November 8, 2005

The BuzzFlash Mailbag

The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Read the BuzzFlash FAQ for info on submitting to the Mailbag.

THIS IS PART 2 OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2005 BUZZFLASH MAILBAG. CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

Subject: Walmartization

Lower prices! Out of the magic and goodness of the marketplace. Never mind that these holier than thou lower prices are being carved, by way of pay and benefit cuts, out of our individual and collective hides. "Damn! Just when it seemed like they'd adjusted to our no pay, no benefits, what do these ingrates do? They up and change the world."

Feds: Wal-Mart knew it was hiring illegal workers. Are you still bleeding Wal-Mart blue? 11/8

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: CHALLENGE TO THE U S MEDIA

These last few weeks we have endured the mainstream media's proclamations about how sorry they were they did not report the truth that there were no WMDs in Iraq; how the media was deceived along with everyone else (ignoring the fact that pretty much everyone else knew what was going on), and how you would all try to do a better job.

Well, here is your chance to prove that. Italian TV just aired a documentary that proves the US used chemical weapons against civilians in Fallujah, and how Giuliana Sgrena, the Italian Journalist who was kidnapped, then nearly assassinated by US troops following her release, had been reporting on that very story along with one other journalist who was killed by US troops at the time. The British Press picked up the story this morning. The rest of the world is picking up the story. So, where is the US mainstream media on this?

Better hurry. Once again the blogs have beaten you to the story, and the longer you wait, the more obvious it will be that you have not really learned your lesson, that you still cover up for the US Government, and all your recent apologies were just face-saving bovine excrement.

http://www.rainews24.rai.it/ran24/inchiesta/default_02112005.asp

U.S. Used Chemical Weapons In Iraq: Veteran admits: Bodies melted away before us (Information Clearing House)

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Republicans Leak About Secret CIA Jails?

Ed Henry reports on CNN that Trent Lott has said that most probably a repuglican senator or aide leaked the info re. secret CIA jails to the WaPo. He said that the senate repugs had had a meeting on this subject a few days ago, and most probably someone from that group leaked it.

This should be very interesting....Frist and Hastert may regret starting an investigation, which may backfire and point to one of their own!!!!!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Tax-exempt Status

On the tax-exempt status....it is brutally clear that only the anti-war sermons are being subjected to scrutiny.

Nowhere have I heard yet of Pat Robertson's (calling on the assassination of Chavez) or Jerry Falwell's 'churches' being subjected to the same intense scrutiny.....or repeal of tax-exempt status.

... darn, that librul' media!!!!!!!!

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Senator Stevens on a Bridge to Nowhere

Why would you want to live somewhere that is below sea level? This is the question posed by Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska to a Lakeview resident in New Orleans. Mr. Stevens caught that woman at a disadvantage. She was standing in front of the wreck and ruin not only of her home, but of her community and her city. Trying to respond to such an insensitive question can be tough when your devastating loss is all around you.

Further investigation into Sen. Stevens reveals a pattern of crass, obstinate behavior. When the senate asked that Sen. Stevens allow money to be given to New Orleans infrastructure repair that was earmarked for pet “pork” projects in Alaska, he screamed at the senate, No! The aged senator responded with threats that he would resign if this federal money was taken away from his state and given to New Orleans. It would be discrimination against his state, he declared.

This emotional response, despite the fact that Alaska is second only to New Mexico in the amount of federal money distributed per resident. For those that haven’t been following, this bitter tirade was in defense of the infamous ‘bridge to nowhere’. The senate voted and Stevens won his pork.

This morning, the Times Picayune headlined that Stevens said, "Rome wasn't built in a day ... and New Orleans won't be rebuilt in a day." Frustrated businessmen, asking when they would be receiving federal aid, were told, not until after Christmas. Citing a poor economy, the war in Iraq and several natural disasters this season, Mr. Stevens says it will be difficult to help the Gulf residents soon.

Also in today’s paper: “FEMA grant payouts could be weeks away.” No one wants to take responsibility or make a sacrifice for someone else in need. Sen. Stevens and his party better not come to my town again and talk about values and morality. They have shown themselves to be in short supply.

Thank you Senator Stevens for your visit. You managed to hurt more than help an already difficult situation. No matter. We will survive. What might not survive is your party's grip on this nation. The gulf coast got a taste of what happens on a federal level when your party has the reins. I hear the whispering of angry republicans that feel your party left them out in the rain. Still Senator, you got your damn bridge, now let me tell you what you can do with it……..

Mr. Stevens's Tirade (Washington Post Editorial)

Senators stunned by scope of damage (The Times Picayune)

Melanie
New Orleans