I want to clarify something:
The "at-spi-dbus-bus.desktop" file is on my day to day use machine.
When I say a fresh install. I boot from the iso, install gpparted, create two ext4 partitions, click on TC Install, frugal install to existing partition sda1, install type is Core Only, and the only boot codes I add are "waitusb=5 home=sda2". Once that is done, I power down, remove the CD, and turn it back on. It shows me the command prompt. At the prompt i type "tce-load -wi aterm Xprogs Xorg-7.7 flwm_topside && sudo reboot". When it reboots it begins to act as described in the initial post.
This problem happens in both instances.