CNN LIES

2003-03-30T17:37:00.000-05:00

Good riddance to useless lying filth. Of course, they'll probably hire Anne Coulter to replace her. "Fair and balanced" and and all that crap. Stupid morons at CNN still want to be Faux News Lite. What idiots.

Connie Chung Will Leave CNN

CNN has told Connie Chung, one of its most prominent anchors, that it has dropped her prime-time program, effective immediately. Although CNN asked her to stay in some other capacity, she declined and will leave the network, an associate of Ms. Chung said last night.

2003-03-30T17:25:00.000-05:00

CNN: You LYING WHORES! France (and many, many other countries) are FED UP with your jingoistic propaganda! Your days are numbers, Presstitutes! I will watch your downfall with great joy. Liars. You have blood on your hands, Aaron Brown! And you can NEVER wash it off. Viva la France!

Chirac demands France creates a rival to CNN

President Jacques Chirac has ordered his officials to draw up plans for a French-language, international television channel to counter the growing influence of the BBC and CNN.

He has demanded that the blueprint for the service - already nicknamed "CNN a la Francaise" - be ready by the end of next month as he has become increasingly irritated by the "Anglo-Saxon" view of global events which is being beamed into millions of homes and hotel rooms around the world.

---snip---

"We've been concerned for a long time that the BBC and CNN reporting on events from a British or American perspective and in English," said a government official. "As recent events have shown, France may see things differently and we feel it is important that we get our message across."

2003-03-30T17:17:00.000-05:00

It's getting hard to be pro-American

---snip---

Actually, the thing that really sent me nuts was the sight of Lou Dobbs, the magnificently portentous host of CNN's Moneyline, ending his rather starchy financial show with an unprecedented musical number, extolling the advantages of "getting Saddam".

In recognition of the country's exceptional circumstances, Dobbs had procured two wan-looking cowboy types to perform a dirge-like ditty called Have You Forgotten? While footage of the disintegrating World
Trade Centre flashed up on the screen, they yodelled their priceless doggerel: "Some people say that with this war, we're just looking for a fight, I say, after 9/11 ? well, that's all right."

I still love America. I really do. I know, in my sane mind, that tubby Lou Dobbs is not the representative of the country's best qualities and principles. Still, watching him nodding his head feelingly to this
moronic ditty, I felt, for the first time in a long time, a stab of primitive anti-American loathing. "Turn it off! Turn it off!" I found myself yelling at my bewildered boyfriend. "What the hell is wrong with
you people, anyway?" I dare say even Lord Haw-Haw had his limits.

2003-03-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

How the quote process should work

3/13/2003 4:26:56 PM
Posted By: Jim Romenesko

From MATT ROUSH:
Having worked as a reporter for 25 years, I've got to say I'm completely and utterly appalled at Jonathan Weisman's account of how the Bush Administration is vetting quotes and demanding changes in quotes on stories about public policy proposals. For one thing, when nobody says them, they're not quotes, period. End of story. To say they are quotes is a lie. End of story. And my sources do not get to tell me what they said. They say what they say, I write it down or record it, and I put it in my stories if I think it's relevant, with the blessing of my editors. If I do not quote them correctly, I do not get to continue working as a reporter. That's how it works, or rather how it's supposed to. To me this is just one more example of the the way the Washington press corps has rolled over and become lapdogs for the Bush Administration.
There are terrific stories to be told about this bunch, as good as or better than anything that ever came out of the Clinton years, but for a variety of reasons (fear, laziness, misguided patriotism) they are not being told. Sept. 11 changed some things, but it did not change the press's responsibility to act as guardians for the public interest and of the public's tax dollars at work.

2003-03-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

2003-03-09T14:34:00.000-05:00

My apologies for my inactivity of late --- I've been working on a very time-consuming project and have not had much time to catalog CNN's attrocities. I'm sure they are spewing them out, fast and furious.

I hope to get back to serious Blogging next week. In the meantime, here are some stories that I hope people will send out to friends. If our votes are not counted then our Democracy truly is, once and for all, destroyed.

I know most people are pretty much obsessed with ChimpCo's coming war (thank you, Karl Rove), but we can't forget other looming issues. This is one of the biggest, in my opinion.

Welcome to the nightmare:

In the rush to correct problems exposed by the 2000 Presidential election debacle in Florida, many municipalities were pressured or required to procure new voting systems. The most vulnerable of these systems are the fully electronic touch-screen or kiosk (DRE) devices because of their lack of an independent, voter-verified audit trail. The vendors and certifying
authorities have taken a "trust us" stance, claiming that the machines are "fail-safe" and that the internal record and tally constitutes an accurate reflection of the ballots cast on the machine. In fact, machines have failed in actual use, not only displaying choices that were not selected by the voters, but also by mis-recording votes (in some cases losing them entirely, or shifting them to other candidates). Some of the machines enter a lock-down mode at the end of the balloting session, where it is impossible to later check that votes could be cast properly for each candidate or issue. Vendors have tied the hands of election officials and independent examiners by protecting their systems under restrictive trade-secret agreements, making it a felony to inspect the operation of the machine without a comprehensive court order. The articles linked below in my writings section provide an illustration of the magnitude of these problems. My analyses are based on computer science and engineering facts, and are not politically motivated. Please read these materials carefully and contact me if you should require further clarification or assistance.

Who makes the vote-counting machines?

This is an article about just three things: disclosure, conflict of interest and potential for manipulation. It is not a conspiracy theory or a political point of view. I think you'll agree with me: We don't care who wins the election, as long as it's who was VOTED FOR.

If we lose confidence in our voting system, it won't matter what we think about any issue. Voting won't matter. Democracy won't matter.

A lethal combination: Three nasty little guys that don't belong anywhere near our voting system keep showing up at the polls. Their names are Nondisclosure, Conflict of Interest, and Potential for Manipulation.

How credible is the information in this article? Click the links and you'll find verification, often on the companies' own web sites. Click footnotes and you'll find sources and excerpts.

A Vote for Less Tech at the Polls By Joanna Glasner

Story location: http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,56370,00.html
02:00 AM Nov. 19, 2002 PT

In the national debate over upgrading election infrastructure, Peter Neumann is an unlikely defender of the low-tech approach.

As principle scientist at Stanford Research Institute's Computer Science Laboratory, Neumann has spent the last 20 years studying how intrusion detection systems, cryptography and advanced software engineering can improve the reliability and security of computer systems.

But get him talking about how to run an election, and Neumann becomes an outspoken advocate of the paper ballot. He's also a sharp critic of computerized touch-screen voting machines.

"Some of them have lovely human interfaces, but if there's no assurance your vote goes through, it's irrelevant," said Neumann, who is concerned that in the fervor to embrace new voting technology, many jurisdictions will compromise the integrity of the election process.

Two weeks after the most highly computerized federal election in U.S. history, a number of computer scientists continue to raise concerns over security risks created by the widespread adoption of touch-screen voting systems.

Despite reports of smooth performance on Election Day from the major voting machine manufacturers, many experts remain concerned about fixing potential bugs before states spend billions more on touch-screen systems to automate the election process.

While paper ballots, punch cards and lever machines have their problems, a worry among some computer scientists is that the risks presented by touch-screen systems are more insidious because they are harder to detect. Critics of so-called direct recording electronic, or DRE, voting machines, most of which employ touch screens, are particularly concerned about the lack of a paper trail. Although the most widely used DRE machines can at day's end print out at a record of ballots cast, detractors say this is insufficient.

Votescam in the Electronic Age

THE FIX IS IN A week before the midterm election, President Bush signed the Help America Vote Act. It provides $3.9 billion to the states over the next three years to upgrade local election equipment. A handful of election technology companies have positioned themselves to reap the bulk of the money from the legislation. Expect them to lobby hard in the coming year. The system they are pushing most aggressively across the country, also happens to be the most expensive. It’s called direct recording electronic or DRE. Typically, DREs involve computerized touch-screen voting machines.

DREs offer an opportunity to commit electoral fraud with an astounding efficiency only available in the computer age. The machines offer no real-time evidence of a vote beyond what appears on the screen. (Cartridges collect the voting data which then can be printed out after the election.) Even though most customers at ATMs demand an immediate receipt of their transaction, with DREs voters are not afforded the same measure of accountability when electing their civic leaders. The source codes to operate the machines are proprietary to the company that supplies them. And as any computer programmer knows, it would be a simple matter to add a line of code to switch votes or simply lose them.

The fears of cynics (and those who read history) aside, DRE technology has produced enough unintentional errors to make one wonder about the glitches that go undiscovered. Researchers from Caltech and MIT concluded that three percent of ballots that went through DRE machines were not counted in the 2000 presidential race. In Dallas County this past election, dozens of voters in a number of precincts complained during early voting that when they selected a Democratic candidate on the touch screen, it registered a Republican. Election officials blamed the problem on "badly calibrated voting machines." Democrats unsuccessfully petitioned Republican District Judge Karen Johnson to order a court-supervised testing of the machines.

If You Want To Win An Election, Just Control The Voting Machines

by Thom Hartmann

---snip---

The respected Washington, DC publication The Hill ( ) has confirmed that former conservative radio talk-show host and now Republican U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel was the head of, and continues to own part interest in, the company that owns the company that installed, programmed, and largely ran the voting machines that were used by most of the citizens of Nebraska.

Back when Hagel first ran there for the U.S. Senate in 1996, his company's computer-controlled voting machines showed he'd won stunning upsets in both the primaries and the general election. The Washington Post (1/13/1997) said Hagel's "Senate victory against an incumbent Democratic governor was the major Republican upset in the November election." According to Bev Harris of , Hagel won virtually every demographic group, including many largely Black communities that had never before voted Republican. Hagel was the first Republican in 24 years to win a Senate seat in Nebraska.

Six years later Hagel ran again, this time against Democrat Charlie Matulka in 2002, and won in a landslide. As his hagel.senate.gov website says, Hagel "was re-elected to his second term in the United States Senate on November 5, 2002 with 83% of the vote. That represents the biggest political victory in the history of Nebraska."

What Hagel's website fails to disclose is that about 80 percent of those votes were counted by computer-controlled voting machines put in place by the company affiliated with Hagel. Built by that company. Programmed by that company.

"This is a big story, bigger than Watergate ever was," said Hagel's Democratic opponent in the 2002 Senate race, Charlie Matulka (www.lancastercountydemocrats.org/matulka.htm). "They say Hagel shocked the world, but he didn't shock me."

Is Matulka the sore loser the Hagel campaign paints him as, or is he democracy's proverbial canary in the mineshaft?

Hacking democracy?

Computerized vote-counting machines are sweeping the country. But they can be hacked -- and right now there's no way to be sure they haven't been.

By Farhad Manjoo

Feb. 20, 2003 | During the past five months, Bev Harris has e-mailed to news organizations a series of reports that detail alarming problems in the high-tech voting machinery currently sweeping its way through American democracy. But almost no one is paying attention.

Harris is a literary publicist and writer whose investigations into the secret world of voting equipment firms have led some to call her the Erin Brockovich of elections. Harris has discovered, for example, that Diebold, the company that supplied touch-screen voting machines to Georgia during the 2002 election, made its system's sensitive software files available on a public Internet site. She has reported on the certification process for machines coming onto the market -- revealing that the software code running the equipment is seldom thoroughly reviewed and can often be changed with mysteriously installed "patches" just prior to an election. And in perhaps her most eyebrow-raising coup, she found that Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, used to run the company that built most of the machines that count votes in his state -- and that he still owns a stake in the firm.

Computerized Voting Comes Under Fire in Georgia and California

---snip---

Georgia, however, did use the open server, downloading software patches to tweak the elections program and ensure it worked properly on Election Day. Brit Williams, a college professor who tested and certified Diebold's system in preparation for Georgia's November elections, explains in a Web-published transcript of an interview with Harris that "we were in the heat of the election. Some of the things we did [involving the open server], we probably compromised security a little bit. . . . We've gone back since the election and done extensive testing on all this."

Black Box Voting by Bev Harris

2003-03-05T09:08:00.000-05:00

Going Off to War Supplied With Lies

Doubt everything. Trust nothing. Believe nothing. Governments and the media messengers are lying now.
Going Off to War Supplied With Lies

by Nicholas von Hoffman

"War whore" is the name. They’re the ladies and gentlemen of the media who whoop, holler and thigh-slap the United States into war. Day in and day out, hour after hour, on the TV news channels in particular, they tingle with happy excitement as they strain to infect their viewers (and somewhat less often, their readers) with their enthusiasm for the looming death and disfigurement of others.

2003-02-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Atrios at Eschaton for finding this. I had to watch it twice because the first time through I thought it was parody. It really is one of the most appauling things I have ever seen and heard. (Make sure your sound is working before clicking the link.) Oh. My. God. This is what it has come to. CNN has sunk even lower than I thought possible. If you EVER had any doubt about CNN selling war as product, this ghastly new low will erase it forever.

CNN Iraq Tracker

Get CNN Iraq Tracker free as part of QuickCast with AOL Broadband -- and more!

2003-02-28T12:58:00.000-05:00

Another Call To Action, via Buzzflash

I cannot believe that those MORONS at MSNBC have dumped Donahue, a rare voice for issues that the mainstream was too frightened to touch. The channel is shifting to the right in a desperate, and ultimately unsuccessful, effort to overtake Faux news. I understand they have hired that racist pig Michael Savage (nee Weiner -- a far more appropriate moniker for the little prick) to appeal to an unenlightened and intellectually challenged audience share. He goes so well with Joe "Dead Woman in My Office" Scarborough, another recent addition to their right wing lineup.

Please urge your readers to send a strong e-mail of disgust and reprobation to the dunces in charge. Unless and until we stand up and really bitch, the GOParty line is all we'll hear across the airwaves. Might as well start with Donahue -- it will only take a second of each reader's time, and it may let these nitwits know that we are out there, we watch TV, and we are tired of this crap. The email address for viewer comments is viewerservices@msnbc.com.

Do it. Write to them. It's high time that Liberals start fighting back. Enough. Is. Enough.

2003-02-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

Radio talk of treason threatens free speech

Like many others, I had the interesting experience Wednesday morning -- soon after dropping off my kids at school and turning on the car radio -- of hearing a famous voice use the word "traitor." He was talking about some opponents of the Bush administration's policy toward Iraq.

The speaker was Neal Boortz, and Boortz's humor and politics are such that sometimes you have to take him with a grain of salt. He loves to poke and mock and outrage all manner of liberals, peaceniks, dupes and weaklings.

But, like other right-wing talk show talkers, he has been pushing hard lately -- and in solemn terms -- for exactly the war the administration wants. And he has been painting the administration's critics and questioners as defenders of Saddam Hussein, and as unwilling to defend their country and their civilization.

---snip---

Sean Hannity -- another right-wing radio talker, who used to be based right here in Atlanta before he moved on to greater glory -- has been defending the administration's plans and policies in the same abusive way -- and sticking even closer to the party line than Boortz. Hannity, too, is broadcast locally. He's on the same station, in fact, that carries Boortz: WSB, which is owned by the same company that owns The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

David Meszaros, general manager of WSB, told me Wednesday that Boortz's use of "traitor" was "just an opinion" and that it was aimed, in this case, at some people willing to be used as "human shields" against an American attack.

Earlier in the day, before Meszaros had gone back and listened to a recording of Boortz's comments, the executive defended him as "entertaining." Listeners "know the polarizing nature of Boortz," Meszaros said, and they know him as "very bright" and "very controversial."

Maybe so. But I think a tolerance for strong opinions can underestimate the dangers of certain commentators using the media to smear the patriotism of dissenting Americans in wartime.

Ok. Enough is enough. I listen to the blowhard asshole Boortz sometimes. He's a congenital liar and his show is a non-stop hatefest. He has been stirring up anti-Islamic hatred for months on end. This sort of hate speech is what is rapidly destroying our country --- what's left of it anyway.

Liberals need to get off their butts and fight back. I know, historically, Liberals are more even-keeled and low-key in their approach, but that time is gone. This is a WAR for the soul and the direction of our country, and the whole world is watching.

Call David Meszaros at WSB Radio at 404-897-7500 and ask him (politely) to stop spreading hatred and lies via OUR airwaves.

2003-02-28T09:26:00.000-05:00

The other night, CNN's agonized liberal Aaron Brown grew defensive over claims that the network had been ignoring the peace movement. "For a variety of reasons, it seems to us, the anti-war movement has been slow to organize and slow to build. It hardly existed in the U.S. Congress." While this is certainly true of our spineless Democrats (Robert Byrd's jeremiads notwithstanding), it's flat-out wrong about popular resistance to the war, which is years ahead of the Vietnam timetable. Despite September 11, millions of ordinary Americans are shocked and awed by the president's brazenness in passing Saddam off as worthy of a war.

2003-02-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

"The longer the war lasts, the more money we can make," said Larry Goodman, CNN's president of sales and marketing. But, he said, "we don't want to capitalize on the war. We're not out there saying, 'We're going to sell you higher ratings for March and April.' The Persian Gulf War lasted nearly three months and we ended up making a significant amount of money over the time period."

2003-02-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

Finding Trouble in U.S. by Jimmy Breslin

---snip---

She remembered yesterday that she said, "This is crazy."

The older agent said, "If you tell me one more time that this is crazy, I'll put handcuffs on you and throw you into a cell."
"All right, I won't say one more time that this is crazy. But it is crazy," she said.

Then Bernadette Devlin, who for so many years showed Catholics in Northern Ireland how to breathe and be as unafraid as she was, and by doing so placed the first jobs they ever had into their lives, this small woman with music for a voice who thrilled so many Irish in New York, wound up in an office, where she was fingerprinted and photographed.

Humiliate them. Then frighten them. "I'm going to throw you in prison," the older man said.

He tried the wrong party. "You can't do that," she said. "I have rights. I have the right to free movement. I have human rights. I have the right to be protected under the Constitution of the United States."

The daughter overheard one of them say, "After 9/11, nobody has any rights."

It was common mouthing and behavior from a government that daily shears people of their rights.

"This must be the way they treat every Mrs. McAliskey," she was saying yesterday. "That was the most disturbing."
Under John Ashcroft, a prayer breakfast man who probably prays against people, the Justice Department doesn't believe in the Bill of Rights. Ashcroft is useless in a big Justice Department case against such as Enron. How could he be? Even he says he accepted big donations from them.

But he can sweep the rights of individuals out of the room, and do it while humming prayer songs.

In one week in this city, an anti-war demonstration was blocked by the mayor and police commissioner, and now Bernadette Devlin is deported. That one comes from Washington. She is cleared easily by American agents in Dublin who knew she was in order. Suddenly, they are ordered to send a fax to Chicago to block her. Somebody in Washington, with the mind of a rodent, has to order that.

I really don't know what to say. In George W. Bush and John Ashcroft's America, Bernadette Devlin, this brave, courageous woman, has been reduced to being an "Enemy of the State".

Next, it could easily be you or me.

UPDATE: Feds Say Activist's Visa Was Expired

Yeah, right. I believe them, don't you? Someone needs to follow up on this. And John Ashcroft needs to be removed from office. He's not fit, in any way, shape or form, to be Attorney General.

Jeanne Butterfield, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said Attorney General John Ashcroft has the authority to ban entry of anyone he deems to be a threat to this country's security.
But Butterfield said she was appalled by the action.

"It would not surprise me if they had caught some Arab or Muslim political figure and kept him out," said Butterfield, given the high alert level and political climate.

"But to stop people who may have been sympathetic to the IRA, it's frightening to me. It's chilling," Butterfield said. "It suggests the noose is tightening on all of us."

2003-02-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

This appauling incident took place last week in Cobb County, Georgia. Cobb is notoriously Rightwing. During the 1996 Olympics Cobb was bypassed for any related events because their elected officials passed an incredibly bigoted resolution claiming that the "gay lifestyle" was not welcome in Cobb.

Even so, this is despicable behavior. What the hell has happened to our country? Granted, we're being purposely frightened on a daily/hourly basis by both our Government and our "Media" --- but what the hell is this? How have we come to this point? It is certainly worth examining, but I fear that the damage is done, it might well be too late to save America from herself.

Disagree at your own risk

---snip---

I never chanted, raised my voice, confronted anyone or was disrespectful to those around me. I simply held my sign and stood my ground. The abuse came first from a small group of homemakers standing near me, their small children dressed in red, white and blue.

"Go home! You don't belong here," they said.

All around me folks began to speak up, and it wasn't long before a large group of people crossed the street with banners and flags and began aggressively yelling "Go USA!" Bob, a young man with a ball cap and a sign reading "Drop Bush, Not Bombs" came and stood with me for support.

The really frightening stuff began when a television cameraman stopped and asked me why I was there. As soon as the crowd saw the camera pointed at me, they went wild. I was trying to express myself and they screamed at me and over my voice. A man stood behind me making obscene gestures as I spoke.

The reporter tried three times, unsuccessfully, to get a picture without obscenity. One woman spat in my hair. The journalist gave up and moved on. The mob did not. Men and women violently screamed in my face and Bob's.

It stopped just long enough for the president's motorcade to pass by and then erupted again. We were told to " Get the f--- out of the country," had obscene gestures pushed in our faces. An elderly man told me to "Go to hell!"

I was in a state of shock. Here I was, a 42-year-old mother of four, born and raised in Cobb County, holding a peace sign, standing on the sidewalk across the street from my church, and I was frightened that my neighbors were going to hurt me because I dared to express my opinion. This could not be happening. Not in America, right?

This is what they've done to us. They've divided us. They've turned our allies into enemies. They did this: The Busheviki and their handmaidens in the "Media".

2003-02-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

I've got some good stuff on CNN to post, but right now I'm too disturbed. Two articles I just read (and will post shortly) have me reeling --- literally mourning for the country we USED to be. It's gone, all of it. Our freedoms have been stripped from us when John Ashcroft hustled his insane "Patriot Act" through congress --- and he's not done yet --- he's waiting for war to unveil the new, improved "Patriot II" which will further strip us of rights we have had as citizens for over 200 years.

New Yorkers were not allowed to peacefully march in protest of this war. Ashcroft had a hand in that one too. Those who express opposition to this immoral war are routinely called "unAmerican" and much, much worse. Tens of millions of people around the world who marched against the war were reduced to "thousands" in the soundbites repeated over the airwaves by sneering, condescending Presstitutes.

We have an unelected "Leader" who is pushing our country (and the world) to the brink of destruction. Our elected Representatives have failed us --- signing Ashcroft's horrible bill WITHOUT EVEN READING IT. The rightwing media in this country is busily shredding the last of the remaining post-9/11 goodwill of the people of the world and, in the process, convincing vast numbers of Americans that "we don't need no stinkin' feriners".

It boggles my mind when I look back at the last two years. Simply amazing and stupefying. The list of atrocities is so long, so fast moving, that it really makes my head spin. I can't keep up.

I know that the Bushies were planning this war since before they stole the election, but I guarantee you, 9 out of 10 Americans have no clue. Because our "Media" lies to us. The same Presstitutes that savaged Al Gore and knowingly spread lies and fabrications about him. They are to blame, they did this to us. CNN and Faux News were the leaders of the pack. They should be held accountable.

2003-02-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

Robert Fisk: How the news will be censored in this war: A new CNN system of 'script approval' suggests the Pentagon will have nothing to worry about

Already, the American press is expressing its approval of the coverage of American forces which the US military intends to allow its reporters in the next Gulf war. The boys from CNN, CBS, ABC and The New York Times will be "embedded" among the US marines and infantry. The degree of censorship hasn't quite been worked out. But it doesn't matter how much the Pentagon cuts from the reporters' dispatches. A new CNN system of "script approval" – the iniquitous instruction to reporters that they have to send all their copy to anonymous officials in Atlanta to ensure it is suitably sanitised – suggests that the Pentagon and the Department of State have nothing to worry about. Nor do the Israelis.

Indeed, reading a new CNN document, "Reminder of Script Approval Policy", fairly takes the breath away. "All reporters preparing package scripts must submit the scripts for approval," it says. "Packages may not be edited until the scripts are approved... All packages originating outside Washington, LA (Los Angeles) or NY (New York), including all international bureaus, must come to the ROW in Atlanta for approval."

The date of this extraordinary message is 27 January. The "ROW" is the row of script editors in Atlanta who can insist on changes or "balances" in the reporter's dispatch. "A script is not approved for air unless it is properly marked approved by an authorised manager and duped (duplicated) to burcopy (bureau copy)... When a script is updated it must be re-approved, preferably by the originating approving authority."

Note the key words here: "approved" and "authorised". CNN's man or woman in Kuwait or Baghdad – or Jerusalem or Ramallah – may know the background to his or her story; indeed, they will know far more about it than the "authorities" in Atlanta. But CNN's chiefs will decide the spin of the story.

---snip---

But the system of "script approval" that has so marred CNN's coverage has got worse. In a further and even more sinister message dated 31 January this year, CNN staff are told that a new computerised system of script approval will allow "authorised script approvers to mark scripts (ie reports) in a clear and standard manner. Script EPs (executive producers) will click on the coloured APPROVED button to turn it from red (unapproved) to green (approved). When someone makes a change in the script after approval, the button will turn yellow." Someone? Who is this someone? CNN's reporters aren't told.

But when we recall that CNN revealed after the 1991 Gulf War that it had allowed Pentagon "trainees" into the CNN newsroom in Atlanta, I have my suspicions.

CNN is nothing more than a Government-approved propaganda machine, reading scripts full of lies and distortions in order to prop up this dangerous and unelected regime. TURN THEM OFF!

2003-02-22T15:55:00.000-05:00

Here is an amicus brief, filed by John Ashcroft's "Justice" Department in the case over whether or not New Yorkers would be allowed to march to the U.N. Building. Of course, they were DENIED the permit to march. But how many people know that the DoJ got involved? Ironically, the argument they used in this brief was that we have to PROTECT the U.N.! Ha! After months of America's Rightwingnut Brigade denouncing and belittling the U.N., that's rich!

CNN: Where's your coverage on that? Huh?

2003-02-22T11:32:00.000-05:00

This letter writer certainly "gets it".

Regarding "The great trans-Atlantic media divide" (Views, Feb. 19) by Paul Krugman: The media divide runs not only between the United States and Europe, it also goes right down the middle of one of the biggest English-language media institutions, CNN.
.
CNN America and CNN International often seem to have little in common. While the former seems almost exclusively geared to the American point of view, the latter brings many different national perspectives - both for and against - discussions and interviews with different people, from different countries and often with widely differing opinions. Unfortunately, as far as I know, viewers in America don't get to see these.
.
Jacqueline Giere, Wiesbaden, Germany

2003-02-22T11:28:00.000-05:00

The US mass media are simply echoing the war cryof the Bush administration

It had to be heard to be believed! Jonathan Carl, a CNN correspondent who was standing in for a regular programme anchor, was commenting on American reaction to North Korea since Pyongyang embarked on a course of outright confrontation with the United States of America on the nuclear issue.

He named the North Korean leader as King Jong the second! How could it be? North Korea was so much in the news and how could a CNN correspondent who handled important beats in Washington get it wrong? But once again, Carl said it in his report: Kim Jong II.

Then it dawned on the more discriminating viewers. This CNN correspondent who was authoritatively commenting on the developing crisis between the US and North Korea did not have a clue to the name of the man who rules the world’s only remaining Stalinist state. Perhaps, he had heard that North Korea is a communist dynasty? That Koreans, for a good part, are all Kims? That the founder of the North Korean state was a Kim too? Then surely, in the Marxist dynasty, his son and successor must be King Jong the second?

One of the more dangerous aspects of the current countdown to war with Iraq is the role of the US media.

With rare exceptions, American television has taken upon itself the task of selling president George W Bush’s war against Saddam Hussein.

In this propaganda effort for the White House, it does not offer readers any adequate choice of views or news. It openly dismisses those who speak up against the coming conflict even on the few occasions when they are called to appear on television screens. It long ago gave up the pretence that as a free media, it was offering viewers enough balance and variety so that they could independently make up their minds on the question of overthrowing Saddam Hussein through an invasion.

The rest of the world sees it. They know we Americans are being lied to.

2003-02-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

American Gulf War Veterans Association: GULF WAR VETERANS ASSOCIATION QUESTIONS WHO STARTED THE OIL WELL FIRES IN KUWAIT.

For the past six years, the American Gulf War Veterans Association have received numerous reports from veterans stating that US forces were responsible for the setting of the oil well fires at the end of the Gulf War.Ê These testimonies are now being taken very seriously in light of recent revelations of the events that occurred during the first Gulf War.
Ê
Joyce Riley, spokesperson for The American Gulf War Veterans Association is quoted as saying: ÒThere was intentional misinformation given to the American people to generate support for Desert Storm often created by advertising agencies such as Hill and Knowlton.Ó

---snip---

One veteran has now stepped forward and given a detailed account of how he and others in special teams, moved forward of the front, (behind enemy lines ahead of US forces) and then set charges on the well heads. ÒWe were mustered into the briefing tent at which point a gentleman whom I first had thought to be an American began to brief us on the operation. I was concerned because he was not wearing a US uniform and insignias.Ó
Ê
The information provided over a series of meetings with this veteran corroborates reports from other veterans who are totally unconnected with this individual. This testimony brings into serious question the integrity of the US government, as it provided information to the American public and military during the last Gulf War.

Maybe Aaron Brown will book this Gulf War Veteran on his show. (Yeah, right.)

2003-02-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

Disturbing Questions

On a recent CNN International broadcast, I watched Tom Ridge being interviewed by Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer lobbed softball questions, picked up the slack and explained the White House position when Ridge was at a loss for words, and then framed several questions about partisan Democrats being at the root of security problems and war resistance.

Blitzer never asked: "Why did you guys run a focus group on your terrorism alert? Doesn't that smack of political manipulation rather than true patriotic concern for America's safety? Did the White House really file a supporting motion in court to block the peace rallies in NY? What scientific studies did Homeland Security use to determine duct tape and plastic were effective against chemical and biological bombs? And how is it that neither the FBI nor CIA gave the "informant" a lie detector test prior to issuing the Orange Alert? Doesn't that show incompetence of two agencies charged with protecting America?"

Blitzer never asked one of those questions. Although, cutting to commercial he did say, "CNN the most trusted name in news." Umm - Okay.

I would like to say that I was flabbergasted by this lackluster GOP-apologist performance, but the truth is, this is all we can expect from the lickspittle smarmy microphone that passes for today's media. How many "journalists" does it take to change a light bulb? None. They get well paid to work in the dark.

---snip---

Everyone talks around the subject but no one makes the White House answer the question: Why, if Saddam has chemical and biological weapons, are you willing to risk thousands of lives by invading Iraq? Don't you think they will use them in defense of their country? Or is that what you are hoping for? Is that why the nuclear option is not only on the table but also in the news?

And therein lies the chilling question. What is going on here?

This White House is obsessed with elections and the installation of the GOP as the ruling party of America. Why would they be willing to risk a war that could run amok and generate thousands of horrible casualties of our military men and women? Their own credibility and coming presidential election is on the line here. What would be the benefit for them? And make no mistake; no calculation has gone unexamined by this cabal of conservative ideologists. So what exactly do they know that the rest of us are not allowed to know?

This MUST READ article ends with this chilling observation: "Something evil this way comes - but no one wants to ask. No one wants to know."

CNN (and the rest of the Presstitutes) are willing accomplices in this terrible unfolding tragedy. They will have blood on their hands for sitting silently by and letting this horror come to pass. They must ALWAYS be held accountable for this; they must NEVER be allowed to forget or downplay their role. They must NEVER be forgiven.

2003-02-20T09:45:00.000-05:00

Janeane Garofalo kicked some Presstitute butt on Crossfire. This woman ROCKS! More please!!!

GAROFALO: I would respond to that, Tucker. After 1996 and the deregulation, the FCC deregulation which enabled fewer and fewer corporate owners of more and more media outlets have homogenize the news. I think the news has a big stake in war, because it means ratings and it means viewers and it's I guess, to them, exciting stories. I do think that there's corporate entities that own the news and that's why the news is sort of reflective of establishment views. And like Fox, basically the White House.

Fox News is a mouthpiece for the White House. And I would say that it's not like you're getting really exciting, diverse news from all these news outlets, I think they're basically establishment voice with a bit of variation here and there, but -- and if I can move on further to the fact that I also know that it's not ideal that people have chosen entertainment for a career or talking about the anti-war movement. Unfortunately, the anti-war movement which is huge seems to get more attention when a handful of actors have access to the camera.

Janeane gets it. And she beats the Media Whores at their own game, you gotta love it.

2003-02-18T13:37:00.000-05:00

Bush's 'sacrifice' can't be matched

As we head for war with Iraq, Americans should reflect and be grateful for combat sacrifices made by our veterans, such as Sen. Daniel Inouye (lost an arm), Sen. John McCain (lost six years of his life in a POW camp), former Sen. Bob Kerrey (lost a leg) and former Sen. Max Cleland (lost both legs and an arm).

However, we veterans are most impressed by the sacrifices of Vietnam-era veteran George W. Bush, who lost his memory for nearly a whole year concerning where he was and what he was doing from mid-1972 to mid-1973 when he was supposed to be serving in the Texas Air National Guard.

Loss of limbs in combat and POW camps pale in comparison with our president's unique personal sacrifice. We are fortunate to have such a selfless and patriotic man leading us to war.

CHRIS RISER

Riser, of Atlanta, is a veteran of Desert Storm.

I always love it when I see a reference to AWOL BUSH in a major newspaper. Of course, it's ALWAYS a reader, never an Editor. And the chance of CNN telling America the truth about our AWOL-during-wartime (p)Resident is nil. But word is spreading, nonetheless.

In any country with a FREE PRESS, every citizen would know this simple (and proven) fact. We would have been told BEFORE that sham "election" --- you know, the one AWOL BUSH lost?

2003-02-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

Behind the Great Divide By PAUL KRUGMAN

There has been much speculation why Europe and the U.S. are suddenly at such odds. Is it about culture? About history? But I haven't seen much discussion of an obvious point: We have different views partly because we see different news.

---snip---

So why don't other countries see the world the way we do? News coverage is a large part of the answer. Eric Alterman's new book, "What Liberal Media?" doesn't stress international comparisons, but the difference between the news reports Americans and Europeans see is a stark demonstration of his point. At least compared with their foreign counterparts, the "liberal" U.S. media are strikingly conservative — and in this case hawkish.

I'm not mainly talking about the print media. There are differences, but the major national newspapers in the U.S. and the U.K. at least seem to be describing the same reality.

Most people, though, get their news from TV — and there the difference is immense. The coverage of Saturday's antiwar rallies was a reminder of the extent to which U.S. cable news, in particular, seems to be reporting about a different planet than the one covered by foreign media.

What would someone watching cable news have seen? On Saturday, news anchors on Fox described the demonstrators in New York as "the usual protesters" or "serial protesters." CNN wasn't quite so dismissive, but on Sunday morning the headline on the network's Web site read "Antiwar rallies delight Iraq," and the accompanying picture showed marchers in Baghdad, not London or New York.

Krugman nails it, as usual. Our "Liberal" media are nothing of the sort. The "mainstream" tilts WAY to the right, and the final and utter destruction of that ridiculous myth is mandatory before there can even be an honest discussion of the issues in America.

2003-02-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

Here's an excellent observation from a friend of mine:

Perverse outcome potential. When a million people march, and they hear CNN call it tens of thousands, then they will conclude that CNN falsifies news. They are personally involved. These venal corrupt fucks don't realize that it is credibility that they are selling. Without that they are nothing. They are nothing. Now the million people who marched realize it.

If they can't report the marches accurately, anything they have to say about the war is suspect, too. They just qualified for a Darwin Award.

That is exactly right. The Presstitutes at CNN can't seem to mouth the word "MILLIONS", instead, when they bother to mention them at all, referring to "thousands of protesters". This is clearly a lie, one intended to downplay the truly MASSIVE and historic events of last weekend. The trouble is, all those MILLIONS of people who went to the gatherings now KNOW for a FACT that CNN is lying to them.

Keep digging, CNN.

2003-02-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone on your CNN Boycott suggestions! Here are a few excerpts:

If all the anti-war factions (all of whom have been given short shrift by cnn) were to be mobilized we could at least create a story damning to cnn and perhaps even keep their ratings down, which after all is their lifes'-blood. If move-on and notinourname got in on this and we were able to put out some full page ads in some of the larger papers (assuming any of them would run these) we could create a huge groundswell. After the war begins most of the anti-war crowd will feel helpless and hopeless and this will be a pro-active way to continue the fight against what many see as a conduit for the current administrations rhetoric and propoganda. -- J.T.

I suggest you list all the sponsers you note on CNN. Then set up a sample letter with the address set up so people can download it and send it. -- Clark

You asked for suggestions for organizing a boycott of CNN: Get BartCop interested in promoting your site! He is almost ready to go on air, and would probably like a 'signature' item or two. We both know he's going to have so many issues to plug - but I think he's going to focus on the media whores, at least at first. If people know there are a number of people out there who are actively organizing protests and boycotts at a number of different areas of the same problem, they might get the picture that the whole deal is crooked, and if we want to make things honest again, we're going to have to do some heavy lifting for a while. Cleaning the whole lot out would be a good start. -- Tom

I have written CNN several times in the past few weeks asking why they are not reporting particualr stories, etc. I have yet to get a response. I am fed up -I would like to write all their advertisers to let them know I am boycotting them and why. -- A.P.

I would boycott CNN AND Fox and promote MSNBC. They are the lowest in the ratings and have cancelled liberal Donahue but Chris Matthews is against the war and they often have Buchanan on -- he's against the war too. It's not perfect but by promoting one against the other -- using the same tactics as take back the media complaining that CNN and FOX represent one point of view and distort in favor of pro war factions maybe you can get some advertisers to pull off CNN and Fox and advertise on the networks or on MSNBC. -- J.D.

2003-02-16T18:17:00.000-05:00

2003-02-16T13:55:00.000-05:00

Here is the ONLY other online reference that I have so far been able to find about the Bushies getting involved in the New York protest court case...

NYC Peace Activists Vow to Face Down Bush's War

---snip---

The New York event was supposed to include a walk past the UN. But pressed by the U.S. Justice Department, which filed a friend of the court brief, a federal judge ruled the city could deny the necessary permit because a march of such scale would pose an unacceptable security risk.

Hemming in thousands of frustrated people presents its own dangers. While they plan to appeal the court decision, organizers say the city's refusal may only boost the turnout. "People are outraged," says UFPJ co-chair Leslie Cagan. "At this point, we're not just protesting over this war but over the right to assert our basic civil rights."

This is outrageous.

2003-02-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

Free Speech Trampled in Standstill

February 15, 2003

There's a peace march scheduled in New York City today. But it will be more like a peace standstill. Unlike the 602 cities around the globe where protesters plan to march together to protest a war on Iraq, New York authorities won't allow it.

The Bloomberg administration made the decision well before last week's heightened security alert. A federal three-judge panel affirmed it - even though The New York Times reported a police commander told a federal judge that he had no reason to expect violence.

---snip---

But there's more to it than that. The Bush administration - which is in the midst of trying to sell the war to the public - filed a brief urging the judges to uphold denial of the permit. And the Bloomberg administration has no intention of forcing a St. Patrick's Day standstill instead of a parade - even though it's bigger and likely more raucous.

Say what???? Why isn't this FRONT PAGE NEWS??? I've heard or seen not one peep about this staggering bit of information on CNN (or elsewhere) in the "Mainstream" Media.

We have a "Pravda Press", people. Until that changes, we are screwed.

2003-02-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

Main speaker at yesterday's anti-war rally in Toronto:

"The protests are so widespread and so big that even CNN has had to notice!"

Witness to crowd reaction to the above statement:

I was also highly amused that everybody at the Toronto rally knew exactly what the guy meant when he talked about CNN. It would seem they're a joke to anybody who actually pays attention, whatever country they're in.

Today's CNN website headline:

ANTI-WAR RALLIES DELIGHT IRAQ

'Nuff said.

2003-02-16T10:53:00.000-05:00

New York City

2003-02-16T10:51:00.000-05:00

Madrid

2003-02-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

London

2003-02-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles

2003-02-15T14:34:00.000-05:00

CNN should fire the useless and pathetic Paula Zahn and promote Maria Hinojosa. Give her a big raise as well. Hey, Aaron Brown, Candy Crowley, Wolf Blitzer --- and ALL the Presstitutes at CNN --- THIS is what real reporting looks and sounds like. Take notes.

NEW YORK (CNN) -- When I was in the Bronx yesterday reporting on this story, a middle-aged woman was giving out leaflets in the bitter cold -- 10 degrees in the heart of the Bronx.

When I went up to ask her about her story, I didn't expect to hear this – I thought she would tell me she was a longtime activist -- she said to me, "I've never done this before in my life. I have never been involved in a protest movement."

She said, "I have never given out leaflets, but my son is in the Marines, and he went into the Marines because he needed money to pay for his education, and now he's going to have to die for it?"

Her story continued.

"I raised my son to appreciate life," she said. "It's not that I'm afraid of him dying. I don't want him killing innocent people because that's not the way I raised him."

And that just stopped me in my tracks: The sense of people who might have sons in the Marines, who might be extremely patriotic, but have a tremendous fear of what might happen if their own children are involved in a situation where there might be lots of deaths.

There's alot more at the link... Serious KUDOS to Maria Hinojosa!!!!!

2003-02-15T12:43:00.000-05:00

Culled from this story (from CBS, not CNN): Anti-War protest numbers from around the world...

Rome 3 million (organizers' estimate)
London 500,000 to 1 million
Berlin 300,000 to 500,000 (police estimate)
Damascus, Syria 200,000
Melbourne 150,000 (police est) 200,000 (organizers)
Paris and other French cities tens of thousands
Oslo 60,000 (police estimate)
Brussels 50,000 in bitter cold
Stockholm 35,000 in frigid weather
Canberra, Australia 3,000 to 5,000

Amsterdam 10,000
Copenhagen 10,000
Greek port of Thessaloniki 10,000
Athens several thousand
across New Zealand thousands
Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Australia, Malaysia and Thailand: thousands
Tokyo 6,000 on Friday, more planned today
Capetown 5,000
Wellington, New Zealand 5,000
Auckland, New Zealand several thousand
Johannesburg 4,000
Vienna 3,000
Dhaka, Bangladesh 2,000
Bangkok 2,000
Sofia, the Bulgarian capital 2,000
Braving biting cold and snow flurries in Ukraine 2,000
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1,500
Seoul, South Korea 1,500
Hong Kong 600
Cyprus 500
Prague 500

(thanks, Zan)

UPDATE: I'm now hearing 1.25 Million in London, surpassing the amazing "VE Day" [Victory in Europe] celebrations at the end of World War Two!!

(thanks, Richard)

2003-02-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

CNN showed an aerial view of today's protest in London -- for about one second! They immediately cut to extended footage of Iraqi's burning a US flag. Then Presstitute Suzanne Malveaux came on and wondered aloud why there were protests NOW, since Junior has been flogging his Oil War for months (with the help of CNN, of course). She actually said (paraphrased from memory) "We've only seen a dozen protesters here, two dozen there, why are they protesting now?"

Say what? Excuse me, Suzanne, what planet are you from? Are you truly that dense and uninformed? Just because CNN ignores protests doesn't mean they don't happen. Does the date January 18th mean anything to you? There were massive anti-War demonstrations all over the country -- INCLUDING several hundred thousand people in D.C.!!!

This is ridiculous. Call CNN's Feedback line at 404-827-1500 and DEMAND that they provide accurate coverage of this weekend's anti-War protests!

2003-02-15T11:33:00.000-05:00

I understand that Aaron Brown is being "snippy" to his critics again. Hey Aaron --- if you are going to lie and shill for these warmongers, you have to take the heat when you are called on it. Got it?

Email Aaron Brown and ask him to start telling the truth. Ask him to start giving voice to the millions of people who oppose this Oil War. Ask him whatever happened to standards of integrity in journalism. Be polite.

2003-02-15T08:51:00.000-05:00

Here is CNN's transcript of Hans Blix presentation to the U.N.

Here is the BBC's transcript of Hans Blix presentation to the U.N.

Note that the CNN "transcript" has some very important information missing, including, but not limited to, the following slap at Colin Powell for blatantly LYING in his testimony:

The presentation of intelligence information by the US secretary of state suggested that Iraq had prepared for inspections by cleaning up sites and removing evidence of proscribed weapons programmes.

I would like to comment only on one case, which we are familiar with, namely, the trucks identified by analysts as being for chemical decontamination at a munitions depot.

This was a declared site, and it was certainly one of the sites Iraq would have expected us to inspect.

We have noted that the two satellite images of the site were taken several weeks apart.

(thanks to tinnypriv)

CNN is nothing but a propaganda organ for our Unelected Warmongering Government. They prove that fact over and over and over again. DO NOT WATCH CNN. DO NOT PATRONIZE THEIR ADVERTISERS.

UPDATE:

CNN: "Not least against this background, a letter of the 12th of February from Iraq's National and Monitoring Directorate may be irrelevant."

BBC: "Not least against this background, a letter of 12 February from Iraq's National Monitoring Directorate may be of relevance."

2003-02-14T16:08:00.000-05:00

CNN LIES Presents The Best of Connie Chung: Cut and Paste Edition...

CONNIE CHUNG, HOST: Good evening, I'm Connie Chung.

Central Intelligence Agency Director George Tenet remains a figure of controversy. Critics hold him responsible in part for intelligence lapses prior to September 11. Do you believe that he's actually concealing information? Well, you know what? He's just rubbing up against me here. I'm wondering if that foam spray or any kind of gel would be better or usable. Would it be best to go into your basement if you have one? Listen to those screams.

Still ahead: the threats of terrorism haven't slowed down U.S. Plans for war with Iraq. Stay with us.

Tomorrow: If it's no longer if, but when the U.S. goes to war, when will that be? That's extraordinary.

2003-02-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

The most honest and relevant dialogue in America today comes from the writers of Letters to the Editor in various newspapers around the country. Most Op-Ed pieces are full of crap, spouting White House propaganda, but many letter writers get it: they know they are being propagandized and misinformed. And they are justifiably angry.

Bush and cronies are on a vendetta

Are you willing to lay down your loved one's life because President Bush and his Cabinet say Saddam Hussein is evil?

War is not just pushing buttons. Among the many who will die will be American soldiers, our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters.

Colin Powell's photos were of sites well known to U.N. inspectors; the sites had been inspected before and were inspected after his speech. Al-Qaida, a zealous, religious, shady and uncontrollable fringe organization, is not a likely partner of a secular control-freak dictator such as Saddam; far more likely he wants to wipe them off the face of the earth as much as we do.

Question what CNN, NBC and FOX have to say. Inform yourself from other sources: The BBC, Al Jazeera, National Public Radio, Univision, Pravda and others are available to help you know the whole picture.

This impending war is a personal and ideological vendetta of Bush and others in the White House. Are you willing to lay down your loved one's life because they say Saddam is evil?

ROMAN SZLAM Atlanta

2003-02-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

False Alarm? Terror Alert Partly Based on Fabricated Information

A key piece of the information leading to recent terror alerts was fabricated, according to two senior law enforcement officials in Washington and New York.

The officials said that a claim made by a captured al Qaeda member that Washington, New York or Florida would be hit by a "dirty bomb" sometime this week had proven to be a product of his imagination.

Hmmm. Big news, yes? This "Code Orange" and duct tape media tango has all been based on fabricated information. And yet -- when I just searched CNN's website for "fabricated terror information" the search came up completely empty. Strange, yes?

No. It's par for the course. CNN LIES.

2003-02-14T12:48:00.000-05:00

Heartland sees no rush on duct tape

DENVER -- Inside the Washington Beltway, there are missile launchers on the Mall and empty shelves at stores selling duct tape and bottled water. But here in the heartland, attitudes toward the government's latest terrorism alert tend to be closer to the views of ''Keith in Littleton,'' who called a talk show on Denver's KHOW radio station. ''I don't think I'm going to rush out and buy duct tape,'' Keith told KHOW host Scott Redmond. '''But if I had some, I'd use it to seal up the mouths of those jerks in Washington who are trying to scare everybody.''

That pretty much says it all. I would only add that we should also send a few dozen cartons of duct tape to CNN to seal up the mouths of the lying Presstitutes who go on CNN and tell LIES designed to frighten and confuse the American public. Any volunteers?

2003-02-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

ClearChannel (wingnut) Radio just got BUSTED! WAR WAR WAR all the time --- and just LOOK at who they are turning to for guidance on covering Junior's Oil War...

Clearchannel: Preparing for war

WAR PLANS
KFBK and KSTE

NEWS

Make certain that we are monitoring CNN and ABC's Sat Que. Sat Que must be turned up loud. We can not just rely on someone occasionally checking the wires. Do NOT turn down the volume on ABC Sat Que. Ross, please consider setting the volume high and removing the volume knob, otherwise someone will turn it down and you'll miss an important bulletin.

Board ops: The second you get a notification that war has begun make sure you are prepared to hit news bulletin sounder and get the information on IMMEDIATELY. As soon as it is offered, cut to network updates or long-form coverage immediately. Then call and page Ken and Cristi.

If War breaks out after 10AM M-F please make sure that we call Joe and Jack to come in and take KSTE into long-form as well.

Our Coverage will be called America's War with Iraq In writing copy please call our coverage, 'LIVE In-Depth Team Coverage of America's War with Iraq.'

After a major terror attack or after the war begins take all presidential addresses and public appearances.

---snip---

CNN-TV audio feed will undoublty be our first on air coverage. Make certain that you know how to bring CNN up on the boards of both KFBK and KSTE. They were first by a mile in 1991 during the Persian Gulf War and again on September 11th. Despite all the news sources out there they are the best in spot situations and could be first again.

When the war begins take What CNN and ABC offer. Go to long form as soon as they offer it. Turn it up and let it go.

Isn't that special. To them, war, and the ensuing casualties, are nothing but PRODUCT.

And they look to CNN for guidance.

2003-02-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

It's a start.

2003-02-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

Here's our "Media" on Bush. Babble babble babble Democrats suck Bush is God Babble babble babble....

Jeezus, when are the American people going to wake up? We've been taken on a (very expensive) ride.

HOLD THESE LYING WHORES ACCOUNTABLE, PEOPLE! They have royally F*CKED our country, and the world. And CNN/TimeWarner/AOL is FIRST ON THE LIST.

Look: I realize that, so far, in George Bush's America, the Corporate scam artists who are raping our country have been getting a free pass. They will CONTINUE to get a free pass unless enough of us speak out.

So: Just do it.

2003-02-11T21:22:00.000-05:00

One other thing: I'm planning to launch an organized "BOYCOTT CNN" campaign, and would really appreciate suggestions on making it as effective and broadreaching as possible. Please email me with thoughts, ideas and snarky commentary.

2003-02-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

I'm so furious about CNN's LYING COVERAGE of the "Osama" tape that I am going to withhold most comments for now. Just know that A) they are lying to you and B) let's wait for an independent evaluation of this tape. Remember the last "Osama" tape? Our CIA declared it "legit" and the Presstitutes in this country lined up behind them -- THEN independent analysis of the tape deemed it a fake.

And just who is the Bush Family friend "Osama" anyway? Does this creature even exist anymore? He was, of course, trained and armed by OUR CIA when Bush's Daddy was in charge of that unsavory bunch. But who is he now? Has he morphed again? Or is Osama just a phantom "enemy" that our CIA pulls out whenever the world-at-large isn't buying their latest B.S.? The timing of the release of this tape is sure suspicious. I don't believe a word of it. Neither should you.

Didn't the Chimpanzee-In-Chief just give Saddam a 48-hour warning to "get outa town"? Geezus, I'm so sick of these crazy cowboy nutcases with their fingers on the trigger. The Bush Administration policies are almost GUARANTEEING the deaths of many, many thousands of people, both here AND in Iraq.

Finally, I want to know how Lying Psychopath Colin Powell could have possibly had access to a transcript of a tape that Al Jazeera claimed at the time (rather vehemently) that they did NOT even have in their possession? The only possible answers are A) Powell was lying to the Senate or B) the tape was created and planted by our Government and Powell had access to it prior to the planting with Al Jazeera. Either way, that makes Colin Powell a TRAITOR to our country, and to the world. At one time I had some amount of respect for Colin Powell. No longer.

And why didn't Powell note in his testimony before the Senate that Bin Laden called Hussein an "infidel" on the tape? Even in the santitized (read: lying) versions of the tape being flogged in our media, that quote remains uncensored.

Please send me your observations of CNN's fake coverage of this mostly manufactured, non-event. Our Presstitutes press on (and spend those big paychecks, dontcha know!).

2003-02-11T09:04:00.000-05:00

This Blogger lives in Baghdad.

You just make it sound so easy, you know it’s not. But what the hell, after watching the victorious American army march thru the streets of Baghdad you’ll just turn CNN off and look for another show.

Jack, I hope you understand my view, we simply don’t trust the motives of your government. And if that government is going to war with Iraq we are not naïve to think that they are doing it because they want to spread love and freedom. I am not even sure peace and freedom are going to be among the side effects of that war.

2003-02-11T08:24:00.000-05:00

This is not CNN-specific, but pertains to our pathetic Corporate Press in general. I encourage everyone to take the time to contact the Big Three networks and ask them to Do The Right Thing (email addresses at the link).

ACTION ALERT: Broadcast Networks File FCC Comments-- But Not Stories

The review of media ownership rules underway at the Federal Communications Commission will have an enormous impact on the future of broadcasting and on media diversity. The FCC is considering repealing or altering a number of key rules that limit media consolidation. But you wouldn't know any of this from watching network television news.

Media companies stand to gain a lot from a relaxation of the ownership caps. So it is no surprise that NBC/General Electric, ABC/Disney and CBS/Viacom have all filed comments with the FCC.

It's what they haven't done that is more troubling: None of the big three networks have found the story worth reporting in depth. Since the FCC issued its notice on the ownership rules last September, a search of the Nexis news database turns up one network story: a short summary of the FCC's announcement on ABC's World News This Morning (9/9/02), which according to the transcript aired at 4:30 AM.

So, people who rely on network TV for their news are almost certainly unaware that the FCC is poised to roll back regulations that currently prevent networks from buying many of their independently owned affiliates. Or that the agency may soon allow one major network to buy another. Or that rules that have kept the newspaper business separate from the TV industry may soon be a thing of the past.

2003-02-11T08:06:00.000-05:00

Media mogul Turner derides attack on Iraq

WASHINGTON -- Former AOL Time Warner vice-chairman Ted Turner, once known as the Mouth of the South, unleashed his famous tongue again yesterday, criticizing the growing likelihood of a U.S. attack on Baghdad and suggesting that military action is a ridiculous way to bring down Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

"We got all the bombs and they don't have very much but a few guns. It's the high-tech wealthy Western nation against the Third World country; it's kind of a foregone conclusion that we'll win. It's a question of how many civilians get killed over there -- that's what worries me," Mr. Turner said. "We're trying to get one man, right? And we're going to kill tens of thousands of people to get him. It seems like a pretty inefficient way to do things."

---snip---

The tycoon denied rumours that he plans to buy back CNN and reinstate the network's original core values, in which showmanship took a back seat to journalism.

"Connie Chung's just awful," he said, referring to the high-priced star CNN hired last spring. "I'd love to get [the network] back. I just don't see how I can make it happen."

Heh.

2003-02-11T07:57:00.000-05:00

A note from a reader:

Came in from walking the dog this morning and turned on CNN. They were doing a profile on Kim Jong Il. They rightfully broke into it for live coverage of a speech by Kofi Annan. It was a pretty major speech in which he was basically saying that the US should be on the same page with the UN before taking any action against Iraq. I guess CNN didn't want the public to hear too much of that, because they broke away to air their puff piece about Colin Powell, most of which has been seen at least a dozen times. Don't want the news getting in the way of flogging their dirty little war.

Dan in Santa Barbara

You are absolutely right, Dan. CNN can't afford to allow too many Americans to know the truth about this war --- more people might actually wake up to the horror being inflicted on the world by our unelected Government. CNN is nothing but a rightwing pro-war, pro-business propaganda organ.

2003-02-09T19:37:00.000-05:00

2003-02-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

The World Says No to War

Saturday, February 15th
New York City
Assemble at noon
First Avenue stretching north from 49th Street

2003-02-08T14:49:00.000-05:00

No More Victims

According to James Dobson, in his appearance on CNN, killing this little girl is like surgery for cancer.

2003-02-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

Reading the transcript to that Dobson lovefest with Larry King is just revolting.

KING: We're back with Dr. James Dobson. A listener called in and we got cut off or something, but the essence of the question was, before I go back to the next caller, is you're against abortion...

DOBSON: I am.

KING: ... yet in favor of a war in which Iraqi children will die.

DOBSON: Yes.

KING: How do you balance that?

DOBSON: Will, the reason that I'm in favor of the war with Iraq is to save lives...

KING: But children will die and...

DOBSON: I'm sure they probably will, but certainly fewer of them than if we allow this man to have nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction...

KING: But it's still the killing of a child which you regard as a sin. Abortion is a sin. The killing of one child is a sin.

DOBSON: It certainly is and I wish that it were possible to take Saddam out without killing anyone. But it's like surgery for cancer. There are times when you have to undergo something that's very painful and very life-threatening in order to accomplish the better good.

And my goodness, I don't know how we can relate that to abortion...

What a truly demented man!!! According to James Dobson, an abortion is murder -- but the slaughter of innocent Iraqi children is "surgery for cancer." This man is truly insane. He's a menace, and Larry King is a disgrace for giving this guy a national platform.

2003-02-08T13:22:00.000-05:00

Last night CNN allowed Larry King to spend an entire hour with James Dobson. That is despicable. Dobson is a serial liar and a demented homophobe who spreads his discredited filth on television thanks to the irresponsibly of CNN. There seems to be a constant parade of Rightwingnut Hatemongers on CNN these days. Crazy Ann Coulter was on Crossfire again last week. Enough is enough. Call CNN and tell them you will boycott their network unless they stop giving airtime to these truly sick sorts of people.

Here's a little background on James Dobson and his organization "Focus on the Family" --- which is totally misnamed, as Dobson seems more than a little "focused" on gay people.... he is, in fact, OBSESSED with gay people, just like his friend Jerry Falwell.

U.S. News Ignores Dobson's Dark Side

Coming away from the article, a reader could see Dobson, his non-profit group, Focus on the Family (FOF), and his $100 million media operation as homespun Christians looking out for what they see as the moral and political needs of the country. A closer look at Dobson, however, reveals a much darker side totally hidden by USN&WR. During the battle over Colorado's infamously anti-gay Amendment 2, which was later ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, the anti-gay group leading the charge was Colorado for Family Values (CFV). FOF is one of five national radical religious groups represented on their board. According to anti-gay Christian group watcher Jean Hardisty, "it is widely agreed that the 1991 arrival in Colorado Springs of James Dobson and Focus on the Family was an important catalyst for...CFV." In 1992, FOF gave an $8,000 donation to CFV. From 1988-1992, FOF was merged with the virulantly anti-gay Family Research Council. Together they published and distributed a false, gay-baiting tract entitled The Homosexual Agenda: Changing Your Community and Nation." FOF separated from the Family Research Council only after the IRS questioned FOF's ties to the Council's anti-gay lobbying efforts. In a 1990 FOF newsletter, Dobson claimed "I am familiar with the widespread effort to redefine the family. It is motivated by homosexual activists...who see the traditional family as a barrier to [their] social engineering." In a 1991 article, he equated sexual orientation to bestiality, saying, "There are people in our society who find sexual satisfaction from engaging in intercourse with animals...Would anyone suggest that these groups deserve special protection?" As Hardisty said, "The skillful manipulation of homophobia by the right wing creates anti-gay sentiment and actions that bolster and promote intolerance." Would this be the "common sense" or the "flexibility" to which U.S. News & World Report refers?

Focus on The Family attacks Big Brother Big Sister Program over Nondiscrimination Policy

According to Jim Robinson, Co-Director of Equality Alabama, "Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family have a history of anti-homosexual rhetoric and this is decision is not surprising. It reinforces our view that Focus on the Family, while purporting to look out for the best interest of families and children, is actually intent on proselytizing their antiquated view of scriptures to the country. Unfortunately, that frequently results in attacking Gay and Lesbian persons and any group that supports nondiscrimination."

Right Wing Watch: Focus on the Family

FOF works against “special rights” for homosexuals, works against hate crime legislation, and supports “reparative therapy” for homosexuality, which has been widely discredited and rejected by the vast majority of doctors and physicians. FOF sponsors “Love Won Out,” monthly conferences held around the U.S. that claim to prove that “homosexuality is preventable and treatable,” where many of the speakers are “ex-gays.” “Love Won Out” is from the title of a book by John Paulk, an “ex-gay” who is the host of the conferences and is an employee of Focus on the Family.

For those ex-gays who cannot change, FOF considers sexual celibacy another option. FOF regularly asserts the idea that there is a “homosexual agenda” and associates homosexuals with pedophilia and recruitment of children as sex partners.

In light of James Dobson's promotion of hatred (like so many haters, he does so in the name of religion), it is irresponsible and reprehensible for CNN to put this man on the air.

2003-02-07T15:06:00.000-05:00

Question: How did Colin Powell know how much Anthrax was mailed to Democratic Senators?

February 6, 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell's UN performance yesterday was reminiscent of the teenage boy with raging hormones telling his girlfriend, "Don't worry, you won't get pregnant."

"The only chilling part of his presentation was when he held up a small vial containing what he claimed was a teaspoon of a white powder and said, "Less than a teaspoon of dry anthrax, a little bit about this amount -- this is just about the amount of a teaspoon -- less than a teaspoon full of dry anthrax in an envelope shutdown the United States Senate in the fall of 2001. This forced several hundred people to undergo emergency medical treatment and killed two postal workers just from an amount just about this quantity that was inside of an envelope."

How would Powell know the amount of the anthrax in that envelope, unless the perpetrator who placed it in there was connected with the US government? Was this a Freudian slip?

And just where IS that Anthrax Killer? Maybe we should ask John Ashcroft. Oh. He's too busy issuing "Terror Alerts" to concern himself with that. After all, the Anthrax targets were only Democrats.

2003-02-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

Why does CNN have the story about Tony B-Liar plagiarizing the Iraqi weapons report BURIED in the World Section of their website? Surely, as CNN and the Bushies (and Poodle Blair) push us daily closer to this horrible war, the news that the Prime Minister of Great Britain is presenting stolen, and in some cases, 12 YEAR OLD informaton to justify their actions would rank as the most important story of the day! But NO! What does CNN have splashed across their front page? Terror Threat High: Risk to 'soft' targets cited

CNN: Fearmongering, Lying Presstitutes.

2003-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our lazy and arrogant "Press" have now published the GOP "Astroturf" letter about Shrub "demonstrating genuine leadership" a grand total of 102 times now. And yes, that moronic Letters Editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published it TWICE in two weeks!

2003-02-07T08:46:00.000-05:00

Oh, this is rich. Look at this quote on CNN's website from Condi Rice regarding Iraq's weapons declaration:

Rice's statement, which appeared as an opinion article in The New York Times, said Iraq's weapons declaration "amounts to a 12,200-page lie" and "resorts to unabashed plagiarism."

Now, THAT is hysterical! Hey Condi --- Maybe you need to talk to Tony Blair about plagiarism! He's the expert!

2003-02-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

Downing St dossier plagiarised

The government's carefully co-ordinated propaganda offensive took an embarrassing hit tonight after Downing Street was accused of plagiarism.

The target is an intelligence dossier released on Monday and heralded by none other than Colin Powell at the UN yesterday.

Channel Four News has learnt that the bulk of the nineteen page document was copied from three different articles - one written by a graduate student.

On Monday, the day before the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell addressed the UN, Downing Street published its latest paper on Iraq.

It gives the impression of being an up to the minute intelligence-based analysis - and Mr Powell was fulsome in his praise.

Published on the Number 10 web site, called "Iraq - Its Infrastructure of Concealment Deception and Intimidation", it outlines the structure of Saddam's intelligence organisations.

But it made familiar reading to Cambridge academic Glen Ranwala. It was Copied from an article last September in a small journal: the Middle East Review of International Affairs.

It's author, Ibrahim al-Marashi, a postgraduate student from Monterey in California. Large sections do indeed appear, verbatim.

A section, for example, six paragraphs long, on Saddam's Special Security Organisation, the exact same words are in the Californian student's paper.

In several places Downing Street edits the originals to make more sinister reading.

Oh my. Not only are George W. Bush, Condi Rice, Donald Rumsfeld, and Colin Powell all pathological liars -- so is Tony "The Poodle" Blair! These insane creatures are rushing our entire planet to the brink of extinction, and it is all based on LIES.

Report THAT, CNN.

2003-02-06T12:14:00.000-05:00

Just heard on "Conservative" Ranter Neal Boortz radio show. Caller:

"I'm sick and tired of hearing the Democrat Traitors demanding that President Bush pay attention to Domestic Issues like the economy. He first needs to take care of all those enemies and THEN focus on the economy. The United States needs to go in there and bomb the crap out of these places. Then we need to dictate policy to these piddly countries and tell them where their place in the world will be.

Just read on a "Conservative" web forum:

If we go to war with Iraq, I think we should nuke Bagdad. We might also want to nuke the capital of North Korea. We have to send the world an effectively strong message that we mean business. After the first strikes we then send a message to all the countries that we know are harboring terrorists, and we give them a short amount of time to gather up all the terrorists in their country and deliver them to us. If they don`t, then we nuke their capital. I believe that every country harboring terrorists would rather choose to move fast and get rid of the terrorists, then risk being nuked.

Oh. My. God.

This is what the Wingnut Spewers like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Neal Boortz have done to our country. I truly believe, between the Corporate Presstitutes peddling fear and misinformation, and the Rightwing hatespeech pouring out of ClearChannel radio stations all across the county 24/7, that a large percentage of Americans have been driven literally insane.

2003-02-06T09:06:00.000-05:00

Building a buzz for peace: Frustrated by a lack of media coverage, antiwar protesters are pooling their resources

One afternoon last week on the Fox Studios lot, a van pulled up at Stage 5. Tyne Daly and Amy Brenneman, co-stars of the show "Judging Amy," leapt out and were met by a cameraman, a boom operator, a director and a couple of lighting technicians, who pulled the actresses inside and swung into action.

The camera rolled.

"I love my country and I want to keep America safe," read Brenneman. "I believe we can contain Saddam Hussein through inspections."

"Attacking Iraq makes us more vulnerable to terrorist attacks in the future," Daly said. "We do not need to go to war, killing American soldiers and innocent Iraqi people."

Brenneman looked solemnly into the camera. "We can win without war," she said.

In 25 minutes, the pair were back in the van, eating box lunches, zooming back to work. Within days, the footage was to be edited into a 30-second television spot, the latest in a series of antiwar ads filmed by Artists United to Win Without War and paid for by TrueMajority.com, a liberal activist group started by Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen. The first spot, featuring Susan Sarandon, aired last week, before and after President Bush's State of the Union speech. CNN rejected the spots, Cohen said. But TrueMajority is spending $200,000 to place the ads on local cable stations.

Of course CNN refuses to run these anti-war commercials! It runs counter to their business plan! Junior's War is a given. Just ask any of the Presstitutes at CNN.

2003-02-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

CNN Wins Ratings for Shuttle Coverage

---snip---

CNN's ratings victory comes during an intense battle for attention between the news networks. The numbers indicate that despite CNN's second-place status during typical news periods, more viewers turn to it first during big stories.

That may be an important indicator for the next few months if war breaks out in Iraq. Fox has launched an advertising campaign in recent weeks claiming it is trusted more because it is watched more.

Seven dead human beings. And they celebrate their "RATINGS victory."

Can I vomit now?

Just wait 'til Shrub Gets His War On ---- they'll have tens of thousands of bodies to use to boost their ratings. No wonder CNN is so ecstatic about this war.

CNN represents what USED to be called your "Media," America.

Mourn.

Mourn for those seven brave astronauts. Mourn for the tens of thousands who will be killed when Warmonger Bush finally gets his war.

Lastly, mourn for what USED to be a real Free Press in this country. Without a TRUE FREE PRESS, we are utterly and completely screwed.

2003-02-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

I knew Paula Zahn was a Lying Rightwing Presstitute, and a moron. What I didn't know was that she and "Dana Bash" were in a Major League contest to be Shrub's Personal "Fluffer". How freaking sad is this?

http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0302/04/ltm.01.html

ZAHN: I guess what's hard for any of us imagine is the amount of pressure on this president. This memorial service coming at a time that the president's team is getting together to, you know, go to the U.N. tomorrow and stake out its case for potentially militarily going into Iraq. Describe what his aides are saying about how he's bearing up?

BASH: There's no question about it. I mean, his aides are making sure that they tell us that this is certainly sad and it's certainly taking a toll on the president emotionally, but that it is not deterring him from doing what he believes is right with Iraq, and not deterring him from taking on his responsibility in making sure that the U.S. is safe and secure. But there is no doubt this is yet another thing, as you said, Paula, to add to that very full plate.

As I was looking back on President Reagan's speech 17 years ago, I was thinking, it was very sad, very similar, but very different back then, because he didn't have this post-September 11th feeling in the nation, and he wasn't a president necessarily on a war footing, like President Bush is right now.

ZAHN: I guess i was trying to imagine what President Bush might look like later today if we looked back on September 11th observations and how dignified he was dealing with all of those families who had endured so much. This is a president who is very comfortable one on one with people, isn't he?

Wipe your chins, Paula and Dana. You are dripping.

2003-02-05T21:06:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or is Crazy "Dr" Laura Schlesinger's "advice" getting more loopy and insane by the day? It seems ALOT of the Rightwingnut Babblers are going off their meds these days.

2003-02-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

What Liberal Media? The Truth about BIAS and the News by Eric Alterman

"Alterman delivers well-documented, well-argued research in compulsively readable form. His chapter on business journalism, for instance, is a thrill ride through the excesses of late 1990s optimism…. Whether readers agree with Alterman or not, his writing on the business of opinion making is eye-opening. This book will be required reading for anyone in politics or journalism, or anyone curious about their complicated nexus."

-- Publishers Weekly, January 27, 2003

Buy this book.

2003-02-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

TODAY ON CNN:

Showdown Iraq: The Weapons Hunt: Join Paula Zahn for the latest on the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Colin Powell Remarks: We’ll have live coverage of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell’s report to the U.N. Security Council.

Showdown Iraq: The Weapons Hunt: Wolf Blitzer brings you the latest on the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

CNN: "WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR SPACE SHUTTLE WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR WAR SPACE SHUTTLE WAR WAR!!!!!!!!"

"Did we forget to mention WAR?"

2003-02-04T21:04:00.000-05:00

Oh, Good. I surely must be doing something right. I'm getting flooded with Freeper email.

You must be this “Denis” douche bag huh?

What the fuck do you think sadam is doing over there? Making “be my valentine” cards?

And this mandela freak, do you honestly agree with this?” If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America…”

If so you are dumber than you look reading your blind, no facts crap on that page.

Do America a favor, Eat a bullet, or pills and whiskey if you are too cowardly for a bullet.

Worst Wishes,

An American

Ahhhh, the voice of a well-informed, good-intentioned, First Amendment loving American. Ahem.

Be sure to "thank" Rush Limbaugh for this pathetic display of mind numbing ignorance.

2003-02-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

Too bad.

Turner says he can't buy back CNN

CNN founder Ted Turner said Tuesday that he doesn't have the money to buy the network back from AOL Time Warner.

Turner, who resigned as vice chairman of the AOL Time Warner board last week and is said to be dissatisfied with how the network is being run, told CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace that he didn't have enough money.

Yeah, Ted, they've destroyed your baby. CNN is a disgrace.

2003-02-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

Speaking of 9/11, I'd like CNN to check into this and do some in-depth reporting for a change:

Ansar al-Islam leader threatens to document his links to US

DUBAI, Feb 1 (AFP) - The suspected leader of a Kurdish Islamic extremist group threatened in an interview published Saturday to produce evidence of his contacts with Washington prior to the September 11 suicide hijackings.

"I have in my possession irrefutable evidence against the Americans and I am prepared to supply it ... if (the United States) tries to implicate me in an affair linked to terrorism," Mullah Krekar, who is believed to front Ansar al-Islam, told Al-Hayat newspaper.

He dismissed as "fabrications" reports linking his group to Al-Qaeda, saying they were designed to justify a strike against Iraq.

Krekar told the Arabic-language daily he had been approached by the United States before September 11.

"I had a meeting with a CIA representative and someone from the American army in the town of Sulaymaniya (Iraqi Kurdistan) at the end of 2000. They asked us to collaborate with them ... but we refused to do so," he said.

British and US news reports this week claimed that Krekar, who has enjoyed political refugee status in Norway since 1991, and Ansar al-Islam would be key elements of US Secretary of State Colin Powell's proof of links between Al-Qaeda and Baghdad to be presented to the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

---more---

2003-02-04T08:57:00.000-05:00

One Question: Why is it that an investigative body is formed and convened within 48 hours of the Columbia disaster, but it took well over a year to get the same for 9/11? Does that strike anybody else as quite odd? (And does anybody really believe that the 9/11 commission is truly "independent"? Give me a break.)

Cheney and Bush can't afford to have anyone look too closely at 9/11. The Media-spun veneer will fall off. They knew, and they did nothing, all for political gain.

As Mulder says, "The truth is out there." But don't expect our Corporate Presstitutes to connect the dots for you. Thanks to the internet, you can do it for yourselves. (Warning: It's NOT a pretty picture, and involves true "High Crimes and Misdemeanors"..)

2003-02-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

No comment necessary.

2003-02-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

I did not watch CNN's coverage of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. As soon as I saw that they were turning it into another ratings-boosting "Event", my stomach turned and so did the television -- turned OFF, that is. These Corporate Presstitutes are willing and eager to exploit any variety of catastrophe or tragedy. Despicable.

My heart goes out to the families of those astronauts.

2003-01-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

THIS is who Bush plans to bomb. "Shock and awe" my ass.

This is genocide. Wake up, people. The clock is ticking.

2003-01-31T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hans Blix says in an interview that Bush and his henchmen are LYING about his report. Read all about it here. From the Sydney Morning Herald:

US is misquoting my Iraq report, says Blix

---snip---

Dr Blix took issue with what he said were US Secretary of State Colin Powell's claims that the inspectors had found that Iraqi officials were hiding and moving illicit materials within and outside of Iraq to prevent their discovery. He said that the inspectors had reported no such incidents.

Similarly, he said, he had not seen convincing evidence that Iraq was sending weapons scientists to other countries to prevent them from being interviewed.

Nor had he any reason to believe, as President George Bush charged in his State of the Union speech, that Iraqi agents were posing as scientists, or that his inspection agency had been penetrated by Iraqi agents and that sensitive information might have been leaked to Baghdad.

Finally, he said, he had seen no persuasive indications of Iraqi ties to al-Qaeda. "There are other states where there appear to be stronger links," such as Afghanistan, Dr Blix said. "It's bad enough that Iraq may have weapons of mass destruction."

The Chief Weapons Inspector is (politely) calling George W. Bush AND Colin Powell LIARS, got that? So is CNN covering this astounding story? Of course not. I just searched their website by date. Nada. Zilch.

This situation --- our Media LYING to us daily, hourly --- is getting deadly serious, folks. And I do mean deadly. We are in it deeper by the day, and all the Presstitutes do is repeat White House talking points and tell us blatant and dangerous lies. I truly hope that someday these Corporate Whores are held accountable for what they have done to us and to the rest of the world.

The mind boggles. (...and CNN Lies.)

UPDATE: Checking in hours later... STILL NOTHING from CNN on Hans Blix calling Junior a liar. Still waiting....

2003-01-31T14:31:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Crossfire, can Tucker Carlson open his mouth without lying? Just asking. THE LIE:

CARLSON: Without the American government, apartheid would still be in South Africa, just so we can get that straight.

THE TRUTH:

Dick Cheney is relying on our cultural amnesia to wipe away his record on South Africa

---snip---

Overtly and covertly, the Reagan administration moved to strengthen the apartheid regime. Jeanne Kirkpatrick, then the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, fought every attempt to impose sanctions. The late William Casey, as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, intensified cooperation with the South African Bureau of State Security and military intelligence agencies. He went so far as to secretly visit Pretoria to confer with the racist murderers who ran those agencies.

Meanwhile, of course, the Republican leadership in Congress, including Cheney, also opposed every effort to impose economic sanctions. He voted against sanctions in various forms at least 10 times between 1983 and 1988. There is no evidence that Cheney ever spoke up for freedom and human rights in South Africa -- although in that respect he was merely a typical Republican politician of his time.

Certainly, some American politicians supported the end of apartheid. They were called DEMOCRATS.

2003-01-31T14:20:00.000-05:00

Subj: Dead Carp Smell

From a Letter to Buzzflash:

Thursday, Jan 30, Crossfire's audience was stacked with pro-republicans. They howled and clapped at every falsehood Carlson could muster up. That was out of character for Crossfire too. Begala and Carville normally get plenty of audience support and it has been evident on past shows because of clapping approval of what they say. The clapping approval on Thursday's Crossfire indicated that the audience was approximately 75% republican and 25% democrat/independent.

How 'bout it Buzzers... did anyone else see this? If so, does it smell fishy to you too?

2003-01-31T13:32:00.000-05:00

This one is not about CNN, but the other major Presstitute institution based in Atlanta, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Today they published for the SECOND TIME this GOP Leader-produced piece of "astroturf". What makes this extra appauling is that I wrote to the Letters Editor AND the Editorial Page Editor and warned them that they'd been tricked when they published this thing the FIRST time! Of course, my letter and warning went totally ignored, and now they've published it AGAIN!

Bush plan helps every sector

When it comes to the economy, President Bush is demonstrating genuine leadership blah blah blah yadda yadda...

Please (politely) email the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and let them know we EXPECT better Journalistic standards from them.

Letters Editor

Cynthia Tucker, Senior Editorial Page Editor

Please let me know if you hear back from them, they always completely ignore my letters.

And, speaking of "astroturf" here's yet another column about this disturbing and dishonest trend:

Faking the voice of the people

WASHINGTON - What happens when the voice of the people gets as fake as a television laugh track?

That's what's happening to the "letters to the editor" column in scores of newspapers today, thanks to a tactic known as "AstroTurf." Borrowing a trick from lobbyists, interest groups are using phony grass roots letter writing campaigns to puff up their support.

This week, the Republican National Committee (RNC) was caught distributing a form letter praising President Bush that ended up printed, often verbatim, in nearly 75 papers, according to "Fight Back Against Killer Astroturf," one of the many Internet "blogs" tracking this story.

2003-01-31T09:14:00.000-05:00

Wolf Blitzer is a disgrace to television journalism. On his Wednesday show his guests were Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, and Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter of California. Wolfie was dismissive and rude to Dennis Kucinich and told him he was "WRONG" for voicing his disagreement with Shrub's Oil War 2!

BLITZER: Congressman Kucinich, I'll begin with you. You're very anti-war. You made that clear on this program the other day. Did the president say anything that convinces you maybe to reconsider?

REP. DENNIS KUCINICH (D), OHIO: The president did not make his case. Nothing the president said indicated there was any new information. As a matter of fact, what he said was actually contradicted by Mohamed El Baradei of the United Nations who has had the inspectors there. Iraq doesn't have any nuclear capabilities and the president knows that, so there's no case for war. And, there's a case for inspections, however. The inspections should continue and the United Nations process should continue to work.

BLITZER: All right. Congressman Hunter, I don't believe the president ever said last night that the Iraqis do have a nuclear capability already, although they might one day. But go ahead, Congressman Hunter, and TELL CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH WHY HE'S WRONG.

This crap needs to stop. Please contact Wolf Blitzer and tell him that you disapprove of his (and CNN's) constant stream of pro-Bush, pro-war propaganda.

We used to have real journalism in this country. We now have Pravda.

2003-01-31T08:59:00.000-05:00

Turner's Exit Raises Questions About CNN

Turner is "apoplectic" about what has happened to CNN, said Porter Bibb, an analyst for Technology Partners and another Turner biographer. Turner built a network with an unglamorous focus on news and, in the past few years, CNN has tried jazzy promotions of personalities like Connie Chung, Aaron Brown and Paula Zahn.

---snip---

Auletta, said his immediate thought after Wednesday's announcement was that Turner might try to reacquire CNN. But he concluded it was unlikely.
Turner, who told Wallace he has lost between $7 billion and $8 billion because of the tumbling AOL Time Warner stock, may no longer have the resources to buy back his creation, he said. Turner also has extensive philanthropic commitments, including a $1 billion donation to United Nations causes.

AOL Time Warner may be interested in selling some of its resources, but less likely to shed the profitable and prestigious CNN, he said.

Maura Donlan, a Turner spokeswoman, would not comment on Thursday when asked if her boss would be interested in buying CNN. Tricia Primrose, an AOL Time Warner spokesman, noted that Turner said he wanted to devote more time to his philanthropic interests when he told Parsons he was living. "Anything else is speculation and we don't comment on that," she said.

"I think it's likely that he will make a bid for CNN," Bibb said. Turner cares deeply about the network and is clearly disturbed at its direction.

Oh, please do find a way to wrestle CNN away from the Corporate Presstitutes, Ted! The network you so painstakingly built has become a bad joke. Nothing but pro-war propaganda and 24/7 fear-mongering. Watching today's CNN is like watching a Saturday Night Live parody, nothing more. The troubling thing is, many people still believe that they are being given the truth, and that is not the case anymore. CNN lies.

2003-01-30T19:03:00.000-05:00

The purpose of this entry is to build a little on my earlier post regarding the Culture of Hate in America that is being fueled daily by Rightwing Spewers such as Rush Limbaugh -- and countless others. Rush, Hannity and Boortz are probably the worst examples. Well, actually Crazy Ann Coulter beats them all hands down, but, hopefully her full blown insanity is clear to everyone by now. Hopefully.

CNN actually did a "Good Thing" (for a change) today by publishing this article on Nelson Mandela's critical (and terrifically on-target) comments about WarMonger Bush. (Although I do have to wonder why it is buried in the WORLD section of their website and not in their POLITICS section) Mr. Mandela quite rightly says "one power with a president who has no foresight, who cannot think properly, is now wanting to plunge the world into a holocaust."

Anyway, I wandered over to Lucianne Goldberg's Forum for Frothing Wingnuts and was simply astounded at what I found there. I'm going to post a few excerpts of the truly vile and seriously dangerous things being said about Mr. Nelson Mandela, an Internationally recognized man of wisdom and peace. And I want you to think about what this says about the state of political discourse in America in 2003. I hope it makes you as sad --- and as worried --- as it makes me. All of the statements below were posted by different (but clearly equally deranged) individuals.

When is someone going to finally put a bullet in that idiot's head?

I'll put the thoughts of that 'former president' in the toilet bowl along side thoughts of our 'former president.' They're both commies.

Byte me, Mannie. Why don't you go Bar-B-Q a pygmy like your buddies to the north of you.

Mandela is a living advertisement for why aparthied was the right thing.

And this marxist pig of a terrorist should be *plunged* back behind bars.

Just another Afro-Communist scumbag soon (not soon enough) to be worm food.

Okay, I don't know about you, but reading this stuff is truly stomach-turning for me. Even worse, is the realization that these people have BEEN TAUGHT to think like this! It's no wonder our country is so hated and feared right now. This sort of vicious and mindless hate-spew goes on across America each and every day. And Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity, and Neal Boortz, and Ann Coulter, and Michael Savage, and Don Imus, and Glenn Beck and countless other "Rush Wannabes" ARE TO BLAME.

What is it "Conservatives" are always bleating? "Words mean something."

Yes. They do.

One more thing. Need I remind you who is a regular guest on Rush Limbaugh's 3-Hours-of-Hate-a-Thon? Our bunkered, undisclosed and unelected Vice President, Dick Cheney.

2003-01-30T12:33:00.000-05:00

Speaking of being socially responsible, if you haven't already, please take the time to write Rush Limbaugh's radio show sponsors and ask them to stop supporting this hateful Demagogue. We should not have to live in a society where public servants like Tom Daschle and his family receive DEATH THREATS. Those of us who oppose Junior's Oil War 2 should NOT have to put up with being called "Anti-American" and more. Thanks to Rush -- and his brethren Sean Hannity and Neal Boortz -- this is exactly what it's come to in our country.

There is already evidence that this campaign to put a stop to Rush's outrageous venom is having an effect.

Ads rushing out of Limbaugh show?

---snip---

Micheal Stinson, a Vietnam-era veteran, is co-founder of Take Back The Media. Obviously never a Rush fan, Stinson and his cohorts were content to largely ignore the king of reactionary talk radio -- until he weighed in on the recent anti-war protests, calling participants "anti-American," "anti-capitalist" and "communists," among other terms.

"He just went too far," said Stinson. "Don't call me anti-American. I served this country."

When he decided to go after Limbaugh, Stinson said "we were told we would have to nip at his heels, to start by contacting local advertisers." He ignored that advice, however, and posted a list, complete with contact information, of top sponsors.

"Within 18 hours, RadioShack (RSH: news, chart, profile) had folded. Within 36 hours, Amtrak was gone and Bose told us they were no longer advertising on the show," Stinson said.

2003-01-30T12:09:00.000-05:00

Turner to leave key AOL post

Ted Turner is quitting as vice chairman of AOL Time Warner's board, marking the latest in a series of departures at the struggling parent of Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting and CNN.

---snip---

Turner, the flamboyant media legend who founded CNN, didn't give any interviews Wednesday -- not even to CNN, which tried to book him for "Lou Dobbs Moneyline."

In a written statement, Turner, 64, said he is giving up the board post to devote more time to personal interests and several "socially responsible business efforts."

Sounds like a slap in the face to me. I sure wish CNN would stop LYING to the public and be "socially responsible" themselves. But I'm certainly not holding my breath.

2003-01-29T18:04:00.000-05:00

The CNN/AOL/TimeWarner/ Shake Up Continues...

BREAKING NEWS: Ted Turner resigns as vice chairman of AOL/TimeWarner. More later.

Forced out? Or resigned in disgust at what has become of his once respectable network?

2003-01-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

Bushie:

"Across the Earth, America is feeding the hungry; more than 60 percent of international food aid comes as a gift from the people of the United States."

From a REAL President:

Ex-US President Jimmy Carter Slams 'Arrogant' US Foreign Policy

Carter, who will receive the Nobel prize on December 10 in Oslo, Norway for his efforts in seeking negotiated settlements to head off violent conflict, also noted that the United States gives only one one-thousandth of its gross national product for international assistance, while the average European country gives four times as much.

"For every time an American gives a dollar, a citizen of Norway gives 17 dollars," he said.

"Foreign aid in this country has a bad name, but in other countries, it's a right thing for the government to do. And that's where we at the Carter Center quite often have to turn," the former president said, referring to the Atlanta-based Carter Center he founded some 20 years ago, and which now operates humanitarian projects in 65 countries.

2003-01-29T16:52:00.000-05:00

Bushie:

"Your enemy is not surrounding your country; your enemy is ruling your country. And the day that he is removed from power will be the day of your liberation."

Wait a sec. Who's he talking to here? Us or the Iraqis?

Us I think.

2003-01-29T16:44:00.000-05:00

Meanwhile, back on Planet Earth, in the Land Down Under, early reactions to Shrub's latest pack of warmongering lies are not quite so rosey.

What did you think of President Bush's State of the Union speech and has it helped convince you of the potential dangers posed by Saddam?

some sample comments...

I thought two items were prominent by their absence. 1) a list of the US and UK firms that actually supplied the bits and pieces for Iraq's weapons of mass death, and 2) any clue how Bush proposes to dig the US out from under the prospect of a decade of record budget deficits (largely brought on by his tax cuts for the wealthy). I see no reason to change my view that he is a liar and a hypocrite.

It seems like not too many people are buying what Shrub is selling...

The State of the Union address was, as expected - a conglomeration of cliches, one liners and a whole heap of crap!. no doubt John Howard was making notes so he could frame his comments correctly.In regard to the comments by It is about the Iraqi people....stupid! Yes, I am convinced. Bush's only motivation is the liberation of the Iraqi people. That's why he plans to launch 800 cruise missiles in the first 48hours, that's why he plans to use nuclear weapons on underground command centres. UN estimates 1million refugees and 7.5 million internally displaced and an estimated 500,000 dead.One can only hope that what goes around comes around - and if there is a God, Russia and China will eliminate the real Terrorist. George W.Bush.....the sooner the better.

One more:

There is no evidence for a war in Iraq. The Bush administration has allowed the people of the US to believe that Iraq was involved in the September 11 atrocity, even though it is not true. Iraq has been brutalised by war and sanctions for over 10 years. It's time for another approach. This is now a war to save Bush's face. We should be ashamed of ourselves and our government, which is desparate for a free trade agreement with the US, and cheaper petrol way down the line. Say NO to this war!

Oh yeah. Where's Osama? The original "evil-doer" didn't even rate one mention last night. Wonder why....

2003-01-29T16:29:00.000-05:00

Hear that sound? That's the sound of dozens of Presstitutes stumbling all over themselves to smear lipstick on a pig.

The choruses of praise for Junior's rehashed lies and soundbites are truly amazing. Their unabashed transparency itself is a sight to behold, and would be funny if it weren't so serious.

The whole charade is simply appauling. But when I heard Connie Chung wonder aloud on CNN why Junior would even seek support for his Oil War because when we start bombing he'll have "100% of American's support" I nearly dropped my pretzels and fell out of my chair. Just how moronic can one person be? Sheesh.

2003-01-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday on Late Edition Little Wolfie Blitzer let White House Communication Director Dan Bartlett BLATANTLY LIE about ties between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda.

BARTLETT: The history is clear. He has them, he's used them in the past on his own people and on invading, in invading other countries, he has a relationship, his regime has had a relationship with terrorist organizations throughout his tenure, particularly with al Qaeda, as well.

Excuse me -- Mr. Bartlett, Wolfie -- that is a huge whopper of a LIE, no matter how often King Georgie's handlers put the words in his mouth. Hey Wolf -- Mr. Presstitute -- did it ever occur to you to correct the liar? Isn't it IMPORTANT that we American's get the TRUTH from our Media and from spokespersons for Junior???

Here's a quote from Daniel Benjamin, who served on the National Security Council from 1994 to 1999. This story was originally published in The New York Times in September 2002:

Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda Are Not Allies

---snip---

Iraq and Al Qaeda are not obvious allies. In fact, they are natural enemies. A central tenet of Al Qaeda's jihadist ideology is that secular Muslim rulers and their regimes have oppressed the believers and plunged Islam into a historic crisis.

---snip---

The claims of the national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld that senior Qaeda officials have been in Baghdad and that there is evidence of cooperation on weapons of mass destruction represent a dramatic departure from the record and, as such, ought to be aired as comprehensively as possible.

Amazing, isn't it? We have a bunch of pathological liars in charge -- from Junior to Condi Rice to Criminally Insane Donald Rumsfeld -- and what does Wolf Blitzer do when Dan Bartlett lets fly with this blatant lie? He changes the subject... to new poll numbers.

Un-freaking-believable. This must stop! Please contact CNN and DEMAND that they start telling us the TRUTH!

2003-01-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

Daniel Ellsberg -- the man responsible for releasing the Pentagon Papers and changing the course of the Vietnam War -- speaks out on the pathetic and irresponsible way that our current crop of Presstitutes are "covering" Junior's Oil War 2.

Source of Pentagon Papers Critiques Iraq Coverage

---snip---

One question the press is not asking: Is there a single high military man who believes this war should happen now, that it is appropriate and [the] risks worthwhile? Every indication leaking out is that most feel that it is far from certain, even unlikely, that the war will be as short and successful as the civilian bosses say. What are we gaining here that is worth the chance of a disastrous outcome? The military chiefs do not agree with civilians in the Pentagon as far as we can tell. And does anyone in State or the CIA strongly favor war?

Another question not asked is: What do we do if Saddam launches chemical weapons, nerve gas, etc., against invading U.S. troops? Based on my years of experience within government and familiarity with such scenarios, let me say I am certain we have contingency plans for use of nuclear weapons in response to a successful use of gas against our troops. I would say there's a significant chance that we will respond by initiating nuclear war.

So you should press officials hard. Ask: "Under what conditions would you use nuclear weapons? Are there plans? Have targets been picked?" Ask: "Are there nuclear weapons in that region right now?"

There must be a public discussion of how serious we are in possibly using nuclear [weapons]. But officials don't want to do that fearing it will scare the public and our allies who may think they are out of their minds. In fact, they are smart guys -- who are out of their minds.

Another question, about how the oil reserves play out in this -- has that issue been fully explored for the American public, and have they weighed it adequately? Again, if you read the foreign press, you'll see a lot of serious discussion of a "war for oil," and even the pros and cons of that, and I don't see that in the American press. So the public is not being asked to address a powerful motive for this war.

2003-01-28T09:09:00.000-05:00

Wolfie Blitzer's Question of the Day is: When it comes to Iraq, whom do you trust more? The Bush administration or The United Nations

When I checked, the United Nations was easily winning with 61% of the vote. Now let's see if CNN a) pulls the question or b) rewords it. They've done this in the past when their results were embarrassing to the Bushies.

2003-01-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

Did I tell you how much I love Janeane Garofalo? This brave (and very funny) woman put that lying putz Howie Kurtz in his place during his laughable show on CNN!!! Hey, Presstitute Puppets --- your strings are showing! Heh.

JANEANE GAROFALO, ACTRESS: Thank you.

KURTZ: You've been all over the tube, from "Good Morning America" to CNN, MSNBC, Fox, speaking out against war with Iraq. Are the anchors taking you seriously, or are you just the entertainment?

GAROFALO: No, I don't think that they are taking me too seriously. I think they use actors to marginalize the anti-war movement. They have them on, and then sort of are slightly condescending.

I mean, not all the interviews have been like that, but historically the mainstream media has never been particularly friendly to any socially progressive ideas, you know. The mainstream media is hostile to the civil rights movement and the suffragist movement and abolitionists, and, I don't know why, but the mainstream media seems to kind of always take a somewhat hostile approach, or dismissive approach, to dealing with any socially progressive ideas. The peace movement...

KURTZ: So why are you putting yourself on the firing line if you feel you are being condescended to?

GAROFALO: Well, I actually -- it's a drag. I would much rather they talk to Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn. I think that would be fantastic, and they certainly know a lot more than I do, but I have access to the media. I have been asked to be on some of these shows, and I for one am not going to let the Bush administration and the mainstream media roll right over me. And I'm not going to go quietly into this war, if we're going into the war, because I vehemently disagree with it and I disagree with a lot of Bush administration foreign policy.

And I feel like if I can give a voice to the millions of Americans who are in the -- who advocate peace and diplomacy, then I feel an obligation to do that.

2003-01-26T13:16:00.000-05:00

Eric Alterman gets it.

Bush Lies, Media Swallows

---snip---

President Bush is a liar. There, I said it, but most of the mainstream media won't. Liberal pundits Michael Kinsley, Paul Krugman and Richard Cohen have addressed the issue on the Op-Ed pages, but almost all news pages and network broadcasts pretend not to notice. In the one significant effort by a national daily to deal with Bush's consistent pattern of mendacity, the Washington Post's Dana Milbank could not bring himself (or was not allowed) to utter the crucial words. Instead, readers were treated to such complicated linguistic circumlocutions as: Bush's statements represented "embroidering key assertions" and were clearly "dubious, if not wrong." The President's "rhetoric has taken some flights of fancy," he has "taken some liberties," "omitted qualifiers" and "simply outpace[d] the facts." But "Bush lied"? Never.

---snip---

Reporters and editors who "protect" their readers and viewers from the truth about Bush's lies are doing the nation--and ultimately George W. Bush--no favors. Take a look at the names at that long black wall on the Mall. Consider the tragic legacy of LBJ's failed presidency. Ask yourself just who is being served when the media allow Bush to lie, repeatedly, with impunity, in order to take the nation into war.

2003-01-26T12:29:00.000-05:00

The usually fairly decent White House reporter Dana Milbank has occasionally shown some courage in reporting on the Busheviki --- even though he still can't seem to come right out and state the obvious -- BUSH LIES.

But, when guest-hosting CNN's Late Edition, he allowed David "Axis of Evil" Frum to make the ridiculous assertion that Bush is honest without any sort of challenge. It seems that in the fantasy world of CNNLand, any sort of truthful discussion of our Liar in Chief is verboten. Shame on you, Dana. We expect better.

Bush Is Racking Up "Frequent Liar Miles"

---snip---

Again, we find that “lie and rely” has easily overcome sporadic, ink-based attacks. In October, for example, Washington Post reporter Dana Millbank detailed several jaw-dropping lies about Iraq and other matters, which he described euphemistically as presidential “flights of fancy.” But the airwaves held firm, and Millbank himself got back on the team when he guested January 12 on CNN’s Late Edition (click here for the transcript: http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0301/12/le.00.html) to discuss The Right Man, a book about Bush by his former speech writer, David Frum.

A controversial passage was displayed on the screen and read aloud by host Wolf Blitzer (who missed the irony that the controversy revolved around those parts of the passage that appear to be true, rather than the one assertion that is patently false):

“George W. Bush is a very unusual person — a good man who is not a weak man. He has many faults. He is impatient and quick to anger, sometimes glib, even dogmatic, often uncurious and, as a result, ill-informed, more conventional in his thinking than a leader probably should be. But outweighing the faults are his virtues: decency, honesty, rectitude, courage and tenacity.”

Yep, Frum wrote “honesty.” Millbank, who knew better, didn’t bat an eye or squeak a peep. Nor did the presumably clueless Blitzer.

When journalists are this deferential and reverential, there’s no limit to the frequent liar miles Bush can accumulate.

2003-01-24T14:17:00.000-05:00

A day before news of Mr. Ritter's sex scandal broke, he was publicly calling for the impeachment of George W. Bush, the U.S. President, accusing him of involving the U.S. in a war Mr. Ritter regards as "illegal and based on a foundation of lies."

Hmmmm. Interesting...

2003-01-24T13:13:00.000-05:00

Former journalist (recently converted to Presstitute) Aaron Brown had Scott Ritter on his show the other night. I was completely disgusted by the way Mr. Brown blindsided his guest. It appeared that Mr. Ritter was aware that he'd be asked about the recently leaked story about his misdemeanor arrest in 2001 --- BUT Aaron Brown just wanted to fan the "scandal" flames, NOT discuss the entirety of the story. What I want to know (and, apparently, so does Scott Ritter) is WHY NOW? Who leaked this story? It seems remarkably similar to what happened to Jesse Jackson when he was going to go to Florida to challenge the election Bush stole. These coincidences seem to happen anytime someone challenges anyone named Bush.

First of all, let me say right from the get-go, that if the charge against Scott Ritter is true, I am NOT here to defend him --- although I'd also like to note up front that the charge was dismissed. Regardless, I certainly am left scratching my head and will do everything I can to find out who is behind this very questionably timed smear campaign. Furthermore, why is CNN not at all interested in the "Why Now" angle of this story??? This doesn't pass the smell test. Mr. Ritter doesn't seem to think so either.

Ritter cries foul at sex arrest 'smear'

Mr Ritter cancelled a trip to Baghdad on Tuesday and has instead been appearing on talk shows to defend his reputation. In an interview with CNN on Wednesday he refused to discuss details of the arrest and attempted to shift the fo cus on to who leaked the story. "The case was dismissed. The file was sealed ... Why did this come up now?" he said.

Why now, indeed. One of the most effective and knowledgeable spokesmen against Dubya's Oil War 2 is suddenly being smeared about a dismissed charge from two years ago. Mr. Ritter -- perhaps you should call Jesse Jackson and compare notes...

Finally (for now), I want to know why CNN had their lawyers digging around this story to try to trap Mr. Ritter.

Aaron Brown: Scott, we spent a fair amount of time today looking at New York law on this. There is nothing in a sealed case, zero, that prevents you from talking about it. The point of the seal is to protect you from the state, not to protect the state from you.

So, let me make sure I'm getting this straight: CNN has their lawyers combing NY laws to try to trap Mr. Ritter --- but spend (apparently) ZERO amount of time on chasing down the INCREDIBLY SUSPICIOUS TIMING of this leak.

Mr. Aaron Brown: You are a disgrace to your profession.

2003-01-24T12:29:00.000-05:00

Wife of CNN Host Gets Airport Gun Charge

NEWARK, N.J. - The wife of CNN "Moneyline" host Lou Dobbs was arrested Wednesday at an airport security checkpoint after a loaded gun was allegedly found in her handbag.

Oops.

2003-01-24T12:20:00.000-05:00

Here's another vastly underreported story, this time about our Bunkered and Unelected Vice President, Dick Cheney. It seems that his former company, Halliburton, quietly sold oil industry equipment to Iraq for years! HEY CNN: Think you could make time to cover it? Thanks in advance. The one and only Molly Ivins:

Excuse me: I don't want to be tacky or anything, but hasn't it occurred to anyone in Washington that sending Vice President Dick Cheney out to champion an invasion of Iraq on the grounds that Saddam Hussein is a "murderous dictator" is somewhere between bad taste and flaming hypocrisy?

When Dick Cheney was CEO of the oilfield supply firm Halliburton, the company did $23.8 million in business with Saddam Hussein, the evildoer "prepared to share his weapons of mass destruction with terrorists."

So if Saddam is "the world's worst leader," how come Cheney sold him the equipment to get his dilapidated oil fields up and running so he could afford to build weapons of mass destruction?