Spanish Pain - Eurozone Crisis

Guardian: Reports on the Austerity plan of Spanish PM Rajoy, the PM will deliver the articles notes, “ ..one of the harshest budgets ever seen in Europe ”. The liberal left, this includes the Guardian, NYT and the BBC, don’t get one simple fact, from their LIBERAL and LEFT towers they only see what they want to see, the social contract of the welfare state from 1945 is over, at its core people are living longer, all the welfare benefits from 1945 can either be upheld by high tax rates, thus no business expansion or welfare has to be reformed, this goes for the NHS is the UK also, some services will have to paid for, the UK voter wants the welfare but does not want give 90% of his or her salary to the Government. Thus something has to give, and its welfare folks, when real harsh reforms happens in the EU, a lot of people are going to get hurt, but there is no other way, people wont accept moderate reform NOW, thus when the harsh reforms comes there is nothing they can say, its will be to late by then folks.

Spanish General Strike

Telegraph Live - Spain: Reports that the new Spanish Government will have to find savings of 55 billion Euros. Thus folks the Spanish people are going to get hit big time, this why the Unions are on strike, the employment reforms of the new Government is needed to get Spain going, this always hit’s the public sector, thus the present General Strike. The welfare state of Europe is heading for the bin folks, it can last without massive tax hikes, the people want the welfare state but they don’t want pay for it, a perfect storm, and there is no Prozac for the depression.

3rd Day of ObamaCare before the Supremes

Here it is folks, the final transcript of the hearing in to ObamaCare by the US Supreme Court. Read the last two to see if you can read the mind of the US Supreme Court.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the two UK Servicemen that were killed in Afghanistan on Monday, they were “ Sergeant Luke Taylor, of the Royal Marines, and Lance Corporal Michael Foley, of the Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Support) ”. Our thoughts are with the families of Sergeant Taylor and Lance Corporal Foley.

“ Hanoi ” Jane Fond as Nancy Reagan ?

Daily Mail: Reports that Jane Fond, the very LIBERAL actress is up for the role of former First Lady Nancy Reagan. This is appalling stunt casting folks, the fans of Nancy Reagan and the late President should make sure that Hollywood gets the message that WE Reagan supporters could care less who they get to play the Kennedys or how they trash them, but not Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Lets recall folks that former First Lady Nancy Reagan is still alive, one doubts that the film will be as great as the recent Iron Lady, what ever ones views on the decline years one has to say it was a great film, a great performance by the Oscar winning actress. One can see Nancy Reagan MIGHT be happy that a Hollywood Star is playing her, but it’s the Liberal, anti Vietnam War Jane Fonda, there are limits, lets hope this idea is dropped. If you’re an actor or actress don’t expect a get out of jail car if you allow politics to get in the way of your art, its one or other, even the great Ronald Reagan made a choice, he didn’t to badly did he, Governor of California for eight years and later President for eight years, and considered the most influential President in half a Century by a recent Gallup Poll.

“ Red ” Ed Miliband and the Unions

Guardian: Reports that Conservative Ministers are placing pressure on the Labour Leader Ed Miliband to come out against the tanker strike, the article notes the following by the Conservatives on Mr Miliband, “ …saying that Unite, the union behind the moves, was Miliband's paymaster. ”. That’s the problem faced by Mr Miliband, he is only Labour Leader due to Union support, also the Labour Party would be broke without money from the Unions. After the negative reaction to the Budget, the granny tax, and donors the Labour Party was starting to get traction in the Polls, if the Unions go on strike it will hurt Labour, and gain support for the Coalition. That’s how fast luck can change in politics folks.

Fill your Car - PM

BBC News: Reports that the UK Coalition PM David Cameron has warned drivers to be ready for a oil tanker strike by filling their cars, other suggestions have been that drivers should have a back up supply in the garage. This is the time for PM Cameron to show his tough side, he should be like Ronald Reagan, when President Reagan was faced by a strike by Air Traffic Controllers he fired them, this was a lesson for the Unions and for the outside world, don’t mess with this President. Thus time for the Coalition to show its backbone and tell the left wing Unions to drop off a cliff and take their support to the Labour Party with them, stand firm PM.

Individual Mandate and the US Citizen

Guardian: Reports the following on Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Kennedy, “ two supreme court justices thought likely to cast the deciding votes,….appeared deeply sceptical .. ”. It should be noted that Justice Kennedy was appointed by President Reagan and Chief Justice Roberts by Bush 43. The Democrats and the Republicans will be on tender hooks to see which way the Court goes, its to early yet folks to make a prediction, lets see what tomorrow brings, can the indicial mandate be separated from the rest of ObamaCare.
　

Is ObamaCare in Danger ? - US Supreme Court

Telegraph: Reports that the legal commentators in the US think that ObamaCare could be trouble due to the negative views of the 5 Conservative appointed Justices when it comes to ObamaCare. Lets not jump the gun here folks, the Justices might be asking these tough questions as to gain answers that will allow them to pass ObamaCare. On the other hand ObamaCare just might be a dodo. This importance of this case ranks with Bush vs. Gore, it could decide the future of the US health system and the Obama Presidency.

Individual Mandate and ObamaCare

BBC News: Reports that the Conservative appointed Justices seems sceptical of the Individual Mandate, in essence if your are born in the US you have to buy private insurance. It can be postulated that the Court might revoke the Individual Mandate but keep the rest of ObamaCare. The problem with that is that the mandate funds the other part of the Act. On the last day the Court will look if these two aspects can be separated. In pure political terms, in Chicago terms it might be good for the Oval if the Court does strike down ObamaCare, then the issue is off the table, if not it become the central issue of 2012 the race. This blog has some late night reading to see if it can read the mind of the Justices.

ObamaCare on Trial - 2nd Day ( PDF File )

It’s the second day of the US Supreme Court hearings in to ObamaCare. Read the Transcript folks. Today the Supremes looked at the Individual mandate. See if you can read the mind of the Supremes via the Transcript. It is a PDF file and 133 Pages.

Obama’s Yo Blair MOMENT

Guardian: Reports that President Obama has been caught out in a unguarded moment due to microphone telling the Russians to give him space over missile defence due to it being a election year in the US, the article notes the following, “ …and claiming he could be more flexible after the November general election. ”. The Republicans are going to use this in their attack commercials when it comes to national security, they are going to make POTUS pay for this remark, any time he states policy they will ask will he be more left wing after getting re-elected, can he trusted not to sell out Israel in a second term. The one thing that can take President Obama down is his own ego, that would be fun folks, o yes!!

UK Deaths in Afghanistan

Telegraph: Reports that the Two UK Servicemen that were killed today in Afghanistan were killed by a rogue Afghan Officer. From the article it can be postulated that the Afghan Officer, Lt Gul Nazir took a request to wait outside the UK base as a personal slight, the Afghan are very touchy when it comes to things like that, or of course he was set up by the Taliban, the MOD will review the case to find the actual reason for the shooting if possible. If the UK cant trust its suppose allies in the Afghan Army what is the point of waiting in till 2014 to get out, lets get out now, and save some UK lives.

1st Day US Supreme Court and ObamaCare

Read the Transcript of the 1st day of the US Supreme Courts review of ObamaCare. You will need a PDF reader folks, also its 92 pages.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that Two UK Soldiers were killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were from the “ Royal Marines and….the Adjutant General's Corps (Staff & Personnel Support) ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 407 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total 367 have died in combat/hostile action, and 40 have died due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Santorum WINS Louisiana - 2012 Republican Race

CNN Politics: Reports that Senator Rick Santorum has won the Primary in the Southern State of Louisiana, the Senator beat Romney by 49% to 27% . This race is over folks, the Republican Nominee will be Governor Romney, it can be argued that he might not have all the delegates he needs by the Republican Convention, this is why they have backroom deals, thus either way Romney is the Republican Nominee. This blog did think that ex Senator Santorum wanted the VP spot, but since he is still in the race this is not going to happen, the Romney Campaign wants this race finished, they want to start their Campaign against President Obama, they cant as long as Santorum is still biting at the ankles of Romney. Thus one can expect if Romney is a few delegates short for Congressman Paul to allow some of his delegates to put Romney over the top, in return he get a prime time TV address, also his son Senator Paul will bet some bonus points within the Republican Party if he ever runs for the Presidency.

ObamaCare and the US Supreme Court

The New York Times: Reports on the pressures the US Supreme Court Justices will face when they have three days of argument over ObamaCare. It can be postulated that this case ranks with Bush vs. Gore in 2000 in importance, in that decision the Court gave the Presidency to Bush 43, this case will define the health structure of the US for years. As to if the Court will strike down or uphold ObamaCare that is down to 9 men and women on the Court. It can be argued that they will uphold the law but strike down the individual mandate, pleasing no one, as the mandate supports the rest of the law. Thus the issue would be kicked back in to the political process. Watch the fun and games over the next few days outside the US Supreme Court folks, and that will just be the news networks and their lawyers trying to read the words of the Court, the Court had denied TV access, just audio. Does a pause mean YES or NO.

Obama and North Korea

Guardian: Reports that President Obama has stated that North Korea faces “ ..international isolation. ” if it launches its rocket in April. This blog was not aware that that North Korea was Las Vegas and would be hurt by international isolation, North Korea is the most friendless State on earth at the present, even China its nominal ally cant do much with the Stalinist Regime, the leadership of North Korea is an abstract in a enigma, they need the international isolation to keep power, it’s a good PR tool for them. This is why they are not frightened of Obama, they know he does not have the spine to do anything, he will buckle and give them the food they want, he cant not afford in a election year for the North to invade the South, that simple and brutal folks, Obama does not have a choice, he will appease North Korea.

What IF, No Thatcher Era ?

Sunday Telegraph: Reports that Lady Thatcher told a fellow Conservative, that if she had the chance to relive her life, she would not have gone in politics. Thank God for Lady Thatcher, see inherited the UK as the sick man of Europe and left it strong, a close ally of the US, richer, and the Unions under control and saw the demise of the Cold War. As with President Reagan, Lady Thatcher had family problems, but there is cost to all great things, the World is a better place for having Reagan in the US and Thatcher in the UK at a time of change.

Warning to North Korea - POTUS

BBC News: Reports that President Obama has warned North Korea that it could face further sanction should it launch its long range missile in April. It can be postulated that North Korea will not take a blind bit of notice of President Obama, they know one thing, they have the bomb and the US will have to give them food supplies sooner or later. All North Korea has to do is threaten South Korea, and the Obama will fold, the enemies of the US have Obama’s number, and that is weakness folks, he leads from behind as his White House stated over Libya.

Mad Men Season 5 - NYT Review

The New York Times: Reviews the return of Mad Men Season 5, the article notes the following on the new episodes of Mad Men, “ The two-hour premiere feels long and is a little dreary, repeating many of the same themes that were so new and unexpected when the series first began. ” There are spoilers folks, so up to you if your read in the UK. As to the article, it has a point about social issues, but that does not mean that it should do a hit job on the show, shame on the extreme liberal NYT. If your guy you want to be Don Draper, in the case of this blog it has to be Roger Sterling, what a man, funny, his liver must be a marvel and the women love him, what more can a man ask for, not lot.

Afghan Massacre - US Trial Process

BBC News: Reports that Staff Sgt Robert Bales will face 17 murder counts for the recent Afghan Massacre. Lets be honest here folks, this could take years, in fact it will take years, look at how long the trial process has taken for the 9/11 mastermind KSM, what do you think the Americans are going to do with one of their own. By the time the trial starts, and the process takes place the US could have withdrawn and invaded Afghanistan again, also lets be very direct here, how in the hell is the Staff Sgt Bales going to get a fair trial, one can guess that his defence will use the insanity plea, it would be a good move, thus more time. The Afghans are not going to happy folks, this might lead be more NATO Soldiers losing their lives. This Afghan War is a nightmare of a War folks, and that is being diplomatic.

John Edwards Scandal

Daily Mail: Reports that an female prostitute has claimed she slept with the former Senator and former Vice - Presidential Nominee John Edwards in 2007. The scandals pile on John Edwards, and you know what folks, he deserves everything he gets, he was playing about while his then great wife had a terminal illness, yes folks he is that much of a heel. In 2004 he was the Democratic Vice - Presidential Nominee with Senator Kerry leading the ticket, think of the security of implications if this man had gotten elected and done a JFK, playing about, it would have driven the Secret Service barmy, another one, what is it with Democrats, cant they keep their shipper close. Lets hope they throw this low life in to jail and throw away the key. This is a harsh post folks, but then a man like Edwards should get no pity.

The LEFT and IRAN

Guardian: Reports on the developing crisis with Iran over its nuclear ambitions, the article notes that Iran could be another Iraq, in other words bad intelligence, the article states the following by critics of the UN’s IAEA, “ ..has been accused by several former senior officials of pro-western bias, over-reliance on unverified intelligence and of sidelining sceptics. ”. Thus folks expect over the next few months more these critical articles in the left wing Guardian and the US NYT. The Left is gun shy after Iraq, the failure of intelligence over WMD’s willl cause the left to never accept the need for military action against Iran. Also with the US Presidential Election this year the left will aim to place pressure on the Oval to stall Israel or to be critical of any strike by Iran. The UK Times reported that the Israeli Government had agreed to wait in till September before taking any action, thus critical months ahead folks. The Clock is ticking folks.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that was killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Captain Rupert William Michael Bowers, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Captain Bowers.

UK Budget and Fuel Costs

Daily Mail: Reports that a 3p raise in petrol prices will go ahead from August. This was a mistake by the Coalition Government, how many of them drive, how many of them live in rural areas or have a disability that means that they need a car. Also lets be honest here folks, the politics is BAD, it’s the one thing that drives the UK Voter and driver bonkers. The cost hits all aspects of society from the family to business, in some areas of rural Wales the petrol price is already £1.41, lets recall the political problems this caused for Tony Blair even in his day. Thus folks one can see the Coalition doing a U - TURN over this in August, the costs are just to high, and if Israel hits Iran, the price of OIL will go through the roof. This aspect of the 2012 Budget was a own goal by the Coalition.
　

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was killed by an IED, the Soldier was from the “ 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (2 MERCIAN) ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 405 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 365 in combat action and 40 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Chancellor's Speech in FULL - Text

Guardian: Read the full Budget Speech by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. Click HERE. Make up your own minds folks. A wasted brain is a crime.

Tax Free Allowance - Benefit

Telegraph: Reports that the tax free allowance is to raise to 9,205, this means that people have to reach this level before they pay tax, this will benefit from the report twenty four million people. This is a good news day for the Liberal Democrats, this is one of their main polices, the aim is to get the level to ten thousand, it should reach that by the end of the Parliament. Lets see the Labour Party attack this policy. In his response the Labour Leader Ed Miliband went for the class warfare attack, thus the scrapping of the 50p rate, he is following the Obama play book, difference Obama has an election in 2012, Mr Milliband has to wait in till 2015, events, events can change the political ground, what might work now might not work in a few years time.

50p Tax Rate - Scrapped

BBC News: Reports that the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has scrapped the high rate tax rate of 50p, the new rate will be 45p in the pound from 2013. This is good news from the Coalition Government, the 50p rate showed that the UK was not interested in business expansion. The Conservatives managed to get this through the Coalition by only taxing people if they start to earn more that nine thousand a year, the Liberal Democrats target is ten thousand pounds a year. Also to put the Labour Party on the back foot the Chancellor announced that that properties that cost millions will get taxed more, thus keeping the Liberal Democrats happy. As with all Budgets its in the details folks, lets see what comes out over the next few days, the budgets of Gordon Brown looked good at first, but less so after the experts had a look at the details published by the UK Treasury.

VUK2006 New Format

Folks what do you think of the new page, like it, hate it, indifferent it’s the content that counts, let me know folks. It seems even this not so humble blogger has to move with the times, the old classic template didn’t allow for the extras on this page, hope you enjoy the new version, it took hours to get right.

Israel vs. Iran - US War Game

The New York Times: Reports that a US War game on the consequences on a Israeli strike on Iran has predicted a regional war with US losses should Israel strike Iran. Of course the liberal NYT does not want Oval to support Israel, thus the leaking of this classified reports is of no great surprise in itself. If your Israel your thinking, right does the Obama’s word mean anything when it comes to the security of Israel, and will he really not allow Iran to become a nuclear armed power. Also after Afghanistan and Iraq the US Military might be getting cold feet about another War, thus this leak. This kind of damaging release could make Israel take action, as it shows at the end of the day you might not be able to trust the Oval with Obama or the US military.

Conservative Lead - New Guardian/ICM Poll

Guardian: Reports that the Conservative Party under PM David Cameron, leads Labour under Ed Miliband by 39% to 36%. This shows folks how much a failure Ed Miliband is as Labour Leader, the public have made their minds up, they are not going to make “ Red ” Ed Miliband the next PM. Its first impression folks, it is said a woman will make up her mind if she going to sleep with a man within 30 seconds, the UK voter has taken 10 seconds to say a BIG NO to Ed Miliband. The problem with Ed Miliband and the one he cant see is the fact that the public will never trust a man who stabbed his own brother in the back, the UK voter is very fair in a odd way, if a man will do that to his brother, what will he do to the voter under a his own illusion of being right. Thus the Conservative Party must pray day and night that Ed Miliband stays as Labour Leader, in 2015 the Conservative Party will gain an overall majority.

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Murder of the Innocent - Jewish School

Telegraph: Reports on the murders of a father and his two children and another student at a Jewish School in Toulouse. One could postulate and its only a theory folks, that this has Tehran behind it, its a Jewish School, and the attacks by a attacker on as scooter does have a similar ring to the attacks on Tehran Regime Nuclear scientists in Iran. This could bloody revenge by Iran folks, but lets not jump to any decisions in till we have more evidence, it could be a lone nut or nuts, lets see the trail folks.

Syria Latest

BBC News: Reports on a fire fight in Damascus, the Capital of Syria. Thus folks the low level civil war goes on, thousands have been killed and many more will die, and what does the West do, NOTHING, it cant, Syria is not Libya, its has better defences, it has bigger protectors in the shape of Russia and China, the Russians since the old USSR days have been sending military equipment to Syria. The Syrians allow the Russians to have their only warm water Naval base. The Tehran Regime in Iran needs the Assad Regime in place, it allows it to take the fight to Israel at its own choosing. Thus this WAR will go on folks, the only people who can win it are the rebel Syrians, but as the NYT pointed out the rebels are split, there is no over all control, thus the low level violence could go on for years, the Assad Regime is not going to fall soon.

50% Job Disapproval for Obama - Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its daily tracking poll on the job approval for POTUS, today President Obama has a 43% Approval rating, while 50% of Americans Disapprove of the Obama record. Thus folks its down to the price of gas and the troubling developments in Afghanistan, its turning in to Vietnam, the growing tensions with Iran, but on the positive side, you have more Americans getting jobs, the US economy is growing, Wall Street has the big MO. The Republicans are in long term civil war for the nomination, thus in pure political terms it still looks good for POTUS.

Did Castor KNOW? JFK and Dallas

Sunday Mail: Reports that Cuban leader Fidel Castro was aware that President Kennedy was going to be killed in Dallas, Texas in 1963. The source a Cuban Intelligence Officer was told by Castor to listen to news from Texas on the day of the killing, the Officer later defected to the US. Does this blog think its TRUE, its hard to say folks, the Kennedy Assassination has so many connections, it was Oswald working for the Mob, the Russians, the Cubans, the CIA, etc, take your pick. At the end of the after looking at the various theories, this blog has come down to one, Oswald was the shooter, he was a nut, as to connections, there might have been very lose connections to either the Mob or Cuba, but its like looking through at a cracked and murky glass folks, you see links were you want, its always 22 November 1963 in Dallas, Texas.

Lib Dems and 50p Tax Rate

Guardian: Reports on the unrest within the Lib Dems over plans by the Coalition Government to scarp the 50p tax rate, the article states the following on the Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg, “ …MPs, peers and grassroots activists accuse him of caving in to the Tories and failing to stand up for low earners. ”. This is typical of the left wing Liberal Democrats, they have never really accepted the Coalition Government, they don’t live in the real world of politics, Mr Clegg should roll over them, tell them to join the Labour Party if they are so opposed to these reforms. It can be argued that Mr Clegg is trying to make the Liberal Democrats a real political party for the future, he should tell these sandal wearing, long, hair, pot growing left wingers to take a running jump over the next cliff and SHUT UP.

North Korea and its Rocket Launch

Telegraph: Reports that Stalinist North Korean Regime has stated it will carry on with its planed long range missile test. Thus folks we see if it needed to be seen that the North Korean can not be trusted, they are playing games, they know that the US and the UN can not take action, lets be CLEAR, North Korea is nuclear armed power, it cant be touched, the US will have to give it food, it can not take the chance that North Korea might try some military action with its neighbour South Korea. Lets be brutal folks, North Korea has the US and the UN by the balls, just depends how tight they hold them, what if this was Iran folks, yes think about that, this could be worse.

What will be the fate of Staff Sgt Robert Bales ? - Afghan Massacre

BBC News: Report that the US Soldier that allegedly killed 16 Afghans, men, women and children has been named as Staff Sgt Robert Bales. It seems the Staff Sgt Bales is a Iraq veteran who was injured in Iraq, and saw a friend lose his leg in Afghanistan, thus you can see the defence argument, that he was not sane at the time of the killings, that his tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan had sent him over the edge. This might be true folks and one can understand the argument, but this War, understanding can not be allowed to affect swift justice, the Soldier needs a quick Trial, to be found sane and face the death penalty, this just might prevent further deaths of NATO forces in Afghanistan. This might sound harsh folks, but it’s the truth.

49% Job Disapproval for Obama - Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its daily job approval poll for President Obama, today President Obama has 45% Approval rating, while 49% of Americans Disapprove of the Obama record. Its down to one issue folks, the US voter is hurting in the wallet or purse due to the high price of oil. The Oval if it wants to get re-elected, will have to over the next few months reduce the price of gas or else face being Jimmy Carter Mark 11. That simple and brutal folks.

50p to 40p Tax Rate - Coalition Government

Guardian: Reports that the Coalition Government is poised to cut the high rate of tax from 50p to 40p, the article notes the following, “ ..dramatic move that will delight business and the Tory right..”. Of course the left wing Guardian hates the idea, they would rather see the UK back to the age when taxes were high and that Unions ran the Country. This was smashed by Lady Thatcher, the liberal left has never gotten over that period. The Western business model only works if people can get rich, there have and always will be poor people, it’s a fact of life. If you don’t see reality you get the USSR or Cuba, even China got that fact, the Government of China keeps political control but allows business to flourish, thus a booming economy. Thus CUT TAXES folks, lets people get stinking rich, that’s the way forward, if you don’t like it move to Cuba or North Korea.

The Coalition Government and 50p Tax Rate

Telegraph: Reports that the Liberal Democrats have dropped their objection to the scrapping of the 50p tax rate for the rich. It is argued in the article the by some Conservatives that it would be a political mistake to scrap this as it would give the Labour Party a opening to attack the Coalition as the Party of the rich, this is an interesting argument if wrong, the Conservative Party if anything is about allowing people to get rich, the Old One Nation Conservative went the way of the dodo in the 1980s. Thus the Conservatives should take this chance, cut tax, show that the UK is open for business, that we want people to get wealthy, thus create jobs, thus more tax revenue. CUT AND CUT FOLKS.

North Korea and the UN

BBC News: Reports that North Korea is to launch a Satellite in to Space via Rocket, this is against a previously passed UN resolution. This shows why the Oval was mistaken to do a deal with North Korea, the North Koreans promised no more long range missiles tests in return for food, and what happens, they lie, the South Koreans and Japan will be on alert. The Oval has to get tough with North Korea, otherwise North Korea will push further, this could lead to a War in the Region by mistake.

What Security ? = Afghanistan

Telegraph: Reports the following on the attempted assassination, an “ Afghan civilian worker stole a truck and evaded a security cordon surrounding the airfield in the middle of the base.. ”. Lets be honest folks the Taliban know who is coming in and out of Afghanistan, the local workers either support the Taliban or fear if they don’t tell the Taliban their families will be target. Thus for VIP visits in the future, all local Afghans should be removed from secure areas, its to much of a target for the Taliban folks. As Afghanistan goes down the toilet expect more incidents, it could get even more nasty folks, this is turning in to the next Vietnam in its own way. Who will be on the last helicopter OUT folks!

Assassination Attempt on US Defence Secretary Panetta ?

BBC News: Reports on a incident on a UK base in Afghanistan, a Plane carrying the US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta had to be diverted after a truck drove on the plane’s runway. Folks Afghanistan is going to hell in hand basket, its getting worse, at a secure base and the US Defence Secretary becomes a target, this level of violence does recall Vietnam. The best and the brightest of various US Administrations failed with Vietnam, who is to say modern politicians will have better luck in Afghanistan, it would be a first folks.

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41% Approval for POTUS - NYT/CBS

The New York Times: Reports on a new NYT/CBS Poll that has President Obama on 41% Approval, while 47% of Americans Disapprove of the Obama record. Yes folks this blog was surprised that the liberal NYT didn’t burry this poll, they covered for Stalin after all. But to be fair the article notes the reason for this major fall, and its major folks, the price the US motorist is paying for gas is going through the roof and on Foreign Policy you have Iran and Afghanistan. That the thing with polls you take what you want, thus kind reader if you’re a Obama fan you read the Gallup Poll, if not read this article, NEVER thought I would say that about the politics of the NYT. Interesting times folks.

49% Job Approval for POTUS - 2012 Race

Gallup: Reports on its daily tracking poll on the job performance of President Obama, today POTUS has a 49% Approval rating, while 43% Disapprove of the Obama record. Thus folks you have to feel confident if your the Obama Chicago Re-Elect Committee, every month of late we have seen hundred of thousands of jobs being created in the US, the economy is growing, Wall Street is on a high, the Republicans seem to be going through an endless civil war, thus it looks good for the Oval.

Ending US/UK Combat Operations - Afghanistan

Guardian: Reports that President Obama and UK PM Cameron will agree on a “ tentative plans for British and US troops to end their "lead combat role" in Afghanistan ” half way through 2013. It is simple folks, the US President and UK PM see the Afghan Cliff and its heading their way, they don’t wan another Vietnam, but their options are limited by the fear that a Afghanistan without Western Forces will return to the Taliban and Al Qaeda, this would be a major threat to Western supporting Pakistan Government. At the end of the day Afghanistan is not the PRIZE, that real prize is a stable Pakistan. Also the US and the UK does not want to leave and find that it has another 9/11 few years down the line. If that happens these leaders will face the harsh judgement of history. Thus folks expect no real exit out of Afghanistan even after 2014, the costs of something going wrong are to high, also 2016 is a US Presidential Election year, politics and war folks, not something any politician really want to deal with in an election.

Afghanistan Exit and Obama - Afghan Front

BBC News: Reports that President Obama has stated that there will be no rush to the EXIT DOOR for Foreign troops after the recent Afghan Massacre by a US Special Forces Soldier. In other words POTUS doses not want to leave Afghanistan and find that the Taliban retake Kabul and support the Taliban of Pakistan against their own Government. If a nuclear armed Pakistan was to fall to the Taliban, a 2nd Obama term would be bloody nightmare, he would have Iran and Pakistan as a threat, the Indians would go bonkers and start a war to prevent the Taliban controlling a nuclear arsenal, the stakes are high when it comes to Afghanistan and Pakistan, perhaps the Obama has finally figured out that he is not the smartest guy in the room when in comes to Foreign Policy, as Vietnam fell LBJ, in way Nixon and Ford, so Afghanistan could become Obama’s Vietnam.

Android Phone

Your humble Correspondent has finally gotten in the 21 Century folks, he has bought a Android Phone. Its fantastic if for the only problem, it makes you feel machine is outgrowing man well this man. As to relax from the NEWS, thought I would play one of the games on the machine already, mistake, when it came to selecting language I clicked Spanish. Thus interesting game came with Spanish Instructions, when I tried to get out of it, thinking that the instructions meant exit they took me to buy more games, well that’s the logical idea, the new window was blank. I could not even play the first game, how would I understand a web site in Spanish trying to get me to buy more games, or more information on the Company. One day folks machines will be telling us what do, lets hope we have had a upgrade to understand a growing language around the world, that being Spanish. This Correspondent tonight is going to see the Iran Lady, then things were so simpler, its very messed up world folks.

The Republican Race

Guardian: Reports that former Senator Rick Santorum won the Kansas caucuses, and is correcting in noting that “ The victory boosts Santorum going into next Tuesday's contests in Mississippi and Alabama. ”. Thus folks this race is OVER, the Republican Nominee will be Governor Mitt Romney, one can postulate that by the Republican Convention Romney will either have gained a majority of the delegates or close enough for his to gain delegates from the other Candidates. Of course he might be forced to place Rick Santorum on the ticket, this would make sure the Social Conservatives will come out to vote in November, but it would give the liberal New York Times a field day, they would pick apart every social issue that Santorum is on the fringe off, it would be a disaster folks. Thus lets hope the Republican voters finish this race fast, otherwise Obama could win by default.

Afghan Massacre - Afghan Front

Telegraph: Reports that a US Special Forces Soldier has killed or wounded up to sixteen Afghans after going on a killing spree. This is not the kind of PR that NATO forces in Afghanistan will need at the moment, the Taliban PR machine will go in to overdrive, the burnings of the Koran and now these deaths or injuries, this is why the US and the UK have to get out of Afghanistan and fast, the decision has already been made, the wait will invite this kind of incident, Soldiers who just lose it, Afghanistan is a nasty War folks, the West play by the rules, while the Taliban/Al Qaeda don’t, that is not to excuse the above incident, but these kind of incidents happened in Vietnam, Soldiers just go berserk after a long tour, losing their fellow Soldiers to IED attacks and also not knowing who the enemy is, time to get out folks, this can only end badly for the West.

Coalition Government and the NHS

BBC News: Reports that Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy PM Nick Clegg has stated that he supports the NHS reform Bill, ever after a Party Conference called for its defeat. At least Mr Clegg is the grown up in the Liberal Democrats, that is the problem when a Political Party has been out of effective power since 1921, they don’t do hard core politics, they jump on any popular policy and don’t take risks, this is risky for Mr Clegg, it could go either way, the Liberal Democrats could suffer at the next election or the voter will start to take the Lib Dems more seriously as a real Political Party, that is the end game that Mr Clegg is looking for after 5 years of Coalition Government.

Greece NOW - Greek Crisis

The New York Times: Reports that the next time Greece has a crunch point it cant strong arm its debt holders, as those debt holders will be the IMF and the EU. Thus folks a real Greek fault has been delayed again because Western politicians don’t want to face the truth that Greece is a basket case, even with the bailout its debt with be between 120% to 129% of GDP. The Greeks will come around again with their begging bowl, but will EU voters allow their politicians to spend their money on another Greek bailout, and Greece will need a bailout folks. This story has not even reached its middle point, expect more social pain in Greece folks, the Greek Government will have to make the Greek people suffer to keep the EU happy, stories like that never end with a happy note folks.

Israel STRIKE on Iran - Ticking Clock

Telegraph: Reports that the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel would not suffer any blowback from the US should Israel strike Iran. This is high stakes poker folks, in a way Israel up to November has the upper hand with President Obama, if they strike between NOW and November the President if he wants to get re -elected will have to come out in support, otherwise the Israeli Lobby will bury his Presidency. After November and should POTUS get re -elected the Israeli lobby wont have the power to damage Obama, he will not be seeking re-election, thus Israel just might strike before November folks.

US Unemployment Rate and Obama

BBC News: Reports that 227,000 jobs were created in February in the US, but the US unemployment rate stayed at 8.3%. This was a good news day for the Obama Re Elect Campaign, they can stress that the Obama Administration is brining the US out of its recession. That’s the good news, the bad news is that people who had given up looking for work due to the lack of jobs will not start to look, this could lead as the Congressional Budget Office has predicted to the rate going back up to 9% or even 9.1% by 2013. Thus it will be interesting to see what impression takes hold with the US Voter, that the POTUS and his policies have worked or that Obama has failed, interesting few months ahead folks.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the six UK Soldiers that were killed yesterday in Afghanistan, they were “ Sergeant Nigel Coupe of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and Corporal Jake Hartley, Private Anthony Frampton, Private Christopher Kershaw, Private Daniel Wade, Private Daniel Wilford, of the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the families of these brave men.

Greek Deal - Greek Crisis

Guardian: Reports the following on the talks between the Greek Government and its bond holders, “ edging towards a deal with its private-sector creditors as the hours ticked away towards Thursday's deadline ”. The tone is lot more supportive folks, this is no great surprise, as the left wing Guardian supports ALL things Euro. It will be interesting to see who is right on Thursday folks, what % of the bondholders will accept the hair cut and will it be enough to prevent Greece from defaulting. As they say in the movies, watch this space folks.
　

Greece Again - Greek Crisis

Telegraph: Reports that only about 40% of Greek bond holders have accepted a hair cut deal, as the article notes this “ tally was still far short of the 95pc needed to avoid being officially declared in default. ”. Even if Greece enforces a write off this will be seen as a default by those that insure the bond holders, in other words folks the watchman is waiting and he has a big knife to place Greece on the chopping block. The Markets fall this week is the market getting ready for a default, lets get it over with folks, its like water torture, but rather than sharp and fast, its slow and grinding and getting one ones nerves.

Government CRACKS in Syria - Syrian Crisis

BBC News: Has BREAKING NEWS, that the Deputy Syrian Oil Minister Abdo Hussameddin has resigned and joined the rebels. Are we starting to see Government insiders looking at the clock and figuring its time to get out, before the Regime falls, could be an important first defection, it will be interesting to find out if the Western Intelligence networks, CIA, MI6 or even the Mossad had some part to play in this resignation. Lets see if others in the Government or the Syria Army also defect, this will be interesting to watch folks.

The Taliban and Iran

BBC News: Reports that first report from the explosion that killed six UK Soldiers yesterday in Afghanistan suggests it was a big Taliban bomb. The question that has to be asked does the Taliban have that capability, or are the being helped by Iran, its not hard to connect the dots, Iran helped the insurgents in Iraq, now with the political and economic pressure on Iran this might be their way of showing how much they can hurt the UK and the US in Afghanistan, make it harder for these two Countries to get out by 2015. If this is Iran expect more such incidents, this could be the start of a nasty trend folks. Lets hope this was a fluke by the Taliban, otherwise this year could very costly folks.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that 6 UK Soldiers have been killed today in Afghanistan, “ 5 of the Soldiers were from the 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment and 1 from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 404 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 364 in combat operations and 40 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Germany and Greece

Telegraph Live - Greece: Reports in its 5.39 posting that the German Chancellor Angela Merkel expects the Greek bond deal hair cut to go well this week. Thus folks we have the two different perspectives on the future of the EU deal, either Greece will shuffle through or Greece is going down the toilet, the Markets have a negative view from the tanking today.

Shares and Greece

BBC News: Reports that US and EU Stock Markets have tanked today due to the worry that not enough Greek bond holders will sign on to the hair cut deal. As noted in previous post it is expected that Athens will enforce such a deal, this could mean that bonds holders could invoke their insurance against such a move, thus Greece would be in default. Lets hope there is no messy deal to prevent this folks, then Greece can default and restart and the EU will know that it will not have to deal with Greece in the Euro. That would be good news folks.

The Left and Iran

Guardian: Has a Editorial on the developing Iranian Crisis, the editorial states the following, “ ..remember that while the IAEA have serious concerns about a possible bomb programme, there is no proof. ”. Thus folks this is the problem that President Obama faces, the left in the US and Europe would do its nut if Obama either green lights an Israeli attack or takes part in such an attack. The negatives effects of Iraq come in to play, the lack of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the failure of intelligence has the left suspect of even the actual truth that Iran wants to become a nuclear armed power and is heading in that direction. Thus should POTUS take military action before the November election expect the US and UK left to highly critical of Obama, the Novel Prize Committee might ask for its prize back, if Obama gets this wrong, he will join this club, Hoover, Carter and Bush 41, modern one term Presidents.

UN’s IAEA and Iran

Telegraph: Reports that the UN nuclear watchdog the IAEA has warned that Iran’s nuclear programme might have a military aspect. The Oval has to be careful that he does not lose Congressional Democrats when it comes to his Iran policy, if Hill Democrats think that Obama is weak on the subject they will throw him under the bus, at the end of the day when it comes to it, Congressional Democrats will support Israel over Obama, if Obama is under the delusion that this wont happen he really needs his own RFK or Nancy Reagan to show him the real world. The Jewish vote is part of the Democratic base, if Israel strikes then Democrats will support Israel, Obama better be on the Israeli train, or he will be stuck in the Windy City of Chicago after serving only one term as POTUS.

Obama and Iran

BBC News: Reports on the meeting between President Obama and Israeli PM Netanyahu, the article notes that POTUS is still stressing diplomacy when it comes to Iran. Thus folks the question that has to be asked, what will be end result, from the tone of the Israeli PM the Oval should not be surprised to get that infamous 3am call that Israel is in the process of striking Iran. Lets be honest here folks, Israel does not trust Obama for a second, all this supportive words NOW are for US political consumption. At the end of the day the security of Israel can not be trusted in the hands of President Obama, harsh but true folks, can you see the Obama Oval really striking Iran, really folks.

Obama and Netanyahu

What do you think folks these two are saying in private to each other. This blog can guess, but does not write bad language.

Israel and the US vs. Iran

Here are some remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel while meeting President Obama. The Topic was Iran: The PM stated the following, “ Americans know that Israel and the United States share common values, that we defend common interests, that we face common enemies. Iran's leaders know that, too. For them, you're the Great Satan, we're the Little Satan….We're together. So if there's one thing that stands out clearly in the Middle East today, it's that Israel and America stand together. ”. The above was the nice words for a Israeli PM to say in the Oval Office, here is not the so nice words, very blunt, “ ..Israel must have the ability always to defend itself by itself against any threat; and that when it comes to Israel's security, Israel has the right, the sovereign right to make its own decisions. I believe that's why you appreciate, Mr. President, that Israel must reserve the right to defend itself. And after all, that's the very purpose of the Jewish state -- to restore to the Jewish people control over our destiny. And that's why my supreme responsibility as Prime Minister of Israel is to ensure that Israel remains the master of its fate. ”. In other words President Obama, get on the train, Israel will do what it needs to do, either on the same page as Israel or Iran, try getting re-elected on that page mate.
　

Super Tuesday VOTERS - Republican Race

Vote Romney

Vote for Romney vs. Obama

Vote for the US

Vote for US Defence and Israel

Vote to END OBAMACARE

VOTE ROMNEY

Ohio - Poll of Polls - RCP

RCP: Reports on its average of the Ohio polls before Super Tuesday, as of now, the candidates have the following support, Santorum 34%, Romney 31.3%, Gingrich 15.7% and Paul 12%. Santorum leads Romney by 2.7%. It has been noted that Romney after winning Arizona and Michigan has surged in the Ohio polls, thus a 2.7% lead by Santorum is nothing if Romney has a good ground game in Ohio, if Romney can take Ohio another rust belt State like Michigan this will make Romney the presumptive Republican Nominee, the difference this time between Ohio and Michigan is while Romney was born in Michigan and his father was a State Governor there, that is not the case with Ohio. Thus if Romney takes Ohio it will show that his economic argument is working, that he as a former business man can bring jobs back to these old Industrial States. If on the other hand Santorum wins, this means a long race and a great chance of a Obama victory in November.

Obama and the Israeli Lobby

The Hill: Reports that President Obama is to use a speech at a Israeli pressure group to keep Jewish voters in the forthcoming November election. The question Jewish voters and friends of Israel have to ask is can they TRUST Obama to keep his word, can they see him giving the green light to Israel and the US Military to attack Iran. It is a simple question folks, look at the Obama record when it comes to Foreign Policy, ask Poland and the Czech Republic if Obama can be trusted not to sell you out, and for nothing in the end, the only President in US history to get the Nobel Prize for doing nothing, can he really start another War after leading from behind in Libya. This is the President that has walked out of Iraq and wants out of Afghanistan, thus returning the Afghans back to the hands of the Taliban and Al Qaeda. This is the President who undermined the a close ally in the shape of the Pakistan Government by a showy hit job on Bin Laden, and then not being able to keep quiet about the hit. Thus should Israel TRUST Obama, what do you think folks.

The FO and Israel

Sunday Mail: Reports that Israeli supporting Conservatives MPs have in essence stated that the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has been house trained by the anti Israeli UK Foreign Office. This is not new folks, this is why on the whole No 10 does not trust the FO with Foreign Policy, you can always guess what the FO is going to say about Israel, its in the wrong, the Palestinians are Saints, and can the UK be run by EU please. This is why Lady Thatcher never trusted FO, it might be the type of liberal defeatists it hires, it sees the British Empire as wrong, would rather be follow EU, does not want to stand up for UK interests, God forbid Israel interests, its just the real world folks, never trust the FO, they house train all their Ministers.

Israel and Iran

Guardian: Reports that President Shimon Peres of Israel is playing down the prospects of War between Israel and Iran, but the Israeli PM Netanyahu wants the “ ..US explicitly threatens to take military action itself should the Iranian nuclear programme advance beyond specific "red lines". ”. In other words folks Israel wants Obama on the record and clear, no wriggle room or how you define a word. In less PM Netanyahu gets a clear and not ambiguous statement out of POTUS at the press conference after the meeting he should order the Israeli Military to be ready, if the PM thinks that POTUS will double cross him in any way, he should strike in October of this year, before the US election, force Obama to support the Israeli strike, its time for hardball politics with this Chicago White House, they understand that, don’t play games with them, don’t deal, tell to take the deal or else, make it clear, that Israel will call Obama out on this matter if he even thinks of double crossing a close ally. It is time for bare knuckle politics folks, lets hope Israel has not forget to play the Israeli Card in US politics.

Greek Default and the EU

Telegraph: Reports that Greece will enforce a write off its bond debts with its bond holders after, as the article notes the, “ ..number of voluntary agreements look set to fall short of the required amount. ”. This has been coming for years folks, Greece can then default, restart its economy, the EU can support Greece while it goes through this pain full process, this will give Athens a chance to bounce back over the next few years, it can make the austerity measures less harsh, prevent the social fabric of Greece from falling apart, a really bad result would be for a fudge, more delays, more suffering for the Greek people, GET ON WITH IT GREECE.

Containment and Iran

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama in an interview has stated that the US will not follow a containment policy when it comes to Iran. The question folks for Israel is will Obama follow through on any pledge to Israel, could the man who won the Noble Prize for doing nothing really sanction the a first strike on Iran by the US. This blog has its doubts, it can be argued that Obama is trying to hold off Israel before the US election and then try to force a deal on them that allows for a nuclear armed Iran. That is more likely than the idea that Obama would start another War in the Middle East. Lets recall his action in Libya didn’t go down well with the US left, and lets get political here folks, POTUS can not afford for the left to stay home on election day, thus if Israel as stated many times in this blog, it is the time to strike Tehran, remove the threat, POTUS will have to support you, he does not have a great poker hand.

Obama and Israel

Guardian: Reports on the forthcoming visit to the Oval Office by the Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu, it is expected by Israel that the US will give a “ ..clear US commitment to military action if diplomacy and sanctions fail. ” with Iran. Folks Israel has to ask does it trust the Oval Office, will Obama in a 2nd term go for broke, sell out Israel to help create a Palestinian State, at the expense of Israel and also allow Iran to get the bomb, it will be then to late for Israel to take action. Lets look at the Obama record when it comes to US allies, he has sold out Poland, Czech Republic, allowed a close ally Hosni Mubarak to be overthrown, he had to be shamed by the UK and France to overthrow Colonel Gaddafi, he failed to support the reformers in the 2009 Iran election, he has undermined the Pakistan Government for going for a splashy end for Bin Laden rather than a covet hit job, he has walked out of Iraq when that Government wanted him to stay and he wants out of Afghanistan, so the question folks, would you trust Obama if your Israel.

Spain and the EU

Telegraph Live - Euro: Just as 25 EU Countries sign a Fiscal Pact, it is reported that Spain will miss the EU deficit target. As Spain hit’s the skids folks, to be followed by other EU Countries, Italy ect, expect this fiscal compact to be dropped, the French left is expected to win the French Presidential Election, the left in France has stated that it wants changes in the new EU Treaty, also the latest from the left, it wants a 75% tax bracket, if that does not send the French economy down the toilet then nothing will, the French left and other liberal left Parties in the EU don’t want to see the real world, they just want to spend, and expect the wealth to pay, the problem is folks it is never the wealthy that pay, but the middle class and poor, that is why the right always comes back, the left destroy while the right create and build.

Obama vs. Israel and Iran

BBC News: Reports that President Obama has stated that Iran can never have the bomb but taking pre-emptive action would be wrong. In other words folks the Oval wants it both ways, it can not afford for Iran to get the bomb, the Israeli Lobby would accuse Obama of selling out Israel, as he sold out Poland and the Czech Republic over missile defence, the Oval wants a VETO over Israeli military action in Iran, Obama needs to keep the liberal left in the US on side before the November election, he can not afford for them to stay at home and not vote. The problem that the Oval has is the fact that Israel does not care if its flushes Obama down the toilet when it comes to its security, it can be argued that Israel might strike at the end of October and shame Obama in to supporting Israel, he would have no political choice either support Israel or become another Carter, a one term Democratic President. Its high level poker folks, and Obama might think he has all the cards, but sometimes the TRUTH and PR are different, does POTUS know the difference, one suspects not in this case.