June 25, 2002
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Dear BuzzFlash,
Some folks are more than mildly put out with the Democratic Party. To be sure, The Party is finding its way following 9/11 and the so-called constraints put on everyone. I say, sit tight. It is the only party worth its salt. If you don't believe that, think about what it would be like to have to belong to the Republican party. Not out of choice, but because it was the only party on the block. The Sleeping Giant is just beginning to awaken. Give it time. The Democrats will come through...that is a given.
Thank goodness for BuzzFlash
Steady Reader.
Dear BuzzFlash,
Thought I'd provide a translation of this http://www.nexusitalia.com/settimana071606.htm that was referred to by another reader. BTW, unfortunately, Dopo l'avviso doesn't mean "be advised of the Dope" but simple "after the viewing."
Last two paragraphs in the original Italian:
"E che cosa fa? Assolutamente niente! Continua tranquillamente la sua “lezione”, limitandosi ad una breve dichiarazione alla fine, affermando che si apprestava a ritornare a Washington. Ma tutti sappiamo com’è andata: si è tenuto ben lontano da Washington (per rimanere “a distanza da rotte pericolose”) mentre venivano raccontate due bugie per giustificare la sua assenza. La Casa Bianca dichiarò che il volo che ha colpito il Pentagono era diretto alla Casa Bianca, ma le scansioni radar hanno dimostrato che non era vero. Dichiarò inoltre di aver ricevuto una telefonata di minaccia nei confronti dell’Air Force One, l’aereo presidenziale, ma anche questo poi si ammise non fosse vero.
Vabbè, il presidente ha anche altre gatte da pelare in questo momento, tra cui i suoi rapporti con Sharon: il Sydney Morning Herald riporta che il Primo Ministro israeliano lo ha avvertito che qualora Washington tentasse di imporre un accordo di pace, egli invocherebbe le elezioni anticipate, congelando in tal modo qualunque processo e paralizzando per mesi l’attività diplomatica. Carino, no?"
English translation of the last two paragraphs.
"And what did he do? Absolutely nothing! He calmly continued with the "lesson," and limited to a brief remark at the end affirming that he had to return to Washington quickly. But this is all we knew about where he went: he was being kept away from Washington (in order to remain "distant from the danger") and they told two lies to justify it. The White House said ("declared") that the plane that crashed into the Pentagon was directed at the White House, the the radar scans have demonstrated that this is not true. They [the White House] also said that they had received a phone call threatening an attack on Air Force One, the presidential plane, but this was also later found to be untrue.
"Perhaps, the president also had other cats to pluck in this moment, among which were relations with Sharon: The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Israeli Prime Minister had stated that in case Washington tries to impose a peace accord, he himself would invoke anticipated elections, previously frozen in the process for months of diplomatic activity. Nice, no?"
Just doing my part. Keep up the good work.
-- Gianni in Italia
Dear BuzzFlash,
I am sending a copy of the letter that I sent to a columnist at the Atlanta Journal/Constitution. Instead of focusing on the so-called "war on terror," this Atlanta paper has turned it's unrelenting attention on what I call "the war on Cynthia McKinney." It's ironic that I feel the need to defend her because I have rarely been a fan of the congresswoman, but I know that she has spoken the truth about the events of 9-11 and it's a shame that she is being disparaged for doing so. The paper, which has been accused of being 'liberal' is beating up on McKinney as a way of appealing to southern/right-wing/racist conservatives.
Dee Turner
Ms. Melanie Eversley (meversley@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal/ConstitutionIt has become quite apparent that the AJC is at war with Cynthia McKinney! Your front page piece (Arab-American dollars shore up McKinney) and the recent hatchet job by Phil Kent, president of the Southeastern Legal Foundation (in the Op-Ed page a few days ago) are obviously meant to harass and demean Cynthia McKinney. Mr. Kent wants McKinney investigated for questionable tactics and you assert that there must be something questionable about her receiving campaign funds from the Arab community. If the congresswoman had not asked for an investigation into the events surrounding 9-11, would the Journal-Constitution spend this much effort in trying to assault the lady's character? In your article, why didn't you compare the funds that McKinney receives to those mega-dollars that President Bush and other Georgia congressional representatives receive from the Muslin community? Regardless of future attacks on McKinney, it still does not refute the fact that previous to September 11th : "BUSH KNEW"!!
Dee Turner, Atlanta
Dear BuzzFlash,
Subj: CNN International just broadcast a memoriam to 9-11
Hour long, non-stop. Did you see it stateside? It contained film footage I'd never seen before. Much of it was spliced from camcorders taken by private citizens from different vantage points, so it had a much more personal feel than what I had seen from the media's cameras.
It was from the perspective of New Yorkers, with Giulianni at the center. Bush was not mentioned nor seen, though at one point Giulianni, while down at the site before the first tower collapsed, said that his team had been in touch with the WH, and were told the Pentagon had been hit as well. He said, as he spoke into microphones on the street, that people should remain calm, stay in their homes, get off the streets but above all to remain calm. He was accomplishing much, in particular preventing public panic. Meanwhile, Bush had already heard about the first hit from his hotel, and was proceeding to or entering Booker ES, and then sitting through a reading lesson until told of the second hit. I thought, while watching Giulianni running around attending to people, if HE saw the urgency in calming a frightened public, wouldn't it be worthwhile for the President of the U.S. to do the same thing, ASAP?
Then the first tower collapses, and Giulianni starts running away from the site with his staff along with the crowd. Eventually he comes back with gas masks and tells everyone around him to put their masks on and leave the area. He was totally involved in helping the people. He showed no sign of cravenness but rather was completely dedicated to his job as a public servant to the people of NYC.
Giulianni's assistant lost her fireman husband in the WTC. (She was pregnant at the time and didn't know it. She had the baby in May.) Giulianni asked her after the collapse, if her husband had gone to work that day. She said he had. He said they would do all they could to find him. She said she knew he was already dead. He was.
Giulianni gave his first press conference at 2:38 PM, having spent his time coordinating with rescue crews at the site after being initially trapped in a nearby building after the collapse of a tower. He left the site at 12:15 midnight. You couldn't help but wonder while watching this, where is Bush?
After watching the Booker ES video, and juxtaposing it with this memoriam, you see a stark contrast in reactions between a guy who knows and a guy who doesn't. In fact, I now believe Bush not only knew an attack was to take place, but that he also knew that there would be a second hit on the towers; he was biding his time through a reading lesson until he had word. Andrew Card probably whispered something to him like, "It's done."
If they show this memoriam on CNN, have a look. I wish I had taped it. I'd still like to get a definitive timeline on the entire day. It's incredible that we don't even have that yet.
Rice has been emphasizing, "We didn't have enough detailed information." I think the opposite is true; it's no wonder Bush doesn't want an investigation. Can you imagine the police state he'd have to impose if that information were correct and leaked? We're already heading toward dictatorship as is after these FBI leaks. It seems the more we unearth about 9-11, the more terror threats we hear, and now, we're about to go to war with Iraq. That should create a convenient diversion for the media, the public, and the democrats.
BTW, the before unseen footage that I remember was of helicopters flying over the trade centers before collapse, complete with voices of their reaction, interviews with those in the chopper, saying they had seen someone waving a white cloth from a window but there was nothing they could do. Another talked about all the popping noises that at first sounded like debris falling from the building. It was people. There was footage taken from people inside the trade center escaping. One footage was of a security camera inside a store down the street from the trade center. A woman was about to leave, and the proprietor told her to get back inside. When she saw the huge cloud of dust filling the street in front of the store windows, she yelled, "Thank you, you saved my life!"
All in all, it was just extremely shocking to watch and relive, but worth a watch nonetheless.
Michele Winter
Dear BuzzFlash,
The rag of a bill on Homeland Security Bush and Co. sent to Congress says NO EMPLOYEE can be a whistle-blower, the Freedom of Info Act won’t apply to them, the Cabinet Secretary in charge can veto any inquiry against him, and more
CRITICAL we get voices going on this …
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20020622-42082444.htm
Barbra Stickler
Dear Buzz,
In order to have a truly fair, non-partisan and non-White House orchestrated investigation of what went wrong in our intelligence agencies and our executive branch prior to 911, we cannot depend on the closed-door congressional intelligence hearings now under way if we want the whole and unvarnished truth! We need a totally independent commission of experts who have no political partisan ax to grind to give the American public the facts we are ENTITLED to.
Tom Daschle, Senate Majority Leader, supports an Independent Investigative Commission, as do most Democrats and several Republicans in the Senate. However, four Democratic Senators are -- for some inane reason -- opposing an Independent investigation, thus jeopardizing the bill's passage on the Floor. I urge you all to call or write to these Senators to let them know that the American public will not be served until and unless an Independent Commission looks into the failed U.S. intelligence leading up to 911. I list them below with their contact information. (where their e-mail is linked through Http://, I believe you can eliminate the http:// and contact them directly via e-mail through the rest of the address).
Evan Bayh, Indiana. 202-224-5623. Http://bayh.senate.gov/webmail.htm..
Bob Graham, Florida. 202-224-3041. Found no e-mail address.
John Edwards, North Carolina. 202-224-3154. http://edwards.senate.gov/mailform.html.
Diane Feinstein, Calif. 202-224-3841. http://feinstein.senate.gov/email.html
I hope you all will contact them. I intend to do so today.
Jo Ann Simon
Camden, ME
Dear BuzzFlash,
One of my favorite websites has been mediawhoresonline, but lately I have realized that “whores” is too kind a term. Prostitutes just need the money. But journalists could not possibly remain unaware that they are working for The Ministry of Propaganda and have sold out their fellow citizens. We cannot expect them to suddenly wake-up and start questioning our masters. Likewise, the Democrats appear to be nothing more than the Me-too Party and are not going to spontaneously change. Nothing will be accomplished waiting for the media and politicians to change their stripes.
If we want change, we must create it ourselves. The Civil Rights Movement succeeded by organizing marches. But marching has become a poor strategy mostly because the media will not give favorable coverage. So another type of organized protest is needed. I suggest that we each compose a form letter to send to our representatives so that we don’t have to keep sitting down and composing new letters in response to the almost daily outrages of this administration. Get yourself a letter you like and make copies. Mail them in constantly to your representatives. To have maximum effect, these letters should focus on two issues: government that represents citizens instead of corporations, and a free press that affords true civic dialog.
This is important because it keeps the protest focused on RESTORING THE MEANS to have a democracy. Representative government and a free -- as opposed to purchased -- media are two values that almost all Americans can support. This means we can forge a coalition between left and right. Only broad support can move politicians to respond. Obviously we all have many complaints. Personally, I am outraged by the looting of Social Security, the rape of the environment, the coddling of corporate crooks by “watchdog” agencies such as the SEC and, of course, the war on terror and our rights. We could all go on and on about the outrageous injustices. But let us instead focus on REGAINING THE MEANS with which a civilized society can debate these issues: 1) a free press and 2) representative government.
We might as well be able to have a sense of humor about this, so here’s what I propose: a campaign of letter writing to the foreign press. Tell them that you are being held hostage (or hostile) by our government. You are not allowed to speak freely and do not see your values expressed by our media. Tell them they should not believe the polls, we don’t like our president. Warn them not to allow the We-report-you-decide Network to decide what to report in their country. Have fun with it or be serious. If enough of us write, we could start a buzz and encourage a movement that has already begun: the world’s questioning of our politics and our media. From outside, they would be a powerful ally for change.
There are two other things I would point out. One is that we need a way to see that we are being effective. Seeing the six-o’clock news covering the extraordinary volume of mail at the post office would clearly be a sign. Bumperstickers could help, or maybe it would even help to know how many people are visiting some of these websites. However it is accomplished, it’s important for people to know other people feel the same. Secondly, we do not have to wait to fight back. Don’t neglect to do everything you can to make Bush’s oil worth less. And don’t support corporations that don’t support democracy. Use your purchasing power and boycott everyone who has boycotted your inalienable right to be a citizen, not a slave.
Thomessa Jefferson
Dear BuzzFlash,
6-23 Today must be the official start of the 2004 Campaign. G.E. RUSSERT launched his focus-sessions for Repukes, at least twice trying to label his guest, Senator KERRY with DUKAKIS. The Senator is an adroit responder, saying he is ALWAYS amused by the SAME questions people ask EVERYWHERE, haha, then battered down THAT twinkie of an attempt. Also, about being "one of the richest Senators," he said that his WIFE'S money is HER money, haha. He also said it wouldn't be unusual to expect Prez GORE to be challenged for the nomination since he was challenged at a time of being a SITTING V-P. But GE RUSSERT's bag of tricks are well known (how long is his contract, can he play out of the same bag that long?): He proceeded to the Laundry List of so-called issues (Gay marriage?). Yeah-right, GE, like ISSUES were SO important in Shrub's fake campaign, and like you would force HARDBALL answers from Repukes. HARDBALL for Dems, LOWBALL/SOFTBALL for Dems. Then, proceeding to be FARE UNbalanced, he presented as his next guest the "mechanic" (as Geo. WILL called him) Dennis HASTERT. NOTE: I realize I'm mixing the slogans of G.E.RUSSERT, Tweezer MATTHEWS, and Faux Propaganda Network------but, then-----DOES IT REALLY MATTER?
John Garza
Dear BuzzFlash,
RE: "The match is about to begin," "Tomorrow is zero hour."
An intelligence failure or an attack on Congress??
We already know that the Bush administration is masterful in the art of misdirection, i.e., waging war on terrorism while stripping away civil rights. Assume for a minute that the terror communications were leaked to select, congressional committees with the hope that a Democratic senator would leak them to the press. This could be easily accomplished if the involved republicans were notified of the intent prior to the meetings.
If they pull this off it would shift control of the Senate back to the repuglicans. Anyone willing to bet???
(ugggh, just listened to George Will (ABC) try to blame Governor Ventura and his "attitude" for the 9/11 terror attack, will these right wingers ever quit??)
Edmond Brignac, Jr.
Dear BuzzFlash,
Subj: Bush doesn't want the public to know that the FBI and CIA had a "virtual blueprint" of the 9/11 attacks
The FBI and CIA knew about Al-Qaeda's propensity to pilot airplanes into buildings, but most importantly they knew about Mohammed Atta, Zacharias Moussaoui, and others involved in the 9/11 plot long before the attacks took place. It added up to a "virtual blueprint," according to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA).
If they knew or should have known the identities of most or all of the hijackers, they should have been able to stop the conspiracy.
At the very least, beefing up airport security would have have likely stopped many of the hijackers from boarding airplanes, because 9 of the 19 were selected for closer scrutiny the morning of September 11 already, without beefed up security..
http://www.prospect.org/webfeatures/2002/06/prados-j-06-21.html
Andrew Hagen
Hey BuzzFlash,
You do a great job!
Here's a thought, I'm sure you've had, but don't you think the Bush Admin. is holding off releasing the anthrax terrorist info until they need to? Waiting until there's some big scandal that they need to diffuse with their bait and switch tactics.
Keep up the great work!
Diane
Dear BuzzFlash,
RE: S.F. attorney: Bush allowed 9/11 (linked by BuzzFlash 6/23/02)
Here is an excerpt from the article as claimed by Attorney Hilton:
Hilton claims the Bush administration ignored intelligence information, refused to round up suspected terrorists beforehand, [[and during the hijackings refused to disable pilot controls and switch to a ground-based remote system.]]
If Hilton's claims can be proven in respect to the administration refusing to disable pilot controls and switch to a ground-based remote system, the implications will be of blockbuster proportions. I cannot imagine ground controllers having that capability on 9/11 and not permitted to use it. I know jumbo jets cannot be landed remotely. But taking pilot capability out of the hands of the hijacking terrorists was a priority. Remotely flying the aircrafts out over the Atlantic Ocean and keeping them there until fuel ran out, would have saved those in the Twin Towers and Pentagon. Yes, those in the aircrafts would have perished, but the count would have been minimal compared to the official loss of 3,000.
If Hilton's allegations are true and provable, this should be an indictment of what Bush knew, by revealing him as an accessory to the crime.
~ Cathy
Hey Buzz,
The following quote, which was the last sentence in the Guardian article (http://www.observer.co.uk/worldview/story/0,11581,742399,00.html), hit me like a thunderbolt:
"In the parlance of Washington, the Republicans have a word for this constituency...They call it 'The Base', which in Arabic translates as 'al-Qaeda'."
Yes, bush and company have indeed become what they propose to eliminate: terrorists.
I AM terrified.
elaine in Petaluma
Subj: A Correction to the List of Demands
Hi! Neat stuff! A friend just sent me a link to your site. But, I disagree with one of your demands. It currently says "A government of representatives that vote for their constituent's needs first." I don't feel that representatives owe their highest allegiance to the wishes of their local constituents. For example, the majority of voters in the United States do not support the bill of rights, the majority of voters in the ante-bellum South supported slavery, and the majority of voters today fully support pork-barrel politics that pump money into the local economy at the expense of the nation's overall fiscal health. I believe any person's highest priority needs to be the well-being of the largest number of living beings, regardless of political boundaries. That means, for example, protecting the environment for the well-being of generations to come, despite local opposition.
As Edmund Burke said over 200 years ago in a speech to the Electors of Bristol:
Parliament is not a congress of ambassadors from different and hostile interests; which interests each must maintain, as an agent and advocate, against other agents and advocates; but parliament is a deliberative assembly of one nation, with one interest, that of the whole; where not local purposes, not local prejudices ought to guide, but the general good, resulting from the general reason of the whole. You must choose a member indeed; but when you have chosen him, he is not member of Bristol, but he is a member of parliament....
Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.
Thanks,
Greg Lowney
Buzz,
BuzzFlash Mailbag letters have always been irreverent and funny as well as educated and serious. But this past week I've noticed a shift to alarmist shrill - Canadians who will not visit America for fear of arrest without due process. American citizens fleeing our country because of terror imposed by our tyrannical government. This, indeed, is getting scary.
And the articles are not allaying any fears. Whistleblowers in the proposed Homeland Security department will not be protected. Anthrax attacks are connected to passage of the Patriot Act. The internet may be taken over by 4 American corporations which will ban radical/truth-telling sites like BuzzFlash.com. And many more of the obvious travesties of this government.
Powerful America influences the world - as evidenced in wars raging and starting up all around the world in the name of 'turrurism.' Wars rages in America as well with its first rise in the crime rate in decades. Hate begets hate. If we had a president who believed in peace, there would be greater peace. But we have an ignorant, and very dangerous war-mongerer pResident.
Required reading for all Americans during Dubya's scary times is Leo Tolstoy's, 'Writings on Civil Disobedience and Nonviolence.' Not only does he condemn all wars, but he also asserts that the military a government forms to wage war on other countries, is more often used against its own citizens.
T Quigly
Dear BuzzFlash,
O'Neill Urges U.S. Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling
http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=topnews&StoryID=1122249
Can you believe Dennis Hastert's statement that "What we've done with tax cuts is help the economy"? The govt. might not be able to meet the social security payments next weekend and he has the audacity to say this. The tax cut IS the reason that the budget surplus and the social security "lockbox" has been robbed. Never would this have happened with Al Gore as president, instead of this court-appointed nitwit that is illegally living in the White House. Of course, Paul O'Neill made the statement over a year ago that "people should save for their old age and not depend on social security." I guess that's ok if you've been robber barons like the corporate bosses that fill the Bush administration. They've paid themselves enormous salaries and stock bonuses, all at the cost of the American people. Now they're really set to rob the world because they're trying to get control of all of the oil.
Gigi
Dear BuzzFlash,
Subj: Fwd: timing is everything...
and what does it tell you when crime goes up? On the evening news, they placed part of the blame on "the poor economy"---mmmmm...how'd that happen?
Liz Taylor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 23, 2002, 12:38AM
Major crimes in U.S. rise after decade, FBI indicates
By DAN EGGEN
Washington Posthttp://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/nation/1466742
WASHINGTON -- The number of major crimes in the United States increased in 2001 for the first time in a decade, bringing an end to a decline in violence that had resulted in the lowest crime levels in a generation, according to FBI statistics.
Dear BuzzFlash,
How dare Bu$h and his band of thugs demand more secrecy by punishing whistleblowers -- the case of the two INS border patrol agents proves that secrecy is NOT security for the American people -- pointing out cracks that terrorists can slip through is their JOB. If their higher-ups don't listen and take action on a potential danger to the people, where else to go but the press?
If potential dangers were made public -- Ashcroft being told not to take public flights, Jeb calling a state of emergency for Florida 9/10, increased stock market activity, what did they KNOW? -- 3000 people might have known to stay the hell out of the WTC on 9/11.
lilah wild
Dear BuzzFlash,
The Bush Administration and The Republican Party take Drug money.
The Drug dealers don't want older people and disabled people in our country to have a free prescription drug plan.
Instead they bribe the Republican Party and the Bush administration with drug money in order to buy protection against legislation that would help the less fortunate in our country.
In fact the sham of a prescription drug plan that the Republican Party plans to protect themselves against voter anger effectively cuts Social Security benefits.
We should have a prescription drug plan in which people who need medications should not have to pay a dollar extra in premiums nor have any copayments or deductibles.
I'm going to say something not very flattering, but honestly, unless you put economic pressure on the companies that give money to the Republican Party, you're not going to get very far in changing the agenda in our country I'm sorry to say.
We don't need to pressure very single company but just a select prominent 10. Browse http://www.boycott-republicans.com and pledge to put economic pressure on these companies Your money will talk louder than any email message ever will.
Thank you.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Dear BuzzFlash,
We have bear, elk, deer that have been burned up and all of their habitat. We may have lost two or three endangered species. They were going to be placed on the list soon. It has now burned 450 sq. miles and apparently is under zero control. This was the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine in the world. The fire is moving through the town of Show Low, a town of about 8000 which has been evacuated.
I heard the VP of the Sierra Club and someone else talking on TV and the Sierra Club fellow agreed that the forest need to be thinned and cleaned out-around the edges near homes he said. We must manage these great forests or we will lose them all. It will take 100 to 150 years for these trees to come back.
It is truly a huge disaster and it keeps getting worse since they have no control over it. About 200 homes have been lost that they can count thus far.
Henry
Dear BuzzFlash,
Guess I'm losing it. You remember this?
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/3385422.htm
As the meeting began, Wiggins recalled, Ashcroft appeared uninterested until he focused on the facility being a "home," not a hospital.
"Then you have my attention," the governor said, according to Wiggins. "I'm looking for where it is cheapest to send them to die."
Wiggins said: "Governor, that's not what we're here for. These are human beings." Ashcroft replied, "Their pain and suffering is a result of their own misconduct."
****
snip
Ashcroft's deputy when he was state attorney general, Edward Robertson, said: "You are never going to hear him say that abortions are illegal under the law. But to the extent he can find ways to restrict abortions consistent with his interpretation of the Constitution and laws, he will do so.
"Because he is the kind of person he is, with strong views and competitive, he's going to push the envelope of where he can go. But he will never go outside that envelope."
Snip
In opposing the judicial appointment of a former California Bar Association president, Margaret Morrow, Ashcroft argued that she would try to impose her beliefs on society, "rather than have the culture initiate through their elected representatives those things which the culture prefers."
****
A BuzzFlash Reader
Dear BuzzFlash,
Does the entire country have amnesia? I remember hearing weeks ago that the NSA had intercepted, but failed to translate, communications prior to 9/11 that may have alerted them to an impending attack. Now we have a "leak" that requires the Justice Department to investigate members of Congress. This is merely a ploy to stop the investigation. I'm sure our liberal media will get right on this.
Susan C. McIntosh
Dear BuzzFlash,
Tony Garza? Mmmmm....
also, check out the story about the evacuation of the White House and how some live ammo belonging to a Secret Service agent was found by a reporter. Does it strike you that the Secret Service is a little lax in watching this guy?
http://www.chron.com/Cs/CDA/story.hts/nation/1466561
June 23, 2002, 1:59AM
Washington Notebook
Rail commissioner could be Mexico's next ambassador
Speculation mounted last week that Texas Railroad Commissioner Tony Garza would soon be named by President Bush to be ambassador to Mexico.
Garza, an attorney from Brownsville, was appointed by Bush, when he was governor, to be Texas Secretary of State.
If Garza, 42, is tapped for the Mexico post, the nomination would provide Bush with a high-profile Hispanic appointee at a time when the White House is trying to woo Hispanic voters.
(Snip)
Fleischer was equally dismissive of questions about the discovery, by a reporter, of a round of live ammunition in a hallway near a room where President Bush was speaking at a Republican fund-raising event.
Fleischer said the bullet had apparently been dropped by one of the Secret Service agents who accompanies the president outside the White House.
Dear BuzzFlash,
Subj: Fwd: Covering Up 9-11- Government Intervening in Airline Suits
The following story in the 6/22 edition of the NY Post indicates that the Bush administration is taking further action to cover up the events of 9-11. It is going so far as to demand from potential witnesses in a private law suit that they turn over all subpoenaed documents to the government so that they can be vetted, or more accurately censored. We are not dealing with classified information held by the government, but documents held by airlines and others that is private, and with unclassified information from other sources.
Obviously the administration has reasons to be concerned that as there are further investigations there will be more disclosures and more pressure for an independent investigation of the events of 9-11. I do not know what they are attempting to hide, but certainly the notes taken by the airline personnel, the information available from airline dispatchers, the very passenger listings and seating arrangements are all unclassified private, communications that are of interest to any one filing suit.
Apparently there is going to be an all out effort to ensure that the story told by the White House remains the only story told and that failures in intelligence, in the FAA, in NORAD, and the National Command Center will be hidden from view. As to any questions of foreknowledge that might arise from other non-governmental sources it is apparently their intent to screen that information out. This is an administration that has made numerous threats and in its Patriot act has done its best to operate in secrecy without proper oversight of its activities.
What happens to these potential witnesses when the government decides to withhold documents in their possession under alleged national security claims? Will they be allowed to testify as to what documents were withheld? As to the content? Will it be necessary for the plaintiffs to sue for judicial review of each document?
And under what law does the government assert such rights?
This is a lawless administration with a complete contempt for the judicial system and for the Constitution. It continues almost on a daily basis to assert a right by the executive to override the courts and the Constitution.
And you are letting it happen!!
rereynolds, orange park
SUITS vs. AIRLINES
By JOHN LEHMANN
June 22, 2002 -- EXCLUSIVE
Families of victims killed in the Sept. 11 terror attacks who are suing the airlines are facing a government attempt to stymie their cases, The Post has learned.
A letter from the U.S. attorney's office asks a federal judge to temporarily stop the families' lawyers from seeking any documents in the suits filed in Manhattan federal court against United Air Lines and American Airlines.
The letter, obtained by The Post, argues that the discovery of documents raises "grave national security concerns" and warns that the federal government will "intervene in these cases," even though it is not a party.
Dear BuzzFlash,
I have wondered if the elementary school was evacuated immediately. If Bush truly believed he was a target, then the school and its occupants would have been in extreme danger. From the video that does not appear to be the case.
Terry Oneby
Click here: BuzzFlash presents Southern Style - In Search of Democratic Leadership
Dear Buzz,
If Doris Kearns Goodwin, constant critic and detractor of former President Clinton, (which buys her so many TV gigs) and always eager booster of George W. Bush, deserves a Pulitzer Prize, then in my opinion, the "prestigious" award is worth no more than a soiled piece of toilet paper.
yaledailynews.com - Pulitzer Prize-winner says Clinton is no LBJ or FDR
If anyone deserves a prize for writing, it's Rebecca Knight. What an absolutely FANTASTIC writer!
Susan (Florida)
Dear BuzzFlash,
I was in my local Borders yesterday when I saw a large display of a book with a title something like, "How Liberalism Caused the Current Crisis in the Catholic Church." I feel as if I am in some sort of twilight zone where right-wing fundamentalists have decided that any tactic, no matter how irrational, is justified in their crusade against... against ... against what - evil? This demonization of liberals is truly frightening. As far as I am concerned, the problems with the Catholic hierarchy are a result of their notions of unquestioning acceptance of authority. A liberal point of view may view a molesting priest as worthy of forgiveness and redemption but it doesn't condone letting a molester move around to commit his crimes anew.
JA in LA
Dear BuzzFlash,
from MSNBC article on Bush speech this afternoon regarding Palestinian situation-
At a briefing Monday morning, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer appeared frustrated when asked about the Bush plan. “Stop bugging us,” Fleischer said.
“U.S. allies have been pressing the United States to take action to halt the violence, which has led to a heightened Israeli presence in the West Bank.
Jeff Chandler
Dear BuzzFlash,
"Peace requires a new and different Palestinian leadership." - George W Bush
It requires a new and different U.S. leadership also.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Dear BuzzFlash,
Nobody is talking about the precipitous fall on Wall Street since shrub took the helm. The LOSS OF CONFIDENCE comes from the top: The White House. If this type of re distribution of national wealth were happening under President Clinton, the other side would be screaming. I don't think the self proclaimed fourth estate is qualified to comment upon this event because their masters are listed on Wall Street. Americans have lost their belief in this system to be honest with them. Also businesses are using any excuse they can to cash in their chips and run, thereby further expanding the problem. Hope everyone remembers all the rules for how to get along in a depression! We will never reverse this unless we dump the shrub and his crooked party hacks.
The other issue: Why is it that it is okay for shrub and meanie to politik around the states, on the campaign trail, when they should be at least pretending they care about all those people in Arizona who vote republican always and for shrub and meanie in particular whose houses are burning. Reminds me of the Ronald Reagan burn down of Yellowstone. Also reminds me of Bush I fishing on the lake instead of being there for the victims of Hurricane Camille.
WHY does nobody mention these facts?
Cindy in WA State
Dear BuzzFlash,
Do you think Republicans would let Amtrak get to the brink of collapse if it only served the "red states," those states carried by Bush in the 2000 presidential election?
Unfortunately for Amtrak, its routes serve primarily those "other" Americans who live in blue states. That includes commuters and passengers in the northeast, Chicagoans (in Amtrak's hub city), and Californians, in particular.
Fact: Amtrak carries more passengers in the northeast than any airline.
Fact: Nationwide, Amtrak carries as many passengers as a large airline -- about as many as Continental Airlines, for example.
Fact: The Federal government (alone) will spend billions more this year (alone) on highways than it has spent in Amtrak's entire 30-plus year history.
Fact: Every passenger railroad in the world receives government support.
Fact: U.S. airlines received massive taxpayer bailouts immediately after September 11th. Amtrak got nothing, despite carrying airline refugees. (Amtrak also didn't try to jack up fares to take advantage of the situation. Think the airlines would have behaved so honorably?)
Americans learned that Amtrak was one of the few ways to get around shortly after September 11th. Regional high-speed rail service would provide another mode of transportation at a relatively modest price, with both economic and national security benefits. And, yes, even people living in "red states" -- like Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri -- would be likely beneficiaries of high-speed rail corridors.
- - - - - Timothy F. Sipples
[BuzzFlash Note: And in a rather ironic note, United Airlines just asked for another 1.8 BILLION government bailout.
BuzzFlash --
Florida voters and Mitt Romney
I am from Massachusetts, where Mitt Romney is making a Republican run for governor. The Democratic Party is challenging Mitt's eligibility to be on the ballot. Seems Romney took tax breaks in Utah meant for Utah residents (worth $54,000 a year) and filed non-resident tax returns in MA. The claim is that Mitt was a Utah resident for some of the last few years - and thus he fails to meet the 7 year residency requirement and should be booted from the ballot.
Mitt (who signed the tax returns at issue and paid at least some of the preferred tax payments at issue) is not at fault. Mitt blames his accountant PWC for making a mistake on the tax returns, blames the tax assessor in Utah for incorrectly claiming he was a resident, and even blames his wife for what happened (not sure why, maybe because she married him?). Never blames himself.
That brings me to my point -- Republican openly mock and villify voters in Florida who have difficulty with punch card ballots (one chance and you are out, too stupid to vote, no guarantee vote will be counted.... and these stupid bumper stickers I see in MA that say "thank you Florida, so glad I voted for Bush" - what is that??) Fox even posted a story about 11 or 12 year kids who completed the Teresa LaPore's butterfly ballot flawlessly -- while laughing in disgust at the thought others struggled with it.
But really, where are the people gashing a supposedly bright guy who can't read his tax return? Mitt even had trouble with the easy question - where is your residence? (Mitt left that one blank.....no kidding). And Mitt, when your renovations increase your Utah home's value more than a million dollars - how can you NOT question the fact that your property tax bill just fell by $54,000?
Last I knew, one signed a tax return under penalties of perjury - which meant read it carefully before signing. Let's have one standard for Florida voters and for Mitt Romney.
Thanks
Kathy, Boston
Dear BuzzFlash,
I think providing a quick history lesson might prove reassuring to some of your readers.
The Reagan administration brought about the marriage of conservative politics and the media. To explain the news media as succinctly as possible: corporations pay the bills. In the highly competitive mainstream news field, corporate dollars are essential. Because "that's where the money is," our politicians, and therefore our government, is corporate owned and controlled. Media outlets need (a) corporate dollars, and (b) political access. To obtain these things, they must be loyal to corporate interests, and that includes supporting the Republican politicians who so obligingly ensure legislation that benefits corporations.
No one seriously expects mainstream news to be objective. Only the naive believe in the objectivity of polls. Polling is a business that provides the results that its clients desire. The polling businesses chosen by media outlets are decided by their (predictable) results. In this state, all media outlets rely primarily on what is known as a staunchly conservative polling business. Once upon a time, polls were "taken," seeking opinions of a range of citizens. Today, polls are "produced" via businesses that will provide the desired statistics.
That being said: This is why Newt Gingrich, who dumped his ailing wife for a mistress, was adored, while Clinton, who had a quick fling, was reviled. This is why John Kennedy was considered "unfit" for office due to health problems while Reagan, noticeably succumbing to Alzheimer's Disease, was praised as a brilliant statesman.
Presidents who rule during times of widespread economic health are popular. This does not apply to the Reagan era, when wealth became increasingly concentrated into the hands of the few, and poverty among ordinary people increased. We the People cared far more about the fact that the Clinton administration improved economic conditions for most people than about Monica, hence, Clinton was popular.
The general impression of Bush-Lite is not, shall we say, very good. He is considered not only an idiot, but a frighteningly reckless individual who doesn't grasp the concept that he is potentially putting our very lives in danger. This does not make one popular.
Use your head, not the polls. People aren't as stupid as the media implies.
Diane Fabian
Dear BuzzFlash,
The U.S. Agriculture Department appears to be quietly considering a controversial upgrade to an island-based animal disease research facility just off Long Island, N.Y. The upgrade would allow the department to work with infectious animal diseases posing the greatest risk to humans. The decision could pit the department’s desire for constructing such a facility, which it currently lacks, against safety concerns of local residents on or near some of the nation’s most expensive real estate.
http://www.nti.org/d_newswire/issues/newswires/2002_6_24.html#5
Chewgababy
Dear BuzzFlash,
Subj: Quote of the Day
"It’s astounding that they haven’t been able to narrow the field."
-- Henry Kelly, president of the Federation of American Scientists, criticizing the U.S. investigation of last autumn’s anthrax attacks, the culprits of which remain at large.
http://www.nti.org/d_newswire/d_index.html
Chewgababy
Dear BuzzFlash,
I sent the following letter to Senator John Kerry via his website:
Dear Senator Kerry:
First, I would like to thank you for your decades of service to our nation.
Secondly, I would like to ask your assistance. I ask not only for myself, but for millions of Americans who are watching helplessly at what is happening to this nation we love so much.
Senator Kerry, I know I am not telling you anything you do not already know when I say that the policies of Mr. Bush (I still cannot bring myself to address him as "President") are leading us down a ruinous path. Questions about 9/11 remain unanswered. The anthrax terrorist is still on the loose. The budget deficit, unemployment and crime are both up, while the stock market falls like a stone in the wake of more and more accounting scandals. The EPA has finally acknowledged that humans are indeed largely responsible for the increase in greenhouse gases, and that the US output of these gasses is expected to rise some 42.7% between 2000 and 2020 (U.S. Department of State. U.S. Climate Action Report 2002. page 73).
Senator Kerry, as a respected Senator and decorated war veteran, you have the moral authority and are in the very best position to speak for America and start pushing for more accountability from the Bush administration and the policies they are pushing.
I ask you this on behalf of myself, my two children who stand to inherit a mess from us if we do not act soon, and the 52% (between Gore and Nader voters) of Americans who voted in favor of a progressive agenda in the 2000 election.
I ask you to please read the article at the link below, and then take the bull by the horns and offer us some real leadership, not the leadership of fear favored by the current occupant of the White House.
Here is the link to the article: http://www.buzzflash.com/southern/2002/06/24_southern.html
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Very respectfully yours,
Thomas Vincent
Dear BuzzFlash,
Here's a copy of the email I just sent Roeper.
Thanks, Chris Hainey
Mr. Roeper:
I will not dispute the quotes you used from the report you referenced in your column of today.
However, you fail to mention the cost of documenting this "vandalism" by the GAO was over $200,000 which was well more than the cost of any damage. Thank Congressman Bob "Bonehead" Barr for this.
In addition, you fail to mention the "vandalism" the staffers of the father of your sainted "W" left behind in 1993 when the Clinton administration took control of the White House.
I suggest you read the following for some counterpoints:
http://www.salon.com/politics/feature/2001/05/23/vandals/
http://query.nytimes.com/search/abstract?res=F2061EFF3D580C718DDDAF0894DA404482
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34764-2002Jun11.html
I think you can find more important damage to the country you can write about since the Bush administration took office.
Sincerely,
Chris Hainey
Elmhurst, IL
