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| January 20, 2006 |
Mailbag ARCHIVES | ||
The BuzzFlash Mailbag The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. More reader opinion is at "Contributors." You can write to Mailbag at http://www.BuzzFlash.com/contact/mail.html. Guidelines for submissions are at BuzzFlash FAQ #18. Subject: Why I'm Making a Donation to BuzzFlash This morning I'm sending BuzzFlash a check for $100, and here's why. For the past few years BuzzFlash has literally been my link to the world. To the truth. To inspiration. To action and to intelligence and heart and soul, and to righteous fury. If you like me turn to BuzzFlash every night to find out what's really happening across the globe and in this country, you like me are far better informed than almost anyone else in our circle of friends. But I'll bet that 98 percent of those reading this message have not donated to BuzzFlash. Just like I hadn't until now. I have a pretty decent job but I'm not wealthy and I'm careful about how I spend my money. I'm saving up to move to New Zealand in two years, for reasons I doubt I have to explain to BuzzFlash readers. But fair is fair, and it's unfair for me (and you) to rely so heavily, each and every day, on this amazing website for our news. It's time to pay up. It's time to show tangible support for those at BuzzFlash who must certainly work late into the night, each and every night, to keep us informed, to keep millions of us informed. To keep us armed with the truth. To enable us to speak truth to power. In deciding to make this donation I asked myself a simple question. How would I react if tomorrow night I went to BuzzFlash and discovered it was GONE? I'd feel a loss, and I'd have to work countless hours to find the articles and video clips I'm linked to by BuzzFlash. Thanks to BuzzFlash pointing me in the right direction I was able to watch Al Gore's recent speech complete and unedited, instead of MSNBC telling me what he said in a seven second clip. Thanks to BuzzFlash I could ignore the stupefying incompetence of CNN, who certainly devoted at least ten times as much screen time to Gore's critics as they did to showing the actual speech. Because of BuzzFlash I knew who Marla Ruzicka was weeks before anyone else in my circle did. I knew about conditions in Guantanamo before anyone else did. I knew the worldwide editorial reaction to the theft of yet another US Presidential election. I saw, in banned photos, the real face of death in Iraq. I knew the controversy over the "collapse" of a third building in New York on 9/11. And I knew that though I couldn't bear to face that particular truth (though I finally did), I was being exposed to alternate opinions by responsible, highly credible critics. Think of all the things you've learned from BuzzFlash. Think of what it gives you, for free, every day. And like me, imagine it gone. It's time we all paid up. Do what you can to assist these very dedicated and tireless patriots. Skip your next pizza. Skip the next CD. Skip the next night out. Spend your money instead on a service helping us through these frightening times. If I can afford to give, so can you. It's only fair. DAVID JENKINS, just north of West Palm Beach, where Democracy began to die ... Subject: Editorial on Soap Opera I liked your editorial on the difference between the dem's pontificating and the grasp of the republicans on the techniques of soap opera. I would go one more step and suggest that they are (like Reagan) masters of even more primitive archetypes. Think comic book (Archie?) or WWF wrestling, or even Beowulf. We are hearing it again today in the echo chamber as they work hard to skew the debate away from why Bin Laden is not captured into vilifying democrats as 'out of mainstream' 'opponents' of the true morality of the administration. As you said, the consultants don't get this, and the advocates on our side can't work with the dynamics that make a crowd roar for the 'hero' and against the 'villain,' let alone for the simple models of bully, nice guy, etc. in the world of say Archie comics. But for many people, this is a mental shorthand for viewing the world. However, you guys are great and we appreciate your hard work. A BuzzFlash Reader Subject: Mailbag Hi, Me again. I just read Margaret Miller of Wellington, FL's letter about a challenger for Lieberman. And not only do we need one for Feinstein, also, but a challenger for Hillary is sorely needed. But it won't happen. I hear rumors now and then of challengers, but I don't think anything will come of it. I think most potential challengers feel that Hillary is a foregone conclusion. But they could be wrong, and that kills me. And my falling out with Hillary has nothing to do with the "plantation" remark. I thought that was actually one of the best comments she's made lately. I'm just tired of having a "play it safe" senator who is constantly acting against my (and a large portion of this State's) interests because she is too focused on her presidential run. And speaking of the plantation - WOULD YOU REPUKES JUST ZIP IT? You're the party of Trent Lott, Strom Thurmond, Jessie Helms, Tom DeLay and a whole platoon of racists that are just too numerous to name. Give it up - it's a joke. I may not love Hillary, but I know she's not a racist. It reminds me of the Abramoff thing, where the repukes are chomping at the bit to find a Democrat that took money from Abramoff. In much the same way, they're desperately looking for a Democrat who makes racist remarks. Stick to your own party for that. There's certainly no shortage of material. Just received my "Occupation Dreamland" DVD from Buzz. Plan on watching it this weekend. It sounds great, and sure to keep my anger level up (as if I need any help with that). Barbara in NYC Subject: The NSA Only Listens to Overseas Calls and Your Help Desk Call Hi BuzzFlash Readers, So Bush says he authorizes the NSA to only listen to overseas calls. You say you don't make any overseas calls, right? Well, I hate to break the news to you, but ... Remember that "Made in America" computer you bought? You may need to make a phone call to DELL in Texas or any other computer maker. "JOHN" or "MARY" will take your call with "Fake Names" over in INDIA. Pretty soon "Mary" and "John" will speak to you from CHINA. I pray that all these so-called American companies think real hard about NOT putting their "HELP DESK" in AFGHANISTAN or PAKISTAN where Bin Laden is located (I think). Hey US Manufacturers, how about creating American Jobs and keeping the help desk people in AMERICA? Can you imagine all the NSA eavesdropping on HELP DESK calls that is currently taking place because your computer broke down?? And you thought you didn't have to worry and that you were not going to be on any list? Think Again!! Tom Wieliczka Subject: The Cause There is no greater honor than to serve the public trust and there is no greater crime than to betray that trust. We have come upon a moment in the history of our great country when the social contract is in default, and, when the social contract is in default, all authority reverts to the people. Those who would squander our wealth lead us toward a course of ruin which threatens our honor, our Liberty, and the legacy of democratic justice which we would have for ourselves and for our posterity, must be opposed by all means necessary. We must all be as Patriots. There is nothing we have, neither property nor wealth, career nor dream, which is more important than the survival of the values which were given unto us by the great men who risked everything for the establishment of a wondrous vision of enlightenment and freedom for all people. Every day I see their legacy tumble away, squandered by those who would lie, cheat and steal from the very foundation of law that was meant for US. One time, long ago, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Now I see that our Constitution is besieged and attacked by the very men sworn to defend and enforce it. I don't know about all of you, but I would rather be a dead man than live one more day in a nation short of vision and bereft of character. I would rather be a dead man than live one more day in a nation that forsakes the very virtues which were intended to make it great. A BuzzFlash Reader Subject: Bin Laden Tape Well, here's hoping it is another 'wag the dog' that Bush and company are pulling. How can we tell that this tape is: Not a rehash and computer-generated photo to get the bogey-man thing going again. Not a real warning ... but then ... the PDB of August 6, 2001 WAS a real warning and THAT was ignored ... For what it is worth, I have been writing furiously to my representative (s) and senator (s) ... (most likely to line the bottom of their bird cages) ... and asking them why Bush's remarks, starting with the March 13, 2002 one: (... "So I don't know where he is. You know, I just don't spend that much time on him ... And, again, I don't know where he is. I--I'll repeat what I said. I truly AM NOT THAT CONCERNED ABOUT HIM.") ... have not been put up front and center since they were made ... and documented. I have reminded them that their silence about those remarks has been a dereliction of their duty toward the safety of this country. That is what we need to keep in the public eye from now on ... Bush's 'not concerned about him' remarks. A BuzzFlash Reader Subject: Bin Laden (sent to corporate media) well i recall seeing bush on tv saying he is not worried about bin laden................... so what's up? should we be concerned about bin laden or not? and if bin laden is a concern for us, why doesn't bush care? right after bin laden hit the twin towers, bush wanted him dead or alive and then he wasn't worried about him. President Bush Holds Press Conference (White House, 3/13/02) da Subject: Osama Bin Laden's Call for a Truce If our commander-in-chief actually was interested in our security and well-being, he'd be following through on bin Laden's proposal. He won't, though, since he's only a front for the powers that be and said truce, by lowering the level and intensity of fear among the population at large, might jeopardize their strangle-hold on power, wealth and privilege. Without the threat of terrorists and terrorism, what would keep we the people from demanding and receiving a fair share of said power and wealth? We might decide that all the dollars heretofore wasted on weapons and violent pursuits, instead, be redirected towards peace on earth and a better life for each and every one of us. To prevent said outcome, expect our president, aided and abetted by the mainstream media, to downplay the significance of bin Laden's truce proposal, "It's a trick. He can't be trusted so either he surrenders unconditionally or we blast him to kingdom come." But suppose bin Laden means it with this truce proposal. Aren't we obliged to find out? But how, when the powers that be tell us that it's just a big hoax? What if the terms include only troops out now from Iraq and the return of the rest of the Mideast to its native people? Very reasonable, indeed. But how can such be accomplished, when the powers that be tell us that the truce proposal is just a big hoax? Nonsense, it could be the road to peace! What are we waiting for? Time to dump our so-called leaders and find out for ourselves. A BuzzFlash Reader Subject: Scurrying about Dear BuzzFlash, Just like cockroaches that scurry about when the light is shone on them, or like rats running from a sinking ship, the GOPers are putting forth their Lobbyist Reform proposal. You can tell that the whole Abramoff indictment has them scared. They would never have proposed a lobbyist reform if they weren't up to their fannies in lobbyist doodoo. It would be funny if it weren't so pathetic. Can't they see how transparent this is? Or more likely they don't care, because there are still many greedy, selfish half-wits that support them. Every Rep or Senator that was involved with Abramoff should be thrown out or resign. Will it happen? Irma S Subject: Keep It Simple "Unitary executive" just doesn't seem to roll smoothly off the tongue. I think "Mein Führer" is much simpler. Phil in Vermont Subject: Gore's tour & documentary I am so happy that they have decided to do this! Sundance....It cannot go wrong! No one knows how much of a beating this country has taken environmentally since the Bush Administration started throwing mud at it! And the names involved in helping him get this documentary out....are impressive! He is starting to work.....how wonderful is that? And, I can picture him, humbly taking off his shoes and everything out of his pockets to go through security! I am impressed that so many people who have been involved in other movies about what stinks in this country, have come to his aid. He has a sense of humor! He has learned to not be stiff anymore...he can joke! We have ourselves a candidate! Thanks Buzz....sometimes I cannot wait to get to this site...to get the news that is meaningful in my life..... Bound for Sundance (Toronto Star) Shirley...........St. Louis Subject: Lobbyist Cleaning Delegated to Santorum PA Senatorial candidate Bob Casey held a conference call several hours ago, concentrating on one point that bothers him A LOT. He's very concerned that Rick Santorum has been tapped by Republicans to clean up the lobbyist "problem." That's because Rick IS the problem. HE heads K Street and receives tons of lobbyist money. Republicans are hoping we don't notice that they've picked the fox to investigate the henhouse. There's nothing too low for a Republican. Pam Clifford Subject: The Medicare Drug Plan It doesn't matter to the powers that be whether or not said drug plan is viable. They never wanted it in the first place. They did it strictly for show, to get the public off their case - "See, we do so care about senior citizens." And never mind if the plan turns out to be a total disaster; better that way, even, because that'll teach people that the government's the problem and it's not to be trusted; except, of course, when it sends them off to war. A BuzzFlash Reader Subject: FISA Court Briefing Excuse me, but did I miss something? Whatever happened with the briefing the FISA court was supposed to get from the White House? NOTHING has been on the national media, or blogs or anywhere else. What gives with that? Maria Lichter Subject: King George Bush's hardcore base actually embraces the monarchy model. God is their king and they are God's subjects. They are comfortable with the authoritarian role. I know they're not your readership but sometimes it's useful to keep this in mind. Rosamond Subject: The Democratic Party.....no more Former senator Zell Miller wrote a hate - filled, irrational book entitled " .....A Party No More"... or something to that effect. In it (and on the talk-show circuit) he declared that the Democratic Party has lost its base and clarity. I never thought that I would agree with that lunatic. But it turns out that he is correct. The Democratic Party has lost its spine and continues to ignore that fact that Republicans are Fascist villains who can't be trusted. Many Dems seem to believe that the Repubs are on the up and up and that they can meet with them, debate them, and come to agreement on many issues the way they could many years ago. The Repubs are laughing in the face of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile the Dems have left those of us who have sent money to them and supported them in various ways standing alone in the wilderness....leaderless! I have determined that the Democratic Party is indeed NO MORE!!! And actually, America is lost. While the media focuses on the latest missing white woman, America is going to hell in a handbasket. People are barely able to pay medical bills and the cost of gas is alarming. ( Last week in Atlanta, one poverty stricken woman received a gas bill for over $800.00!!! ) Almost every day I receive mail/solicitations and email pleas from various arms of the Democratic Party. I toss them in the trash before entering the house. I am resigned to the fact that right- wing Republicans will continue to steal elections and take the USA downward and further into Fascism. I also know that the Dems will do nothing to stop this. Shame on them and shame on me for ever supporting them. Dee Turner Subject: 'Warmoney' Vs. Harmony...and My Wedding Plans Right wingers are united. Us leftys can’t seem to get our asses in gear. Afraid that we have to make sure that all of us is happy about everything all the time. You Americans have your ‘Left’ party that is doing too much pussy footing around the whole ‘gay marriage’ issue. So what the hell what if 20 years ago even talking about gay marriage would be out of the question, isn’t this the country that allows the death penalty to minors – and won’t have its laws dictated by other countries? What are they waiting for? So why is there an excuse not to call these right wing, brainwashed, scum on their only real footing … plain good ol’ fashioned BIGOTRY. I am ashamed to say that it looks as those you beautiful folks at BuzzFlash.com might have to look into opening up a sister shop up for your friends in Canada. People are all blindly falling into Stephen Harper's lip service about ‘restoring honor and integrity to the White House, er, Ottawa. It’s our own, cute little version of 2000…except this baby-faced smug bastard might actually win, but honestly. People really do see and hear what they want to believe. He came right out in the race, the gun fired, and he started running his campaign by bringing up the Gay Marriage ‘Issue’. It used to be that people who were ‘cool’, would say they ‘tolerated’ me being a big mouthed queer, just, not so loud there buddy. Now, we’re an ‘issue’, oh now f***ing nice. 'Issue' frames it as something that isn’t really that big of a deal, just a little ‘issue’. So, right now, I have the ability to get married. I don’t want to right now, there is someone in my life who I would like to, someday, when the time is right, propose to. You have no idea how great that made me feel…I held my head a little higher, felt a little more proud, and frankly, a little less scared walking down the streets as an open Fag the day marriage became legal for all Canadians. Made me feel really self righteous…but really proud of my country. I think proud for my country for the first time. Now, on basically the gay marriage issue…Oh sure, there is the ‘scandals’, something about an orange stain on the dress of a slush fund…but that was dealt with in an honest way. And it doesn’t matter on what your definition of honest was. Paul Martin took responsibility, all the while pushing for equality for all of the citizens he served. I saw a poll on TV just the other day, you know, the ‘truth box’, and it told me that the people who vote for the Conservative party are those who make the highest income, and those who have the lowest education. Pander to the rich, wink of the eye, pat on the back, and wave your gay hatin’ god to all them folks out in Kansas, er, Alberta. Really, they don’t personally care if I get married, I mean, we’ve been doing it for a while, and the cornerstone of society hasn’t moved an inch…I walked over and checked it just the other day. What he IS going to do, after reliving some high school gay bashing…which, IS going to rise over the next two years if he gets elected…is increase military spending, let george put up his missiles over our space…and, well, you guys have been at this since 2000. I don’t need to go into all the gory details…and gory they will be. It comes down to this. Me, I sit here and read BuzzFlash.com, I justify not buying anything from you by being a student. I also don’t do s**t about anything, which I justify because I live in small town USA (oh wait, that’s not for another 50 years…whenever you guys start getting’ more thirsty). Well, if this smug bastard gets elected I am going to make it a focus to volunteer my time to get out information, to use my talents to aid in that…and to stop pussyfooting around with my words. I’m a lefty pinko liberal, and I couldn’t be more proud of it. I don’t hate ‘christian conservatives’ (I don’t particularly like them either, but would defend their right to speech, all that good stuff). But when this bastard is telling me that I had, for a moment, the right to live out my life as I chose, but sorry if I missed the big gay boat ride…he’s taking it back!... and people vote for him…intolerance, well, off come the gloves baby. This time its f***ing personal, Stephen (aka. Any f***ing conservative) and I can justify my life 'style' easier than you can your political platform. Conservatives want one thing, ‘WARMONEY’, when all we want, is ‘HARMONY’. Our desire for Harmony, however, is currently aiding in our getting screwed by the stuffed-pocketed Republicans, and their little brothers here in Canada and all around the world. They are a warlike people, and if we want to live in OUR harmony, we have to start thinking in the terms of what they know…WE ARE AT WAR, AND THEY ARE WINNING So, I promise to myself, no more Mr. Nice Left Winger. Use BuzzFlash.com, and tell them like it is. I may be gay, and have had it consensual, but I don’t remember them taking me out to dinner before they started screwing me around. I want to get married, I know who I would love to marry, and live the rest of my life with. Some gays are rushing to the altar, bride dresses not even finished! But I’m not ready yet, because if getting married is worthwhile, then it had better be done right. Thank you guys for keeping me sane over the past 6 years...and keep up the good work! Jason Pugh Subject: Urgent Phone Action: It's Filibuster Friday CALL ALL YOUR SENATORS' LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICES NOW TO OPPOSE ALITO We have gotten many emails from our participants, asking "what more can we do?" Some have reported senators arbitrarily turning off their answering machines at night, or long waits on hold. Are they trying to hide from the thousands and thousands of their constituents who are raising their voices to demand filibuster of the evasive Alito. Even if you have already sent your personal message by email or made some phone calls, we have added a FABULOUS extra function to the main action page where you can instantly lookup all your senators' local district offices phone and fax numbers with just one click. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT FILIBUSTER FRIDAY If the other side can have a so-called "Justice Sunday,, we can have our own "Filibuster Friday." In just the last 24 hours we have seen a major shift in momentum. Senator Leahy came out with a very strong statement that he recognizes the immense threat to our freedom and democracy in allowing a dangerous and unpopular president to install a fifth and controlling vote to hold that our Constitution actually intended to create an executive dictatorship. We need to show our support for those senators who are standing up now by hitting every phone they've got right down to the district level with our phone calls and faxes. Those you who like to call in to progressive radio programs, we have all their call- in numbers too at the site above in the right column. Call them and ask them to talk up Filibuster Friday all day and night long! Let's start early and snowball the thing all day long. ... Senators have said they are "undecided" on a filibuster. But we the American people HAVE decided and all they have to do it get it. Some senators who are too still too cowardly to demand a filibuster are saying they will make Alito an issue in the 2006 election. It'll be an issue alright, in their OWN primaries! Any officeholder who will not stand up for this one must never hold public office in any capacity ever again. And the difference is whether you will stand up YOURSELF right now and make those calls to their local district offices. Make calls to the toll-free numbers 888-355-3588, 888-818-6641 and 800-426-8073 if you can get through there too. It is not enough to vote "No." They must vote "Hell, NO!" It's called a filibuster. Yes, to a filibuster. Filibuster Friday. Please take action NOW, so we can win all victories that are supposed to be ours, and forward this message to everyone else you know. The Pen Subject: Looks Like Bush Administration and Ole Binny Are Working Together It appears that the Bush administration is working hand in glove with binny. Just in time for the state of the union blather. I always thought the whole 911 was an inside job, with b.l. as an accomplice. Bush is doing whatever b l says, because they are working together! Mark my words. History will record that the pnac, etc. folks worked with binny. so that they could get their sick empire, and binny. would get the u s out of saudi arabia. They forgot one thing, Their gig is up! We're on to them. A BuzzFlash Reader Subject: Senate Democrats' Acquiescence on Scalito Your editorial whaling into the Democrats for spinelessly refusing to filibuster Scalito was right on the money. Of course, even when they had a 58-42 Senate majority, the Dems allowed Clarence Thomas onto the Supreme Court. He provided the deciding vote in the theft of the presidency from Al Gore. Way to go, Dems! Now they can't filibuster Scalito because he didn't have a Perry Mason moment, screaming on national television, "I admit it! I killed Colonel Mustard in the parlor with a candlestick!" The fact that he represents a rubber-stamp for right-wing Republican presidential authoritarianism isn't good enough. It's as if Congressional Democrats, with a few noble exceptions, are determined to engage in a suicide pact and carry it out to the bitter end. What a pack of losers. Jon Krampner Subject: Radical Right Angry that Colleges Are Promoting "Respect [for] the Dignity of All Persons" 1/19 The blog asks what exactly are conservative Christian activists promoting that they're afraid of campus policies promoting "respect and dignity." The answer is Christian Fascism, which has just sealed the dark fate of this nation with the appointment of Scalito. So, why is freedom, let alone respect and dignity no longer, well, free? So how dark is it? Well, "some people say..." that the 1996 Telecommunications Act nightly ensconced Corporate Big Brothers O'Reilly, Hannity, Gibson, Blitzer, yada-yada-yada. About that time, the so-called corporate MSM relentlessly began to shift the political dialectic to the extreme right to comport with their sponsors who pay their bills. Accordingly they blacked out, covered-up, propagandized and censored real news into infotainment and sexual McCarthyism. Democracy then died on 12/12/00 when half the population was disenfranchised and "enfringed" by Antonin Scalia et al. and Al Gore and the Dems rolled over for the sake of "national unity." Security died 9/11/01 followed by the sentencing to death of freedom, the Bill of Rights, and habeas corpus on 10/26/01 (except for Osama, the Anthrax killer, the airline put investors, those who ordered the stand-down, and, of course, "el cabron" in the Sarasota elementary schools). Then the corporate American gulags began their international permanency right after 3/19/03 when administrative lying to the Congress and UN--aptly copied by recent Supreme Court nominees--along with cover-up became the currency of government, which means there is no government any more. "Legalized" torture and unwarranted wiretaps are now openly SOP--going on now at least since 10/26/01 with no way to stop them. And through all this do the American people feel they're better off than they were five years ago? Hell, yes! War makes them feel so good that 59 million of them wrap themselves in the American flag every election day at the polling booth--carefully rigged by those they adore! Aside from the internet which is the next and last target of corporate control and censorship, will someone please tell me what's there to defend any more? Just remember that soon, I won't be able to write this any more! Will Wyche CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 OF THE JANUARY 20, 2006 BUZZFLASH MAILBAG |
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