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Dear Buzz,

If you want to know what is really going on in the mind of Tom Delay about extending unemployment benefits, listen to Rush Limbaugh. Yesterday, between swipes at Tom Daschle, Limbaugh waxed pseudo-eloquent on his own history of unemployment. Rush observed that he was "more lazy" about looking for work while he was on unemployment, and was "out there looking for a job every day" when his benefits had run out.

So, since Rush is Everyman, every American must have the ambition of a slug unless the wolves are at the door. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to make sure that all the unemployed are truly motivated by "not renewing benefits," which is a a euphemism for "taking away the rent, food money, and medical expense money." That ought to shake all those lazy laid-off's up! (Besides, everybody's who's out of work now could have thought ahead when times were good, gotten insider knowledge, and cashed out some of their Enron shares before the house of cards fell, just like Ken Lay and the Bushies did. After all, this is the Land of Opportunity.)

Rush and the Exterminator would have fit right in back in the early-19th century British Parliament. When "unemployment benefits" consisted of one potato and one lump of coal per person per week, a serious (and ultimately successful) movement emerged to cut back on such blatantly "socialistic" largesse. They argued (truthfully, sadly enough) that the support was too close to what a worker might earn if he had a job, so the poor would be better motivated to find work if they were hungrier and colder.

Like Rush, laid off workers always find new work, eventually. (As long as you lean on them hard enough.) Until then, they can eat pork rinds and live in their cars.

David Paquette
Woonsocket, RI

Gents:

Just a short note to say that I appreciate the information I get from Buzz that I cannot get anywhere else - certainly not from the newspapers.

I hope you'll continue to provide the REAL scoop in what's happening to this nation of ours.

Thanks again.

Steady reader

Re: Living In Never-Never Land by BuzzFlash.com's Rebecca Knight

Dear Ms. Knight.

I agree with what you have written here. Election 2000 and 2002 here in Florida, where I live, were uncommon disgraces.

However, as you write for BuzzFlash, you are preaching to the choir.

But keep it going, what you write may seep out to the general public, who seem blissfully unaware of what all of this portends for their future.

Democracy appears to be dead in the United States. The people haven’t noticed it’s horizontal position yet. But they will. They will, and soon, no doubt.

Disgusted in Florida,

Donna

Daschle takes on Rush

Dear Buzz,

I think the issue of Rush Limbaugh and the right wing media machine is one that needs considerable discussion, but sadly Daschle’s approach was a mistake. I have no doubt that Daschle has been the recipient of numerous threats incited by Rush and his "ditto heads". Yesterday, Rush responded to Daschle’s remarks by telling his listeners:

"It's not just against me but it's against you folks, the entire audience. You all now are being characterized as unsophisticated barbarians. You don't know the difference between politics and entertainment."

And immediately after Rush’s inflammatory remarks his loyal followers sent a virtual avalanche of hate email to Senator Daschle. I can only imagine what he received anonymously.

Click here: AOL GovernmentGuide

What Daschle should have said was that every time Rush distorts the truth and out and out LIES about him (Daschle) or his fellow Democrats, he corrupts the political process. He should have cited specific examples of Rush’s misinformation campaign. He should have stated that it is irresponsible to give the public blatantly false information and to engage in hate mongering based upon those lies. He should have mentioned the threats only as an aside to the entire discussion with a comment that while you do expect a certain amount of threats that it is a little disconcerting how Rush shamelessly plays on people’s emotions of fear of terrorist attacks and distress over the economy.

Rush’s assertion that his listeners "know the difference between politics and entertainment" is simply not true. A CNN poll taken just yesterday shows that of those who listen to talk radio, more than 70% listen for "information" as opposed to "entertainment." But Rush, who describes himself as America’s truth detector, gets a failing grade when it comes to telling the truth. And of course, he never issues a correction or retraction when he gives people grossly inaccurate information. There are a number of books and websites devoted to "outing" Mr. Limbaugh’s distortions, but that’s about the only place you’ll see his lies challenged.

Click here: Rush versus Reality

Click here: The way things aren't: Rush Limbaugh debates reality

Some of his distortions are actually so ridiculous, they’re funny. Consider his recent assertion that the liberals would overstate the impact on the environment of the breakup of the oil tanker Prestige. Rush compared the sinking of the oil tanker with the sinking of the Titanic. Click here: Rush versus Reality I can laugh at that one. But I can’t laugh when he tells his listeners who believe they are getting "information" rather than being "entertained" that :

-The death tax will take 55% of all your assets when you die, and the Dems won’t give up the death tax; they want to tax you even after you die. (False; the current estate tax is a GRADUATED tax with a ceiling of 50%, and the first $1,000,000 per individual is exempt. This figure rises to $3,500,000 by 2009 with a maximum rate of 45%. The vast majority of Americans will never pay a dime of federal "death taxes".)

-Both India and Pakistan acquired nuclear weapons under Clinton’s watch, hence Dems are weak on defense. (Not true; both had nukes BEFORE Clinton took office)

-The National Education Association, with its liberal union membership, was promoting a lesson plan that blamed America for the September 11 attacks (A complete fabrication; they promoted encouraging students not to blame a specific ethnic group for the attacks)

-We just can't AFFORD all these entitlement programs so that everyone can live the "life of Riley" (Rush's words). Rush states that an $11 per month increase in Social Security would cost "tens of billions" and then at a later date, he ups it to "hundreds of billions". (Fact: it would cost significantly less, around 6 billion, and I think what most people on Social Security would like is to be able to afford both their prescriptions and food. Hardly "living the life of Riley.")

Rush claims he NEVER engages in personal or ad hominem attacks. Well, we know that's not true, but just how far will Rush go to boost his ratings? Well, how about this remark Rush made on his show? "Everyone knows the Clintons have a cat. Socks is the White House cat. But did you know there is a White House dog?" And he put up a picture of Chelsea Clinton. Chelsea Clinton was 13 years old at the time. What a man.

I could go on and on.

The mainstream media fawns over Rush and several networks have pursued Rush for a new TV show. He is invited onto serious news programs as a serious expert. And the Republican Party legitimatized Rush, recently giving him their official seal of approval by inviting him to address the incoming class of Republic freshman Congressmen.

In the print media, responsible publications employ "fact checkers" and label opinion as clearly that- OPINION. But Rush asserts that he is providing the TRUTH. There are no fact checkers and indeed no voice for disagreement. Rush never allows anyone on his show to challenge his version of the "TRUTH." Perhaps I should also mention that there is an alarming shortage of radio talk shows that are anything BUT ultraconservative. When you have a gullible listening public who believes that they are getting "information", Rush’s show is not just irresponsible but a true threat to America’s political process.

P Dawson

Dear BuzzFlash,

I was reading the article on Yahoo about the NATO conference, and this is a clip:

"Even as Bush said allies are free to choose, U.S. officials said privately that leaders will face stiff pressure from Bush to help out in some way or face irrelevance in the eyes of Washington, senior administration officials said on condition of anonymity.

Bush refused to meet on the summit's sidelines with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, whose recent re-election campaign infuriated the president by focusing on opposition to U.S. Iraq policy.

The two leaders seemed to avoid each other at Wednesday night's black-tie NATO dinner; they sat at opposite ends of a large, round formal dining table and later lined up at opposite ends of a wide portrait of a regal Czech coronation ceremony."

How arrogant to say that the other leaders will be considered irrelevant if they don't give in to Junior! To quote Junior, this is what every leader in every other country, especially Gerhard Schroeder, should say to the chimp: "Who cares what you think!"

~Karen

Subj: Political scandal filled with sex, drugs - and Republicans
From: "Scott R. Hotchkiss"
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2002 09:38:48 -0500

Dear Editors,

Re: Political scandal filled with sex, drugs - and Republicans

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-fawell21.html

I noticed the word "Republican" appears buried in this article only to describe former lawmaker Roger Stanley.

I wonder why.

Isn't Governor Ryan a Republican?

Isn't Scott Fawell a Republican?

Isn't Harry Klein a Republican?

Isn't Donald Udstuen a Republican?

Isn't Edward Genson a Republican?

Isn't Bob Newtson a Republican?

Isn't Mike Stokke a Republican?

Isn't House Speaker Lee Daniels a Republican?

Isn't Dennis Hastert a Republican?

Isn't Len Sherman a Republican?

Do a web search on 'republican' 'scandal' and Ryan's name doesn't show up. Nor does Fawell's. Good work.

Scott R. Hotchkiss
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Dear BuzzFlash,

Does anyone know if Sonny Perdue ever served in the military? I actually hope he didn't because ... well, isn't Sonny Perdue the GREATEST name you ever heard for a chickenhawk? Oh, how I amuse myself. Or perhaps one of you people perusing the liberal websites for John Poindexter can answer me. Anybody? Just thought I'd ask.

Barbara in NYC

Subj: Limbaugh and Dittohead . . . All!

Dear BuzzFlash,

Glutton that I am, I listened to the fat one today, for a while. Somehow, a couple of Liberals got through. The first one told him, "I told the screener that I was a liberal and so they know." Anyone who has ever listened to this fat man for an hour, knows that they never let anyone get through who would dare to disagree with him.

I could count on my left hand the times one has gotten through, likely by fibbing to the screener. Today, this man said, I suppose that you know that you are liable for all this, and that, and etc. You name it, he had him over a barrel! Then the fat one started to laugh, and the liberal, I think, likely thought he was dying...somehow the liberal faded away, I'm not sure if he was frightened or cut off! Anyway, the thought came to me suddenly, "Is this man sane?" I am not at all sure. Some of the things he says, I have always thought he is just evil, but I am not sure he is not insane. The way he laughed at something this man said, and it was not even funny. I know that Limbaugh is not real, he is phony..he is rich, put there by his right wingnut cronies. The "Excellence in Broadcast" network, has to be a joke and he likely bought the time...I feel that his time is up and he likely will not be on much longer. I think more and more liberals will start to break through and he will not be able to take it! Maybe it is just my wish!

Shirley, St.Louis

Re: Rush Limbaugh: Doing the Devil's Work and Getting Paid for It

Dear BuzzFlash,

I think it's time for all the media to print in LARGE LETTERS across their front pages of the newspapers and the internet, the wonderful list of the CHICKENHAWK DATA BASE that is on the New Hampshire Gazette's website.....

Get it out there, that people like Rush Limbaugh avoided ever going to service because of excuses like Limbaugh allegedly used, "Anal cysts." They must have grown much larger since he dodged going to service, they appear to be growing in his mouth now (obviously a WORK OF THE DEVIL...HISSS).

Slam back at them....instead of complaining... Daschle and the Democrats just don't fight back....there's so much background on these ne'er do wells and it NEVER gets mentioned in the mainstream press.

Put it out there.

What else can I say. I pass that list on to everyone I know. Take it to dinner parties...keep it in my purse, pass out copies....let the world know what chickens---s these ChickenHawks are.

Donna

Subj: Limbaugh/Daschle

Dear BuzzFlash,

Since you linked to Fair's analysis of Rush Limbaugh demonizing Tom Daschle, I wonder that you don't suggest to your readers that they write once in a while to let the media know that they do or don't appreciate certain kinds of broadcasts.

I was actually shocked when Limbaugh appeared next to Tom Brokaw on NBC on election night. Limbaugh is so clearly a partisan commentator that it seemed ridiculous to have him "analyzing" the election. I, for one, won't watch Brokaw again and I let NBC know it.

On the other hand, I think that people like Bill Moyers could use support. It would be a good idea to let PBS know that they think "NOW" is a great program and they want to see more programs like it.

Hobson

Subj: Fighting Back

Dear BuzzFlash,

I wanted to tell you how serendipitous your message was for me just now. I had been on the phone with my closest friend for over an hour and a half, talking about the very problems and conditions facing the nation today, which you summed up in a few paragraphs.

My friend asked me 'what is it that allows this country to be controlled 'by them?' My one word answer was 'FEAR.' His response was to quote FDR's phrase, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

It struck me how appropriate that great phrase is for today.

Jerry Drucker
Tarzana, CA

Subj: The Grinch is Not a Fairytale

Dear BuzzFlash,

By near and by far in the country of Who
was a leader who treated his people like doo

Christmas was coming, the people no jobs
worried and cried with weeping and sobs

But the leader of Who,
just what did he do

Sure that help would lessen his war chest,
told the people, finding a job was best

Then the people cried out, "Jobs? There are none!"
The leader and his party, replied, "Our session is done."

The leader of Who, the people he did bar,
funneled more money into his war

He bought missiles and tanks
to the people, he gave no thanks

The leader would have Christmas, merriment and fun
but his people of many, simply, would have none

On Christmas, the leader, you see
would address his people on TV

The people noticed decorations and gifts all wrapped,
their spirit of Christmas had been thoroughly sapped

Cameras showed him in the White House by a warm cozy fire
and the people began to view him with resentment and ire

Would the people remember, the years were two
when the leader filled them with promises anew

He asked for their vote to lead the nation of Who
the people sure remembered and what did they do

They sent him to the nation of Crawford along with his doo
then returned to the people, the government of Who

~ Cathy

Subj: Project

Dear BuzzFlash,

On Wed. Nov. 20, 2002, David Broder gave a speech/lecture at St. Mary's College of Maryland. It was shown tape delayed on C-SPAN.

He explained how the pharmaceutical companies (using soft money) arranged and paid for some 300-400 White House and Republican Congressional aides to travel "on vacation" to close districts all over the country, to help Republicans get elected.

I have tried to research this info, but with out lexus/nexus I'm having no success.

I think this should be blasted across the Dem sites. What's the chances?

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: Poindexter and North

Dear BuzzFlash,

Articles about Poindexter often comment on how his felony convictions were overturned on a technicality without much specificity. An article regarding the Impeachment Conspiracy by the consortiumnews.com published in 1998 connects the dots to conservative members of the judiciary, including Rehnquist. The fix was in...

For example:

Though normally law-and-order judges, Silberman and Sentelle overturned North's conviction by expanding the protections that a witness receives from a grant of immunity.

In 1991, Sentelle again served with another Republican judge as the majority on the Poindexter appeal. This time the GOP judges overturned the convictions by applying a novel argument: that lying to Congress did not constitute the crime of obstruction.

The link to this article is http://www.consortiumnews.com/1990s/consor34.html

An independent judiciary as a neutral arbiter?

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subj: Sure, John McLaughlin, whatever you say

Dear BuzzFlash,

The McLaughlin group was on the other night with their white males predicting all sorts of things and trying to influence voters again. McLauglin laid out a map and said the nation is Republican. What he doesn't understand is that Republicans won by very slim majorities. The nation is not Republican. It is just a heck of a lot easier to vote when you are rich and white and male than when you are a minority person, working full time and going to school full time, who gets sent to four different polling places before being allowed to cast a vote. Yes, that happens, and not just in Florida. So, John, You and your GOP will not last forever. There will be an end to your Greedy Old Party that you are having.

Mama Mimi

Subj: FBI

Hey Buzz,

Just wanted to express how happy I was with the FBI over the weekend. It seems that now, 15 months after 9/11 , they suspect that maybe one or more of the 15 hijackers with Saudi Passports might actually have Saudi ties .... What brilliance! What quick assessment! These FBI guys are good.

RK
Seattle

Subj: Tim Russert and Rush Limbaugh

Dear BuzzFlash,

I happened to be channel surfing Sat. night and saw Tim Russert's cable program and thought I would tune in. When I did low and behold there was Satan in the Flesh and I mean a lot of flesh, it was Rush Limbaugh himself.

People like Mr. Russert are those who are lending an air of legitimacy to this slanderous lying clown. I have had questions concerning Mr. Russert's neutrality for some time and I would urge the people who read this valuable internet site "BuzzFlash", to E-Mail Meet the Press at mpt@nbc.com and join me in protesting as Democrats the giving of a forum to a polarizing figure such as Rush Limbaugh.

As for me, I will not watch Meet the Press if this trend continues and will write prominent members of the party and encourage them not to participate on Mr. Russert's program.

Sincerely,

Stephen Farris

RE: Stop Stoning Amina

Dear BuzzFlash,

Sign the Petition to the Nigerian Ambassador protesting the Stoning of Amina Lawal for having a baby out of wedlock…pass it on

http://www.oprah.com/joint/oprah/amina.html

Last Friday, the Oprah show covered a story of a Nigerian woman, Amina Lawal, who has been sentenced to death by stoning because she had a baby out of wedlock. She has tried to appeal the decision but has been unsuccessful, thus far. The head of Nigeria disagrees with these stonings but has so far done nothing--partly because of the fear of not being re-elected.

I should also note that the father of the baby denied fathering the child and hence has escaped any form of punishment. Amina Lawal's stoning will occur as soon as she is finished nursing her child. She will be buried up to her neck in dirt and townsmen will throw stones at her head until they kill her--which has been known to take hours.

I send out a plea to all the women receiving this e-mail and to all the men raised by women to join me and many others to help prevent this horrific and inhumane event from occurring.

All you have to do is visit the Oprah web site at the link above You will see a pre written letter addressed to the Nigerian Ambassador. Just fill out your information on the bottom of the page and send it. It's as simple as that. You can even go one step further and forward this e-mail to your friends so they can be part of the mission to save Amina Lawal.

It's your chance to save one woman's life. We can claim ignorance when doing nothing to stop vicious atrocities that we know nothing about from occurring but there is no justification if we standby and allow for these events to take place when we are fully aware of them.

Please also pass this along.

Love and Blessings, Monika

Subj: Email address for Novak&Carville

Dear BuzzFlash,

I need this address in order to correct Robert Novak's propaganda regarding Canada's role in defense. He painted with a wide brush when he called Canadians "weenies." How soon they forget! Does Novak remember September 11, and where the hundreds, yes hundreds, of US passengers landed on this infamous and tragic day? Yes, Newfoundland, Gander Airport, at Canada's most easterly province.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Buzz:

Another thing in regard to Lardo Limbaugh, is that he loves it when people rant and rave and yell. He knows he has ignited a spark of anger...which, knowing the likes of him, is what he wants!

No, if it is possible, we can rant and rave all we want, even if a couple of liberals lie to get into his show, it has happened a couple of times, and he will either scream them down or laugh until the liberal, sophisticated caller thinks he is dying and just hang up. I know, I've heard it!

What he really hates, it the likes of John McCain smiling quietly and saying, "Ah, you know, I think of Limbaugh as a type of entertainment, sort of like a circus clown"! I really think that is what gets to him...we should all write and call and get in touch any way we can with this demonic man and quietly put him in his place! Only thing is, I haven't figured that place out yet...Everyone write and tell me where Lardo the Great should be put!

Thank you..............Shirley,St.Louis

I have heard him LIE, SCREAM..RANT...RAVE, CALL GREAT PEOPLE NAMES...THERE IS NOTHING BELOW HIM...NOTHING!!!!! LET ME KNOW!

Subj: If it's not about oil...

Dear BuzzFlash,

If the Iraq focus is really about the threat of an attack on the US with weapons of mass destruction and not about taking over the rich Iraqi oil fields, then Bush should have no problem promising that if Saddam falls no changes will be made in current Iraqi oil deals or policy. We need someone to ask him to make such a promise in public. What reason could he have not to make such a promise? Unless of course his intentions are indeed to claim the oil. He should be asked this repeatedly in various ways to see if he keeps to his story. Of course, I think it's all about oil.

Jeff McManus

Dear BuzzFlash,

Who pays for the security of the adult children of presidents?

Have the twins joined anything like the peace corps or any military service, big sisters or anything? They both have million dollar trust funds so they could volunteer some time. I heard Mr. Bush asking us all to volunteer at least two years.

KM