Monday, August 30, 2010

Ed Miliband would be a DISASTER = Tony Blair

Guardian: Reports that former Labour PM Tony Blair has stated that the election of Ed Miliband as the next Labour Leader would be a disaster for Labour. Its about time the old New Labour hands came out and set the Labour Party straight, they are not that loved anyway so they might as well steer the Party in the right direction, the elite left in the BBC, Guardian and the Independent will cry foul but so what, they prefer Labour in opposition as they are more interested in political purity than power, in other words Mr Blair its time to ACT.

The Dark Prince vs. Ed Miliband

BBC News: Reports on a not so veiled attack by Lord Mandelson on Ed Miliband, a contender for the Labour Leadership, the Dark Prince stated that in essence that Ed Miliband would be a disaster for Labour as he wants to take it back to a pre New Labour age, in other words higher taxes and Union power. It is surprising that the Dark Prince has take so long to get in to the fight, this blog of late has been on the attack when it comes to Ed Miliband, what ever you think of the Blair/Brown age they did bring Labour in to power and the winning of three elections. The election of Ed Miliband would be a disaster for Labour, it would show that New Labour was a fake, once Labour was out of power and not in the running for power it returned to its comfort zone, a extreme left wing Party, of higher taxes and giving the Unions the power to bring the Country to a stand still. If you support and want a Labour Government in the future support David Miliband, otherwise expect years in Opposition.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Diaries of Chris Mullin - The Downfall of New Labour

Daily Mail: Excellent extracts from the Diaries of former Labour MP and Minister Chris Mullin. Read of the Day.

High Taxes = Five Years = Labour’s Debt

Guardian: Reports on remarks by Danny Alexander the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that taxes will remain high for the next five years to remove the debt faced by the Government. On one level the Conservative Party will not like the fact that there are higher taxes but it will like the fact that the news in coming from the Liberal Democrat Danny Alexander, thus anger at high taxes will be directed at the Lib Dems and not the Tory Party. It can be argued that PM David Cameron has played this well, all the public spending cuts will have Lib Dem fingerprints on them, in five years the Conservative Party can have an election manifesto that is for cutting taxes while the Lib Dems face political oblivion, politics is a great game folks, its brutal.

Keep Brown OUT - Bush 43

Telegraph: Reports that former Labour PM Tony Blair planned to stay beyond his 2007 leaving date due to concerns from the Bush White House at having Gordon Brown in power, in the end Brown and his allies forced Mr Blair to name his leaving date early. If this is true this will cause Mr Brown to go bonkers, one can postulate that that he will be thinking that Mr Blair should have rebuffed Bush 43 rather than plan to keep him out of power. The Labour Party will have a fit, they will see Mr Blair being more concerned about Bush 43 than the election prospects of Labour. In other words it is no great surprise that Tony Blair will be in the US for the launch of his book, every day he makes PM Eden look better before, during and after Suez.

Iraq IS on its OWN - Obama Administration


In his weekend remarks to the American People President Obama has stated the following on Iraq “ On Tuesday, after more than seven years, the United States of America will end its combat mission in Iraq and take an important step forward in responsibly ending the Iraq war… ” The sting comes with the following message to Iraq, “ …We have closed or turned over to Iraq hundreds of bases. In many parts of the country, Iraqis have already taken the lead for security….But the bottom line is this: the war is ending. Like any sovereign, independent nation, Iraq is free to chart its own course. And by the end of next year, all of our troops will be home. ”. In other words Iran move in, Obama has kept a Campaign promise, lets jump in the air and celebrate Obama selling out another ally, the Iraqi Armed Forces have stated that Iraq is not ready to take control, but Obama is more concerned about not being Bush 43 than he is about the security of Iraq and the supply of oil to the West. If Iran moves in to Iraq the blame will fall on President Obama, he has snatched victory and replaced it with defeat, in other words Jimmy Carter folks. Lets hope the Republicans take the Congress and start to place real political pressure on Obama to secure the Allies of the US, so far he has sold out Poland, Czech Republic, Israel , and presently it will be Iraq, lets hope in 2012 Obama is shown the door and is replaced by a leader, Obama has shown why Democrats can not be trusted on National Security.
 
 

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Memoirs of Tony Blair

Telegraph: Reviews the forthcoming memoirs of Tony Blair. The one question Mr Blair must answer is why he didn’t sack Gordon Brown when Brown blocked him on his domestic reforms, and when he had the chance after 2005 General Election he didn’t move Brown or sack him. This will be the test of the Blair memoirs, will he be as honest as Lord Mandelson.

NHS Direct in England = OUT

BBC News: Reports that NHS Direct in England is to be scrapped due to public spending cuts, the Coalition is going with a cheaper version of the service. Although the NHS has been ring fenced by the Coalition Government it is still looking for reforms that will make the NHS more efficient and cheaper, lets be honest folks it’s the fault of Labour, they threw money in the good times but didn’t keep any money in the bank for the cold rainy days of Austerity UK.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The UK Weather + Cold and the Rain = Romans had SOCKS

Telegraph: Reports on evidence that Roman Soldiers were wearing socks while they guarded Roman Britain. The weather has not changed that much, cold, rain, one can postulate that the poor Roman coming from the Sunny weather of Italy would have had a culture hear attack after a few days in Roman Britain, the weather and the locals not that happy and once the Romans left the Roman junk was thrown out with them, but they left their shoes and traces of their socks!

On Holiday OBAMA is DOWN in POLL

Gallup: Reports on its latest daily tracking poll for President Obama, the President has a disapproval rating of 51%, while 42% of voters approve of Obama’s job performance. Even on holiday President Obama cant move the polls in his direction, the bad economic news is looking bad for the Democrats in the Mid Term 2010 Congressional Elections, between September and late October President Obama has to get his poll ratings up or he will see a Republican House and Senate in January, and they will be saying a NO a lot to the White House. This blog is coming around to the idea that President Obama might not run in 2012, like LBJ in 68 President Obama needs total love, well that not on the cards for 2010 or 2012, a ego like Obama as with LBJ might rather not face losing and getting kicked out by the voters. Obama if he will not change course could decide to strong arm Israel to accept a nuclear armed Iran, he would see that as a victory, in his mind it would be worth being a one term President.

The Miliband BROTHERS at WAR - Labour Leadership Fight

Guardian: Reports that phoney war between Ed and David Miliband for the Leadership of the Labour Party has gone hot, with each side attacking the electoral strategy of the other, Ed Miliband wants to get the core Labour vote back while David Miliband wants to get the Middle Class vote back. Labour should be ashamed of it self, two bothers fighting, Alpha Geek and Beta Geek, neither having had a real job, they are the creation of New Labour, Beta Geeek, Ed Miliband or Miliband Junior is stabbing his own brother in the back as to become Labour Leader, he has gone left, thus he supports more power to the Unions, the repeal of the Thatcher Trade Union Laws, also higher taxes. While Alpha Geek, David Miliband the ex Foreign Secretary and presently Shadow Foreign Secretary is in the Tony Blair mould, but he is weak, he had the chance to finish off PM Gordon Brown but didn’t have the guts, of the two Miliband brothers, it can be argued that David is more of the threat in the long term to the Coalition, he wants to get back the Middle Class vote that left Labour in the May General Election. One can only wonder what the founders of Labour would have thought to see the leadership of the Labour Party being between two non working class brothers, who have never had a real job, just shows how much Tony Blair destroyed old Labour.

The Credit of Ireland - DOWN

BBC News: Reports that the Irish Government will spend 10 billion Euros more to beef up its banking system, in total Ireland will spend 74 Billion pounds. This has lead a major Credit Agency to downgrade the CREDIT for Ireland. Lets be honest folks, sooner or later Europe has to go through a really Great Depression 11, all the debts have to be known, major cuts in the welfare state of Europe will have to be started from London to cover the whole of the EU. The nightmare is not over folks, there is more pain to come, the tax payer bailed out the banks, its time to pay the costs, the bankers will be laughing all the way with their fat bonus.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Bunker Refit and the Ouster of Tony Blair

The Daily Mail: Reports that Labour PM Tony Blair was ousted due to the fact that Mrs Blair asked for a refit of the nuclear bunker for the Government, this drove those loyal to Gordon Brown to make sure that Mr Blair named a date for his Departure. Well in many respects the Labour Party was in the bunker for years, its fitting that that the most successful Labour Leader ever was undone by his wife’s doing a makeover plan, its has its irony, from invading Iraq to getting the boot for a BIG NO for a makeover of a bunker that should never have to be used by the Cabinet.

Lawrence of Arabia and World War 1 Exploits

Telegraph: Reports on previous secret attack flights by Lawrence of Arabia on Turkish interests in World War One. It shows folks that history always comes up with new aspects that is part of the known history but was either secret or forgotten or both. Lawrence of Arabia the uncrowned King of Arabia is a heroic historic figure, this latest revelation just adds to the myth.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Election Cycles - Lib Dems

The Daily Mail: Reports on comments by DPM Nick Clegg the Leader of the Liberal Democrats that the Lib Dems could face major losses next year in the local council elections due to the Coalition Governments public spending cuts. Lets be honest here folks, Nick Clegg has nowhere else to go, he has to make the Coalition work, the Labour Party would want his head for any deal with the Liberal Democrats, thus Mr Clegg can expect a rough Party Conference, one can see a few Liberal Democrats MPs defecting to Labour, but the prize for Mr Clegg is after five years the UK economy is back in the black and Lib Dems are seen as the successors to Labour. Mr Clegg has to keep his nerve.

Ed Miliband Profile - Labour Loser

Guardian: Reports on its interview with Ed Miliband one of the contenders for the Labour Leadership. It seems that the Guardian is impressed with Miliband junior, they would be, he is a loser, he would take Labour back pre New Labour, what ever you think of Tony Blair he knew how to win elections, Miliband Junior is sucking up to the Unions and has no interest in lower taxes, if Ed Miliband wins Labour will lose, it is that simple folks, its seems that Labour would rather have a pure soul that win elections, and how can you trust Ed Milband when he would stab in how brother in the back, he is a flawed character folks, who does that recall, YES Gordon Brown.

The August Recess in the UK and the USA


Its quite on the political front folks, both President Obama and PM Cameron are on holiday, the House of Lords, House of Commons in the UK is in recess and the US Congress is also on Holiday. Thus next few days should be quite folks. Go on Holiday!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that was killed Yesterday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, part of Combined Force Nad-e Ali ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Lance Corporal Bancroft.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Kennedy for Labour ?

The Guardian: Reports on the hint from the Labour Party that the former Liberal Democrat Leader Mr Charles Kennedy could defect to Labour, this has been denied by Mr Kennedy. This sounds like a test balloon from Labour, seeing if they can cause a split within the Liberal Democrats, ones gut smells the fingerprints of past Labour spin masters, also it’s the political silly season, the Labour Leadership contest has not caught fire with the voters, this kind of story keeps Labour in the news, but its been denied, would Mr Kennedy really be happy in Labour or is this more to with the fact that Mr Clegg is Deputy PM after a short time as Lib Dem leader while the old Liberal Democrat leaders are the men of Yesterday.

12 Months Clock for a Nuclear Armed Iran ?

Telegraph: Reports that the Obama Administration has told Israel through the New York Times that Iran is 12 months away from getting the bomb. If your Israel you look at the successful bombing of the Iraq Nuclear facility under the Reagan Administration and the bombing of the Syrian nuclear facility under Bush 43 and you ask do you dare Obama to be critical after Israel has bombed Iran. If Israel is smart it will bomb close to the 2010 Mid Term Elections in the US, this will place Obama on the back foot, he will have to support Israel or see the Democrats wiped from the political map, Obama is to low in the polls to threaten Israel, the Congress would remove any Obama sanction against Israel, that is the cost of low Presidential approval ratings folks. Its up to Israel does it have to the guts to act and to act in a smart manner, that is the questions folks.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, part of Combined Force Nad-e Ali ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 332 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 292 in combat operations and 40 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Half Million Americans OUT of Work - Obama’s Economy

Fox News: Reports that half a million Americans sought unemployment benefits thus far in August. If the job prospects for Americans looks this bleak in November the Democrats will be swept from Office, this on the one hand might be the best thing for Obama, he would have no choice but to move to the centre, should the Obama White House not move then its finished, the Republicans will have the Hill and the Republicans will take the White House, Richard Nixon could have taken Obama if the economy stays this bad in 2012.

Obama, the Mosque and 2012

Daily Mail: Reports on the possibility that the proposed Mosque near the site of 9/11 could open on 9/11 2011, and this could finish the Obama Presidency. The White House political operations must wonder if Obama really in his hearts of hearts wants a second term as President, there comes a point that it does not matter what a President states the audience the US voter has turned away, Obama from his economic package, to health care reform, the idea of 9/11 trials in New York, to the slow reaction to the Oil spill in the Gulf and now the Mosque has kicked the US voter in the teeth to many times, the November Mid Term Elections cold be a nightmare for the Democrats, the could lose the Hill and this could be a warm up act to Obama losing his re - election bid in 2012.

Xmas has COME - Mad Men in September

Guardian: Reports that the fourth season of Mad Men is coming to UK TV’s in September. There is a God folks, what a show, when men could wear suits, when women could be women, who does not want to be Don Draper when they grow up, the charm, the women, the drinking and the smoking ( its bad for you YES ), the women, know that was the 1960s.

The WAR is really OVER in IRAQ ?

Telegraph: Reports that the last combat troops have left Iraq. There are still over fifty thousand US troops in Iraq folks, but they are there to train Iraqi forces, at the end of the day Iraq did not turn out to be Vietnam what ever the US Left thought or wanted. The deal struck by Bush 43 and the Iraqi Government will see all US troops out of Iraq by 2011, in essence Bush 43 was shown to be right with his surge in 2007, while Senator Obama and Senator Biden did not support the policy. Lets see if Obama turns Iraq from a victory in to defeat, time will tell, will the country fall in to civil war or form a stable Iraqi Democracy, so far it’s a balance, no government has been formed after the elections but they are still talking. Thus Iraq after all the death and money spent is a net positive for the US, while Afghanistan really might turn in to another Vietnam and Obama could be come LBJ.

The WORLD needs to do more in Pakistan - Gordon Brown

BBC News: Reports on remarks by the former Labour PM Gordon Brown, Mr Brown has stated that the World Community has to do more to help stricken Pakistan. This is a chance for the West to show that it helps a Muslim Country when it counts, also it will show the shallowness of the Taliban of Pakistan and of their friends the Taliban of Afghanistan and Al Qaeda. Time for the World to Act folks.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Obama 41% Approval - Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its latest poll on the performance of President Obama in office, thus the latest daily tracking poll has President Obama’s approval at 41% and disapproval at 52%. If the Obama polls are this negative in November the Democrats will be in trouble, the list of negative actions by Obama is endless, from his economic package that failed to get jobs to the latest mess concerning the building of a Muslim Mosque near the centre of 9/11, Obama seems to turn gold in to lead. One has to admit one sees Obama as a charismatic Gordon Brown, and the same fate, when a politician stop listening and develops a tin ear for the voters they are thrown out, Obama had it all, charisma, charm, the faith of the American people and he blew it big time. The best thing that could happen to President Obama is for the Republicans to take the Congress, he would be forced by events to move to the centre, if the Republicans take the Hill and Obama fails to act like Bill Clinton after 1994 he well could face a challenge from within the Democratic Party from Hillary Clinton and then go down to defeat like Jimmy Carter. Obama is no Reagan or JFK, he is a dud in political terms.

UK Voters Support Economic Policy - UK Coalition Government

Guardian: Reports on its latest poll that shows that the UK voter supports the tough economic policies of the Coalition Government, the poll finds 44% support the Coalition when it comes to its economic policy while 37% have a negative view. Thus far it can be argued that the Coalition has done a good job of getting its message across, but after September the Labour Party will have one of the Miliband Brothers are its leader, thus the Coalition can expect its ratings to go down with the a new Labour leader and the cuts, but as of NOW Mr Cameron can afford a smile.

Winter Fuel Payments - Public Spending Cuts

Telegraph: Reports that the winter fuel payment to the older generation will be reformed, so it only kicks in when people reach the age of about 66, at present its 60. This shows folks that the Coalition Government will take the tough decisions, the Telegraph notes that the Liberal Democrats are even more tough and want the age level to be 75. Its simple folks the Country can not afford such welfare spending, last year it cost 2.7 billion, as the UK has a growing older generation the costs of winter fuel payments, free bus passes etc will go up, something has to give, thus those that are in their 60s now will have to work a few more years and the welfare state will not kick to help them in till much later, this is the damage that Labour has done to the UK economy, it will be hard medicine folks, but it will recover the economic body of the UK, otherwise we will go like Greece, lets hope the UK voter gets that fact, otherwise Labour will gain with pandering with their no cuts agenda.

100 Days of UK Coalition

BBC News: Reviews the first hundred days of the UK Coalition between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats, as the article notes the big test will come with the public spending cuts in October. In essence folks, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats are tied together, the Liberal Democrats can not cut and run, it would be political suicide, also Nick Clegg would have to fall on his sword for any deal between the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party. The public spending cuts will be tough folks, the Liberal Democrats will face a new reaction, being hated, the Conservative Party and the Labour Party have faced that over the years, the Liberal Democrats have not been in power since 1922, thus they have not had to make tough decisions, thus if the Liberal Democrats want to form a majority Government one day they will have to tough it through and show they are a serious political party, it could be long five years for the Coalition folks, it could either make the Liberal Democrats the successor to New Labour or they could be swallowed by the Conservative Party.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Mandelson Memoirs = Bestseller

Guardian: Reports that the memoirs of Lord Peter Mandelson have become a bestseller. It’s a great book, a real page turner, shows the bitter feuding at the heart of the New Labour Project, how Gordon Brown never got over the fact that Tony Blair become Labour Leader rather than him, how Brown felt betrayed by Mandelson, how they feuded pre the 1997 election. The constant feuding between Blair and Brown, now Brown thought Blair had gone back on his word not to serve a third term in 10 Downing Street. How when Brown bought Mandelson back the Dark Prince spent him time keeping Brown in power, also how Brown refused to listen for the need to tell the voters that there would be cuts under Labour. Lord Mandelson help create New Labour, in many respects he has buried New Labour, what we create we destroy in the end folks.

Out of the Gloom! - DPM Nick Clegg

Telegraph: Reports on remarks by Deputy PM Nick Clegg, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats has stated that he can see some light at the end of this major economic recession. This is the time for Nick Clegg to be centre stage, Coalition PM David Cameron is on holiday, as the Lib Dems have fallen in the Polls the Coalition Government has to make an effort to get an upswing for the Lib Dems in the polls, thus DPM Clegg should be out very day, making news, making it appear that in words and fact that its an equal Coalition Government between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democratic Party, the public spending cuts are going to be hard, thus both Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have to keep their nerve and also make sure that they don’t allow internal Party fights to break the Coalition.

BLOOD MONEY ? = Tony Blair Memoir

BBC News: Reports that former UK Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair it to give the profits from his memoirs to the Royal British Legion, for the care of injured Soldiers. Those that are critical of Blair and his taking of the UK in to Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will call this blood money, a way to remove the stain of blood on the Blair years in power. This blog does not see it that way, it’s a very generous act by the Mr Blair, it shows his concern for the Armed Forces, yes while PM he did send the Armed Forces in to Afghanistan and Iraq but at the time this policy was supported by the House of Commons. The left will NEVER, NEVER forgive Blair for Iraq, its his Suez, and he is Eden, but while Eden acted without the US, Mr Blair was a close ally of the Bush 43, Mr Blair did the right thing at the time, the consequences is a different matter, there one can have major problems with Mr Blair, the never ending war in Afghanistan, the major role for the UK after 2006 in Afghanistan and the raise in the death toll of UK Armed Forces. In Iraq not enough troops or Air transport after the invasion, thus most UK Forces died after the War. Also the fact that the Mr Blair didn’t finish the War in Iraq, left that to his successor Gordon Brown. At end of the day the UK was thrown out of Iraq for the second time, one can fault Mr Blair for the consequences of his Wars, not the Wars themselves. Thus not blood money but a nice act of a Statesman, also great spin by a great politician.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the 2nd UK Soldier to die last Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Sapper Ishwor Gurung from 69 Gurkha Field Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Sapper Ishwor Gurung.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that died in the UK on Thursday of wounds sustained in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Rifleman Remand Kulung, from G (Tobruk) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) attached to the Danish Battle group ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Rifleman Kulung.
 

Obama at 43% Approval - Gallup

Gallup: Reports that President Obama’s approval rating in its latest poll down is down to 43%, while 48% disapprove of the job performance of the President. The Presidents job approval rating if its keeps at this level will allow the Republicans to take the House and have a shot at the Senate. The Obama Agenda as seen by the US voter is Liberal, overly Liberal, health care reform, the bailout of the car industry, the raise in taxes from heath care, the ending of the Bush era tax cuts all place Obama in Liberal land, a land that is not supported by the US voter. In 1994 when President Clinton lost Hill he could move to the centre and win re-election in 1996, Obama is not a pragmatic politician, he does value that other just might have a different answer and the right answer. Thus if the Republicans take the Hill expect them to say a big NO to the Obama Agenda, also start to investigate the Obama White House over its attempts to force candidates to withdraw from Senate races prior to the Mid Term Elections. It was argued that Obama was the liberal heir to Reagan, the fact is that Obama is the extreme liberal heir to Jimmy Carter, a one term President that was to clever by half, thus my prediction again that Obama will not run in 2012 or will lose by 48/49 States.

Holiday Time for Coalition Government


The Independent: Reports while Coalition PM David Cameron is on holiday the UK will be run by Deputy PM Nick Clegg the leader of the Liberal Democrats. Advice to Mr Clegg, do nothing, just avoid any problems, show the Country that it does not matter if Mr Cameron is way the country is in safe hands, the hands of the Deputy PM Nick Clegg.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Labour FEUDS - New Labour after the Election of 2010

The Daily Mail: Reports that the former Spin master for Gordon Brown, Charlie Whelan goes on the attack when it comes to Lord Peter Mandelson and Alastair Campbell. What is it with the Labour Party and feuds, do they ever stop, the Game is over, but the Mandelson and Whelan’s of this world never stop, they are like two old Soldiers in different trenches that don’t get the fact the War is OVER. You LOST. But its fun for political geeks!

The Coalition to National Government ?

Iain Dale's Diary: The major Conservative Blogger in the UK Iain Dale is speaking his mind about the fact that David Cameron the Coalition PM is hiring former well known Labour Cabinet Ministers or supports to give advice to the Coalition, Mr Dale states the following “ One day they might actually appoint a Conservative. But I'm not holding my breath. ”. This is a great move by Mr Cameron, he is making the Government a form of National Government, there is the Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats and former New Labour Ministers, it will be very hard for the Labour Party to attack one of their own, well they will but will look foolish, Mr Cameron has outflanked the Conservative right and the Left within the Lib Dems and Labour, Mr Cameron could be in power for well over ten years.

Shirley Williams on the Coalition in the UK

Guardian: Has an excellent interview with Lady Shirley Williams, late of the Labour Party, part founder of the SDP, that become the Liberal Democrats. Lady Williams on the whole is supportive of the Coalition, but does have some reservations, the major being Trident. It is interesting to see how one of the founders of the SDP that become the Liberal Democrats sees this new Coalition Government, for some in the Liberal Democrats such as Lady Williams the idea of such a Coalition was never an option , but given the political circumstances Lady Williams is it can be argued giving the Coalition a chance, yes she has problems with the upgrade to Trident, but is still fighting in the House of Lords for Liberal Democrats ideas, that is good for the Liberal Democrats and excellent for the Coalition. A NOD of thanks to Lady Williams.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of one of the two UK Soldiers that died on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Sapper Darren Foster of 21 Engineer Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Sapper Foster.

Cameron on the UK Coalition

Telegraph: Reports that Coalition PM David Cameron is happy that he is in a Coalition rather than leading a majority Conservative Government. Of course Mr Cameron is happy, all the flak by Labour is being directed at the Liberal Democrats, the Lib Dems have seen their polls hit the floor while the Conservative Party as held in most polls at over 40%. It helps PM Cameron that he can tell the Conservative right that he cant be to right wing as the Lib Dems would walk out, of course the Lib Dems are not going to walk out and cause an election, they would be slaughtered in the polls. This is a perfect dream of your centre right Conservative, the budget cuts of Thatcher Era but removing the Labour yoke from various aspects of Civic Society, thus the reform of Education and the Welfare State. If the Coalition survives the Labour Party could be out of power for a generation.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ Queen's Gurkha Engineers serving with 21 Engineer Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 331 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 291 in combat operations and 40 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Friday, August 13, 2010

NYT and Afghanistan

The New York Times: An excellent Editorial by the liberal NYT on the problems the US faces in Afghanistan. Read of the Day.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that died in the UK on Wednesday of wounds sustained in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lieutenant John Charles Sanderson from 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Lieutenant Sanderson.

Deaths in the UK and Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of two UK Soldiers, one on Thursday and one Today, the Soldier that died in the UK of wounds sustained in Afghanistan came from the “ Gurkha Reinforcement Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) [1 MERCIAN] ”, the Soldier that died in Afghanistan came from the “ 21 Engineer Regiment, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 330 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 290 in combat operations and 40 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Get a MASSAGE courtesy of Labour!

Guardian: Reports that Coalition Government has opened the books on Labour spending while in power, they paid for massages and luxury trips. The term taking the biscuit comes to mind when one reads this article, while the banks has crashed, the UK was recession the Labour Government acted as if government money was its money, this blog would not have minded getting a paid government massage or nice trip, would have written more positive about Gordon Brown if this blog had gotten some of those perks, the shame of Labour.

Will Obama have a 1994 Election ?

CNN News: Reports on the latest poll for the US Mid Term Elections, in a generic poll of registered voters, the Republicans lead 48% to 45% for the Democrats. This is a narrow lead of three percent but one should take in to consideration the low poll ratings for Obama, as the polls notes Obama’s approval rating is at 47% while the Presidents negative rating stands at 51%, in other polls Obama is low down, thus it can be postulated that Obama will be drag on the Democrats, the President will be wanted to raise cash but Congressmen/women and Senators will be having route canal when the President turns up in their District or State. If we go in to a political time machine and the Hill has gone Republican, can Obama come back in 2012, the simple answer is NO folks, Obama is not a natural politician such as Bill Clinton, Obama needs the blind approval, with the Republicans in power saying NO a lot Obama is not pragmatic enough to move to the centre, thus my prediction that Obama will not run in 2012 or will lose by 48/49 States, if that is the result he cant say he was not warned of the election result, arrogance comes at a price folks, in less your right all the time your going to end up as a one term charismatic Jimmy Carter.

Obama’s Vietnam - Afghanistan

Telegraph: Reports that the new US Commander in Afghanistan General David Petraeus will argue that any troop withdrawal in 2011 from Afghanistan will have to be at a slow pace. After the sacking of the last US Commander and the hiring of General Petraeus the hero of the Iraq surge the Oval is hostage in many respects to Petraeus, the hero of the Iraqi surge allowed for the US to leave Iraq by 2011, that very hero could bring Obama down in 2012 should he resign and run against Obama in 2012 on the argument that Obama has by his policy throwing Iraq to Iran and allowing the Taliban to take over Afghanistan by any troop withdrawal. Thus Obama can not afford to sack General Petraeus, if he does any policy that the General does not agree with the General can let it be known on the Hill that any deaths are the fault of Obama and his arrogance, with the economy in a mess, the real jobless rate at around 16% Obama can not take on a real War hero in 2012, thus Obama has to listen or face being a warm act for Jimmy Carer after 2012, or even worse a non person like LBJ for many years after the Presidency. Afghanistan has becomes Obama’s War and Obama has become LBJ.

HISTORY not COOL - Cameron

BBC News: Reports that Coalition PM David Cameron has been critical of the tourism policy of the last Labour Government. The Last Labour Government stressed the modern not the history of the UK. Rather than stressing the long history of the UK and its historical sites the Labour Party wanted to start history with year 1 with its election, it wanted to return the UK to the heights of the 1960s when the UK, well London was the cool place to live and work, that policy by Labour was shallow and void of content, once Blair invaded Iraq the " Cool Crowd " did a runner from Labour, our history has more substance. Again Mr Cameron is right and Labour is stuck in its own void or backside!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Iraq and its OWN Future!

BBC News: Reports on recent negative reaction within Iraq for the US to leave by 2011. On this issue President Obama is right, the US and Iraq have an agreement signed by Bush 43 for the US to have combat troops out of Iraq by 2010 and all troops out by 2011, at the end of the day to quote JFK, “ its their War ” Kennedy was talking about South Vietnam but it holds true for Iraq, at the end of the day the people of Iraq will have to decide do they want civil war on peace, a growing secular Iraq or to be run from Tehran. The US is broke folks, thus Obama has no choice, also there is Afghanistan, its time for Iraq to get off the dime and fight for its own future.

Death in UK - Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier has died in the UK of wounds that he sustained in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 328 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 289 in combat operations and 39 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

the MAN the BOOK - Tony Blair

Guardian: Reports on the publication day for the memoir of ex Labour PM Tony Blair, those opposed to the Iraq War have stated that they will make their presence felt at the launch. This blog in many respects has a very contradictory view of Tony Blair, as a pure politician he is up there with Lady Thatcher, on Foreign Policy he is equal with PM Eden during Suez, there is no doubt that Mr Blair is charming, in his day could connect with the UK voter, but then we come to Iraq, this blog supported the Iraq War before and during, its afterward and the failure in Basra that this blog lost confidence in Mr Blair. Also of late there have been reports that UK subjects or individuals with UK rights fell in to American hands and faced torture, as stated when it comes to UK subjects or interests this blog defends the rights of UK subjects and connection up to a point, the point is that they have to be found to be guilty of some crime otherwise any charges of torture have to be investigated with the full power of the law, as stated this blog is very contradictory view of Tony Blair and his time in power.

Al Qaeda BACK in Iraq

Telegraph: Reports that Al Qaeda is using the US Strategy against the new Iraqi State, the terrorist group has start to pay Sunni fighters more than they receive from the new Iraqi State. This could be a growing problem folks, as the Iraqi State has no new government after recent elections the absence of power allows Al Qaeda to go fishing. It is clear Obama wants out of Iraq, has announced that the US wont have any combat troops in Iraq after the end of August and all US troops will be out of Iraq by 2011. The growing nuclear ambitions of Iran means that Iraqi politicians are heading to Tehran to get support, thus while the US is getting out the Tehran Regime is growing in power in Iraq. The UK Military must be glad that we got out in 2009.

Economic Forecast Down to 2.5% - BOE

BBC News: Reports that the Bank of England had lowered its own forecast for economic growth, it has revised its figures down from 3.4% to 2.5%. Also the economy as the BBC notes will be “ Choppy ”. These lowering for economic recovery and the public spending cuts will make the Coalition Government very unpopular when the cuts really start to hurt, the UK is paying the price for the spending of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, when Labour was in power they didn’t keep something in bank for when it rained, well its boring down folks. All Labour Party has done is to be negative about the cuts, when they name cuts one can take them seriously as a Political Party.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

VP Clinton in 2012 ?

The Daily Mail: Reports on the rumours that Hillary Clinton could replace VP Biden in the 2012 Obama re -election run. One word NEVER, if President Obama had Secretary Clinton as his VP he might as well hand over the Oval back to Bill and Hillary Clinton. If she accepted and she never will, 2nd never appeals to the Clintons, the moment Obama won re-election it would be all about the Clinton run in 2016. The political operatives are not fools, they would look for what Clinton would want, Obama would be lucky if he got use Marine 1 on the weekends. The Clintons will wait and see Obama go down to defeat and then run 2016, the Clintons only care about the Clintons, Obama can go down to defeat and then the Clintons can return to power in 2016.

2 Billion CUTS = 15,000 Jobs in Justice Department

Telegraph: Reports on a leak from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry is looking at a cut of 2 billion from its budget, this would equal fifteen thousand jobs being cut from the Department. The old civil service machine is in action folks, it has leaked Defence, Education and Welfare cuts, the civil service is playing hardball folks, it wants to limit the cuts, the new Coalition Government will have to be tough, it has to stress the UK is broke, therefore there will need to be drastic cuts, the civil service will have to be put straight by PM Coalition PM David Cameron.

Monday, August 09, 2010

NEVER!

BBC News: Reports on a new idea out of EU, that they should have tax raising powers. This can not be allowed to happen, the Coalition Government in its agreement agreed that any new powers for EU would have to be approved by Referendum. The Conservative Party would never wear giving more powers to the EU, the Lib Dems might want to be run by EU but they are low in the polls and can not afford this kind of political landmine. It can be postulated that the UK will kill this idea, otherwise the idea will kill the UK Coalition.

Coalition Government in the UK

Daily Mail: Reports on the good working relationship between the Coalition PM David Cameron and his Deputy Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats. The bad news on the horizon is the fact that the Lib Dems have been taking a hit in the polls while the Conservatives are still over 40% in most polls. The real hard time for the Liberal Democrats will come with the public spending cuts, the Conservative and Labour Parties are used to being hated, not so for the Lib Dems, they will be seen as the weak point of the coalition and thus can expect the left wing media to go after them, in political terms Nick Clegg has no more options, he has to make this Coalition work, there is no chance of a deal with Labour, so the Lib Dems have to sink or swim with the Conservative Party.

Sherlock

Guardian: What is Sunday night going to be like without the world’s first Consulting Detective, it was a great final, but you cant leave the audience for a year without a resolution, BBC get back to work, new series and quick if you want this blog to support the BBC in keeping the licence fee. Mr Holmes and Dr Watson what a team! “ There is an East Wind Coming Watson….” - Sir ACD.
 

Public Spending Cuts in the UK

Guardian: Reports on the Departmental fights with the UK Government when it comes to public spending cuts and funding, in Defence leaks we have seen that the RAF could be down World War 1 levels, on Welfare reform there have been leaks that the Secretary of State will resign if he does not get the money to change the corrupt system, at Education we have seen announced cuts but also the debate as to how to fund a programme to help the poorer children. It is simple folks, as Yes Minister stated the more money you have to spend in a Department the more important the Department is in Whitehall but also the importance of the Secretary of State. The UK Treasury wants cuts of between 25% to 40% as to cut the Government debt, a lot of Departments under Labour spent money like a drunken sailor, thus a rearguard action to keep cuts to each department at a lower level, but if the UK economy is to return to the black there has to bee deep and hard cuts, it has to hurt folks, otherwise we will go like Greece, and that would be a disaster, the cuts would be forced on us from the IMF or even worse the US. Thus cut NOW, and get our self respect back, we once had an Empire for God Sake.

The Democrats lose the PLOT!

Telegraph: Reports on a desperate political strategy by the US Democrats, they are going to blame the present economic mess in the US on Bush 43. Message to Democrats, get a life, or go beyond the US Capital, the US voter is angry that President Obama pushed through health care reform with the support of the US voter, he bailed out the car industry, his economic plan didn’t prevent unemployment going beyond 8%. The White House has fallen in to the trap of believing its own press statements, it has spent two years going after Bush 43 but its two years, the economy is the Obama economy, the failures in Afghanistan are Obama’s War. If Democrats really believe that attacking Bush 43 will save them Congress they are in a world of hurt.

North Korea Again!

BBC News: Reports that North Korea has detained a South Korea fishing ship. In other words folks North Korea has thrown a small fit, lets see if this goes to Trial. The West/South Korea and North Korea are in a never ending standoff, North Korea cant take action due to the fact that South Korea falls under the protection of the United States and the Obama Administration cant take action due to the fact that North Korea is a nuclear armed power with a million man Army on the border between North and South Korea. This is why Iran must never get the bomb folks, they could attack Israel and wipe out the Israeli state and take the punishment from the US and still survive. This is all about Iran folks never forget that important fact.

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Defence Cuts for the UK - Public Spending Cuts

Telegraph: Reports on the savage defence cuts that are planned by the Ministry of Defence in the UK, the Royal Air Force will go down World War 1 levels in aircraft. This is spin by the MOD folks, the Conservative Party will not wear massive defence cuts in the RAF, Royal Navy or the Army, this is pressure on the new Government, we need our present Force levels and our nuclear defence, the money will have to be found, cut the money we give to other countries, our defence comes first, at all times.

Charity Doctor Killed in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on the murder of Doctor Karen Woo in Afghanistan. It shows that the Taliban have no idea of mercy or that charities are there to help the people of Afghanistan, on the one hand the blog has wanted out of Afghanistan from the start, but with these kind of murders the thought of talking to the Taliban makes this blog sick, the more the Taliban like common murders the more this blog goes for wiping them from the face of the Earth.

Friday, August 06, 2010

16.5% US Unemployment and those on Part Time Jobs

Fox News: Reports that the unemployment rate is at 9.5% but combined with those in part time jobs but want full time jobs is at 16.5%. Thus the question is why the private sector is not picking up, the simple answer folks is the Obama Administration, President Obama wants to allow the Bush 43 tax cuts to lapse, also Obama has increased tax on business by his health care plan, the bailouts of the banks and the car industry has placed trillions on the US debt. Obama is his own worse enemy, his own arrogance wont, or cant allow him to see that he does not understand economics, he is the wises fool in US Political History.

The failure of the Labour Leadership Candidates!

Telegraph: Has a harsh review of the candidates for the Labour Leadership. In essence it can be argued that Labour will not get back in to power in till they find a new Tony Blair, but more important they don’t need a new Gordon Brown, thus it can be postulated that Ed Balls political career is over, no future Labour Leader will trust him as he is in many respects the adopted son of Gordon Brown. The Miliband Brothers have the body mannerisms of Tony Blair without his star quality, it could be argued that the next Labour PM might not even be in House of Commons, the New Labour Project might have to wait another 18 years for power, what a shame!

End of an Era - The END for Jack Straw

BBC News: Reports that former Foreign and Home Secretary Jack Straw is to leave the Labour frontbench when a new Labour leader is elected in September. The biggest political mistake that Jack Straw made was not to deliver the political black spot to then Labour PM Gordon Brown, if heavy weights like Straw had shown Brown the door then the General Election result might have been different, a Labour / Lib Dem Government just might have been on the horizon. Thus all political careers in one way on another end in failure, it can be argued that Mr Straw failed when it mattered for Labour.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Smiley’s People ( DVD )


Tongue and Cheek view of the KGB! Don’t over react KGB ( You have to tell them, don’t want them to over react ). Its the silly season in political terms.

Just re - watched the TV version of Smiley’s People with the late great Sir Alec Guinness, this version should be taught at the new version of the KGB in Moscow. It a story of legends ( cover stories for long term agents ) and how they are created, a legend should not provoke interest, a long term agent should not be on the cover of the Russia FHM. It shows how down hill Russian Intelligence has gone, it overkills a Russian in London with nuclear material, its agents are third rate, Mr Smiley would no pass them for service, even looking after his wife or whiskey, one has to wonder why we bothered to play the Great Game with Russia and then USSR, our Intelligence did not have a fit or equal competition, just look at the drunk coup attempt of 1991, all those people lost and money spent on dust in the bin of history.

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Iran PROTECTED from AIR ATTACK ?

Fox News: Reports that Iran has got its hands on four S-300s, this helps bring down any Israeli planes should Israel attack Iran. Time is ticking folks, how long can Israel just wait for the UN sanctions to work, the world of arms smuggling is a dirty business folks, its selling to the highest bidder, it seems Iran has used its oil wealth to go around the UN and the West, if they say they have four do they have more, its about time Mossad the Intelligence service of Israel start to raise hell in Iran, they have to delay Iran getting the bomb or Israel will have to attack before 2011.

Mad Man or Plan - The Plot to kill Ahmadinejad

Telegraph: Reports on an attempt to kill the President Ahmadinejad of Iran with a bomb. The question that has to be asked was it a mad man, or a plot by the West via the CIA or MI6 or more likely the Mossad of Israel to prevent Iran going nuclear. Due to the repressive regime in Tehran it could be all the above, it would remove a problem for the West. Also one should not forget that Ahmadinejad has internal enemies who would be quite happy to see him removed, also one has to postulate that it could be a set up by President Ahmadinejad as a way to get support in Iran and come down on those that dissent in Iran.

Moving ON - The Council House

BBC News: Reports on comments by the Coalition PM David Cameron that Council tenants should not have a Council house for life or that they should be able to pass it on to their decedents. This is in keeping with the point of the welfare state, council houses should be there for those in need, if council tenant gets a good job and can afford to move then they should move to private residences, the Thatcher era allowed Council tenants to buy their houses but that was then this is NOW, Councils around the UK have long lists of people who need new houses. It should be future policy if a Council house is sold for a profit then some of that profit should be returned to a trust to build new houses. it’s a tough time folks, there will be hard choices.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

No GOING Back - Cameron on Public Spending

Guardian: Reports that the Coalition PM David Cameron has stated that there wont be a return to Labour’s public spending after this Government debt is paid back, those days are over in essence. The good days are over folks, the days when Labour just threw money at public services and expect no reform died with the bailing out of the banks. The Coalition Government will be hated by next year, the public spending cuts will effect the UK for years, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems are paying the price for the Blair / Brown feud at the heart of Government.

Balls on the Coalition Government

BBC News: Reports on remarks by the Shadow Education Secretary and Labour Leadership Candidate Ed Balls that the Labour Party should attack the Conservative Party not the Lib Dems in the Coalition Government. In pure political terms Mr Balls right, but Mr Balls has a problem he is seen as to close to ex Labour PM Gordon Brown, another Labour Leadership Candidate Diane Abbott has stated that Mr Balls must have a evil twin brother who during the Blair/Brown feud was the henchman for Gordon Brown. In Labour terms David Miliband is the successor to Tony Blair, while Balls is the successor to Gordon Brown, if Miliband wins expect the Blair / Brown feud to be played out between Miliband and Balls, it seems that the Labour Party is going to repeat history, lets hope the don’t invade Iraq again.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has released the names of the UK Soldiers that were killed on Sunday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were “ Lance Sergeant Dale Alanzo McCallum of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, serving as part of Combined Force Lashkar Gah and Marine Adam Brown of Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, who was serving as part of Combined Force Sangin ”. Our thoughts are with the familes of Lance Sergeant McCallum and Marine Brown.

Monday, August 02, 2010

Brown A BIG LOSER!

Telegraph: Reports on a new league ranking of post war prime ministers by the FT, poor Gordon Brown is down with PM Eden the PM behind the Suez debacle, while Tony Blair is up there with Lady Thatcher. Lets recall PM Gordon Brown was the shortest serving Labour PM ever, he spent ten years trying to push Tony Blair out of 10 Downing Street, and once he got there he had to defend himself from getting the chop by various Cabinet Ministers. The near banking collapse was founded on the fact that Gordon Brown ran a lose regulation ship as Chancellor of the Exchequer, thus the banks acted as if in the US wild west, thus they needed to be bailed out by the UK tax payer, thus the present debts of the UK Government and the need for public spending cuts, YES Gordon Brown was the worse UK PM after World War Two, that is some feet folks.

The US and Iraq

CNN: Reports that President Obama will states today that the US will only have fifty thousand troops in Iraq by the end of this month. Lets hope President Obama has to grace to thank Bush 43 and his move for a military surge that was opposed by Senator Obama and then Candidate Obama. That Iraq is more at peace is more down to Bush 43 than to President Obama and the Democrats, if they Democrats had been in power they would have allowed Iraq to fall in to Civil War. If the process goes on at its present rate the US should be out of Iraq by December of 2011, then it will be up to Iraq to find their own way, peace or civil war. The US in simple terms can not afford Iraq any more, the US debt is in the trillions and Afghanistan will be a sore for years if not decades. Lets hope Iraq takes the right course, its between secular freedom or religious rule with the help of Iran.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that two UK Soldiers were killed on Sunday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were from the “ 1st Battalion Scots Guards and a Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 327 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 288 in combat operations and 39 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.