October 14, 2002
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Dear BuzzFlash,
Many MANY thanks for putting the announcement of Jimmy Carter getting the Nobel Peace Prize on your site.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, "blessed are the peacemakers."
Although Jimmy Carter was persecuted because he walked his faith as a true Christian, he is truly blessed today.
a BuzzFlash reader
Subj: elaine in Petaluma
Dear BuzzFlash,
Your Oct 11th letter in the mailbag was about as perfect a letter that I have ever read. History has recorded it Elaine -- and there are millions out here who agree with you, that Peace on Earth, and goodwill towards men, is not just "for a season."
Thanks!
JJ
San
Diego, CA
Dear BuzzFlash,
A Reply to a DNC Email
Re: Regarding Your Membership
Because of your urging to Democrats to approve the resolution allowing Bush to take military action against Iraq in order to "put that issue behind so that the Democrats can concentrate on their economic issues," you will never receive another donation from me again.
Are you all totally insane? Are political maneuverings more important than giving this unelected president free rein to wage war??? With the Democratic 'yes' votes on the resolution you just gave our pretender president everything he wants! Do any Democrats really believe this guy will keep his word and try diplomacy first? Not a chance in hell that he will.
Haven't you studied Bush and his cohorts' records?? Are you so into your internal election machinations that you've lost sight of the forest for the trees? For heaven's sake, you can't trust this man who willingly accepted the Presidency when he knew he'd lost the national vote and the vote in Florida, and thus the election, if his buddies on the Supreme Court hadn't moved in to select him as president by stopping the vote recount in Florida?? That, alone, was the profile of a man of no character.
You guys are so out of touch with Democrats across the country that you don't deserve to represent us. There is rage out here! There is fury out here that our Democratic representatives have turned spineless since the stolen election and are terrified to speak out. Why are they terrified? Bush never had a mandate. Most of us out here believe he stole the election. Yes, maybe his poll numbers went up after 9/11, but it's the instinct of Americans to stand behind their leader in times of crisis. Those poll numbers were a mile wide and an inch deep. Why couldn't you so-called political experts see that??? You still don't see it, do you? You just don't get it.
What the Democratic base and Democratic leaning Independents want is for SOMEONE to stand up to Bush and reveal that the Emperor has no clothes! The emperor doesn't deserve the office he holds. He's taken this country to hell in a hand basket. That's why Al Gore's speech regarding Bush's foreign policy struck such a cord with Democrats across America. He came out and laid bare the truth about Bush that the rest of you have been so busily ignoring or covering up. And you guys don't want Gore to run again? Well, the joke's on you! With their votes for the resolution, Lieberman, Kerry, Gephardt, Edwards and Daschle have just greatly diminished their chances for a win in the Democratic presidential primaries. Only Al Gore and Gov. Dean from Vermont spoke out for Democrats across this country in defiance of the Bush doctrine, and they'll get our support.
Wake up Terry McAuliffe and the rest of the DNC know-it-alls, and get out of the Beltway more. Your donations are down because you are out of touch. Democrats out here across the country don't give a damn about political machinations (which usually end up in the toilet of defeat). We want stiff-spined Democratic leaders who aren't afraid to face the opposition and TELL THE TRUTH--fight for what we believe in--don't buckle under because of political fears of not getting re-elected. Believe me and thousands of other Democrats--those Democrats who stand by their conscience will get more votes than any Democratic candidates who sniff the political wind before they make their decisions on an issue.
So straighten up, guys, and fly right. Stop playing political games. They don't work with the electorate. Don't bring yourselves down to the level of the Republicans.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Simon, Camden, ME
Subj: git my gun, the revenuers are cumin'
Dear BuzzFlash,
During a discussion of the sniper in D.C. I learned that the NRA has opposed test firing guns and storing the bullet for future reference should the weapon ever be used in crimes such as this. Seems like a good idea, but the gun lobby opposed it on grounds that it might aid the government in confiscating weapons, thereby endangering our freedom.
Just once, I would love to have someone explain to me the scenario in which this happens. What the hell, people, is the gummit going to come over the hill? Shall we meet "them" in Oklahoma? Please, what possible, plausible scenario is there where your gun can protect you from the gummit?
We, the free, can lose the press. No problem.
We, the free, can lose representative government. No problem.
But oh heavens, don't take our guns!
The libruls shouldn't waste energy chewing on each other, blaming Nader or Gore or even Daschle. The proper place to constructively direct that anger is towards the knuckle-dragging, comatose stooges, dutifully programmed with faux-facts arguments. Keep challenging this stupidity. Sooner or later the majority are going to figure it out.
C. Pinko
Subj: My crackpot letter to Jimmy Carter
11 October 2002
President
Jimmy Carter
The
Carter Center
One
Copenhill
453
Freedom Parkway
Atlanta,
GA 30307
Dear President Carter:
I am writing not just to congratulate you on your Nobel Prize. I am also writing to urge you to run for President again.
Really. I mean it.
It has been decades since the United States has had a leader in whom it could have basic confidence -- whose fundamental decency, thoughtfulness and motivations were not doubted by the the vast majority of Americans.
This is surely a suggestion you've heard many times before, and an idea you probably consider at worst silly, at best 20 years past its time.
But when I think of the calculated and hollow posturing which now passes for leadership in America in both major parties; when I consider the precipitous decline of public trust and participation in public life; and when I hear the speeches of the likely candidates for President in 2004, my natural optimism about the future of our country is shaken. Our political standards have fallen to an appallingly low level in the two decades since you left office.
Whether mythic or not, the ideals of the Founding Fathers that we were taught to believe in grade school are slipping away, and many Americans think there's nothing that can be done about it. That is why we desperately need a credible, honest, and kindly figure from the past to step forward and, through the example of his own principles, restore some of our nation's faith in democracy.
You, and few others, could be that figure. I do realize how unlikely it is that you would ever run again, but on this day of your well-deserved award, I thought those of us who both appreciate your many years of service and fear for our country should put in a word.
Sincerely,
Sam
Pratt
Hudson,
New York
Dear BuzzFlash:
Karl Rove must be jubilant. After all, he and Bush, Inc. euchred the majority of the Democrats in Congress again. Having e-mailed several influential members to voice my opposition to their intentions to vote for the Bush resolution, I was amused by their reactions. They wanted to know if I lived in their districts. Apparently, my opinion didn't matter if I couldn't vote for them.
From the number of solicitations for donations I receive daily from candidates all over the country, it is obvious that my money is important, but what I believe is not.
We can all see how important and imperative it was that this vote be taken so quickly. Now Bush has the next 14 days to make fundraising trips all over the country at taxpayer expense. What happened to the imminent threat from Saddam Hussein?
Not only has Bush managed to divide the Democrats, he has also managed to scuttle their fund-raising efforts. Which Democrats are going to want to support candidates who consistently cave in to the administration and the Republicans?
When are Democrats going to realize that more people voted for Gore than for Bush? When are they going to stop believing that Bush is so popular that to oppose him is political suicide? After all, they should consider the following: Bush speaks only before invited audiences.
Dissenters are herded out of sight in first amendment zones.
TV stations do not show protesters.
All media is owned by corporations who promote Bush. (I am so tired of seeing programs interrupted just so we can watch him boarding or disembarking the helicopter.)
Isn't too bad that we can't have Bush appear before Congress and answer questions from members the way Blair sometimes appears before Parliament to answer their questions? I'd settle for a non-orchestrated press conference. It'll never happen. We might get some more "fool me once" stupid quotes.
Depressed
and Disenchanted Bert
Pittsburgh
Subj: Mailbag 10/10
Dear BuzzFlash,
Thanks to Buzz for the book and the buttons and bumper stickers...you are not only my sanity, you are prompt with it!
I for got to thank WA in Washington State for the forceful letter. As I read your letter I get the feeling that you and your spouse are on the same wavelength...that is so very good!...You are taking a stand from those who bash our last elected president, and I am so very proud of you and the things that you pointed out.
Divorce is out of the question, not because of religion or money, but because of my age..I fear being alone, without my kids in my later years...Now, first of all, I do not think that the kids would give up their Mother...but, they are republicans, and I would feel guilt, and thirdly, they think their father is the second coming. He is one of those fathers who (also staunch republican) Don't start, I know I have the same rights that they do...But when you are in a room full of republicans, I cannot shut up and I always am outnumbered..speaking of republicans, look at what Newt Gingrich did to two wives, one of whom was getting cancer treatments.. Now, there is a perfect example of low life! I am going to a little island off the coast of Charleston, SC ... plan to spend three days there, just walking the beach, and read my latest book on the Iraq war by Scott Ritter and Wm. Pitts.
To all who have singled me out to try and help me these last two days, I will never forget you. I, finally, got my wish, Dee Turner, who is a faithful reader, sent a letter of hope and reconfirmation for the democrats that WE WILL NOT FALTER, AND WE WILL NOT FAIL.
Just to quote the most recent intruder into our White House. I have even forgotten what he said! He was talking about Bin Ladin, and terrorists attacks were new, and they hadn't given me any time to start with my conspiracy theories yet... I just do not trust them!!!
Love to you all and I will miss reading this website more than any one thing!
Thank you, again.....for the help!!!!!
Shirley, St.Louis
Dear BuzzFlash,
The international community has sent a message to this country by awarding Pres. Carter the Nobel Peace Prize. They have said we do not agree with the policies of the warmonger squatting in The White House!!!! Bush is a great threat to world peace, while Pres. Carter has spent his whole life striving for peace in this world. What a sad time for our country to have a 'President" appointed by the Supreme Court that is such a bully. He has put us and the world at great risk with his policies. But, one thing you can be sure of is that if there is a terrorist attack, Bush will be running for cover, as he did on 9/11, while the rest of us are "out there". He will be scurrying around the country hiding like a coward and then slither back to the White House when the coast is clear. Our great leader has already proved what a coward he is. The press, in all of their whoring, has raised him to hero status, but he has proved himself to be a coward.
Congratulations to Pres. Carter. He should make all of us proud!!!!
Gigi
Subj: Don't fall for pubbie tricks!
Dear Gloria and Buzz,
The feelings of betrayal that some people felt over the passage of the war powers matter are misplaced.
Gloria, more than ever we all need to stand with the leadership and confront the Dubya menace with a unified voice. The politics and tactics used during this war powers bill debate were reprehensible. The only answer is to vote out Republicans, period!-even the so-called good ones.
Let the Republicans eat their campaign money, and smooch with their media whores. The times demand it.
Next, have you heard anymore about Jason Leopold from Salon? He was shafted, royally. In this same vein, was Paul Krugman able to get any sort of information out about the allegations of corruption following Army Secretary White around?
Next, Gloria, I think we should all have a tattoo put on our bodies that says, "Never underestimate the incompetence of the Washington press corps." People following the debate around here, were quite confused by the lack of in depth reporting in both the New York Times and the Washington Post. It's a sad day when I hear that students from the Newhouse School of Communications, and The Maxwell School for International Studies at Syracuse University had more and better in-depth coverage on an obscure chat board than the two premier eastern newspapers had. Is there some sort of sleeping sickness affecting only great national newspapers?
Thanks for being here, BuzzFlash!
Steve R.
Subj: Why the Urgency?
Dear BuzzFlash,
Wanna know why the Senate had to vote Thursday and why it was so urgent to give Bush military powers so fast? Because Michael Moore's "Bowling For Columbine" came out today in major cities and they had to beat its Premier. I'm not kidding.
This is a must see movie. Don't wait for it to come to the little screen. It may not make it that far. Just like the Iran/Contra tape so few of us saw uncut, on the big screen, and how brutally it was edited by the time it finally did get to cable, Moore's film is as honest and blunt. But how long the Bush Administration will tolerate it is anybody's guess.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Republicrats
Dear BuzzFlash,
I applaud your efforts to get true information out to the people. But forget any get out the vote campaign. For the first time in 30 years I am not going to vote. Why vote for democrats that wear the name as a label but don’t believe in the Democratic party? As one person put it not to long ago, why have an opposition party that does not oppose? I am writing my democratic representative that if he is so insistent that the Congress speak with one voice, then I am more than happy to let him have his wish. I am talking to as many democrats as I can to send a letter to there “Democratic” representative and tell them that if they want something that walks like a republican, talks like a republican and VOTES like a republican, then they’ll save themselves a trip to the polls and let the republicans take the house.
As for Daschle and the rest, I want them to take a pledge that they will be at Andrews AFB every time a bodybag arrives from Iraq. I want them to unzip every bag, look into that face and ask themselves if the life of this kid was worth sacrificing for their re-election.
Formerly an active voter.
Click here: Scoop: A U.S. Military Governor for Iraq?
Dear BuzzFlash,
It's hard to believe that they are declaring their evil intentions as openly as this story suggests... I read something recently about a deliberate scheme to announce one shocking policy after another, with such lightening speed, that after a while everyone is so overwhelmed -- they can no longer focus on ANYTHING at all... Our collective brain just closes down in confusion and disbelief... Could it be that is exactly what's happening?
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: As Rome Burned, Bush Fiddled
Dear BuzzFlash,
Today's headlines boldly declare 'BUSH REVIEWS PLANS FOR IRAQ'S FUTURE'. What I want to know is when is he ever going to get around to THIS country's future?
So far Bush's domestic and foreign policies have crippled our economy, made the US an international pariah to enemies and allies alike, and destroyed what moral authority our nation had for influencing world issues. In the midst of his 'War on Terror' Bush switches gears, drops Osama Bin Laden and takes on Saddam Hussein's Iraq; while at the same time managing to squeeze in a small month-long vacation. In making this decision he ignores equally proven policy makers, American military leadership and our Intelligence resources. You can say many things about the Dauphin of Texas, but you'll never be able to say that he didn't keep his dog and pony show moving.
So now that Karl Rove has done exactly what he said he'd do, make war a perpetual political cornerstone of the GOP, I look forward to seeing the lines of Republican parents signing up their 18 year old children for military service to ensure Dick Cheney can sell more drilling equipment to post Saddam Iraq. However, considering the general lack of military service by the current congressional GOP leadership, I won't hold my breathe.
Another Bush, Another War, Another Recession... you'd think we'd have learned our lesson the first time.
Skip
Van Hook
Lexington,
Kentucky
Subj: Confused
How is it possible that George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter are members of the same species of life?
Daniel
O'Keefe, Luthier
Santa
Fe, New Mexico
Subj: What do you think of this crazy idea...?
Dear BuzzFlash,
Since Dumya may get his way with Iraq, let's make it work for all Americans.
It's obvious from guys like Cheney, Lott, Delay, etc, that draft deferments are a tool of the privileged to avoid serving the country. What would happen if a Democratic Representative proposed removing ALL deferment barriers, similar to WWII, and reinstituting the Draft? What republican could stand up and oppose such a bill without looking like a coward or hypocrite?
Would our Bellicose upper and middle classes reverse course once they realized there was no way to escape the inherent danger of service? No reserve or guard option for the draft, these units would be called up first to fill out the ranks rather than later and cycled out once draft troops were available.
Think about it. A completely blind military draft could have the potential to curb the Imperial feelings of 'safe' privileged America.
Best Regards,
S. Van Hook
Subj: Occupation of Iraq
Dear BuzzFlash -
Since this un-elected administration is incapable of governing this country, I figure they want to have a crack at Iraq.
But I foresee much infighting over the choice positions:
1) Would Arbustito or Rummy become the new military dictator?
2) Would Arbustito or "Big Time" Dick become the new OPEC Governor?
3) Would Arbustito or the Anointed Ashcroft become the new religious leader?
4) What position would be a "perfectly clear" fit for Condi?
Iraq has enough of their own problems, let's not saddle them with ours.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: No word of praise for Jimmy from W.? Why not?
Dear BuzzFlash,
The silence of the Right Wing and GW Bush regarding the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Former President Jimmy Carter is a clear indication of the sad state of affairs our country is in!
I find it incredible that one of the former presidents of this good nation could be awarded such an honorable and prestigious prize without a word of praise from the current president squatting in our Oval Office!
Most likely the awarding of the Nobel Peace Price to Jimmy Carter is an embarrassment to Bush and the Republicans not only because they are war mongers, but also because for Republicans Jimmy Carter is and has been the butt their hateful and jealous jokes. The Republicans have made it perfectly clear over the years what they think of our wonderful Jimmy Carter!
I am so proud of Jimmy Carter! I'm so proud to call him a fellow American and Former President!
Shame on the Republicans! Did they really think GW Bush was gonna get the prize?
Their hatred and jealousy is so monstrous it's impossible for anyone to ignore! This illegitimate presidency of GW Bush and his unilateral invasion of Iraq will leave an ugly black stain on this Nation's history! The GW Bush years will be another period of our history where future Americans will hang their heads in shame!
Nancy Lynn Nagy (TN)
S:It takes a Bomb to Raze a Village
Dear BuzzFlash,
Hillary Clinton spoke at the University of Rochester (NY) on October 11th after her vote to support the resolution to go to war against Iraq. She was met by 75 protesters. One held a sign that said "It takes a Bomb to Raze a Village. (the article appeared in the Saturday Democrat & Chronicle)
tom bohan
Subject: shame on Democrats who went along with Bush
An open letter to Democrats who supported George W (let me get into Iraq and get control of Iraq and its oil so I can get rich the way Dick did after the Gulf War) Bush:
How do you Senators and Representatives who laid down and let Bush walk on us want to spend your retirement years? Do you want to feel that you did something valuable, like Jimmy Carter, and reap the rewards of knowing your life had meaning or do you want to end up like some brainless, useless fool who sucked up to popularity and kissed up to get votes? Your constituents are the ones you let him spit on. You were so afraid of losing an upcoming election that you acted like battered wives at the hands of a drunk Republican husband and let him do that to your family. You let him batter this nation with at 3 Billion dollar tax bill and send our children to die or come back with severe medical problems from nerve gas, smallpox, and the like. Then you let him tell us that we can just all get vaccines. Don't you know you can die for smallpox vaccines? You did this. You took the abuse and stood by and let him do this to us. If this isn't bad enough, you let him add this insult to injury along with the alternative minimum tax that is going to be a GIGANTIC surprise to the middle class, conveniently after King George is gone in 2010 (that way the Democrat in power can be blamed for it). The rich will not have to pay it. The middle, as usual, will, and they will have to do their taxes TWICE and pay the higher of the two amount. YOU, You senators and Representatives rolled over. I am ashamed of every one of you. At least Jimmy Carter, who, thank the dear Lord, has won the Nobel Peace Prize, had the guts to say he disagreed. How do you want to spend your last years of life? Do you want to end up in your old age, if your brain is still functioning after such underuse, saying, "Oh, I went along with whatever the dictator wanted, and I have no pride left in myself. I only tried to suck up to what the media told me was popular." Or do you want to spend your finest retirement years like Jimmy Carter, who, although he lost the election because of his honesty and morality, lives a robust, healthy, joyful, and significant life? What price are you willing to pay for either choice. You will be the ones who will have to live with this decision.
anon
Subj: We will remember in 2004
Dear BuzzFlash,
Once I watched a Garfield cartoon, by Jim Davis, called "GREAT MOMENTS IN STUPIDITY." I couldn't help but recall that title when I heard we had given Bush the power to be the dictator he has always wanted to be.
Listen, you suck-up jellyfish Democrats in Congress who just supported Bush's oil quest in Iraq: We will remember you when you want to get into the White House. Maybe we should nominate Senator Bob Graham, who came out of his moderate, thoughtful role, to give an impassioned speech against one of Bush's "Great Moments in Stupidity". Should we nominate Graham for President? Maybe we should nickname him (Backbone Graham) and put it on our campaign signs. Just asking.
Anon
Subj: I am writing in Senator Bob Graham for President in 2004
Dear Senator Graham,
I would like you to work for me, a U.S. citizen, in 2004. I would like to replace my current employee, President George W. Bush, with you, because he does not practice workplace safety, nor does he listen to his employers, the people of the United States of America. If you would accept the job of president of the United States, I would be grateful. I reviewed your resume and found out that you have considerable backbone in standing against Bush. There have been many applicants, but I found their resumes weak in the area of doing whatever my current problematic employee, George W. Bush, wants. I would be honored if you would accept the job, and I will be writing in your name on the ballot.
Hoping to be your future employer,
~ a United States citizen
Subj: Bad Day for RUSSERT and George WILL (10-13)
Dear BuzzFlash,
10-13 ought to be declared "Bad Day for RUSSERT Day, Good Day for Us".
First, he gave another demonstration of his exquisite nose-for-news (all credit to him and him alone!) by foregoing political discussion items and focusing on the idiot shooter around D.C., a topic which is done 24/7 by the cable outlets and has no "news" in it. Then his 3 or 4 law enforcement experts slapped down EVERY SINGLE ONE of his DOZEN questions to them with the obvious, common sense responses, "Won't answer speculative questions," and, "Won't compromise the investigation answering that"------to EVERY SINGLE ONE of his stoopid, non-newsy questions! Too bad all of his Democratic targets (uh, "guests"), with the possible exceptions of John KERRY and Barney FRANK, can't appear to master this.
Then he featured a co-appearance between the senatorial candidates from South Carolina. (Can't say he "moderates" these extravaganzas, since he always skews to whoever is the Repub.) But, continuing his bad day, he was slapped down at every turn by the Democratic candidate, SANDERS, who was pleasant and unflappable: A couple of times, when RUSSERT harped on the death penalty, SANDERS replied that the question was just "a DIVERSION" from real issues like the economy, corporate abuse, and Social Security. Another time, when RUSSERT sprung one his infamous traps, dictating 3 choices of answer-----SANDERS replied that he didn't have to be limited to alternatives listed in the question. HEY-----he's GREAT!---(SANDERS, that is).
But we can never under-estimate RUSSERT's usefulness to the wingnuts and Repukes: Now that the manufactured furor of the Iraq vote is over, no need to bring THAT up again. Not that "imminence" was EVER a factor.
The new This Weak looks like a snoozer ready to croak by its own weight.
It is HILARIOUS to see George WILL *STEAMING* about being locked into a panel with two (and a half?) minority members, addressing him directly about how "wrong" he is about this-or-that. They said he was WRONG about Islam, WRONG about his poo-pooing of the impact of wingnut religious fundamentalists, but MOST wrong about Royal W. Shrub's own sway over his own Mal-administration's self-debates. Since Royal W. Shrub was just a dinner guest at WILL's house this past week, the STEAM shooting out of Will's Prince Charles ears was clouding up the t.v. screen. Haha. And Will's self-indulgent closing "essays" were cues for clicking the remote even back in the Sam'n'Kooky days, especially since the audience for THIS show about POLITICS has ZERO interest in hearing his raptures on baseball, but these days, the clicker just can't GO fast ENOUGH!!!!
John Garza
Here is another quote for your Quote of the Day section:
The Bush Doctrine or ???
[We need a united body that is] "intolerant of anyone who sins against the nation or its interests, intolerant against anyone who does not acknowledge its vital interests or who opposes them, intolerant and pitiless against anyone who shall attempt once more to destroy or disintegrate this body politic."
-- Adolf Hitler, Dusseldorf, 1932 (as quoted in Deborah Dwork and Robert Jan van Pelt, Holocaust a History.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Dear BuzzFlash,
Please refer to Florida Republicans by their proper name: Banana Republicans.
Keep 2000 election alive in Florida!
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: The Same old Protection Racket!
Dear BuzzFlash,
You guys just don't seem to get it! We are running a protection for hire racket by a gang of thugs whose experience in strong arm tactics and covert operations is their specialty!!! Hey, we have the biggest muscle in town so why not? America is now in the best position to acquire whatever it wants and our leaders are gouging themselves on the opportunities even at the cost of a few Million innocent lives. Half the American People also support this and if Hitler where alive today he would be cheering too! American Democracy died when the American people shoveled the dirt over it's grave and continue to bury any attempts of it's resurrection! The American People get the leaders and government they deserve so what's the problem here? Stop complaining and keep swinging your sledge hammer in rhythm to the guy shackled next to you.
Truth means nothing unless you are willing to defend it!
Steven Tangherlini
Subj: Scott Speicher
Dear BuzzFlash,
You should point out (for those who don't see the timeline and the nuance) in your descriptive headline that Scott was formally declared KILLED in action by Dick Cheney's Defense Department, so there wouldn't be any stink about a guy left behind at the end of the Gulf War. It was Bill Clinton who changed his status to MIA. Suddenly Scott is now upgraded from MIA to "captured," but Cheney was delighted to write him off as dead back in 91. Who really cares about our service members? Not the GOP...
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Propaganda
Dear BuzzFlash,
I went to a movie today and was subjected to something most disturbing. Along with an ad for high-definition television and movie trivia to help pass the time, we had to watch a long clip about our military. The narrative contained things like "my commander told us 'it's not a case of if we go into combat but when we go into combat." One scene contained a high ranking officer talking about how these "young Americans" were the finest soldiers in the world. Another scene showed Afghanistan with people watching our troops arrive in a bombed out village. Here the voice of a young man spoke about how we had saved the Afghan people. The propaganda was very clever. Of course we would want to support our young people who are willing to sacrifice their lives for us. In my case however, that doesn't mean I support the government's idea of when war is justified. But it is very difficult to separate those two issues in the context of this little film. And I was astounded to be confronted with this pro-military message in the movie theater. I should not have been surprised since I have been reading BuzzFlash for some time and I should know that the tentacles of Bush propaganda are long and effective.
JA in LA
Subj: Zendaba's prayer.... addresses our doubts and (faltering) faith...!
Dear BuzzFlash,
http://www.zendaba.com/left.html
zendaba's prayer - "Dear God, Please tell me that the socially promoted individual pictured above is not really occupying the highest position of power in politics on earth! Is this your idea of the ultimate joke on humanity?! Is he your tool to punish all of the earth? Are ignorant, selfish, heartless, lying, criminals being in power part of that "strange and mysterious ways" thing or is this just a Job-like test of everyone's faith? If he is your prime tool for quickly bringing about the end times then as I'm sure you're aware he is doing a *great* job! Otherwise I implore you to remove this illegitimate, man of little intelligence and his cabal of power-mongering cronies from the office he WASN'T ELECTED to as quickly as your mercy will allow. Short of your divine intervention of a Chimp impeachment and having to wait more than 2 more years until the next scheduled presidential election please at least allow the Democratics to take control of both the house and senate on November 5th (spineless as they have been of late.) Amen."
LJBK
Subj: Poor Gaia
Dear BuzzFlash,
The other day I came across an Emily Dickinson poem titled "The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean." And for some reason, this title brought to mind the Bush Administration's environmental policies. Here's an updated Beltway version of Dickinson's work
The Aims Are Low,
The Deeds Are MeanWe'll cut the trees, we¹ll drill the seas,
The tundra we¹ll despoil,
Clear cutting is our fire break,
Our nature god is oil.Ecologists can whine and moan
It's only background patter;
We call the shots on green today.
Old Gaia doesn't matter.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Dear all,
Watching the drama unfold with the war in Iraq, and the US even considering the use foreign fighters, can the draft be far behind? Mike Royko wrote "Open-door Policy to Revive Draft," an article published in the Houston Chronicle on 4 December 1990. How fitting it is now 12 years later:
"...And since young men and women aren't rushing to the enlistment offices these days, the only way to fill the manpower gap is to restore the draft, which ended in 1973. If it must be, OK, it must be. but if we're going to have a draft, it should be done fairly. We all have own ideas about fairness, so here's mine, in the order that draftees should be called.
1. The first group should be the draft-age sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grand-children of all members of the Bush Administration.
2. The draft-age group to be called should be the sons, daughters, grandchildren etc. of those members of Congress who are Bush's cheerleaders. If they believe in charging into Iraq, let their kin lead the charge.
3. The sons, daughters, etc. of the top executives of any American corporation that sold Iraq any of the military gadgetry and hardware that has helped make possible for Saddam to become a pain.
4. The offspring of the CEOs of the Fortune 500 companies.
5. The young members of the 100,000 of the wealthiest families in America. So if he's their guy, they should show their support by shoving junior into the arms of a drill sergeant.
6. [Assign] a special task force to read every letters section of every newspaper published since the crisis began. Anything that begins with 'Let's get in there and get this thing over with...' or 'Let's blast Saddam back to...' The names of those writers should be noted, and if they are not lame or infirmed, they and their entire families should be sent draft notices.
7. [The task force] can check the editorials and columns. Anybody who wrote anything indicating an eagerness for the shooting to start - off to boot camp, killer.
8. Bush's sons [Dubya's brother Neil and Jeb]. And being drafted would teach them that the pen might be mightier than the sword in a back-room S&L deal, but not on a battlefield.
Also, I would grant an automatic deferment to anyone whose father was killed or wounded in the Vietnam War. In fact, the deferment would apply to anyone whose father served in Vietnam. They should have the right to say, 'No thanks, Mr. Bush, our families provided all those names for one memorial wall in Washington. Why don't you and your crowd fill in the next?'"
John Janks
