Always Mr President!

Daily Mail: The respected reporter Mark Halperin has got in to trouble States side for using undiplomatically words to describe the Obama economic plan. Well folks what ever your opinions of the Obama record as President you have to remember he is POTUS. This blog has called him the wises fool, this is of course is from the insult thrown at King James 1 of England. Thus it is critical of the policy not the man, on the other hand the elite press have to careful, its mild insult on policy folks, not the man. If the main stream media start to say that you cant be critical of Obama at all they lose big time, if you don’t keep the feet of politicians to the fire they start to believe their own press, that was a flaw of Tony Blair. If the US economy is in the toilet next year, Obama will be called the worse thing in politics, its Carter Mark 2. So the elite media get a life, its was a mistake, if you try to protect Obama from all critical opinion you will have a right wing Republican in the Oval.

In Praise of Justified

Guardian: Excellent article on the great US series Justified. The characters are complex, its part cop show, part family soap opera from hell. It has the great Timothy Olyphant as US Marshal Raylan Givens, a hero or anti hero depending on the episode, as his boss says, a great lawman but a lousy Marshal. His hot and Ex Wife, that’s a woman you would help to do what she wants!! That Marshal Givens is d-m lucky SOB. Then there is Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder, must admit had not seen his work before, but will watch him in the future, he has such calm charisma, even if he is on the wrong side of the law most of the time, and can be well nasty, but has something makes you watch. The writers have to find a way for Boyd Crowder to join the US Marshals and become the partner of Raylan, that would really drive Givens up the wall. More years to come from Justified please!

Who WON Today ? = Strike Day

Telegraph: Reports that 10 Downing Street is essence declaring victory over the Unions, the effect of the strike was very limited. Thus in the first round folks the Coalition Government won, but also Ed Miliband, he can move to ditch that “ Red ” Ed label. The losers in this round were the Unions, this was not 1926, the 70s or the 80s, the public can see the riots in Greece over a Government that does not deal with the public finances, thus on the whole it can be argued that they support the Coalition. Government 1 - 0 Unions.

Ed Miliband = A Disgrace over Strikes

BBC News: Reports that Mary Bousted a leader of one of the Teaching Unions on strike today has called the position of Ed Miliband on the strikes a disgrace, the Labour leader has stated the strike is wrong. Thus far a good day for Ed Miliband, he has attacked the Unions, but what is interesting is WHY, it can be postulated that the Labour leadership has taken soundings with the public and found that teachers and civil servants whining about having to pay more for their pension and work longer does not get much sympathy from private sector workers. As an ex supply teacher this blog has no sympathy for teachers, of what this blog has seen they create unruly students, who cant read, write or do maths, the modern teaching theory is opposed to any strict control of students in the class, thus modern teaching is more riot control in the class room, and being a social care worker, the teachers should be ashamed of their actions, they should offer to give up their pensions, they have done more damage to students than the 11 plus. Stop whining and grow up Teachers, the teaching profession is a calling, stop throwing the students under the bus so you can retire early and get that extra pint.

“ Red ” Ed Miliband and the Thursday Strikes

BBC News: Reports that the UK Coalition PM David Cameron has been critical of Labour leader Ed Miliband for keeping quite on the public sector strikes on Thursday. Lets be honest if it was not for the Unions Ed Miliband would not have beaten his brother to become Labour Leader. But the lack of questions by Mr Milliband at Prime Minister Questions shows that he is double backstabber, he stabbed his own brother in the back and now he stabs the very same people that got him the job. The strikes tomorrow could be the start of rolling strikes, one has to wonder how Tony Blair would have dealt with the issue, its fair to say there was mutual loathing between Blair and the Unions, he could not stand them as they represented old Labour, while Blair was seen by many Unions as a Tory, but he won elections, thus the Unions had little power during the Blair regime. But this is today folks, the Labour Party is broke, the only thing keeping them going is the Unions, thus Miliband can be critical but not to critical of the Unions, if the Unions go for rolling strikes this will play in to the hand of the Coalition, expect even tougher Unions laws, public sector workers in sensitive areas should not be allowed to strike, Teachers should not strike, if they strike they should get the sack and lose their pensions, that will bring them to heel fast, no money for the pub, nightmare.

The US Debt Ceiling and POTUS

The Hill: Reports that President Obama has called for a balance between spending cuts and tax hikes. This is the same old song folks, the US is in the red, it owes fourteen trillion, and what does President Obama want to do, raise taxes, the usual argument from tax and spend liberals, just raise taxes, that will solve the problem, well its about time someone called Obama on his rash spending in the first two years of his presidency, the economic stimulus that was meant to keep the US unemployment rate at below 8%, its now 9.1. The stimulus has not created jobs in the private sector, ObamaCare was meant to lower medical costs, they are going up, in fact the private sector finds it to cheaper to quit giving medical cover and pay the penalty. Lets be honest, Obama for a very smart man is dud when it comes to economics, a Harvard seminar is no lesson for the real world folks.

Greek Violence and Austerity

Guardian Live: Reports on the violent protests outside the Greek Parliament. This blog is clear when it comes to violent protests, the Greek Police have to come down hard on those that break the law, peaceful protests is one thing, but mindless violence can not be tolerated in a Democracy, the Police from the 24 hour news channels have had a horrible time over the past two days, thus the Police should not give an inch, the brave police officers need the support of the Greeks that believe in Democracy, the Greek people can vote out the Government at the next election at the ballot box, any other non democracy action has to be suppressed by the Greek Authorities.

Burning Greece

Telegraph: Has a stunning picture of an attempt to set the Greek Finance Ministry on Fire, it has been extinguished from reports on the ground. The first bailout didn’t help Greece, will the second bailout of 120 billion Euros do anything different, the answer is NO folks. The bailouts is one respect is not about Greece, its about creating a firewall around banks in France and German, thus the second bailout will give the Euro countries some time, while the Greek people suffer. Once the banks under threat from Greek debt are secured the EU will cut Greece off, then Greece will be more in debt and the EU will be less ready to help, the Greek MP’s have sacrificed Greece for Germany and France, hope they feel proud.

Greek Austerity

BBC News: Reports that the Greek Parliament has passed the austerity package of the Greek Government, thus Greeks will face tax hikes and cuts in public spending. The 155 Greeks MP's who voted for this austerity package have sold out Greece, this could have been a rebirth for Greece, out of the Euro, able to control its own money supply, to remake Greek Society so it is fit for the 21 Century, but what has the Greek Parliament done, the bailout form the EU/IMF does not go to Greece, it goes to the bankers of Greece, thus French and German banks will be happy, the main street of Greece has been truly shafted by its own Government.

Greeks Protesting Pictures

Guardian Live: Has pictures from the violence in Greece today, the Greek Police used teargas to move the violent protesters away from the Greek Parliament. One could argue that the Greek Police are being heavy handed, but their colleagues have been injured, thus you cant not expect them to gentle and nice with violent protesters. One piece of advice to Police, don’t rough up the press, they don’t like it, also you lose the argument. But on the other hand good work Greek Police.

The People vs. the Greek Parliament

Telegraph: Reports that twenty thousand protesters have turned up outside the Greek Parliament to protest the austerity package of the Greek Parliament. Through peaceful protest the Greek people can save Greece and tell the Germans and French bankers to jump off a cliff. The Greek Unions should bring Greece to a halt, nothing should move, all public and private sectors should go on strike, make any bill passed by the Greek Parliament worthless, if it can not be enforced then it does not count, this is time for Greece to stand up for Greece and tell the foreign banks to go to hell, the birth place of democracy should not be sold on the cheap for the benefit of the EU.

Riots in Greece = Austerity Package

BBC News: Reports that the general strike in Greece has turned violent outside the Greek Parliament. Well folks this called for peaceful protests not for violent thugs to cause havoc, time for the Greek security forces to come down hard on those that break the law, arrest the leaders of these protests if it stops the violence, if need be read the riot act to the people, and get those that are breaking the law in jail. There is peaceful protest to safeguard the future of Greece and then there is violence, this blog has not time for those that break the law, Police come down hard in Athens.

General Strike in Greece

BBC News: Reports that a 48 hour General Strike has started in Greece. The aim of the strike is to prevent the austerity package of the Greek Government. If your Greek you should be out peaceful protesting the austerity package of the Greek Government, the economic package of the Government is not about saving Greece its about saving the banks of Germany and France. The Unions should bring Greece to its knees, force the Greek Government out of the Euro, and save Greece for future generations, otherwise Greece will be pawned to save others, while the Greek people are flushed down the toilet by their own Government.

Obama and 2012

RCP: Reports on its latest average of the polls for the job performance of President Obama, the latest snapshot has Obama on 47.6% Approval and 47.1% Disapproval. It is now late June 2011, so POTUS has some time before he really has to worry about the polls, but with the withdrawal statement on Afghanistan from Obama and the release of oil from the strategic reserve the Oval would have expect a bounce in the polls, nothing so far, in fact the Oval has gone down of late in the Gallup and Rasmussen Report Poll, thus Obama needs the economy to turn around and fast by the end of 2011, if not Obama will be charismatic Jimmy Carter, a one term President.

Torchwood = News Season in the UK

The Doctor Who News Page: Reports that the new season of Torchwood: Miracle Day will start on July 14th at 9.pm on BBC 1. Well folks its fantastic, Captain Jack is back, lets see what the immortal Jack gets up to this season, more adventure, more fun, more relationships, clue as to how he gets that big head aka The Face of ( Spoiler ). The good Captain is one of my favourites from Dr Who and of course his own show, have missed Torchwood.

Greece Defaults = Blog Call

Guardian: Reports on a French Plan for private debt holders in essence to write off Greek Debt, the article states the following, “ ….whether private creditors could agree to roll over some Greek debt. …credit rating agencies could still choose to view the plan as….a "credit event". Folks you would still have the same problem, the Euro does not work for Greece, the private debt holders should say a BIG NO, to any write off of Greek debt, this is a plan of spinning economics, the Greek economy needs to get out of the Euro, as long as it is tied to Germany and France it is always going to lose, you have bigger and efficient economies and then you have the turkey that is Greece, its broke, Greece has defaulted, the Eurozone Government are spinning a lie folks, if your in the market sell your Greek debt, otherwise be ready to lose YOUR SHIRT or your BONUS.

Greece in the Eye of the Storm = EURO

Telegraph: Reports that the Greek Defence Minister, Panos Beglitis has stated if the Parliament in Athens does not pass the austerity package then Greece faces a catastrophe. This is emotional blackmail of the first order folks, Greece will not fall apart if the Greek Parliament rejects the demands of the EU/IMF, the Sun will come up the following day, the only losers would be the Greek Government and the banks for France and Germany. If the Parliament in Athens does pass the package its cutting the throat of the Greece to get out of this mess, no real thinking person thinks that Greece will not default, Greece will be back for a third bail out next year, Greece is a busted flush folks, the only people who think Greece should remain in the Euro is France and Germany, and that is to protect their banks, not for the benefit of Greece. Time for the Greek MPs to stand up for Greece or dishonour the Greek name by voting for this package.

Arrest Gaddafi = ICC

BBC News: Reports that the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Colonel Gaddafi on charges of crimes against humanity. Well folks, the Mad Dog has two choices NOW, either win the fight against NATO or leave Libya. The Allies of UK, US and France cant be seen to do a deal with suspected war criminal, thus the Allies have only one aim, the removal of Gaddafi either through his fleeing or Gaddafi dead, either through NATO bombing or taken out by his own side. It can be argued that former Labour PM Tony Blair must really wish he had not visited Gaddafi in Libya, with Iraq and Libya one has to really question the judgement of Blair when it comes to International Affairs.

UK Treasury = UK Banks and Greece

Guardian: Reports that the UK Treasury in effect wants to UK banks to take losses on the Greece debt. Folks, if this is the case then Greece had defaulted on its debt, any debts that are written off or reduced is a default, also it’s a game, the Greek economy has hit its Iceberg, it’s the Titanic going down, and any rescue is a drunken vision. The UK banks cant afford to take these debts write off for Greece, the banks should say NO, because folks you can count on this, the banks will go back to the Government and demand a bailout for reducing the debt of Greece, thus the tax payer will have to bailout the banks again, banks sell your debt, ditch Greece.

Summer of Discontent = Heath or Thatcher Model

Telegraph: Reports that the Coalition Government will introduce tougher Union laws should there be a summer of public sector strikes, one of the reforms would be the need for a threshold of support for strikes, from 40% to 50% of the work force. The Coalition can either go for the Edward Heath model and that is defeat to the Unions, or the Lady Thatcher model and win, the Thatcher Government broke the National Union of Mineworkers, thus finished forever the power of Unions to bring Governments down, this new clash is based on the fact that public sector unions care more about the pensions of their members than the fact that the world has changed, the pensions of public sector employers is richer than those for the private sector, the general population lives longer, thus the need to make the retirement age higher, lets be honest folks the age that you should get a pension should be around 70, that’s the way its going, it will be that figure within 30 to 40 years. Thus the Coalition Government should follow the Reagan example, President Reagan gave air traffic controllers a choice either get back to work or your fired, they thought he was bluffing, bad mistake, they got fired. If the Unions want another 1926, give it to them, ask non union members to take over those jobs that Unions don’t want, also threat to revoke the pensions of those that go on strike, break the Unions, make them hurt, make them get real.

Huhne on Tape

BBC News: Reports that the Sunday Times has been ordered to hand over a tape that has allegedly the Energy Secretary Chris Huhne discussing with his estranged wife the details of transfer of car penalty points. The Liberal Democratic leader Nick Clegg must have a smile on his face at the moment, both Huhne and the Cable have self exploded and are not a threat to his leadership, either way Clegg wins, if Huhne is cleared he has to much scandal attached to his name, if Huhne is charged then he is out of the Cabinet and Parliament, win either way, that is hard ball politics folks.

Peter Falk Dead = Goodbye Columbo

The New York Times: Reports on the death of the actor Peter Falk. Mr Falk was a fine actor, and he was Columbo, what made Columbo different was that you saw the crime and how it was done at the start and then you saw Lt. Columbo solve the case, how he was looked down on by the weekly murder. But no matter how powerful or intelligent the murder he or she was always caught. What made Columbo was the weekly guest starts, great Hollywood Stars, it was fun seeing the try to outwit Columbo when the faced with Mr Falk and never winning, the star was Peter Falk. Also the guest stars came back, thus you had Captain Kirk, the Prisoner etc coming back to try to foil Columbo and never winning, that was the fun. There was and shall always be only one Columbo, TV detection has lost a great Cop, and the arts have lost a fine actor in Peter Falk.

Obama Rebuked over Libya = Guardian

Guardian: Reports the following on the rejection by the Republican House of a Resolution that would give the green light for the War in Libya, “ It is an embarrassment for the president to have a vote go against him in time of conflict…”. Thus on one level the House has rebuked the Oval, but it’s a mild rebuke, the House did not cut off funding, the War in Libya is in No Mans Land of War, as NATO is using air power there is a limited threat for the Allies to suffer casualties, one of the good things about not having troops on the ground. But sooner or later something will go wrong, either in the air or at sea something will get hit, it’s the law of averages of folks, then it gets serious for the White House, 10 Downing Street and Paris, but so far they have been lucky, the Libya story is mentioned on the news but only if something has gone wrong with the bombing or other event. The world press just cant wait for Gaddafi to fall, thus different reporters pop up ever few days. The Coalition Government has stated that the War in Libya has cost the UK 260 million and counting, the Armed Forces are making noises that the Navy and Air Force can only do a few months before it reaches it limit. Thus the US, UK and France have to win and soon folks.

What is a Rebuke ?, Obama and Libya

The US House of Representatives has rejected a resolution that would give President Obama Congressional Approval for the War in Libya, the vote tally was 295 against approval while 123 supported the Libyan operation. It should be noted that 70 Democratic House members voted against their President. But on the other hand the House would not cut off funding for the War, the tally in this vote was 238 against cutting funding, while 180 wanted to cut funding. In this resolution 89 House Republicans voted against cutting funding. Thus a mixed message folks, it can be argued that President Obama has a few months to win this War, if Gaddafi is still in power in the New Year the House just might cut off funding, as the Democratic House cut funding for the Vietnam War in the early 1970s. Thus NATO has to win in Libya, it does not have all the time in the world folks, both the US and the UK are basically broke, even might powers when they are broke have to cut bait, after World War Two the UK gave up India, it was the right thing to do, democracy and all that, but also there was the fact that the Great Britain was broke, from Rome to the Soviet Union to the US, when the money runs out, the Armies have to come home.

Rebuking a President = Obama and Libya

The New York Times: Reports that the US House of Representatives will limit the military role of the US in the Libyan War, the article states the following on the rebuke to Obama, “.. extraordinary and potentially bipartisan rebuke of a sitting president engaged in an active conflict abroad. ”. This is down to the basic fact that President Obama has broken the War Powers Resolution Act that was passed in 1973 after Watergate to curtail military action by a President of the United States. After sixty days of military action that has not been given the green light by Congress at the start a President has to seek approval or remove the military presence. The Oval seems to think that since the UN has given approval that it does not seek the approval of the US Congress, this has miffed to say the least both the House and the Senate. The legal opinions from within the Obama Administration is also against the President, its only President Obama who thinks its legal. That ego again from Obama. But the main problem for President Obama is that the War in not popular, you either win a war or you don’t fight a war, that’s the problem with allowing Harvard lawyer to become President, he still thinks he is doing a Harvard Seminar, that you can fudge the difference, thus Libya, leading from behind, Afghanistan, going against the advice of the military. Obama is no REAGAN.

End of Week Polls = Obama Re-Election 2012

Well folks its that time of the week, Polls time. Lets first check out Gallup and its Average voters, in it latest tracking poll we have President Obama on 50% job disapproval, while 43% of voters approve of the record of the Oval. In the likely voters category we have the Rasmussen Reports Poll, in this POTUS has a 53% disapproval rating, while 46% of voters approve of Obama. It will be interesting to see the Weekend polls folks, with the Afghan Exit statement by POTUS and the release of the oil from the reserve will this flip the polls. In many respects Obama needs some good luck, with the exception of the killing of OBL the polls have been bad for the Chicago re-election committee for months, the US economy has less traction than a dodo on Viagra, thus 2012 will not be 1984 for Obama, Reagan had a booming economy, he buried the political career of former VP, Walter Mondale, in that race Reagan won 49 States, 59% of the vote and 525 Electoral votes. The Obama team will have a tighter race, they need the economy to turn around, they need confidence back in the system, from Wall Street to main street. They have to show that POTUS has some understanding of main street. Its going to be a tough year for the Oval folks.

70% losses on Greek Debt = Greece

Telegraph: Reports that Foreign Creditors of Greece debt would have to take losses of 70% for Greece to get back on its feet. This is a big shout to the money markets, sell Greek debt NOW, because your not going to get it back, also don’t allow Governments to place pressure on banks to loan to Greece, its good paper money being made in to toilet paper. Lets talk cold turkey here folks, Greece is a busted flush, if it was a horse it would be the glue factory time, the Greeks are being asked to go through harsh austerity for the benefit of bankers in Germany and France, they are being sacrificed for an IDEA, the Euro and the EU. Well folks the Greeks in all areas of Greek society should come out on strike on the 28th of June, Greece should be bought to its knees, this would stop the Greek Government for selling Greece down the river, there is still time for peaceful protests to stop the bleeding of Greece for the sake of Germany and France.

Syria / Turkish Border = War Threat ?

Guardian Live: Reports on comments by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, that the US is worried by the close position of Syria to the Turkish border and the refugee problem from Syria. The Assad Regime would have to be mad to fire on Syrians refugees on Turkish soil, simple reason folks, Turkey is part of NATO, any attack on a member of NATO is a attack on NATO. The Syrian Regime might think with the US in Afghanistan, Iraq and in a limited way in Libya, also the fact that the US is broke in many respects might give the Syrians a free hand to attack Syrian refugees in Turkey. This would be a very bad mistake by the Assad Regime, the US would have to defend Turkey, and the Assad regime would be history.

No UK Bailout for Greece = PM David Cameron

BBC News: Reports that the Coalition PM David Cameron has won the agreement of the EU that the UK will not bailout Greece through the EU. The UK will give money through the IMF, the second EU bailout will come to around 120 billion Euros, of that the UK will give one billion to Greece through the IMF. As to the second bailout of Greece folks, it is a mistake, this is good money down the toilet, Greece will default one way or another, the EU politicians don’t have the guts to admit that they got the Euro wrong, they would rather throw the tax payers money down the toilet than admit that the Euro does not work, when the Greek default does come and its disastrous consequences the EU politicians should hold their heads in shame, SHAME ON THE EU.

UK, France vs. Italy = Libya

Guardian: Reports that the UK and France have rejected the call by Italy for there to be a halt in the War in Libya as to allow aid to get through to the people. This is a good move by London and Paris, if you show weakness now after the announced troops withdrawals by the US and France in Afghanistan the Gaddafi Regime might think it could run out the clock on NATO. One way or another the Allies of the US, France and the UK have to get troops on the ground to finish this operation, it has to increase the presence of Special Forces, make them destroy the command structure of the Gaddafi Regime, and thus finish the War. Air power alone will not do the trick folks, the problem is that there are elections in the US and France in 2012, the War cant still be going on at that period, so far the war has cost the UK two hundred and sixty million, what will be the cost in the New Year folks.

UK and Afghanistan

Telegraph: Reports that the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has made it clear that the UK will be out of Afghanistan by 2015. This is the right move by the Government, one can pause with the news that the UK was behind the idea that the US talk to the Taliban, but it’s a way out of Afghanistan. The kind readers of this blog might raise an eyebrow, since in the last post on Afghanistan then blog tarred and feathered the US and France over its withdrawal plans for Afghanistan, the difference folks is that the UK has been in bloody Afghanistan at the time of the British Empire, we have the bloody t-shirts, the UK does not have to prove it can take body bags when it comes to Afghanistan. One can question that of the US and France, harsh but true folks, in many respects Obama is following the British Empire policy when it comes to Afghanistan, find a leader it can do business with and get out, then have a few planes, or drones drop some bombs on the locals if they get out of hand. What really drives this blog up the wall is for Afghanistan the US and UK almost had a winning plan and the politicians lose their lunch due to elections. The Coalition Government is right get out if the US is to surrender Afghanistan to the Taliban, Kabul will not hold power once the Allies are gone, the Soviets tried a similar policy, the Taliban hung that leader from the nearest tree. If we are getting out we should get out NOW, all our TROOPS. Who will explain to the families of the future fallen why the fell, Afghanistan could not be held, and so much UK pain, for what, sand just sand.

US,Italy, France, THREAD = Watch your Back if Allies!

BBC News: Reports that France has announced that it will start a phased withdrawal from Afghanistan, following the latest US withdrawal statement from President Obama. Well folks, what do all the leaders of the US, France and Italy have in common, they are in trouble at home, POTUS is pandering to his liberal base with the ten thousand troops withdrawal this year, this was against the advice of the US military, of course Obama is up for re-election next year, it seems Obama is more afraid of his base than the US military, while President Sarkozy is as unpopular as a tax inspector in France, also faces re-election, while the Italian PM is up to his neck in criminal scandal. Thus is also looking to get some good press. The problem is folks this blog does not need advice from POTUS when it comes to Afghanistan, when Obama was just thinking about running for President this blog was against placing thousands of UK troops in Afghanistan, but that was then, this is NOW, the US Military under General Petraeus has the Taliban/Al Qaeda on the run, and what does the President do, would rather face defeat that face up to his base, as someone said of King James 1 of England , the wisest fool in the Christian World. Thus the PR victory will go to the Taliban/Al Qaeda, they can wait Obama out, it can be expected that there will be more deaths due to these withdrawals, where are the Reagan’s and Thatcher’s of today.

Obama Playing Politics with Afghanistan

Guardian: Reports that the US and UK Military Commanders in Afghanistan are not happy with the expected announcement by President Obama that he is to withdraw around ten thousand troops from Afghanistan in 2011, the article states the following on the opinion of those actually fighting the War, “ …privately expressed concern that the White House is now being driven by political rather than military imperatives. ”. I wish it was about 2012 Election folks, this is more about the arrogance of one man, President Obama, he thinks he’s God gift to the World, he’s not, Obama has not learned the lessons of the Vietnam War, on the whole the War was lost not in Vietnam but at home, the liberal elite after Tet offensive of 1968 declared that the War could not be won and the US would lose, the Government of North Vietnam was not stupid, it played out the clock, thus the Presidencies of LBJ, Nixon and finally Ford. One can postulate that the Taliban of Afghanistan and Al Qaeda will now hit NATO forces even harder, they know that the Allies will leave by 2014, thus they get all the glory of throwing out another Super Power in the shape of the US and giving the UK another bloody nose, it wont be the first time for the UK in Afghanistan. Thus the gains made by NATO forces will now come under threat, the Taliban will try to create another Tet type landscape in the run up to the US Presidential Election, but this move by Obama might be a strategic mistake, the Republicans can now really go after him, as being at his core a weak leader, leading from behind in Libya, feckless over Syria, bowing to Iran while throwing Israel under the bus, you get the idea folks. This just might be the biggest mistake Obama has done since ObamaCare.
　

Headless Chicken = Italy

Telegraph: Reports the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini has called for NATO to halt military action in Libya as to allow aid to get thought to the people. I recalled what an old International History Lecture told his Undergraduates, when discussing World War Two, it was not the Germans in front of him that worried him, it was the Italians at the behind, you simple cant trust them, by the way that was his opinion folks, but because the Allies of the US, UK and France are in a bit of a tight spot in Libya at the moment; air power alone will never win in Libya; the Italians after a few missteps want to do a runner. The Emperor Augustus must be turning in his grave.

The Future for Greece ?

BBC News: Reports that the Greek Government has survived the confidence vote last night but has to get its austerity programme through before the EU/IMF gives Greece another ten billion pounds to avoid going in to default. As this blog stated last night on Twitter, the 155 Greek MPs who voted to support the Government should hold their heads in shame, they care more about German and French Banks than their own people. The only real future for Greece is for a planed default, then build from start, at present the Greek Government will have to sell everything the State owns that is not tied down, all the State Assets will be bought by non Greek actors, its cheap of course you would buy an airport or a Port, the experts will know how to make money from these business, the ones that will suffer will be the Greek people, this is shameful for Greece.

What NEXT for Afghanistan ?

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama will announce on Wednesday the scale of US troops withdrawals from Afghanistan. Of all the options that has been presented to President Obama the one that this blog favours is that POTUS should set the end of 2012 as a deadline for the US surge troops to return to the US, while leaving the timetable to the Generals on the ground, as they have to fight the War. If President Obama takes a heavy withdrawal option it can be argued that POTUS is playing politics with Afghanistan. The NATO Allies have an exit date set for 2014 for Afghanistan, if with the death of OBL, POTUS rushes the withdrawal this could risk giving a PR victory to the Afghan Taliban and Al Qaeda. Also let us not forget Pakistan, if Afghanistan falls to the Taliban after the NATO Allies have left this could lead to the Taliban of Pakistan taking over Pakistan, this would cause a War with India and the US, also as noted Pakistan is a nuclear armed power, thus worse than 9/11. Thus there is no easy solution to Afghanistan folks.

No way Ref = Gladiator Red Carded

Daily Mail: Has a breaking news form 1,800 years ago, a Roman Gladiator was red carded, breathed his last due to ref rule. This is a great story folks, shows how sports in some respects has not changed, the Ref that did us in is a common comment after your side has lost a game. In this case the Roman Gladiator Diodorus was stitched up by a Roman Referee, before he was stitched up to be buried, the Gladiator had his opponent on the floor, but it was seen against the rules and the opponent was allowed to get his sword back and was not happy! Thus poor Diodorus met his maker, but had the last word on his gravestone, he told his side of the story, this story someway is going to end up in the TV series Spartacus, its to fun and full of dark humour not to get a look in, perhaps the Ref was having a bad day!!
　

Greece and Default

Telegraph: The Credit Agency Fitch has stated in essence that if any Greek debt is voluntary written off it will consider Greece in default of its sovereign debt. In reality a write off of Greek debt by the banks is the idea of Germany, this was rejected by France as it banks has heavy Greek debt. The German Government wants the banks to write off some of the debt as to make the German tax payer happy, as this would allow the German tax payer to pay less to a bailout Greece. Thus this news by Fitch spikes that idea, from reports it seems that the Greek Government will win the confidence vote but the real vote in many respects will come with the vote on 28th of June, this is the demand by the EU/IMF for another 28 billion euros cut in the Greek Budget. That vote will be interesting folks, will the MPs support Greece or the German and French banks.

G Day = Greece and the Truth

BBC News: Reports that the reshuffled Greek Government will face a vote of confidence today in the Greek Parliament, that is the first step to get a package of 10 billion pounds from the EU/IMF, the second step is that the Parliament must agree to further austerity on the 28th of June. Well folks its high noon, will the Greek Parliament do the right thing for Greece and reject the Government and default on its debt of three hundred and forty billion Euros or will it sell Greece down the river to protect the banks of Germany and France. Lets make it simple, either the Greek MPs are for the people or they are for the EU. A default would allow Greece to restart its economy, it would get loans from the EU/IMF as it could not borrow form the money markets. The intended Greek loans could be used to secure French and German banks, also secure Ireland and Portugal in the Euro. It crunch time folks, will Greece face reality or will the Greek politicians destroy Greece.

IMF to EU = Greece

Guardian: Reports that the IMF has warned the EU to get its act together over Greece or face another economic crisis aka 2008. At the end of the day folks we are talking about politicians, they need to get re-elected, there is only so much tax payers money they can send to Greece, a second bailout of Greece that does not work could mean politicians in Germany and France will get their P45 and be jobless. Those are the pressures that face EU politicians.

The End of Euro ?

Telegraph Live = Greece: Reports on comments by the ex Labour Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in the House of Commons, Mr Straw stated if the Euro is to go it should go quickly and not have a slow death. The one good thing ex Labour Chancellor Gordon Brown did was to keep the UK out of the Euro, the European dream of union has been shown to be a fraud, and a might expensive fraud at that, how much billions have been spent on Ireland, Portugal and Greece twice, think how this money could have been used!! It time to cut bait folks, let Greece out of the Euro and the EU if need be, but kicking Greece out of the EU is an extreme move, but time for savage action to save the Euro folks, otherwise it will fail folks, and take the EU with it, that is to high price to save Greece folks.

Blackmailing the Greeks = Bailout by EU/IMF

BBC News: Reports that the EU has delayed sending a 10 billion pound bailout from the 1st bailout of Greece in till the Greek Parliament passes even tougher austerity measures. At what point does the Greek Government just give up, it cant pay back the 340 billion euros it owes in debt, therefore its broke. Any more bailouts will make the situation in Greece worse, if a person is on drugs, do you give them more, or do they go cold turkey. Greece needs to go cold turkey, its needs to get out of the Euro, default on its debts and restart Greece, there should be bailouts to help Greece should it default, as Greece would not be able to borrow from the money markets. The EU/IMF could then bailout the banks that have been hit by the Greek default, otherwise its flushing good money down the toilet, because the Greeks will come for a 3rd bailout folks, that is a promise.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that was killed on Saturday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Private Gareth Leslie William Bellingham, from 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords), serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e-Saraj (North) ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Private Bellingham.

Greece Today = Euro Failure No 1

Guardian: Has an excellent article on the Greek Crisis, the article states the following on Greece, “ With its coffers nearly empty, its people protesting and its political system under unprecedented attack….would put the entire eurozone project under threat ”. If Greece was company it would be bust, even some of its board would be facing jail time, so what does the EU do about Greece, thus far its more loans, from reports in Greece the last thing the people of Greece want is more loans, as with any 2nd loan the conditions would have to very tough when it comes to Greek austerity, in fact the conditions would have to be so strict that in essence the Greek economy would be run by Germany and France. As any soft loans would lead to demands by Ireland and Portugal for their deals to be made easier, thus even more chance of European defaults. The people of Greece have to have peaceful protests, very peaceful, otherwise the police would and should come down hard on those that break the law. But the Greek people have to SAY to their Government NO. Otherwise the political elite are making the people pay for the mistakes of the Government. This will not end happily folks.
　

Eurozone Banks Default ? and UK Banks

Telegraph: Reports that big UK banks have withdraw money from the Eurozone due to the fear that Greece will go down the toilet and take European Banks with them, hence UK Banks would not get their loans back. It starts folks, as the article notes this has happened before, the article states the following, “ …reminiscent of the build-up to the financial crisis in 2008..”, as German and French banks hold the majority of Greek Debt these banks would require a major bailout by their Governments. It can be argued that that the UK banks smell the blood in the water, they don’t want to get bitten by the Great White Shark that is a Greek default. The economic and political elite still don’t get the fact that the Euro could cause another financial crisis, aka 1929, 2008, the debt level is jut off the chart, there is no way Greece can pay back its debt, the adding of more loans will only place a very light plaster on the wound that is Greece, lets be clear Greece has to get out of the Euro, otherwise it will bring down the House of Cards that is the EU. A Greece out of the Euro, could start, afresh, it would have defaulted on its loans, then the EU/IMF could give money that could be paid back over a much longer period, otherwise its just very good money down the toilet. Why do the elite not smell coffee, are they willing to sacrifice the EU over the failed Euro. When you make a mistake you say admit and move on, otherwise you make the same mistakes and never learn.

The Shadow of the Past for Labour!

BBC News: Reports that the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed Balls has advised the public sector unions not to fall in to the trap set by the Coalition Government, and go on strike on June 30th. Folks this is more to with the Labour Party than policy, if the Unions try another 1926 the Labour leadership under Ed Miliband will have to choose, do you support the pension demands of the trade unions and risk the label that you are in the pocket of the unions or do you say NO, can you see Tony Blair on a picket line EVER, the problem is you can see the Student President “ Red ” Ed Milliband getting his kicks being on a picket line. He didn’t have a girlfriend in Uni but could picket shops, yes an overgrown student is now leading the Labour Party.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed on Saturday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 374 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 330 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the two UK Soldiers that were killed on Thursday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were “ Craftsman Andrew Found of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, was serving with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and Corporal Lloyd Newell of The Parachute Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the families of Craftsman Found and Cpl Newell.

54% Disapproval for President Obama = Rasmussen

Rasmussen Reports: On its latest daily tracking poll of likely voters, the latest has President Obama on 46% approval and 54% disapproval. This is not good news for the White House folks, Obama needs to get independents back before 2012 or he will be a one term President, not great club folks, at present there are two living Presidents who have one term, first in that club is Jimmy Carter, and the second is Bush 41. It can be argued that since Bill Clinton’s successor was Bush 43, the one term of Bush 41 is slightly mitigated. Thus POTUS needs to get independents to look at him again, he needs a domestic policy that gets votes, thus far not a lot of success in that area for Obama, his economic stimulus failed and ObamaCare is hated, thus Obama should start with tax cuts, its good politics and good economics. But POTUS does not listen to advice, thus one term President.

Germany defeated by France = Greece

Guardian: Reports that Germany has given up the idea that Banks be forced to be part of any bailout of Greece, the plan was opposed by France. The idea by Germany that banks should be forced to give money to Greece was indeed a way to take the Euro over a cliff. The banks of Germany and France hold the majority of Greek debt, any more that these banks could go over the cliff. Lets be honest folks any loan is a bad idea, its good money thrown in to the sewer, any bailout will have a short term effect and move the problem down the road. What happens when the 2nd Greek bailout fails, how much more money will it take before politicians see the truth, Greece needs to either leave the Euro or get kicked out, then start afresh. Why cant politicians say the got it wrong about the Euro.

IMF and the US

Telegraph: Reports that the US has been warned by the IMF to get its act together when it comes to its fourteen trillion debt and going up. Who would have thought that the US would be the same club as the UK was in the 1970s, will the IMF have to take control of the US economy, demand deep cuts, only half joking folks, that's how bad the Obama economy is at this moment in time. Is Greece of today the US of tomorrow.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a second Soldier was killed on Thursday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ Parachute Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 373 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 329 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Reshuffling the Deck Chairs on the Titanic - Greece

BBC News: Reports that the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has done a Cabinet reshuffle. According to the article this will mean that the EU/IMF will give Greece a top up from the 1st bailout out, in other words folks the politicians of Europe don’t have a clue. They are throwing rather good money down the toilet, Greece is drug addict, its time for cold turkey, not free drugs at the cost of the taxpayers of the France and Germany. Lets be clear, Greece will crash, its just a matter of time, the politicians of the EU are putting the European Union at risk, Greece is a contagious, it has economic HIV and will give Aids to the rest of the EU. One cant blame the Greeks, if the EU/IMF is throwing money at you, your going take it, the EU is a drug dealer and Greece is its customer, those relationships don’t end well folks.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed on Thursday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, serving with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 372 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 328 in combat and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Game UP ? - Greece

Guardian: Reports that the cost for Greece to lend on the money markets has gone up to 28%, the article states the following, “ Default, then, seems to be looming one way or another. ….The point of no return is fast approaching. ”. Lets recall folks that the first bailout of Greece came from the Western taxpayer via the EU and IMF, are the citizens of Germany, France and even the UK willing to put their hands in their pockets again for the lose spending Greek Government. Everything is political folks, sooner or later the local politicians are going to feel the electoral heat of these bailouts, time to cut bait and let Greece hang on its own, the cost is to high folks for another multi billion bailout.

Greece is Economic Aids

Telegraph: Reports that the UK Stock Market fell by 1% over the fears of a Greek default. Folks its simple, Greece is a carrier, its economic aids, all around the World markets have been hit due to the simple fact that Greece is contagious to the Western banking system. The Greek people in many respects are being asked to go back in to the dark ages in many respects, the sole reason to protect the Euro. If Greece goes, and it will folks then Ireland and Portugal will be calling for more cash sooner or later, if Spain drops its all over, the Euro is dead in the water. The good people of Greece are being asked to suffer as to keep the political elite happy, well what has the political elite ever done for Greece, its own Government has lied, thus the present mess that is Greece. Time for the politicians of Greece to smell the coffee, get out of the Euro and grow up.

POTUS on the War Powers Resolution Act

President Obama has stated the following to Congress on the War in Libya, “ As I reported on March 21, and at my direction, consistent with a request from the Arab League, and as authorized by the United Nations Security Council under the provisions of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973, U.S. military forces commenced operations on March 19, 2011, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and address the threat posed to international peace and security by the crisis in Libya and to protect the people of Libya from the Qadhafi regime. The initial phase of U.S. military involvement in Libya was conducted under the command of the U.S. Africa Command. By April 4, however, the United States had transferred responsibility for the military operations in Libya to NATO and the U.S. involvement has assumed a supporting role in the coalition's efforts. Since April 4, U.S. participation has consisted of: (1) non kinetic support to the NATO led operation, including intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance; (2) aircraft that have assisted in the suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no fly zone; and (3) since April 23, precision strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets in support of the NATO led coalition's efforts. Although we are no longer in the lead, U.S. support for the NATO based coalition remains crucial to assuring the success of international efforts to protect civilians and civilian populated areas from the actions of the Qadhafi regime, and to address the threat to international peace and security posed by the crisis in Libya. With the exception of operations to rescue the crew of a U.S. aircraft on March 21, 2011, the United States has deployed no ground forces to Libya. ”. The one body that has not given the green light to the War in Libya is the US Congress, if this was Richard Nixon they would have impeached him by now. But as stated when it comes to the War Powers Resolution Act the Oval is right to dismiss it, it’s a hangover from the Watergate scandal. At the end of the day NATO must not be threatened due to internal political divisions within the US. But NATO has to win in Libya and fast, even Democrats are starting to turn on the Oval.

Summer of Discontent - Public Sector STRIKES

Telegraph: Reports that 750,000 workers in the public sector could go on strike on June 30th. This is a disgrace folks, the public sector has grown fat after the spending of Labour between 1997 - 2010, in 2006 the UK Treasury stated to the Cabinet under Tony Blair that it had spent all this money and what had it got for it, in other words, not a lot, the Treasury argued that any future spending should be in line with inflation, Gordon Brown spent like a drunk sailor , thus the present economic problems faced by the UK. The Coalition Government should stand firm, it should be like Lady Thatcher, tell the Unions to bring on the strikes and face them down, even start sacking people, hire those that are unemployed and can do the jobs that the public sector don’t want do, stand firm PM Cameron.

Obama and Libyan War

CNN News: Reports that Democrats and Republicans are to take President Obama to Court over his War in Libya. Under the War Powers Resolution Act of 1973 after sixty days of military action a US President has to get a green light from Congress, the Obama Administration has broke that law some time ago. On this issue as stated in this blog the Oval is right to tell Congress to jump off a cliff, you cant have five hundred members of Congress, in the House and the Senate deciding Foreign Policy, the running of Wars is down the President of the United States, he is the Commander in Chief of US Armed Forces. The Libyan operation is a NATO operation of the Allies of the US, UK and France, also its under UN Security Council Resolution 1973. If any Republicans are part of this anti War group they should be ashamed, Reagan would have denounced them from the roof tops, also they would never have done such a thing to Reagan or JFK.

General Strike and Violence in Greece

Guardian: Reports on the General Strike in Greece, this had lead to violence near the Greek Parliament. This is what happens when you are broke and you have to follow the demands of the EU and the IMF, the Greek people have the right to protest, but they are protesting about the wrong thing, they are protesting about the harsh austerity package demanded by the EU/IMF, what they should be demanding is that Greece leaves the Euro and takes control of its own economy. The Greek economy is a dodo, the good years of wasteful spending are over, time for Greece to remember its ancient past, be wise and cut bait. The Police should treat harshly those protesters who break the law, its important that the political process respected.

Just Default for God’s Sake! = Greece

Telegraph: Reports that the cost of a ten year loan to Greece has gone up to 17.9 on the money markets. If it was not sad for Greece it would be funny folks, the EU/IMF are planning another loan to Greece, this time of 120 Billion Euros. One can postulate that clever people in EU and IMF have their heads in the sand, Greece cant pay the first loan back, now more debt on its endless debt. There is only one solution to the Greek Trojan horse, that is for Greece to leave the Euro and return to its own currency, and then get support form the EU/IMF because it wont get any loans form the market if it defaults. The EU politicians are a missing a important point, by trying to protect the Euro in every Euro Country they just might break currency. The Greek debt problem could be the Trojan horse that breaks the Euro.

UK Unemployment down to 7.7%

BBC News: Reports that the UK unemployment rate has fallen from 7.9% to 7.7%, the jobless rate went down by eighty eight thousand, the biggest drop since 2000. No wonder “ Red ” Ed Miliband had to use cancer as a political weapon, the Labour economic agenda can be proven to be wrong, should inflation and unemployment rate stay low then Labour will have a very remote chance of winning the next election in 2015. If President Obama has a rate of 7.7% of unemployment he would hold a Party in Washington D.C. At present the US rate is at 9.1%, and Obama is following in many respects the Labour policy of spending, that is why he might be a one term President.

The Shame of Labour - Cancer as a Political Weapon

Gudio Fawkes’ Blog: Reports that the PMQs in which Labour Leader Ed Milliband used cancer sufferers as a political ploy was a set up. The spokesman for the Charity that gave Labour the details of their research is a former Labour candidate, and had been warmed up to defend the attack on the news. How much in the gutter can Ed Miliband go, stabs in own brother in the back and now is using a charity that does good work as a weapon rather than have to defend his appalling leadership of Labour. The problem with “ Red ” Ed is that he might be good on the tactical front but is full of hot air when it comes to strategic thinking. This is the leader that declared that New Labour was over, and that the Blair/Brown Era finished. At least Tony Blair won three elections, and for a time Gordon Brown was seen as a successful Chancellor, what has Ed Miliband ever done for the Country, but give us the soap opera of his relationship with his brother. GROW UP Ed.

In the Beltway Verdict = Republican Debate

CNN: Reports on the verdict by those that run Presidential Campaigns in the Republican Party, in their view Romney won followed by Bachmann. But as stated this is early debate folks, lets see who else enters race, who drops out due the lack of money and support. Its only June of 2011 folks, it seems that media both left and right want to start early, I guess it fills up the TV airwaves, not sure it helps the process.

Michele Bachmann for President ?

Guardian: Reports that Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has official singed up to run for the US Presidency. This is a candidate to watch folks, she just might be the acceptable right wing Sarah Palin, in the Republican race it might just come down the Establishment Candidate of Governor Romney vs. the Tea Party Candidate of Rep. Bachmann. It can be postulated that should Governor Mitt Romney win the Republican nomination he could do worse than have Rep Bachmann as his VP. This would bring in Conservative social issues Republicans and the Tea Party Movement. Lets see how does it sound, Romney/Bachmann 2012, not bad at all folks.

2012 Republican Candidates vs. POTUS

BBC News: Reports on the latest Republican Debate, the Republican candidates seeking the Republican nomination have attacked the economic record of President Obama and his creation of ObamaCare. The Republicans if they are clever will stick to economic issues, aka Bill Clinton in 1992, if the unemployment rate in the US in November of 2012 is over 9% then Obama will be a one term President. It can be postulated that the Obama Chicago Election Committee will not want to discuss the domestic economic agenda, its bad, they will want to discuss social issues like abortion and immigration, Obama will want to secure his liberal base, thus the Oval will try to set the political agenda by arguing that Republicans will ban abortion for women, will not grant some kind amnesty for those in the US who are illegal immigrants. The 2012 fight for POTUS will not be like 2008, Obama has a four year record that he will have to defend, from his economic stimulus that has failed to create jobs, ObamaCare that has not reduce the cost of health care in the US, on the international front Liberals will not be happy that the US is still in Afghanistan and Iraq and that Obama has started another War in Libya. But its early folks, there might be other Republican Candidates, but so far the Republican to beat is Governor Romney.

My Thirty Years Backstairs of the White House by Lillian Rogers Parks

The New York Times: The Obituary of Lillian Rogers Parks from 1997, Mrs Parks worked on the White House domestic staff and become a writer. The reason for the above is that True Movies in the UK has just re- shown the 1979 mini series of My Thirty Years Backstairs of the White House, this was one of the shows that got this blogger interested American politics when young, always been favourite memory for this blogger. Have to admit was tempted not to see it again, memory can play tricks, but folks it was still fantastic, as Mrs Parks Mother, Maggie Rogers started to work in the White House from 1909, but also recorded events it was nice and fascinating guide in to the American Presidency. It a pity that Mr Parks didn’t serve in the Kennedy White House, that would have provided some very interesting backstairs gossip. If you want a foundation in to the American Presidency, the real people and the historical events this is fine show to catch. I think its fair to say the Hoover's don’t come out well, and the Eisenhower’s bit mixed, but you cant have everything. If you get a chance watch the series but recall its one's persons perspective, one can see why Mrs Kennedy made the staff sign a secrecy agreement, just think JFK and you get the idea. But its great asset to history folks.

Blood Feud ? = The Miliband Brothers

Telegraph: Reports that David Miliband has denied that he wants his brother to fail as the new Labour leader, after Ed Miliband beat him for the leadership. One word folks, Rubbish, when your own brother stabs you in the back there has to be pay back, one recalls a story that David Miliband told that he nationalized Ed's train set over one incident, what does he think of his brother who from his perspective stole the job he has always wanted. This is a blood feud that will make the Blair/Brown feud look like fun time.

The Battle for Jisr al-Shughour = Syria

BBC News: Reports from Syrian TV that the Assad Regime is in a battle with rebles in Jisr al-Shughour. As the article notes the Syrian Army has the upper hand with tanks and helicopters, also it seems that the people of Jisr al-Shughour have done a runner to Turkey, thus one can ask is there a battle going on in Jisr al-Shughour or is it PR from the Syrian Regime, to create the impression that its under attack. As no Western News networks are allowed in Syria one has to trust the Western reporters in Turkey to get the real story from the Refugees. The one danger point should it be by accident or plan that Syria attacks the refugees in Turkey. This is an outside chance, as Turkey is part of NATO, thus any attack on Turkey would be an attack on NATO and thus the US. So what can we expect folks, more refugees YES, more pictures of helicopters shooting at Protesters YES, the West doing NOTHING = YES. Poor people of Syria.

Hot Air OUT of the White House = Syria

More feckless grandstanding by the Obama White House, the White House Press Secretary released the following on Syria, “ The United States strongly condemns the Syrian government’s outrageous use of violence across Syria today and particularly in the northwestern region. There must be an immediate end to the brutality and violence. We regret the loss of life and extend our condolences to all those who have suffered. Earlier this week, we urged the Syrian government to exercise maximum restraint and not to respond to its own reported losses through additional civilian casualties. The Syrian government is leading Syria on a dangerous path. For that reason, it is critical that all Syrians remain united, work to prevent sectarian conflict, and pursue their aspirations peacefully. We stand by the Syrian people who have shown their courage in demanding dignity and the transition to democracy that they deserve. Syrian security forces continue to shoot, assault, and arrest demonstrators and political prisoners remain detained. It’s this kind of appalling violence that leads the United States to support a UN Security Council Resolution condemning the Syrian government’s actions and calling for an immediate halt to the violence and abuse of basic human rights. ”. Then what the Syrian rebels must have asked, is the US and the UN going to take action as it did in Libya, no chance folks, Syria position in the Middle East does not allow for any military action, just very hot air from politicians while the Syrian Security Forces shoot from helicopters, thousands or hundred thousands could die and the West will not do a d-m thing about it, its giving false hope to the Syrian rebels, if the West armed the rebels that would be one thing but that does not look likely on the cards, thus many Syrians will die at the hands of their own government.

Obama in Negative Polls

Well folks it’s the end of the week, and President Obama is in negative poll land both in average and likely voters poll. In the latest Gallup Poll, POTUS has a approval rating of 45%, while 46% of average voters disapprove of the job performance of President Obama. When it comes to likely voters, its worse for the Oval, in the Rasmussen Reports Poll Obama has a 53% negative rating, while 47% approve of the job performance of President Obama. Not a good week for the Oval folks.

The Grade on Balls

Guardian: An interesting article in the left wing Guardian on the Balls scandal, the article states the following on Balls “ For all his energy and intelligence, the bullying strain still shines through and it troubles some of Ed Miliband's advisers. ”. If your Ed Miliband you have to ask how much of political liability is Ed Balls, does his history make him past his sell date with Labour and the voter. All this plotting from 2005 brings back all the bad memories of the feud between Blair and Brown, how much they could have achieved if they had worked together, in many respects like LBJ and RFK in the late 1960s. Lets be honest Ed Miliband is looking to get his brother David back in to the Shadow Cabinet, what about sacking Ed Balls.

The Balls List = The Enemies List

Telegraph: Reports that Labour’s Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed Balls drew up a list of those that were seen as a threat to Gordon Brown becoming PM, on that list was Blair’s Chief Spinner Alastair Campbell. Well Richard Nixon has his enemies list, did Balls have his own plumber unit? Well folks you have to have fun with this kind of story, so Labour has two faced laying Shadow Chancellor, not new then folks. It will be interesting to see the polls in the next few days, lets see if this story has any legs outside elite of London politics. One thing New Labour never stops giving when it comes to the black arts.

Jisr al-Shoehorn = Assad Attaks

BBC News: Reports that Security Forces loyal to the Assad Regime have started to attack the town of Jisr al-Shughour. One can postulate that the Assad Regime is on the way out, but the manner of its departure will be long and bloody, there is no way the UN will pass a tough resolution as it did with Libya, the Syrians have a close ally in Russia, thus its up to the Syrian people to achieve freedom, the people needs the Army to break with the Regime. Although there are reports of Syrian Soldiers refusing to fire, they are sparse, thus it could take time. Also Iran is backing up its important ally in the region, so neither the US, UK or France are going to take action, poor people of Syria.

Brown Camp vs. Balls

Guardian: While the Ed Balls leaked documents are just out the left wing guardian already has a suspect, the article states the following, “.. whether a disgruntled former member of the Brown circle has decided to strike at Balls..” If one was spinning one could almost argue that one would not be that surprised if the leak came from Scotland, o yes Gordon Brown’s local. Lets recall Brown has been thrown under the bus by Miliband and Balls, and lets be honest Brown is not a type to forgive and forget. But that just for discussion, lets see if they track down who leaked the documents. There is 1st time for everything, next would be a leak inquiry, that will make sure that the leak is never found.

Blair vs. Brown - The 2005 Plot

Telegraph: Has exclusive documents that show how the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed Balls and the new Labour Leader Ed Miliband in 2005 plotted to overthrow the then PM Tony Blair. The fact that Brown, Balls, and Miliband had a plot to get rid of Tony Blair is not new, what is new is the documents, since Miliband and Balls now lead Labour they should face some tough questions from the press. Lets be honest Ed Balls has form for these dark political acts, Diane Abbot now a Shadow Minister stated when she was running for the Labour Leadership if Balls in the past had not been up to dirty tricks then it was his EVIL TWIN BROTHER. One can guess that Tony Blair will be laughing at the discomfort this will cause to ex Labour PM Gordon Brown and the tough questions that the Labour leadership will face, if they will stab their own leader in the back what else will they do, with Ed Miliband its easy, he stabbed his own brother in the back, one can assume the Conservative press will not allow the Labour Party to forget their internal Wars. If this is the way they ran the Labour its no surprise that Labour came close to bankrupting the UK.

Obama and the Polls

RealClearPolitics: Has its average of the Presidential Job Approval Polls, the OBL bounce has gone, in its latest average of polls RCP has POTUS on 48% Approval and 46% Disapproval. In other words folks a tie, what is really hurting POTUS is the bad economic every month, as noted of late the unemployment rate has gone up to 9.1%. Also ObamaCare is still loathed by voters, also a recent report has suggested that many Americans who get their cover through work could see that benefit being lost due to the fact that its cheaper for business to pay a penalty to the Government and not give health benefits. When it comes to the debt ceiling the only idea coming from the Oval is to raise taxes, that is really going to get individuals and business to spend. Its still early folks, but if I was VP Biden I would start to look for another job after 2012, one can argue that Obama did the same mistake as Bush 43, while Bush had VP Cheney, Obama has Biden, what is the common thread, simple folks, neither was a political threat to POTUS, they had no political ambitions after finishing a second term. President Reagan took a risk and placed Bush 41 on his ticket, Bush 41 had ambitions to be President in his own right, thus saw the context of a 2nd term in pure politics, in other words if you want to be the successor to the boss you will make dam sure on the whole that there are no banana skins on the road, policy or scandal wise. Yes folks Bush 41 had to deal with Iran - Contra, he was not in the loop, while Gore was highly critical of Clinton and his affair. Thus Bush 41 won in 1988 due to in many respect the support of Ronald Reagan, it was seen as Reagan’s third term, while Gore came close but he didn’t use Clinton on the Campaign trail, if he had he just might have won. Thus expect Obama to have a new VP pick in 2012, perhaps Secretary Clinton.

Weiner Scandal

CNN: Reports that Democratic House member Anthony Weiner has stated he will not resign because his pregnant wife wants him to say in Congress. How low can you get in politics, using your pregnant wife as political cover for your creepy actions, Weiner has no shame, but typical of a Liberal, liberals don’t have the concept of shame, the House of Representatives should throw Weiner out on his backside, that’s only thing that has not been shown on the internet. Shame on you Congressman or Cadman more likely.

President Blair of the EU ?

Guardian: Has an interesting article by a Shadow Minister Diane Abbot on former Labour PM Tony Blair’s idea that the EU should have an elected President, this is a great line from the article, “ A cold shiver must have passed down many a spine this morning……for the sake of the sustainability of the European Union, Blair must forgo his dreams. ”. Thus one would expect that Labour under Ed Mililband would support the idea of Tony Blair as President of the EU, that’s way Blair’s comments have been taken, but no Ms Abbot it can be argued is talking for most of the Labour Party, and lets be honest, most of the UK. If Blair become President it would send Gordon Brown round the twist, okay not a bad idea then, the Lib Dems would have a nervous breakdown, okay still not a bad idea, but lets get back to reality, after Iraq Mr Blair does not have that many political friends who support him as President. Also it would take a UK referendum for there to be an elected President, can you see Ed Miliband who has thrown New Labour under the bus really going and campaign for Blair to become President, the Guardian would need Prozac and a lot of it, okay still not a bad idea. Blair for President, you never know with Blair but not in the near future folks.

Syrian and Turkish Border

Telegraph: Reports that over a thousand Syrian Refugees have crossed the border between Syria and Turkey as to escape the expected Syrian military assault on Syrian rebels in the town of Jisr al-Shughur. The UK and France have stated that they want a UN Resolution that is critical of Syria, but form the latest newswires it seems that Syria’s Russian Ally will veto any such resolution. Thus what can the UK, France and the US do about Syria, the answer is not a lot folks, the Syrian Regime has used the border between Syria and Israel as a flash point to divert attention from its suppression of its own people, thus if the West raises the pressure on Damascus the Syrians can send thousand even hundred of thousands to the border with Israel and cause havoc. What if hundred of thousand walk and try to cross the border with Israel and they don’t have any weapons, how much force would Israel use to keep its Sovereignty. Thus as always the Middle East is cauldron of fire that can splash when least expected and the victim might be the wrong people.

NATO escalates Libya Strikes

The New York Times: Reports that NATO dropped around sixty bombs on the Libyan Capital Tripoli on Tuesday. Lets be honest here folks, the objectives of the NATO allies has gone well beyond the UN Security Council Resolution 1973 of protecting the people of Libya. The Allies have to much political capital on the line, Obama is getting pressure for breaking the War Powers Resolution Act, France has a vote in its Parliament shortly to keep France in the War, the Labour Party is getting nervous about the War. Thus Obama, Cameron etc need a quick victory, either Gaddafi out or dead, dead being the better option, a Colonel Gaddafi on the lose would be a threat to the new Government of Libya. Thus expect bigger bombing folks, there can only be one result, NATO can not afford to lose.

Romney vs. Obama = 2012

Guardian: Reports on a Washington Post/ABC News poll that has Governor Romney on 49% while President Obama is on 46%. Not quite the time for Republicans to have a Party, this is a snapshot of the mood of the electorate just after the US unemployment rate went up to 9.1. POTUS might try to keep his base happy and get independent voters back by getting out of Afghanistan faster than the 2014 timetable. This blog has been has always been wary of the War in Afghanistan, but lets hope POTUS does not put party politics ahead of national security. After the death of OBL the political aides within the White House see a Exit route out of Afghanistan, but Afghanistan is not the PRIZE, the prize is a stable Pakistan. If the Pakistan Taliban can use bases within Afghanistan after the West has left it could undermine the security of the Government of Pakistan, and lets recall Pakistan is nuclear armed. Lets hope Obama puts military strategy ahead of his re-election, otherwise a sharp withdrawal of troops will be used by the Afghan Taliban as a PR victory, this would undermine NATO in Afghanistan and could set back the 2014 leaving date.

The FATE of Jisr al-Shoehorn = Syria

Telegraph: Reports that the Syrian Army is expected to attack rebels in the Syrian town of Jisr al-Shughour, a massacre is expected by the town’s people. With the death of around 120 of the Assad Security Forces this could be the tipping point folks, the Assad Regime has tried to divert attention by pushing Syrian Palestinian supporters to threaten the border between Israel and Syria on the Golan Heights. But this cheap PR stunt will not cover the fact that the Assad Regime is killing its own people, and what is sad about the case is that the West will not do d-m thing about the upcoming deaths, just hot air and sanctions. The Assad Regime is EVIL, the good people of Syrian deserve more, if they want freedom they will have to fight for it, it wont be given, the Assad Regime from its own point of view has only choice, that is mass killing, otherwise the Regime will suffer the same fate of the old leaders of Egypt and Tunisia and now Yemen. The World is harsh folks, and bloody, that is the cost of freedom.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the second Soldier to be killed on Sunday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Rifleman Martin Jon Lamb from 1st Battalion The Rifles ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Rifleman Lamb.

51% Disapproval for POTUS

Rasmussen Reports: Has it latest daily tracking poll of likely voters, in this poll POTUS has a 51% Disapproval rating, while 48% Approve of the job performance of President Obama. The Approval at 48% is interesting, in Gallup in its latest poll of average voters, the President is on 47% Approval. Thus it can be argued that Obama is around 47% Approval overall, its not great but it could be worse with a 9.1% unemployment rate. The bounce from the killing of OBL has gone away, there is still some residue thus the fact that POTUS is over 45%. The Obama Chicago re-election committee must hope that the rate does not go to 10% unemployment. In a recent New York Times article; link on this blog; the aides close to the re-election committee stated that they will argue that the voters should not switch horses midstream, that’s a hard argument with the bad stats out from the US economy. But folks it’s a long road, and so far the Republicans don’t have a STAR.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of one of the two UK Soldiers killed on Sunday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lance Corporal Martin Joseph Gill, from Kilo Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines ”. Our thoughts are with the family of LCpl Gill.

Winter of Discontent Part Two ?

Telegraph: Reports that the Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable has warned unions that they could face tough new strike laws should strikes become a threat to the UK economy. The Conservatives know what happens if you let the Unions get out of control, in the late 1970s the Labour Government faced a winter of discontent, people that had died could not get buried. The Thatcher Governments bought in tougher new Unions laws, these laws broke the power of the unions, thus the Coalition has to two historical case studies, Labour in the 70’s and the Conservative Governments of the 80’s and 90’s. The Unions have been warned, if they become a threat to the UK economy then public sector unions should be banned from striking under heavy legal sanctions or heavily restricted in then nature of strikes, if push comes to shove, the Coalition should be more Thatcher than Thatcher, leadership respected, might not be liked but it is feared, thus the Unions has been warned.

Coalition Economic Policy = IMF Approval

BBC News: Reports that the International Monetary Fund has given the thumps UP to the cuts policy of the Coalition Government. This news will not do any favours for “ Red ” Ed Miliband, lets be honest here, the Labour Party needs for the economy to fail if it to have any chance of winning the 2015 election, the more it is seen as out of touch the more that Miliband Junior will look like IDS the former Conservative leader who was dumped by his own Party as not being able to win a General Election. The real worry for Ed Miliband is what is Ed Balls the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer up to, does really want Ed Miliband to be successful or does he want to give the appearance of being loyal but when the chips are down will he stab “ Red ” Ed in back, stabbing people in the back is a profile both shared by Ed Balls and Ed Miliband, it would be ironic if Ed was taken down as he took his brother down.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that another UK Soldier was killed on Sunday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 1st Battalion The Rifles ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 371 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 327 in combat and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

The Obama Strategy in 2012

The New York Times: Reports that due the dire economics in the US the Obama Chicago re-elect committee will run on not changing horses midstream. If this is not political spin then Obama is in real trouble, if that is the best his Chicago operation can come up with he needs new people. You cant go from positive in 2008 to life is crap but it will be crapper under a different guy. If unemployment is not well below 8.5% by mid 2012 then Obama should start to apply to become a law professor, because he is going to lose big time. What could really finish Obama in 2012 is if the economy turns around and those people that are unemployed return to actively seeking work, the rate of unemployment could go up to 10%. Also you have those on part time jobs or jobs that are well below their qualifications, that would put the unemployment rate at around 16%. Lets hope the horse arguments was spin for the Liberal New York Times, because if its true the game is over, and the Republicans will back in the Oval.

Saleh of Yemen in Saudi Arabia

Telegraph: Reports that President Saleh of Yemen has arrived in Saudi Arabia for treatment. This could be a way of solving some of the troubling aspects of the conflict in Yemen, if Saleh was to resign due to ill health after the recent attack, the US and Saudi Arabia could try and get a stable and western supporting regime in Yemen. As noted in previous post on Yemen, it does not have any oil but its importance comes from its strategic importance at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. The West needs a semi stable regime that is Western looking, what it does not need is for Al Qaeda to grow in influence or for an extreme Islamic Government to take over with sympathy for Al Qaeda. Lets see if Saleh returns to Yemen, this blog would very surprised.

Syrian Diversion = Attacks on Israeli Border

BBC News: Reports that Israel has fired on Syrian Palestinian protesters as they try to march on Israeli held Golan Heights. One does not need a degree in international politics to see this protests as PR diversion by the Syrian Government, the elite Western Media will lap this story up folks. It is Israel as the bad actor in this context, but lets call a spade a spade, this protest is just a diversion as to get the press of the back of the Syrian Government, the Assad Regime is killing its own people, it has taken down the Internet, thus its buying time by turning the heat up on Israel, it is such an old trick, one should be almost ashamed to use it as a PR weapon, so much a trick but the elite Western media will run the story, any chance to slap Israel around, they are happy.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a Royal Marine has been shot and killed in Afghanistan, the Marine was from “ 42 Commando Royal Marines ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 370 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 326 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

A Good Man Goes To War - Doctor Who Review- Spoiler Alert

The Doctor Who News Page: Reports that in the overnight ratings the good Doctor had 5.5 million viewers and was the top BBC programme of the day. It should be noted that the figures should go up when you take in to account those that recorded the programme. As to A Good Man Goes To War, what a great mid season break episode, the Doctor went all Dirty Dozen, and even then he managed in way not to win, who would have thought that the baby was a double for the real baby, but of course you have to follow the Doctor in detail, at the start of the season the child was shown to be a Time Lady or is that Time Lord and had regenerated. Amy had the shock of her lives to find that River was her daughter, but since River is human Time Lady which Regeneration is River, are there 13 Rivers running around the place!! Rory the Roman will be wanting words with the Doctor, kissing River, are his intentions honourable!! Also you have both Amy and River in many ways in Love with the same man. If one is reading the clues then River will be the next companion of the Doctor, so does Amy never get her child back, does Doctor tell Amy and Rory that River is dead in their future!! Who is the eye patch lady, how come Captain Jack was not dragged back in to the War. Also when Amy asked the Doctor if he had children or ever had, he lied, he told Rose he was a parent, why did he lie, he never lied to Rose. So many questions, cant wait for second half of the season.