June 13, 2002

Important Note: Because we can't always determine your intentions, we need to ask a favor of you when you send us email. If you DO NOT WANT YOUR EMAIL PUBLISHED in the Mailbag or in the Contributors section, please write "CONFIDENTIAL" in the Subject line or at the top of your email. That way we'll know it's just a comment to BuzzFlash. Additionally, if you submit a mailbag item and DO NOT WANT YOUR NAME associated with your submission, sign your email, "A BuzzFlash Reader." If you send email unsigned, we will post your name with your submission, or, if that's not available, your email name (not the full address, just what's on the left side of the email address). Thank you.

The BuzzFlash Mailbag is updated on an ongoing basis, with the newest material and comments on top. Again, we can only post a small percentage of what is sent to us. The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are the not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Thanks again for your email and your patience.

Dear BuzzFlash,

First, let me begin by saying that I'm a Republican - a real, honest, grass-roots-conservative Republican, in the old sense, with far more in common with today's Libertarians than with the Neo-Con war mongers that now pass for Republicans.

Every moment of the video was surreal, from the moment that Dummya was told about the second WTC impact. The most disturbing moment for me though, was when Dummya said that he had talked with Cheney, Giulianni (sp?), and some FBI cretin, and had given them explicit instructions to use the full resources of the government to aid the victims, and to launch a full-scale investigation to find and punish those responsible.

Let's examine this moment. I, for one, remember my morning commute on that day. Just about the time that Dummya was making this little speech, maybe a little before, I was pulling off of the freeway here in Austin, calling my wife. I told her, in semi-hysterical tones, that America was under attack, and to go get my son from preschool, before they declared martial law and cleared the streets, before something crashed or blew up here in Austin. Not only had I heard the real-time account of the second airplane hitting the WTC, but there was also a spurious report on the news that a truck bomb had exploded at a DC Federal building. There was no telling where the attacks would end. The jets which would ultimately hit the Pentagon and crash in Pennsylvania were still in the air, as they were when Dummya made his little speech from the school.

And yet, here was Dummya, in the very early minutes of this whole affair, presumably cognizant of the fact that there were still two and possibly more hijacked planes still aloft, appearing very solemn and somber, more characteristic of what you would expect in distant retrospect of a tragedy, not what you would expect as it was still unfolding.

Further, and more telling, there he was, scripting the totality of what actually was to become the US response - aiding (and parading) the victims, and "finding" and "punishing" those responsible. What was missing from his (hastily concocted?) speech? Any acknowledgment that we didn't know, at the time, where the attacks would end; any advise as to how we should act, where we should go, what precautions we should take in the still-evolving attack; any panic, excitement, or consolation.

Dummya knew. The guy that whispered news of the second WTC impact knew. The administration knew.

Bob Shearer

Heads up to all Buzzers.

Here's a look at where we are headed.

Chewgababy

Dear BuzzFlash,

Subj: Quote of the Day

It’s going to be hard for the government to keep holding this guy …. This is a case that poses a new designation for which there is no clear precedent: the ‘enemy combatant’ who is also a U.S. citizen. —Peter Spiro, Hofstra University law professor, on the U.S. arrest of radiological weapon suspect Jose Padilla.

http://www.nti.org/d_newswire/issues/newswires/2002_6_11.html#10

Chewgababy

Hi BuzzFlash,

it took me forever to download the video last night but I persevered. I thought the lackadaisical attitude was extraordinary.

Also that sheaf of prompting papers for three "straight from the heart" lines was incredible.

Thank you for pointing us to this important historical record.

Kind regards,

Linda Deak

Dear BuzzFlash,

Senate Candidate Kirk has links to terrorism
http://www.austinreview.com/articles/2002_04b/kirk.htm

This is an article loaded with innuendo and accusations of terrorist links. The attacks on a Kirk advisor are based on statements that many would consider reasonable and hardly anti-Semitic or supportive of terrorism. The staff page indicates their backers include the Heritage Foundation. I didn't have time to research some of the others. As to some of the accusations, they have been made on numerous occasions and as is often the case it is difficult to determine the truth or the accuracy of the comments alleged to have been made.

What is important here is that it is clearly going to be a new smear campaign similar to those of the past, only this time the charge of supporting terrorism instead of communism. A new fellow traveler designation.

It is unfortunate that those who object to the policies of the Israeli government are being linked with terrorism and anti-Semitism.

This would mean that groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace, Tikkun and the Women in Black are all terrorist connected and anti-Semitic.

There is a campaign on to defeat anyone not totally supportive of Israel. McKinney is one example who now has opposition funded by AIPAC. Another would be the campaign in Ala. involving Alan Davis against the incumbent (Hilliard?).

This will no doubt carry over to the general election and could lead to the defeat of some democratic candidates.

The right wing appears prepared to exploit this for political advantage even if it means further dividing the country and spreading more hate and violence.

Apparently we are in for a very nasty campaign and one that will seriously damage the democratic process.

Bob

Dear BuzzFlash,

Subj: Bush in Florida on 9-11

Thanks for sharing this. It's totally at odds with his repeated accounts of that day -- that ' a TV was obviously on,' etc. That he saw the first plane hit the WTC. NO ONE saw that till later! There was NO TV in the classroom!!!

He had the demeanor of someone who knew everything was being taken care of, or someone so totally dense that he hadn't a clue. I think the first scenario is more likely.

He was way too calm -- like he knew it was coming. Is it a coincidence that he'd just gotten back from Crawford a few days before -- and the coast still wasn't clear for him to be in DC, saving his sorry hide?????

Thank you.

Nancy Ferndale, WA

Dear BuzzFlash,

Subj: Vandalgate, A Rove Ploy

Those whining Repugnant sissies saying "inappropriate messages" were left for them. I ask you, does this sound inappropriate?

From page 157 of the GAO report on alleged White House vandalism:

Sign taped to a desk of a mock MasterCard ad that includes a picture

of President Bush and reads, "NEW BONG: $50, COCAINE

HABIT: $300, FINDING OUT THAT THE GOOD-OLD-BOY

NETWORK CAN STILL RIG AN ELECTION IN THE DEEP

SOUTH: PRICELESS. For the rest of us there’s honesty."

The GAO was provided with a copy of this sign.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Dear BuzzFlash,

12.06.2002

The K Street project comes as little or no surprise in its revelation of potential branding of opponents to the current administration. Rather, it seems as a somewhat mild alternative to what some of us might have been led to expect was coming.

A more appropriate classification of lobbyists would have been the issuance of armbands, for instant recognition of their supposed loyalties. A simple project would be quite clear. First the armband should be yellow ... for the Democratic party lobbyists ... to suit their current demeanor. Also, the addition of a crescent to it, perhaps in a bright red, to indicate that, not being Republicans, they must be terrorists. Finally, in keeping with the mindset of the administration leadership, why not a distinctive number ... perhaps eight digits.

This would certainly be a more suitable method for the likes of Mr. Rove and Mr. Cheney. And, as a final note, perhaps a rousing tune from an appropriately placed oom-pah-pah band to play whenever these poor sole might show up on the hill to try to press the people's causes.

David F. Chapman
Angers, France

Dear BuzzFlash,

Subj: Lt.Col. Fired, Faces Court-Martial for Bush-Bashing Letter

It is finally in the printed Air Force Times, '17 June 2002' edition.

Pages 8 & 9, and Editorial on page 52.

They print Steve Butler's letter, pros and cons of Court-martial

They give a history of like statements and admit: "But no recent president suffered as many public barbs from his troops as Bill Clinton." [At least 2 Major Generals (0-8) and 2 Majors (0-4).]

Also that: "Court-martial would be first of its kind in 37 years"

Although the Editorial calls for "No court-martial", I suspect it is to save face for our AWOL Commander-in-Chief.

You 'might' be able to access at: www.airforcetimes.com

Otherwise, they invite response which would seem to include the public since it is not an "Official" publication and is civilian run.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK?" "Should officers be allowed to voice their opinions of the government? Tell Air Force Times what you think. E-mail your response to airlet@atpco.com. "

Further, "If you have story ideas, comments or questions, e-mail Air Force Times Editors at: AIRTIP@ATPCO.COM

Up and Away,

MSgt. Chris L. Gray, USAF (Ret.)

Hi.

Here's a question I'd like to see added to the polls that put G.W. Bush with such high approval numbers.

Add the question: Where do you get your news information and how much time do you spend getting your news each day? I'd be willing to bet these people who answer these polls don't really know what's going on.

Chris Younken

Hi there,

Watched the tape twice. Couldn't believe it. "W" seemed frozen in time. Not all there. Since I already suspected that, why was I so surprised? It's just that one would expect a President of the U.S. would RESPOND to the greatest terrorist act our country has ever experienced. He would REACT.

I wonder who wrote the paper he was reading from at the microphone.

Keep up the good work. Your website is fantastic. I go there every day....and wait for your reports.

Good luck to all of us, we're going to need it, with this bunch in power.

Donna

Hi Buzz-

Being from Mass, I've been following this story about Romney's residency --- more Republican BS!! I guess they feel that they can get away with *anything*!!

Here's a couple of links for the latest on the issue. Keep people up on this! WE can't let them run over us anymore!!

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/162/metro
/Romney_campaign_gets_a_hit_at_Fenway+.shtml

http://www.masslive.com/news/unionnews/index.ssf?/news/pstories/ae611bal.html

Debbi

Dear BuzzFlash,

Wow!

I haven't felt those same chills since that day. I was trying to figure out Bush's reaction to the news. I guess I expected more than he gave. Or was he just trying to be "presidential" in his reactions? I don't know.

I read somewhere that if he knew he was a serious target, why wasn't the school immediately evacuated? Something just isn't jiving in his response. He did not seem surprised at the news of the second plane hitting the WTC.

That makes it all the more creepy!

Chris Younken

Dear BuzzFlash,

Don't believe the hype. The attached GAO report tells a different story.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-White-House-Vandalism.html

This may be an old story by now but it's still huge. It shows the true character of the Bush White House. To gain a minor political advantage they hatched a plan to lie to the lapdog media (and more importantly to the American people) on their VERY FIRST DAY in office.

And to think of the grief the press gave Gore for his alleged "fibs" and "exaggerations."

I am proud to say that I have played my own small part in holding the Bushies and the media accountable for this slander. I ain't about to stop now.

-Brendan

Dear BuzzFlash,

I find it inconceivable that Bush would proceed at all with his visit to the Sarasota classroom after hearing of the FIRST plane hitting the WTC. He has admitted that he was briefed in August that Al Queda might be planning hijackings. And having just returned from Genoa, it's absolutely unbelievable that he could imagine only "traditional" hijackings (as if that were an excuse anyway). No, the photo op should have been canceled before it ever got started. Even one tower on fire at the WTC should have gotten complete Presidential attention.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Dear BuzzFlash,

So let me get this straight

Man is arrested - proven guilty before innocent. EU accuses US of lying about this "dirty bomb" crap, Administration admits they "overstated it" and there is no evidence, and the guy is still not protected by constitutional rights.

Sounds like a real victory against terrorism - find a petty street gang member who, after growing up in misery and squalor in the US, hates the society so much that he changes his name to mohammed abbad whatever - and who, by the way, cant even get away with petty crimes is you look at his track record - and accuse him of a BIG PLOT TO BLOW UP DC.

Am I losing my mind here or is there something extremely dangerous and disturbing about this f***ing conduct? is someone gonna realize that this is more egregious than blowjobs in the oval office any time soon? How many impeachable offenses are we gonna let slide before someone stops listening to the bullshit and refers to the f***ing laws that govern this land?

A BuzzFlash Reader

Dear BuzzFlash,

If Bush can say it, why can't we.

"Right now, there are over 100 agencies responsible for a part of homeland security -- 100 different entities at the federal level. I'm a person who believes in accountability. One reason I believe in accountability is because I understand who the American people are going to hold accountable if something happens. (Laughter.) Me. (Laughter.) "

source..whitehouse.gov

A BuzzFlash Reader

Dear BuzzFlash,

Re: Capitol Buzz

I have a prediction: There is no place in the Bush misAdministration for Rudy Guiliani. He is too big a star and too competent a leader and there is no way the Bushies would let him be in close proximity to the Liar-In-Chief. The contrast in talent and intellect would be too obvious.

You read it here first.

Nancy Ferndale, WA

Dear BuzzFlash,

Ari's daily news briefing today

I understood a questioner to ask if the Gov't could keep a citizen incarcerated indefinitely without filing charges and without access to a lawyer, and I understood his answer to be YES, it was the administrations belief that could be done for "the duration."

Jon Glaze

Dear BuzzFlash,

Just a question or two for the mighty BuzzFlashers out there?

Hasn't there been an outcry for "more intelligence" and more agents in the thick of things and more translators and... well you get the picture.

Q1. Why have the bushistas "outed" John Lindh?

Q2. Why have the bushistas "outed" Jose Padilla?

It seems that these would be the BEST guys to recruit for intelligence gathering. I mean a 21 year old kid and an alleged Chicago area gang member can infiltrate al qaeda, while the $30 billion dollar brains at FBI/CIA were held back by the bushistas.

Or, were they working for them and tried to turn the screws on the bushistas?

bush knew.....what cheney told him

Keep up the good work.

J. Bailey

Hello Buzz,

CSPAN scares me. Your URL proves some Mericuns still think. I think reality is too harsh for most rednecks to comprehend. Name 1 good thing the current leadership has performed for the "working man". I am proud to be an American. My wife is proud to be a new Citizen. I am afraid of those in charge. The problem with LIARS is you can't believe ANYTHING they say, even if they speak the truth. When they found the merican Taliban jwl, Rumsfeld stated "they found him with an AK47" over and over. Wasn't he found in a hole with 85 other bad guys? I heard reports of 1 gun, 2 grenades, 5 knives... found in the hole. The early video shows a guy who can't hold his head up on the stretcher. Was this the guy holding the gun? Is Rummy spewing crap? Can I believe anything they say? Ari?

David

Dear BuzzFlash,

I watched Crossfire yesterday and Tucker was bashing the Clinton Administration for the GAO report that stated the White House was damaged by the Clinton staff before they left. Paul stated that the media was not reporting the whole story and he had a copy of the report in front of him and was reading it to Tucker. Paul said the report mentioned that the white house had been trashed by the Bush Sr. administration before the Bushies left. If this is true why isn't the media printing the whole story? The Clintons never complained if this is true. Is there any chance you could get a copy of the complete report from Begala? If what Paul said is true this makes the Republicans a bunch of whiners again!

Thank you,

DorothyNethery

Millville, CA

[BuzzFlash Note: Here it is. You'll need the Acrobat Reader to view it.]

Hey Buzz,

keep up the good work. i go to your site 2-3 times a day to keep abreast of headlines.

i'd like to suggest you keep a running record of every time the bush admin. wags the dog by announcing terror scares or a new suspect detained or a new cabinet post to deflect attention away from other news they wish would go away.

it's hard to second guess their motives for timing of announcements unless there is a source who can confirm the are wagging their dog in the face of the american public.

however, if a sharp media outlet, like buzz, could create a page devoted to documenting the numerous coincidences, we can all be better equipped to shed light on their sleazy motives.

and they pissed and moaned when clinton launched missiles that missed bin laden by less than an hour, claiming he was trying to deflect attention away from monica lewinsky.

don't let up. there's a lot of us out here who rely upon your posts daily.

btw, i saw brit hume on fox report on the gao report re: white house vandalism. it was a much different report than the washington post article. they way fox reported it, the clinton admin. was totally unethical and unscrupulous. there was no mention of the report's notes on normal wear and tear to be expected when one admin. moves out and another moves in in the course of one day. nor did they mention that this kind of thing happened during previous administrations. just like pardons. They were all up in arms about clinton's pardons until people started look at ghw bush's pardons as well to put the clinton pardon into some context. then the whole issue dropped from the media spotlight.

Daniel R. DeJoode

Dear BuzzFlash,

Was that really notice of the second plane he was getting? If so, his reaction to it is typical of the bleeping idiot he is. This video should be played and replayed until the idiot is replaced.

rick bachleitner

Dear Buzz:

The Bush video is certainly an interesting document, and well worth the slow download (pity the poor, overworked public school server that had to stream copies out today).

The main story, of course, is Bush's bizarre reaction to the news of the attack; however, I'll leave an analysis of that to others. Instead, let's indulge a flight of fancy, and pretend that the attacks never happened.

That would make this yet another photo-op for our "Education President," jetting across the country to push yet another poll-tested, Karen-and-Karl-approved initiative.

This session would have made Dick Morris proud: mostly African-American kids, looking freshly scrubbed and nicely dressed in their uniforms (values, values, values), Lieutenant Governor (Jeb couldn't make it?) and Education Secretary in tow. Kids all sitting up straight, smiling president shaking their hands (values, values, values), cameras in place. Take a picture with the teacher ­ hug her in close ­ big smiles, now.

There's no business like show business.

Now, the lesson. The kids have been practicing for weeks, no doubt, and it shows. "Get ready to read these words the 'fast way.' Get ready! Yes. Get ready! Good job!"

These kids are a precision drill team, hooked on phonics and ready to rock. "Get ready!" Silent "e" ­ no sweat! "Get ready!" We'll do this word the 'fast way.' "Get ready!" How'd we do? "Good job!"

Whew! How do you like us now, Mr. President?

I want to be careful here ­ I am NOT criticizing the teacher. Nor the principal, nor the school district.

I've spent enough time in front of classrooms to know that teaching elementary kids is a tough, tough job. This woman is under enormous pressure in her job every day, and now she's got the leader of the free world sitting next to her, and a plane has hit the WTC. Talk about grace under fire ­ she, and the kids, did a great job.

And, while I have serious misgivings about the pedagogy used in this example, I'm not going to criticize the curriculum the school has chosen without knowing more about it. Maybe it works for them.

I am, however, very deeply concerned about what this event says about how we make public policy these days.

We know that George W. Bush doesn't read, even on subjects he cares about (education being one of them, ostensibly). We know he has never been a teacher. We know he hasn't been in school himself for a long time.

So how has the "Education President" taught himself about our schools? He may have picked up a few things in conversations with Laura about libraries; maybe he went to parent nights for Jenna and Barb.

But I'd wager that as a guy who judges Vladimir Putin by looking into his eyes, Bush's beliefs about education have largely been shaped by school visits. Visits he has made as a president, a governor and a candidate. Probably hundreds of visits. And probably all like this one.

George Bush has seen the face of American education through the carefully scripted presentations of a few well-manicured schools, under the all-embracing glow of television cameras.

What has he learned?

That schools are bright, happy, places full of smiling, well-dressed, polite children. (But has he ever been to one of the thousands of crumbling schools around this country, overcrowded with kids spilling out into portables?)

That kids should be trained seals, barking out answers and getting a fish for answering correctly. (But has he ever actually been in a classroom with an underpaid, under-appreciated teacher trying to manage 30 6-year-olds, many with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning problems?)

That testing is the answer to all of our problems; after all, performing for the President is a "test." If those kids are happily yelping out the words, they must be achieving. (But has he ever worked with a gifted kid who acts out in class because he's bored out of his mind, or a kid falling behind because this curriculum just doesn't work for her?)

That faculty and staff are happy and contented in their jobs and don't need extra resources. (But has he ever really listened to a teacher who has to bring her own supplies to school, or needs a classroom aide, or can't get a computer?)

That teaching is easy ­ just follow the curriculum. Look at how easy she makes this look. (But has he ever tried to teach?)

It'll never happen, but George Bush needs to spend a week in a real classroom with a real teacher and real kids, away from the bright lights of the media. He needs to gain a new appreciation for our teachers; he needs to see what our kids really need.

Then maybe all this nonsense about testing and rewarding schools will stop, and he can do his real job as education president: getting our schools the resources they need to be the best in the world.

Best,

Mark Weber

Dear BuzzFlash,

Thank you Gloria Pipkin for so eloquently pointing out the second most disturbing thing about the Booker Elementary video. While Bush's "performance" was beyond scary, I was also appalled at what passes for reading instruction nowadays. Is Booker a military school?

Judson Kilpatrick

Dear BuzzFlash,

Re: Emma Booker School

A bright, thinking president would have excused himself from the classroom, explaining to the kids that something very important needed his attention. A bright, thinking president would have explained to the classroom that sometimes presidents have to cancel events when very important things happen. Bush could have apologized and told the kids that he would surely be back another day to spend time with them.

Yes, that's what a bright, thinking, legitimate, president would have done!

~ Cathy

Dear Buzz,

That Ashcroft overstated the threat of the Padilla Plot... shows with egregious clarity how willing Ashcroft is to use scare-tactics to grab headlines, control the news agenda and make himself look good

John Ashcroft: Minister of Fear http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/12/opinion/meyer/main512021.shtml
CBS News Online

Your friend, vgd

Dear BuzzFlash,

You're missing a key point. I wonder if the president was told that several planes were hijacked? If so, when was he told? If not, why was he not told? The FAA probably knew within minutes of the hijacking that planes were hijacked. The military probably knew soon after this. Both the FAA and the Military probably knew within 10-15 minutes. Ok, now the argument that planes are usually hijacked to make demands, right? That works for the first plane but George will have a difficult time explaining the second one. Even the first plane should have been no surprise in light of all the recent revealed warnings. I'm not sure I agree that he was waiting for a speech to be written, although that may be the case, I think a key is what Andy Card said after the second plane. "Mr. President, the Country is under attack! Doesn't this imply that he knew other planes were 'attacking'? His statement that he saw the first plane crash is interesting. Easily explained as a confused president but he says it again a month later. Reagan used the 'don't remember defense'. George can fall back on stupid anytime. We keep mudding the issue by focusing on what George knew. If we keep this up it will be easy explain away his actions as incompetent. (on other issues as well) But what did the KEY decision makers know and when did they knew it? I wonder if after several months of carefully controlled 'leaks', if the public will grow more bored and overwhelmed than they are now? Bush said he hit the trifecta, I wonder what he's betting on next?

Eugene Duran

Dear BuzzFlash,

On Monday (6/10) C-SPAN was going to televise a press conference at the National Press Club with families of 9/11 victims. These families are among those demanding a full investigation of what happened at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that day.

C-SPAN has a stated policy to televise every speech and press conference held at the National Press Club. However, C-SPAN did not televise the press conference with the 9/11 victims' families. Methinks that was done for political reasons -- in order to promote Bush's drive toward a police state in America.

Details can be found at:

http://globalresearch.ca/articles/FLO206A.html

Incidentally, the press conference was the lead story today on the front page of the Home News Tribune (East Brunswick NJ).

http://www.thnt.com/thnt/story/0,21282,578838,00.html

Charles Everett

BuzzFlash:

Subj: Premier Ashcroft and the USSA

It was ironic that John Ashcroft's announcement of detaining an American citizen Jose Padilla, without the due process of the American judicial system was made in, of all places, Moscow. Yes, the capitol of the old USSR, our old communist Evil Empire, was the backdrop for the Attorney General to announce such a totally un-American action on June 10. "Welcome to the USSA". And the American media jumped in on the hoopla without asking the basic questions, just like their old Soviet counterparts would have done. Some questions are bubbling up on the web, but I have not heard Ted Koppel bring them up yet.

I wondered what kind of crimes this guy may have committed? According to other reports, Padilla was a convicted violent criminal. OK. But what crime did he commit now? And if he was in custody since May 8, why wait until June 10 to make the announcement in Moscow? They say he was only in the early planning stages. So the government prevented another catastrophic attack they say.

This interesting logic that has me worried because.... I am planning a manned expedition to Mars next year that would be independent of NASA. I hope John Ashcroft does not find out about it. Who knows, any Martians I would contact may be sympathetic to the terrorists and decide to arm them against the United States. Although I may have a few followers who say "We believe in you Greg to lead humanity to Mars," I have not gotten the funding or even designed the spacecraft yet. I hope this does not land me in a military prison. Instead, I could start a publicly traded company to raise funds for Mars exploration derivatives and spend the proceeds on nice homes in Colorado ski resorts. To stay out of prison I can attend a Dick Cheney fundraiser. Which path would meet the approval of Commissar John Ashcroft, Premier Dick Cheney and the preznit?

Greg Mysko
Northbrook, IL

Dear BuzzFlash Editors,

Below is the link for an article that was buried on p. B-8 of the June 12 Washington Post. The article, "September 11 Families Join Call for Probe," details the Bush administration's efforts to derail the formation of an independent national commission (i.e., not a hand-picked Warren-style whitewash) to examine the intelligence and security failures leading up to the attack. File this under "No More Lies: 9-11 Families Demand Answers." Keep up the good work!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35056-2002Jun11.html

Ken Kitts

Dear BuzzFlash,

Subj: Who and Where Are Al-Qaeda?

Has anyone thought to ask that simple question in the heading? Where are their headquarters? Why are they the only terrorist group who takes no direct credit for their actions?

When Hamas attacks, they acknowledge their actions and take credit for their wanton destruction. When the IRA was in full force you knew they had acted, again because they felt strongly about their cause, misguided or not, and wanted to let the world know they had a power beyond the norm. Islamic Jihad, "It was us!!!", we bad, we will do it again!!

But Al Qaeda? Not an official peep unless you count the remarkably unreliable video tapes here and there. We are told they are everywhere, massing in the 1000's as this is written, getting ready to attack at a moments notice, but never did we hear them genuinely claim responsibility for the largest terrorist attack on American soil. No official Al Qaeda headquarters, no official Al Qaeda communiqués, no Al Qaeda leader who truly speaks on a regular basis, no position that one can refer to reliably, no Al Qaeda T-shirts, just that drum beat of their ever present threat.

I wonder if they even exist, other than in the minds and headlines of our nation's leaders. Oh, I was also wondering, does he have a brother named Bob??

Larry Hawes

Dear BuzzFlash,

Oh my god! When my husband told me about the WTC attacks, I immediately turned on the television, tears streaming down my face knowing that tens of thousands of human beings may have perished before my very eyes. Anger, depression, and sadness churned through my soul as I watched the images over and over, not wanting to believe this horrible nightmare.

And now I have seen how the appointed President reacted to one of the worst attacks in American history - Bush had no reaction. None. No "Oh my god!" No look of bewilderment, no surprised or pained expression, no tears of grief and sorrow, no displays of concern for our national safety. His eyes focused on the program guide, reading along with the children. It is obvious that he was not thinking about the attacks that he later used to justify his war in Afghanistan. Only a person with a soul of stone or prior knowledge would have had such a reaction. Either way, it does not bode well for the American public and the members of the military who have and will perish in this war for oil.

If I were the Democratic Party, I would be playing the tape over and over during the upcoming Congressional elections. I would then focus in on his comments regarding "a full investigation." Why the backtracking, George? Does Osama and the CIA have your tongue? Screw this patriotic bullshit. (Forgive me, but this video has really pissed me off.) Show the man for who he really is. Save America - impeach Bush.

How convenient that the mainstream media will replay video clips of Pearl's execution and the faux Osama video, but this video has not appeared on CNN, Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS or C-Span. So much for the public's right to know.

Thank you for bringing this video to light, and letting the world know just how sinister G.W. Bush really is. You make the world a better place by telling the truth, no matter how painful it may be.

Kelly Ann Thomas

Dear BuzzFlash,

Thank you for posting this. It is incredible that the "Commander in Chief" and "Leader of the Free World" would continue having a photo-op session with elementary school students, knowing that the WTC attacks had occurred. What a failure on multiple levels: of character, for one; of leadership and responsibility. Regardless of whether he had advance knowledge or not, it is inconceivable that he would sit there with children and not tend to the grave matter at hand. He should have IMMEDIATELY departed, without haste, to DO HIS JOB.

With all of the video news cameras present, where is the rest of this footage? Who has the unedited material? Why did it take BuzzFlash to scour the web to find this, and on the school's own website, no less?

Something stinks really badly. Thanks for posting it.

Scott Kaye

Dear Buzz,

This is the honest truth: Tonight on Crossfire Repuglican Bob Barr accused Al Gore of stealing a bust of Lincoln from the White House and is calling for a full investigation. Barr thinks Gore should be forced to return the bust and fined for stealing it!

This gets more and more bizarre everyday! Another diversion I'm sure!!!

Nancy Lynn Nagy

Hello guys:

My mom called to tell me the Fort Worth issue of Parade confirmed that Karen Hughes went back to get the Tx Republicans organized and save Bush from a humiliating defeat. You have to pay for the article, but the abstract and link is below:

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/parade/abstract/12327231
1.html?did=123272311&FMT=ABS&FMTS=FT&desc=Personality

Parade; New York; Jun 2, 2002; Scott, Walter; Abstract:

A No. President [Bush] asked [Karen Hughes] to buck up their state's Republican Party, which is in danger of losing this fall's governor's race and the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Phil Gramm. Such a defeat would be a major humiliation for the President.

MEB

Dear BuzzFlash,

Ashcroft was only imitating the boss. The rule is: Anytime anyone starts asking probing questions, change the subject, change the government, change the rules, change the law. The only "dirty bomb" I detect is the "stink bomb" surrounding this whole administration. How are we going to last two and a half more years?

C. Fowles, Eastsound, WA