Ask Auntie Pinko
February 21, 2002

Auntie's Odds n' Ends

Auntie Pinko would like to thank all the people who wrote in looking for a free Auntie Pinko t-shirt after we discussed tort reform. The offer, however, still stands, as the documents proffered were not SEC-filed prospectus material, but rather pleadings in various bankruptcy cases. While those must, of course, be regarded as carefully, analyzed, objectively reasoned explanations for the companies in question's business failures, the fact remains that Auntie specified SEC prospectuses. However, the t-shirts can be purchased for a very modest fee right here on the DU website.

In the last few weeks, several readers have written to ask me to explain the term "Pinko." Please check Auntie's Archives Why do you call yourself "Pinko?" for a fuller explanation. Hint: If you're a new reader, you might check out the archives to see if I have already answered a similar question. I do hate to repeat myself when there are so many fascinating new questions from readers every week.

And, finally---

Auntie's Quickies, #1

Dear Auntie Pinko,

Why are there conservatives? Why?

Don,
Aberdeen, SD

 
Dear Don,

To make liberals look good, of course.

Auntie's Quickies, #2

Dear Auntie Pinko,

I'm afraid I already know the answer...but, how long do you think it will take our corporate-owned media to get around to the story that is covered in the book, "Bin Laden-The Forbidden Truth" regarding the fact that the Bush administration sent orders to the CIA and FBI to back off pursuing Al-Qaida, as recently as August 2001, because the administration was in the middle of negotiating with the Taliban for a pipeline through Afghanistan? Should I hold my breath?????

Sandy,
Kingston, NY

 
Dear Sandy,

Not unless you really like the way you look in blue.

Auntie's Quickies, #3

Dear Auntie Pinko,

Did I miss something? When exactly did "Taliban" and "Al Quaeda" become synonymous? As I understand it, the Taliban were the standing government in Afghanistan (whether officially recognized as such is another matter - they were making the rules which makes them the government). The 'Al Quaeda' is a terrorist organization made up of people of various national origins who owe allegiance to no particular nation or government. While they may have supported each other and held views in common, that doesn't make them the same thing. So why is it that every time I turn on the US news I hear the two terms used interchangeably? My natural jaded cynicism says this is merely an attempt to justify US policy and that the American people are considered to be too ignorant to notice. Or have I, as I said, missed something amid all the flag and saber waving?

Mila,
Vancouver, BC (Canada)

 
Dear Mila,

Either it's

a) Merely an attempt to justify US policy and the American people are too ignorant to notice; or

b) Merely an attempt to justify US policy and the media are too ignorant to discern the difference which is so clear to you.

Either way, it's not good, is it?

Auntie's Quickies, #4

Dear Auntie Pinko,

Americans seem to think that their president is quite stupid. But G.W. Bush's approval rating is still 80%. What does this mean? Why do Americans like ignorant politicians?

Ville,
Helsinki, Finland

 
Dear Ville,

See the previous question/answer.

And thank you all for asking Auntie Pinko!