The BuzzFlash Mailbag

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Subj: Gov. Bush's temper shows in NYT story...

Dear BuzzFlash,

In a story in today's New York Times by veteran journalist Adam Nagoruney, Gov. Jeb Bush's temper flared with an every day Florida elderly voter. Here's the excerpt:

"... Here in Vero Beach, Governor Bush was in the midst of a conversation when an elderly voter tugged impatiently at his sleeve, demanding a moment of his time. It was hardly an uncommon encounter for this state, but the governor reacted with a flash of irritation. "I'll be out in a second," he said. "Do you know what a second is?" Mr. Bush proceeded to offer a definition ("A second is--") though he caught himself and stopped. ..." (New York Times, "President's Shadow on Brother's Race," October 31, 2002)

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/31/politics/campaigns/31JEB.html

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: DeLay's Brownshirts Riding To Maryland...

Dear BuzzFlash,

Just picked up from a fellow contributor at democrats.com, a bit about Tom Delay's Brownshirts about to do their thing in Maryland's 8th District (Montgomery County).

Emails have come down from STOMP'S coordinator in DC, one Jason Baker*** jbaker@rncc.org*** and are spreading through their organization to come from outside Maryland to disrupt the election process in the 8th district...just as they did in Florida.

They seem to have gotten away with this once in Florida, and are doing it now in Michigan, Arkansas, Texas, and other states.

Am sending this in hopes that you can put some bright lights on these cockroaches before they make their moves--again.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: New Wine

Dear BuzzFlash,

Looking for the latest great wine? How bout REPUBLICAN WHINE

Made from juice squeezed from the sourest grapes this latest whine comes to you complements of the Republican Party and their outrageously distasteful dispersion of the Paul Wellstone memorial service, the blatant lies coming from the administration’s charges against Iraq and the worst insult of all, Katherine Harris. The list keeps growing as we watch in absolute amazement as Enron steals the life savings of thousands of its employees and retired employees while Kennyboy as GW calls him whines about losing one of his 14 mansions to help support his lavish lifestyle, while Jeb Bush of Florida unabashedly sells the states environment for a few thousand dollars of campaign contributions from Anderson-Columbia (http://www.msnbc.com/local/wfla/MGA0WZIZQ7D.asp). If I tried to list all the extensive ingredients of the great Republican whine it would read like “War and Peace”. Suffice it to say, it seems that if anyone disagrees with the party platform or the administration, out comes the whine. On the bright side, this whine comes to you free of charge, unless you consider the blood of our soldiers, the future of our children and the economic security of our nation a charge.

Jack

Subj: fair & balanced election coverage?

Dear BuzzFlash,

How is this for fair & balanced--1 alleged dem-closet republican Kondrake-and the rest overt or covert conservative wing nuts

stevie g

Fox

All of the election night action will be on the Fox News Channel on cable, with Brit Hume serving as host for a report scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and run until at least 3 a.m. Commentary will be provided by Roll Call's Morton Kondracke, along with Fred Barnes, Michael Barone, Juan Williams and Bill Kristol.

"I think we've got the dream team," Producer Marty Ryan boasted.

link: http://www.rollcall.com/pages/politics/00/2002/10/pol1031a.html

Subj: Did Ashcroft Screw Up?

Dear BuzzFlash,

After clicking on the link asking "Did John Ashcroft Screw Up A Sniper Confession To Get Media Airtime?" and reading the CBS News story, "Cops Link Sniper Rifle To 'Bama Killing" http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/03
/national/main524252.shtml?cmp=EM8706 October 31, a paranoid thought crept into my mind: "Perhaps John Allen Muhammad is working for Ashcroft?"

I confess that's a fantastic idea that boarders on lunacy but with this administration anything, no matter how outlandish, seems possible.

First off it's been a little over thirteen months that pResident Bush declared Osama bin Laden the world's greatest villain, vowing that the al Qaeda leader would be tracked down, smoked out and brought to justice "dead or alive." Nothing's become of that. For all we know bin Laden's holed-up in a luxury apartment somewhere in downtown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia close to a good hospital so he can get kidney dialysis treatments.

Then there's the matter of Steven Hatfill, the "person of interest" in the anthrax letters case. I suspected from the outset of that incident that the mailings were the work of a domestic terrorist, not al Qaeda operatives. Yet can we be certain that the timing of the mailings were coincidence? Moreover, all the anthrax letters were addressed to prominent Democratic Party leaders only. From the dribs and drabs of information dribbling from the "liberal" media, it appears that the FBI has found it's man. But the Ashcroft Department of Justice doesn't seem to be pursuing this case with the verve and alacrity it merits.

Now comes the "D.C. Sniper" and a public fight over which jurisdiction gets first crack at executing, and thereby shutting-up forever, Muhammad and 17-year-old John Lee Malvo. As I see it, at this time the federal government has the weakest case leaving me to wonder why Ashcroft doesn't just butt out? I do believe there is precedence for a case such as this and at first blush it seems that Maryland's Montgomery county has the best evidence and, therefore, strongest case.

A muddled case could lead to light sentences for Muhammad and Malvo or even acquittal, a' la O.J. Simpson. And politically that wouldn't hurt Ashcroft, Bush and the Republican Party at all. Dubya would go down to Capital Hill and demand tougher, meaner federal laws mandating longer mandatory sentences and the death penalty; more federal authority over local jurisdictions in apprehending,prosecuting and sentencing cases involving firearms.

Then Ashcroft and company would have the weapons to carry out the nightmare of every card-carrying National Rifle Association member should another such sniper incident occur: the out-right banning and confiscation of certain classes of firearms for all civilians. And it will be so easy, Wayne "NRA-Vice-President-for-Life" LaPierre will hand over the membership list with a smile on his face.

Bob Jewett

Hi Buzz,

To all those republicans and to Governor Ventura who are whining over the Paul Wellstone memorial:

Who (s)elected you to be the memorial police?

Get over it!

Judith Foster,
Berkeley

Dear BuzzFlash -

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Dan's"no apologies! let's show the republicans that the days of them intimidating us by their shrill caterwauling are over" - he really put it well - the only thing I would add would be to let the media know we don't appreciate their constant pushing of the republican agenda - after what happened to Paul Wellstone and his wife, daughter and friends last week, what did they expect? that we would just say, oh well, who cares, it was a wonderful life but now let's just get along like nothing happened? republicans trying to steal another election and now they're all up in arms cause Jesse Ventura and Trent Lott got their feelings hurt - thank you, Dan, for putting it so well - after being bombarded with rush and the rest of the right wing propaganda 24/7 it sure was nice to see some real democrats on television - god bless Rick Kahn and tom Harkin and Paul's sons for filling us with energy, healing, vision, solidarity and hope - and may we never forget Paul Wellstone and all that he stood and fought for - we will win!!!!!

liberal like Paul
- Mary

Subj: polls - cell phones and camcorders

Dear BuzzFlash,

A suggestion:

Given the reports of gearing up for causing problems at the polls by republicans.

It would probably be a very good idea for everyone possible to have their cell phones and this number with them.

CALL PFAW voter hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) if you have any questions or problems voting!

Also having digital cameras, camcorders - etc available to record any illegal activity aimed at stopping voters might be a thought.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE - Flyers - 20 states - pdf printable

Dear BuzzFlash,

Printable pdf files - flyers intended for distribution state laws protecting your right to vote clearly laid out in English and Spanish.

Download your state's Voters' Bill of Rights!

http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=6523

(you have to go to the state)

note: much of the republican voter fraud has been a desperation response to this program

Also, Arrive With 5 printable Pledge Cards

(English)

http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/dfiles/file_132.pdf

(Spanish)

http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/dfiles/file_133.pdf

A BuzzFlash Reader

Dear BuzzFlash,

Hey, great story on the times. I have a story for you, all documented.

I went to the rally on October 26 in DC, and was chagrined that the announcement in the NY Times was on page A 11, below the fold, in 2 brief columns squeezed between the continuations of two other articles. I was even more chagrined to see their coverage of the rally on Sunday, again buried in the back of the paper, so I began a letter writing campaign of my very own. This is the method I used.

First, I went to the Time's masthead online, where I found the email contacts for the Times' National Bureau, the managing editor, the Washington Bureau, the New Tips contact, the publisher, the president, the executive editor, the Times' online editor, and the metro section. I also cc-ed columnists Bob Herbert, Maureen Dowd, Paul Krugman, and Nicholas Kristoff, and wrote a letter detailing my complaints. This letter, which I will provide on request, was cc-Ed as well to a good dozen or so members of my friends and family. Then I sent a letter to the Washington post, praising their coverage; this email was cc'ed to all of the above people, which means everyone at the Times. So now, not only has everyone at the New York Times gotten an angry letter from a reader, they also know that about 25 people have gotten that same letter, including their competitors. Given the close-knit nature of the journalistic world, I have no doubt that at the very least, some secretary at the Post emailed his or her counterpart at the Times to bust chops.

I got a response from a Mr. Bill Borders, an editor at the times, who addressed only ONE of my concerns. I responded to his email, cc-Ed to all of the above mentioned, asking him what about the rest of my concerns. I kept the tone polite but aggressive, and called him whenever I saw what I perceived to be bullshit. I can provide these letters on request.

The next day I was happy to see the Times' make-up article. I made a point of writing the Times again, and again cc-Ed to everyone, to tell them that I was happy they had finally stepped up to the plate and set the record straight. I believe strongly that while you must punish people who do bad, you must also reward them when they do good. The real point though is that you stand a better chance of making your voice heard when a lot of people see your letter. I am convinced it does no good just to write to one person; you must make that person an example, and if that means being shrill, so be it!

I was part of no organized letter writing campaign, although I was pretty sure that if I was pissed off, others were pissed off as well.

Thanks, and keep it up. You rock my world like Motorhead! eat the rich!

Brendan Skwire

Dear BuzzFlash,

HOW SAFE AND SECURE ARE WE WITH Republicans in charge?

During the past year, General Rove and his spin masters have told us we are safer and more secure with Republicans in charge. Read this and decide for yourself.

1) Presidential leadership lacking before 9/11. The threat, as the CIA Director testified, had reached a crescendo in the months and weeks leading up to 9/11. And, as the intelligence committee found, the kind of attack that actually occurred was anticipated and considered imminent. Our President did not prepare the nation or share critical information with us to help neutralize it. Since that time the President has been resisting an independent commission inquiry.

2) Wrong path chosen for war on international terrorism. Al-Qaeda has reconstituted itself, is attacking around the globe and, according to CIA warnings, is ready to strike us again. What has been missing is a global strategy. Ridding the world of terrorism is a shared responsibility, demanding leadership from every country. The idea that the U.S. must deal unilaterally with each country that supports or harbors terrorism is not working and never could have. Instead, all countries must take the lead in eradicating the problem in their own country. With a common goal there would be mutual assistance, including military. If any country refuses to act, it would be suspended from the UN and subject to military action. Let’s get serious.

3) Making a case for war based on assumptions, exaggerations and outright lies. As Richard Cohen’s 10/27 column in the Palm Beach Post reported, “Even before the war starts, its first victim has been the truth.” He cited 5 specific examples where the President has exaggerated or lied to the American people. Another article, by Dana Milbank, in the Washington Post (10/22) cites more examples of “flights of fancy” by our President. Exaggerating the necessity for war, while diluting the war on terrorism and distracting the American people from serious election issues, is the most immoral act of any presidential administration in memory.

4) Making enemies by using a unilateral, arrogant, and bullying approach to the world’s problems. This approach to a whole series of issues has caused the world to lose respect for Bush’s leadership and our image to suffer. The same approach to war has caused mistrust by even our best allies, strengthened bin Laden’s support throughout the Arab world and made ourselves more vulnerable to attack. Meanwhile, American diplomats and private citizens traveling abroad are living in fear every day.

How secure do you feel?

Burt Hall
Lake Worth, Florida
WW II Vet

Subj: Bush Visit and Letter

Hi everyone,

Mr. Bush paid a visit to my hometown of Alamogordo on Monday morning, to stump for Republican Congressional and Gubernatorial candidates. (We are in a very close race for the Congressional seat in this district, although our Dem candidate for Governor -- Bill Richardson -- will probably win in a walk.)

While there weren't an awful lot of us, I was one of those who protested on the corner of 10th Street and White Sands Blvd. (away from Mr. Bush's motorcade route, of course, but probably the busiest intersection in town). I carried a sign that named the sons of Otero County whose names are written on The Wall, along with the lines "No More Lies!" and "No War for Halliburton." We got a number of honks and thumb's ups, along with, of course, a number of profanities and upraised middle fingers; overall, I'm happy to say that the former outnumbered the latter.

Most disturbing thing to me, personally: the carload of girls (probably high-school age) who drove by, shouting "Viva Bush! Bomb Iraq! Woo-hoo!" I wish they could have talked to the woman who was protesting next to me, whose late husband got two limbs blown off in Vietnam, and who later committed suicide. "His name belongs on that Wall," she told me. Also, on the road leading to the site where he spoke there was a big billboard with the words "Dear George: Kick Their Ass." It really struck me how Mr. Bush is pandering to some of our worst instincts to whip up a war frenzy. I remember all I've read about Germany in the 1930s, and a cold wind blows through me.

Meanwhile, though, I couldn't resist. I wrote another one of my open letters, and submitted it to the local newspaper, the Alamogordo Daily News (which I write a weekly column on astronomy and space for). Believe it or not, they published it, verbatim: you can see it on the web at: http://www.alamogordonews.com/Stories/0
,1413,160%257E9592%257E954835,00.html You can also read some of the replies (all negative) that were printed yesterday -- and I've already submitted a rebuttal to these. On the other hand, I have received via phone and e-mail an overwhelmingly positive response to my article.

Side note: the Alamogordo Daily News is owned by the Las-Cruces Sun-News which, as you may remember, censored the open letter I wrote when Mr. Bush visited that city two months ago. Considering the very conservative area I live in, I think this showed true courage and journalistic integrity on the part of the Daily News' publisher, whom I've known for several years and with whom I have a pretty good relationship. In the rebuttal I just sent I opened up by thanking him publicly for his professionalism and honesty.

Sincerely,

Alan

Dear BuzzFlash,

In the first place, Jesse Ventura has never been the ideal governor! He was an oddity with a nice wife, who would have preferred a husband with a little feeling on the night of the Wellstone thing. I watched him come in with that sour look on his face...They do not like him there, and that is no ones fault but his. He hasn't been accepted for a while.

The wife was crying during the music...lots of people cry when there is music at a funeral. Me, for instance. I thought the entire thing was great...I would not have wanted Cheney there if even if he was well liked. Secret service would be all over the place and in the first place, Cheney is not worth it!!!

I, for one, loved the Sounds of Blackness...love good soul music and it was not Rap, for crying out loud!

How could anyone fault the song" Love train"!!!?? Oh., I forgot, Rush Limpbag... he finds fault with every thing that is done for any democrat...he hated the face of President Clinton (so what else is new). If limbaugh hates any man that looks or acts better than he, there is the answer!

If we do not get rid of this country full of pundits who lie with every breath they take, give everyone their opinion as if it were fact....we are going to go down with them! Curses to all of them, on this Halloween!!!!

Shirley, St. Louis

Dear BuzzFlash,

Silence the Republican "attack dogs".

Counter-attack....counter-attack....counter-attack! Again and again.....and yet again!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: Republicans are outraged, what's new?

Dear BuzzFlash,

Republicans are outraged about Paul Wellstones memorial and want equal time !

Excuse........me, but I think the Republicans get enough air time. In the last two years George W Bush can't seem to sign a bill into law behind his own desk at the White House, let alone without cameras rolling. CNN, MSNBC and Fox all board cast these Karl Rove orchestrated sideshows. They usually take place outside of Washington in a state that is critical for the Republicans, with the Republican candidate at the pResidents side. Than the pResident gives a speech that usually has nothing to do with the bill, but everything to do with Republican campaign issues. Talk about saving the Republican Party money!!! Do Democrats get outraged and demand equal time, no.

Democrats and taxpayers should get outraged, because we are footing the bill for these campaign trips not the Republican party.

Could we get an accounting of these trips, I for one would like the Republicans to reimburse that portion of my taxes that they used for their purposes, they certainly were not used for mine.

Cheryl Taylor
Frost, Tx

Re: The Bleating of the Hogs

Dear BuzzFlash,

I would also like to mention that on last night's Crossfire, during which Tucker Carlson made an even bigger ass of himself than one would have thought possible, even for him, a woman who had worked full-time for many months on Wellstone's campaign told Tucker Carlson and the audience/listeners that the funeral for Paul Wellstone had been the day before the 'memorial.' The funeral was private and press was not permitted. Thus, they have no idea whether or not the event was "tasteful."

The following day, which they (Republicans) keep trying to have listeners believe was a funeral, was a "celebration" of Paul Wellstone's life. It was planned by his two surviving sons to honor and celebrate their father's life. My husband and I had not heard this anywhere else. So I think, again, the truth is being withheld in favor of a big news/media circus that can be twisted and manipulated to smear Democrats. When you have no substance to back up your position, you have to resort to these kinds of dishonest, hateful things. Sadly, this is the rule, not the exception.

A BuzzFlash Reader

P.S. Close to tying with Tucker Carlson for the title of being the biggest self-serving loudmouth, is Jesse Ventura with his ignorant, staged position regarding the memorial (and his walkout).

Dear BuzzFlash,

Theater of the absurd: bush admin. officials LIE so chronically and pervasively, its quite difficult to keep up...

In this instance, serial liar Harvey Pitt, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, WITHHELD RELEVANT information regarding William Webster's nomination to a "new board overseeing the accounting industry."

LJBK

October 31, 2002

Audit Overseer Cited Problems in Previous Post

By STEPHEN LABATON

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/31/business/31ACCO.html

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 — Shortly before William H. Webster was appointed to head a new board overseeing the accounting profession by the Securities and Exchange Commission last Friday, he told the commission's chairman, Harvey L. Pitt, that he had until recently headed the auditing committee of a company that was facing fraud accusations, Mr. Webster recounted today.

Mr. Pitt chose not to tell the other four commissioners who voted on Mr. Webster's nomination that day, according to S.E.C. officials. White House officials said they, too, were not informed about the details of Mr. Webster's work for the company.

To Shaula Evans and other Buzzers -

Shaula, I too, was inspired by Paul Wellstone's example and called the local office of the Democratic candidate for my district. Today I made phone calls for several hours and have lots more to go. It's not something I naturally enjoy but I stayed on the phone even missing the annual trick-or-treaters (my husband did those honors).

Yes, a few people are rude (one woman balked at my candidate being pro-choice because she was a "Christian" but I said in that case she might want to reconsider voting for the other guy since he supported starting a war in Iraq--not exactly pro-life (click--oh well), but many people are still on the fence and who knows--my phone call just might make the difference. Many people even said they would be deciding over the weekend so there's still time to have an impact. Call you local offices today!! They do need the help!!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: Please Help

Dear BuzzFlash,

On the day that Sen. Paul Wellstone was killed, more then 70 peace groups were meeting in Washington DC to create a strategy to stop the war in Iraq. With the loss of Wellstone, the groups recognized that the only US Senate Race that would be a referendum on the war in Iraq was Bill Bradbury's race in Oregon! There is no other Senate race in the nation in which a pro-war incumbent is running against an anti-war challenger. Bill Bradbury is the only candidate in America running television ads proclaiming his opposition to the war.

The focus of the struggle is in Oregon.

Please-- if you can-- help us to make this information public.

Thank you, BuzzFlash!

Theresa Rossiter
Maureen Swanson

Subj: What is at Stake?

Dear BuzzFlash,

It seems very fitting, this Halloween Night, to contemplate just what is at stake come November 5. What is at stake is nothing less than the very ideals of liberty and freedom upon which our great country was founded. Should the G(agging)OP win control of the house and senate, that party will be in control of all the branches of government, and they will NOT give up that control. Should that party win on Tuesday, I could see where we might actually not have another free presidential election. Maybe I've just become negative and pessimistic, but I believe it is completely in the realm of probability, that GW will declare that presidential election day is the highest terrorist threat day of all time, and that (to keep our country safe) the election should be postponed until that time that the axis of evil and all enemies of America have been defeated.

A scary bedtime story for Halloween, or a prediction of what might happen in two years? I will leave the answer up to you.

Vote. Democratic, across the board. Vote.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: an amazing slip of the tongue by Sen. Warren Rudman

Hi Buzz,

I'm sure I'm not the only one who was amazed by this, but tonight on Jim Lehrer Newshour, there was a segment featuring Sen Gary Hart and Sen Rudman discussing their new summary of national security needs. While naming the credentials of participants Sen Rudman mentioned James Kallstom, "who was involved in (investigating) the shootdown of TWA". At the end of the newscast, Ray Suarez issued a correction "Senator Rudman did not mean to use the word shootdown in connection with the TWA crash off Long Island in 1996".

Well. We have all suspected something for a long time. I would guess Senator Rudman did not misspeak, he just accidentally blurted it out. I read, probably on your website, or democrats.com that a Navy seaman had come forward anonymously to say that it was a Navy accident. Sounds like maybe that was the case.

This isn't an important or timely item, given the elections and terror, and the probable war on Iraq, but I thought it was worth a mention, just as a matter of interest..

Carol Brown
Marietta, GA

Dear BuzzFlash,

Today I received a very nasty and negative 4-color brochure against Bill McBride. The cover says: A Warning to Florida's Taxpayers.

I am trying to find out who sent it. The only info on it is People for a Better Florida, PO Box 16158, Tallahassee, FL 32317 and This public policy message presented by People for a Better Florida. It doesn't say who paid for it. Then they ask recipients to call Bill and tell him we can't afford his big spending, tax hiking ways. What a...holes!

If you have any information on this Republican front please let me know.

BJ Russ

[BuzzFlash Note: According to this newspaper report, the "Florida Medical Association is backing People for a Better Florida."]

Subj: The Press? What Press?

I see they're hanging Fastow of ENRON in preparations for the November 5th elections.

Where's Kenny boy these days? The Caribbean? The Rockies? France?

Oh, never mind. Just wonderin.

P. Desrochers
Wisconsin

Subj: Smells Bushie to me!

Dear BuzzFlash,

For those of us wondering if we are the only ones suspicious of Senator Paul Wellstone's death, I think the answer is an overwhelming no! I attended one of the satellite antiwar protests in Nashville, Tennessee last Saturday where there were approximately 650 people. There were people there from all walks of life, young, old, black, white and brown. The rally was spirited but it was obvious that everyone was saddened by the previous day's event that took the life of one of our favorite Senators! I was carrying a sign that read: Paul--In your name we fight, which turned out to be a good conversation starter with many! I found many people, especially the elderly, apprehensive about expressing their suspicious thoughts at first, but after they felt comfortable with me every single one of them expressed to me that they thought Bush had something to do with Wellstone's death!

On the day of Paul Wellstone's death, my mother who is 78 and lives in a small rural town in Northern Lower Michigan told me that as soon as she heard that a Senator had been killed in a plane crash she blurted out the words: "I'll bet it was a Democrat"! And so is the sentiments of most everyone in that small town, she tells me.

Knowing that I am a conspiracy thinker, especially when it comes to the Bushies, I made it a point in the past few days not to lead in any conversations with people and to just let them talk. Even here in the Conservative South I have heard many express their suspicions of Bush! Wow! No wonder the big three cable networks seemed to be in overtime damage control immediately after the crash!

And as if all of this wasn't enough to stir my conspiracy thinking mind, my friend reminded me about an assassination attempt on Paul Wellstone's life that she heard about in the news during the November 2000 election debacle in Florida. I couldn't help but be curious about this one, so I decided to do a search of the news archives in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I came across three interesting and telling articles.

Toward the end of the year 2000 and before the $election of GW Bush, our Right Wing controlled Congress passed an aid plan that gave the Columbian (SA) government 1.3 billion dollars to fight the so-called war on drugs. This aid plan, a pet project for the Colombian President, Andres Pastrana, gave the Colombian government money to spray herbicides, buy helicopters, etc. for use to remove coca plants from the Colombian fields. Congressional Repuglicans in their usual deceptive selves told those who were contemplating not voting for this aid plan that if they voted against it they were actually voting in favor of drugs in our U.S. public schools! (Wow, imagine that!)

Well guess who, among a few others, voted against it? Yep, Paul Wellstone. Paul Wellstone rightfully wondered whether or not we would be able to win the fight against the narcotics trade as long as the people in Colombia and the countryside do not have other alternatives for making a living. He also questioned the Colombian government's human rights abuses, reportedly carried out in the war on drugs.

In the last week of November 2000, Paul Wellstone took a trip to Colombia to get a glimpse for himself what was really going on in our so-called war on drugs. Before his arrival and after his vote against the aid plan, the Colombian press widely and aggressively reported Paul Wellstone's dissent. Sound familiar? Well this got my little conspiracy thinking gears turning! After Paul's arrival two strange things happened: A bomb was placed in the only road leading into the city of Barrancabermeja, exactly where Wellstone was heading and Paul Wellstone and his staff were sprayed with herbicide! After the bomb was discovered, Colombian police had mixed explanations regarding the incident, some said it was an assassination attempt on Wellstone others said it was a coincidence! The spraying of herbicide they said was an accident, the wind did it! After explaining to Paul Wellstone how they were going to show him an exercise in "smart fumigation" they (accidentally?) sprayed him and his staff with a herbicide they claim is harmless to humans. The Colombian officials allowed Wellstone and his staff no opportunity to wash the substance off, and they were unable to do so until they returned to their rooms later that evening.

After these two incidents, Colombian police took Wellstone to another site where they wanted Wellstone to get off the helicopter to watch them blow up and destroy a runway used by drug traffickers. Paul Wellstone, probably instinctively, declined.

In my research I also ran across an article that speculated that Paul Wellstone was planning on running for President in 2004!

These articles are juicy and very telling! After reading them I couldn't help but wonder if our Big Oil controlled government wasn't providing the Colombian President, Pastrana, money for keeping his people down and a Big Oil and Energy friendly regime in power! It sure smells Bushie to me! For those of you BuzzFlash readers who are like me, conspiracy thinkers, I highly recommend that you download these three articles and read them! However, they are not free. It cost me $5.95 to download three of them, but they were well worth it!

"The message of the mist: Colombia's out of control"
http://nl12.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives
?p_action=list&p_topdoc=21&p_maxdocs=220

"Wellstone gets sprayed with herbicide" and
"Wellstone's scare in Colombia is a glimpse of vicious drug war"
http://nl12.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives
?p_action=list&p_topdoc=31&p_maxdocs=230

Nancy Lynn Nagy (TN)

Subj: The Right prefers to toss "human subjects" in the garbage.

Dear BuzzFlash,

I see Bush is calling frozen Human embryo's "human subjects." What in the hell does Bush know about Human embryos? The guy doesn't even have command of the English language, much less biochemistry. He's already proven time and time again that he outright rejects scientific knowledge.

These "human subjects," rejected embryos from fertilization clinics (a couple can only have so many children) have one or two destinations. They can (1) be thrown out with the morning newspaper (the preferred destiny according to our right wing brethren); or (2) used in research to save lives.

Talk about double speak. Classify them as "human subjects" and then argue that "no research" can be done on them, so right wingers prefer to toss them out with the garbage, rather than allow researchers to carry out much needed work with them to improve healthcare in this country. Can it get any more weirder than this?

I suppose under the Bush theocracy it could. God help us on November 5th so we can stop this madness.

R. Johnson
Jacksonville, FL

Re: Jerry Falwell, Man of God or a Soldier in Satan's Army? You Decide

Dear BuzzFlash,

Falwell is one of the most frightening men on this planet. Like so many others on the right, they project their own odious ways onto their enemies. They see in others, what they themselves are. One of their favorite forms of scape-goating, involves accusing media of having been taken over by "liberals," to conceal the fact, that the precise opposite has happened: conservatives have taken over media.

John Polifronio

Subj: The 'repugnant' moral indignation is enough to gag a maggot.

Dear BuzzFlash,

Just when did the United States pass a law that dictated that the funeral/memorial services for a Democrat has to meet Republican standards? What was the Wellstone family supposed to do..... call in Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, or Tammy Faye Baker to have a religious right, nut case service?

The criticism, the outrage, & the 'repugnant' moral indignation is enough to gag a maggot.

Now we know how low the republicans will go to try to have absolute control over every aspect of our lives.

Get over yourselves, republicans.... America is starting to open her eyes as to what low life forms that the current 'repugnant' leadership/ administration is.

To the Republicans nationwide........The Memorial Service for Paul Wellstone is none of your damn business.

Maggie Richards
Pensacola, Florida -

Subj: State by State - Voters Access

Dear BuzzFlash,

Voter Access Laws

http://www.nass.org/reports/nassreport_existinglaw.pdf (97 pages)

Founded in 1904, The National Association of Secretaries of State is the oldest nonpartisan professional organization for state officials.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Re: Falwell's Email

Dear BuzzFlash,

After reading Falwell's comments regarding the "fiasco" memorial services of Paul Wellstone I promptly forwarded an email to him at jerry@falwell.com and told him in very clear and certain terms what I thought of his statement.

The exact language I sent to him I cannot re-print here. Indeed, if this were a XXX site that required a VISA card to enter, I still couldn't share with you its contents. I will say this though, I do believe that someone at his "ministries" caught my drift.

Jim
W. FL

Subj: The right is frightened

Dear BuzzFlash,

As outraged as I am about the right's reaction to the Wellstone memorial service, I realize that the amount of hatred they spew is directly proportional to their fears. I say to all Democrats and progressives, "Do not be discouraged. Do not be depressed". Neo-conservatives understand fear. They peddle it daily on the airwaves to keep us all cowered but they got a good dose of what the people really feel. They got a glimpse of the anger of not just losing a great leader in the fight for true American ideals and decency, but a good look at the outrage of having our country hijacked. They are finding out that we are not all sheep. They are finding out that we are not all idiots and we see right though their transparent banner they call patriotism.

We have woken up and they are very afraid.

Let's throw the bums out!

William Whitehurst
Glen Rock, PA

Subj: Apologies and Outrages

Dear BuzzFlash,

I opened up my morning newspaper today to see this front page story:

"Dems apologize for partisan tone of Wellstone memorial"

And I got angry!

What the hell do Dems have to apologize for?

For driving Governor Jesse Ventura's wife "to tears" because of the partisan tone of one of the eulogies? Oh boohoo, honey. You're married to a mesomorphic twit who espouses some of the dumbest ideas in government. Get a life!

In the meantime, Charlton Heston and his wackopalooza NRA tour continues around the country pushing the campaigns of their Republican toadies in what has to be one of the most horrific display of callousness in American history.

As Michael Moore's states in his open letter to The Man Who Thinks He's Moses, Heston attended an NRA pro-gun rally just days after the massacre at Columbine High School. This display of despicable insensitivity doesn't stop there, however. Shortly after a Flint, Michigan 6-year old boy accidentally shot and killed a 6-year old girl with a gun he found fully loaded at a relative's house, the NRA held a pro-gun rally there. And today, just 48 hours after a student at the University of Arizona shot and killed three professors and then himself, Chuckles will once again visit the killing ground and get to say those words that bring throngs of people to their feet when he raises his flintlock rifle over his head and says, "from my cold, dead hands."

Yet this incredibly soulless roadshow is cheered wildly by those who attend those macabre rallies and by the Republicans who owe their political fortunes to the NRA.

So I ask, who the hell should be apologizing?

Certainly not the supporters of Paul Wellstone who have worked diligently for the government to bring the least bit of common sense to the gun issue. But with Congress bought and sold by the NRA, and the White House, the masters of indifference to the 16,000 gun deaths that devastate families and communities each year, there are no apologies forthcoming.

If Paul Wellstone stood for anything, it was for a strong vocal passion against the injustice and official insanity that pervades our society. He wasn't afraid to display this passion when the spirit moved him either. He also knew that people who worked for the ideals he stood for were very often young, fiery and energetic, and had yet to be beaten down by the feeling that if nothing ever seems to change, why fight the system.

So when Paul Wellstone's memorial becomes a commitment to continue his work rather than an occasion merely for remembering the man, this is not a cause for apology! When a community of people are moved to express not sadness, but a passionate determination that the selfish opportunism that defines the rightward trend in our country today must be countered, there is no shame here. Instead, they are honoring a great man in a way he surely would have appreciated.

The apology put forth by the spokesman for the memorial is an insult to Paul Wellstone and his memory. It can (and will) only be viewed as a continuing weakness as well as an admission of wrongdoing by increasingly irresolute Democrats.

Fortunately for our country, those who attended the memorial were able to transform their grief into just what Paul Wellstone would have wanted: a call to arms against those who would seek to destroy the vision of America he held sacred until the day he died.

Michael LaMartina
http://mauiloa.blogspot.com

Re: How Dare They Tell Us How to Mourn!

Dear BuzzFlash,

How eloquently that reader expressed the wonderful memorial for Senator Wellstone. It was joyous with meaning. I watched every bit of it--it was awe-inspiring.

Leave it to the mully-grub wrong-wingers to just not get it. We Democrats get it.

The few boos that Trent Lott may have gotten which wasn't very obvious when watching CSpan could not compare to the boos and derision of Hillary Clinton at the memorial for the Firefighters. All of that was enjoyed and condoned by such as Herr Lumbalk. Hillary, I believe has earned their respect, by her hard work and dedication.

God knows we liberals need uplifting now and then.

Juanita Franklin
Praying hard in Florida for a regime change starting here.

Re: How Dare They Tell Us How to Mourn! A BuzzFlash Reader Commentary

Dear BuzzFlash,

Please let Ms. Friedlander know that this was one of the best pieces of writing to ever appear on BuzzFlash. How true and powerful her words are...I only hope this could be circulated in a broader way, as she is unfortunately singing only to the choir here. Perhaps you good folks at BuzzFlash can assist in getting it before the nation prior to Tuesday. Thanks for publishing her letter...at the least...have someone hand deliver it to Vin Webber and that joke of a governor in Minnesota!

Charlie Blanks, Greenville, Mississippi

Subj: Voting in Texas

Hi, Buzz:

Per Cathy's suggestion, this is a list of tips that may be helpful to those who live in Texas and will be using the new eSlate system:

1. Go to your county's website and look for voting information. I found out after I voted that Harris County has a sample ballot on-line at http://www.cclerk.hctx.net/elect.htm. There were no samples at my polling place. Familiarize yourself with the location of your candidates' names or where to find the straight ticket option. The eSlate screen is very “busy”--a lot of information crowded on a fairly small screen. A flash presentation on how to vote using eSlate is at the same site. Even if you tried the demo machine during the primaries, watch the presentation and check out the sample ballot.

2. If you cannot access the information on-line, each precinct is supposed to have a video or some sort of demonstration on how to vote. Ask for, and insist on, help if you need it.

3. If possible, go during this early voting period--it ends on Friday, November 1st. On Wednesday at 3:30, my polling place (Bear Creek Park) was surprisingly busy. The county clerk released a statement that lines on Election Day are expected to be long and slow due to voters' unfamiliarity with the new machine. I took that as code for: "it will take so long that voters will be discouraged or need to go to work and will leave before voting." Of course, with any new system, breakdowns should be expected. Polling locations--early and otherwise--should also be listed at your county's website.

4. Once at the machine, take your time! Selections are made using a dial. Be careful--the one on my machine had a bit of "play" to it. It was quite easy to overshoot or move the cursor off a choice.

5. Voting a straight ticket is NOT covered on the website--at least as far as my search went. At the booth, the straight ticket procedure momentarily threw me. I made my selection, hit “enter” and the same screen was shown again. The second time it came up, my selection was unchanged. So, I hit “enter” one more time. The next screen was a review of my selection. After a final check, I hit "cast ballot".

6. The process is not complete until the screen indicates that your vote has been recorded and an American flag is shown. In my opinion, there will be those who think they are finished before that point and will walk away without completing the process.

7. Cathy's suggestion to take a cell phone was great! Be sure to have with you any phone numbers (including those of media outlets) you may need in case there are any irregularities.

8. The League of Women Voters’ site lists each state’s Election Division’s or Secretary of State’s phone numbers. The url is: http://www.lwv.org/voter/govote/contact.html. In Texas, the number for the Secretary of State is: 1-800-252-8683. On Election Day--before polls open and after they close--their hours are extended.

9. Interesting reading at the Texas Secretary of State’s site is “A Poll Watcher’s Guide”. It lists the poll watcher’s duties, when and what to do when challenging a voter, etc. It can be found at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/pamphlets
/pollwatcher.shtml#Possible%20illegal%20activities. Print it off so if someone is challenged or you sense that something is "irregular", you can check it on the spot.

I do not want to be misleading, using the eSlate is not difficult. BUT there are some opportunities for mistakes or confusion.

Liz
Houston

Subj: Out of Touch

Dear BuzzFlash,

The Republicans are positioning themselves in the Minnesota race as the "progressives" with Mr. Mondale being too old and "out of touch." Out of touch? They must be kidding. This is the "out of touch" administration. How could Mr. Mondale be out of touch in Washington these days when the administration is made up of re-cycled Reagan Rogues. He may be the only man in Washington who knows how to deal with these people, who understands their disconnect to the reality of today.

I heard that Mr. Coleman suspects Mr. Mondale doesn't have a grasp on how the world has changed since 9/11. Maybe we could fill Mr. Mondale in on the changes. 1) The economy is back to where it was after Mr. Reagan took office - down. 2) The administration has taken "Star Wars" out of mothballs and that aging weird looking and acting guy, Rumsfeld, wants us to now pay for it. (it doesn't work any better now than it did when you were there) 3) Evil doers are everywhere now. Mr. Reagan and Mr. Bush. Sr. bought, encouraged, and trained them in the early 80's. 4) One big change Mr. Mondale is everyone in the world now hates us and mistrusts us. Outside of the US there is only one feared rogue nation - us. 5) In case you don't recognize this newcomer, that man you see with the beady little eyes, who sweats all the time and keeps telling us we are in danger, is Ashcroft, our Attorney General. You will find him in front of the blue curtains, and I hear he sneaks peeks under the drapes at night. 6) and the people have changed since 9/11, we are now all spies on our neighbors, looking for evildoers although we don't have a description, our government is confident we will recognize them. I myself, have spotted several potential dangerous types in Washington.

So there you have it Mr. Mondale, the changes since 9/11. There is one big problem you may have; if you are connected to the people you run the extreme risk of being disconnected in Washington, and that will be your challenge come January when you are sworn in.

One happy note, we hope you will be able to joyfully fill the role left by Paul Wellstone - the new chicken s... to serve in the Bush Coop.

Sally McDonald

Re: Jerry Falwell, Man of God or a Soldier in Satan's Army? You Decide

Dear BuzzFlash,

I say let Ventura appoint an independent! That would be fine. That would keep the Senate out of the Republican hands. Ventura's time is almost up. What is his reason for leaving office? He can make more money doing other things, he said. I heard him on Hardball say that very thing.

As for Falwell? This is the man who said that Mohammed was a terrorist, which caused Islamic countries, who already hate us, to burn American flags and effigies. What a great representative he is. I doubt Jesus would have said such a thing and I doubt Jesus and God think Falwell is a good man. He is not. The Christian Coalition is a political movement. Christians need to stay out of politics. They can vote their conscious. If half the Christians in church are not registered, well, that says it all doesn't it? And, let's not talk about blacks, Latinos and Native Americans, Asian Americans, etc.

I am Christian. I vote my conscious. I vote democratic. A real Christian would do no different. If republican views are more christian, then I want nothing to do with christianity. It becomes a lower case word.

Christians who vote republican are not Christians. They haven't a clue what Jesus stood for. He once told a merchant, who approached him asking what he could do for Jesus's cause, to sell all his worldly goods and give the money to the poor. (Don't ask me to cite the verse. I don't know it. I remember that story from a childhood Sunday School lesson. It affected me for the rest of my life and was the cornerstone of many of my views now.) Do you think Enron execs, Worldcom execs, Arthur Anderson execs, (probably ALL repugs) to name a FEW, would do such a thing? NEVER. Oh, this merchant was horrified at what Jesus said. Just as republican christians are. Funny, you never hear that parable coming out of their mouths. That one is too inconvenient.

Cathy Casper

Subj: Pentagon Plan to Provoke Terrorist Attacks

Dear BuzzFlash,

Thought you might be interested in this piece from The Moscow Times. Here's the gist: The Pentagon is now planning to set up a special "super-Intelligence Support Activity" whose purpose will be to PROVOKE terrorist attacks. The rationale is that this will draw out terrorist groups so that US forces can then "counter-attack" them. This info was buried in a good article by William Arkin in the LA Post last Sunday, on the expansion of the "covert armed forces" under Rumsfeld's control. The facts come directly from a Pentagon document prepared for Rumsfeld. In short, the US government is now going into the business of "stimulating reactions" by terrorist groups - that is, provoking murderous violence against innocent people, in order to push the Bush Administration's own geopolitical ambitions. Incredible.

Anyway, here's the URL for your consideration.

Yours,

Chris Floyd

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2002/11/01/120.html

Subj: Vote Democratic In Arizona

Dear BuzzFlash,

I want to tell all Arizona voters out there that they need to pay special attention and vote for Janet Napolitano for governor. The Republican, Matt Salmon, is a lobbyist who did not register as such. He was a lobbyist for Qwest. Incidentally, Qwest is one of the slipshod corporations that is under fire by none other than Attorney General Janet Napolitano's office, and rightfully so. Another office you need to be careful of is school superintendent. Vote for Dr. Jay Blanchard. He will give us full day kindergarten and he'll have the money to do it by throwing out that ridiculous, tax burden of an AIMS test, which hurts so many families and is a racist instrument which measures NOTHING. He will not hurt kids. Further, his opponent, Republican Tom Horne, is trying to impose a stupid high stakes test for graduation AND he is trying to backpeddle on the fact that HE shut down parent choice programs at a poor elementary school in his area just as school started. He is trying to blame it on someone else but a recent Arizona Republic newspaper article shows that it was Horne who did that. He also is reported by someone who wrote to the Republic as having shady business deals.

mari

Re: How Dare They Tell Us How to Mourn!

Dear Monica,

Thank you for putting in words the outrage and indignation I felt when I heard those pompous Republican gas bags judging how we, his people, should choose to mourn and celebrate Paul's life.

I grew up in Seattle and I have been accustomed to having that community of liberal thought and caring around me. My husband and I, because of work, live in Colorado now but we have land in northern Minnesota and someday we will move there and once again I will feel politically congruent with the place I live.

I tell you this because living in this "Liberal Diaspora," when Senator Wellstone died, there were very few people I could share my sorrow with and when I heard the arrogant and ruthless criticism of the memorial I burned inside with no where to vent my anger.

Your words this morning helped me so I am writing to thank you and to tell you it also focuses my anger. Even though it is 15 degrees and there is four inches of snow out there, I will spend today and everyday until the election hitting the pavement, getting out the vote. There is a tight race for the Senate here, as I'm sure you are well aware. I just wanted you to know that what is happening there is having an impact. Let's win this thing.

Rage on Sister,

Juanita

Dear BuzzFlash,

Hooray for Monica Friedlander's BuzzFlash Report, "How Dare They Tell us How to Mourn!" This essay should be required reading for the Jerry Falwells and George Bushes among us who are currently trying so hard to be our sour little dictators. They might be reminded of the jazz funeral celebrations of blacks in New Orleans, where a somber procession of quiet, introspective music leading mourners to the funeral turns into a jubilant parade filled with up-beat music and joyful remembrance filling the streets after a loved-one's burial. Of course, the current Republican constituency would prefer if blacks would go back to Africa, where the pagan ritual of using love to overcome grief was derived.

I am led to believe that the grief felt by Paul Wellstone's friends and family during the memorial service in his honor is a kind of emotion that the dictators probably cannot comprehend. A dictator's grief is not of human origin, drawn as it is from the prescriptions of a fantastical god-belief and a cultish adherence to the philosophy of moneyed power. These people are so enmeshed in their unnaturalistic misunderstanding of human feeling and behavior that they cannot recognize real emotion when they see it. They fear and attack true humanistic expression because it seems alien to them; they are aliens, lampooning and deriding the rational and earth-bound, as exemplified by the rantings of a Rush Limbaugh. They are scornful of reality, preferring to believe that reality should conform to their contrived requirements. They want to destroy those who disagree with their precepts. They are the very beasts warned about and predicted by their own biblical prophesies.

I have lost loved ones: friends, aunts, uncles, grandparents, a father, a brother. I understand and have felt serious grief. Do Republicans feel grief? Can they understand the origins of such feelings as happiness, grief, courage, fear, love, even hate? The Republican's irate, irrational attack on the Wellstone tribute provides further proof of their intrinsic ignorance of human psychology, which is rooted in their belief in the fantasy of supernatural control over human activity, which justifies their sanctification of greediness and selfishness, which, completing a vicious cycle, serves to prevent them from understanding basic human emotions such as happiness and grief. All of this unhappily suggests a downward-spiraling trend toward premature human extinction if not vigorously opposed.

Oppose modern republicanism and save the world!

Pat Monteleone

Subj: BushCorp

Hey Buzz,

I’ve been avoiding this keyboard for quite a while now. Sitting back, watching the crap pile up. The lies stacked upon lies.

The big war talk is a smokescreen. Bushcorp wants to consolidate…to control the executive, the supreme court. The house and the senate. They don’t want talk of corruption and malfeasance to get in the way of business as usual. Bushcorp wants to divert attention from Harken, Haliburton, Enron, the Carlyle Group and the stock exchange. Bushcorp isn’t worried about weapons of mass destruction, freedom, civil rights and least of all democracy.

It’s about oil.

Why threaten to invade Iraq and not Korea?…Korea ain’t got no oil.

Why are the U.S. & Britain wrangling with Russia and Europe over the wording of the U.N. resolution? Russia and Europe want a piece of the pie. They want some of Iraq’s oil too.

Sorry guys, but it really is just that simple. Power (political power, world power, absolute power, ) comes from controlling the fuel that generates the industries and banks of Bushcorp.

We don’t need to rely on just oil and coal. We have the technology to harness the power of the sun, winds and tides. Until the Big Boys come up with a way to patent and monopolize those resources, we’re stuck with oil and coal.

The mobilization against the war has been great. Mobilize for the election. This is the Big One.

Tom Coombs

Subj: Help Mondale Win!

Dear BuzzFlash,

Here's a phone # for the Mondale Senatorial Campaign

651-310-9831

Please post it.

Thanks.

Since the republicans are using the Wellstone Memorial as their latest outrage, they were able to raise $150,000.

A BuzzFlash Reader