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

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

Blood Feud ? = The Miliband Brothers

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

The Battle for Jisr al-Shughour = Syria

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

Hot Air OUT of the White House = Syria

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