Comments and Suggestions from
the American Public
Both the Internet and the use of information technology to distribute government
information are evolving rapidly. Here are some of your thoughts on this most serious
matter.
Most frequently suggested Alternate Whitehouse color:
Pink (Red is a close second.)
Most common request made of the President:
Subject: Birthday Card for Grandmother
Hello! I hope this note finds you doing well.
I read in a magazine once that you send birthday cards to citizens over 75 years of
age. My grandmother would love to receive one and I would like information on this. Thanks
for your help.
The Clinton fan mail is also available.
Current fan mail:
Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2001
From: Hedy S.
Subject: War Strategy from Ireland
Dear President Bush:
My sister sent this to me, and oddly enough it doesn't seem like such a bad idea! I think
that even the PETA people would be willing to sacrifice a few piggies to stop the evil
scum! We could call it "farm warfare." What ever works, right?
Everyone in my family is behind you a hundred percent, Mr.Pres. That's saying
something, we are all die hard Democrats. We are first and foremost Americans though, and
are proud of the way you are leading our country through this nightmare.
Sincerely,
Hedy S.
> A friend recently informed me that the UK fought the
> Islamic terrorist attacks by burying the criminals with a pig. Apparently
> The Islamic belief is that if ones' body is buried with a pig (because
> they are considered unclean) their soul will go to hell.
>
> I did a little research into this subject matter and found it to be true.
> This got me thinking.
>
> If we put a baby pig on every airline flight then all suicide
> terrorists would abort their missions as they would not want their souls
> to go to hell.
>
> Apparently Muslims dislike the very site of pigs A LOT!
>
> They are also adamantly opposed to alcohol, thus we spike their
> water supply with a few thousand gallons of moonshine, get them
> snookered, and turn the pigs loose.
Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001
From: Robert[...]@[...].pentagon.mil
Subject: Spanish lessons
Lesson 1 goes to a Taco Bell home page without instruction in Spanish
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001
From: Margaret L.
Subject: problem with Lesson 1
Lesson 1 is a link to a Taco Bell ad! Is this a joke or is President Bush getting paid
by Taco Bell to advertise for them? We need seperation between government and big
business. The two are becoming indistiguishable! What a pity.
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001
From: Margaret L.
Subject: problem with Lesson 1
Okay, it is a joke. As fast as people skim through the internet it is likely that you
will be spreading misinformation because it isn't SO obvious that it is a joke. True, I
found it hard to believe Bush would want to make Spanish an official alternate language (I
don't believe English was ever even made the first official language.) But with him
stating that no other relationship the U.S. has is more important than the one we have
with Mexico, paired with my new desire to try to not vomit when I hear his voice, see his
smirky face, etc... you know, someone might give him the benefit of the doubt and start
misinforming their friends about it. Or less informed people like high school students
trying to learn about Politics. Yes it is a psuedo-humor to be fooled for a moment, but
consider for a moment the simple idea of putting an goofy icon or statement on your cover
page so as not to accidentally make Bush look good, and give him credit where credit is
obviously not yet do.
Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2001 15:55:44 +0200 (CEST)
From: Daniel G.
Subject: Thanx
Dear Brains of whitehouse.net
I really like to thank you for not shutting down your site as your
"neighbours" from whitehouse.org did it! As I try to do a small work about
GWBush Parodies on the net, the 11th September was a black day even for freedom of speech.
Many parody writers seem to think that harsh times make presidents better and criticism to
a disgusting tool of the enemy. Some people really don't understand that most people are
not any better than they were on
september 10th.
thank you for still being on the net,
yours sincerely,
Daniel G.
We talked about shutting down the site or redirecting to the "real" White
House page, but at the end of the day, it seemed like that would be giving in to the
terrorists. Our goal shouldn't be learning to live with terrorism... We should seek it out
and eliminate it. -Bill
Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001
From: [email protected]
Subject: whitehouse.net ' RACIST '
So here I am reading your Lesson 1 link regrading spanish as the alternative language.
Then the link goes to Taco Bell...
Fine, have your free speech which everyone is entitled as long as you don't mind me
spreading the news that you are racist bastards. And please dont print this one to the
site because it will only make you even worse.
Yes, America is racist but do you have to join in too!
Tipico Norte Americano!
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001
From: Deanna S.
Subject: Some comments from a middle class American
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to you today because I am concerned about some of the recent and proposed
policy changes regarding the status of illegal aliens and Spanish as the alternative US
language.
First off, let me say I am a conservative republican, married, middle class, college
educated, professional female, 35 years old. My husband has been in the US military for 10
years and I am not your typical enlisted wife. I have never written a letter to a member
of the government before - but I am sick of what's happening with to this Country and I
don't want to sit back and watch it go downhill anymore. No morals, no values, illegal
aliens, lying, cheating, etc.......
I have traveled around the world and recognize the importance of diversity in our great
nation, but why are we catering to one specific ethnic group? Isn't America one big
melting pot where people step on our shores, become citizens legally, assimilate into OUR
culture, and keep their ethnic heritage without assuming the rest of us will cater to
them?
I do not think Federal workers should be required to speak Spanish by 2005, nor do I
think that forms should be printed in both Spanish and English. Why can't legal US
citizens learn to speak and read English? If they are not in the US legally - who cares?
They are not supposed to be here in the first place - let them follow the rules and
regulations to get here legally.
Do not get me wrong, I am not a racist or someone who thinks there is only one ethnic
background. I'm tired of having to play by the rules and laws of this great country and
watch as we begin to cater to people who shouldn't be here in the first place. I am also
sick and tired of paying taxes and not getting the benefit of their use.....but the
illegal aliens get to use them.
My Grandfather came from Switzerland in 1917. He couldn't speak a lick of English - but
he learned. He assimilated in OUR great American culture and kept his heritage also. He
was very proud to become a legal citizen and when people would ask him his background he
would say he was an American of Swiss/German descent.
Why aren't we printing forms and requiring Federal workers to speak Italian, French,
German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc? Don't those ethnic groups have rights
also? Heck, while we're at it, let's let all of them into our country illegally also!
I am very disappointed with this way of thinking and can honestly say if you continue
on this path you will loose my vote. If you're listening to all of us little people out
here - you'll loose a lot of votes. I admire your integrity and honesty - but I don't
agree with you on this line of thinking.
Don't use the line on me that it will open up trade relations with Mexico, and that
Vincente Fox is all for this.....Heck, I would be too if I were him......Most of the
unwanteds from his country will move to the US......Why didn't we do this for the Chinese,
and Japanese when we opened up trade with them?
I also do not agree with your giving your radio addresses in Spanish - I realize they
are on the way to being the majority in this country and you will need the votes for your
re-election, but our official language is American.
Respectfully,
Deanna S.
Instructional Designer
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001
From: Robert H.
Subject: Porn at whitehouse.com
You people should be ashamed to use this name for a porn site. It was brought to my
attention by my 11 year old daughter. She was rudely forced to view your page while
looking up information about the U.S. Government. I understand you probably have
registered the site and are allowed to do with it what you will, but really! It's sites
like this that blatantly attempt to lure innocents that have the Bible belt conservatives
in a uproar. If you are opposed to censorship on the internet, then you should show a
little responsibility in keeping children away from your site.
Robert H.
Just for the record, whitehouse.net is not whitehouse.com. There is no pr0n at
whitehouse.net. -Bill
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001
From: Judy M.
Subject: Hackers on your site
To the Webmaster-
The first time I visited your site at www.whitehouse.net
there was red writing over the front page saying "Hackerz were here" and under
the Whitehouse photo, in large letters, was rude comments about the President, Americans,
etc. When I left the page and came back, the original page was gone, and there was the
same page without all that text, but plain government information. I am a North Carolina
Webmaster, and the students in this state visit your site as it is linked to LearnNC. I
would be APPAULED if my child were to visit your site and see that "Hackerz"
information. I think you need to make a sincere effort to fix this problem...who ever
thought that it was funny, was WRONG!
Thank you-
The only page I found was http://www.learnnc.com/Lib/WieldWeb.nsf/etrailfull
which clearly states that this is a joke. Which word on the hackers page did you object
to: suck, dope, or gay? BTW, I think you mean "appalled." -Bill
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001
From: Janice B.
Subject: Very Funny
It took a while, but I finally realized I'd been spoofed. Gov't is so wacky sometimes
these days, it's getting easier and easier to pull one over on us.
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001
From: Janice B.
Subject: Spanish Takes Over America
This is absolutely the most horrid thing I've heard about in years...Nothing divides a
people more than language. We need to all speak the same language--one language--not two.
And why Spanish as an alternate? Why not French? At least French is an international
language. I believe it's all about the almightly dollar again. There are so many
spanish-speaking consumers in our midst, or our neighbors. But it will ultimately bring
the downfall of our economy. Or at the least totally corrupt the English we speak and our
heritage.
Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2001
From: Trina S.
Subject: no
no I do not agree with her to paint the white house green it has been white for this
long so leave the white house white whiite what is she nuts.
--- Trina S.
Date: Fri, 08 Jun 2001
From: Ruth T.
Subject: Check your page
I think you may want to check the page that says: "Hackers wuz here."
It doesn't look appropriate for this site!
Ruth T.
Date: Wed, 06 Jun 2001
From: Luis B.
Subject: Spanish Lessons Offered in Your Site
Dear Mr. President,
First, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your VP on the election
success. I feel GREAT again to be an American Citizen if for no other reason than the
honor, integrity and moral stature that you have brought to the White House. THANK YOU!
In line with my perspective anf how I feel, I want to communicate my humble opinion
about your site's "free Spanish Lessons".
LESSON 1 takes me directly to advertisnements from Taco Bell. I must tell you that my
first instinct was to feel insulted. I felt that you and your administration may be
thinking that learning Spanish is equivalent to learning how to place your order at Taco
Bell. Therefore, I feel that this approach is inadequate and it invites critisism from
those politicians who would love to affect your position negatively. Besides, if I may say
so, Taco Bell's food may taste good and it may be attempting to represent Mexican food in
goodwill, but it does not pay tribute to authentic Mexican food at all!
LESSON 2 translates word for word directly and is not adequate. It may be the only way
a computer can translate, but it is far from effective. The service is ineffective and it
can actually get somebody in trouble because of the way it translates. This too, is an
invitation for critisism and sarcastic comments about how you play with words also. I hope
that my comments make sense and that you will affect the changes. Sincerely, and with
great respect, Luis B. (at your service).
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: <[email protected]>
Subject: INQUIRE TRAINING
I was in the white house.net web site, and came across the mandatory
lanuage training that the president wants the federal employees to take. I
like to know I tried to access the site but I was getting no sound is there
any problems with the site.
Thanks,
C.
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001
From: <[email protected]>
Subject: Real
Are you for real? I got information with the #....Keiko
You mean to tell me that 202-555-1212 is not the White House switchboard? Well
that's just disappointing. -Bill
Date: Thu, 3 May 2001
From: Justin S.
Subject: Whitehouse.net
Hello,
I see that you are currently no longer updating Whitehouse.net. I would be
interested in purchasing the name from you. I can offer up to US $100.00.
Please let me know soon,
Justin
What're you smokin' boss? -Bill
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001
From: hnygah
Subject: Wake up, American people!
Wake up, American people! DEAR AMERICAN PEOPLE, As people who love peace, we strongly
sugguest American people try your best to stop US government from destroy the peace of the
world.
????Few weeks ago, US goverment sent war plane to China and bumped our plane down to
the sea. We lost one young people. When US invader came to our airfield, we didn't shoot
it down. We cherish the peace of the world. But we are not afraid of war to protect our
country. We know most people in the world cherish the peace of the world. But US goverment
doesn't. PLS think about how many country it has invaded in recent years. How many lifes
has been lost because of the invasions! Will this arbitrariness bring good to US people?
No other country like it. It's just like relation between people. If a people is welcomed
by others, his chance of success is much higher than those who are disrelished. Besides
economic problems, it may lead you to war. It has bring wars to you. You don't feel the
pain because you don't lose much. But wars between large countries will bring disaster to
both country people. As people who love peace, we strongly sugguest US people try your
best to stop US government from destroy the peace of the world.
????CHINA HACKER UNION
Okay, in case it wasn't clear the whitehouse.net site is not an official US
government web site so you can stop the weak attempts to hack the server now.
-Bill
Date: 30 Apr 2001
From: "????" <ln317>
Subject: I hate you!
I am only a Chinese.But I can't understand the thing recently hanppend.
>From April 1st to now,
thogh my English is poor,
I can't say the impress,
I can only say
I HATE YOU!!!
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001
From: William B.
Subject: whitehouse.net
I just wanted to make sure that you knew that according to the "official"
white house page, www.whitehouse.net, Bill clinton is still president.
P.S if this really did go to Bill, I just want to congratulate you on your 2 terms in
office, and to ask if you could please save George W.'s ass over this whole china thing. I
don't think he and his team understand how they're being so manipulated by the chinese
government. They (the chinese) don't give a f*** about an apology, they just want the damn
plane. They don't care about the crewmen either, they only focused everything around them
as a distraction. And come on, delay "talk" untill the eighteenth? this sort of
manipulation cannot end untill the U.S. government makes it known, subtly, to the chinese
government that we know what they're doing. Only then will we be able to stop this rather
one-sided flow of information before the communistic, superiority complex, traditionalist
chinese decide that they have the technology, the land mass, and the population to try to
conquer the world and launch world war III. They've been sitting in the shadows for a long
time, and given their size, population, political standing, and economy, they have nothing
to lose, and everything to gain from a war.
Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 19:48:03 -0500
From: Joyce K.
Subject: "the other white house"
Sir,
I just wanted to say that if someone types in just whitehouse.com you will get a very
nasty site in my opinion-porn!!! You might want to consider a change in the address for
the site since it would be very easy for young children to get to a very sick adult site.
You don't say. -Bill
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