.
clarence swinney
political historian
burlington nc
Subject: Meyerson's Riefenstahl allusion
Dear Buzz,
I'm sure Harold Meyerson ("One Guy in a Bubble," 10/21) knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote: "This presidency is a triumph of the will." But somehow, I doubt the readers who most need to hear what he's saying will catch the reference. Unfortunately (as you've reminded us by offering "Triumph of the Will" as a premium), Leni Riefenstahl lives.
Paul Breslin
Evanston, IL
Subject: Quote of the Month!
Gen. Tommy Franks has said publicly that another Sept. 11-scale "terrorist
incident" will see the
elections cancelled, suspension of the constitution and imposition of a military
government."
truthout/peaceout, debra
(nyc)
[BuzzFlash Note: He said it in an interview in Cigar Aficionado. More info at Daily Kos.]
Subject: how about a voting receipt?
Dear Buzz:
It looks to me that there is one simple solution to the paperless/traceless electronic voting machines. The cost would not go up by too much, and the solution is available in any office supply store, like Staples, Office Max, Office Depot etc.
The little inexpensive petty cash/rent receipts, that come in the carbonless version.
Every voter gets the receipt. On it, name of the presidential candidate s/he voted for, date and a signature of one of the supervising commissioners.
That's it!
The voter takes the original.
The commission retains the copy of the receipt.
Screw the technology, here is a solution. Not virtual. Palpable. One can touch it. One can read it.
One can RECOUNT it.
How come nobody thought of it sooner ?!
Please DO something, so the votes can't be stolen again.
Thanks, Buzz. Keep me sane for little longer.
Ms. Stringer
Pueblo, CO
Subject: Terrorist 1, Bush 0
I keep seeing polls indicating Bush is perceived as strong on fighting terrorism. In fact he touts his record as being a resolute war president that never wavers. But let's look at that claim.
President Clinton had weekly meetings to assess terrorist threats and warned Mr. Bush that terrorism should be his highest priority.
Sandy Berger warned Mr. Bush through his replacement, Condoleezza Rice, that "You will be spending more time on this issue than on any other."
Despite those warning Mr. Bush had no meetings and spent most of his time on vacation, apparently ignoring the terrorist threat. The lack of attention concerned Senator Feinstein, the chair of the Technology and Terrorism Subcommittee, who commented that "I was deeply concerned as to whether our house was in order to prevent a terrorist attack.... I was so concerned that I contacted Vice President Cheney's office that same month to urge that he restructure our counter-terrorism and homeland defense programs to ensure better accountability and prevent important intelligence information from slipping through the cracks." But, "Despite repeated efforts by myself and staff, the White House did not address my request." Instead she was told by 'Scooter' Libby that it might be another six months before he would be able to review the material. Senator Feinstein reports that "I told him I did not believe we had six months to wait."
Mr. Bush also received multiple CIA memos that named bin Laden by name and noted that Al Qaeda planned to hijack planes with the intent of crashing them into the pentagon and public buildings in New York some time in the fall. On top of all this, there are news reports that intelligence agencies from several other countries warned Mr. Bush about the impending attack. Mr. Bush ignored all these warnings. Even after the attack Mr. Bush sat, looking confused, and read a children's book about a goat.
Now, I don't think anyone wants to blame Mr. Bush for the hijackings and terrorism; Al Qaeda alone is to blame for that. But, Mr. Bush should be held accountable for his failure to address the threat in a reasonable manner, especially given the numerous and precise warnings. In contrast, by paying attention and doing his job, President Clinton and his administration were able to foil the Millennium bombing of the Los Angeles airport.
The analogy I would make here is a sports analogy from the soccer world. If an opposing team has a free kick, one has to hope that your goalie can stop the opposition from putting the ball in your net. Even the best of goalies can fail to do so. With a little talent and luck, President Clinton blocked the goal during his millennium bombing challenge and saved America from suffering a terrible tragedy.
Mr. Bush in contrast didn't even show up for the event, he was AWOL. The opposition was able to take their shot without any effort by Mr. Bush to foil their attack. That is incompetence on a grand scale. Terrorist 1, Bush 0.
Mr. Bush should not be seen as strong on fighting terrorism but as a miserable failure in that he failed to perform and proceed in a reasonable manner in addressing the information that might have thwarted the tragedy of 9-11.
Jeff Cates
Oregon, IL
Subject: Endorsements
My name is Larry Harteker and I am a BuzzFlash reader. I just wanted to make sure you know that John Kerry has been endorsed by the Nashville Scene, our favorite local newspaper in NASHVILLE TENNESSEE ! I couldn't believe my eyes but I looked again and it's true. The Nashville Scene actually had the guts to stand up in the middle of this mental wasteland and declare for all to see. KERRY FOR PRESIDENT.
Thanks for all your hard work.
Larry
Subject: Make Your Vote Count!!
Buzz,
This letter was posted today on bartcop.com - this is Important information for Buzzers to know:
Subject: tricky bastards
This morning I went to the post office here in Sacramento, CA to mail my absentee ballot.
I was informed that the 37 cent stamp I had placed on the envelope was not enough postage to mail my vote, another 23 cents was needed. Nowhere on the ballot envelope or in the instructions was it indicated that extra postage was required. I've spoken to many people who already have sent their ballots off with only 37 cents postage who are now worried that their vote may not be counted.
Since I was starting work, I called the one person who I knew would check into this problem, my Mom. She called to the Sacramento County Registrar's office and was told "the Post Office will deliver the ballots with the lower postage." However, when she called to the Post Office, she was told that full postage ($.60) was required to deliver our votes to be tabulated.
We don't want another Florida election. Please let all of your friends and family know that 60 cent postage is required to mail their absentee ballots, so there will be no vote left behind.
DW in CA
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!
Is there any way you can forward all the hyperlinks regarding the false registration of college/Democratic voters to all the major news media and DEMAND that they make this HEADLINE news?
All the media outlets should be screaming warnings about this!
A BuzzFlash Reader
[BuzzFlash Note: Almost all of our headlines can be found in the Headline Archives.]
Subject: God or the Devil?
Hey Buzz,
I was just wondering about something, compadre. Do you think Bush asked God if there would be any casualties in Iraq? If he did ask God this question, do you think that God told Bush that we wouldn't sustain any casualties in Iraq? I mean, God did tell Bush to run for President, right? According to Bush, at least. So God does speak to Bush, if Bush is to be believed. And, come to think of it, Bush also told us that God was his "Ultimate Consultant" on important policy decisions pertaining to Iraq, even superseding the influence of his earthly father in this decisional domain. But, if God did tell Bush this, i.e., that we wouldn't suffer any casualties in Iraq, then that would mean that God got it wrong. Or that God is a liar. Or maybe Pat Robertson is the liar. No, wait! Robertson is not a liar. Just a masterful spinner of fantastical yarns. That's it! That Pat! God love him! He sure knows how to spin some whoppers! Come on, America! Get a life! It was all just a little joke. Robertson was just pullin' our collective leg. Bush never said that there wouldn't be any casualties in Iraq. Lighten up, already!
Say what?! Maybe George W. Bush's direct line of communication with God has been somehow compromised? Yea, verily, even broken?! What are you saying? Maybe there never really even was a direct line of communication between Bush and God? Maybe it was never really God talking to Bush at all, but the Devil masquerading as God? Maybe Bush is, and always has been, a corrupt, venal, sociopathic fraud?!!! Bingo! Hammer hits nail squarely on the head. This man needs to do some serious repentin', or there will be a very great accounting to be made when Judgment Day rolls around, compadre. Thank you, God bless you, and may God have mercy on America!
Best regards,
G. Will Hunter
Subject: the Iraq war does not make sense
The Iraq war does not make sense. George W. Bush says that we waged war on Iraq to "get" Saddam Hussein. His military forces did just that: they murdered Saddam Hussein's two sons, then caught and jailed Saddam Hussein himself. Why are we still there? Iraq Body Count says that between 13,296 and 15,377 civilians have lost their lives in Iraq - by far, most of them killed by U.S. soldiers and munitions. If the U.S. went to Iraq to "get" Saddam Hussein, then let the forces bring him back to the U.S. to stand trial for all the wicked things that he did against the U.S., according to Mr. Bush.
The U.S. invaded because Saddam Hussein was evil and did evil things. He cannot do evil things now that he is imprisoned.
The fact of the matter is that the U.S. could not "get" Saddam Hussein without engaging in a war against a sovereign nation, against both the military and civilian populations, against a state and a government. If the U.S. invaded Iraq to liberate the Iraqi people, then why are the forces still there and why have they been there since the day that Saddam Hussein was captured?
The Iraq war does not make sense. Mr. Bush does not make sense.
Ron D.
Subject: COMMENT Milliken Why I'll vote for Kerry (Detroit Free Press)
This is one of the most respected former politicians in swing-state Michigan - even by many Democrats - former Republican Governor William Milliken:
Paul E.
[BuzzFlash Note: Thanks for sharing...it's a scathing indictment of Bush from a traditional Republican.]
Subject: Absentee ballots require 60 cents postage
Please spread the word that absentee ballots require 60 cents postage, at least this is what I was told at the US Post Office.
Suzanne
San Francisco
Subject: Zarqawi
I don't know how paranoid I have become with the lies of the current administration, but I don't like the fact that there is not a single day in which CNN, MSNBC, etc. do not mention Zarqawi....I think he is going to be paraded before the elections as being captured now...probably he is one of the unaccounted prisoners for this purpose...the October surprise.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: who is watching the store?
If Bush is campaigning?
If Cheney is campaigning?
If Rice is also now campaigning too?
...then who the hell is watching the store?
How can we feel safer?
just asking
Jocelyn
Miami, Florida
Subject: Bush on health care
He keeps talking about Kerry taking health care choices away from the people. Is he stupid or just so out of touch with reality that he doesn't know that most citizens have no choice at all regarding health care and won't ever have any choice because they aren't as wealthy as he is.
The problem is he knows insurance companies and HMO's aren't going to give all Americans the insurance choices Bush has and Bush sure as hell doesn't want the choices people on Medicaid or the working poor have.
Karen Webb
Moore, Ok.
Subject: Why Bush will lose
Here's a little trivia that doesn't bode well for Heir Bush.
No president with a four-letter last name has ever served two terms in office.
Polk, James
1845-49
Taft, William H.
1909-13
Ford, Gerald
1974-77
Bush, George H.W.
1989-93
Bush, George W.
2001-present
Double Whammy time.
The only other father and son presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams, were both one term presidents.
Tom R.
Subject: Re: Is Big Media afraid of Jon Stewart?
About a month ago, there was a story on the local NBC station in Los Angeles about how young people are getting there news from the internet and the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. They basically said that people who watch the Daily Show will not make a difference in the upcoming presidential election. This was before the self-righteous sex perv. Bill O'Reilly called Daily Show viewers "stoned slackers."
Then last week Jon Stewart went on "Crossfire," called Tucker Carlson a dick and told them what a disservice they were doing to America.
Now this morning I hear that Wal-Mart is refusing to carry "America the Book" because they were offended by nude pictures of Supreme Court Justices. What a bunch of overly uptight lunatics!! I heard this story on the same station that just a month ago was saying how un-important and inconsequential the Daily Show and its viewers are.
If they really weren't concerned about the Daily Show or Jon Stewart, why would they even bother to cover the Wal-Mart story? Why would the "real" news want to waste their precious air time covering stories about a show that advertises itself to be "fake" news?
If the Daily Show is just a comedy show, and its viewers just a bunch of stoned slackers not worth the time of day, then why all the news stories?
Could it be that the mainstream media is feeling threatened? Not just by the Daily Show but also the internet news sites such as BuzzFlash, Common Dreams Alternet, etc?
They should be afraid. Verrrryyy afraid.
Anne Keb
Corona, CA
Subject: Robertson and Bush
It shouldn't...but it bothers me to no end...that we will never know who is lying...two supposed men of God are lying through their teeth...and we are never going to get the truth...just like the War...just like the reason for the war.... Just like the trade center hijackings...just like everything this man has touched...cheating...lying and hiding it...we have a rough ride ahead!!!
People Get Ready....there's a train a 'comin.....!!!
Shirley........St. Louis
Subject: Bush Clamping Down
Remember this one Buzz? I was surfing in the BuzzFlash archives and thought it would be of interest... a major red flag of what was to come, but it appears that no one tried to stop this from happening at the time.
Bush Clamping Down On Presidential Papers: Incumbent Could Lock Up Predecessor's Records (washingtonpost.com, 11/1/01)
best wishes,
d. shatin
levittown, pa
Subject: URGENT!!! Contact your member of Congress ASAP
Hi,
Bush is stonewalling against release of the (2 year) CIA report on 9/11. This one names names!! Contact your Congresspeople and Senators to demand release of it NOW before the elections!! Call if possible, email if you have to!!!
The 9/11 Secret in the CIA's Back Pocket (Robert Scheer, LA Times)
Peace
Joan
Subject: Battle Against Right-Wing Media Not Over...
Friends:
Please review this Newsweek/MSNBC article claiming that Democrats have won the battle with Sinclair Broadcasting:
‘Stolen Honor': Furious over Sinclair Broadcast Group's plans to air an anti-Kerry documentary on 40 TV stations, Democrats fought back—and won
I disagree that Democrats have won if this is a suggestion that Sinclair should be let off the hook, but there is more...
In my opinion, the battle would not be remotely over even if Kerry wins the presidency. If we want our democracy back, we need to take a few, vitally important steps:
1) Restore the requirements of the "Fairness Doctrine" (see http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv...);
2) Reverse the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (this act allowed companies like Clear Channel to go from owning just under 40 stations in Texas in 1996 to owning 1400+ across our country today);and
3) Strengthen the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to bust-up Big Broadcast Media (in the early 1980s, when there were 29 major, national media outlets, to today, corporate media consolidation has resulted in that number being reduced to just 6 and one of those is owned by Rupert Murdoch).
Even if Kerry wins, behemoth broadcasters know that their greed is better served by Republican tax policies, and they will attempt to do to a Kerry Administration what they did to Clinton.
Obviously, Clinton didn't do the country any good by failing to veto the 1996 Telecommunications Act (or himself, for that matter). And I hear loud and clear the many liberals and progressives who point out that Democrats are on the same corporate gravy train. But I think it is naive to believe that the Dems are anywhere near as awful as the Repugs in these matters (and this is demonstrated by the significantly larger amount of corporate money given to Repugs as opposed to Dems).
A dear friend of mine has said to me that both parties are driving us off the same cliff. I agree. But with the Dems, we aren't going nearly as fast. And, as any good driver knows, that gives us a lot more time to apply the brakes.
But if we do not secure ready access to the national broadcast megaphone, the liberal/progressive message will NEVER be heard. It MUST be our first goal. Quoth Princess Leia as they escaped the Death Star, "It's not over yet."
Rob Olson
Bellingham, WA
Subject: SINCLAIR BOYCOTT
Hello.
I wanted to tell BuzzFlash that I am someone who has taken the time to call and tell some of the sponsors of Sinclair Broadcasting that they will be boycotted if they continue to sponsor Sinclair Broadcasting when it is showing the anti-Kerry film. I didn't know what to expect when I called these places, but everyone I have talked to seemed very interested to hear about the boycott and not very happy about it.
I highly recommend calling these companies. Just think how bad it would be for Domino's Pizza if college students all over the country boycotted them.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: Stage Managing
So Bush gives a speech on Health Care in Pennsylvania on Thursday and there are people in scrubs, labcoats and some with stethoscopes draped around their necks. Are the American people really this gullible?
If Bush speaks about the economy does he have people with spreadsheets? If speaking to coal miners, do they have helmets with lights on? If he speaks about space exploration will there be astronauts in space-walking gear? Give us a break please--why does no one call them on this?
Mike
Tampa
Subject: WHY I CAN'T VOTE FOR BUSH
Why I can't vote for a Republican since 9/11/01
Every time I go in the voting booth and see a republican name I get a picture of President Reagan and President Bush # 1 in black jackets with large letters on their back that says C.I.A. They are standing by a large truck handing out Stinger missiles to a group of men who look like Osama Bin Laden. Then I fast forward to 9-11 and see these bearded men destroying the World Trade Towers killing 3000 people. These right wing republicans are as guilty as Bin Laden in helping destroy the Towers. So until the Republican Party apologizes for their treason I can't vote for them.
Bob
Richton Pk., Illinois
Subject: No Child Left Behind??
Enjoy your site, visit every day to get "real news." Interesting on CBS a couple nights ago they did a piece on recruiting in the high schools. Of course they were in what seemed to be a predominantly black school, but the most interesting little tidbit that fell out of the reporter's mouth was, recruiting in high schools is a mandatory part of the No Child Left Behind Act, and if a school refused to allow recruiters in their school, they would not receive any federal dollars from the No Child Left Behind program. Has anyone else heard this before? I was absolutely horrified, what a bunch of sleazebags!!
Keep the Buzz Going.
pri in Oregon
[BuzzFlash Note: It looks like schools must give military recruiters the same access to students they give college recruiters: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg112.html#sec9528.]
Subject: William Donohue of the Catholic League Lies On Hardball, October 21, 2004
I was watching Hardball on Oct. 21, 2004 and heard William Donohue lie on the show.
William Donohue of the Catholic League said: "The Pope never said Iraq was an unjust war." On March 5, 2003 the Pope did send the White House a message saying that the war was "unjust and illegal." Here are the news sources below:
WASHINGTON -- A Vatican envoy Wednesday carried the pope's message to the White House that a U.S.-led war against Iraq without United Nations' approval would be "unjust and illegal."
Kim G.
Subject: iraqi weapons buy-back program
A friend in IRAQ tells me: "just spoke with the JAG officer who analyzed
the 'weapons
buy back' program being promoted by Iraq (ie - US Army). He said they pay a
person $250 for an AK-47, no matter what condition. The person then takes the
money, buys a brand new AK-47 on the street for $150 and pockets the rest as
profit."
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: General Mills 10-21-04
Dear Buzz,
While reading the mailbag tonight, I read about where General Mills is sticking with Sinclair Broadcasting. I just emailed General Mills, and told them that I've used their products for as long as I could remember, but until they pulled their advertising, I would never again buy their products.
I also went on to tell them that their email address was on a favorite site of mine, and that it was read by 4 million people, and that they also would boycott their products!! Let's see how long it takes them to pull out of Sinclair! After all, 4 million people is not a drop in the bucket once you start losing revenue on your products. :)
A Loyal Buzz Fan Forever!!
Sharon Carlton
Bellevue, Nebraska
[BuzzFlash Note: That makes us feel real good...]
Subject: Civil liberties trio says theirs were denied (Mail Tribune)
Very accessible account of this story--thanks, Ms. Mann, for writing it, and BuzzFlash for posting.
I just hope that some people with the chance to attend Bush appearances in the coming 2 weeks will echo the courage and curiosity (let's face it, there was an interesting question these teachers had) of these ladies and make T-shirts with passages from our Constitution. It would be most telling news if they were removed from the events as 'disruptive.'
I personally intend to vote for someone to hold the office of president who I believe will uphold the Constitution of the United States. I really don't care if they are faithful to their spouse or what prayers they say...but if they aren't faithful to the protection of--well, civil liberty--then we don't have a Republic any more.
Yours truly,
Rachel Rhodes
Malvern, PA
P.S. Incidentally, hecklers at Edwards and Kerry events are not removed, they are answered by these articulate candidates themselves--who are committed to dialogue as a way of life. We used to call it living in a free country and the American Way.
Subject: NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: DRAFT THEM RIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL
Dear BuzzFlash:
I have seen mentions and rumors on the internet, but didn't believe it myself until I looked it up on the Department of Education's very own website, in the "No Child Left Behind" Act.
Section 9528 allows military recruitment offices to acquire student information, of names, addresses and phone numbers, from schools who are receiving benefits from the Act:
http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg112.html#9528
The students' parents have to write a letter to NOT allow their consent of the release of information.
How many parents of high school students in these United States know about this? And what does military recruitment have to do with improving children's education? We need to sound a loud long warning about this little known section to all parents everywhere!
Please, BuzzFlash, help send this alert out to unsuspecting parents. This is important, especially to those who are undecided voters.
Sincerely,
A devoted BuzzFlash reader and mother to a 14-year-old son
Subject: Bush Bulge Story Will Not Go Away!
Here are two more important articles about the important Bush bulge story. This story may seem like a diversion, but it is NOT. The possibility that the President has a serious medical problem or is a cheat is too important to ignore! Thanks to the internet -- this story will NOT go away until the question is answered:
WHAT IS IT?!
The American Media Has Failed Again (bellaciao.org)
The Box on Bush's Back: Rumors,
denials, and wild speculation—a comprehensive guide. (slate.msn.com)
The official "wrinkle" explanation by the Bush team is laughable, after all. The Bush team are not taking this story seriously for a reason. Again:
WHAT IS IT?!
Sincerely,
John Napiorkowski
Subject: Home Depot reaps rewards for contribution to Bush
Sinclair Broadcasting Company is reminding all of us about the power of economic boycott. Another company that has become very politically active and reaped the rewards for it is Home Depot.
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 05/18/04:
Bush goes to Buckhead: Georgia visit is brief but lucrative
Seen by few who weren't willing to write a check for the privilege, President George W. Bush breezed in and out of Atlanta on Monday in a four-hour, drive-time visit that netted $3.2 million from some of Georgia's biggest names in business.
The visit to one of the South's wealthiest neighborhoods caused only minor rush-hour irritation, but gave Bush a chance to tell the well-connected that he wouldn't let a drop in the polls and a rough month in Iraq get him down.
"He had some very heartfelt comments that sometimes you might not see when they have cameras judging every word," said Herman Cain, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate who attended the event at the home of Robert Nardelli, chief executive officer of Home Depot. "[Bush] said we should make no mistake, that he wants to be president and he's ready to campaign and earn our vote, because he understands our enemy and knows what we need to do to win the war on terror."
Cain was one of about 200 to pay $4,000 to attend a tented reception on the grounds. To attend a dinner in Nardelli's private gym ran $15,000. To sit at the same table with the president cost $25,000 per person, the limit for donations to a Republican National Committee fund -- or $50,000 per couple, according to those attending.
For the price of a small economy sedan, some 300 attendees were treated to steak, potatoes, and -- according to one donor -- "a medley of greens."
"Very moving. The president gave an impassioned pitch about why he should be re-elected," said 8th District congressional candidate Dylan Glenn.
On the invitation list were Georgia-Pacific Co. Chief Executive A.D. "Pete" Correll, Coca-Cola Co. board member Don Keough, Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, SunTrust CEO Phil Humann and Reynolds Plantation co-developer Jamie Reynolds. Among those reported at the event were Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and former Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves.
And for their reward (from "Taxpayers for Common Sense"):
1. Ceiling Fans - $44 million
Suspends a $4.7% duty on ceiling fans, which Home Depot is one of the main beneficiaries. This is for any ceiling fans purchased before 12/31/2006
I don't know about you, but I'm doing all my future home repair shopping at Lowe's. Politicians - Corporations - Complicit Media: the ultimate menage a trois!
An Appreciative BuzzFlash Reader
Subject: Smackdown! New Repub ad is "crying wolf"
Dear Buzz,
I just read this on Democratic Underground and it's the perfect response to the new bush ad which shows wolves in the forest. DU'er alphafemale says: "Let me get this straight: They're actually ... crying "Wolf!" ...?"
"Scurrying is heard as the camera plunges deeper into the woods and pans sunlight-speckled trees. Shadows move through the brush before animals are seen amid the forest. Then, the ad reveals the type of animal: a pack of wolves rests on a hill. As the commercial closes, the cunning and ruthless predators stir, crawling toward the camera.
"One Bush adviser tells ABC News, 'The ad was produced and tested months ago. Voter reaction was so powerful that we decided to hold the ad to the end of the campaign and make it ONE of the closing spots. It will run to the end.'
"The campaign says the ad will start to air today on national cable and in local markets in battleground states. The AP is reporting the ad will run in 14 states and that with the RNC, the campaign is spending about $15 million total on TV ads this week."
Yes, Buzz, you would think with all the "crying wolf" over WMD and "crying wolf "over the nonexistent link between al Qaeda and Iraq, "crying wolf" over gay marriage, and on and on, the last thing Republicans would want to do is emphasize wolves !
[See: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/...]
Kerry On,
Elaine in Oregon
Subject: current polls designed to influence the election outcome?
As the election gets closer we hear from most of the press that Bush and Kerry are "neck and neck." If we are to believe the media, the election is going to be "too close to call." Why they continue reporting in that manner, I don't really know. Since there is a groundswell of support for Kerry, and a lot of people who once supported Bush who are abandoning him now... I do know that if enough people believe this they will be less likely to challenge the results after the election, if it is close. Most objective people don't think the election will be close, because of the vast number of new voters who have recently registered. It's obvious the Republican party doesn't think it will be close, or they wouldn't be spending so much money with the Sproul company to register Republicans and Democrats but destroying the Democrats' records. This is more than dirty tricks, let's call it what it is, an effort to destroy our democracy.
Based on my observations of the various media including TV, newspapers, magazines, Internet postings, and other communications, the race isn't close at all.
We should all ask ourselves if we're going to tolerate another election fraud, like the one foisted on us in 2000, an election that was never objectively reported to us by this same media. We should all ask ourselves: "who benefits from the current reporting?"
In the past, when I read the words "freedom requires eternal vigilance," I always thought of forces outside the US. But now I know there are forces within the US that want to dramatically change our country, and I don't think the change will be better for most Americans.
Be an observer now and on election day. Report any suspicious activity by anyone from any political party.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Neb C.
Subject: Four-Alarm Repeat: Bush suppresses damning CIA report on 9/11 (Salon)
Please Help!
Is there some concerted effort that I can join or petitions I can sign to try to get the story out that is referenced in this headline--Four-Alarm Repeat: Bush suppresses damning CIA report on 9/11? I have taken action with my own Congress people, but I know how important an organized effort is.
Thank you.
Dianna Richardson
[BuzzFlash Note: We're not aware of any at the moment, but we'll post something if we find it.]