RESISTANCE DISPATCHES

The BBBR Mailbag

Posted May 31, 2001

 

FIRST... THE GOOD STUFF!

 

LOU POSNER, VOTERMARCH CHAIR AND

THE SENDER OF "BUSHWACKED! The Video" TO AL GORE,

RECEIVES A PRESIDENTIAL BIRTHDAY "THANK YOU"

 

OFFICE OF THE FORMER VICE PRESIDENT
THE HONORABLE AL GORE

 

May 19,2001

 

Mr. Louis Posner
Voter March
P.O. Box 731
Grand Central Station
New York, New York, 10163

 

Dear Louis,

 

I wanted to write and thank you for your additional video gift for my birthday.

 

Tipper and I have been impressed and touched by the amount of cards, letters and calls we have received in support.

 

I have been kept posted on all of the web support and grass roots efforts by Gwen, and have been impressed with the energetic dialog that has taken place there. It is an amazing venue for people to have in order to share thoughts, feelings and positions across the globe.

 

I assure you I will remain faithful to the values and views I have expressed throughout my public life, in my private life. Thank you for all of your support, I appreciate your efforts and your gifts.

 

Sincerely,

 

Al Gore

 

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

 

 

ANDREW CATCHES COOL CHANGE ON YAHOO!

 

From: "E, Andrew"

To: < thediva@coup2k.com >

Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 12:56 PM

Subject: Yahoo downgrades the monkey

 

 

Dear Tammy,

 

I'm one of your BBBR fighters.   Looking forward to hearing your speech at VMWest once I get some time to download it (on my 28.8 modem, that's some time indeed!).  I went to the DC march, so we missed each other but at least I did get to meet Rose.

 

Wanted to point something out: your page:

http://www.coup2k.com/deniseandstevens.html

 

has links to pix of Spurious George's visit to your beautiful, besieged adopted state and I found something interesting.

 

LA Pic 1

( http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/p/nm/20010529/ts/imdf29052001192852a.html )

has the caption: "Protestors hold signs as they stand on the sidewalk, kept back from the hotel where United States president"...SNIP.   

 

Your link 2

( http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/p/ap/20010529/us/bush_california_xla103.html )

has the caption "Demonstrators chant anti-Bush slogans and deride the president's energy policy..." SNIP

 

I have a bit of a proofreader's eye, and it struck me to see president written with a small p.  I looked around at some other news sites to verify that the normal usage is to capitalize President, and I'm hoping maybe there is some subversive who is trying to subtly downgrade the monkey from "President" to "president".  Yahoo is a California company, after all.

 

Of course, you and I won't be happy till he's downgraded to Inmate #X093FKP7, but I'll take any encouraging sign wherever I can find it.

 

Anyway, just my 2 cents.  If you reply, please do so to [e-mail addie removed for privacy], because today's my last day at this job. 

 

Keep up the good work, my Captain!

 

Andy E

 

 

THE DIVA ON A GREAT NEW PROTEST PIC

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)"

To: <E, Andrew>

Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 2:12 PM

Subject: Dear Andy:

 

Fantastic!  I will post your letter...

 

And did you see the pic of Denise with the "I'm With Stupid" sign?

http://www.coup2k.com/deniseandstevens.html

 

Check it out...

 

 

DENISE'S COOL PIC MAKES INDYMEDIA!

 

From: "Denise Duffield"

To: < thediva@coup2k.com >

Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 11:54 AM

Subject: pic of inspiration

 

wahoo!

 

great pic of  your inspiration:

 

http://la.indymedia.org/display.php3?article_id=7126

 

 

THE DIVA ON denisewithbush.jpg

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)"

To: "Denise Duffield"

Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 2:04 PM

Subject: Re: pic of inspiration

ATTACHED:  denisewithbush.jpg

 

 

Dear Denise:

 

Check out your report on the BBBR:

http://www.coup2k.com/deniseandstevens.html

 

... and the new masthead.

 

Pretty cool, huh?  And pretty pretty, too!

 

I am attaching the masthead as well, in case you want to keep it for the scrapbook.

 

:)

 

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

 

RESISTANCE FIGHTER DAVID WRITES IN ON CROSSFIRE

 

From: <David (and Kris)>

To: <thediva@coup2k.com>

Sent: Monday, May 28, 2001 10:08 PM

Subject: Crossfire

 

 

Dear Tammy,

 

Did you see Crossfire May 28th, or The Point where that Sammons guy was promoting his book?  I won't mention the title out of respect for President Gore. Anyway he wasted most of his allocated time on both shows making a point that the exit polls on Election Night were "Bogus" and because the media used them this proves that the media was biased to Gore.  What kind of reporting is this?

 

Could it not be that if ;

#1.  There were 170,000 or more Floridian votes that did not get counted.

#2.  Gore's name was on over 80,000 overvotes compared to Bush getting on 30-something thousand.

#3.  The 19,000 or more in the Palm Beach county mess

#4.  The Optical ballot scan errors that didn't get corrected, just "these things happened." 

 

Then it wasn't the Exit Polls that were bogus.  Thousands of voters told exit poll workers that they had voted for Gore because they thought they had, but because of voter error, voter instruction errors, poor equipment, error protection devices being turned off on optical scanners and brains being turned off , these votes were never counted. It was not an Exit Poll problem or Dem Bias but a huge problem (of many parts) with the Florida Election System.

 

Anyway I was just glad to see the Election is still in the news and there are still people trying to get someone to listen. I just hope enough people hear them. In contrast to that Sammons guy, Vincent Bugliosi made good use of his short time on The Point. His book is great. It was humorous on Crossfire because the Guy on the Right  misread an excerpt and asked a question that he thought would get a negative-Gore response, but it turned out that the answer was negative to the Bush campaign people. Time is so short on these rare chances to state the case to a wide audience, that every word is important. As Bugliosi says in his book, I don't see anyone from the other side being swayed by even the worst of the things that were done.

 

Too many of our side abandoned us because they thought the media was correct and we should accept this and rally behind the chosen one.

 

Well... Goodbye for now .

                                                                 

Thanks for being there.

                                                                 

Sincerely

David

 

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AUDIENCE WITH THE DIVA

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)"

To: <David (and Kris)>

Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 2:35 AM

Subject: Re: Crossfire

 

 

Dear David and Kris:

 

First off, I know who Bill Sammon is, and I know what he is.  I would no more lend him my ear, than I would lend George W. Bush my car keys.

 

Liars and propagandists do not merit an audience with The Diva.

 

I will say that Rose of fringefolk.com watched the shows (Crossfire and the Bugliosi interview on FAUX News), and wrote an eloquent rant about her reaction.  You can read it at:

http://www.fringefolk.com/frayedknot.html.

 

Having been fortunate enough to miss the Crossfire propaganda offensive, I am not sure how qualified I am to speak out about what was said, but here goes nothing...

 

Everything, and I mean everything, that is coming from the rightwing and their enablers these days, smacks of consciousness of guilt, and of fear of the wheel of justice's inexorable turn.  I could list them all, but I'll just list a few:

 

1.  Jefford's defection:  There was nothing done by the Bush appointistration that principled journalists and political scientists did not predict a year ago.  The only thing that explains Jefford's jump is that he wanted to cut ties BEFORE the you-know-what hit the fan.  Jumping after the evidence of the coup was established beyond all reasonable doubt would gain him no brownie points.  Jumping before...  well, you've seen the reaction.  The guy is on the verge of being nominated for sainthood, and all because he is doing what any DECENT person would do.  That is how far our expectations of public officials have fallen.  Throw us a crumb, and we act like you've served us a six-course feast.  Pathetic.

 

2.  The smash-and-grab:  Bush 'n Thugs, Inc. could have chosen to begin with moderation and build a coalition, saving their more despicable agenda for later down the road, after they had banked some good will from across the aisle.  They didn't.  They don't have any faith in there being a "later down the road."  Good for them.  That may be the one thing they are correct about.

 

3.  The best defense is a good offense.  Within minutes of the SCOTUS decision forever cementing the coup, book contracts were penned and rightwing hacks bartered a little more of their soul to reap the rewards afforded effective propagandists.  I kid you not.  Whole publishing houses have been set up since Clinton's 92 victory to do nothing BUT spread rightwing dung knee-deep... Regnery is just one of the WORST of them.  Check out their "Hot New Releases" page at  http://www.regnery.com/new/new.html.  Bill Sammon?  Of the WASHINGTON TIMES?  I would be more inclined to listen to him if he wrote for a newspaper, or something. 

 

If you want to know what the truth is, look at what the moderates are saying.  Bugliosi is a MODERATE.  He has NEVER written an anti-right screed.  Hell, look at what principled conservatives are saying, if you can find one.  But don't ever listen to propagandists... unless it's to fire you up to write The Diva!

 

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

 

RESISTANCE FIGHTER (AND CHARMER) BILL K. WRITES IN ON PICTURES

 

From: "Bill K"

To: < thediva@coup2k.com >

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 12:40 PM

Subject: My dear you are divine.

 

 

Is there a photo of you anywhere on your site? I hear the Greek Orthodox hang a picture of a saint in a corner and light candles around it. I thought about that when I started visiting your site :->.

 

Keep up the amazing work and you'll be working in the next Clinton administration!!

 

(we both know what that means, darling)

 

Bill K

 

 

"THE DIVA PROVIDES..."

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)" <thediva@coup2k.com>

To: "Bill K"

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 4:22 PM

Subject: Re: My dear you are divine.

 

 

Dear Bill:

 

What a wonderful e-mail!

 

Yes, there are pics of me on my site, though I must warn you, I am about as photogenic as a pile of wet laundry...

 

ME AT THE PODIUM AT VOTERWEST: http://coup2k.com/voterwestscrapbook.html

A BBBR BIRTHDAY: http://coup2k.com/bbbrbirthday.html

 

Here I am on Page 1 of fringefolk.com:

http://fringefolk.com/fringepage1.html

 

Attached is a pic from Voterwest where my hair is down for a change.

 

:)

 

And I would drop anything and everything to work a Clinton campaign, whether for Bill or Hil!  "Thems is good peoples!"

 

Thanks for the canonization.  I have long been Pope Diva I of Aerosmithism, and I consider it an honor to be Saint Diva of The BBBR Resistance...

 

Tammy

Saint Diva of The BBBR Resistance

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

MORE FROM THE CHARMER...

 

From: "Bill K"

To: < thediva@coup2k.com >

Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 9:16 AM

Subject: You look like you popped up out of a clam shell...

ATTACHED:  boticelli_birth_of_venus.gif

 

 

Thanks for the site, too. You, Bartcop, et al. have really saved my sanity. Other than that, though, I feel like I'm living a nightmare I had several years ago. There were vampires everywhere, nobody believed me, everybody was getting picked off one at a time, and I ended up locked up all alone in the band hall one night fighting for my life. It was one of those "motion picture" dreams that lasted all night and seemed to have amazing consistency.

 

 

SCENES FROM "I AM LEGEND"

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)" <thediva@coup2k.com>

To: "Bill K"

Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 2:58 PM

Subject: Re: You look like you popped up out of a clam shell...

 

Dear Bill:

 

I know exactly what you mean.  It's like something out of "I Am Legend."  (Yes, I loathe Chuck Heston, but the book is one of those creepy masterpieces.) 

 

Don't worry though, you're not alone in the band hall.  I'm there, too...  Maybe not popping out of a clamshell, but I'm there.

 

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

 

MORE FROM ONLINE JOURNAL'S JAMES HIGDON

 

From: "James B. Higdon"

To: < thediva@coup2k.com >

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 6:59 AM

Subject: Re: I must say...  [DIVA NOTE:  FIRST HIGDON EXCHANGE  SECOND HIGDON EXCHANGE]

 

 

Dear Tammy:

 

Just a note of acknowledgment, and I'll send more later.  I've assigned myself some research on this issue, and intend to write an article on the subject.  It may take a little time, but not more than a week or two.  You see, my belief is that the issue revolves around two things:  the conservative corporate takeover of all broadcasting, and the subsequent elimination of the "Fairness Doctrine."  The Fairness Doctrine required broadcasters to give equal time to dissent regarding their reporting and editorials in exchange for the free use of public airwaves.  The conclusion I'm developing is that we need to pressure our politicians to offer broadcasters a choice--either pay for the airwaves, or reinstate the doctrine.

 

And, no, you didn't monopolize the conversation, you just had a lot to say. I was very tired after that long day (I left Los Gatos at 5:30 that morning, helped set up, and then ran up and down those stairs to the stage all day, while being stressed out trying to find speakers to make sure they were ready to go), so I didn't have a lot of energy to talk.  I'm perfectly capable of inserting my two cents when I want or need to.  I found your Texas/California blended style as charming and refreshing as a glass of lemonade on a hot day.

 

Jim

 

[DIVA NOTE:  Don't miss Jim's latest on "Rabbits vs. Elephants" on the May 31 front page.]

 

 

THE DIVA ON RABBITS VS. ELEPHANTS, AND COUPCATS

 

Dear James:

 

I've been posting our conversation to the BBBR, and folks are loving it.

 

Did you see Beth's "Rabbits vs. Elephants" piece?

http://coup2k.com/rabbitsvselephants.html

 

Isn't she brilliant?  She can always make me laugh, even during these crazy times.

 

Also, LOS GATOS?  I love that name!  I am the proud pet of six gatos.  One of them is behind enemy lines as we speak, stuck in Orange County, undergoing radiation therapy: 

http://coup2k.com/cocoinlockup.html

 

She wrote a great letter to Bush before she was hospitalized, too:

http://coup2k.com/divaletter05102001.html

 

This is to say nothing, of course, of CoupCat Schpitz, who is a big star in The Resistance -- the photogenic thing! The buttons of her were the fastest sellers at the BBBR table at VoterWest.  Folks just can't get enough of Schpitz.

 

Of course, neither can I.

 

Keep me posted on your media expose.  I want to read it hot off the presses.

 

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

[DIVA NOTE:  COUPCAT SCHPITZ HAS A NEW STORE ON CAFEPRESS, WITH PRODUCTS INSPIRED BY THE BUTTON DESIGN FEATURING HER THAT WAS SO POPULAR AT VOTERWEST.]

 

 

RESISTANCE ARTIST DARRIAS ON THE PLAGIARIZERS AT "TIME"

 

From: <Darrias>

To: < CitizensAgainstBush@yahoogroups.com >;

< CitizensForLegitimateGovernment@yahoogroups.com >;

< trustthepeople-cadems@yahoogroups.com >;

< trustthepeople-disc@yahoogroups.com >;

< trustthepeople-la@yahoogroups.com >;

< Voter@yahoogroups.com >

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 10:33 PM

Subject: [trustthepeople-la] Time cover-BUSHWHACKED?!!

 

Anybody see the Time Magazine cover with 'W' and the headline BUSHWHACKED? Man, my wife and I were laughing so hard that everybody in the grocery store line started checking their zippers!

 

Just thought I warn you all before you go shopping.

 

See the cover: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/current/

 

Darrias

http://www.darrias.com/politicalart.html

 

MAIL FROM RESISTANCE FIGHTERS

REGARDING THE PAUL RIDENOUR EXCHANGE...

 

CHRIS AND KAREN WRITE IN WITH A STANDING INVITATION

 

From: "Chris and Karen K."

To: <thediva@coup2k.com>

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 5:31 PM

Subject: Go Girl!

 

 

Just read the May 30 newsletter/e-mail.  It was GREAT.  If you are ever passing through the BANANA REPUBLIC of Florida, rest assured you have a home here.

 

You GO GIRL, GO!!!!

 

Chris & Karen K.

--

Chris

 

 

THE DIVA APPRECIATES THE OFFER

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)" <thediva@coup2k.com>

To: "Chris K"

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 8:09 PM

Subject: Re: Go Girl!

 

 

Dear Chris (and Karen):

 

What a beautiful offer! 

 

I've only been to Florida twice (I actually drove a friend cross country from Jacksonville, Florida to Long Beach, California once), but if I'm ever in you end of the woods, I'll give you a holler.

 

Your possible future houseguest, and another cranky political prisoner of the BBBR,

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

 

HUGH IS CHUCKLING

 

From: <Hugh>

To: <thediva@coup2k.com>

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 5:21 PM

Subject: Re: [BBBResistance] A week in the life of a political prisoner

 

Dear Tammy,

 

What a love you are.   That poor Paul.   He didn't stand a chance.   You really should pick on someone your own size.   He did however, ASK FOR IT!!! 

 

Really though, that was a spectacular response you wrote to that dipwad.   I laughed aloud more than once, and was alternately mesmerized by your facts and logic.  Richardson is just down the road from where I live, and that road is lined with the likes of him. Dallas is such fun.  

 

Keep up the good writing and thanks for sharing it with all of us out

here, stranded as we are, in the Bushes.    

 

Fighting on,  Hugh

 

 

THE DIVA RESPONDS: PAUL'S WEIRD PICK-UP STRATEGY

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)" <thediva@coup2k.com>

To: <Hnballet@aol.com>

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 8:33 PM

Subject: Re: [BBBResistance] A week in the life of a political prisoner

 

Dear Hugh:

 

You're never gonna believe THIS one.

 

Paul, the guy who keeps inventing new e-mail addies to send me angry e-mails, sent me the following, after receiving my response (the one you enjoyed so much):

 

============================

From: < paul.ridenour@wcom.com >

To: < thediva@coup2k.com >

Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 7:41 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Your latest rant!

 

I am in Richardson on Wednesday.  Leave a message on my voicemail and I will be paged.

 

Paul

972-604-918X 

[DIVA NOTE:  LAST NUMBER OBSCURED TO PROTECT PAUL'S PRIVACY,

EVEN THOUGH HE IS A REPUBLICAN, AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IN ANY SUCH RIGHT]

============================

 

... and here was my response to him:

 

============================

From: "Tammy" < thediva@coup2k.com >

To: < paul.ridenour@wcom.com >

Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 8:57 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Your latest rant!

 

Why would I do that, Paul?

============================

 

You don't think I'm encouraging him, do you?  I mean, enough for him to give me his frickin' phone number, for the love of Bill?!

 

What a weird, weird guy.

 

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

 

RESISTANCE FIGHTER JAMEL'S SOUL IS SOOTHED BY MONKEY-SPANK

 

From: <jamel>

To: < voter@yahoogroups.com >

Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 2:52 PM

Subject: [Voter] A Week in the Life of Another Cranky Political Prisoner of the BBBR

 

 

Tammy"The Diva"WebMistress of BBBR  writes,

Which brings me to a point:  At least liberals are capable of guilt.  At least we have the ability to look at our actions with a critical eye, and morally judge them.  At least we don't believe our own hedonistic rationalizations -- our own self-serving hype.  At least we are capable of seeing through our own BS... At least we have a conscience -- a still small voice.

 

So beautifully said  When I read this, it calmed my spirit. We have a lot to be grateful for.  I didn't hear your speech, but I'm sure it was good.  The fact that you were there and willing to speak out is the most important thing! Thank you Tammy! You are a power of example!

 

Jamel

 

Hasn't America seen enough of the exclusionary, prejudicial, vote-suppressing, racial-profiling, inner city-ignoring, confederate flag-waving, Bob Jones University-loving attitudes of the radical right?" -- Patrick Kennedy

 

[DIVA NOTE:  I am over being mortified about my VoterWest un-speech, and I am now just glad that I got to call Bush a criminal.  That felt good -- still does.]

 

 

THE DIVA IS GRATEFUL TO FRINGEFOLK

 

From: "The Diva (Tammy)" <thediva@coup2k.com>

To: <jamel>; < Voter@yahoogroups.com >

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 5:22 AM

Subject: Re: [Voter] A Week in the Life of Another Cranky Political Prisoner of the BBBR

 

 

Dear Jamel:

 

I have heard so much about you from Rose of Fringefolk, that even though we haven't done much of the online e-back-and-forth ourselves, I consider any encouragement from you a very high compliment.

 

Thanks, Jamel.

 

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

AND NOW...  THE MONKEY MAIL!

GIVE-AND-TAKE WITH A

MONKEY MAILER FROM THE RIGHT WING

 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Chuck Shelnutt" <cshelnutt@lhcorp.com>

To: <mailto:thediva@coup2k.com>

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 11:22 AM

Subject: Bush Testimony

 

>      Your reporting is so full of flagrantly biased and militant editorial

> commentary as to cast a cloud of doubt on whatever "facts" that may be

> contained in it. 

 

Such as?  Please provide specifics.  I do.

 

>Perhaps you could take a lesson from your friends in the

> media

 

I don't have any friends that work in the media, unless you count in the independent online media journalists I know through my website. 

 

>and disguise your bias with at least the appearance of objectivity.

 

I never claimed to be objective.  What I am is honest.  One can be honest without being objective.  For instance, my boyfriend is honestly very smart.  He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, and is an accomplished researcher.  I am not remotely objective about him, but by objective standards, he is smart (notwithstanding my lack of objectivity).

 

> Throwing around facts is meaningless unless they answer questions of

> substance.  "Beth's" frustration with trying to wage arguments of logic with

> conservatives may stem from her own lack of understanding [sic] this not-so-simple

> principle. 

 

When the facts don't suit the rightwing, they attack the dissemination of truth as "Throwing around facts."   I find it highly satisfying that you are reduced to such transparent and unethical techniques. 

 

The question of substance Beth was addressing is the moral standing of rightwing principles historically and at present, and the delusional refusal of the right to deal with that standing.  Her musings were chock-full of RELEVANT facts, such as the fact that, though Republicans are loathe to admit that their Party has a long history of anti-racial justice positions, George W. Bush admitted that very thing, on his own, without any prompting by an interviewer, etc. 

 

> Here's a hint...never base philosophical arguments on your

> personal feelings (e.g. if I can insult conservatives enough, conservatism

> will be seen as wrong by any rational person).  This only results in

> meaningless dialogue consisting of name-calling and random insults. 

 

The dialogue is only meaningless when it is carried on with moral sinkholes from the right, who are incapable of looking past their own selfish self-interest and fairly judging the historical and likely future impact of their immoral policies.  When the dialogue is carried on with principled people, it is highly meaningful.  This dialogue, with you, is highly meaningless, for instance. 

 

>      To most conservatives your attempts to discredit Bush's integrity,

> hence his agenda, by casting him as a "panty chaser" only begs the question

> "do these same standards, in your mind, apply to Bill Clinton?" 

 

I discredited George W. Bush by proving that his claims of christian conversion exist in direct contradiction to his admitted lifestyle at the time of and following his "conversion," his policies, and his ignorance and disobedience of the bible, on which the christian faith to which he claims to belong, is based.

 

And yes, the same standards apply to Bill Clinton, but since your mind is in the gutter (and other people's bedrooms), you can't see what standards I am discussing.  I am discussing standards regarding hypocrisy and regarding the use of religion as a political weapon.

 

As it pertains to these issues, the following facts are germane:  Bill Clinton is a Democrat, not a member of the Republican Party (a.k.a. Neurotic Duck Hunters of America).  Bill Clinton never attempted to use his faith in the manner Bush did and does.  Bill is innocent of these character crimes.

 

>So what

> arguments are resolved in this manner?  If you really are interested in

> winning over the hearts of your opposition (which I'm not at all convinced

> you are) I would suggest you debate matters of substance. 

 

As I am convinced that the hearts of conservatives are willfully faulty (that is to say, perfectly capable of proper use and betterment, but unlikely to achieve either, due to the nature of the conservative character), I couldn't possibly care less about "winning over the hearts of my opposition."  I have never argued that conservatives can be saved.  Some can, some can't.  The ones who lack knowledge have an excuse for their allegiance to the Party of oppression and greed.  The well-informed lack any excuse at all, and are beyond salvation.  They are premeditated in their heartlessness.

 

> For starters try

> to answer the following:  what is the proper balance between availability of

> cheap energy and the unavoidable ecological damage that it causes?  how many

> rights should we willing to cede to the government in the name of

> maintaining social order or economic equity?  how much economic prosperity

> are we willing to give up to support environmental, philanthropic, and

> social causes?  how many of these causes should be addressed by government

> as opposed to accepting personal responsibility or allowing  needs to be met

> by the private sector?  if government control is required, should it be

> local, state or federal? 

 

I believe that none of those matters has anything to do with the subject of your e-mail (Subject:  RE:  Bush Testimony), and are intended to distract me from the fact that you have failed to address the column I wrote which you claim to have taken exception to.  Some of those questions are addressed on my site, and I will not paste all 500 pages here.  Go read my site.  Copy and paste the content with which you take issue in its entirety, and comment on it, if you dare... but do not waste my time with ham-handed segues.

 

But regarding the questions you raise above, remember this -- NEVER FORGET THIS:

 

The questions you pose are questions to be addressed by the political process of self-governance through elected representatives, as chosen by Americans through their ballots.  The Republican Party, through its partisan operatives on the ground, through the actions of its Presidential nominee and his campaign staff, through the actions of its local, state and federal leaders, and through the decision of its appointees to the nations highest court, did in the year 2000 of the Common Era, do everything within its power to thwart that process.

 

That is the most reliable indicator of what the Republican Party does, and does not, stand for.  Deal with it.

 

>     Until you develop your own rational answers to these questions, you'll

> forever be frustrated in trying to win any political argument. 

 

I am not frustrated now, nor will I ever be, by dealing with my moral inferiors.  I have complete personal control over who I do and do not permit into my life.  (For instance, I am permitting you into my life at this point, and replying to your e-mail, because you are an excellent object lesson in rightwing propaganda, character disorders, faulty logic, misdirection, self-delusion, and a host of other issues which are much easier to address by example, than by explanation).  What I AM frustrated by is rightwingers' almost limitless ability to harm others, and still see themselves as "moral."  It is that kind of untreated mental illness that I, and all compassionate people, find both frustrating and perplexing.  It is so unnecessary.  Such a bloody waste.

 

> It's quite

> obvious from your energetic passion for proving that which you understand so

> little that you are all very young.  If any of you is over 25 I wouldn't

> advise telling anyone. 

 

I am 35 years old.  See?  I can ignore your advice, and nothing bad happens, because your advice is worthless.

 

> The biggest part of maturity is not just knowing the

> answers (they can usually be found), but first knowing which questions to

> ask - this is what actually requires real thought.  

> 

>  Chuck Shelnutt

>  Drives Specialist

>  ACSYS  Technologies

>  Jackson, TN

>  800-467-1155

>  mailto:cshelnutt@lhcorp.com   

 

Another attack on "the answers" -- on truth.  You must be very popular in rightwing circles, but your tactic is obvious, and bound to fail with anyone who has two brain cells to rub together.

 

As for the rest, I have seen nothing in your writings to indicate that "real thought" (also known as "logic" or "reason") is something which you are either capable of engaging in, or would recognize, when confronted by it.  For example, in all your rambling propaganda, you never once addressed the substance of the column which inspired you to send an e-mail to me in the FIRST place.

 

For the record, here is the issue that column addressed:

 

RIGHTWING LIES DESIGNED TO PROP UP BUSH'S CHRISTIAN CREDS

OR TO ASSASSINATE THE CHARACTER OF LIBERALS

 

... and here is the column's URL:

http://www.coup2k.com/mm2.html

 

Comment away, Mr. Shelnutt.  I would be just THRILLED to hear this.  While you're at it, please comment on the rightwing lie at hand -- specifically, the false accusation that Bush is a better christian than Al Gore -- and please tie your response in with your personal feelings about the false accusation that Gore refused to send his story of personal faith to the devotional website in question, 'nkay?

 

===========================

 

DISINFORMATION

ENEMY PROPAGANDA EXPOSED

MONKEY MAIL 2.1--BUSH'S "TESTIMONY"?

Al Gore Refused to Send His Christian Testimony to a "Devotional Website"?!?!

 

THE MONKEY MAIL CLAIMS:

 

THIS IS VERY LONG, BUT INTERESTING.  Of everything else you read about the election read this first.  (You might want to print this and read it later, it's long but worth your time.)  The founder of a devotional web site said he called Al Gore and George Bush and asked them to send in their testimonies for the web site since they BOTH "claim" to be Christians.  Gore's office said that he didn't have one in typed form, but Bush did.  Here it is...please pass this along!  Very important!!!  This could change America. (Whether Democrat or Republican) If any of you are interested in what George Bush says about his faith, here it is.  From George Bush: 

 

[DIVA NOTE:  THE REST OF THE E-MAIL WAS LIFTED WORD FOR WORD FROM "A CHARGE TO KEEP." 

HERE IS A LINK TO THE RELEVANT PORTION ONLINE: http://web.tusco.net/ourlady/bush.htm]

 

THE DIVA SPANKS THE MONKEY

 

"Public pronouncements of religious affiliation say little about genuine faith, much less about how effective a person might be as president." - Charles Haynes, First Amendment Scholar

 

First off, the e-mail is a lie.  The "testimony" it quotes is from "A Charge to Keep," the Bush biography.  The passage quoted was never authorized for republication on any "devotional website."  It was simply lifted from the book.  Funny how right-wingers don't scruple to steal, and then lie about it, hmmm?

 

Secondly, Gore has spoken often about his faith, although he can't talk about a "turnaround" in his life, since he never went whoring and drinking like Bush.  Gore fell in love with Tipper at his high school prom, and they have been together ever since.  He never lived the spoiled rich playboy lifestyle.  He doesn't have that to repent. 

 

Thirdly, if the "founder of a devotional website" could manage to lift a passage from Bush's book, why not Al Gore's book, "Earth in the Balance?"  Simple, because this person is a political partisan, and refuses to tell the truth.  I have included a short excerpt from "Earth in the Balance" at the end of this article. 

 

Now, on to the obvious question:  Notice how Bush's testimony claimed that Jesus "changed" his heart and life in 1984-1985, but we know he kept drinking "too much" until his 40th birthday?  Until after he was married?  And even after the birth of his daughters?  I can't even imagine what kind of loser you would have to be to keep acting like a frat boy until you turn 40.  Bush also claimed that he had never been arrested after 1968.  We now know that is a lie.  He was arrested in 1976 for drunk driving.  But I guess Bush skipped that part in the bible, the part about not lying…  What a sad, pathetic creature.  (By the way, the only reason Bush "reconverted" to Christianity, was to run for office.  The only way he could be a viable republican candidate in the bible belt south was to get the nod of the christian conservatives, who hated his father for the whole "New World Order" thing, and his broken tax pledge.  So he lied, claimed a religious conversion, but kept partying.)

 

Remember Bush's claim during the debate that Jesus was the greatest political philosopher?  That is sacrilege, as any good christian can tell you.  As you know, the bible declares that Jesus eschewed all worldly matters, particularly political ones.  Jesus claimed to be not of the world, and instructed his disciples and followers to follow his example and disengage from worldly matters.  If Bush had read the whole bible, as he claims (if he can, indeed, read at all), don't you think he would have noticed that?

 

As Cal Thomas, a famous religious conservative and author, rightly pointed out, "Jesus did not expect the world to reflect his values: he predicted the opposite. The only people in the world who expect government to reflect religious values are ones like Iran, where religion and politics are synonymous."

 

Also, did you notice Bush's slam against Clinton for his marriage problems?  Do you suppose that, if Bush could read, he might have noticed that the bible commands praying for, submitting to, and honoring government leaders? Have you seen anything in Bush's behavior that indicates he follows this biblical command, or is even aware of it?  I do not recall one single instance of Bush ever praying and giving thanks for Bill Clinton, honoring him, or submitting to his authority.  What a hypocrite.

 

As far as Christianity and being a good president goes, you might be interested to know that our very first president -- George Washington, the one now viewed as beyond criticism -- was attacked as an atheist by his political opponents.  He wasn't.  But he said very little publicly about his deist beliefs, knowing full well that his lack of Christian orthodoxy would not be accepted by much of the citizenry.  (Deism is a faith based on reason rather than revelation.  Deists believe god created the world and its physical laws, but is not in ongoing communication with humanity nor actively intervening in human matters.  Deists, for example, do not "pray" for divine revelation.)

 

Thomas Jefferson was even more bitterly and frequently branded as an "unbeliever." Although Jefferson, like Washington, tried to avoid the controversy, his deist views were widely known. In the election of 1800, Christian ministers tried unsuccessfully to defeat Jefferson by circulating pamphlets attacking him as immoral and irreligious.

 

THINGS HAVEN'T CHANGED MUCH, HMMM?

 

That is one of the reasons that these founders of our country forbade requiring any religious test for the holding of political office.  They were better leaders than Dubya will ever be.

 

COMPARE BUSH'S DRIVEL TO AL'S WRITING:

"EARTH IN THE BALANCE," pp 367-368

 

If it is possible to steer one's own course -- and I do believe it is -- then I am convinced that the place to start is with faith, which for me is akin to a kind of spiritual gyroscope that spins in its own circumference with what is inside and what is out.  Of course, faith is just a word unless it is invested with personal meaning; my own faith is rooted in the unshakable belief in God as creator and sustainer, a deeply personal interpretation of and relationship with Christ, and an awareness of a constant and holy spiritual presence in all people, all life, and all things.  But I also want to affirm what people of faith from long ago apparently knew and that our civilization has obscured:  that there is revelatory power in the world.  This is the essence of faith:  to make a surrendering decision to invest belief in a spiritual reality larger than ourselves.  And I believe that faith is the primary force that enables us to choose meaning and direction and then hold to it despite all the buffeting chaos in life.

 

I believe also that -- for all of us -- there is an often poorly understood link between ethical choices that seem quite small in scale and those whose apparent consequences are very large, and that a conscious effort to adhere to just principles in all our choices -- however small -- is a choice in favor of justice in the world.  By the same token, a willingness to succumb to distraction, and in the process fail to notice the consequences of a small choice made carelessly or unethically, makes one more likely to do the same when confronted with a large choice.  Both in our personal lives and in our political decisions, we have an ethical duty to pay attention, resist distraction, be honest with one another and accept responsibility for what we do -- whether as individuals or together.  It's the same gyroscope.  It either provides balance or it doesn't.  In the words of Aristotle, "Virtue is one thing."

 

For civilization as a whole, the faith that is so essential to restore the balance now missing in our relationship to the earth is the faith that we do have a future.  We can believe in that future and work to achieve it and preserve it, or we can whirl blindly on, behaving as if one day there will be no children to inherit our legacy.  The choice is ours; the earth is in the balance."

 

"Earth in the Balance" is a brilliantly written, prophetic, even holy book, clearly pointing the way we need to change to assure the survival of our grandchildren.  I pray it will have the dramatic impact it deserves -- and must have -- for our collective salvation.  Please read it."

-M. Scott Peck, Author of the 10-Year New York Times Spiritual Bestseller,  "THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED"

 

===========================

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES REGARDING RIGHTWING LIES

DESIGNED TO PROP UP BUSH'S CHRISTIAN CREDS

OR TO ASSASSINATE THE CHARACTER OF LIBERALS:

 

Claim:  George W. Bush took a half hour off from glad-handing supporters at a 'thank you' dinner to witness for Christ to a teenage boy.  

Status:  False.  http://www.snopes.com/glurge/bushpray.htm

 

Claim:  Vice-President Al Gore announced during a speech that his favorite Bible verse is John 16:3.

Status:  False.  http://www.snopes.com/quotes/algore.htm

 

Claim:  Bill Clinton has been quietly doing away with those who oppose him.

Status:  False.  http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/clinton.htm

 

Claim:  Influential friends ensured that a "special dispensation" cut the length of Al Gore's tour of duty in Vietnam from one year to five months.

Status:  False. http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/goreviet.htm

 

Claim:  Vice-President Al Gore claimed that he "invented" the Internet.

Status:  False. http://www.snopes.com/quotes/internet.htm

 

Claim:  Bill Clinton Quote:   "Yes, the president should resign. He has lied to the American people, time and time again, and betrayed their trust. He is no longer an effective leader. Since he has admitted guilt, there is no reason to put the American people through an impeachment. He will serve absolutely no purpose in finishing out his term; the only possible solution is for the president to save some dignity and resign."

Status:   Wording inaccurate. http://www.snopes.com/quotes/clinton.htm

[DIVA NOTE:  The Real Quote:  "[There is] no question that an admission of making false statements to government officials and interfering with the FBI and the CIA is an impeachable offense."]

 

Claim:  In his book Earth in the Balance, Senator Al Gore wrote that Christians are a "blight on the environment" and that "to believe in Bible prophecy is unforgivable."

Status:  False. http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/earthbal.htm

 

Claim:  A distant relative of Al Gore or Hillary Clinton was a horse thief and a train robber.

Status:  False. http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/stooopid/thief.htm

 

===========================

 

So, there it is -- the column that started your BS ball rolling.  Put up or shut up, and try, if you can, to stay on the subject.

 

Tammy

"The Diva"

WebMistress of BBBR

http://www.coup2k.com

 

 

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