Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Ronald Reagan Statue on Capital Hill

Fox News: Reports on the new statue of President Ronald Reagan on Capital Hill the home of the US Congress. It was very moving ceremony, Nancy Reagan with tears in her eyes gave a fine speech before unveiling the statue to the world, also Mrs Reagan was very gracious in having warm words for Speaker Pelosi. It was nice to see both Republican and Democratic Leaders present at the ceremony.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of another British Soldier in Afghanistan, the death total due to combat operations is now 137; in Iraq the UK lost 136; those that have died of accidents, illness or other incidents stands at 29. In total the death total since the UK went to Afghanistan in 2001 has now risen to 166. The UK Armed Forces will also have to deal with the expect Summer months of combat operation in the lead up to the Presidential Election in Afghanistan. There is no EXIT route out of Afghanistan, more deaths and more blood, at lest the UK government can make sure that our Armed Forces get all the kit they need, this should not be like World War One, we might not have another David Lloyd George to clean up the mess of the Government.

Kim Jong Un - Next North Korean Leader

The Times: Reports that Kim Jong Il the Stalinist leader of North Korea has announced that his son, Kim Jong Un ,25, will be his successor. Thus it can be postulated that the show of power by North Korea has more to do with the internal politics of North Korea, it could be the father showing his Generals that he is still in charge before handing over power to his son. This could be a chance for the Obama Administration to solve the North Korea problem, how about inviting Kim Jong Un to Washington D.C, this could be helpful in two ways, getting beyond the present problems but also helping establish Kim Jong Un as the next leader of North Korea. A helping hand by Obama might go down well in North Korea. Lets face it, nothing else seems to have worked at present.

UN = League of Nations

Fox News: Reports that Russia and China are going slow over new sanctions for North Korea. If the UN in the 21 Century is to be effective its Resolutions should mean something, North Korea just laughs at the UN, this foot dragging by Russia and China in the long run will hurt the UN and Russia and China. North Korea will become more bolder, aka Nazi Germany in the 1930s, this could lead to major conflict, the League of Nations failed in the 1930s and this lead to World War Two, it would be a shame if the UN lead to a nuclear conflict in Asia.

Obama on Bill Clinton " lying, engaging in bald-faced lies "

Politico: Has got hold of advance copy of Renegade, The Making of a President by Richard Wolffe. The book looks at the 08 Campaign and how Obama destroyed the well oiled Clinton machine. Lets recall the Democratic Race for President had its dirty period, the view of President Obama of Bill Clinton is interesting, the article states that the President told the books author the following on Bill Clinton and his actions in the Campaign, the President stated that Clinton was " lying, engaging in bald-faced lies". Thus one can see why President Obama has had favourable words for President Ronald Reagan but been very quiet on Bill Clinton. Lets recall the Obama Administration has Clinton in a box; with Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State; if he wants to change a tie he needs Obama White House to give him the green light. Looks like an interesting book, but read the reviews of the book first, that's from the left and right. But it seems to have some good stuff within its covers.

Obama and Al Qaeda

BBC News: Reports that Al Qaeda is critical of the Obama visit to Egypt. If Obama has Al Qaeda rattled that is good, the problem is that Obama is fine with rhetoric but the follow through is weak. As with North Korea the USA has been tough on the PR front but no action, this has given the impression that Obama is an empty suit. All wind and no push, thus expect fine words from Obama in Egypt but no follow through, Iran will see his weakness as a green light to go nuclear, this will force Israel to attack Iran, this will destroy any Obama Middle East Peace Plan. The difference between Obama and Reagan is simple, Reagan was a Great Communicator but he had a bold Agenda, Obama has the rhetoric but he has the old Liberal Agenda. Thus one can discuss the Reagan Revolution but after either one or two terms it will be hard to call Obama a Revolutionary President.