Dear Politex:
As a fellow Austinite, I am very proud of you and the service you do. I happen to think that notwithstanding our former pResident, Austin is a unique island of hope in a morass of despair. Right now I'm apalled that Bush has single-handedly removed the moral basis which has enabled us to keep afloat in an angry and diverse world. I fear we're entering an era of unimagined challenge just because of Bush and his ignorance. Keep doing what you're doing. You're appreciated. helen (May '05)

Dear Politex:
Do you think there's any hope that Bush & Co may be prosecuted [over the Rycroft memo indicating, as Knight Ridder headlines, "Bush made intelligence fit Iraq policy"]? I'm not feeling very hopeful myself. best Roni

Roni, in a word, No. Aside from my parody, you don't get impeached in this country if you control all three branches of government and a significant portion of the mainstream media. As for prosecution outside of the U.S., a Dutch court recently turned down a request that Bush be blocked from the Netherlands because he doesn't follow the Geneva Convention. --Politex, May '05

Social Security is an INSURANCE program, not a pension program. It provides pensions for those who do not have one, or supplements the pensions of those who's own pension falls below a certain monthly figure. It also provides pensions for the disabled, and financial assistance---SSI---to those who are unable to work---either temporarily or permanently. It does other things as well, including helping the children of families in which the bread-winner has died go to college.

I have cousins who were able to become engineers and a school teacher thanks to Social Security. I have a 30-something niece who is and always has been socially dysfunctional and has never been able to work. Thanks to SSI, she's never been homeless. I became `totally and permanently' disabled at about age 50. Thanks to the VA first, and later Social Security (after a long `fight'), I'm financially able to continue living. Social Security does become a pension program for those who have paid into the system, but only after reaching the age of 75 [sic}.... --William

Thanks, William. We're in agreement, we don't want social security, which is presently an insurance AND a pension program (62 and over), to be turned into a welfare program by Bush. --Politex, May '05

Some years ago I was talking with an Army Warrant Officer who had spent a lot of time behind the iron curtain. He was telling some "Polish jokes;" Not our kind of Polish jokes but the kind Poles told during the Soviet occupation. For the Poles, it was "How many Russians does it take to.... blah blah blah..." I asked my Army associate who the Russians told those jokes about. He said the Russians told jokes that started... "how many Party members does it take to blah blah blah..." It comes to me that, in these times of our own American captivity, to start our own jokes that start... "How many Neocons does it take to blah blah blah..." Since, as Mel Brooks pointed out, ridicule is a more powerful weapon than anything any army could dream of, we may need more of it here in "fortress America." Regards Bobby, April '05

Dear Politex: Marla Ruzicka 1977-2005 Thank you for mentioning Marla. She and I were colleagues at LIUs Southampton College--she in the Friend's world program, I as editor in chief of the college paper and fellow volunteer....Thanks for remmebering her. She was one-of-a-kind. --Dennis O'Connor, April, '05

Thank you for this site. I feel like the only person in Texas that isn't stuck in the smokescreen. Why the hell were we debating Iraq all these months? Who knew it was all about homophobia. The Bush campaign won the Governorship against Ann Richards by using the the anti-gay angle with the evangelicals too! I knew we were in trouble when I was flipping channels and came across the 700 Club and that guy Robertson was endorsing Bush and giving his opinions on the Supreme Court judges. Then he gave out some type of phone number for the Republican party. Holy cow, they're getting their agenda from the evangelists! Bush has divided us even further. --Chris

Almost half the country voted for John Kerry. Why isn't there more of an outcry over voting glitches in the swing states? Why is there no legitimate explanation for the disparity between exit polls and voting returns? Why did the returns from some heavily democratic Florida counties come out so lopsided in favor of George Bush? As the evidence for fraud mounts, it's becoming increasingly clear that John Kerry won this election fair and square. There needs to be a relentless nationwide demand for a full investigation. And if the facts bear out the suspicions, then Bush should be forced to resign., and John Kerry put into office. --Marc

I just wanted to thank you for your site. It was hard sitting through the election results this year and even harder to go to work the next day. But, your site makes me feel as if I am not alone in a world gone mad. Thanks for providing a beacon of hope for us true believers that realize that what makes America great is it's differences and the fact that not everyone looks alike. We have a long road ahead of us, but we must remember that we don't need to change. We are not a nation of hate mongers and gay bashers. We must unite together and fight very hard over the next four years to put our country back on the path that it belongs. --Matthew

I have been reading your site religiously for five years, and I want to thank you for all your efforts. They have really made a difference to me. --Craig

Thank you for your site, your time and effort. It's a validation to us all that this is the most corrupt administration in our history. We are not conspiracy theorists or anarchists but expect honesty in our leaders and our elections. I have been crying since Wednesday about the election outcome and disappointed that Senator Kerry conceded so soon. As more information becomes available, it is clear that they stole the election again...There is no end in sight if we do not demand a stop to it now. --Jean

I am so glad I found your site, Please keep it up. I just found it today, and suddenly I did'nt feel so alone in this world of red states. I live in a red state, but my heart was true blue. It is comforting to know that there are other people out there that are as depressed and angry as I am. --Mitzi

Thank you. Don't give up! --Carol

I just want to tell you again how much I appreciate your site. Up here in Michigan people are just sick, and I mean truly sick about another four years of Bush. Truthfully, because Canada is just across the bordor many are talking about moving there. I'm considering it myself because I don't think I can take what is coming. One of the worst things now is the utter hatred that I feel is starting between the red states and the blue. I just read Trevor Rednow's article, and it rings true. I have a friend in Texas who voted Bush, and we haven't spoken since the election. People up here, and especially in the northeast, are getting plenty sick of being called "elites" just because we don't think it's a good thing to have a president who boasts he doesn't read. The last straw for me has been the great importance placed on having a prez we could all have a beer with. Voters who put Bush in office should remember that as they continue to bury their dead. I know this is a ramble, but I'm so upset I can't see straight. I've been scared you would take your site down, but I'm glad each day to see you are still here. --Luzette

You are not a stupid nation. You are a nation of scientists and scholars. You went to the moon when my country was only bringing electricity to rural villages. You are a nation of 24hr news and the Internet. There is no fact however obscure of which You can claim to be unaware. Before November 2nd 2004 it could be argued that Bush was unrepresentative of the American people and your point of view. Previously it could even be argued that Bush stole the 2000 election and was appointed not by you, but by friendly forces in the Supreme Court. Previously you could say that your new president was an unknown quantity, untried and untested. But that was before . not now. You elected a man whom you knew well and this is the fundamental difference. You knew .You endorsed . You approved. Whether you realised it or not, the deeds committed by this administration are now committed in Your name. Whether you realised it or not, You have given your answer. Whether you like it or not, for the 55 million Americans who elected Bush, the election of Tuesday November 2nd 2004 has changed the Worlds perspective of You.

Reading the comments sent in after the election was a relief ... as a frequent visitor to Bush Watch I knew SOMEBODY else had to be feeling the dread that I awoke with on November 3. FOUR MORE YEARS OF MADNESS!! I will repeat what others have already said. It is unfortunate that we must persist in defending ourselves against the fanatics who have hijacked our government. But persist we must. Hopefully you will continue to be there to assist with a genuine "no-spin zone". Thanks for your tireless efforts. --John

I found your web page about a year or so back and have been a daily surfer. Thank you for providing alternative news that doesn't seem to be available though what the Right Wing calls the "Liberal Press". Your work is really cut out for you now. 2nd terms are when the wheels begin to come off and this administration has been a wheel or two short already! Thanks for being there. --Michael

thank you for providing a distribution of information for the last 4 years of the Bush interregnum. I hope you will able to continue until we can escape from this dark time. I'm sorry that your services are still desperately needed. --Charlie

I found your site today after being in a malaise that is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I am truly saddened and amazed that the majority of Americans have believed W.'s lies once again. You would think the least the Republicans can do was offer up a canidate that can speak in full, intelligible senteces without a criminal record! The only condolence that I can find in W.'s re-election is the knowledge that your site will be keeping a close watch on him and his buddies. Thank you for being our light at the end of this dark, long tunnel.

Don't go away...I read this everyday...only place to see sane thoughts. Of the total population of the US less than 50% voted this time. Of those 50%, supposedly 55m voted for Dubya. That equates to approx. only 28% of the actual voting public elected the president. Doesn't sound like majority rule to me. Keep up the good work as I'll be returning daily....just to help keep my head above water... --Don

I am having a hard time with the loss. I find it hard to believe my views are so out of touch with all those red states. Please continue this site. We must not let our elected Democrat leaders roll over to Bush's agenda. --Don

November 4: When I found your regular Bushwatch email in my Inbox this morning, I cried with gratitude - I can't thank you enough for showing me, and your subscribers, that we must soldier on. By your example, I will. Please thank all your editors and contributors for their dedication. It matters so much. Gratefully, Jill

Well, we are over 55.000.000 disappointed Americans. But we are not giving up on our Country. We just need to fight longer, harder, and wiser. Keep it up Politex. --Pablo

Just want to thank you for your awesome web site. It is a lifeline for me and many of my friends! -- cp

Since the 2000 election I found your site. It got me through that, and if you were to shut us down now I would not know where to turn. We left Ohio due to job outsourcing. Oh, to have voted there instead of here in PA. I worked the polls all day. First time EVER that the DNC had so much support for an election. Kerry carried PA. Kerry is to good for this country I realized that yesterday! 51% of this country is stupid. This is Bush's mess and we'll hold him to that and all his lies. I knew if W won, the only solace I'd have besides your site is that he will be watched. He will be held accountable for his mistakes. We will not turn our back on that. So keep your site alive, and never give up. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." (MLK) --Jerry

Bush won the popular vote. I am stunned, speechless. As I see it, we have sold our souls for a 300.00 tax cut. I belong to the most selfish generation in the history of a country I no longer feel a part of. My hopes on the youth vote were misguided, as they didn't turn up at the polls...again.... The only thing "good" I see from this election was people willing to stand in line for three or more hours to vote, good for them regardless of who they voted for. That is commitment to the promise of a democracy. Thank you co much for this site, I will continue to stay informed! --Murray

What goes around does come back around, I know that W will have to deal with all the arrogance of his ways Thanks for sites such as yours that offer some type of sanity in this insane mess. --Donna

Thank you so much for this site! I have been reading it every day for the last 4 years, and it has been my primary source of alternative media...I strongly feel that Ohio and Floriday were stolen this election, and I am devastated to hear the complicit tv news media babble on about how Bush won fair and square...Thanks again for your excellent site. --John

I want to thank you for all you have done in the last few years. Unfortunately, my worst fears have come true. Ever since coming to US in '81 as a teenager I was struck with how naive and arrogant many Americans are. This election confirms that impression. I feel very sad for my kids and the rest of the world...Please keep up your great work. --JK

As an unemployed Ohioan I have enjoyed reading the news from around the country via your site. Plenty of time on my hands to do this! If more of these ignorant voters took the time to read the paper and not rely on FOX things may have been different. I still find it hard to believe that people are more concerned about idiotic moral issues (abortion, gay marriage, stem cells) than issues that directly impact them personally (economy, war, health care). On one link I read an article regarding a study of abortion and how in 2003 the abortion rate was higher than any time in the last 10 yrs due to people loosing jobs and health care. They cannot afford one more mouth to feed. If Bush took care of the citizens of this country these moral issues would resolve themselves. --Shelly

I have been an avid fan of this site since 2000. I look forward to logging on every morning and hit your site first! Keep up the good work. Your insights, collection of articles and overall purpose becomes more necessary to the public each day! --Margie

I have been reading Bushwatch everyday since before the first Bush election, and thank you so much for making me more informed and aware. Today I have such a sick feeling about our country and the next four years that it's hard to know what to do. And that has led me to worry about you and the others involved in your site. I truly appreciate your efforts and plan to hang in the fight with all of you. Your support has helped me survive this experience, and I want you all to know you have my support in return. Sincerely, Karen

Well Jerry, I know you were figuring on shutting this site down after W lost the 2000 election. Looks like another 4 long years, eh? Sleepless near Crawfish, --Ken

This must be heartbreaking for you, and so discouraging. But what a wonderful job you have done these past 4 years keeping hope alive, and keeping the truth out there. How a majority of Americans could have voted for a man who is nothing more than a total fraud is beyond me. But they have done so KNOWING what they have done. They have voted with their eyes open. That must be the worst thing of all for you. The real truth is not that the problem is an administration "out of touch" with the electorate. This administration was very much "in touch" with the electorate. The real problem runs much deeper. I am so sorry for this outcome, as I am sure most of the world is. I am sorry for all of us and what it will mean globally. May God be with you and with all "the rest of us". It is as though a great cloud of evil has triumphed. I hope you can find it in your heart to keep up the fight. Remember the old quotation about evil only triumphing when good men (and women) do nothing. --Patty from Canada

I have been reading this site since Tush took office. I am looking forward to you helping me stay sane for the next four years of hell. --Richard

I have read you site everyday during this nightmare election and I want to thank you for your wonderful coverage. But the American Taliban has won this one. --Dee in Texas

Thank you for the website which I have perused often. Keep with it...I'll keep checking in for other opinions...nice to know that there are others out there that don't approve of DUBYA and his cronies. --Don

I have appreciated your work. Keep on, please. At least we don't have to watch while these facists blame the war on President Kerry (and you know that's how it would have played out). These facists will eventually be defeated and it when it happens it will be at the right and final time. --Lee

Hold your head up.....you have done admirably in this last four years at publishing the truth....in the great American tradition. Thank you for your web site that has published the facts. Please continue to publish the truth in the way that you have. I had hoped that your publication would be over on Jan 20...but...We need it more than ever right now. --Tom

In all my 51 years it is the second time (first time when we invaded Iraq for no reason) I have felt such shame and embarrassment for being an American. Keep up the good work, don't give up the fight. --Zach

I was hoping that yesterday was going to be the last day that I was going to read your site with my morning coffee. However, I hope that this site will continue and get the word out against this psuedo-conservative lair. I thank you for your work on Bush Watch. I have to attempt to find work. This will be my 9th job (if I find one) that I have had in the past 3 1/2 years. --James

Although I thought I was prepared for this outcome,I find that I am totally not. I was hoping I would be proved wrong, but Americans are truly as stupid and uninformed as I thought they were. I am in deparate need of some words of encouragement. Can you offer any hope for America at this point? What do I tell my 23 year old daughter who wants to move to Canada now? I am dying here. --Camille

"Don't mourn, Organize!" The last words of Joe Hill. --Sam

Thanks for all of your hard work during the last 4+ years. You should be very proud of yourselves. Unfortunately, I don't think I can handle being this tuned into Bush reality any more. So I'm going to stop looking at your site. I need to preserve my sanity. --Bob

I read your site almost every day, and now that it's the day of reckoning I've got one eye on Bush Watch, one eye on CNN, an ear on the television and a hand on a glass of wine because I can't possibly stand this without a bit of liquid courage. I'm watching as my own state, Kentucky, votes for Bush while just maybe turning out Bunning, which would help weaken him in the Senate. I'm watching as a friend of mine, Ross Stinetorf, loses in a local judicial race against a widely known and widely hated Christian Right judge. I'm watching with bated breath as the exit polls say one thing, the early returns say another, and the map ever so slowly fills in with red and blue. Most of all, I'm praying to God for a Kerry win, the same God that my own Church says compels me to vote one way while I vote another to save my country, taking my chances with the Almighty.

I'm filled with hope and dread at the same time, and I don't know how I can stand it. I'm sure you are feeling something very much like this. Either way, I know one thing for sure: I'll be reading your site most of the day tomorrow, whether in exultation, sorrow, or still anticipating the result of another "too close to call" election remains to be seen. Either way, good vibes and thanks for helping me stay sane, focused, and above all informed over the last four years. --Mark

I sincerely hope you will continue this site, even though we lost the election...I think we were duped at the polls by the GOP...something doesn't smell right about the count. --Shirley

So why were the exit polls so much less favorable to Bush than the "actual" vote count? Will we ever know? --Jay

From Zogby:

"We feel strongly that our pre-election polls were accurate on virtually every state. Our predictions on many of the key battleground states like Ohio and Florida were within the margin of error. I thought we captured a trend, but apparently that result didn t materialize."

http://www.zogby.com

From Electoral Vote Predictor 2004:

"One thing that is very strange is how much the exit polls differed from the final results, especially in Ohio. Remember that Ohio uses Diebold voting machines in many areas. These machines have no paper trail. Early in the campaign, Diebold CEO Walden O'Dell, a GOP fundraiser, promised to deliver Ohio to Bush. He later regretted having said that."

http://www.electoral-vote.com/

Something stinks in the US. --R.