USA TODAY NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT BUSH "OUTRAGE" ADS -- come on, make a call

dfu | 3-9-04 | dfu

[doug from upland]

USA TODAY: 703.854.3400

Gwenn Foster - political editor.
Mark Memmott - Judy Keen, writers

Here we go again, FReepers. Finally, the NY POST did the story about the funding of PEACEFUL TOMORROWS. The POST told its readers about the funding which was ultimately tied to Teresa Heinz.

I'm still waiting for the WASHINGTON POST and NY TIMES to set the record straight. Perhaps I shouldn't hold my breath.

And now, we come to USA TODAY. Are they a wholly owned subsidiary of the DemocRATic Party? No. Do they do the bidding of the DemocRATic Party? It seems so.

I spoke with Gwen Foster, the USA TODAY political editor. She is apparently satisfied that they did the story and reported the news. She has no plans to do a story on the funding connection of Teresa Heinz to PEACEFUL TOMORROWS. In fact, she denied that the story in USA TODAY even mentioned PEACEFUL TOMORROWS. She has no interest in full disclosure and correcting the record. I called back and read the paragraph to her answering machine. I told her that is sloppy journalism.

I also left a message for one of the writers, Mike Memmott, telling him of the connection and saying to him it was sloppy journalism if they don't report it.

THE ORIGINAL STORY FROM THEIR WEBSITE

Posted 3/4/2004 3:13 PM
Bush accused of exploiting 9/11

By Mark Memmott and Judy Keen, USA TODAY

EXCERPT:

Today those groups plan a press conference in New York to say that the ads' use of video shot at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, is insulting to the memories of those who died in the 2001 attacks. Of particular concern to them: a few seconds of video of firefighters carrying a flag-draped body from the rubble. (Related video: Bush recalls 9/11, defends ads)

"Our message to all politicians is, 'Keep your hands off Ground Zero,' " said David Potorti, of Cary, N.C., a member of Peaceful Tomorrows, one of the families' organizations. His brother Jim, 52, died at the World Trade Center. ---end excerpt---

Calling them "one of the families' organizations" is not good enough. The story was incomplete.

FReepers, you saw that we raised hell on the phone with the NY TIMES over the weekend. USA TODAY needs to hear from us. PLEASE be civil. Leave your name. Guide them toward the story.

Okay, raise your hands? Who will make the call?

Thanks. Your efforts may help Dubya continue the War on Terror. God help us if the RATS get back into power.

[bornintexas]

I have already been trying to do this on a daily basis. I picked the story from a reporter, moni basu (sp?), from the Atlanta Journal yesterday. It was the story, "Military Kin Split on Bush."

I told her that I thought she was being disingenuous when she reported that alot of military families are pissed at Bush and won't be voting for him. I told her that if she would actually try and do some real investigating that she would probably be able to find that more democrat servicemen and their families will be voting Bush because of Kerry's actions when he returned from Vietnam and his dismal voting record when it comes to the military. But, I told her I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for her to do so.

She actually emailed me back and told me she "really did call coast to coast" in researching her story. I emailed her back and told her that she missed the point. Altho, she could find 2 0r 3 families that would be voting for Kerry....she would find more going for Bush.....If her point of view hadn't been from the left.

I don't know if it changed her way of thinking, but it sure made me feel better!

[Rabid Dog]

You Texans are always on top of things!

[No Fool]

I find it hard to believe that these "journalists" knew nothing of this! It has been all over Rush, Hannity, and Fox News since the day after the "protesting" began.

[No Fool]

The New York Times: (212) 556-7652

The New York Post: (212) 930-8000

ABC: 212-456-7777

CBS: 212-975-4321

NBC: 212-664-4444

Not exactly the number you were looking for, but these folks could use a swift kick in the --- on this story as well...

[doug from upland]

WALL STREET JOURNAL EXPOSES THE RATS!

[God luvs America]

ping

[sarasota]

This is very encouraging and nice job! Slowly, then faster, the Kerry Konnection will come to light and unravel. It's just a matter of time. Teresa will be a major player in the mix--and not a positive one.

[sarasota]

Believe Brit said this organization represents around 1% of the victims of 9.11.

[GraceCoolidge]

Just left my message.

[Redbob]

I've already delivered to USA Today the only message they will understand:
I subscribed to the Wall Street Journal.

[God luvs America]

I just called the number and left a message for Memmott, leaving my phone number and asking him to call me back before stating my case. Surpsingly I was told no "Gwenn Foster" works there and was connected instead to a Denise Foster.

[doug from upland]

She used the name Gwen when I called.

[God luvs America]

Check this out...the writer Memmott...JUST CALLED ME BACK!!

He asked if Rush Limbaugh had encouraged his listeners to call the media on this topic; I told him I don't listen to Rush Limbaugh (and I don't).

He then said that he is in fact looking into this and at first glance it doesn't seem any money for Peaceful Tomorrows came from Heinz/Tides Center.

He was aware of the article in yesterday's post but said the people at the Tides Center said "none of the Heinz money for Peaceful Tomorrows went to the 9-11 Bush ad protest or Afghan mission", rather the money is being used for causes in Western Pennsylvania.

I told them that was a cop-out; if they are donating millions to an organization they know damn well what that organization is doing....I could tell from his voice inflections he agreed with me.

He asked if this was a coordinated effort as everyone is calling with the same shpeel...I told him people and groups are aware of what is going on and are fed up with the constant bashing of our President and only half the story being told.

He assured me he will look further into it and to his credit, was polite and seemed a man of his word.

[doug from upland]

Thanks for the report and the effort.

[clyde260]

Doug, I sent this:

Dear USA Today,

I read your article re: Bush accused of exploiting 9/11, By Mark Memmott and Judy Keen, USA TODAY. Posted 3/4/2004 3:13 PM Updated 3/5/2004 12:50 PM

I have since learned the real affiliations of the "offended parties". I was just wondering, in the name of "fair and balanced journalism" when you will ammend the original article so that the viewership will have a fair and balanced understanding as well.

I'm sure you are already aware of the connection between Families for Peaceful Tomorrows TO Tides-San Francisco, TO Both Heinz Endowments, TO Theresa Heinz-Kerry, TO John Kerry-Democrat Candidate.

I look foward to USA Today's expanded coverage of this item, after all we depend on our media to be truthful and balanced, so that we as an informed public can make intelligent decisions.

[clyde260]

Listening this morning to abc's Curtis & Kuby, here in New York, Ron Kuby sarcastically thanked Ed Gillespie for accusing the sad victims, aggrieved by Pres. Bush's ads of being fringe members of a subversive group. In other words Kuby denied any afilliation.

Good Heavens Kuby is insufferable as a liar, twister, spinning, leftie, self admitted commie, fork tongued, lawyer! By the way, for those who don't know, he was the late Bill Kuntsler's protoge.

Just had to rant for a second to get that out, it helps the blood pressure go down.

[doug from upland]

The truth is coming out, despite ahoes like Kuby.

[talleyman]

Great work! I think it's best to let the pot simmer a bit before adding more heat - I'll check back later.

[imintrouble]

I am late to this FREEP party but wanted to add my congratulations to all those who accomplished a mountain relocation yesterday and today!

Well done people. I'll check back again and if there is anything else required, I'll be sure to volunteer. I am sorry I didn't add my assistance to your great effort.

I think "too many" would spoil the reception you seem to be getting right now however.

I wonder if the media think everyone belongs to George Soros and the Ketchup Lady?

Talk about Grass Roots !!! What a great wonderful group of people here.

[GOPrincess]

Hannity & Colmes is covering the media not addressing the funding of Families for Peaceful Tomorrows with Bernard Goldberg tonight (Wed.), and the media's bias in covering the election...