BuzzFlash Mailbag for November 06, 2008

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Subject: Witnessing History

The tears started to come as I held my hand over my heart and began reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. After eight years of disbelief, shame and disgust, a weight had been lifted and I could finally mouth those solemn words with pride. When I came to the word "indivisible," I pronounced each syllable slowly, deliberately. Indivisible.

I scanned the 200,000-plus crowd that joined in celebration of President-elect Barack Obama's landslide victory at Chicago's Grant Park. Young, old, rich, poor, families, couples, gay and straight, black, white, Hispanic and many hues in between. At this defining moment in history, the United States of America truly feels indivisible. We are one voice, united in a call for change and buoyed by a renewed spirit of hope.

Tomorrow, the cacophony of reality will start to drown out sounds of joy, but tonight I let it wash over me, bathing me in light and love. I, no, we, have waited so long for this moment and I let it soak through to my core.

I will admit I had my doubts that this moment would come. I was with him from the beginning, this man with the funny-sounding name and complex family background. "This is our time," he repeatedly reassured us as he launched his campaign. But was America ready?

Along with millions of others, I made phone calls and walked through neighborhoods, sharing Obama's vision for a renewed America as I watched his numbers move up in the polls. But it was not just about Obama; it was about a movement. People took stock of their country and collectively shouted, "Enough." I shared with my fellow volunteers a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves.

That feeling was never more clear than as hundreds of thousands of people spilled into Hutchison Field with guarded anticipation. Victory was expected, but after having two presidential elections unravel at the finish line, it certainly was not guaranteed. Eyes locked on CNN broadcast from the Jumbotron, we waited for history to unfold.

When Pennsylvania dropped into Obama's column, it confirmed that yes, this really could happen. Sen. Obama was about to claim his place our nation's story and become the 44th president of the United States. But, nothing was final yet. The vigil continued. Then Ohio turned blue. Sweet vindication. Could Florida be shortly behind?

I forever will remember the moment that the election was called in his favor. President-elect Obama, the words are so simple, but they mean so much. I was standing on the outskirts of the throng as the cheers resonated off the skyscrapers that surrounded us. I rushed forward to be a part of this pulsating mass of humanity, jumping up and down and screaming in excitement.

But it just seemed inadequate. I needed to connect so I turned to the two people closest to me and asked, "Do you mind if I give you a hug?" I first turned to a 40ish white man, who simply wrapped one arm around me as his weight balanced on the crutch at his side. And then I turned to the African-American woman to my right and embraced her as tears slid down her face.

In that instant, hope trumped fear and unity prevailed over divisiveness. Tonight we the people took our country back. Indivisible. The victory belongs to all of us and the world will never be the same. Now it's time to begin the difficult work of restoring our country and reclaiming the American dream. Indeed, yes, we can.

Subject: Election thoughts

For 8 years now I have been wondering when our national nightmare would be over. And then this year came and I have been afraid to hope. Hope that for the first time since 1996 my vote may finally count, for I am a blue stater living in a red state - North Carolina. But I could not watch last night less I be disappointed again. So I sat at my computer, reading the one source of hope and consolation that I have come to depend on for the past 8 years - BuzzFlash. I have told many of my equally frustrated blue staters living here about your site and how you have been a breath of fresh air for me.

Then last night I heard that Ohio had been called for Obama and at last I could watch and enjoy watching the national networks again. Kay Hagan won and then Bev Perdue won our governorship and the fun was only just beginning! Finally, exhausted I turned out the light at 1:00 and tried to sleep.

Finally, intelligence and articulation and education are all to be found in our president. Finally, maybe, just maybe our nation will come together as one without the nasty partisanship that has been so much a part of the national landscape. Finally, we can all be proud of being Americans once again.

Gail Duncan
Cary, North Carolina

[BuzzFlash Note: Keep celebrating. NC was called for Obama today.]

Subject: One month after bailout, another gas guzzler

One month after the Great Meltdown and Taxpayer Fund Bailout, $25 billion in cheap loans for auto industry in which Ford dropped 30% and GM and Chrysler are engaged in desperate, survival merger talks, Ford introduces another gas guzzling truck and GM pushes a new sports version of its obscenely inefficient Hummer.

Lesson not learned. Still programmed to fail and to drag the nation into continued energy dependence on the way.

"Fill ’Er Up" -- NYT Editorial

Just a few weeks ago, the Big Three American automakers convinced Congress to give them $25 billion in cheap loans to retool their plants to make fuel-efficient cars. Then, with nary a blush, the Ford Motor Company introduced the new star in its line: the 2009, 3-ton, 16-miles-per-gallon, F-150 pickup.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11...

TWIGA

Subject: Vermont attorney general

I am trying to find out if Charlotte Dennett won the race of Atty. General in Vermont. She announced that if she won, she would indict Bush and Cheney for murder, appoint Vincent Bugliosi as special prosecutor. I cannot find the answer. If you can, please post it.

martha medich
westmoreland city, pa.

[BuzzFlash Note: She came in third on the Progressive ticket. The incumbent Democrat won.]

Subject: Checks & Balances Has To Do With The Separation Of The Executive, Legislative And Judicial Branches Of Government

"Not with preventing one party control of Congress?"

"Not!"

"Then why are the Republicans making such a fuss about Democratic control of Congress, especially considering the fact that between 2000 & 2006 the Republicans had full control of both houses of Congress?"

"They're out to prevent change."

"Based on?"

"Their opposition to ending the Iraq War, health care for all, increasing taxes on the mega-rich and regulating Wall Street."

"What's going to prevent the Republicans from getting away with it?"

"Same thing that won this election for us."

"Which is?"

"Yes we can."

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Joe Lieberman

What are the odds of organizing a special day for Joe on January 14 -- Benedict Arnold's birthday?

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: AN EYE FOR AN EYE

While the Democrats cried tears of joy over their election night victory, the Republicans cried tears of the agony of defeat! And they're STILL crying.

These losers are completely clueless. They don't even know that their lies, bigotry and intolerance are the reasons why they lost big time. The GOP has no intention of trying to change their behavior and their tactics, and if they keep this up, they will keep losing elections. Let them hang themselves with their own ropes and dig their own graves!

Oh, it always feels so good to see bad people get their comeuppance. These evil right-wingers got just what they deserved, and I'm enjoying the hell out of watching them suffer. They tried to tamper with the voting machines and they tried to disenfranchise voters, but it didn't work. Their evil deeds backfired on them big time. Now all they can do is try to comfort themselves by listening to conservative talk show hosts telling them things like "Don't worry. We can always filibuster all of their liberal policies!" and "Don't worry. The next presidential election is only 4 years away!" I've never seen such desperate people in my life.

Shirley Dianne Jackson
Portland, Oregon

Subject: Election Integrity in Florida

Report from Central Florida of Successful Election Protection Effort:

In Central Florida, election protection attorneys mounted vigorous voter protection campaigns throughout the Orlando-area. In Orange County (Orlando), alone, approximately 250 attorneys diligently worked to make certain that voters were not turned away from the polls. These election protection teams also utilized various additional methods throughout the process: they established a coordinated media outreach effort, and thus were able to attract almost instant coverage of situations as they arose; they ensured through various public outreach events and through media coverage, that the public knew they would be everywhere, and prepared for anything; and they established a strong presence with the respective county election supervisors.

With regard to the latter, the attorneys made certain that they were in regular contact with county elections staff - apprising them of any and all problems. Also, the attorneys were present for all election staff training - from clerks, to tabulation inspectors, to touchscreen technicians. Further, the public exposure and continuous presence is believed to have established a deterrence factor to making other groups/individuals think twice before attempting any covert vote preemption.

For example, in Orange County the attorneys were present for the Logic & Accuracy testing on the ES&S devices (DS200 - Optical Scan; iVotronic - Touchscreen - the latter used only by consenting voters with disabilities). The attorneys insisted upon -- at a minimum -- administratively overriding the system so that the date would reflect 11/4. The attorneys made the point -- quite vigorously -- to the Orange SoE and to ES&S representatives that it was absolutely necessary to discern the potential presence of a Trojan horse.

The coordinated effort seemed to work: astoundingly, in Orange (Orlando) County and Osceola (Kissimmee) County, the margin was 60%-40%, favoring Obama. This far exceeded the results from these counties in 2004, and exceeded totals from other areas of potential Democratic concentration.

One of the lead attorneys down there attributes credit to various sources: the guidance of the 2006 strategic election protection plan of Congressman Jerry McInerney (who defeated incumbent Richard Pombo); to the sheer organization and resources of the Obama Campaign; to the overwhelming dedication of hundreds of Central Florida attorneys; and to the varied, inspired writings of Mark Crispin Miller, Brad Friedman and Robert Kennedy, Jr.

Derek Brett

Subject: The Bad Old Days

Last night’s CNN news featured a Republican spokesman who said that when America tires of not being top dog in the world, it will again vote Republican. The other commentators didn’t bother to respond, and simply changed the subject. Did this man not know that it was Bush’s go-it-alone attitude and the Republican-led wars, that had knocked America down a notch? He may not have figured it out, but we have. It’s clear that if America wants to again lead the world, we must seek council from other nations, not ignore them.

Ellen Gale

Subject: Palin one last time

Hi, Buzz!!

While it's still amazing to find out how much Sarah Palin doesn't know (Africa's not a country, Governor), what's even more disturbing to me was Bill O's response to her ignorance: "She can be tutored."

I BEG YOUR PARDON? This is basic. She should already have learned it. Where I came from, it's called high school. Actually, elementary school. Junior high (it was junior high when I was there). BASIC. But Bill O was not at all concerned that she hadn't learned the basics. That was not, in his mind, a disqualification for Vice President of the United States.

I guess that stuff doesn't matter if you can see Russia from your back deck....

Thank God the American people saw through her. We have dodged one BIG HONKING BULLET, my friends!

PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!

Jane Hawes
Edmond, OK (still a red-state Democrat)

Subject: Prop 8

I believe the absentee and provisional ballots in California will strongly favor a no vote on proposition 8. It will be better for everyone if the issue is settled this way. But it may be necessary to fight for every provisional ballot to defeat Prop 8.

The reactionary cantankerous proposition effectively threatens the equal protection clause of the California constitution, and everyone's fundamental rights as a result of that. The California Supreme Court ruled that offering marriage contracts to heterosexual couples while denying them to same sex couples violates the equal protection clause. That is when same sex marriages began all over California, not just San Francisco. Nothing, not even a constitutional amendment, can undo that decision. Prop 8 does not revoke the equal protection clause; it remains a part of the constitution. If the Prop 8 language were to become a part of the constitution as well, the only way to preserve the equal protection clause, would be to deny marriage contracts to heterosexual as well as same sex couples. As this is enormously impractical, a constitutional crises is created.

If Prop 8 is passed, the question will come up, whether it amounts to an amendment to the constitution, or a revision. If it is ruled a revision, then it is tossed out, because it did not go through the legislature, as is required of revisions to the constitution.

Suppose Prop 8 were ruled a simple amendment. This pits equal protection under the law against the so-called institution of marriage. I for one would vote for the rule of law because denying marriage contracts to everyone equally would create the political impetus to quickly undo Prop 8. We could call it the Restore Marriage Act and hold a special election if necessary. Engaged couples across California and their families, and most all of your family values people would support it.

But this scenario is improbable and it is more likely that prop 8, if it passes and is ruled a simple amendment would be allowed to take a bite out of the equal protection clause, creating an exception by simple majority vote. This creates a dangerous precedent which eventually eviscerates equal protection bite by bite. Remember that sexual discrimination is right up there on the list with racial and religious and age discrimination. It is hard to imagine something more irrelevant to basic rights than a person's sexual orientation, except perhaps skin color or religion.

In the future, a simple majority of Christian Californians could deny equal protection rights to Muslims. A simple majority of ordinary middle class Californians could deny equal protection rights to wealthy Californians. Working age Californians could deny equal rights to the elderly. A coalition of blacks, Hispanics and Asians could deny equal rights to whites. Competing groups of Californians with overlapping constituencies could simultaneously deny equal protection rights to each other.

I don't think the California Supreme Court will allow prop 8 to stand. But I don't appreciate the fact that the court is again put in a position where faithfulness to the principle of equal protection subjects it to ridicule from right-wing fundamentalists financed from outside the state.

That is one reason I would support a well financed campaign, worthy in its own right, to get all those provisional ballots in California counted, hoping that those whose own rights are being challenged, have voted to help protect the rights of others.

Larry Allen
Oakland, CA

Subject: Palin's religion

How is it that Palin's religious views seem to escape the headlines? There is a strong almost invisible movement that can influence our nation.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: President Obama and Vice President Biden

I finally exhaled. To feel the reality of PRESIDENT Obama was beyond any words I could say.

He showed poise, presence, and kept his eye on the ball, and America responded.

Our prayers are with our new President and Vice President every step of the way.

God Bless these beautiful people, whom we picked to lead America. God BLESSED America.

Angela
Phila

Subject: Young First-time Voter in So Florida

Hi, I was working a precinct in Greater Fort Lauderdale as a VST and was struck by an 18 yr old man that had requested to be released from the hospital a day early so he could vote. He told me he had had throat surgery only a few days prior and wanted to come and vote for Obama, he was still wearing his hospital bracelet.

I thought about all the people that don't bother to vote and was so proud of this young man. It was so great to see the young and the old come out to support their candidate, it was a great thing to experience. I thought you would enjoy the story. Thanks for what you do!!!!

Regards,

Lynn Anderson

Subject: Celebration Time!

Chicago. Thailand. New York. Indonesia. Seattle. Kenya. Washington, DC. Sydney. Atlanta. Obama, Japan.

Just a few of the places around the world, not only here in the United States, whose people joined in the celebration of the election of President Barak Obama.

When was the last time there was such a unity amongst the nations of the world for an event that happened here on our shores? 9-11 -- when the WTC was felled by terrorists. The world mourned then and extended their sympathies as many Americans died, but also other citizens of the world.

Now, the world has come to our side again and is celebrating with We, the American People who had enough of the war mongering, lying, cheating, and shunning of international law.

It is so wonderful to see that our fellow citizens of the world did not desert us and do not hold the excesses of our government against us. This truly renews my faith in humanity and the belief that good will prevail over evil.

Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we are Free at Last!

Lisa Johnson
Tacoma, WA

Subject: A Message to Pelosi and Reid

On Tuesday, Nov. 4th, 2008 Americans spoke loud and clear. Yes we can!!! The millions of hours Americans spent volunteering making phone calls, knocking on doors, and registering new voters, for Obama was done for the American people, was done for the "Change we can believe in" ideal and to elect our new President, not for Congress' own personal agendas.

Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid, I hope you realized what was the real intent of the voters on Tuesday. I hope that you will abide by the American people's desire to let President Obama lead and set the course of direction he wants for America. I feel confident that this time Americans will be paying close attention to what is really going on behind the scenes in the halls of Congress, and we will call you out! Do not even attempt to tie our newly elected President's hands on issues important to the people for your own purposes.

Speaker Pelosi you refused to hold Bush and Cheney accountable despite the loud cries from millions of Americans. I saw your actions as only self serving. We will not allow you to undermine the leadership of President Obama for the same reasons. IN some ways, I also feel you may have "hid" the financial situation as it fell like a rock upon us. I say, NO MORE.

My newly elected Congresswoman, Debbie Halvorson (D-IL) is only one voice in the house of hundreds, and a small one at that. Do not silence these newly elected voices in Congress just because you can, because they speak for us whether you like it or not. We will be listening.

Simply put, Madam Speaker, I for one do not fully trust you, because you have not earned it in the last two years.

And a note to all of the newly created independent media voices on the web who have kept us informed of the real truth over the past eight years, thank you, and please don't let up now. We are counting on you!!!!!! For in my opinion, bad politics no matter the party, is bad politics.

Monica Schrack
Kankakee, IL

Subject: Obama Speech

"I promise to listen to you, especially when we disagree." That line from Obama's victory speech stood out to me.

The question is, how can our divided nation, torn by wars, threatened by terrorists, and fearful of economic disaster, be brought together and move forward to victory, peace, justice and prosperity? That line is the answer. When you have enormous power, as Obama will have with majorities in the House and Senate, by actively listening to those with whom you disagree, and using straight talk to get your points across, you can use that power not to beat people down but to lift them up. In so doing you can build a bipartisan team to accomplish wondrous deeds.

You don't take the position, "I am powerful and you are weak - why should I listen to you?" You say to those in your circle of influence who disagree with you, or who belong to the other party, "I want to hear your views. I want to give you a reasonable explanation of my views. I want to understand your problems. And I want to join you in finding solutions." You then have not a power play, but a productivity endeavor. You are using the tools of humanitarian conflict resolution for the benefit of all - a true win - win.

Looking at what Obama did in his campaign, against all odds, and admiring the team he built and what they accomplished, I believe he has the skills to do this. I hope and pray that he does - and I believe he does.

Ted Moorhead
Palm Bay, Florida

Subject: Obama win

I am very excited about Barack Obama winning the election. He will make a fantastic President He is intelligent and a great orator. I expect great things from him. I do hope the Republicans do not try and sabotage him on every turn. We have had such a lazy, incompetent PResident for the last eight years that it will be such a relief to have confidence in the leadership of the country.

Ruth
Thousand Oaks, CA

Subject: UNITE?

I agree with Will W. about how do you unite with the likes of those who lied us into war, robbed America blind for generations to come, and literally crapped on the American people for 8 years. How do you unite with the right-wing radical evangelical christian that wants all Muslims dead?

Actually they want anyone who doesn't believe like them dead. Then they can start killing each other all the while believing Jesus is on his way to save them, for they are righteous. So, how do you come together? Do we agree that we just kill 1/2 of all the Muslims? Do we agree to help 1/2 of the needy people who need food and shelter and med care? How about these big shots who stole all the money? Do we just forgive them while we suffer for a 100 yrs. to come? How hard did "The Uniter" work to bring this country together?

WE ARE A DIVIDED COUNTRY, and I see little hope of uniting unless we go after the criminals who stole billions from the taxpayers, go after those who lied us into war, create middle class jobs that give dignity, and get religion out of politics. Ever wonder what led other countries to suppress freedom of religion?

PEACE, OUT

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Better or Worse

Hey,

Why not create a simple spreadsheet that bench marks the day of inauguration of the new president with a number of factors to allow each person to measure each how their own individual "better or worse" index changes through the years with that candidate.

Alvin G.
Clarksville, TN

Subject: Obama To Receive CIA Intelligence Briefings Beginning Thursday

"Will someone such as William Blum or Noam Chomsky or Reverend Jeremiah Wright be called upon to debrief him?"

"Why would he need debriefing?"

"CIA propaganda can distort one's thinking."

"For example?"

"The CIA's claim that Venezuela is anti-American?"

"Isn't it?"

"Not."

"What then?"

"It's anti-imperialist."

"The answer being?"

"Dismantling Empire-USA

"But how?"

"Yes we can."

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: Prop 8

I am ashamed to be in the same country as people who would vote against equal rights for gays to marry, adopt or be foster parents. I have known gay people in my life and they are just as concerned about children's welfare as anyone, and some of them are quite devout also.

My mind was made up in the early 80's when there were AIDS babies in hospital nurseries who had no place to go. In those days, even nurses were wary of touching them. Christian people attacked the homes of hemophiliac children who had the virus, and kept them out of schools. It was gay men who stepped up and took those babies home and took care of them and those babies were the ones who proved AIDS need not be always fatal. Some of those babies are alive today.

Sometimes advanced souls choose to be in a oppressed group in order to teach us all about tolerance. Christians would call them angels. Too bad they can't see them.

A BuzzFlash Reader

Subject: How I feel about Obama victory

As I watched the celebration last night at Grant Park, I think my feelings were best expressed by the tears on the face of Jesse Jackson. This man who had fought for the rights of African Americans was finally seeing his efforts and those of his mentor, Martin Luther King, come to fruition. The United States had proven that it was still a land of hope and dreams and that any child born in this country could grow up to be president.

I am so proud of my country and its people. It may have been the economic collapse that precipitated the awakening of many Americans, but whatever the reason, white America overcame their fears and reluctance to vote for someone of a different color. We have finally elected an "elite," a man of brilliance and foresight, rather that an idiot with whom we would like to have a beer.

I cannot help but remember the song from South Pacific that you have to be carefully taught to be afraid of those whose skin is a different shade. Perhaps American has learned another lesson and we can go forward as a nation united in our acceptance of all of us as brothers, sisters, and fellow citizens.

Marlene R Aderman
Roseville

Subject: Clips of Jesse Jackson did it for me.

Jesse Jackson in tears in Grant Park. He was with King when he was killed and what must he have been thinking. He is a really big man. I met him about midnight in the OKC bombing memorial after an anti-death penalty rally.

Karen Webb
Moore, Ok

Subject: He picked Emanuel

It should confuse the right because Emanuel is in favor of the war and his father was in the Irgun in 1949 Israeli war.

Karen Webb
Moore, Ok.

Subject: President Obama's Election

I truly believe that Mr.Obama is the right man for right now. He can bring healing and reconciliation to our country. He is a good man. He is the only person that can bring unity to our country. I believe that he will restore our greatness and goodness to a world that needs it.

Sincerely,

Brother Martin Zatsick,TOR
Lake Andes, SD

BUZZFLASH MAILBAG

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