France Today

Alastair Campbell’s Blog: AC states he is a “ … Francophone ”. In other words he likes nearly all things French. Explains a Lot! France is great, just one problem the French, asked for tea once in Paris, you might have thought I had asked for the French nuclear codes, they had no idea of what TEA was, had to use hand gestures, cup etc. After Two World Wars of saving their ungrateful skins you would think they could learn what TEA is, and how you make it, not that I am anti French, just happen to understand them far to well, arrogance with nothing to back it up! Who does that remind me of, Labour and New just two words that comes to mind! Its is the silly season after all, do they have humour in France!

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the Soldier killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Sergeant Barry John Weston, from Kilo Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Sergeant Weston.

DPM Clegg on WPC Yvonne Fletcher Case

Telegraph Live: Reports that the UK Coalition Government Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has stated that the suspect in the killing of WPC Yvonne Fletcher, Matouk Mohammed Matouk should be bought to justice by the new Libyan Government. Lets hope the new regime in Tripoli remembers who its friends were at the start, that means the UK and France, the US was shamed in to action by the UK PM and the French President. Lets see if they bring the suspect to Court in Libya or the UK, but not Scotland, they can not be trusted.

Brown’s Moods - Brown Era

BBC News: Reports that former Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has called the moods of former PM Brown, “ brutal and volcanic ”. A flawed psychology charge is not new when it comes to Gordon Brown, the Blair Camp got there first, it must hurt Gordon Brown to have the impression around that he is cleverly barmy, but if you read the diaries and memoirs from the New Labour Era that is the impression that you get, one has to wonder how former PM Tony Blair allowed Brown to become his successor, if the founders of New Labour had such a low personal opinion of Brown. The Country deserved better than Gordon Brown.

Former Chancellor Darling on Brown - Brown Era

Guido Fawkes Blog: Reports on the extracts from the memoir of the last Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, how the relationship broke down between Alistair Darling and PM Brown, how the present Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls ran a shadow Treasury Unit from 10 Downing Street, how PM Brown tried to spy on the Treasury, and finally how Brown wanted to sack Darling and replace him with Ed Balls. These are the festering wounds still at the heart of the Labour Party, how such a divisive character Mr Balls is, how he was seen as the hatched man for Brown. If these are the extracts in the book then the new leadership will have some tough questions to answer, can Mr Ed Miliband trust Balls, who is the real master of Balls, Brown or Miliband. In seems that PM Brown did not learn from his battles with Tony Blair, the fight just moved on for Brown from Blair to Darling.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was killed by an IED, the Soldier was a “ Royal Marine from 42 Commando Royal Marines ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 380 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 336 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.
　

No Thanks, Keep Your OIL = EU

Guardian Live: Reports that the EU will place an Oil embargo on Syria due to its repression of protesters. Lets see if this has any effect on the Assad Regime, have my doubts, as long as Iran backs up Syria then the regime is safe, also the US has made it clear that it will not take any military action against Syria, thus the Regime just sees a lot of hot air coming out of the West. The people of Syria will have to WIN their own freedom, there is no JFK or Reagan in the White House.

The Murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher - Libyan Front Line

Telegraph Live: Reports that Abdulqadir al-Baghdadi a suspect in the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher in 1984 has been found dead in Tripoli. After the missteps over news coming out of Tripoli the UK Government and MI6 should investigate this case closely, make sure that the alleged suspect is dead and seek proof that he was indeed either involved in the murder or was part of group. Also lets send over a team from the MET, a joint intelligence, police investigation of the case.

Surrender OR Else - Libyan Front Line

BBC News: Reports that the new Libyan Government has given Gaddafi Security forces in till Saturday to surrender or face military action by the rebels. One can postulate that Gaddafi will not give up that fast, he could use Sirte his birthplace and other towns to form a counter attack against the rebels in Libya. Once NATO stops bombing, the loyal Gaddafi forces could go urban insurgents, they could over time become a threat to the new Government. Thus Sirte has to be taken, and ALL security forces loyal to Gaddafi have either to be arrested or killed, otherwise this civil war will never be over, and that would be a nightmare for Libya and the West.

Where is Gaddafi ? - Libyan Front Line

The New York Times: Reports on nagging worry among the rebels about the fate of Colonel Gaddafi. If Colonel Gaddafi gets to safety it can be argued that new Libya will never be safe, in exile the Colonel could plan a counter revolution, could cause havoc for the new Libyan Government. Thus its essential that the Mad Dog is either arrested or killed.

38% Approval for POTUS = Gallup

Gallup: Reports that President Obama is back to his record low approval rating of 38%, while 55% of Average US voters Disapprove of the Obama record. In pure political terms folks the job speech in September better be bloody great if Obama is to get himself out of the political hole he has created for himself. If during the next few weeks or months he even talks about tax hikes you know that he has lost the plot, you NEVER raise taxes in a recession, you cut spending if your in debt, but for a liberal that is a Foreign Country, we shall see what the Oval comes up with folks, not impressed so far, what happened to Obama of 08.

The Libyan Front Line Latest

Guardian Live: Reports from a Sky story that the Khamis Gaddafi the a son of Colonel Gaddafi has been killed. Lets have more evidence folks, we all recall, this blog blushing, reporting from various sources that Saif Gaddafi had been arrested, then he turned up, not under arrest, lets see a body or some other evidence, wait on see on this story folks.

Germany and Bailouts

Telegraph: Reports that German Coalition Government could fracture after the Merkel agreement to spend more on the Eurozone bailout, Chancellor Merkel would need the German opposition to support the move to pass the German Parliament. This is the problem with the EU folks, leaders within the Eurozone seem to accept the EU line before thinking about the VOTERS, in the old days that was called brainwashing, to bailout the PIIGS folks we are talking Trillions, that is something the EU does not have, the welfare state is destroying the system that created it, after the EU goes over a cliff with debt the entire welfare system of the EU will have to be reformed, people are going to get hurt, but only after that painful event will the EU march on, the debt crisis is a cancer at the heart of the Euro and EU.

2nd Greek Bailout - Eurozone Crisis

BBC News: Reports that Jean-Claude Trichet the President of the European Central Bank has called for Eurozone Countries to follow through with the agreed bailout for Greece. The President of the ECB also stated that the ECB could not be seen as way out for the weaker Eurozone Countries to borrow without reform. The Eurozone crisis is a ticking time bomb folks, the 2nd Greek bailout is in trouble because some of the Eurozone Countries don’t trust the Greeks and want some collateral in case Greece does not pay the loan back, lets recall the EU is a democracy, politicians have to face the voters, if the voters don’t want bailouts they can throw politicians out of office, lets see if this bailout goes through and how long the ECB keeps buying the bonds of Italy and Spain.

US and Germany

White House: Readout of Telephone Exchange between President Obama and Chancellor Merkel of Germany. As President Obama faces a tough re-election fight next year he needs the US and World economy to grow, this is what both leaders discussed, “ The President and German Chancellor Merkel spoke by phone today, continuing their close consultations about the global economic situation, the Eurozone crisis and recent developments in financial markets. The two leaders agreed on the importance of concerted action, including through the G20, to address current economic challenges and to spur growth and job creation in the global economy. ”. The general agreements on those that follow the Euro crisis closely is that Germany should agree to a Euro Bond, that Germany would be the banker for the Eurozone Countries. This wont fly in Germany, as German voters understand that if Germany agrees to this move the weak countries of the Euro will never reform, they will never cut spending, Germany would be the bank of first resort. This wont fly with this voters, as they will pay taxes to fund the PIIGS.

Obama and the Polls

RCP: Reports on its average of the job performance polls for President Obama, in its latest average POTUS has 44% Approval rating, while 52% of US voters Disapprove of the Obama record. In September POTUS has stated he will give a jobs plan speech, lets hope its not the usual raise taxes argument, what POTUS should do is follow the Reagan example, cut taxes, cut government spending, spend money on defence, then President Obama might have a chance of re-election, otherwise it can be argued that Obama has given up and is going through the motions, the pushing through of ObamaCare broke the trust between the Oval and the people, the US voter thought they were getting a moderate Democrat in the White House, but what they go was a extreme Walter Mondale type President. If President Obama does not want to share the fate of both Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale, and lose big time, he has to change, he has the time, but if he carries on with his dogmatic liberal agenda he will spend the rest of life wondering why he allowed his arrogance and hubris to get in the way of being a great President. Being a one term President and a failure is not much fun, just ask Jimmy Carter.

Dowd on Cheney

The New York Times: Ms Dowd writes the following on VP Cheney “ He acts like he is America. But America didn’t like Dick Cheney. ”. This is typical of the left wing rubbish that comes out of the New York Times, after 9/11 the US expected to be attacked again, it was the War on Terror and the Bush polices that prevented another attack, the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were never going to be easy, the US is still in Afghanistan and is on its way out of Iraq, of course there are arguments that Iraq and the US should sign a new agreement that keeps some US troops in theatre just in case Iran gets any ideas. The Bush/Cheney Administration over its eight years lead from the front, it did not lead from behind as is the leadership skill of President Obama.

Libyan Rebels and Sirte - Libyan Front Line

Telegraph Live: Reports in effect that the birthplace of Colonel Gaddafi has been surrounded. The rebels have to take Sirte, they cant allow Gaddafi to have base to build up his forces, it can be argued that even if it costs the lives of innocent people that Sirte has to be taken, if the Gaddafi Regime is not wiped out and left with a base of operations it can come back to haunt a modern Libya. This is the time for the rebels to hang tough, no compromise, Sirte has to fall.

Libyan Rebels and Sirte - Libyan Front Line

Telegraph Live: Reports in effect that the birthplace of Colonel Gaddafi has been surrounded. The rebels have to take Sirte, they cant allow Gaddafi to have base to build up his forces, it can be argued that even if it costs the lives of innocent people that Sirte has to be taken, if the Gaddafi Regime is not wiped out and left with a base of operations it can come back to haunt a modern Libya. This is the time for the rebels to hang tough, no compromise, Sirte has to fall.

Gaddafi wants TALKS!

BBC News: Reports that Colonel Gaddafi wants to open talks with the rebels to discuss the transfer of power. As President Reagan stated, the Colonel is a Mad Dog, it seems that he has gone totally barmy, the Gaddafi Regime is finished, either Gaddafi is in the bowls of Tripoli and will get caught sooner or later, or he is hiding out in his home town of Sirte, thus NATO has to keep up the bombing of the command and control centres in Sirte. The Civil War in Libya will only come to an end when Colonel Gaddafi is in Court or dead.

Let’s Kill Hitler - Doctor Who

The Doctor Who News Page: Reports that the good Doctor got 6.2 million viewers in the overnight rating, the highest for BBC 1 on Saturday night. As to the episode review, WOW folks, what a show, Hitler getting thumped by Rory the Roman, Amy trying to read a map! Two Rivers in a way, how many regenerations has she used up and how many has she given to the Doctor, does she get her own Tardis sometime. As to the good Doctor, Matt Smith is just fantastic, he can funny, mad, very mad, but also very moving, lets start a campaign to have River do all 14 episodes next year, Matt Smith and Alex Kingston have great chemistry, also you would have mother and daughter both lusting after the Doctor, Rory can thump the Doctor, not many men would put with that kind of triangle. Saturday nights are great again.

Let’s Kill Hitler - Doctor Who

The Doctor Who News Page: Reports that the good Doctor got 6.2 million viewers in the overnight rating, the highest for BBC 1 on Saturday night. As to the episode review, WOW folks, what a show, Hitler getting thumped by Rory the Roman, Amy trying to read a map! Two Rivers in a way, how many generations has she used up and how many has she given to the Doctor, does she get her own Tardis sometime. As to the good Doctor, Matt Smith is just fantastic, he can funny, mad, very mad, but also very moving, lets start a campaign to have River do all 14 episodes next year, Matt Smith and Alex Kingston have great chemistry, also you would have mother and daughter both lusting after the Doctor, Rory can thump the Doctor, not many men would put with that kind of triangle. Saturday nights are great again.

VP Cheney wanted to STRIKE Syria

The New York Times: Reports on the memoir of VP Cheney, it has the news that Cheney wanted the US to strike Syria over its building of nuclear facilities. The review is your typical left wing media attack on Cheney, from the lack of action pre 9/11, the anti terrorist polices of the War on Terror, the failure to find Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. But what is interesting is the news in the memoir that VP Cheney wanted the US to hit the nuclear facilities of Syria, in the end the action was taken by Israel. Good for Israel folks. The book should be interesting folks, VP Cheney was one of the most powerful VP’s in US history.

Rebels vs. Gaddafi Security Forces

Telegraph Live: Reports that forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi counter attacked close the Rixos Hotel this morning. This is the problem folks, the longer the Western rebels don’t arrest or kill the Gaddafi security forces the more secure they get that they can carry on a urban insurgency against the new Libyan Government. The failure to arrest or kill the last holds out explains the present problems in Afghanistan and Iraq, also if the Gaddafi’s can hold on to tows it allows them to build up their forces and counter attack, how long will NATO hang around if this Civil War goes on for years, thus the need for the UK and US Special Forces to clean up the opposition.

Sirte Bombed - Libyan Front Line

BBC News: Reports that NATO has used UK bunker busting bombs to bomb the birth place of Colonel Gaddafi. As Colonel Gaddafi is on the run, still believed to be in Tripoli, NATO is going after locations still loyal to Colonel Gaddafi, NATO might get lucky and bomb a bunker that includes Colonel Gaddafi. For the Libyan operation to be considered a success Colonel Gaddafi and his sons either have to be arrested and sent to trial or killed, otherwise the Libyan operation will never be over, the Gaddafi’s over time could develop a urban insurgent movement.

Reporters and the Rixos Hotel

BBC News: Reports that the thirty five reporters and VIPs have been allowed to leave the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli. This is good news folks, the worse case outcomes didn’t happen, thus far the Western rebels control a majority of Tripoli, but there are pockets of resistance, and then there is Colonel Gaddafi and his sons, thus far they have not been arrested or killed, thus this is not over folks.

Battle for Tripoli - Libyan Front Line

Guardian: Reports that the majority of Tripoli is under the control of the rebels but that there are still loyal Gaddafi Security Forces in small pockets around Tripoli, not all the Gaddafi compound is in the hands of the rebels, also the Rixos Hotel and surrounding area is under Gaddafi control. The Rebels and NATO need finish this job, there cant be any embers of Gaddafi left, or NATO will face the same problem that it has in Afghanistan and the US and its Allies had in Iraq, insurgents that can cause havoc, one can ask does new Libyan regime have the manpower and fire power to deal with Gaddafi forces that go down the insurgent track. Will the UN need to send in a peace keeping force, will the UK and France have to be the backbone of such a force. It could take years and could cost in human and money terms folks.

Reports as Hostages = Libyan Front Line

Telegraph: Reports on how conditions are getting worse for the reporters being held as human shields at the Rixos Hotel, food and water is running out. This could be a massive PR problem for NATO, never mind the rebels, the one thing other reporters will unite around is when their colleagues are under threat, as it could be them next, thus the SAS should be on standby to get the hostages out, quite frankly this blog does not trust US Special Forces, they are good but not that good, we need to get the UK citizens and other citizens out alive. The UK Government should already have a plan to go if the reporters send the green light that they fear being killed. This could get very nasty folks.

Rixos Hotel = Libyan Front Line

BBC News: Has a radio interview with the BBC’s Matthew Price inside the Rixos Hotel. The situation in the hotel is described as desperate. As stated in last post the new Libyan Government or NATO special forces have to get the reporters out. They are in effect being used as human shields. Thus the importance of either arresting or killing Colonel Gaddafi, is Gaddafi in the basement of the hotel, its a possibility, it would explain why the Gaddafi security forces are holding the reporters, as a last card to get the Colonel out of the Country, lets recall what the hostage crisis did to Jimmy Carter between 1979/80. What if NATO has to make a deal with the Gaddafi forces to get the reporters back, Gaddafi being given secured passage to a country of his choice, it could be that bad folks.

US/UK and France on Libya

The White House: Read Out of telephone talks between President Obama, UK PM David Cameron and President Sarkozy: President Obama and PM David Cameron agreed following in their talk, “ ..They agreed that the situation had reached a tipping point and that Qadhafi needed to relinquish power once and for all. At the same time, they agreed to continue to work with allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya and to support a peaceful transition to democracy. The Prime Minister joined the President in urging the Transitional National Council to continue demonstrating its leadership by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of theLibyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya. ”
In Obama/Sarkozy talk they agreed the following, “ ..With regard to Libya, they agreed that Qadhafi and the remnants of his regime needed to accept that their time is up and relinquish power once and for all, and they welcomed the progress that has been made by the Libyan people in pursuing an end to the Qadhafi regime. At the same time, they agreed to continue to work with allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya and to support a peaceful transition to democracy. President Sarkozy joined the President in urging the Transitional National Council to continue demonstrating its leadership by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya. ”. At the end of the day once Colonel Gaddafi is either dead or arrested Libya can move forward, if Gaddafi is not removed, then Libya can not go forward.

Reporters as Human Shields = CNN

Guardian: Reports on a report from CNN’s Matthew Chance that the reporters in the Rixos Hotel in Libya are being used, as in effect human shields by Gaddafi Security Forces. As stated the new Libyan Government has to secure the safety of the reporters from the Gaddafi thugs, or NATO should send in its special forces, this story is quite worrying, in Revolution anything can happen, thus the need to protect reporters, so get a move on new Libyan Government or NATO.

38% Approval for Obama = Gallup

Gallup: Reports that in its daily tracking poll, President Obama has a 38% Approval rating, while 54% of Average Americans Disapprove of the job performance of President Obama. It takes some doing in being more unpopular that Colonel Gaddafi, will the fall of the Mad Dog the Oval should have gotten a bounce in the polls, any more success in Libya and POTUS will face a challenge for the Democratic nomination. As Bush 43 had to deal with mission accomplished slogan, it seems Obama has his own, leading form behind, what kind of tin ear, or liberal bonkers would come up with that idea. The greats like JFK and Reagan had great lines, with Reagan it was “ tear down this wall Mr Gorbachev ” during the end of the Cold War. If you lead from the front Mr President you would understand what the term POTUS really means in the US and around the World.

Reporters and Libyan Front

Telegraph: Reports that Reporters in the Rixos Hotel in Libya are being held against their will by the Gaddafi Armed supporters. They rebels should get to this hotel quick haste, the need to disarm the Gaddafi supporters and secure the safety of the reporters. Or the presumed US/UK Special Forces should go to break out the reporters. This is has been a developing story for days folks, lets hope this is shorted fast by the rebels.

Gaddafi Compound Taken - Libyan Front

BBC News: Reports that the Libyan Rebels have taken the compound of Colonel Gaddafi. This success folks is down to NATO in part, all the morning the NATO planes were bombing the site, but the main question is what happened to Colonel Gaddafi. Is he still in Tripoli, has he returned to his home town, is he still in Libya. The Gaddafi Regime is OVER folks but the final full stop comes either with the arrest or death of Colonel Gaddafi. The Libyans have won one for themselves but also for the Gipper.

DSK Charges Dropped = France 2012

BBC News: Reports that New York prosecutors have asked that the assault charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn be dropped. In theory DSK could still run for the French Presidency but he still faces civil trials in the US and in France could face a criminal/ civil trial over another assault allegation. One can postulate that DSK will be found innocent in future trials but his political ambitions are dead for a few good years.

Romney and Perry vs. Obama

Gallup: Has an interesting polls on the Republican match ups to President Obama. When looking at Registered voters, both Romney and Perry match or beat President Obama. In a contest with registered voters, between Obama and Romney, it goes likes this, Obama 46% while Romney gets 48%. If it is down to Obama and Perry it’s a tie at 47%. And since those that have not decided tend to go for the challenger, it can be argued that Perry would beat Obama. But it’s a year half away folks, lot more polls.

Obama on Libya

Update: It seems that President Obama did turn up in person, just seen part of the statement on the BBC, but that’s the problem, if he had returned to the Oval, there would be no delay and less critical post, that’s the problem with taking a holiday in the middle of a crisis folks, in less your close to the TV feeds there is delay. President Obama should have returned to the Oval to make the statement.

Guardian Live: Reports on remarks by President Obama, that the Gaddafi Regime is finished but the battle in Tripoli is messy. What is it with President Obama, does have a complete tin ear, a enemy of the US is on the way out and he cant be bothered to make a TV show, just a vocal statement. One has to say the UK Coalition PM David Cameron has a better grasp of the press, he made a reserved statement but at least he showed up in person, not just a voice statement. What is it with intelligent guys, after a time they believe their own press statements or spin. What happened to the Obama of 08, was that fake and this is the real Obama, no wonder he is tanking in the polls.

40% Approval for Obama = Gallup

Gallup: Reports that President Obama has a 40% Approval rating, while 53% of Average Americans Disapprove of the job performance of POTUS. Thus folks it will be interesting to see if Obama gets a bounce from the Libyan operation, if leading from behind gets you any brownie points with the US voter, this blog has its doubts. One can postulate that either JFK or Reagan would have lead from the front when it comes to overthrowing Gaddafi, lets recall Reagan bombed the mad dog in 1986 and came close to killing him. It can be argued that Obama his missed a chance to show leadership, its says something that you have to be shamed by France and UK before you take action, Obama is really another Carter.

The Gaddafi Profile

Telegraph: Interesting profile of Colonel Gaddafi. A short and to the point piece, impress your friends by knowing the important details. The most important being that Ronald Reagan gave Colonel Gaddafi the nickname Mad Dog.

The Battle for Tripoli - The Libyan Front

BBC News: Reports that that the Libyan rebels claim control of 80% of Tripoli but Colonel Gaddafi and his Security Forces are not giving up, battles on going in the Libyan Capital . In many respects this blog was right in its prediction folks, the rebels don’t have the manpower or the fire power to take total control of Tripoli, the Gaddafi Forces have placed tanks and heavy weapons in urban areas, tough for NATO to attack. The UK and US have to send in Special Forces folks, they are the only ones that can smoke Gaddafi out. The Colonel can not be allowed to devise a Counter Revolution, that would be a disaster for Libya. The celebrations of last night now look somewhat hollow, its not over till its over folks, till the Mad Dog sings. More blood and death over the next few hours folks.

The New Front Line, Tripoli - Libyan Front

The New York Times: Reports on heavy gun fighting in Tripoli on Saturday night. In effect folks Tripoli is surrounded, the Gaddafi Regime cant move out, but the rebels don’t have the manpower or fire power to take Tripoli at the present, without NATO the rebels would not have gotten to the gates of Tripoli. Thus what does NATO do to prevent a blood bath in Tripoli, it should give Gaddafi warning to get out of Libya in 24 hours then send in special forces from NATO to clean up, otherwise this siege could take days or weeks, a lot of people might die in the crossfire. Interesting few hours ahead folks.

The New Front Line, Tripoli - Libyan Front

The New York Times: Reports on heavy gun fighting in Tripoli on Saturday night. In effect folks Tripoli is surrounded, the Gaddafi Regime cant move out, but the rebels don’t have the manpower or fire power to take Tripoli at the present, without NATO the rebels would not have gotten to the gates of Tripoli. Thus what does NATO do to prevent a blood bath in Tripoli, it should give Gaddafi warning to get out of Libya in 24 hours then send in special forces from NATO to clean up, otherwise this siege could take days or weeks, a lot of people might die in the crossfire. Interesting few hours ahead folks. f

Upstairs, Downstairs New Era Season Two

Mail on Sunday: Reports that Dame Eileen Atkins the co - creator of Upstairs, Downstairs has left the second season of the new Upstairs, Downstairs over script differences with the BBC. This fan will miss Dame Eileen, as she co - created the original series she allowed this blog to feel it was okay to watch the new series, but that’s the world of show business folks, lets see how they write her out and the consequences. The new serious covered the Abdication Crisis and the raise of Hitler, one would assume that it will now deal with the Munich and the lead up to World War Two. This blog cant wait folks.

Syria vs. Turkey

Guardian: Reports of a defence build up on the border between Syria and Turkey, it is seen as a military message to Turkey. The Assad Regime would be mad to take on Turkey, as Turkey is part of NATO, any attack on Turkey is an attack on the US, even POTUS would have to leave his holiday. That could be the Syrian plan, they might think that Obama is weak, and would not support Turkey, President Assad would be wrong, if Obama didn’t defend Turkey he would be impeached, even the New York Times would not defend not supporting an ally. A area to watch folks.

The Abdication Crisis - Wallis Simpson Letters

Telegraph: Reports on unseen letters from Wallis Simpson to her 2nd husband Ernest Simpson at the time of the Abdication Crisis of 1936. These are historical documents folks, Edward VIII the future Duke of Windsor was the only King - Emperor ever to give up the throne, from the subjective perception of his subjects he chose love over duty. But reading this article it is interesting to see that one of the greatest love stories of the age was complicated, there were three people in this relationship, Edward VIII Wallis and Ernest Simpson. It has been argued with some justification that the Duke was weak man, and that the Crown and the Country was better off with the then Duke of York, the future King George VI, but on his relationship with Wallis the Duke stood his ground, got what he wanted, so the Duke was weak as his duties, but stubborn when it came to the affair of the heart, this blog does never questions the Crown.

Libyan Front - Latest

BBC News: Reports that Libyan rebels are moving towards Tripoli. Folks this could go either way, street to street, house to house fighting, or Colonel Gaddafi does a runner, a urban fight would be bloody and could destroy Tripoli, it could be argued that NATO should give the Colonel twenty fours to get out of Doge or US/UK Special Forces would be sent it to the job. A lot more blood to flow in Libya folks, rebels just win one for the Gipper.

Market Live = Eurozone Crisis

Telegraph Live: Reports European Banks are stashing their extra money at the European Central Bank and not lending to other Banks. As noted a mystery bank had to loan five hundred million dollars from the ECB due to the fact it could not raise the loan from other markets. It can be argued with some justification that a French Bank or Banks are in trouble. But also Italy is in the frame folks. One would not be surprised to see either French or Italian Government have to bailout out their banks due to these banks holding vast Greek debt. Also at what point will the ECB stop buying Italian and Spain bonds, if you print to much money you end up back in Weimar Germany. The political and economic general opinion is that that the US and the EU is going through another 1930s recession/depression, lets hope it’s not true folks, it took World War Two to end the Great Depression.

UK and European Fall

BBC News: Reports on the dive in shares in both the UK and Europe, at 10.46am, the FTSE - 100 is down 2.29%, while in Europe the trend is between 2% and 3%. The next big economic news will come from the US, with those getting employment. The Obama White House needs to create jobs, in the recession of 1982/83 the US was in dire straights, but from that major recession came a economic boom, this was done with Tax cuts, cutting Government spending, also a massive increase in Defence spending, Obama keeps wanting to raise taxes and cut defence spending, no wonder he looks like a one term President.

Obama and Syria

Thus here are the meaningless words of POTUS when it comes to Syria, “ The United States has been inspired by the Syrian peoples’ pursuit of a peaceful transition to democracy. They have braved ferocious brutality at the hands of their government. They have spoken with their peaceful marches, their silent shaming of the Syrian regime, and their courageous persistence in the face of brutality – day after day, week after week. The Syrian government has responded with a sustained onslaught. I strongly condemn this brutality, including the disgraceful attacks on Syrian civilians in cities like Hama and Deir al Zour, and the arrests of opposition figures who have been denied justice and subjected to torture at the hands of the regime. These violations of the universal rights of the Syrian people have revealed to Syria, the region, and the world the Assad government’s flagrant disrespect for the dignity of the Syrian people. ”. And what has the ex Community Organizer done to help the Syrian people, NOTHING. It can be argued that the Oval is quick to throw US allies under the bus faster than its enemies, thus the case with the ex President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak, its constant critical view of Israel, but its more muted to the repression of the peoples of Iran and Syria. The supporters of President Obama have argued that he took tough action over Libya, lets be honest here folks, Obama was shamed by the actions of the UK and France, the view from the Oval was that it was leading from behind, can you see Reagan using such a phrase. The Oval says the following of its joint action with EU over Syria, “ The United States opposes the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Syria, and we support the universal rights of the Syrian people. We have imposed sanctions on President Assad and his government. The European Union has imposed sanctions as well. We helped lead an effort at the UN Security Council to condemn Syria’s actions. We have coordinated closely with allies and partners from the region and around the world. The Assad government has now been condemned by countries in all parts of the globe, and can look only to Iran for support for its brutal and unjust crackdown. ”. Folks the Assad Regime does not fear sanctions, one can argue that it will always get support from Iran, thus the Regime will never starve, the Syrian people might not their leaders. Also Syria will be supplied from Iran with its military needs, Iran needs Syria, it allows Iran to keep pressure on the US and Israel. In the statement, POTUS states the following on the Assad leadership of Syria “ The future of Syria must be determined by its people, but President Bashar al-Assad is standing in their way. His calls for dialogue and reform have rung hollow while he is imprisoning, torturing, and slaughtering his own people. We have consistently said that President Assad must lead a democratic transition or get out of the way. He has not led. For the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside. ”. It can be argued that President Assad understands Obama, after the slow progress in Libya Obama does not have the backbone to be President of the US. Obama is a follower not a leader, when people are not fainting at his feat he has lead feet, harsh but true folks. 　The lack of a backbone is shown by this in the statement, “ The United States cannot and will not impose this transition upon Syria. It is up to the Syrian people to choose their own leaders, and we have heard their strong desire that there not be foreign intervention in their movement. What the United States will support is an effort to bring about a Syria that is democratic, just, and inclusive for all Syrians. We will support this outcome by pressuring President Assad to get out of the way of this transition, and standing up for the universal rights of the Syrian people along with others in the international community. ”. In other words President Assad go on killing your own people, there is a Jimmy Carter in the White House, a weak feckless leader, hardly Reagan calling the USSR an Evil Empire and making sure it fell. Obama is no Reagan or JFK folks, lets recall Obama left the actual TV statement to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, one can argue this is the time for Secretary Clinton to resign over Syria, and then run against Obama, even if she does not win she could do a Reagan of 1976, challenge an President, and should he lose be the nominee the next time around. If Secretary Clinton stays and Obama is defeated in 2012 the defeat might finish her chances in 2016.
　
　
　
　

Obama vs. Perry - On the Campaign Trail

The New York Times: Reports on the bus war between President Obama and Governor Perry of Texas, the article states the following on the Obama Strategy, “ ..a beleaguered president….vividly illustrated the contours of 2012 election. ”. No folks this is not the liberal NYT smelling the coffee, it’s a political trick, they bring Obama down a few notches then start to attack the Republican Candidates for President. Also it gives cover to the NYT, it will attempt to show should Obama be only a one term President that the paper didn’t get sucked down in his defeat. Thus expect some more negative stories folks on the Obama re-election Campaign then the bloated liberal NYT will come out in full attack mode next year against the Republican nominee. These liberals are devious folks. On the Obama re-election strategy not good so far, the latest Gallup Approval rating for Obama is 39%, not good folks. Never thought this blog would write this but POTUS should try the Carter Strategy, the Rose Garden Strategy, the Oval should be seen as a hive of activity, talks about growing the US economy, meetings for getting people back to work, you get the idea folks, good PR even if it means nothing.

Market Tax and the Eurozone Crisis

Guardian: Reports European Markets have not reacted well to the Franco - German plan for a tax on every time a share is sold or bought, the same plan would affect the currency market. The article notes at morning trading the FTSE -250 fell by 6%. The Markets should not worry, its not going to happen, there will be no common tax within the Eurozone as those Eurozone Countries would worry that those EU Counties outside the Euro would benefit tax wise, business would rush to these Countries and still stay within the EU. The Plan is political smoke during the August silly season, its get the press off the back of German and French leaders. The major problem is European DEBT, you can play political games but at the end of the day it is an illusion. Either Germany supports a Euro Bond and takes the bailout risk or the Euro is on its way OUT, its just a matter of time folks.

European Bank in Trouble = Eurozone Crisis

Telegraph: Reports that a European Bank had to loan five hundred million dollars from the European Central Bank because it could not get a loan from the market. One can postulate that it’s a major French Bank but one must not discount an Italian Bank, banks in France and Italy have major Greek debt on their books. As stated in the Daily Mail last week the French Government is on standby to bailout out their banks. One would not be surprised if the Dow Jones in the USA went lower today due to the lack of direction from France and Germany when it comes to Euro bonds and that a major European Bank is in trouble. Even the ECB has its limits.

The Eurozone Crisis & The Markets

BBC News: Reports that the plan announced yesterday by Germany and France for more Eurozone integration has failed to appease the Markets. This was a missed opportunity by France and Germany, their plan will take years to develop, also one can postulate that it will require a new referendum is some Eurozone Countries, there is a chance it would fail. If the German Government wants the Euro to survive it will have to back a Euro bond, this will place all debt of the Euro zone in to one debt pot, lower interest rates, but at a cost, the Germans will be the banker, can the German Government sell the idea to the German people, are the Germans getting tired of the constant bailouts. Also more integration means more regulation for the Eurozone Countries, this could have negative effect, as the UK is out of the Euro it could gain in economic terms, take business tax lower than the Euro, thus the plan might just be to late, few years ago it might have worked, now it can be argued 60/40% it wont work, time has moved on folks.

Governor Perry and the US Economic Policy

Telegraph: Reports on remarks by the Republican Presidential Candidate Governor Rick Perry that the Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke would be almost committing treason if the printed more Dollars to help the economy. On one level these comments are terrible, makes the Governor not look serious to the elite in the beltway, but then on the other hand its great politics, the Tea Party movement does not trust the money elite in Washington D.C and New York, also main street is not that keen of the beltway and its opinion. After having LBJ, and Bush 43 in the Oval the US voter is used to Texas politicians who are quite animated when it comes to the English language. Thus the elite should take a chill pill, the language its going to get worse on both sides, a year and half of the US Presidential Election folks.

Eurozone Crisis and Germany

BBC News: Reports on the surprise news that Germany economy has only grew by 0.1% for the first few months of 2011, only just better that the zero growth in France. The bankers of the EU, Germany and France have gotten the Greek flue, French Banks might need a bailout due to the Greek default, the German voter is getting tired of being thought as the easy money for the rest of the EU. It can be argued that German voters see the cliff better than their supposed leaders, thus a lack of spending by Germans. The debtor nations of the EU want a EU bond to be issued that would be supported by of course German money, but that is off the table, the German Government headed by Chancellor Merkel would like to be elected this Century. The austerity packages of the PIIGS it can be argued will cut growth, lower Government employment, push more people in to welfare, thus more debt, it’s a vicious game folks. The European Central Bank as stated on my tweet page, owns Italy, it has forced the Government to bring forward its austerity package, but even the ECB cant buy bad Italian debt forever, that goes for Spain too. Either ALL the EU Countries and that includes the UK puts some big money to bailout the PIIGS and reform the EU or some of these Counties will have to be sacrificed, its matter of debt folks, sooner or later there will just be to much debt, and all the EU will go down the toilet.

New Homes for the People of Israel

Guardian: Reports that the Israeli Government has give the green light for new Israeli homes to be built in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in all nearly nineteen hundred homes. Israel has the right to use land that it won in combat, it has lost the blood of its sons and daughters to gain this land, thus by the rights of combat it is the land of Israel. Also the Oval will keep very quiet over the next year and half, Obama can not afford to lose the Jewish vote, thus the Middle East Peace Process is in recess for some time.

Iraq and Al - Qaeda

Telegraph: Reports that the bomb attacks in Iraq are being blamed on Al - Qaeda. Thus there are two options folks, Iran or Al Qaeda, or both of them working together against their perceived enemy the US. The Iraq Government has to get a new security deal with the US, one that keeps at least twenty five thousand US troops in Country to prevent Iran crossing the border once the US is out. It would be a major disaster for the Obama Presidency if Iraq was invaded by Iran, or its government become a puppet of Tehran. President Obama can not afford to give the Republicans the argument that Bush 43 won Iraq with his surge but that Obama lost it when he become President, it would recall the arguments from the late 1940s that the Democrats had lost China to the Communists. Thus Obama has to start to take an active interest in Iraq.

60+ Killed in Iraq

BBC News: Reports on a series of bomb explosions in Iraq today, it is estimated that over 60 people have been killed. One can postulate that these attacks have the hand of Iran at its core, the recent killing of scientists working on Iran’s nuclear programme have the fingerprints of Israel on them, although no proof, this blog would very surprised if the Mossad had not played some part, thus Tehran wants to cause havoc for the US before its planned departure of Iraq. It would suite Iran if the violence in Iraq forced the US to keep troops on Station, this would hurt the Obama Presidency, the American left thought Obama would take OUT all troops, but it can be postulated that US will have troops in Iraq well in 2012 if not 2013. If this is an Iran operation it is an attempt to show that although it cant hurt Israel, and would not dare, it can attack US interests, thus expect more attacks through 2011/12. One has to ask was the loss of 179 the UK’s Armed Forces Personnel worth it, thus far NO.

39% Approval for President Obama = Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its latest daily tracking poll on the job approval for President Obama, today is grim reading for the Oval, President Obama has a 39% Approval rating, while 54% of Average voters Disapprove of the job performance of Obama. It can be argued that that ObamaCare was the straw that broke the Obama Presidency, the Act was pushed through against the will of the US voter. The recent downgrade of the credit rating of the US is also a major blow for the Oval. But as stated many times in this blog even Reagan got a 35% Approval rating, but in 1984 he won by 59% of the vote, and 49 States. Thus its not over for President Obama, but he cant afford any more major blows to his Presidency, he is starting to morph in to Jimmy Carter Mark 2, lets hope Iran does not invade Iraq when US troops leave, then it would be over for Obama.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that was killed on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lieutenant Daniel John Clack, 1st Battalion The Rifles ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Lieutenant Clack.

ObamaCare Illegal - US Federal Court

The New York Times: Reports that a US Federal Appeals Court has found the foundation of ObamaCare illegal, the Court found that you cant force people to buy medical cover. Thus folks another nail in the coffin of ObamaCare, the issue will know go up to the US Supreme Court, it can be postulated that they will find the same, in general the law is legal but its core that US citizens must by medical cover to be illegal, as this foundation funds the rest of the Act the law would fall apart, the Republicans in Congress are never going to pass funding, thus its like buying a second hand car from a charismatic car dealer and find no engine. Fun times ahead folks on the legal and political front.

August Silly Season Story = Damon 2012

Guardian: Reports on the call for the Liberal actor Matt Damon to challenge President Obama for the 2012 Democratic nomination. Folks this made me laugh, finally a August silly season story, only the Guardian would give this kind of story a page, Mr Damon is fine actor but he is out there in liberal terms. One gets the impression that Mr Damon is quite a clever actor, he did win a Oscar for a writing, but one can postulate that Mr Damon knows he would not win nomination, also highly unlikely he would win the job of dog catcher. Reagan was helped by the fact that he was an actor, but its was the message that allowed Reagan to win, the Gipper one can argue is chuckling from above at this silly season story.

Tax = Coalition Government

Telegraph: Reports that the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has sent out a message that the 50p income tax rate will go, it is expected to abolished in 2013. This tax development will go down well with the Conservative Party and business leaders, the Liberal Democrats will have to be bribed, tax on mansions or something in that range, also before the 2015 election the Chancellor has to cut taxes at the lower rate, also look to cut VAT or other domestic taxes. Over the next two years the UK Budgets should look to boost the economy and thus make the Government popular for the election.

Bachmann for VP to Romney

BBC News: Reports that Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann has won the Iowa straw poll. This will make the left wing BBC & Guardian happy, but they allowing what they want to happen to what will happen, Congresswoman Bachmann will not be the Republican nominee for President, the Republican voters, even the tea party movement want a winner to unseat President Obama, thus the race will come down to Governors Romney and Perry, the Iowa poll was good news for Governor Perry, he was not even on the ballot and he gained 718 write in votes, this blog is still convinced so far that Governor Romney will be the nominee, would like Governor Perry to be the nominee but not sure that the Governor has not left to late to unseat Romney as the leading candidate. Thus if it is Romney the Governor will need to unite the Republican Party, thus having Congresswoman Bachmann as his VP, the darling of the tea party movement, very conservative, and the left wing media hate her, all ticks for the Republicans. Thus we just might be seeing the formation of a Romney/Bachmann ticket for 2012, read it here first folks.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed in Afghanistan on Friday, the Soldier was killed by an IED, the Soldier was from the “ 1 Battalion the Riffles ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 379 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 335 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

POTUS vs. The Republican Candidate

RCP: Its very early folks, but lets have a look at how President Obama manages against the leading Republicans. RCP has a the main candidates. The list has two polls by CNN, Obama vs. Romney has POTUS on 49%, while Governor Romney on 48%. Thus very good for Romney, also a way for him to show Republican voters who want a winner that he can beat POTUS. The main rival to Romney is the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, here POTUS is on 51%, while Perry has 46%. This is also good for Perry, as the Governor does not enter the race in till Saturday. This is early folks, very early, but it can be argued that the two Republicans who have real chance of winning the Republican nomination are Romney and Perry, and that it can be postulated as stated in this blog that Perry being the natural conservative, charismatic and has that Reagan appeal, could very well be the next President of the US.

The Weekend Polls and the 2012 Election

RCP: Hast the average of the latest job approval for President Obama. The latest average has President Obama on 43.3% Approval, while 50.4% of voters Disapprove of the job performance of President Obama. Thus if you’re the Chicago Re-Election Committee not great but at least POTUS is still in the 40s%, and as noted Ronald Reagan was down to 35%. Lets get real here folks, Obama cant run on his record, 9.1% Unemployment, ObamaCare, the US downgrade, all negatives, on the international front, the US is still in Iraq/Afghanistan and under the Obama watch now Libya, the death of OBL saw a brief swing of popularity of Obama, but that went away faster than the Titanic went down! Thus its going to be a mean Chicago election, the Democrats will try to destroy the Republican Candidate by raising more money and using it early, aka Bill Clinton in 1996. But least it wont be a boring election folks, that’s the fun of Democracy folks.

On the Bookshelf

How to Survive the Titanic or The Sinking of J. Bruce Ismay by Frances Wilson.

The Alastair Campbell Diaries, Volume Two, Power and the People by Alastair Campbell.

No French Growth = Eurozone Crisis

Guardian: Reports NO growth in the French economy between April and June. No wonder the AAA rating of France is seen as under threat, also one can postulate that the French Government will have to bailout their banks due to the Greek Sovereign default. As noted by the Daily Telegraph a few days ago the bailouts of the PIGS has already started to damage the economic foundations of Germany and France, the cost of their borrowing has started to go up, with the ECB bailouts of Italy and Spain in essence a short term measure it can be argued that that EU is heading for the financial cliff, either solve the debt problem or go down like the Titanic.

Eurozone Crisis = Live

Telegraph Live: Has interesting commentary form the BBC Business Editor Robert Preston on what happened in the UK in 2008 after the UK imposed a short selling ban, in essence a banking collapse. Folks the banks in Spain, Italy, France and Belgium will either have enough money to survive or they will need a Government bailout, then the debt from these banks will be on the Governments ledger, lets recall Belgium does not even have a Government, and its been a year. Just more debt added on to more debt folks, it can only end one way, bailouts and the end of the Euro.

Banning Short Selling = Eurozone Crisis

BBC News: Reports that Italy, France, Spain and Belgium have banned short selling of shares, this means selling shares you don’t have at a high and buying them at a low to complete the contract. This move was done to protect the banks of France and Italy, as a recent Daily Mail article noted the major banks in these Countries are under threat due to the sovereign debt default of Greece, this move in tactical folks, the strategic problem still exists, that is the major dark cloud of debt in Italy and Greece, Greece has had to be bailed out twice at the cost of multi billion euros, while Italy in effect has seen its Budget process take over by the European Central Bank, the ECB has demanded that Italy bring forward its Austerity packages, lets see if they do and it works. The DEBT mountain wont go away folks, in less the EU gets the fact that the social model for the 21 Century cant be the same as the 20th Century then it will fail, sooner or later, and it will be sooner when the tax payer in either France or Germany say NO. Then its over folks.

US and European Stock Markets Plummet

BBC News: Reports that both US and European Markets have taken a dive today, the Dow Jones at the end of trading is down 519.83 points, that 4.62% of its value, while the FTSE 100 is down by 157.76 points. Thus latest frenzy is the worry that French Banks will need a bailout due to their holding Greek debts. Also that France like US would lose its AAA rating. As stated in early post folks this blogger is wary of such stories, one gets the feeling that someone or Institution is playing the market, and making a killing. On the stock market there are always winners, Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss are not the normal winners, they don’t quite have the money or the info to throw the market off kilter. In the US the economic prospects don’t look good, thus an added negative factor for the market to get upset about. As they said during Watergate follow the money, who making the deals and buying, this blog has an idea. Except more Market ups and downs folks, also don’t trust the French, one would not be surprised to see the French Government bailout out their banks.

56% Disapproval for POTUS = Rasmussen Reports

Rasmussen Reports: Has its latest daily tracking poll of likely voters, today POTUS has a 56% Disapproval rating while 43% of likely voters approve of the Obama record. Good week for the Oval not to look at the polls folks. If Obama wants to win in 2012 its simple, SAY SORRY for ObamaCare, if Reagan can say sorry for Iran - Contra then Obama should be able to say he messed up with ObamaCare, cut off the class warfare rhetoric, embrace tax cuts, fight and win Afghanistan and Iraq. Sometimes the most complex question has the most simple answer folks.

40% Approval for POTUS = Gallup

Gallup: Reports in its latest daily tracking poll, President Obama has a 40% Approval rating, while 50% of Average voters Disapprove of the job performance of Obama. The Oval must be glad the election is a year and half away, also that it can recall the case study of Ronald Reagan who had a 35% Approval rating. But and there is always a BUT folks, the difference this time is that Reagan had the developing booming economy, Obama has 9.1% unemployment, low growth, and this is not expected to change much by next year. The S&P downgrade really has hurt the Oval, one is surprised that the Oval has not used the race card on the S&P, give the left wing time folks, they will. Also Afghanistan is not good, but its Obama’s War, he agreed to the double surges, now he is playing politics with the issue, thus don’t expect any sympathy from this blog. It can be argued that either Romney or Perry can beat Obama next year, thus expect a dirty fight folks, very dirty.

The Union Control of the Democratic Party

Guardian: Reports that the Democrats have failed in their recall fight to unseat Republican State Senators in the State of Wisconsin after tough anti Union laws were passed by the Republicans. This should be a warning to the Obama White House, there is a difference between spin and the real world, when you only talk and listen to your own supporters it can distort your picture of the world. What this case does show as with the UK Labour Party, is that both the Democrats and Labour Party are in the deep pockets of the Unions, but even that might not be enough to win, listen and learn Oval.

Germany and France and the Bailouts

Telegraph: Reports that the debt contagion that has gone from the PIGS of EU could start to effect the last bulwark of the Euro, France and Germany, the costs of these Countries borrowing has started to go up. Lets be honest folks, if France and Germany go down then its good by for all of us in Europe, thus not quite discounting this story, would have to see lot more damage to the foundations of Germany and France. But lets recall the US has been downgraded, thus nothing is off the table folks, on this story would take wary eye, its bad, its disastrous folks but Europe is not dead yet!

The Politics of the Riots = Lady Thatcher

BBC News: As the article notes, rare praise from former Labour London Mayor Ken Livingston and a candidate in 2012, Mr Livingston has stated that the Government should follow the example of Lady Thatcher in the 1980s, then Lady Thatcher hired more coppers, as the Country was going through deep recession. In this Mr Livingston is right, the UK is on its uppers as they used to say, we are broke, there will be major cuts, the social structure of the Country will take a hit, thus the need for a major police presence to keep law and order. Also the Police have to be backed, yes they will make mistakes, but on the whole they should get total support, its going to get harsher out there folks, when the cuts really start to hit. It was interesting to see Newsnight last night, the Labour Deputy Leader was trying to have it both ways, while condemning the riots she also wanted to blame the Coalition for the cuts, thus the riots. If the Labour left start to play such games the Coalition should call them out on this, do they support law and order or the rioters, one or the other folks.

Cameron on further UK RIOTS

No 10: Further Statement by PM Cameron. The PM has stated the following on a further night of rioting in the UK, “ ..Since yesterday there are more police on the street, more people have been arrested and more people are being charged and prosecuted. Last night there were around 16,000 police on the streets of London and there is evidence that a more robust approach to policing in London resulted in a much quieter night across the capital and let me pay tribute to the bravery of those police officers and, indeed, everyone working for our emergency services. In total, there have been 750 arrests in London since Saturday with more than 160 people being charged. Today, major police operations are underway as I speak to arrest the criminals who were not picked up last night but who were picked up on closed-circuit television cameras. Picture by picture these criminals are being identified and arrested and we will not let any phony concerns about human rights get in the way of the publication of these pictures and the arrest of these individuals. As I speak, sentences are also being passed. Courts sat through the night last night and will do again tonight. It is for the courts to sentence, but I would expect anyone convicted of violent disorder will be sent to prison. We needed a fight back and a fight back is underway. We have seen the worst of Britain, but I also believe we’ve seen some of the best of Britain: the million people who’ve signed up on Facebook to support the police, communities coming together in the cleanup operations.…Overnight we saw the same appalling violence and thuggery that we’ve seen in London in new cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham. In the West Midlands three men were killed in a hit and run in Birmingham and the police are working round the clock to get to the bottom of what happened and bring the perpetrator to justice. In Birmingham, over 160 arrests were made. In Salford, up to a thousand youths were attacking the police at the height of the disturbance. Across Greater Manchester more than 100 arrests were made and in Nottinghamshire, Canning Circus police station was firebombed and over 80 arrests were made. This continued violence is simply not acceptable and it will be stopped. We will not put up with this in our country. We will not allow a culture of fear to exist on our streets. Let me be clear. At COBRA this morning we agreed full contingency planning is going ahead. Whatever resources the police need they will get. Whatever tactics the police feel they need to employ they will have legal backing to do so. We will do whatever is necessary to restore law and order onto our streets. Every contingency is being looked at. Nothing is off the table. The police are already authorised to use baton rounds and we agreed at COBRA that while they’re not currently needed we now have in place contingency plans for water cannon to be available at 24 hours’ notice. It is all too clear that we have a big problem with gangs in our country. For too long there’s been a lack of focus on the complete lack of respect shown by these groups of thugs. I’m clear that they are in no way representative of the vast majority of young people in our country who despise them, frankly, as much as the rest of us do, but there are pockets of our society that are not just broken but, frankly, sick. When we see children as young as 12 and 13 looting and laughing, when we see the disgusting sight of an injured young man with people pretending to help him while they are robbing him, it is clear there are things that are badly wrong in our society. For me, the root cause of this mindless selfishness is the same thing that I have spoken about for years. It is a complete lack of responsibility in parts of our society. People allowed to feel that the world owes them something, that their rights outweigh their responsibilities and that their actions do not have consequences. Well, they do have consequences. We need to have a clearer code of values and standards that we expect people to live by and stronger penalties if they cross the line. Restoring a stronger sense of responsibility across our society, in every town, in every street, in every estate is something I’m determined to do. Tomorrow, COBRA will meet again, Cabinet will meet, I’ll make a statement to Parliament, I’ll set out in full the measures that we’ll take to help businesses that have been affected, to help rebuild communities, to help rebuild the shops and buildings that have been damaged, to make sure the homeless are rehoused, to help local authorities in all the ways that are necessary. But today, right now, the priority is still clear: we will take every action necessary to bring order back to our streets. ”. If need be the Army with live ammo should be used, looters if the situation gets worse should be shot on sight, but only if gets worse folks. This is the ultimate test for the Coalition, the Conservative Party cant allow the liberal strand of the Liberal Democrats to get in the way of securing the streets. Thus extra Police should be send to Cities outside London, the Human Rights Act should be suspended, time to get tough folks.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

Is Perry the next President ?

The New York Times: Reports that the Governor of Texas, Governor Rick Perry has sent the message out that he is running in 2012. This blog gut has the same feeling about Perry that it had in the early days about Obama, the main stream media could be looking at the next President of the United States. Governor Perry has something of that Reagan style about him, also a Conservative, Texas has prospered while the US has gone down the drain. One should not bet again Perry, the front runner Governor Romney should worry, this is just the type of candidate the Republican Party can fall in love with, is Perry the 2nd Reagan?.

Cameron on the UK Riots

No 10: Full PM Statement: PM David Cameron has stated the following on the UK riots, “.. Let me, first of all, completely condemn the scenes that we have seen on our television screens and people have witnessed in their communities. These are sickening scenes – scenes of people looting, vandalising, thieving, robbing, scenes of people attacking police officers and even attacking fire crews as they’re trying to put out fires. This is criminality pure and simple and it has to be confronted and defeated. I feel huge sympathy for the families who’ve suffered, innocent people who’ve been burned out of their houses and to businesses who have seen their premises smashed, their products looted and their livelihoods potentially ruined. I also feel for all those who live in fear because of these appalling scenes that we’ve seen on the streets of our country. People should be in no doubt that we are on the side of the law abiding, law abiding people who are appalled by what has happened in their own communities….The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has said that compared with the 6,000 police on the streets last night in London there will be some 16,000 officers tonight. All leave within the Metropolitan Police has been cancelled. There will be aid coming from police forces up and down the country and we will do everything necessary to strengthen and assist those police forces that are meeting this disorder. There have already been 450 people arrested. We will make sure that court procedures and processes are speeded up and people should expect to see more, many more arrests in the days to come. I am determined, the government is determined that justice will be done and these people will see the consequences of their actions. And I have this very clear message to those people who are responsible for this wrongdoing and criminality: you will feel the full force of the law and if you are old enough to commit these crimes you are old enough to face the punishment. And to these people I would say this: you are not only wrecking the lives of others, you’re not only wrecking your own communities; you are potentially wrecking your own life too….”. This is a good start by PM Cameron, he has to keep pressure on the Police to be more Gene Hunt not Sam Tayler. This is not the time for PC Police work, its about the Police getting stuck in, keeping the Streets safe and clearing the streets of lawless scum.
　
　
　

Cameron, Osborne = House of Commons

Guardian: Reports that after the PM David Cameron makes a statement on the UK riots, the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne will discuss the economic crisis. In some respects this is a pointless statement by Osborne, the UK is not in the Euro, thus the debt mountains of Italy and Spain does not directly affect the UK, of course our banks have Spanish and Italian debts thus if they go down they take the EU with them, also the downgrade of the US credit rating is not something the UK can effect, also lets recall the UK still has its AAA rating from S&P. The UK growth figures are expected to be downgraded by the Bank of England, well folks the crisis left behind by Gordon Brown was not going to be solved in a year, also the austerity package of the Coalition Government is going to take time, its going to be tough out there folks, hard and tough for people. Its not quite the 1930s folks, but in its own way its that bad, people just have to get used to that simple fact.

UK Parliament Recalled and the London RIOTS

Telegraph: Reports on the statement by the UK Coalition PM David Cameron that the House of Commons has been recalled from recess for Thursday to discuss the riots. This is the time for David Cameron to show the steel in his soul, he has to outdo Lady Thatcher and come down hard on these rioting scum, if the extra police cant deal with the mob then the Army armed has to take control of the Streets. These riots have nothing to do with the economic policies of the Government, its just common criminals nicking TV’s, phones, etc, Cameron has to come down hard and fast, no more riots in the Capital City of the UK.

Markets UP

BBC News: Reports a upswing in the stock markets of the US and the UK, the FTSE is up 41.38 and the Dow Jones is up 180.43 at 4pm UK time. Also the costs to Italy and Spain of borrowing has gone down, thanks the European Central Bank. Thus is the crisis over folks, GOD NO, this is a breather, the ECB cant buy Italian and Spanish bonds till the end of the time, these countries have to short out their debt. This means tough austerity measures, the kind of measures that has riots on the streets, yes just like Greece folks. The UK London riots has nothing to do with the economic polices of the Coalition folks, its just individuals chancing their arm, breaking the law, looters are just criminals. In the US it can be argued that that the market has hit bottom, thus good time to buy if you had the money, lets see how long it lasts. But on the whole a good day on the markets folks.

48% Disapproval for Obama = Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its latest daily tracking poll on the job approval for President Obama, today POTUS has a 43% Approval rating, while 48% of Average voters disapprove of the job performance of President Obama. If you think about it folks its not that bad, it the numbers could be a lot worse, if these were the numbers in November 2012 then POTUS would be toast, but there a is year and a half to go folks. The US credit rating downgrade, the massive falls in Wall Street, the recent losses in Afghanistan should have hurt Obama more, but POTUS is still in the game, its long game folks.

Hollywood and President Obama

Telegraph: Reports how the late night TV chat hosts are making jokes at the expense of President Obama. Folks you can always tell when liberal Hollywood types know when to get off the Obama Titanic. If Obama goes down in 2012 these late night talk show hosts don’t want to be damaged by the brand Obama. But they should be wary, Obama is very thin skinned for a politician, he shares that flaw with Richard Nixon. Thus expect a dirty fight in 2012 folks.

Obama and the Markets

BBC News: Reports that an attempt by President Obama to sooth the market had a negative effect, before remarks the Down Jones was down 2.5%, at the end of the of the day the Dow Jones was down 5.6%, that’s 634.76 points folks. Well folks neither London or New York had a good day, the question that has to be asked is when buyers are going to move in to get their hands on some good stock at cheap prices. This blog will risk a prediction, a few more days of selling folks, then buyers will move in, that is not a suggestion folks. Even if this blog had the money it would not buy shares, gold and diamonds would be a safer bet folks. Interesting days ahead folks.

Bailout of Banks = Italy and France

Mail on Sunday: Reports that both Italian and French Governments are on standby to bailout out their major banks due to the Greek default. Thus on Monday folks the markets will have to deal with US downgrade, the near default of Italy, the close default of Spain, the chance that major banks in Italy and France could go down, thus another credit freeze, you could almost stay in bed and not watch TV on Monday folks, there is economic tsunami coming, will make 2008 look like happy hour, interesting hours ahead folks.

Are you AAA or AA+ ?

Guardian: Has a graph showing the individual credit ratings of each Country. The UK in the view of S&P is AAA with a stable outlook, the US AA+ with a negative outlook. This blog would not be surprised to see the other credit agencies, Moody’s and Fitch also downgrade the US credit rating, they will not want to be left with egg on their face should S&P be right. Thus more market turmoil folks on Monday.

They Killed OBL, Died as Heroes = Afghanistan Front Latest

Telegraph: Reports on the death of thirty US Special Forces troops in Afghanistan, there helicopter was shot down by the Taliban, of that 30 it is reported that 23 played a part in the death of OBL. In pure PR terms folks this is a disaster for the Oval, on one level there is the biggest losses of US troops since 2001, also the US Special Forces that took out OBL. Thus expect over time there to be even more critical reaction to the Obama plan to withdraw troops at the height of the fighting season next year, also the defence cuts that are part of the debt ceiling deal, as with the British Empire folks the US has found if your broke your power starts to reduce, at least we could hand over to the US after World War Two, the US does not have that luxury, the end of Empires folks.

G7 CRISIS Talks - Eurozone/US

BBC News: Report that the G7 is to hold Emergency Talks about the latest developments in the Eurozone Crisis and the downgrade of US credit. Is there a big meeting folks, hell no, its the holiday period, thus talks over the phone, the West is going to hell in a hand basket, just so that the OUR supposed leaders can get some sun and catch up on their summer reading. No FDR when you want one, even if flawed policies.

Obama on Afghanistan Losses

Here is the following statement by President Obama on recent US losses in Afghanistan, “ My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the Americans who were lost earlier today in Afghanistan. Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan. We will draw inspiration from their lives, and continue the work of securing our country and standing up for the values that they embodied. We also mourn the Afghans who died alongside our troops in pursuit of a more peaceful and hopeful future for their country. At this difficult hour, all Americans are united in support of our men and women in uniform who serve so that we can live in freedom and security. ”. Its nice line folks but then one has to ask why is Obama removing troops next year at the time of the most intense fighting. Its not a military strategy, its political, the Oval is more interested in winning in 2012 than the security of US troops on the ground, the more the US withdraws the more the Taliban can take over and inflict more death and destruction on Afghanistan. Someone has to tell Obama there is a difference between rhetoric and reality, in Afghanistan Obaam’s rhetoric can get you killed.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the Royal Marine killed on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Marine James Robert Wright, from Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Marine Wright.

US Credit Downgrade ?

BBC News: Reports from the US via ABC News that the Credit Agency, Standard & Poor's is to downgrade US credit. Thus folks the debt ceiling deal didn’t help, the Agencies wanted around 4 trillion in cuts, the deal is around 2.5 trillion, throwing tea cup at a fire, ( stronger language but its open page ), the Eurozone Crisis with the high chance that Italy will default has sent the markets tumbling this week. Our lords and masters seem to fiddle while Rome burns, the EU has its head up its backside at the moment, it thought it had solved the problem with a 2nd Greek bailout, problem its gone from HIV to Aids, the entire economic structure has been affected, thus Italy is almost a certain default, Spain has 60/40 chance of getting through as its debt to GDP is around 70%, the EU/IMF can deal with that, it cant deal with Italy. The cure folks, as stated many times in this blog, the EU has to get serious, bailout out Italy and Spain, kick out Greece, Ireland and Portugal, reform the welfare state in these countries, live in the 21 Century not the start of the 20th. Don’t hold much hope folks, this kind of action would take political courage, modern politicians not that brave.

Obama TALKS = Eurozone/Syria

Has a read of talks between President Obama and President Sarkozy of France and Chancellor Merkel Germany, “ The President spoke with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and, separately, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel this afternoon about the latest developments in the eurozone crisis. Noting the significant steps taken at the July 21 summit of leaders of the euro area and the importance of their implementation, the President welcomed the continued leadership of President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel in addressing the challenges facing Europe’s economy. The President also consulted with President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel on the situation in Syria. The leaders condemned the Assad regime’s continued use of indiscriminate violence against the Syrian people. They welcomed the August 3 presidential statement by the UN Security Council condemning Syria’s actions, but also agreed to consider additional steps to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people. ”. In essence folks, Obama, Sarkozy and Merkel are in the same political lifeboat when it comes to the Eurozone crisis, if one goes down they all go down, they need each other, as with Syria its hot air, no action thus just PR.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was a “ Royal Marine from 42 Commando Royal Marines. ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 378 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 334 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Markets Live

Guadian Live: Reports that the London market is expect another sell off tomorrow of around a hundred points. Folks have this feeling it could be a lot more than that, the US job figures come out tomorrow, expected to be bad, also the article states that Germany, France and Spain will hold emergency talks tomorrow to discuss the market crisis, thus expect Europe to have a major sell off day, its going to get darker folks, a lot darker.