No Buying of Health Care = NO ObamaCare

The Hill: Reports that Federal Judge Roger Vinson has stated that ObamaCare cant force Americans to buy health care, and since this is the foundation of ObamaCare the law itself has been thrown OUT. One can see Conservative and moderate Democrats up for re- election in 2012 going to Oval and making it clear that POTUS has to revoke his own health care reform, as these politicians are not going to jump off a cliff for a law that could be throw out by the US Supreme Court. IF and this a big IF ObamaCare is revoked by the Courts or POTUS Liberals will go bonkers, Obama between Egypt and this ruling might find 2012 very hard, still not off the idea that Obama might not run, who would have thought Egypt would fall.

ObamaCare STRUCK DOWN by Federal Court

CNN: Reports that a Federal Judge has struck down important parts of ObamaCare. This could be a nightmare for the Obama Oval, if the Supreme Court upholds that ObamaCare cant force US citizens to buy health cover then the entire ObamaCare has no money to support its main aim of covering Americans with no cover. This will be a major political headache for Obama re-elect committee, they will have to argue that Americans with health cover should pay to cover those with no cover, also Obama wants tax hikes, good luck with that argument. This day could be the start of the end of the Obama Presidency.

Muslim Brotherhood BIGGER part in REVOLT = Egypt

The New York Times: Reports that the Islamic Muslim Brotherhood is playing more of an active part in the protests in Cairo. Lets hope this is not 1979 all over again and Egypt is the 21 Century Iran. The revolution in Iran started out as a secular revolution but was take over and become a religious revolution, thus the present threat to the Middle East with a nuclear armed Iran. Lets hope the Obama Oval does not become a Carter Mark 11. Thus far POTUS has been very measured, Obama would know that the failure of Carter in Iran lead to the election of Ronald Reagan. Also Israel must be very worried that its peace treaty with Egypt could be a victim of this popular revolution, it really depends who takes over, the Army or the Arab Street.

Tsarist Russia and Mubarak

Telegraph: Reports that President Mubarak shows no sign of giving up power. History does show an example, Tsar Nicholas 11 was Emperor with no clothes, no Army support and no popular support. The question is how long does President Mubarak have, as he has been a good ally to the West one would like to see him survive as in breathing if not as President. It can be argued that President Mubarak should declare that he has spoken to his Doctors and they advice leave of absence, then hand over power to his Vice - President and make a discreet departure to warmer areas, or he could face the sad end of Tsar Nicholas 11, discretion the better part of valour in this case.

Game Over = Egypt

Well folks if the report that the Army of Egypt wont use force against the people stands up its all over, Mubarak is out one way or another, the Armed Forces have taken over all the important Government jobs, from Prime Minister to the Internal Ministry, thus expect General Suleiman the present new Vice - President to take over, then there are elections in a few months time, free in Arab terms, not sure they would pass Western tests but free compared to past elections in Egypt. The most important part is that the peace deal between Israel and Egypt should survive the fall of Mubarak, interesting days ahead for Egypt, but on the whole the crisis is passed, with Mubarak out some of the steam from the protests should go away, the news media should start to divert back to usual business, the next steps should not that be that interesting, backroom deals between politicians in Egypt. The normal politics Arab style.

Rethinking Egypt - Israel

The New York Times: Reports that political and military leaders in Israel are rethinking their posture towards Egypt should Egypt be taken over by extremists. If Islamic extremists take over Egypt this would be political and military disaster for Israel, what ever Wars Israel found itself in it could always know that it had a peace agreement with Egypt, should that be revoked Israel could face two wars on different fronts, thus from Egypt, Lebanon and Gaza. This is why Egypt has to be treated carefully and hope it works out in the long term interest of Egypt and the West. Otherwise a very different world folks.

Obama/Cameron - Transition to Democracy = Egypt

Guardian: Reports that UK Prime Minister David Cameron supports the latest remarks by President Obama that Egypt should have a peaceful transition to Democracy. One has to wonder if one was a cynic if these remarks are for the historical record if the Army and Police regain control of Cairo and Egypt. In other words, to keep the New York Times, the Guardian happy the US and UK wants it on the record that the leaders did support Democracy but only after discreet info from their own people that the Army is going get heavy with the protests or have ex spook take over as President in a few days. But this blog is cynical when it comes to leaders and international politics, they might actually mean it, another Iran 1979 anyone. There is something in the air folks, the US is getting its people out, one can assume it has gotten the word that the Army and Police are going in heavy, but that is just a guess, lets face even the experts are guessing. Interesting hours and days ahead folks.

What kind of Democracy for Egypt?

Telegraph: Reports that the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague have called for a peaceful transition to democracy in Egypt. The Obama Oval and the 10 Downing Street have to careful that they don’t breath new life in to the protests, there has never been a democracy in Egypt, a secular liberal Egypt might be wanted by the West but Democracy has a nasty habit of electing people that is a major threat to Western interests, Hitler in Germany, Hamas in Gaza, in other words its not the revolution that is the problem is what comes afterwards, Iran in 1979 was a secular revolution that become a religious revolution, in 1917 Russia you have the 1st revolution that produced a government for Russia that was acceptable to the Liberal West but this was overthrown by the Communists in October 1917. Thus its not the initial revolution that should be the worry it what comes afterwards, does the Obama Administration want to face an extreme Islamic Government in Cairo that revokes the peace agreement with Israel. There is wise remark, don’t nosey in the internal affairs of other countries, it might get chopped off. Give the crisis in Egypt a few days, the West should not be pushed in to action by the 24 hour news cycle, lets see what the Army and police do, if they make a mess of it then have a plan to move to democracy and then pray it works.
　

End Game for Egypt

Thus folks we are at the end game for the revolt in Egypt, as of now, and things can change in a minute it seems that President Mubarak wont be running for the nearest helicopter, the Army from news reports has forced him to name General Suleiman as his Vice - President, the Mubarak Government has been smart and sneaky, it has allowed the protesters to release some stream, while removing the police, this has allowed for looting, this has caused real worry to those in the Middle Class with homes and business, once a Middle Class fears for its own lot a revolution will hit the buffers. The Army of Egypt has played a clever game, it has allowed the steam of revolution to turn in to protest, violet sometimes but peaceful, a revolution has some violence, even the tearing down of the Berlin Wall was a form of violence against the State. This Sunday we have seen the Army move in more tanks and troops and jets, in the nightfall expect the Army and the Police to secure Cairo and other major cities. In this the it can be argued a majority of the people will support the move, they want law and order. Thus what can we expect tomorrow, the Army and Police will gradually reduce the protests, make them smaller, keep them on a secure level. After a decent period, Mubarak will be replaced by Suleiman, there will be elections, free in way but the Army will decides who wins, thus Egypt wins a way, no more Mubarak, and the West keeps a stable Egypt, that is in the interest of Egypt and the West.

Ronald Reagan by Ron Reagan

The New York Times: Has a very sympathetic review of the biography of Ronald Reagan by Ron Reagan. Those were the days folks, Reagan in the Oval and Lady Thatcher in 10 Downing Street, the economic boom years of the 1980s and the end of the Cold War. When looking at Presidents and PMs this blog always goes back to the greats, how do they compare to Reagan, is a President strong, is he feared, feared is better than respected, does he cut taxes, is Maine Street and Wall Street on the raise, is the military strong, is the Government the servant of the people, etc, your typical Conservative ideas. In the UK, does the PM stand up to our enemies, is Government about cutting taxes and cutting down the Unions, do we win legal Wars. Those were the days folks, what days, what times, will we ever see those days again!

E- Day - Live Commentary from Egypt

Guardian: Is on the ground, and has live commentary. Read and Decide.

Egypt on the BRINK ?

Telegraph: Reports on the growing violent protests in Egypt, and how the Government forces are going in hard on those protesting. Well tomorrow its E - Day ( Egypt Day ) for the Government and for the people of Egypt. This could be a chance for Egypt to become a secular democracy in the Middle East, or it can become another Iran. A secular Arab Democracy that recognizes Israel would be a great achievement for the State of Egypt and for the Middle East and a great buffer to Iran. On the other hand it could go the way of Iran, and this would be big trouble for the Middle East and for the Obama Administration, what if extreme Islamic forces take over Egypt and revoke the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. This would be Iran all over again for President Obama, he would have Iran as a major influence in Egypt and Lebanon, this would be a massive victory for Iran, also it would allow them to buy time to create its nuclear bomb, also what would Israel do if Egypt went under the influence of Iran, nightmare time. Hope and troubling days ahead folks, yes for a secular democratic Egypt, but if comes down to extreme Islamic forces then the government should go in mob handed, this is not the time for Obama to become Jimmy Carter, the Oval should read the Carter Diary and see how a bright President miss read Iran, Obama can not allow himself to become a Carter Mark 11.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the British Soldier that was killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Private Martin Simon George Bell from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Private Bell.

The Left and the State of the Union Speech

Guardian: A article in praise of the Obama’s State of the Union Speech but you really see the truth with the following lines, “ ( Obama’s) going to have to draw those lines in the sand some time. In this speech, he merely put that task off for another day. ”. In other words folks the left was not jumping with joy about the speech, as POTUS gives the impression of moving to the middle, and the word is impression, the Speech does recall the Big Government of LBJ. The Republican House will not pass anything that smells of another economic stimulus, the Republicans at end of day have the money strings, the new House members know that if they are seen to cave to Obama they will be looking for a new job in 2012. Thus expect the Obama White House to give the IMPRESSION that it is moving to the centre but it will face with a reality of a Republican House will that keep ObamaCare on the air, there will be hearings, the US voter does not want BIG GOVERNMENT. Overall the speech gets a D+ for performance but F- for content, this was a missed opportunity by POTUS to move to the centre, poll ratings can go up and down!

Egypt the next IRAN = 1979?

The Obama White House is getting worried by the protests in Egypt, the Obama Administration can not afford for Egypt to go the way of Iran, or be under the influence of Iran, the White House has stated the following on the recent protests, “ As we monitor the situation in Egypt, we urge all parties to refrain from using violence, and expect the Egyptian authorities to respond to any protests peacefully. We support the universal rights of the Egyptian people, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. The Egyptian government has an important opportunity to be responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people, and pursue political, economic and social reforms that can improve their lives and help Egypt prosper. The United States is committed to working with Egypt and the Egyptian people to advance these goals. ” This logic does recall the flawed policy of Jimmy Carter, thinking that a change of Government in Tehran could be managed, Egypt can not allowed to be become another Iran due to flawed understanding of a US President. But to be fair to President Obama, he does restate the words of Bush 43 and Reagan when it comes to freedom, the statement states the following, “ More broadly, what is happening in the region reminds us that, as the President said in Cairo, we have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and free of corruption; and the freedom to live as you choose – these are human rights and we support them everywhere. ”. Lets hope the above statement does not come back to haunt the Obama Administration, Jimmy Carter was a bright President but he was lost when it came to foreign policy, hence the hostages held in Iran and the invasion of Afghanistan by the USSR. Lets hope Obama is not another Carter.

Obama’s State of the Union Address - Foreign Policy

When it came to Foreign Policy it was short and not much on detail, here is an ironic comment if you think about the problem that Obama is having in bringing terrorists to trial, “ And America’s moral example must always shine for all who yearn for freedom and justice and dignity. ” Lets be clear some of the terrorists that the US holds will never be released, some will never see a Court, the US intelligence networks have made it clear that some of these individuals are a major threat to the US security but due to the structure of trials they will never get their day in Court and can never be freed. The President stated the following on Iraq, “ Look to Iraq, where nearly 100,000 of our brave men and women have left with their heads held high. …..American combat patrols have ended, violence is down, and a new government has been formed. This year, our civilians will forge a lasting partnership with the Iraqi people, while we finish the job of bringing our troops out of Iraq. America’s commitment has been kept. The Iraq war is coming to an end. ”. Only a fool would leave Iraq after the costs in the lives of US and UK Armed Forces Personnel, if the US follows through with its plan to leave in 2011 it is handing Iraq over to Iran, does it want Iran with its powerful army and aims to be a nuclear power in control of Iraq. President Obama should recall the cost of Iran to Jimmy Carter. On Afghanistan, it snow Obama’s War, the President stated the following, “ We’ve also taken the fight to al Qaeda and their allies abroad. In Afghanistan, our troops have taken Taliban strongholds and trained Afghan security forces. Our purpose is clear: By preventing the Taliban from reestablishing a stranglehold over the Afghan people, we will deny al Qaeda the safe haven that served as a launching pad for 9/11. Thanks to our heroic troops and civilians, fewer Afghans are under the control of the insurgency. There will be tough fighting ahead, and the Afghan government will need to deliver better governance. But we are strengthening the capacity of the Afghan people and building an enduring partnership with them. This year, we will work with nearly 50 countries to begin a transition to an Afghan lead. And this July, we will begin to bring our troops home. ” God this sounds like LBJ and the Vietnam War, no one person with an ounce of understanding of history thinks the Afghanistan War is going well, its not, it never will, but the US is struck in Afghanistan due to Pakistan, its weak nuclear armed neighbour. On Pakistan President Obama stated the following, “ In Pakistan, al Qaeda’s leadership is under more pressure than at any point since 2001. Their leaders and operatives are being removed from the battlefield. Their safe havens are shrinking. And we’ve sent a message from the Afghan border to the Arabian Peninsula to all parts of the globe: We will not relent, we will not waver, and we will defeat you. ” It has been reported that Tony Blair wished he had read history at University, well Obama should have dropped out of Harvard Law and read some British Imperial History, the above statement would not have been uttered by someone with a brief knowledge of politics and history of the region. Thus folks a D- for POTUS when it comes to foreign policy in the State of Union, if your Iran, North Korea, the terrorists you will see Obama as weak and easy to roll, never a good image for a President running for re-election.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

The State of the Union Address - Live Commentary

Guardian: Read the latest from the State of the Union Address. ( UK)

The New York Times: Read how the LIBERAL New York Times views Obama's Speech. (US)

State of the Union Address - You Decide

Guardian: Read President Obama’s State of the Union Address, it has been released by the White House. As for quick read, its over long, to stressing of Big Government, does Obama thinks he is LBJ and this is the time of the Great Society of the 1960s. It will be interesting to see how the Republicans react to a majority of the speech, the Foreign Policy aspect is short on Iraq, Afghanistan and more important Iran. This just might have been a missed opportunity by President Obama.

President Obama 50% Approval - Gallup Poll

Gallup: Reports that President Obama has a 50% approval rating in their latest poll, while 42% disapprove of President Obama’s job performance. Let see in few days how the State of the Union Address impacts these numbers, Obama knows how to give a good speech, it should be short and conservative in nature, it has to be about jobs, jobs and jobs, also tax cuts would help. Let see if President Obama has learned the lessons of Bill Clinton after his major defeat in the 1994 Mid Terms, will this speech start the path to a successful re - election in 2012.

Obama and the State of the Union Speech

Guardian: It is always easy to tell if a left politician is in trouble, the left media build him after a defeat, in this case the 2010 Mid Term Elections, the article looks at the Obama State of Union Address and can only see plus side of the sheet, the article states the following on Obama at the moment, “ it seems to me that the White House people are clearly winning this public relations battle……Finally and most importantly, Republicans are on the defensive”, that the Republicans will help Obama win re-election, as the Republicans helped Bill Clinton in 1996. One has to wonder why Obama has to bother giving the speech the Guardian and the New York Times will praise his move to the centre, his investment in other words spending, But its early folks, these old papers are forgetting the political landmines out there, the US Court system could throw out ObamaCare, then Obama has nothing on the domestic front, even if that does not happens Obama will have to defend ObamaCare in 2012, also his argument that there should be tax hikes, lets be honest and direct here, in Arizona and here at the State Union he is the centre of attention, in 2012 it’s a two man race, or woman even, Obama wont be the new kid on the block, he looks old now, being old does not help youth centric culture of the US. Let the left wing and liberals celebrate and miss the point, its not new, some on the left wanted Ronald Reagan to be the Republican candidate in 1980, they thought Jimmy Carter could beat him, YES folks they can be that OUT of it, two years is an age in politics folks, Jimmy Carter in 1979 had Iran and Afghanistan to deal with, events, events always around the corner folks.

The UK Cabinet Imprisoned by Tony Blair - Iraq War

Telegraph: Reports on the remarks by the former Cabinet Secretary Lord Turnbull that the UK Cabinet was only asked three days before the War to give its green light, in other words it was last minute and didn’t have a choice in less PM Blair was forced out by the Cabinet, aka Lady Thatcher. If this blog is right about the thrust of the final report of the Iraq Inquiry the old New Labour spin machine will have one last fight, to keep the political reputation of Tony Blair from being destroyed in the media, thus one last fight for TB, PM, AC, even GB if he is still talking to TB. The Iraq Inquiry report could lead to the resignation of Tony Blair as Middle East Peace Envoy, always thought that was a very ODD decision to appoint him to that job considering Iraq.

Gleam in the Eye for War ? - Blair and Iraq

BBC News: Reports on evidence by former Cabinet Secretaries on Tony Blair and the Iraq War, Lord Wilson stated that Tony Blair had a gleam in his eye when it came to Iraq, in other words he had crossed the threshold for War, and Lord Turnbull stated that the Cabinet didn’t have the important papers and didn’t know they were on a path to War. This is quite damaging evidence folks, Cabinet Secretaries can read the tealeaves, they know that the Iraq Inquiry will throw Tony Blair to the wolves, one can almost write the Iraq Inquiry report oneself, that Blair was going to war with the US from 2001 onwards, that the Attorney General was kept at very long arms length as to keep any nasty legal opinions to himself. That by the time the Attorney General gave his formal opinion to the Cabinet it was to late, the die had been cast, the path for War had been settled well before 2003. It will be interesting to read the Iraq Inquiry report, Tony Blair and his followers must already smell the coffee, will they mount a PR campaign against the Iraq Inquiry.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed Today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 350 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 309 in combat action and 41 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Middle East Peace Process DEAD in the WATER ?

Guardian: Reports on its exclusive release of secret Palestinian Authority ( PA) documents. Lets see the Guardian is up in arms over the Murdoch’s News of the World and its alleged hacking of politicians and those in the arts, but its releasing previous private documents that discuss the talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, lets see New of the World some affair story, while the Guardian with the release of these documents could cause the collapse of the PA and lead to War in the Middle East. If one reads between the lines the Guardian is furious that the PA has made concessions to Israel in the hope of getting a State, it seems that the Guardian would rather the PA didn’t do deals, and that Israel should be made to suffer so the Guardian can keeps its left wing anti Israel purity. This is major scandal that could lead to War in the region, will other papers be critical of the Guardian or will the left wing, and in this the BBC is a prime suspect, will it nail the Guardian for doing something that can lead to WAR and DEATHS. Have my doubts folks, lets wait an see, so BBC will you be critical of the Guardian.

Release Secret Documents - Former Cabinet Secretary

Mail on Sunday: Reports that a former Cabinet Secretary speaking off the record has stated that former Labour PM Tony Blair should be made to release his private correspondence and notes of his talks with Bush 43. As stated in this blog, the UK Establishment is going to hang Tony Blair out to dray, they are not going to take the fall for the mess that was Iraq. As New Labour is dead and buried, as Ed Miliband has thrown Tony Blair over the ship the Establishment have a free hand, a Cabinet Secretary or a former Cabinet Secretary does not speak in this type of case in less he has taken a lot of informed soundings. The papers will get released one way or another, you can count on that, a well placed strategic leak to a newspaper, it really depends on the content, the implication is that Tony Blair lied to Parliament, his argument that the legal advice of the Attorney General was provisional is an interesting argument, this blog would like to know more about the 11 March 2003 meeting between the PM and the Attorney General, the one Tony Blair cant recall the content, does recall Reagan and Iran - Contra and some of those details; lets be clear this blog will defend Iran - Contra to the last detail, Reagan was trying to get hostages out of a hell hole in Lebanon; while Blair was going for the Invasion of Iraq. One can presume that the Iraq Inquiry will be quite scathing about the sofa government of Tony Blair, his statements to the House of Commons, his argument that he was making a political point, a former Cabinet Secretary once stated he was being economical with the truth in the Thatcher Era. No UK Armed Forces Personnel can ever die in an illegal war, but it was iffy, if no troops had died then we could quite happily send Blair to the International Court but our brave forces have died in Iraq, thus this case should be added to Suez, and lets allow Blair to become the new Eden.

Brown hacked off - Gordon Brown and Telephone hacking

Telegraph: Reports that former Labour PM Gordon Brown has called the Met over his fears that his phone was hacked while he was Chancellor of the Exchequer. This is another Labour politician jumping on the bandwagon in attempt to hurt the Murdoch Press Empire, to think that the security services would allow the mobile phone of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to be hacked is beyond common reason, the economic security of the UK is in the hands of the Chancellor, thus it can be presumed that the security services would make sure that any communication used by the either the PM or the Chancellor would be secure. While in Opposition under Blair the Labour Party courted the Murdoch Empire, once Rupert Murdoch moved to the Conservatives the Labour Party has reverted to its usual attack mode, in his book Tony Blair warned about jumping on bandwagons, this is a bandwagon that Labour could do without, Murdoch if he feels under attack has a bigger weapon through his press empire to make the Labour Party regret such move, New Labour is dead and buried by Ed Miliband, and Labour is back to OLD Labour.

BLAIR, with the US all the WAY!

Guardian: Reports that Tony Blair told the US President, George W. Bush, that the UK was with the US all the way. Lets be clear it would have been a political disaster for the then Labour PM if at the last minute he had taken the early view of his Attorney General Lord Goldsmith that the use of force in Iraq without another UN resolution was illegal, the US would not have trusted him or the UK again, the Labour left would have smelled blood, Gordon Brown could have taken over, in his written statement Blair states that if he had removed UK armed forces from the invasion it would have been “ very damaging to the strategic interests of the country ”, Mr Blair could have added he might not have lasted as Labour Leader. By March of 2003 it was to late for Blair to get out, he was offered an out by Bush 43, but by this time Blair who had pushed for the UN route and its failure was stuck with going along with the Bush Agenda for Iraq, at the end of the day it can be argued that WMD was press statement for the War, Bush 43 was going for regime change, this has been US policy under President Bill Clinton, as Blair stated in a press interview he would have found a different reason for War, it just that WMD was something he could sell to the House of Commons and the general public. Blair, Eden, both UK PM’s that have allowed their rhetoric to land them in trouble and ouster in the long run.

Blair in OWN words - The Legality of the Iraq War - Statement

Iraq Inquiry: A statement by Tony Blair on the legality of the Iraq War and his view that the opinion of the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith was to us his own words, “ provisional ” due to the fact that Tony Blair had kept him at arms length. Also interesting fact is the in the statement is the fact that Tony Blair meet with the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith on the 11 March 2003 but cant recall the content of the conversation, another Ah Hoc meeting on the sofa, the conspiracy theorists will have a field day with that meeting. One has to wonder will the Iraq Inquiry ask Lord Goldsmith if he recalls what the content of the conversation was between himself and the then Prime Minister. Statement Pages 9/10/11 ( pdf )

Blair Today - Iraq Inquiry

Telegraph: Reports on the second Iraq Inquiry appearance by former Labour PM Tony Blair. In this second appearance at the Iraq Inquiry Mr Blair stated in writing that since the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith had stated a counter opinion to the legality of the Iraq War it was seen as a draft opinion and that the Attorney General would revise his opinion after talking to the US. The second grilling of Tony Blair was interesting, he looked more peeved at being there, also for Tony Blair he was humble, lets recall before politics Mr Blair had a legal career thus he knows how to deal with difficult questions, the issues from watching the Inquiry on TV that caused Mr Blair some discomfort was the fact that the UK Cabinet was not giving all the papers when it came to Iraq, Mr Blair’s argument that the Cabinet read the press was a bit hollow, the UK Cabinet should get all the documents. Also the fact that the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith was kept at arms length while Blair was pushing through another UN Resolution does ask the question what was Lord Goldsmith being paid to do as Attorney General, can the tax payer gets it money back for the months that Lord Goldsmith was kept off the Blair reservation. On the whole if you grade the performance you would have to give Tony Blair a B+ for his defence of the Iraq War, as to if he lied to the House of Commons on the legal justitfcation for the War that has to be left to the opinion of the general public and future historians, as UK Armed Forces Personnel can never die in an illegal war, a VERY iffy War but it cant ever be illegal, just lets leave it with the fact that Blair has Iraq, while Eden had Suez.

The new Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer - Ed Balls

The resingation of Alan Johnson as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer is a great wound for Labour Leader Ed Miliband, he has now been forced to appoint a political opponent in the shape of Ed Balls. Lets clear be clear Mr Balls is clever and a great political operator, but he is not NEW LABOUR, as Tony Blair found to his cost, he does not think the UK has to cut its deficit in half over a four year period, he comes from the Gordon Brown school of economics, bankrupt the nation and complain when the others have to clean up the mess. The sight of Ed Balls as Shadow Chancellor will be a delight to the Coalition Government, Balls was the right hand man for Brown while he was Chancellor and PM. Thus the present structural deficit, beyond the bank bailout is the fault of Brown/Balls, this should be the argument of the Coalition Government, the argument should be framed that Labour under Ed Miliband has not accepted its responsibility while in office for the near bankruptcy of the UK, its all wind and no bite. Also Ed Miliband must worry that Balls will knife him in the back in the future, the next election will be in 2015, thus in that time there will be lows for Labour, Miliband must worry that when he is low in the polls or Labour is not doing as well as expected he will face a Palace Coup from Balls and his wife. The Coalition just go some more breathing space from this resignation of Alan Johnson, Labour is seems just repeats its past history, Miliband/Balls is an echo of Blair/Brown.

Joe Lieberman - OUT

Guardian: Reports that the Independent Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman wont run for re-election in 2012 due to the prospects that he would lose that fight. One has a lot of sympathy for Senator Lieberman, he supported the Iraq War and thus President Bush, this made him an outcast in Democratic politics, a might fall for a man that had been the Democratic Nominee for VP with Al Gore in 2000. One can argue that the mistake made by Senator Lieberman was that he supported the Democrats in their control of the US Senate, he never made the move to the Republicans, if he had become a Republican and helped them regain the Senate then he might have won re-election in 2012 with Republican support. If your going to cross the bridge you better go all the way, in the end Senator Lieberman never took that final step and thus his forthcoming statemetn that he wont run in 2012.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Telegraph: Reports on a Labour attempt to thwart the Coalition Governments move to axe the education maintenance allowance, this helps poor students between 16 - 18 with a small grant every week of between ten and thirty pounds. In the sunny days the Country could afford such help, it’s a cold and harsh day folks, the last Labour Government broke the bank, thus this fine programme is a victim, something has to go folks and this programme will get the axe. The great unwashed of students who are protesting should protest outside the door of Labour, they bankrupted the country, the Coalition is the grown up, it is fixing the damage, there are always costs folks, this is a cost.

House to Repeal ObamaCare

Fox News: Reports that the Republican House of Representatives is about to repeal ObamaCare today. The White House and the Democratic Senate leadership have been dismissive of this move in public, but one can read between the lines that they are really worried, once it is passed and should another Federal Court throw out ObamaCare the Democrats will have a real fight on their hands in 2012, are Democratic Senators really going to run on defending ObamaCare, will Obama have a political future if he runs in 2012 on a tax hike and keeping ObamaCare. Those major hurdles folks, the Republican House will make the Democrats defend ObamaCare although 2011 and in to the 2012 race, it’s a Vote loser folks, does not matter what you think of the Act, it will throw Democrats out of power for a generation, the NHS didn’t help Labour much, but then Obama’s ego is beyond real history, its his own press statements that count.

US Banker in Town, China and the US

President Obama welcomes the President of China to the United States, President Obama stated the following, “ Three decades ago, on a January day like this, another American President stood here and welcomed another Chinese leader for the historic normalization of relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. ” It is never a good move to bring up Jimmy Carter, Obama should have started with the Nixon break through of 1972 and then Carter, Obama does not need any connection between himself and Jimmy Carter. The President also made a mistake of bringing up past critical reaction of the US to internal China actions, Obama stated the following, “ Looking back on that winter day in 1979, it is now clear. The previous 30 years had been a time of estrangement for our two countries. ” Honour is very important to China, it wont welcome Obama’s comments. Thus to the important point of the meeting between the Presidents, the simple fact that China is the banker of the US debt, Obama stated the following, “ We have an enormous stake in each other’s success. In an interconnected world, in a global economy, nations -- including our own -- will be more prosperous and more secure when we work together….China’s success has brought with it economic benefits for our people as well as yours..” The benefits for China are political, they are the banker of the US, the US Government can not afford to offend its banker, Obama needs China to buy US debt. It seems the Obama ego has no bounds, thus further attack on the honour of China from its perspective, “ History shows that societies are more harmonious, nations are more successful, and the world is more just, when the rights and responsibilities of all nations and all people are upheld, including the universal rights of every human being. ” The left wing base might be happy but China might not buy US debt if its being lectured by a President who has spent trillions on left wing pet projects.

Health Care Reform vs. House Democrats

The Hill: Reports that House Democrats will try to use House Parliamentary moves to thwart Republicans over health care repeal. The Republicans in this case should just walk over the Democrats, on this issue the Democrats are appealing to their base, they lost 63 seats in November and control of the House, the American people want ObamaCare repealed, thus the Republicans should use their majority to roll over the Democrats.

Protecting Blair or the US ?

Telegraph: Reports that the head of the UK Civil Service the Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell has refused to make public the correspondence between Labour PM Tony Blair and the US President, George W. Bush. The cynics will argue that that civil service is covering up for an illegal war by the then Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, it can be argued that this a by product of a bigger game, the protection of the US and UK Alliance, no present President or future President would want his private correspondence released while they are still alive, thus one can assume that these papers will not see light of day for many years if not decades. One day after this blogger is beyond the stars we just might get to the bottom of the Iraq War.

Obama 53% Disapproval - Rasmussen

Rasmussen Reports: Reports on his likely voters poll, in this poll President Obama has a 53% disapproval rating, while 46% approve of the job performance of President Obama. This blog based on how accurate Rasmussen has been in the past goes will this snapshot of the polls for President Obama. Thus from this perspective Obama has gained some political credit form recent events but still has not regained the trust of Independents and moderate Republicans. Lets be clear polls are snapshots of a limited period, but Obama must worry that he is not even over 50% in average polls, that being the Gallup Poll. The Obama White House needs a hard pivot to the right, the question is can Obama tell his base to get lost, does have the backbone, does he want a second term.

The Obama Re-Elect of 2012

Gallup: Reports on its daily tracking poll on the job performance of President Obama, the President has a 48% approval rating, while 42% disapprove of the job performance of President Obama. These are good numbers if your in the Obama White House but this year is still early, the performance of President Obama after the tragic Arizona shootings have helped his poll ratings, all things are political folks, but this year POTUS will have to deal with a Republican Congress and that Congress will start soon to repeal ObamaCare, also Obama will have to defend ObamaCare and its death panels, Bill Clinton after his failed bid over health care could move on and pivot to the centre, Obama will have to protect his health care reform form the Republican House and the US Courts, enjoy the numbers Obama White House, the rocky road really starts NOW.

Did Tony Blair lie to Parliament ?

Telegraph: Reports that evidence by Lord Goldsmith the former UK Attorney General raises the implication that former Labour PM Tony Blair lied to the UK Parliament. Its one thing to spin the press folks in the UK, its another to lie to Parliament, it seems in January of 2003 the Attorney General informed Mr Blair that existing UN resolutions did not give authority for War but the then Labour PM told the House of Commons that in effect some events didn’t need the approval of the UN. One gets the impressions folks that former Ministers are smelling the coffee and are jumping the Tony Blair ship, the Iraq War was not popular and it looks like it was illegal, or very iffy lets just say that, the UK lost to many good men and women for an illegal war.

Tony Blair vs. The Law

BBC News: Reports the UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith in the run up to the Second Iraq War was not happy with the public statements of then Labour PM Tony Blair, the public statements did not match the legal opinion of the UK Attorney General. As stated folks, the Establishment wants to hang Tony Blair out to dry, New Labour is just a dream, the Coalition is in power and Ed Miliband has thrown Tony Blair and Gordon Brown overboard. Thus one can predict that the Iraq inquiry will be quite harsh on Blair, will he be allowed to stay as Middle East Peace Envoy after the Iraq Inquiry.

True Blood is BACK = FX Friday 10pm (UK)

Guardian: Reports on the return of True Blood to UK shores. Thank God True Blood is back, with Mad Men off till the next season the gold cup of drama was wondering, now the challenger with Vampires is back, one has to wonder who would get the woman, Bill or Don, its a hard choice folks. Lets be clear True Blood deals with adult themes and should not be watched by any one under 18, if your under 18 watch Buffy. If your 18 well lets be honest 21, you should be watching True Blood. Its dramatic, funny, deals with adult relationships. The best adult drama on TV at the present folks.

The Return to Politics - Repealing ObamaCare

The New York Times: Reports that the Republican House will start the process of repealing ObamaCare after the tragedy of the Arizona shootings. Lets be honest folks, the Liberal left wanted to use the tragic events in Arizona to stall this move, the liberal left might be in the gutter but they are not fools, they know that defending ObamaCare will be a nightmare for the Obama White House, also if the US Courts see that ObamaCare might get repealed they might just overturn the Law before the Republicans can repeal the Bill.

Eric Illsley = OUT

Daily Mail: Reports that disgraced Labour MP Eric Illsley is to resign his Seat before his next court date. The question that has to be asked is will Mr Illsley still get his MP pension and other perks of a former MP. If Mr Illsley is still in line for his pension this should be revoked by the House of Commons, he has bough disgrace to the Chamber, this goes for any other former MPs or Lords, the penalty has to be tough folks, if it was you or me we would be straight in jail and no bail.

The Left, Blair and the Iraq War

Guardian: Reports that the Iraq Inquiry will look at the legal advice that was given to then PM Tony Blair in the lead up to the War. The conspiracy of the left is that Tony Blair or the Bush Administration leant on the then UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith to say that the War was legal. The paperwork does show that the legal briefs of Lord Goldsmith did go through a evolution, from that any invasion of Iraq would need UN approval to a green light for War.

The SHAME of the LEFT over Arizona Tragedy

Telegraph: Reports that the former Governor of Alaska, Governor Sarah Palin has attacked those that have used the Arizona shootings to attack her opposition to the Obama Agenda. The Governor has stated that these attacks are blood libel. The elite left has gone off a cliff, they are almost cant help themselves, they lost in the 2010 Mid Terms thus they use this tragic event to score cheap political points, have the left no shame, did they learn nothing from the Communist witch hunts of the 1950s, the elite left have fallen in to the gutter, no wonder they are being rejected by the US voter, people died folks, young, old, male and female, and what do the left do , use the event to attack the tea party, lets be honest folks, the left is scared stiff that the Republican House will repeal ObamaCare, thus they will use any dirty below the belt strategy to win, the liberal does not want open debate, they hate democracy, they just want THEIR views and no one else, one has to wonder did the people who marched and died in the Civil Rights movement really want a left that will use the gutter to fight its agenda. THE SHAME OF THE LEFT.

The LEFT use the BLOOD of the
INNOCENT for CHEAP HITS

Blair, Iraq and the Inquiry = The Story that will never END!

BBC News: Reports that former Labour PM Tony Blair will give evidence to the Iraq Inquiry for a second time on 21 January 2011. In many respects Tony Blair must know understand how Richard Nixon felt years later when Watergate came up in conversation, it never went away. Lets be honest Watergate at the end of the day was third rate political covert action, not the invasion of another country. All the good Tony Blair did with the troubles in Northern Ireland never really get a look in, the same with Nixon, with the finishing of the Vietnam War and the diplomatic breakthrough with China. In the left wing elite when you say Blair, they think of Iraq and Bush 43. That is the harsh political truth folks.
　

PM Cameron, “ Red ” Ed Miliband , to Illsley = GO

Guardian: Reports that Coalition PM David Cameron and Labour Leader Ed Miliband have called on Eric Illsley to resign his seat in the House of Commons. After the expenses scandal it is in the interest of both major political partiers to finish off those MPs found guilty of fraud and to do it quick, it would be a scandal if Mr Illsley was to get under 12 months in jail and then come out and still be an MP. Thus the House of Commons has to throw one of its own to the wolves and fast, this time the Chamber cant be gracious to a colleague, it has think about the reputation of Parliament, one could ask if Mr Illsley should not lose his pension for his actions in this case.

Portugal the NEXT TO FALL - Bailout Culture

Telegraph: Reports on a split in the leadership of the Portuguese Bank of England, it seems that Portugal will need a EU/IMF bailout after all the protestations of Portugal. Thus we have had Greece, Ireland now Portugal within a short period, who next, of course Spain. If Spain falls expect the political elites to really wake up or face real protests in the streets, the PIGS of the Euro cant live in the Euro currency. If the EU currency is to breath its needs to cut its weaker members, for the benefit of France and Germany and for these PIGS. The political elites have been conned, and they don’t have the guts to admit that Euro does not work when it covers such a big area, if Spain falls then it could make the Great Depression look like happy hour.

MP Admits Guilt - Fraud

BBC News: Reports that MP Eric Illsley is under pressure to resign his Seat in the House of Commons after admitting fraud. Thus far its has not been good for the Labour Party when it comes to the UK Courts, one MP was thrown out of the House of Commons for telling lies about his opponent in the 2010 General Election and now a 2nd Labour MP although suspended by the Labour has admitted his fraud when it comes to his expenses. It is a loophole in the UK system that if Eric Illsley gets less that 12 months he could stay as an MP, thus the pressure will start for Mr Illsley to resign. Thus the Coalition Government will have a 2nd by election, but this is a matter of form, the seat of Mr Illsley is safe Labour. What should worry “ Red ” Ed Miliband is the prospect that the Coalition could get its act together and have one candidate, also that the candidate could cut down the Labour majority. There is more fun folks, there other cases on the horizon, thus will also effect Labour and the Conservative Party.

Iran vs. Israel

Telegraph: Reports that Iran has claimed to have discovered a Israeli Mossad Spy network in Iran, the network is accused of the killing and injury of recent Iran scientists. Even if true, and you can never tell with Tehran, the network has done its job, it seems from reports that a nuclear Iran has been delayed for some time, thus covert action has worked, and given the Middle East and the World some breathing space.

The Morphing for Obama in to REAGAN ?

The New York Times: Reports how President Obama has been reading up on President Reagan and meeting former Reagan Aides. The problem is folks is that POTUS is no Reagan, he is to thin skinned, Reagan has natural humour, he could laugh at himself, thus took away a weapon form the elite left, they could not poke fun at him as he had already go there first. Reagan was very pragmatic when it came to getting his policies, he would go for well over 50% of his objectives and come back later for what was left. Reagan threw away the does and don’ts of diplomacy, can you see Jimmy Carter calling the USSR an Evil Empire, or Obama even, that’s the problem folks, Reagan called on Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, the White House and the State Department wanted to play nice with the USSR. POTUS has the gift of communication, but he does not have a strong core, thus Obama cant ever be a Gipper.

NOT JFK = The History Channel

Mail on Sunday: Reports that the History Channel will not show its Drama on the Kennedy’s due to the fact that its not totally historical accurate. Lets be clear folks, there is the JFK of history and the JFK of common memory. A recent poll of Presidents has JFK in the top slot, followed by Ronald Reagan, one can ask how many of those asked voted for the common memory over the facts, to be kind to JFK, the real JFK, he stood up to the USSR over Cuba, came very late to civil rights, and start the ball rolling for the Vietnam War, on the other hand the common memory would be his legion of affairs with Hollywood female starts, his iffy drug taking for his bad back, his Addison’s disease that lead to his sexual problems, his secret deal with USSR to sell out Turkey, his Administration falling apart, the words of JFK when it approved the overthrow of Diem in Vietnam. As they said in the old West, when the legend becomes the reality, print the legend.

By - Election, 1st of the Coalition Government

Guardian: Reports on major poll leads for the Labour Party in the Oldham East and Saddleworth contest. One would be VERY surprised if the Lib Dems had a chance of winning this seat, the Coalition vote is split, thus the argument for a single Coalition Candidate who would run on the Coalition Agreement, and would agree only to serve for this Parliament and not run in the General Election. Otherwise the Labour Party has a free run in future elections, so Lib Dems smell the coffee and form a electoral pact with the Conservative Party, the same for the Tories, in grown up politics and in Coalition Government there can only be one candidate fighting otherwise the Coalition will lose more by - elections.

Lord Prescott CRITICAL of “ Red ” Ed Miliband and “Miserable ” Gordon Brown

Telegraph: Reports on critical comments on past and present Labour Leaders by the former Labour Deputy Prime Minister Lord John Prescott while on Cruise, his boss Tony Blair had a better press from Lord Prescott. One can see why “ Red ” Ed Miliband wants to start with a fresh blank sheet, he has Blair, Mandelson on one side wanting a return to New Labour, while he has the Trade Unions who want to return to the winter of discontent of the late 1970s. The problem is for “ Brutus ” Miliband is that when the Labour ship is rocked he has no natural allies, so should Labour under Ed Miliband not be doing well in the polls over the next few years he can expected to be thrown overboard by the New Labour founders and replaced by his own brother the former Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

Terror Control Order - Lib Dem U - turn

Telegraph: Reports that the Liberal Democrat Leader and DPM Nick Clegg has stated that in some extreme cases control orders or house arrest will be kept for terror suspects. This is another u turn by the Liberal Democrats but a grown up one, its easy in opposition to be critical of security but once in Government it’s the job of the State to protects its citizens. This move will get some critical reaction form the left but it will help the Lib Dems in the future, the will look grown up to the voter.

The Road to the 2012 Presidential Election

The appointment of Secretary Daley to be the new Obama Chief of Staff is the first brick in the re-election plan of President Obama, as noted in the Guardian article the former Commerce Secretary was opposed to Obama Care, the pivot to the centre by President Obama can be seen his words when he introduced his new Chief of Staff, “ Few Americans can boast the breadth of experience that Bill brings to this job. He served as a member of President Clinton’s Cabinet as Commerce Secretary. He took on several other important duties over the years on behalf of our country. He’s led major corporations. He possesses a deep understanding of how jobs are created and how to grow our economy. And needless to say, Bill also has a smidgen of awareness of how our system of government and politics works. You might say it is a genetic trait. ” Thus the Obama White House for the next two years will be about jobs, jobs and jobs, also getting President Obama re-elected, the joke at the end that politics is Daley trait comes from the fact that the Mr Daley’s father was the respected and feared Mayor of Chicago, if you want hand to hand combat in politics you go to Chicago, its in the blood. The question is and lets be clear by this can Mr Daley take Obama by the coattails and drag him to the centre, will the ego of the President allow himself be moved, it wont be easy, Obama has had a Democratic Congress for the first two years of his term, can he throw former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the wolves as he runs away form the left of his base, does he have the pragmatic nature of a Kennedy and Reagan.

Likely Voters and President Obama

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll - Rasmussen Reports: The pollster this blog uses in Presidential elections has a different result from Gallup, while Gallup uses Average voters the RR use likely voters, thus they have the following on President Obama’s poll ratings, a 54 % disapproval rating, and a 46 positive rating. Thus President Obama is not out of the woods yet folks, he has lost Independents and moderate Republicans over ObamaCare, the extension of the Bush 43 tax cuts have helped but Obama is still seen as out there, to left wing, too liberal. Lets recall the Republican Congress will make President Obama own ObamaCare, he will have to defend it every time a death panel discussion comes up or people lose cover due to ObamaCare. It is a long time to 2012 folks but not that long, the Republicans runners will be come clear this year, Obama could face defeat if the Republicans come up with an acceptable candidate, not loved but seen as a respectable replacement to President Obama.

President Obama at 50% Approval

Gallup: Reports that President Obama has a 50% job approval rating at the start of the 112 Congress, while 43% disapprove of Obama’s job performance as President. This should be good news for the Obama White House, it gives President Obama more influence on the Hill if his ratings are above 50%. Also it helps the Obama re-election Campaign, its better to start at 50% and work it up than start at the low 40s and pray for re-election. But the real fights will come this year folks, President Obama unlike President Clinton will have to defend ObamaCare up to the November 2012 election, also the Republicans will make President Obama pay for any bailouts, he will have to compromise and this will sent the left bonkers, does not take a lot. Lets be clear this blog is still keeping to his prediction that President Obama will lose big in 2012 but its not set in stone folks, does President Obama want as second term, and is he willing to throw the left of the Democratic Party over the cliff to get that result. Interesting year ahead folks.

112 Congress - Republican House

House of Representatives Home Page: Has the latest Bills before the House and the votes passed by Congressmen and women. Lets see the Republican House place a block on the Obama Agenda, symbolic repeal of ObamaCare, then if it fails in the Senate the blocking of government money to set up ObamaCare. The debt threshold of the US Government should not be allowed to go above fourteen trillion, also if the States want to be bailed out then ObamaCare should be the 1st victim of any bailout. Lets play hardball with the 1st Chicago politician.

Obama, health care reform - New Chief of Staff

Guardian: Reports that President Obama is considering appointing as a new Chief of Staff William Daley of the Chicago Daley dynasty, the appointment would be a surprise as Mr Daley was critical of ObamaCare. If one was devious and from Chicago one could see POTUS offering to reform ObamaCare himself, President Obama does not want his prize to be thrown out by the US Courts or repealed by Congress, the best way would be to reform ObamaCare from within, junk the aspects that get majority opposition and find other ways to fund care for those that don’t have medical cover. The move would be bold and risky, the left would go bonkers, but it would get Obama a second term, but as stated above one would have to be devious and from Chicago.

Tax Cuts before VAT - Economic Recovery

Telegraph: Reports that the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has given the impression that should the economy turn around then the Coalition Government would favour tax cuts to a reduction in VAT. This is a excellent move by the Coalition Government, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are taking a bet that the economy will turn around in a five year Parliament, thus the austerity measures of today will be forgotten when the Coalition Government brings in good tax cuts for the middle classes. If it works the Coalition gets another term, the Labour Party needs failure lets be honest, if the Coalition economic policy works then Labour is out of power for a generation. One can argue that Ed Miliband does not have five years, if Labour is not vastly ahead of the Coalition within next few years he will out on his ear, then his brother David Mililband can take over as Labour Leader.

National Television Awards

More light hearted story folks, its that time of year folks, the National Television Awards, you know the drill, vote for Matt Smith for the Doctor, acting list, and Dr Who for best Drama.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the 1st British Soldier to be killed in 2011, the Soldier was “ Private Joseva Saqanagonedau Vatubua from The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS) ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Private Vatubua.

ObamaCare Repeal ?

The Hill: Reports that Republican House will introduce a ObamaCare repeal bill before the State of the Union Address by President Obama. Thus after the Bill is passed by the House it goes to the Senate, one would expect the Bill to be dead in the Senate but the fact that Senators facing re-election in 2012 might want to pass the buck to President Obama and his veto power. It will be hard choice for Democratic Senators form Conservative states to oppose the repeal bill, thus the Oval might find a nasty surprise in the new year, it has to veto the repeal bill and defend the decision in 2012.

900 Billion Debt Time Bomb - 2011

Telegraph: Reports on the Banking and Government debt time bomb that could unravel in 2011. It has been predicted that either Portugal or Spain could go bust or both, the article notes that troubled Governments could have problems in selling their debt bonds. It is quite simple folks, there is to much debt, it would be in the interest of Ireland,Portugal and Greece to default on their debts and reconstruct future debts, the bond holders think they will be left out of pocket thus not keen to buy sovereign debt. The entire system to use a IT phrase needs a reboot, thus the debts have to be waved and a more secure debt structure created. Thus what do about the bond holders, they should be given tax credits and major allowances to make up for any major losses. In some cases they should not have to pay tax at all if the debt write off is off the chart. The above is fair and just might work folks.

Death in Afghanistan - 2011

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed on the first day of 2011, the Soldier was from the “ Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS) ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 349 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 308 in combat operations and 41 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

How long will Ed Milliband survive as Labour Leader ?

The Daily Mail: Reports that Ed Miliband has take a nosedive in a new poll. In the modern political era you have to have that IT, that factor that gets supporters in the good times and keeps them in the bad times, thus Thatcher, Blair had that political x - factor, it can be argued that Ed Miliband has the buzz of your local tax inspector without the jokes. One’s memory can play tricks but one does recall that Tony Blair was lot more popular at this period than young Mr Miliband, in the modern politics the backbenches wont wait forever, they did that with Gordon Brown and in 2010 Labour lost power after thirteen years, they don’t want a repeat of 1979 when Labour lost power and faced a Conservative Party in power for eighteen years. Thus young Mr Miliband does not have all the time in the world, someone who knifed his own brother in the back should not be surprised if he is removed in a Palace Coup, my money is on Ed Balls.

AV Referendum 2011

Guardian: Reports that the result of the AV referendum of 2011 will have a major effect on all the political parties and their leaders. The AV referendum is a major need win for Nick Clegg, he has to keep his Liberal Democrat supporters on side, a loss in the referendum could raise questions about the Coalition with the Conservative Party, on the Tory side nearly all Conservatives will oppose the change in the voting system. The Coalition PM David Cameron needs to throw some bones to the Lib Dems to keep them on board. It Labour that has a split on the referendum, over a hundred Labour MPs have come out in opposition to the change, while Ed Miliband supports the move, thus showing again that " Red " Ed was not the choice of the Labour MPs. Interesting times ahead folks.