The BuzzFlash Mailbag
December 10, 2002
MAILBAG ARCHIVES  


MORE
BUZZFLASH

SUPPORT BUZZFLASH

INTERVIEWS

WORLD MEDIA WATCH

FIFTH COLUMNIST

SOUTHERN STYLE

BARBARA'S DAILY BUZZ

THE ANGRY LIBERAL

CARTOONS

CAPITOL BUZZ

CONTRIBUTORS

MAILBAG

EDITORIALS

PERSPECTIVES

NEWS ANALYSIS

NEWS ALERTS

LINK ARCHIVES

SEARCH

ABOUT


The BuzzFlash Mailbag

Important Note: Because we can't always determine your intentions, we need to ask a favor of you when you send us email. If you DO NOT WANT YOUR EMAIL PUBLISHED in the Mailbag or in the Contributors section, please write "CONFIDENTIAL" in the Subject line or at the top of your email. That way we'll know it's just a comment to BuzzFlash. Additionally, if you submit a mailbag item and DO NOT WANT YOUR NAME associated with your submission, sign your email, "A BuzzFlash Reader." If you send email unsigned, we will post your name with your submission, or, if that's not available, your email name (not the full address, just what's on the left side of the email address). Please try and keep your word count under 500. We can only post a small percentage of what is sent to us. The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Thanks again for your email and your patience.


Dear BuzzFlash,

As judge, Strom Thurmond slept with a condemned murder!

From Mark Steyn's column in today's Chicago Sun-Times:

-snip-

"And he's the only circuit court judge in South Carolina history to have made love to a condemned murderess as she was being transferred from the women's prison to Death Row.

This was Sue Logue, the only woman in the state ever to be sent to the chair, but not before she'd been sent to the back seat of Strom's car for a lively final ride. (It was a particularly bloody murder case that had begun when Mr. Logue's calf had been kicked to death by some other feller's mule.)"

-snip-

http://www.suntimes.com/output/steyn/cst-edt-steyn08.html

So do you think Ms. Logue was a willing participant. . .the man could quite possibly be a rapist!

John Moore


Re: Trent Lott Yearns for the Days of Segregation and Lynching

Dear Buzz:

It's interesting to note how varied Repuglicans rushed to Lott's defense. When Daschle was attacked by the Repuglicans, not one Democrat spoke up on his behalf.

It's also interesting to note that Joe Lieberman of all people said that Thurmond "had a good heart." Absolutely sick.

WLC


Dear BuzzFlash,

I thought you would like to know that approximately 2,000 people showed up here in Seattle today at Garfield High school to organize in neighborhood groups in order to plan actions against the Bush war plans. People came from as far away as Spokane. (about a five hour drive!) All of these groups are now planning their own individual neighborhood actions. Protests, information seminars, and other events are occurring almost daily in Seattle now. Neighboring Tacoma also had a huge protest march today. I thought you and BuzzFlash readers would find some encouragement in this. Washington State is on the move! The peace movement is on the move! Stand back George Bush! The people of the country are beginning to speak.

Rob Moitoza
Seattle, Wa.


Subj: Bush, et al = Total Insanity at Our Expense!

Hi,

Can you please make a list of all of the Bush attacks - like his trying to reverse the Family Leave Act, abuses against women's concerns, etc., etc. and put it on a BuzzFlash Comment/Opinion Page -- seems like Bush, et al are running around like crazy looking for whatever helps Americans to cut off!

Wasn't the Fed's decision to deny United Airlines a loan to avoid bankruptcy shortsighted? I have heard that there are 28,000 UA employees who live in San Mateo County who are going to lose their jobs - be negatively impacted -- and, side supporting business like food preparation as well. What are all of these people going to do? Maybe you can find a piece about that and post it on BuzzFlash.

The most disgusting thing I saw today was on CH2 CBS News this a.m. showing "Senator" Lieberman sounding just like BUSH! "Oh, yes, there is a material breach in what Iraq gave to the U.N. . . ." --- This guy IS NOT a Democrat!!!! He should be made to walk the plank!!! He is just awful --- can't he be thrown out?

Also, CH4 news blipped a short report real quick regarding Smallpox vaccinations -- Bush, et al need to be impeached --- how dare these irresponsible people put everyone at jeopardy?

I really enjoyed "Gosh sometimes the colon clench-inducing Bush political cowpies stack up so fast you almost can't keep track."

Ain't it the truth! -- Thanks,

Barb Mauz (nature_watch@hotmail.com)
El Granada, CA (San Mateo County Coast)

[BuzzFlash Note: For a very good, up-to-date, and depressing list of all things evil from the moron-in-chief, visit Wage Slave Journal's "George W. Bush Scorecard of Evil." You can also find other links to sites that compile Bush atrocities in the Perspectives section of BuzzFlash.]


Hello,

I imagine that the 12000 whatever page weapons declaration that Iraq submitted to the UN will be distilled by Karl Rove into a one page executive summary for GWBush's consumption. Here's an advance draft:

Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq! AttackIraq! Attack Iraq! Attack Iraq!

Ken Hayes
Minneapolis, MN


Subj: Liberal Media

Dear Buzz,

I just don't get it. Pundits throughout the "liberal" media have been falling all over themselves to demonstrate the the Democratic Party has one foot in the grave. Why? Because they "resurrected" such statesmen from the past as Frank Lautenberg, Walter Mondale and (possibly) Gary Hart.

Their argument? These folks are just irrelevant because they are old and are retreads from the past.

Yet these same supposedly "liberal" pundits have been fawning all over the appointments of the Bush Administration's appointments of old GOP retreads (and criminals) such as Elliot Abrams, John Poindexter, John Negroponte and Henry Kissinger.

There are two main differences that I can see; Lautenberg, Mondale and Hart don't have criminal histories and they are all liberal Democrats.

So the question becomes, if the media is liberal as the GOP and every voice on the right purports, why then is the media in general so hostile to liberals and so fawning of conservative criminals (sorry, was that redundant?)?

If this makes sense to anyone, please explain it to me: fighting4democracy@yahoo.com

Troy Torstrick


Subj: 60 Minutes

Is it my imagination or is 60 Minutes slowly turning into televisions equivalent of Vanity Fair magazine? First they trot out Scott Pelley to do that puff piece interview with Bush and members of his staff. Where were veterans Dan Rather, Mike Wallace and Ed Bradley? And then there was the piece on Bob Woodward who was being oh so careful with every word that came out of his mouth. Last night they did a segment dealing with the propaganda coming out of the Bush administration as it attempts to take us to war with Iraq. Things seemed to be going just fine, with correspondent Bob Simon detailing some of the distortions and lies of the Bush administration and also its lame and embarrassing attempts to reach out to the Arab world with pop-culture nonsense. And then at the very end of the segment right before the signature "tick tick tick" Mr. Simon informs us that a recent poll shows that three quarters of all Americans believe that Iraq was involved in the September 11 attacks. It took a few seconds before I realized what he'd said. Three quarters of all Americans. Not three quarters of the Americans that were polled but three quarters of ALL Americans. Did you take part in this poll? I know I didn't. So here's 60 Minutes doing a segment on Bush administration propaganda and they wrap up the segment by spouting what has to be more Bush administration propaganda. I'll spare you all my beefs with the show as of late and simply say that given their tiptoeing around this administration and also the increasing number of celebrity interviews recently I'm starting to lose faith in this show. Damned shame too.

Scott Andrews


Dear BuzzFlash,

BUSH SNOW JOB

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Tax cuts never spurred the economy!!! O'Neill's Ouster Could Spur Bolder Tax Cuts

Dear BuzzFlash,

From all the reading I've done on the subject, I could find no instance when tax cuts actually stimulated the U.S. economy in a significant way, such as ending a downturn or a recession. I can see why we all may love the idea of having our taxes cut, but what about the BORROWING the gov't will have to do to make up for the lost tax revenue? During the 80's and early 90's, we were spending a huge proportion of the budget on interest on the debt, and that's what slid us into deep recession. Let's not go down that dead end road again!!!

Linda Hallak


Dear BuzzFlash,

I sent this to many media outlets today:

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE MEDIA?? WE ARE SO ON TO YOU! You have no reporters of merit, only mouthpieces for corporate America who bought and paid for the people in the White-house claiming to be our leaders. There are so many topics that you have failed the American people on that I would need to write you a book to cover them all. The following list will touch on a few of these topics that you fail to address, while reporting stupid agonizing blather incessantly and calling it news. It is so degrading that I can no longer bare to watch. It is truly nauseating. The List of pertinent news not being reported in the mainstream: election 2000 voters illegally scratched from the list in Florida (See Greg Palast's report on the Florida elections.)

The mysterious death of Paul Wellstone

The beautiful words many had for Paul at his memorial. (You only reported the nasty remarks by those offended that the end of the memorial was turned into a rally by thousands of sad mourners.)

The voter machine fraud. Huge secrets surround the touch screen machines. They leave no paper trail and cannot be checked for accuracy. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND YOU SHOULD BE INVESTIGATING THIS STORY. Every flaw that has been discovered has been in a Republican's favor. See talion.com for the latest on this topic.

Trent Lott's severe racist remarks. What gives? Why are you not reporting his horrendous remarks?

Robert Byrd's heroic efforts to stop the illegal resolution for war in Iraq from being signed by congress. His speeches were beautiful and powerful. Where were YOU?

200,000 people marched around the White-house in protest of this illegal war. WHERE WERE YOU?

Bush lies about Iraq. Ask Scott Ritter and the CIA about his lies. Cheney, Halliburton, the war for profit machines.

The Carlyle group that profits from war whose members include Bush Sr. Bush Jr. and the Bin Laden family.

Poindexter

Kissinger

Homeland Security

Where is the intelligent debate that is suppose to take place in the media?

Where are the great investigative reporters? They, you, are all owned by corporate America whose only motive is profit. That is why we are stuck with the sensational blather passing for real news today. HELP! You are creating an ignorant citizenry and the stakes are high for you negligence. You personally are responsible for the deaths to come in this illegal war. You have refused to present the dissenting voices that could change the murderous path Bush is about to lead us down. We go blindly because of your refusal to be honest and legitimate reporters. Do your job and your duty to your profession not to mention to your fellow Americans who's sons and daughters will die because of your failure to inform.

Truly,

Sharon Bivens


Re: Courts Rigged In Favor of Bush/Cheney - A BuzzFlash Reader Commentary

Hi,

Anyone with half a brain knew when the (not so) Supreme Court anointed Bush and crowned his President,the evidence was in. The extreme right announced, brazenly, the next thing on their agenda was to pack the courts with “their own.”

Why the surprise?

This story ought to be on the front page of every newspaper in the country in bold black large letters. Do you think you’ll hear ONE WORD of this on the t.v. news tonight. Not if Winona Ryder went shopping today.

Disgusted and dismayed in Florida (of all places),

Donna


Dear Buzz,

Barbara in NYC is right....we must all fight to preserve our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Democracy itself from the despicable USA PATRIOT ACT. Let's start, from now on, by referring to the "patriot act" with small letters rather than FULL CAPS, because that cynical name is truly offensive.

I visited the Bill of Rights Defense Committee site (http://www.bordc.org/) to read about Northampton's resolution to make their city a Civil Rights Protected Zone. It was thrilling to read of their success and how many more cities around the country are passing similar resolutions (including our Bay Area cities of Fremont, Berkeley, Oakland and Sebastopol).

Coincidentally, on the same day I visited the BORDC site, fifty high school students in my town of Petaluma, CA were suspended for protesting the war on Iraq. (http://www.ccmep.org/2002_articles/Iraq/
112602_petaluma_suspends_50_student_ant.htm
)

By suspending the students, it appears that our public high school is following the example of the "patriot act" and punishing dissenters for exercising their rights! What lesson does that teach the kids??? We must NOT allow the rights of our children to be destroyed in this way. They must not be punished for doing what they believe is right.

As a result, we have formed the Petaluma Civil Rights Defense Group, and one of those suspended students is our Student Liaison. We hope many of the suspended students, their parents, and our community will join us in asking our City Council to pass a similar resolution protecting our civil rights and declare Petaluma a Civil Rights Protected Zone.

We are fighting mad!!! And now, thanks to sites like yours, Buzz, and like the BORDC in Northampton, we are energized and determined to add our town to the many who are DISSENTING and PROTESTING the ugly "patriot act" and its repercussions in our society.

As we progress towards achieving that goal, we also want to inform parents about the new "law" that now REQUIRES high schools provide student names, addresses and phone numbers to the PENTAGON when the students enter 11th grade. This bit of legislation, secreted into the "Leave No Child Behind" bill (another horribly cynical name for a vile piece of work) is truly frightening.

http://www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2002/45/ma_153_01.html

The "patriot act" legislated away our rights, and now they're after our kids to feed their war machine. Enough already.

If anyone reading the Mailbag lives in Petaluma and is interested in our cause, email us at: PetalumaCRDG@attbi.com

And thank you Buzz for providing the wonderful on-line community at BuzzFlash....without you we would be without hope, inspiration and the INFORMATION we need to keep fighting. God Bless You!!

A loyal group of BuzzFlash readers in Petaluma, CA

--

Petaluma Civil Rights Defense Group
Petaluma, CA


Subj: War is a Laughing Matter?

Dear BuzzFlash,

On Thursday, Dec. 5th, reporters were present at President Dim Son's cabinet meeting. One of the reporters asked Bush if war with Iraq is inevitable. Several members of the cabinet CHUCKLED. It was very evident on the clip. Bush said that whether or not there is a war is up to Saddam I want to know just what is so damn funny?

Susan C. McIntosh


Dear BuzzFlash,

New Pirate Ship to be named after Pirate George HW Bush.

Navy to Name Ship for Ex-President Bush
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A30459-2002Dec9.html
The Associated Press
Monday, December 9, 2002; 11:26 AM

The Navy plans to name a new aircraft carrier after former President George Bush.

The carrier named after Bush would be the 10th Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the Navy's fleet. The ninth, also still under construction in Virginia, is the USS Ronald Reagan

A BuzzFlash Reader


Dear BuzzFlash,

This is my theory on Ann Coulter. She is the newest pop art creation by Andy Warhol, who decided, after he faked his death, that political satire was the next arena for art (What is art, etc.)

Has anyone ever seen Ann Coulter and Andy Warhol in the same room at the same time?

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: Public Takes It on the Chin in Federal Court, Parts I and II

Dear BuzzFlash,

A black day for the concept of public disclosure -- Bush appointee to the Federal bench does his master's bidding:

"GAO case against Cheney dismissed: Suit into energy task force raises separation-of-powers issues."

http://www.msnbc.com/news/845248.asp?vts=120920021310

And when it come to corporate interest v. public interest, guess who loses:

"FERC judge rules against California: Can't rely on alleged abuse to justify renegotiating contracts."

http://www.msnbc.com/news/842759.asp

Donald Koelper


RE: Story about Blasts From Cheney's House.

Dear BuzzFlash,

Guess, Cheney is building a bunker just like Saddam. He needs to get protection when the citizens come after him. He is using our tax dollars and we shouldn't know how it is being spent? They have done some terrible things to people for their power. It takes one to..... Why wouldn't they be fearful of us?

This administration just doesn't understand our government and how it works. They think all the laws and money are theirs to use as they please. No...it is not...for all that guys. You are breaking the laws of our country...democracy...and we should ask questions? You bet.

BuzzFlash reader

Judith Stevens


Subj: No Republicans to be Found

Dear Buzz:

Judge Bates dismissal of the Cheney investigation by Graham is ludicrous. Not only are we turning into a fascist state, but the American people are allowing known crooks to run our country.

All hell will break loose when the first bomb falls on Baghdad. Bush's economic and energy policies are the laughing stock of reasonable intelligent people.

Fear not, if we make it to 2004 you won't find anyone who will admit to being a Republican just like when Nixon resigned amid the Watergate mess.

Terry


Subj: Trent Lott

Dear BuzzFlash,

Surely all of the chemicals from Lott's cheap toupee have begun seeping into his brain. This is the only possible explanation for some of the looniest and most irresponsible comments ever made by a sitting senator. Was his white hood at the cleaners'?

Even Strom's best friends know he's an itinerant racist and a pig. And really, what kind of a sendoff can you really give a man whose sole legislative distinction over 50-years was a failed attempt to deport John Lennon?

Joanne G Murphy


Subj: Chain Gang

Hi folks,

Re: the editorial on the Dick vs GAO, how is it that the Dick and his compadres can always appeal to a different "venue", but the opposition cannot? This is just bizarre beyond belief. And why isn't anyone sort of looking at the nazi parallels and putting an end to this madness? (Whoops, sorry. I did not mean to vent. It's all so frustrating, though.)

Dixie


Subj: Brit Hume Trying to Cover for Trent Lott

Buzz,

If FoxNews.com puts up transcripts for their shows, you will get a big laugh out of Brit Hume's trying to come up with mitigating circumstances for Trent Lott's sorry racist ass on tonight's show.

Chris


Subj: I Am Proud of Mary Landrieu

At a morning news conference today in downtown New Orleans, Landrieu stressed the role of blacks in her victory. Standing beside U.S. Rep. William J. Jefferson, a New Orleans Democrat who is perhaps Louisiana's most influential black politician, Landrieu declared, "The soul of our party is the African American community, and they stood up.''

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27966-2002Dec8.html

Dear Mary:

Good Job! Thank you for having the courage to publicly appreciate the Democratic Party's base of its most loyal supporters. Unlike come candidates, today after your victory, you showed that you were willing to publicly and very warmly thank those who stood by you and with you in your struggle. As Donna Brazile correctly and cogently said: "African Americans are tired of 'drive by campaigning."' in which their votes are solicited in a furious frenzy before election and then their needs ignored the rest of the time. You have also shown that by focusing on bread and butter economic issues you can rally a wide coalition of individuals from all segments of society to your cause. As Dr. King said poverty is the common enemy of all people of all color and creed. Paul Wellstone realized that and so now have you. I hope that it is a lesson that every Democratic candidate takes to heart and puts into practice.

Dan


Subj: Judges

Dear BuzzFlash,

You know, I think we should start a new movement and stop appointing them for life. It seems to me that our biggest problem lies in these people when they are appointed for life they do pretty much what they want and we cannot do anything about them and it has gotten very political when it should not be. If we had elections as to retain them or not every once in a while, maybe they wouldn't be so above it all. I mean all our politicians are elected aren't they? Who made it where these people are appointed for life anyway just wondering. Thank you.

Donald Briggs
SOON NOT TO BE REPUBLICAN


Subject: MEDIA BOYCOTT

Dear BuzzFlash,

We all keep complaining that when we watch the network news or read the newspapers, all we see are Bush Boy's propaganda machines at work. I have seen here that several people have suggested threatening ad-paying sponsors with boycotts of their products if they advertise on these network news programs or in these papers. I think we might be missing the point. If we do this, we need somewhere for these sponsors to turn to. Why not just boycott these media outlets all together. When the ratings tank or the circulation numbers become a joke, sponsors will need somewhere to go. Why don't we supply them with that somewhere? Search out people in journalism. I mean true journalists, not just some talking heads or Court TV voices, but journalists that would like to syndicate to smaller outlets.

Surely there must be someone out there with the financial ability, Patriotism, know how and the connections to bring people together. People who can get the message out in the radio, television and newspaper markets. Don't get me wrong, I think that BuzzFlash and many other sites on the internet are doing a wonderful job. Honestly though, how can we reach into the local communities and start a grassroots movement when the media is obviously lulling the masses to sleep? Remember that THE REPUBLICAN PARTY SPENT OVER EIGHT YEARS VILIFYING THE CLINTON'S. THEY MADE DAMN SURE THAT THE PUBLIC BECAME SO SICK OF HEARING SCANDAL AFTER SCANDAL, BASELESS ACCUSATION AFTER BASELESS ACCUSATION TO ENSURE THAT WE WOULD DEMAND THAT THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR WOULD NEVER AGAIN APPEAR. THEY DID SUCH A GOOD JOB OF TURNING US OFF THAT THEY COULD PARADE BEFORE THE PUBLIC A MAN WHO APPEARS TO BE GUILTY OF EVERYTHING THAT THEY ASSURED US THE CLINTONS WERE GUILTY OF AND THEN SOME. WHAT WAS THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA RESPONSE? WE MAY KNOW, BUT THE MASSES DO NOT HAVE A CLUE. NOW THE MEDIA IS THE PROPAGANDA MACHINE FOR THE WAR, ALL OF BUSH'S WARS.

What I am trying to say is that like the fifties when McCarthy ruled the country and the media was his, it took people getting the word out. Getting it out on a local level, to stop the machine and change the media's attitude. Granted that times have changed, but the principal of grassroots involvement to change things still holds true. Now is not the time to speak quietly amongst our selves. Rather it is now that we should stand together and with many voices call out the same message at the same time. WE WILL NOT SURRENDER OUR FREEDOM!

Mike Andrews
Pawtucket, RI
A BuzzFlash Reader


Dear BuzzFlash,

How come when they kick butt in the midterms Bush has "coattails", but when they run into a shit sandwich in Louisiana Bush had "nothing to do with it", despite a HUGH amount of cash poured in to the race and personal appearances by The Man Hizself?

Ken Sawyer

"Republicans had little to say about the defeat except that President Bush had nothing to do with it. Ms. Terrell had no public appearances."

After Election in Louisiana, All Sides Look for Lessons

By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 8 Democrats found a ray of sunshine here over the weekend in the unexpected victory of Senator Mary L. Landrieu, a freshman Democrat, over a Republican challenger who had been bolstered by the full political apparatus of the White House and the personal imprimatur of President Bush.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/09/politics/campaigns/09ELEC.html


Subj: Mailbag Opinions

Dear BuzzFlash,

I was really gratified to know that Betsy in Dallas liked what I wrote. I get so very angry with the Republican propaganda that I have trouble formulating any rebuttal. Sometimes their arrogance leaves me speechless. I want to develop a set of talking points so that I can convince others that Bush and Co. are really a threat to us. Today in the Washington Post/Greenberg article, the author says that this administration believes in "the virtue of secrecy and White House prerogative to ignore democratic rules." This characterization is readily supported with facts - Cheney's energy task force, the changes in the Freedom of Information Act regulations, suppression of info on government websites, the appointment of Kissinger to investigate 9/11, the appointment of all those Iran-Contra types, etc. I would like other BuzzFlash readers to submit talking points and supporting data. The coining of the term Mayberry Machiavellis is a wonderful gift; we have to make it stick. Of course, when someone tells me that global warming is a myth, I can only say, "yes indeed, and witches can't float."

ja in la


Subj: This Story Dropped Off the Radar

Dear Buzz,

Remember in October a slew of articles came out reporting that the Bush administration was "cooking the intelligence books" on Iraq, as the Houston Chronicle put it? There were 4 articles that I remember. I'll include their links here. What happened to this story, BuzzFlash? It just dropped right off the radar screen. We have to get it back on. It's more important than ever.

Reminder, everyone. Congress.org has email links to the mainstream press, reporters and editors. They should be discussing the administration's current accusations against Iraq in the light of the pressure and exaggerations reported in these articles.

The Houston Chronicle - Some Administration Officials Express Misgivings (10/8):
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/nation/1607676

The U.K. Guardian - White House Exaggerating (10/9)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,807194,00.html

The Los Angeles Times - The CIA Feels Heat on Iraq Data (10/11)
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-cia11oct11.story

The Washington Post - Facts are Malleable (10/22)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61903-2002Oct21.html

Mary


Dear BuzzFlash,

I simply suggest that someone write a petition to demand Trent Lott's resignation.

I can see where our country is headed and I hope that we will live to fulfill our full potentials for goodness and for the good we can contribute to society and to mankind, but unless we turn this thing around...........!

Trent Lott has made it very plain what he plans to do with minorities and groups of people racially different from him. The Bush administration is headed that way, too. The handwriting on the wall is very clear. We've got to do something and do it quick, because the time is fast approaching when everyone different from Lott or Bush will no longer welcome in this country.

A BuzzFlash Reader


Subj: www.CounterClintonLibrary.com

Dear Buzz ~

Yesterday, while on my way home from work, I was listening to the nauseating Sean Hannity (I know, why would I torture myself? I just like to hear what the repugs are spinning so that I can counter political conversations), and this absolutely petty and inane guy came on (I can't remember his name).

Anyway, there are some evil people who are, once again, making an effort to destroy Clinton's legacy by building an "anti-Clinton" library in Little Rock right down the street from where the Clinton Library is being built. They call it the Clinton "Lie-brary."

This guy was so full of venom toward Clinton (and by the way, every time I hear about that "liberal" Democrat Dick Morris, I know there is some trouble brewing, as Dick Morris is apparently supplying the anti-Clinton library with all of his notes from staff meetings) that I was completely disgusted by the whole thing.

The web site is: www.counterclintonlibrary.com. They post the GAO papers with the alleged vandalism (I read through them ~ like this is news???!) and point to all of the former President's "evil" doing.

Thought I'd pass this on in case you weren't aware of it. I note the web site is brand new, because no one has issued any comments yet.

Thanks.

Vicki Stein


Dear BuzzFlash,

Let's be honest, it IS class warfare.

It's rich, white guys against the rest of us.

If the rest of us don't get together and squash the rich, white guys, they will squash us.

All of us.

They don't care.

They're in it for the money.

It's time to take our government back from rich, white guys, however we have to.

Joey Martin
Chicago, IL


Dear BuzzFlash,

I turned on my local radio station (WGY 810 AM) just in time to hear a promo for the Noon to 3PM Rush Limbaugh show.

I gagged when I heard "Rush" refer to himself as "the chief of the patriotism police."

Walter F. Wouk
Summit, NY


Dear BuzzFlash:

South Florida has (temporarily I hope) lost a voice for democracy on AM radio – Bob Kerrigan has gone off the air, voluntarily this time, according to WAXY-AM staff. My note to Mr. Kerrigan c/o the station, and the emails from WAXY are pasted-in below. In case you’re not family with Mr. Kerrigan, here’s a note from another listener in the BuzzFlash 2/20/02 Mailbag. We need Kerrigan back on the air, and we need him statewide! I’d appreciate if BuzzFlash readers could post any information about this.

– Kate, Boynton Beach

2/20/02: Dear BuzzFlash, Remember this guy -- Bob Kerrigan. Jeb Bush had his television show canceled fearing he was being criticized too much: See archived article (which also appeared on BuzzFlash): Columns: Sunshine Network's popular show has abrupt ending in politics Well . . . Bob is back -- with a vengeance! every morning 6-8 am in Miami . Jeb Bush beware . . . the TRUTH IS OUT THERE . . . . You can't keep a good man down. Radio Florida airs every Monday - Friday on WAXY 790 AM Miami. WAXY RADIO 790AM "Coming Feb 18th "RADIO FLORIDA" from 6A to 8A here on WAXY. Radio Florida is a news and commentary program that will give you a complete picture of what is actually happening in Florida. If you want to know the full story without the hype and spin of the politicians be sure to tune in at 6A-8A Monday-Friday for Radio Florida." WAXY RADIO 790AM


Subj: Cheney's Daughter

I'm sure y'all are aware of this, but doesn't it smack a little of nepotism?

link: http://www.prospect.org/print/V13/22/dreyfuss-r.html

Morale inside the U.S. national-security apparatus is said to be low, with career staffers feeling intimidated and pressured to justify the push for war. At the State Department, where Secretary of State Colin Powell's efforts at diplomacy have thus far slowed the relentless pressure for war, a key bureau is chilled by the presence of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs Elizabeth L. Cheney, the vice president's daughter, who is in charge of Middle East economic policy, including oil. "When [Near East Affairs] meets, there is no debate," says Parker Borg, who served in the State Department for 30 years as an ambassador and deputy chief of counterterrorism. "How vocal would you be about commenting on Middle East policy with the vice president's daughter there?" Undersecretary of State John Bolton is also part of the small pro-war faction.

Caleb Rowland


i saw on cnn this morning that the judge who dismissed the suit against cheney made a point of pointing out it was democrats who wanted the information..........i don't see any tv people pointing out the fact that bush appointed that judge to his job last year! when the republicans wanted to look inside clinton's pants, we didn't hear "well only republicans want to know"

diane anderson


Dear BuzzFlash,

Someone needs to explain the concept of irony to the people at MSNBC. In between all their furious warmongering, they now have a holiday screen that they put up before they go to commercials that says, "MSNBC" and "Peace on Earth." Ain’t that sweet?

Connie


Subj: Pugs know but wimpy Dems are still trying to figure out who REALLY got elected!

Dear Buzz,

Look at how the Repuglicans have been doing what Al Gore tells them to do! First Bush fires his incompetent economic team, per Al Gore's strong advice! Now Al Gore demands Lott apologize for his racist remarks and voila!...Lott apologizes!

Must be because they know Al Gore is the REAL President and not their phony guy they got squatt'n in our Oval Office!

Too bad the wimpy Democrats are still trying to figure out who REALLY got elected!

Nancy Lynn Nagy (TN)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32586-2002Dec9.html


Subj: Hypocrites with a capital H

Dear BuzzFlash,

It's pretty ironic that the American gun lobby is yelling the loudest about stripping Saddam's weapons, but fight any reasoning for limiting gun ownership here in the good ole USA!

~ Cathy


Dear BuzzFlash,

Has anybody noticed that Jeb is now off and running hard for the Presidency in 2008?

Every move now is calculated to that end.

A BuzzFlash Reader


some guy on cnn just said with this latest apology from trent lott it appears the story is over. helloooooo, it is not over! that man is a racist and the leader of the republican party! he is only sorry people demanded he apologize!!!!!!! this administration is doing everything in their power to keep blacks out of colleges and keep them cleaning toilets!

randi madison wi.


Dear BuzzFlash,

Conservative hypocrisy, although appalling, is not surprising. I am not a staunch defender of Islam, but I do not support the genocide of all Muslims either, as some conservatives apparently do. They are so afraid that they blame an entire religion for the actions of a few. That would be akin to saying all Christians are immoral because a handful of priests are sexual deviants. But logic and deductive reasoning seem to escape most conservatives.

Liberals have been bashed by right-wing mouthpieces such as Ann Coulter and David Horowitz for saying the (apparently) unthinkable: "Islam is a religion of peace". Well, they are entitled to their opinion and if they disagree with anyone who feels Islam is a religion of peace then it is well within their rights as Americans to voice their opinion. And as a true American I would defend to the death their right to voice their opinion. So, when they each write scathing articles attacking President Bush for saying Islam is a religion of peace, I will be right there to defend their right to freedom of speech:

From the December 6th White House press briefing by Ari Fleischer:

Q Today, close to 1 billion Muslims celebrate Eid, the festival. The President arrived yesterday at the Islamic Center, where he made several statements, of course, about no doubt that Islam is a religion of peace. But most of the terrorist activities were involved by the Muslims. So today, other than what he said on the Eid and about Ramadan, what message would be to the nations who are supporting, harboring and assisting the terrorists against the United States and victims are basically, Islam one side, Hindus, Muslims -- Hindus, Christians and Jews. So what would be the future --

MR. FLEISCHER: No. No. No, Goyle, no. People who commit these acts defy their own religion. The President means it when he says from the heart that the Islamic religion is a religion of peace. And just because certain individuals have twisted and distorted that religion for their own barbaric purposes, should not and will not in this President's mind indict a good religion. And that's how you have to look at this, as these individual terrorists are individual terrorists; they are not a reflection on a faith.

Peter Kallash


Dear Buzz,

Remember Krushchev banging his shoe in the UN in 1960? The Russians were the bad guys in the UN in those days. As kids we learned our first Russian word, ”nyet”. We learned what “veto power” meant. The bad guys vetoed all the good things the United States wanted to do. The Russians didn’t want the UN telling them what to do. The Russians did everything in their power to emasculate the UN.

The US don't need no stinkin' veto power.

Iraq's declaration of weapons was to be studied by UN nuclear experts before being distributed to the five permanent members of the security council. This didn’t sit well with BushCorp. They sent Powell off to Columbia to pay off the temporary head of the council with some spare change and foreign aid so they could get first dibs on the documents. There was no time for shoe shoe-banging and debate.

BushCorp has to do the translating, the editing and the censoring. Ostensibly this is to prevent third world countries from getting the "nuclear bomb recipe". In reality they need to delete and alter the names of the companies that supplied Iraq with the ingredients needed for foul play. (I refuse to use the wmd words). Any ties to BushCorp and it's dubious board of directors would certainly be a black eye for the chicken hawks and their administration.

BushCorp now has it all, the Executive, the senate, the house, the judiciary (they will be adding more guys soon to really shore up that end of the deal) and now the UN. Remember that last election?..The one you dismissed as just another mid-term deal?…the one you failed to vote in?…That very well may have been your last chance to vote…Once perpetual war kicks in there probably won't be time for any of those distractions from the popular front. There can't be any signs of disenchantment with Bushcorp.

yours,

Tom Coombs


how stupid can everyone be? that moron bush could tell us they have evidence that saddam is hiding aliens from outer space. we could say prove it and then he could tell us it is saddams job to prove he is not hiding them. bush wants war for two reasons----OIL AND THE 2004 ELECTION!

karen massey
south carolina


Subj: GWB won't meet with his own church leaders to discuss Iraq

Dear BuzzFlash,

Where is the media coverage of the fact that George W. Bush refuses to meet with the leaders of his own church to discuss the Iraq war? Along with 200 other mainstream religious leaders, they placed an ad in the New York Times on December 4 that objected to an unprovoked, pre-emptive attack. Part of the ad says:

"'It is inconceivable that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior and the Prince of Peace, would support this proposed attack.'

Those are the words of the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. Your church leaders have sought private hearings with you to express their passionate objections; they’ve been denied. All of us who have signed this statement share their convictions. A strong faith-based revolt against war in Iraq is building. If Jesus Christ truly “changed your heart” as you have said, let Him change your mind."

Here is a copy of the ad:

http://www.kycouncilofchurches.org/TimesAd.html

It was placed by Religious Leaders for Sensible Priorities, one of many religious groups that has raised objections to a preemptive attack. Where is the media coverage? I guess nobody thinks it's important that a man who trumpets his religious faith and gets constant political benefits from it, can't find the time to speak with the leaders of his own church on such a life and death issue.

Connie


Subj: Trent Lott Should Resign

Dear Buzz,

Trent Lott's apology may be sufficient to avoid censorship by the Senate, but it fell far short of healing the wounds that were re-opened that day.

Trent Lott apologized for the "bad choice of words" that revealed the darkness residing in his heart, but he did not apologize for the darkness.

I would like everyone to know that Trent Lott does not speak for the South. Trent Lott's racist remarks and shallow apology speak only for himself and is a sad reflection of the many more like him who reside in seemingly ever increasing numbers in the United States today.

Trent Lott's remarks are also a sad indication that this country has gone no where in over 220 years. Absolutely no where.

Trent Lott should resign.

Nancy Lynn Nagy (TN)

* * *
MAILBAG ARCHIVES

 
 
MEDIA WATCH | DAILY BUZZ | FIFTH COLUMNIST | CARTOONSSOUTHERN STYLE
THE ANGRY LIBERAL INTERVIEWS | CONTRIBUTORS | MAILBAG | CAPITOL BUZZ
EDITORIALSANALYSISALERTS | PERSPECTIVESSEARCHABOUT
HEADLINES | MEDIA LINKS | LINK ARCHIVES | SEND NEWSFLASH | CONTACT US
HELP KEEP BUZZFLASH BUZZ'N!

Unless otherwise noted, all original
content and headlines are © BuzzFlash.
Contact BuzzFlash for reprint rights.