When the Gipper came to the UK - Reagan Era

Telegraph: Reports on the song and dance that it took to arrange the visit to the UK of then US President Ronald Reagan in 1982. 

Lets Get Real: 

This is an excellent article but also fun folks, it shows how Diplomats get their knickers in a twist over all matter of things, before the new year this is fun read folks.    The President must have been popular with the Queen, as they both rode, and later after leaving office the President was given a knighthood, also when the Queen visited the US after the Reagan Era the Reagan's were invented on board the Queen's Ship for tea.    In all President Reagan was a great ally of the UK and of Lady Thatcher, they helped bring down the USSR. 

The Fiscal Deal and the Obama 2nd Term

Guardian: Reports the following from inside the D.C Beltway, " Senior senators say they believe a deal can be reached as US markets nervously await news from 3pm Washington meeting ".

Lets Get Real: 

The Republicans are going to CAVE folks, the elite media has been running this narrative for weeks, any deal will be seen as a victory for Obama, and in many respects it will be real, the Oval will have forced the Republicans to agree to tax hikes, the same mistake that Bush 41 did in the 1990s.   The Democrats might say the will cut welfare but they never do, that is the base of the Democratic Party, the need people to be poor and afraid.    They need to make the impression that its the fault of the rich, why else would anyone vote for a Democrat or Labour politician.    The Democrats will spend the US in to a former Empire, the same fate of Rome and British Empires, when the money is gone your power is gone.   The US voter can not say they were not told, they are not even sleep walking in to being a lesser power, they are running to such a fate, what would the Gipper say of present day America. 

POTUS and the Fiscal Cliff

BBC News: Reports that President Obama is meeting Congressional Leaders at the White House at 8pm tonight in attempt to cut a deal before the US goes over the fiscal cliff. 

Lets Get Real: 

The Republicans should hold the line, NO TAX HIKES on any Americans, and that should the Oval force the issue the Republicans will block the entire Obama Agenda on the Hill next year, NOTHING get through.   The Obama 2nd term would be over before it starts, all 2nd Term Presidents want a legacy, Obama only has  healthcare, or ObamaCare and he cant count that it wont be repelled by Republicans after 2016.   Thus the Oval should be treated to a Chicago lesson, if you overreach you get bounced hard by the other side.   Republicans hold the line, if the US goes over the cliff because of the Oval make the Oval pay in 2013, even further tax cuts not hikes, time to play hard ball folks. 

The Snowmen - Doctor Who Review

Doctor Who News: Reports that the good Doctor was the fifth most popular show in the UK on Christmas Day with " 7.59 million viewers, a share of 33.9% of the total TV audience ".

Lets Get Real: 

The overnight figures do not show those that recorded the show to watch later, the true position of the show should come next week, when those that watch it later will be added.    As to review the episode itself, well the Snowmen was fantastic, but the real horror was that the Doctor could not save Clara/ Oswin again, at least Oswin was not a Dalek in this episode, but the fact that the Doctor thought she was his next companion but only to see her die was a real kick in the Tardis.   The Victorian setting and the Doctor's retreat from the World was excellent, also nice nod to the Ponds, ( there are no spoilers here folks, you will have to watch the show ).   The Blog can not wait for next near,the Doctor (Matt Smith) and Oswin (Jenna-Louise Coleman) are a great pair, fun, flirty, either not sure what the other is up too, and great 1930s sexual chemistry, what would Rose, Martha, Donna, Amy say, one can only guess the reaction of the Doctor's wife, YES River, put that gun down again!! lol 2013 should be a great Doctor Who year folks.     

Hagel for Defence - 2nd Obama Term

The Hill: Reports that the expected nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel as the next US Defence Secretary is in trouble, the article notes the following, " ..has been criticized for prior statements on Israel lobbyists and a gay ambassadorial nominee, as well as his positions toward Iraq, Iran and Cuba. ".

Lets Get Real:

Lets recall Bush 41 lost his choice of Senator Tower to be US Defence Secretary because of Senate opposition, Hagel has managed to annoy both the left and right, lets see how much the Israeli Lobby really want to block Hagel, they might think that if Israel is going to attack Iran it does not need a US Defence Secretary that is hostile to Israel.   Lets recall folks the Mid Terms are in 2014, one of the biggest money givers to Democrats are Jewish groups, in other words folks the Democrats in the Senate and House can not afford to bite the hand that gets them elected.   The Republicans have serious national security concerns about Hagel, he opposed the Iraq War and wants talks with Iran, yes folks, if POTUS wants to talk to Iran he will have support from both Kerry at State and Hagel at Defence.    On the Oval side POTUS has to go to bat for Hagel, if he is rolled even more he nominates Hagel the 2nd Obama term will start from a weak position, and power fades from a 2nd term fast folks.   POTUS threw his UN Ambassador under the bus even  before an official nomination, he can not afford a 2nd defeat, a US President should have his choice at State and Defence, he WON, it does not matter the political views of Hagel, the case with Rice was different, she fell on her sword during the election due to Libya,  she was seen by Republicans as spinning for the Oval, when the truth did not match she was toast.   Thus far nothing like that has come up when it comes to Hagel, having left wing views in itself should not be a block on a nomination, that is the same when its right wing views for the Cabinet or being a Judge.  Lets see how this story develop folks. 

Chemical Attack in Syria ? - Syrian Update

Guardian: Has the following in its 4.46pm post, " Subtitled video has emerged purporting to show some of the victims of a gas attack in Homs....it appeared that Chlorine or Phosgene Gas had been used. ".

Lets Get Real:

This has been reported on Fox News folks, also the Guardian, but this blog wants to see confirmation from either Sky News, CNN or BBC.   This would be a game changer in the current civil war in Syria, the Oval Office has made it clear the use of WMDs would be a red line, this would be a threat to Israel and Turkey, close US allies.   If it has happened lets see if Mossad comes out with proof.   Also the Oval will know about it soon, this is not something they can over up like Libya.  But before we start to drum for military action lets see some proof folks, this could be a spin job by the opposition, before we let lose US and UK planes over Syria this blog want to see confirmed evidence.    As to if the Assad Regime would take such action, of course, and it would be clever to take it now, the Western world is focused on Christmas, the Oval is on Holiday, it has a major battle with the Republican House, if your a clever murderous Regime its perfect timing, in this period peace to all men, the last thing any wants to hear about is the next War.   Harsh but true folks.   After the Iraq War lets be right folks, even if it takes time. 

Happy Christmas and New Year

Happy Christmas 

And

New Year 

Lets hope for a Peaceful New Year 

Syria Crisis - Syrian Update

Telegraph: Reports the latest on the Syrian Crisis, " Russian officials told the Daily Telegraph that Moscow was prepared to ease the Syrian president out of power. ".

Lets Get Real: 

The WASP in this deal folks is Iran, the Tehran Regime will want President Assad to hang on, the Assad Regime gives Iran access to covertly attack Israel through Lebanon and Gaza.   If Assad goes one can expect that Iran will push to get the bomb, they have seen what happened to Gaddafi of Libya when he gave him his WMDs, he got a bayonet in not a nice place before he was killed, while North Korea can blackmail the world because it has the bomb.  To secure the Assad the Regime the Tehran Regime has been sending military supplies through Iraqi airspace, thus far the Obama Administration has not placed enough pressure on Iraq to stop these flights.  The Syrian Civil War, the unrest in Egypt, Iran on the way to the bomb, Israel building will ALL be on the desk of Secretary Kerry.   When it comes to Syria its not only Russia folks, its the Persian threat from Iran, lets see if Kerry is as good as he thinks he is, if 2004 election is any judge, God Help US. 

Mr Secretary - State Update

Guardian: Reports the following on the selection of Senator Kerry to be the new US Secretary of State, ".. is expected to have a relatively easy ride through the congressional approval process, .. ".

Lets Get Real:

This is a mistake folks, the Oval and the State will but heads sooner or later, one can guess that Kerry thinks he should be in the Oval, as Secretary of State he could cause real problems for the Oval and the Democrats.  One has to postulate that before POTUS bombs Iran he will have Secretary of State who will want to visit Tehran, try to get a deal, a deal that Israel will never accept and thus problems for the Oval and Israel.   Lets be clear, Kerry has been marked by his service in Vietnam, what ever you think about that service, he was an anti Vietnam protester, so he is going to support POTUS if he has to make the hard decision to bomb Tehran as to prevent Israel taking action and starting a regional war.   The Europeans might love the idea of Kerry at  State but Democrats in 2014 and 2016 might have to highly critical of him down the line, but then the Oval does not listen to this blog, wise or not is a matter of opinion, happy holidays Mr President.  

Boehner on Fiscal Cliff - Fiscal Update PT2

BBC News: Reports that Republican Speak John Boehner still hopes a deal can be done to prevent the US going over the fiscal cliff, this would mean tax hike ALL Americans and welfare cuts. 

Lets Get Real:

Any US recession should the US go over the cliff would be a Obama recession, his 2nd term would over before it starts, the Oval knows this, thus the Republicans should make it clear to its Speaker and the Oval that they will NOT MOVE, that they can wait out the Oval, they can wait for the decision of the US voter in 2014, and of course 2016.   Thus would break the Obama's 2nd term, if the Republicans just say NO to any  bill that the Oval wants then the Obama term will be seen as a failure.   The Republicans should just pass defence spending increases, and that IS it, NOTHING ELSE, show the OVAL that it has to deal or be a political dodo, it comes to 2nd terms sometime, why wait, if Obama wants to play Chicago rules, lets go all the way, as they say in Texas, ALL IN, Obama is the one that is seeking a legacy, one can say if the Republicans retake the Oval and Senate in 2016 they will revoke ObamaCare, thus Obama needs the Republicans, lets see if his ego gets that basic political message. 

POTUS on the Fiscal Cliff - Update

Lets Get Real:

This is typical class warfare from POTUS, the President states the following on his fiscal plan , ".. a balanced proposal that cuts spending but also asks the wealthiest Americans to pay more; a proposal that will strengthen the middle class over the long haul and grow our economy over the long haul..."  A plan folks that hits the very people that spend money in the US economy, the Middle Class spend to get by the week, its the wealthy that pay for those goods that hire workers that get the good pay.   The idea that tax cuts for the Middle Class help the US economy is rubbish, this is typical of a President who thinks SMALL, this is not Kennedy aiming for the moon by 1970 or Reagan calling the USSR an Evil Empire.   In fact Obama has gutted NASA and sold out the Eastern Europe allies of the US to please Putin of Russia.   This is a President who thinks small and wants to be a big fish in a very small pond, his pond.   Lets hope the Democrats chose a better nominee for 2016, someone who has actually created a job in the private sector and has a big dreams, also to be balanced, that the Republicans choose another Reagan.   The US after 8 years of Obama will need a New Reagan. 

Boehner vs. POTUS - Fiscal Update PT3

The Hill: Reports on the possible results of the failure of Plan B for Speaker Boehner, " Pulling the bill represents a major defeat for Boehner that will give significant leverage to Obama.. ".

Lets Get Real: 

Any Bill passed by the Democratic Senate needs to get pass the Republican House, the Republicans should say NO, just NO, during the Civil rights debates on the Hill, LBJ kept the reforms he needed there in till they were passed, well the Republican should say NO to ALL of Obama's Agenda in till he agrees to their demands on taxes and welfare cuts, every 2nd term Presidents want a domestic record, Obama tries to avoid talking about ObamaCare, thus he needs the Republican House to give him hearing, can he really wait and hope the Democrats retake the House in 2014, what if by then the Republican retake the Senate and the Oval poll numbers are in the tank, lets recall the tax hike of ObamaCare come in to force in the 2nd term.   Thus the Republicans have to stay together, and wait out Obama, the Democrats will be running for 2014 and 2016 early in the Obama 2nd term, the US election cycle starts early every year it seems.   Thus in the long term a Obama recession hits the Democrats, time for Republicans to find their inner Gipper and take the fight to the Oval. 

Plan B and Boehner - Fiscal Update PT2

CNN - Politics: Reports that Republican Speaker Boehner has stated that the fiscal cliff solution now has to come from President Obama and Senate Majority leader Harry Reid. 

Lets Get Real:

This is going to be fun for the Oval, any deal that will pass the Republican House has to have welfare cuts, the liberal base of the Democratic Party just wants to spend, also the Oval is not running in 2014 and 2016, thus Oval, Senate and the House has different interests, the Oval does not want a recession at the start of its 2nd term, the Democratic Senator and House Members have to worry about Primary fights if they vote for any cuts.   This will be a test for the Oval, can President Obama actually do deals, can he be a LBJ or Bill Clinton in Democratic terms.  The present historical trend does not look good, when it came to ObamaCare the Oval left the details to the Hill,  it seems that the Oval does not like to get its hand dirty, do deals, deals that cost, that the liberal base will be out on the street on, it expects its logical to win the day, when you get the Nobel Prize for doing nothing that can go to your head.   A great President can work with the other side, just look at the Reagan record, saved social security and reformed the tax system in the 2nd term, while working with liberal Democrats.  What is more important Reagan could sell tax hikes and still be beloved by the US voters, Republican and Democrats.   Thus can Obama save the US from going over the fiscal cliff, lets see how clever the Oval really is, can he be a good old Chicago Pol. 

Boehner Fails with Plan B - Fiscal Update

BBC News: Reports that Republican House Speaker John Boehner failed to get his Plan B through the Republican House, he pulled the plan after not getting Republican support. 

Lets Get Real: 

This is good news folks, the Tea Party supporters and Conservative Republicans have shown that the Republican leadership can not sell the Republican brand down the river, that was a mistake that Bush 41 did in the early 1990s, thus no 2nd term.    One can not see Speaker Boehner getting re-elected Speaker, his power is over.   The Republicans should nominate a tough Republican Speaker, a Speaker that will tell the Oval, its this way or the high way, that if the Oval forces the idea of tax hikes then the Oval is dead on the Hill, in other words NO OBAMA ideas will be passed by the House.  Any tax hikes from the fiscal cliff will be used to pay down the US national debt of 16 trillion.   The recession would be a Obama recession.   Liberals think that with this defeat that the Republicans will be weak and be be pushed, time to show them they are wrong, the Republicans should stand firm, NO TAX HIKES, on anyone, major welfare cuts and increase defence spending, the Republicans should return to the agenda of Ronald Reagan. 

Reagan on the Bork Nomination failure - 1987

Here is what President Reagan said on the failed nomination of Judge Robert Bork in 1987, " I am saddened and disappointed that the Senate has bowed today to a campaign of political pressure and has turned down the nomination of Judge Robert Bork to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Warren Burger said that he could not recall a more qualified nominee in the past 50 years. The highest Court in our land will not enjoy the services of one of the finest men ever put forward for a place on its bench. Judge Bork will be vindicated in history.

Alexander Hamilton wrote that ``the complete independence of the courts of justice is . . . essential in . . . [the] Constitution.'' The framers of our Constitution believed that the judicial branch should be removed from politics and that its only goal should be the fair and impartial administration of justice. But in the last few months, the confirmation of a judicial nominee has become a spectacle of misrepresentation and single-issue politics. To allow this unprecedented practice to become the rule would jeopardize the integrity and independence of the American system of justice. All Americans have a stake in making sure that the confirmation process is never distorted like this again. Let me just add that those Senators who stood up today for Judge Bork and for a judiciary free of politics have my gratitude and respect.

My next nominee for the Court will share Judge Bork's belief in judicial restraint: that a judge is bound by the Constitution to interpret laws, not make them. In our democracy, it is the elected representatives of the people, not unelected judges, who make laws. He or she will share my belief in judicial restraint. He or she will share my belief that the courts of law must administer fair and firm justice to criminals and must show compassion to the victims of crime. I will seek a nominee who understands the dangers of judicial license and leniency in the courtroom. This is the kind of jurist the American people want on the Supreme Court. This is the kind of jurist the framers of our Constitution envisioned sitting on the Supreme Court. This is the kind of jurist I am determined to appoint to the Supreme Court. ". *

Lets Get Real:

The Supremes  lost a chance to have wise and conservative Judge on the bench due to the vicious attack of liberals in the Senate and around the US.   The present cold war between Democrats and Republicans comes from this time as noted by this blog, how about Democrats saying sorry. 

*" Statement on the Failure of the Senate to Confirm the Supreme Court Nomination of Robert H. Bork. October 23, 1987 " The Public Papers of President Ronald W. Reagan.  Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1987/102387c.htm

Benghazi Deaths - Libyan Update

Telegraph: Reports the following on the State Department Report on the Benghazi Deaths, " has strongly criticised State Department security arrangements there as "grossly inadequate."   ". 

Lets Get Real:

The question that really has to be asked folks IS will Secretary Clinton ever face a Congressional Committee when it comes to the Libyan deaths, how will the Republicans play this issue over the next four years, it is the general view within the D.C that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee in 2016, it will not be VP Biden, thus will Republican supporting groups do a Kerry of 2004 on Clinton in 2016, will they start undermine her national security profile, the death of the US Ambassador in Libya was the 1st such death in 30 years, the Clinton Camp have a problem, they need to get the Secretary out there, taking the tough questions in one go,  not having to answer the same questions over the next four years.    This is serious for the Clinton Camp folks, at the end of the day Secretary Clinton has taken the political blame for Libya but she has not faced Congress, she of late has had the flue and has hurt her head with a fall, those with a more cynical view have stated, typical of a Clinton, avoiding tough questions, on the hope that the issue will go away, its not new for the Clinton Camp, Bill Clinton and the Impeachment process.   Thus if Hillary Clinton wants to be the 2016 nominee she has to get in front of this issue, its a political IED that could go off at any time and derail her attempt in 2016.    Thus political advice to Clinton Camp, have the Secretary go before Congress in 2013, how ever long and answer all their questions, then when the issue comes up again, say go read the Congressional transcript.   Lets see how the Clintons play this issue folks. 

End of the Two State Solution ? - Israeli Update

Guardian: Reports that Israel has announced new building around Jerusalem, the article notes the following, " the approval of 2,612 homes in a move likely to further inflame international criticism of Binyamin Netanyahu's government. ".

Lets Get Real: 

It is time for Israel to tell the Oval and the UN to get lost, they WON, the poor Palestinians have been shafted by everyone, they are never going to get a valid State, it was never on the cards, the security of Israel would be in danger should Israel not control any Palestinian Border or airspace, look how Iran is using Iraq airspace to keep the Assad Regime in power, what havoc could Iran cause in Israel if it could develop terrorist groups in Palestinian Jerusalem.  The idea of a Two State Solution is OVER folks, the UN, the West even the Obama Administration is smoking something if they think this is going to change, its NOT, get over it.    At its most basic the Israelis have WON, as JFK said life is not fair, but as Nixon said in essence when leaving in 1974, its not when you up that counts but when you hit the deck, that is the position faced by the poor Palestinians, they have been let down by everyone, time to get up and come up with a new plan. 

Judge Bork Dies

BBC News: Reports that Judge Robert Bork died, the Judge was a former US US solicitor general, Attorney General and Federal Appeals Court Judge.   Judge Bork was nominated in 1987 by President Reagan to be on the US Supeme Court, US liberals blocked the nomination. 

Lets Get Real:

The modern take no prisoners no compromise approach of the US political parties comes from the Bork fight, the Judge on his qualifications was up to the job but liberals in the US Senate and in the US opposed his legal views, it did not help that at the height at of the Watergate scandal he followed the order of President Nixon and fired the Watergate Special Prosecutor.  Liberals never forgive folks, thus from Bork we have seen both Republicans and Democrats go for the throat, both Parties have to keep their bases happy, while before good Government was more important.    The modern political era in many respects in the Bork era, were the only result that matters to the Parties is the personal destruction of the opposition.  Shame on liberals. 

The Republican House vs. POTUS - Fiscal Update

The White House: Has the following statement on the the latest Republican House Plan when it comes to the fiscal cliff, " The American people have been clear that they will not accept an economic approach that places too big of a burden on the middle class, seniors, students and the most vulnerable Americans while asking too little of the wealthiest Americans.  The Congressional Republican “Plan B” legislation continues large tax cuts for the very wealthiest individuals - on average, millionaires would see a tax break of $50,000 - while eliminating tax cuts that 25 million students and families struggling to make ends meet depend on and ending critical incentives for our nation’s businesses. It would also cut off a vital lifeline of unemployment assistance to 2 million Americans fighting to find a job just a few days after Christmas, while deeply cutting Medicare. The deficit reduction is minimal, and perversely, given its authors, solely through tax increases with no spending cuts.  This approach does not meet the test of balance, and the President would veto the legislation in the unlikely event of its passage.

The President believes this moment presents both sides an opportunity to reach a significant, balanced deal that is good for American families, the economy and for our nation’s future.  He has put forward a proposal that meets the Speaker halfway on both taxes and spending, offering to work with Republicans to cut spending by an additional more than one trillion dollars beyond what he has already signed into law.  The President urges the Republican leadership to work with us to resolve remaining differences and find a reasonable solution to this situation today instead of engaging in political exercises that increase the possibility that taxes go up on every American. The American people are watching closely and deserve no less. ".

Lets Get Real: 

The White House wants to completely defeat the Republican House, they want tax hikes on those earning two hundred and fifty thousand a year, that covers a lot of small business men and women, they also want to control the public spending purse.    If the Republican House Speaker John Boehner wants to get some honour back he will tell the Oval to get lost, he will reverse his previous agreement on tax hikes and tell the Oval that if it does not agree to Republican demands it can have the Obama recession and it will cost the Oval after the US goes over the fiscal cliff at the start of the new year, there will have to be tax breaks, NO TAX HIKES, major welfare cuts, not promised but real ones, the kind that will have liberals out on the streets.  Lets see if Speaker Boehner can play Chicago hard ball, that the only game that the Oval understands. 

Obama and Afghanistan

The New York Times: Has the following Editorial on the US troops in Afghanistan, " ..The mounting evidence makes it clear that they should be pulled out as soon as it can be done safely, instead of waiting until the end of 2014, the date set by the United States and NATO. ".

Lets Get Real:

The opinion of this blog  of the uber liberal NYT is well know to the readers of this blog, but this editorial is dead right,  this blog for years has been calling for the US/UK to get out of Afghanistan, the pointless deaths is a shame for both the US and UK Governments. One can postulate that after NATO leaves in 2014 the Country will fall apart, the Central Government in Kabul will fall and President Karzai if he has any sense will be on the last US helicopter out of Kabul, when the USSR left the puppet leader was caught, tortured and killed by the Taliban.   As to prevent Afghanistan returning to a safe place for terrorists the US should do a deal with Pakistan, they should increase their bases in the badlands of Pakistan and send drones over Afghanistan to attack terrorists threats.   This was British Imperial policy but then it was planes.   There is talk that the Obama Administration wants to keep ten thousand US troops in Afghanistan, this would be a bad move, they would be targets with not much support, the Republican House should say NO to any such request form the Oval.   Afghanistan is a hell hole, NEVER mind how many times you invade the place it does not get better, Afghanistan shows what happens to a Country that suffers constant War and Civil War.    TIME FOR THE US/UK to get OUT. 

How Boehner Caved - Fiscal Cliff Update

CNN - Politics: Reports on how Speaker Boehner caved to POTUS, " ..dropped Republican opposition to two key demands by Obama -- higher tax rates on the wealthiest Americans and an automatic extension of the federal debt limit. ".

Lets Get Real: 

Folks can you think of any other Speaker who would give UP the power of the purse, the Speaker seems more interested in playing golf than protecting the Americans and the Republican Agenda.   What was the point of tea party supporters going out and getting support for Republicans if Boehner just caves, he caved a day after the election.  A real tough Speaker would have told the Oval, WELCOME TO THE OBAMA RECESSION, and walked away for two years.  That is Chicago hard ball politics folks.   In the 1980s/90s both Reagan and Bush 41 agreed to tax hikes based on Democratic welfare cuts, they never happened, the Democrats always back away from hard decisions due to their liberal base.   Thus the US economy will stagnate for the next four years, with ObamaCare & tax hikes, welcome to Jimmy Carter part two, the Republican House should ditch Boehner and get a tough SOB as the next Speaker, someone who will tell Obama to get off his ego.    That is not the Speaker, a Republican in name only folks.  Sad day for the US and the Republican Party. 

The Boehner SELL OUT - Fiscal Cliff Update

Guardian: Reports that Speaker Boehner the Republican Speaker of the House has agreed to tax hikes for those earning over a million dollars. but also agreed to " ..postpone negotiations over US borrowing limits, which must be agreed by February, for one year. In June 2011.. ".

Lets Get Real:

In OTHER words folks the Speaker has totally caved, can you see a Democratic House giving that kind of power to Ronald Reagan or Bush 43, the Republican House members should recall Boehner from his talks with POTUS and remind the Speaker that the Republican House was elected as a block on a out of control liberal President.   Every new Congress the Speaker has to be re-elected, the Republican Members should seek a challenger to Boehner, he has sold the soul of the Republican Party to Obama.   Thus for the next two years the Oval can push the House around, this is a sad day for the Reagan Republican Party.  Shame on Speaker Boehner. 

The Queen at the UK Cabinet

BBC News: Reports that the Queen will attend the UK Cabinet on Tuesday. 

Lets Get Real 

The Queen at the UK Cabinet, this is the first time as the article notes sine the Reign of Queen Victoria that such an even has happened, one can only wonder what HM will think of these Ministers, when your 1st PM was Winston Churchill your pretty much had the greatest Britain, at the least the Queen will see Coalition Government at work, the trials of being a Monarch.  Advice to Cabinet, well the Liberal Democrats, behave, there is still the Tower, think if HM put the Cabinet in the Tower would the public give to Charity to get them out, have my doubts.   Who's idea was this, what if HM says something is a good idea, yes tricky, but fun, God Save the Queen, she might need a strong cup of tea after this event. 

Obama vs. Boehner - Fiscal Update

The New York Times: Reports on the bad relationship between President Obama and Republican Speaker Boehner is down to a failed attempt at a grand bargain last year, the article notes the following, " a relationship soured by the mutual recriminations after their failure 18 months ago, people on both sides say. ". 

Lets Get Real:

In modern US politics the bases of the Parties control how much freedom D.C Politicians have, the extreme liberals own the Democratic Party, while Conservatives/Tea Party supporters are at the core of the Republican Party.   A political deal might look good in Government terms, as Bush 41 thought with his deal to raise taxes and with cuts  and thus break his pledge not to raise taxes, but those that actually vote and help the Republican candidates get elected thought the deal was BAD, that Bush 41 had broken his word, gone back on the Reagan Agenda.   In his 2nd term Bill Clinton stated in a State of the Union that the Era of Big Government was over, that went down well liberals, thus a factor in Hillary Clinton's loss to President Obama in 2008.    In the 1980s Reagan could do deals with the liberal Speaker of the House Tip O' Neill to save social security and to do tax reform, and these two were loved by their base, thus a good governmental deal and a good political deal requires strong leaders, who know when to hold the line, but can take the heat from the base.   Thus far we have seen all give from Boehner and nothing from POTUS, thus the Speaker has caved and Obama has won, but power on the Hill is fleeting,  the race for 2014 and 2016 starts next year folks.  

One Trillion in TAX HIKES - Fiscal Update

Telegraph: Reports that President Obama has moved form his demand for 1.6 trillion in tax hikes to " reportedly moving closer to Mr Boehner's own offer of $1tr in recent days. ". 

Lets Get Real: 

Thus we get tax hikes, and what does the US get, slow economic growth, a growing welfare states, a Democratic Party that for the next two years will be demanding more tax hikes, YES FOLKS, it never ends.    The Democrats will be demanding with this tax hikes that the Government spend, of course that will never be enough, thus more tax hikes.   The Tea Party/ Conservative Republicans have to challenge Boehner when he seeks re-election for Speaker, the Speaker has sold out the Reagan Agenda, for a pat on the back from POTUS.   Those running for the 2016 Republican Nomination have to be critical of this deal, they have to support  any challenger to Boehner, one can postulate that if Reagan was still about he would not be pleased with Boehner, what is the point of a having a Republican Speaker if he can not be a firewall against a liberal President, shame on Speaker Boehner. 

Kerry for State - Official

Guardian: Reports from the US that " ..with both ABC and CNN reporting that Obama had opted for Kerry. ", neither of these networks would gone with the story if it was not from the Oval. 

Lets Get Real:

If UN Ambassador Rice goes from the UN to be Obama's new National Security Advisor the job of Secretary of State could be all title no horses to use a Texan phrase, as the article notes on the relationship between Hillary Clinton and POTUS, " Conventional thinking in Washington has it that Clinton has never been close to Obama and has tended to be excluded from decision-making on major issues.. ".   Thus the future Secretary Kerry might find as previous US Secretary of States have found that the real foreign policy is done out of the White House, as reported Ambassador Rice is a strong character, so one can expect some tension between the Oval and State, will Rice be the new Kissinger, while Kerry gets the press attention the real news story will be the White House.  ALL 2nd term Presidents sooner or later, and it is sooner in most cases find they are a political dodo on the Hill, at least on foreign policy POTUS has more freedom, thus the article in the NYT that Iran has agreed to one to one talks with the US, one can see Obama thinking he is the new Nixon, that he can open up Iran  for talks, as Nixon did with China and the USSR.  Good luck with that Mr President, Israel might think it has nothing to lose and attack Iran if it thinks that Obama is going to do a JFK and sell them out as Kennedy did with Turkey over the Cuban Missile Crisis.   Thus over the next few years foreign policy will become more central to the Oval, it always does folks. 

Boehner CAVES - SELLS OUT

CNN - Politics: Reports that Republican Speaker John Boehner has " ..has offered to include higher tax rates on the wealthiest Americans as part of a deficit-reduction deal .. ". 

Lets Get Real: 

Thus folks Speaker Boehner has caved, the main difference between Democrats and Republicans has been removed, NOW the Dems can push the Republican House about, the new elected Republicans have broken faith the their voters, the are now just light Democrats.   The Oval will not cut welfare, the Democratic leaders in the House and Senate will not allow that as they face re-election in 2014, they have to keep their base happy, the Republican Nominee in 2016 will have to distance himself from the Republican House, they have sold OUT the Party for a VERY limited cuts, the Republicans in the House who vote for this are doing a Bush 41.   Lets hope the Tea Party supporters and Conservative Republicans run candidates against those in the House who vote for this deal,  they have sold out folks. 

The Fiscal Cliff Talks - Update

The New York Times: Reports that a meeting between President Obama and Speaker Boenher on Thursday did not look like a deal had been struck. 

Lets Get Real:

The Liberal base of the Democratic Party wants the US to go over the fiscal cliff, then tax hikes will happen for everyone and US defence spending will be hit hard.  The Republicans at the start will get the blame, the liberal main stream media such as the liberal NYT will say that is the fault of the House Republicans, but this spin will not help the Oval, if the US goes in to recession it will be a Obama recession, then the election cycle  hits, the Republicans and Democrats will start to get ready for the 2014 Mid Terms, if Obama can not deal with the Congress this will hurt Democrats in the long term, also in the 2012 Election POTUS promised that the Middle Class would not see tax hikes, well if the US goes over that cliff the Middle Class will take a big hit, and the Oval will feel its wrath.   As POTUS can not run again, and does not have a horse in the 2016 race, VP Biden will not be the next President, then Democrats it can be postulated will want some distance from the Oval, after 8 years US voters will want a change, thus Hillary Clinton is in a perfect position to seek some distance from the Oval, she was a loyal Secretary of State, thus the Obama supporters can not really attack her should see need some clear water between her and Obama.    Of course this all depends on the polls, if Obama is like a Reagan he can help Hillary Clinton, if of course if he is like Bill Clinton in 2000 and is a vote loser by the perception of the Clinton Camp they can ditch him.   In way the US election cycle is bad government but for political geeks it is great, mid way through next year expect the Democrats and Republicans to head to Iowa and NH, the election race starts all over again. 

The Fiscal Cliff - Update

CNN - Politics: Reports the following on the talks between POTUS and the House Speaker, " ..there was no movement on the main sticking point of tax rates, sources familiar with the conversation told CNN ".

Lets Get Real:

The Oval knows that the Speaker will fold, right after the election Speaker Boehner offered revenue increases, you do not offer off the bat in talks, you start from your extreme point and work your way down, the Oval will have guessed that the House will fold at the last minute, and thus the White House will get its tax hikes and NO WELFARE CUTS, the Democrats then can push the House around for the next two years.   The Tea Party supporters in the Republican controlled House should pick someone to stand against Boehner, a hard line tea Party supporter who understand the agenda of the Gipper, small government, low taxes and a strong defence.  The Speaker should scare the hell out of the Oval, constant Congressional investigations, make them work 24/7 for every vote they want, then beat them with the Republican Majority.   This is the Chicago way folks, its not nice, but its politics 101 in the Chicago political system, the system that gave the Democrats Obama.   

The Oval on Susan Rice

The White House: Has a Presidential Statement on the withdrawal of Susan Rice for consideration as Secretary of State, " Today, I spoke to Ambassador Susan Rice, and accepted her decision to remove her name from consideration for Secretary of State. For two decades, Susan has proven to be an extraordinarily capable, patriotic, and passionate public servant. As my Ambassador to the United Nations, she plays an indispensable role in advancing America’s interests. Already, she has secured international support for sanctions against Iran and North Korea, worked to protect the people of Libya, helped achieve an independent South Sudan, stood up for Israel’s security and legitimacy, and served as an advocate for UN reform and the human rights of all people. I am grateful that Susan will continue to serve as our Ambassador at the United Nations and a key member of my cabinet and national security team, carrying her work forward on all of these and other issues. I have every confidence that Susan has limitless capability to serve our country now and in the years to come, and know that I will continue to rely on her as an advisor and friend. While I deeply regret the unfair and misleading attacks on Susan Rice in recent weeks, her decision demonstrates the strength of her character, and an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first. The American people can be proud to have a public servant of her caliber and character representing our country. ".

Lets Get Real:

This is funny folks, you can laugh, lets be clear here, the Oval never actually in a formal manner nominated Ambassador Rice to be the next US Secretary State, thus this statement is based  on a D.C rumour that was never actually confirmed by the Oval.    One has to to think that Senator Kerry will be pleased to be the next Secretary State even if he was the 2nd choice, the Republicans will see it as way to get former Senator Scott Brown back in to the Senate after he lost his race in November.   This mess is down to the fact that Ambassador Rice at the height of the 2012 election allowed herself to be used by the Oval to spin a weak a story about the death of the US Ambassador to Libya that was NOT TRUE, even as she went on the 5 Sunday talk shows they story was falling apart, this should be a political lesson to the Ambassador, do not fall on your sword if your not going to get any benefits in the future, it seems from the latest reports that Rice will be made Obama's National Security Advisor, in other words foreign policy will be made at the Oval, so expect some rows between State and the Oval. 

Susan Rice - NOT Madam Secretary

Guardian: Reports that the US UN Ambassador Susan Rice has withdrawn from the race to be the next US Secretary of State, the blog states the following, " To many seasoned observers it looks like the president has just lost a high-profile fight with Republicans over a potential nominee he has very publicly defended, indeed is personally linked to. ".

Lets Get Real: 

Thus the Obama 2nd term starts with a defeat folks, this does recall Bush 41 wanting Senator Tower to be his Defence Secretary but failing in the Senate, the next pick was Richard Cheney, yes folks that Cheney, in the liberal view the Dark side of the Bush 43 Administration.   In the Clinton 1st term the Oval has a nightmare in getting a Attorney General, this kind of defeat needs good PR and a good replacement and fast as to move the news cycle.   As the blog states the frontrunner for the job is Senator Kerry, this would be a mistake by the Oval, Kerry is a War hero, Lt Governor, Senator and the 2004 Democratic Nominee, very hard to control folks once he is in the job.  Thus good advice to President Obama, pick someone you like and trust, but with no political base, someone who will bring you good advice but has no PR presence if possible, and will allow the Oval to run Foreign Affairs,   This is good advice to the Oval and its free. 

Boehner NO to OVAL - Debt Limit

BBC News: Reports that Republican House Speaker John Boehner has rejected a White House demand that the Oval be allowed to raise the US Debt limit without House approval. 

Lets Get Real:

This shows folks that the ego of the White House after winning a 2nd term is out of control, the US is facing a financial cliff and the Oval thinks it can blackmail the Republican House to give up the only way it can control Government spending.  In the fight last year of the debt limit the White House had to look at selling US National Parks, in essence ANY House would be mad to give the Oval this kind of power, any President, Republican or Democrat could spend what he or she wants without seeking Congressional approval.    This argument comes from the extreme left and a President who does not get the fact that the voters like HIM but not his policies on the whole, that is what you get when you you receive the Novel Prize for doing nothing.   The Republicans should take the US over the financial cliff, every month after that it become A Obama recession, looks good on sticker.   It is time for Republicans to remind the Oval that it is part of three sections of the US Government, any President is not a KING, and Obama is no FDR, JFK, LBJ or Reagan.   LBJ, Reagan and Clinton knew how to deal with Congress, President Obama expects the House to throw itself on the floor and love him, that all he has ever had, 2nd terms do not work out that way folks. 

North Korea and Iran - Korean Update PT4

The New York Times: Reports that the successful North Korean rocket launch could benefit Iran, the article notes the following, " Some American officials, who have privately warned of increased missile cooperation between Iran and North Korea over the past year.. ".

Lets Get Real:

This really would be the axis of evil folks, Iran and North Korea jointed at the hip when it comes to the bomb and rocket technology, the Tehran Regime could supply North Korea with hard currency while it gets fast information for the creation of the bomb and how to place them on rockets.    This would be a major threat to Israel and the World, if Iran gets the bomb the rest of the Middle East will get itself an arms race, none of Iran's neighbours or the Gulf States would feels safe, thus the nuclear black market, that being Russia, would see a flood of Arab oil, looking for a quick fix when it comes to defence.   The next few years could get hot in Asia and the Middle East folks.   Appeasement never works folks, just leads to War in the long run. 

China and North Korea - Korea Update PT3

Guardian: Reports the following reaction from China to North Korea rocket launch, " ..a tempered response from North Korea's main ally,..which expressed regret but called for a careful reaction, suggests that a push for fresh action by the world body is likely to struggle. ".

Lets Get Real: 

Even China is starting to feel the effects of the negative world economy, thus it can not afford to have millions of starving North Koreans crossing its border, if nothing else the poor North Koreans would take Chinese jobs, think Eastern Europe and now Western Europe workers coming to the UK due to the high levels of unemployment in those regions.  Thus one can see China not agreeing to more sanctions, also the UN has to worry that the North Korea Regime could start if not already has selling its nuclear and rocket technology to Iran.   This would save Iran time, and the Tehran Regime might be on a shorter clock that North Korea.   One can see the Oval placing pressure on South Korea and Japan not to go nuclear, but how long will these Countries allow North Korea to have the bomb before they go nuclear.   Thus expect a arms race folks, sooner or later its going to happen, Japan it can be postulated will go nuclear first, World War Two was a long time ago folks. 

North Korean Rocket Success - Korean Update PT2

BBC News: Reports that North Korean rocket test was successful, it placed a Satellite in Space Orbit.

Lets Get Real:

As stated last night folks in my tweets one can see South Korea and Japan going nuclear in the near future in less the China, US and the UN can find a way to get N Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions.    The Times of London reported last year that North Korea had successful placed a minute nuclear device on a rocket, this test could lead to North Korea having ICBMs or the ability to sell them, think Iran with the bomb and rocket technology, YES FOLKS THAT BAD,  this could lead to an arms race in the region, and the US and the UN can not do a thing, even China can not control North Korea, this is the tail wagging the dog.    Thus expect more food blackmail from North Korea, this is the pattern folks, the US will think it can talk to North Korea, they cant, the N Koreans understand one thing, the World only pays attention when the N Koreans are bad actors on the World Stage, and worse you have to pay them, if  Libya had kept its WMDs would NATO have taken action, yes folks, Gaddafi is a warning to any tyrant who thinks about giving up his Ace in the pack. 

The White House and the North Korea

The White House: Has a statement on North Korea's latest rocket launch, the Statement states the following, " North Korea’s launch today—using ballistic missile technology despite express prohibitions by United Nations Security Council resolutions—is a highly provocative act that threatens regional security, directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874, contravenes North Korea’s international obligations, and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.  This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behavior.  The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners.

On April 16, 2012, the United Nations Security Council expressed its “determination to take action accordingly in the event of a further [North Korean] launch.”  In the hours and days ahead, the United States will work with its Six-Party partners, the United Nations Security Council, and other UN member states to pursue appropriate action.  The international community must work in a concerted fashion to send North Korea a clear message that its violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions have consequences.  The international community continues to insist that North Korea live up to its commitments, adhere to its international obligations, and deal peacefully with its neighbors.

North Korea is only further isolating itself by engaging in such provocative acts.  Devoting scarce resources to the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons has not brought it security and acceptance by the international community—and never will.  North Korea will only truly strengthen itself by abiding by international norms, living up to its commitments and international obligations, and working to feed its citizens, to educate its children, and to win the trust of its neighbors. ".

Lets Get Real: 

This is the last thing the Oval wants, it has Syria falling apart, then  there is the developing crisis in Egypt, if either Country go like Iran this could be a threat to Israel or Turkey.   The UN and the US and the neighbours of N Korea will be in the arms over the rocket launch and they will do nothing, even China will not react, it does not need N Korea to implode, that could see millions crossing the border, also it does not want the Stalinist Regime to fall as a United Korea would be a Western ally.    As for the Oval it wants to work through the UN, well the UN passed resolutions banning North Korea rocket launches and its not worth the paper its written on, the Stalinist Regime has the bomb, they can not be touched, the World should feel sorry for the poor people of North Korea, they starve while their Regime builds rockets, that is the sad part folks.  

UK Military Planning for Syria - Syria PT2

Guardian: Reports the following on UK planning for Syria, " ..military chiefs have drawn up contingency plans to provide Syrian rebels with maritime, and possibly air, power in response to a request from David Cameron.. ".

Lets Get Real: 

Lets hope PM David Cameron does not think that Syria is Libya, the Gaddafi Regime is NOT ASSAD, the Assad Regime is getting military support from Iran through Iraqi airspace, both Iran and Russia do not want to see the fall of the Assad Regime,  for Russia its keeping its only warm water port, while for Tehran it keeps it a regional power, they can support their terrorists allies in Gaza and Lebanon, thus a threat to Israel, they can divert attention to Hamas while Tehran runs to get the bomb.  If the West is going to take action in Syria it needs the US at the front, this is one War that Obama can not lead from behind.  The Assad Regime could be close to using its WMDs, then the Oval will have to make a decision, either allow Assad to kill thousands more of his people and threaten Israel and Turkey or take action, this crisis in Syria could define a 2nd Obama term.  EVENTS, EVENTS FOLKS. 

The UK and the Syrian Rebels - Syrian Update

Telegraph: Reports on the UK's Governments latest response to the crisis in Syria, " Britain has taken the lead in intensifying international discussions about aiding and arming Syria's rebels.. ".

Lets Get Real: 

This could be Libya ALL over again folks, the Oval leads from behind while the UK and France take all the PR HEAT, as a strategy its not bad, US power through NATO could be used but then POTUS could say that the leading Countries are the UK and France, while the War through NATO will use American power.   It seems that the Oval does not want to get its hands dirty, good PR but not real leadership, one can not see JFK or Reagan taking such a path.   At the end of the day if the Assad Regime uses chemical weapons it will take US planes and US troops to secure these WMDs this will show if Obama has the backbone to be CinC, it could be the real test of the Political Gods, and they do not play fair. 

Michigan vs. Public Sector Unions

BBC News: Reports that the US State of Michigan has curtailed the power of public sector Unions, they have passed a Right to Work Law, this means that public sector workers do not have to join a Union to get a job. 

Lets Get Real:

This is good news for Michigan and for the Republicans, the more that States curtail the money that Unions get the less these Unions give to the Democratic Party, the US election cycle never ends, the Unions only have power due to the money they give to Candidates in Primary races and in the General Election.  If the Dems do not have the money they can not run good ground games, neither can the Unions.   Thus little wonder that President Obama was against this move, he is not on the ticket in the 2014 Mid Terms, and more important in 2016 the Democratic field is a open race, in less Secretary of State Hillary Clinton enters, then she is the nominee.    It was a mistake by President Obama not to make Hillary Clinton is VP for the 2nd term, then he would have influence down the line, now he wont, the next Democratic Nominee will not be VP Biden.   The Reagan legacy was helped that Bush 41 his VP won in 1988, it was seen as a Reagan third term.   That was the mistake done by POTUS, he has no horse in the 2016 field, who will be his flag carrier. 

US STRIKE on Syria ? - Syrian Update PT3

The Hill: Reports on US Defence planning for a strike on Syria, " Senior U.S. defense officials are drafting plans for a potential preemptive strike against government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad.. ".

Lets Get Real: 

The Oval can not allow Assad to use chemical weapons in Syria, as it could have serious results for its NATO ally Turkey and its close friend Israel, also Israel must be worried that Assad will give WMDs to its terrorists allies in Gaza and Lebanon.   One can be sure that the Israeli Intelligence network the Mossad is on the ground in Syria, and is the chief supplier of info to both the CIA and MI6,  it can be postulated that both US Special Forces and the UK's SAS are on the ground, just watching, and will give the 1st warning of a chemical attack from the Assad Regime.    The Liberal left in the US will go bonkers with the Oval if it sends seventy five thousand US ground troops in to Syria, Libya was bad for them, and that was just air power, an invasion of Syria could finish Obama with his base, think Bush 43 and Iraq and you get the idea.   It would be ironic if Obama has to do a preemptive strike on Syria followed by ground troops, it would be the Political Gods taking down the ego of the Oval.