Is Obama a Lame Duck President ? - 2nd Term Blues

Washington Post: Reports on the myths of  2nd term lame duck Presidents, and has this advice for President Obama, " Indeed, many lame-duck presidents facing congressional majorities of the opposite party still have achieved successes that boosted their political fortunes and long-term reputations. But they’ve usually done so by tacking more to the center than playing to their base. Obama would be well advised to pursue such a strategy today. "

Lets Get Real:

Ever since the Reagan Presidency ALL 2nd Term Presidents have wanted to be a Reagan, the one that got close was Bill Clinton, thus how does this blog grade 2nd termers, simple really, who is their successor, in the case of Reagan it was Bush 41, this showed that the Reagan Era had the support of a majority of Americans, if not then the Democratic nominee would have won the election.   This blog would argue that Clinton got close because his VP, AL Gore won the popular vote but lost his home State, if he had kept a eye on his own State as President Clinton told him then he would have won the Presidency.   Both Presidents, Reagan and Clinton had a VP who wanted to run after them and they supported their VP for the top job.   That is not always the case, lets recall the famous or infamous remark by President Eisenhower when reporters asked him what had Nixon done in the two terms, the President stated if they gave him a week he would think of something, hardly helpful.   But at least Eisenhower, Reagan and Clinton were not afraid to have  a VP who wanted the job, both  Bush 43 and Obama had Vice Presidents that were not a threat to them in the long term, they would not go off the reservation if it helped them in political terms.   Both Bush 41 and Gore needed some distance between themselves and the boss, with Bush 41 it was Iran - Contra and with Gore it was the affair that Bill Clinton had with an intern, the added problem for Gore was the view that Clinton was a negative on the campaign trail, that was not the case with Reagan.    Thus they ALL want to be the Gipper, few get close but none are really the Gipper. 

Is Turkey a base for IS - Middle East Crisis

Guardian: Reports " Isis launches attack on Kobani from inside Turkey for first time..Assault by Islamic State militants reportedly began with suicide attack on border between Turkey and strategic Syrian town "

Lets Get Real:

Thus Kobane is under attack on four sides, the worrying aspect would be if Turkey becomes a base for IS, lets recall Turkey is part of NATO, thus the West needs Turkey to be secure, it does not want or need for Turkey to go down the road of Syria and Iraq.  One expects the Turkish security system to come down hard on IS supporters in Turkey and to prevent IS causing problems for the Turkish people and government.  IS is a cancer, it is about time for the US to consider placing US troops in Turkey to prevent any future problems there now or in the future.   Kobane has to be held at all costs by the Kurds and its allies, a loss would be a strategic disaster.  

IS Update - Middle East Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Fighting has intensified in the besieged Syrian border town of Kobane, where Kurdish forces have been holding Islamic State at bay since September. "

Lets Get Real:

The fight for Kobane has become a symbol for the fight between the Kurds, Free Syrian Army and US air power against IS.   Kobane is a destroyed mess, but as long as the Kurds and its Allies defend the town, the more it shows to others including the Iraqi Army that it can fight IS on its own ground.   One has to assume that US and UK Special Forces are part of the fight, helping the US target IS positions on the ground.   The winner of Kobane will win a strategic victory and a PR VICTORY, that is why the fight is still going on, for the Obama plan to use air power alone this fight has to be won, otherwise Syria AND Iraq will need Western forces to take down IS. 

The Immigration Battle - 2nd Term Blues

The Hill: Reports " A report from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service says that lawmakers have the power to defund President Obama’s executive action on immigration, reigniting a fight within the GOP. "

Lets Get Real:

IF the Republicans want to go down this BAD policy choice then they should go for it, 100%, they should close down the Government, then the Congress should only come in to session to pass the bills it wants, it will be up to the Oval if it veto's any bills.   The aim of the objective is to make President Obama the issue, show that he is the one that is being a bad part of the relationship.    The President does not care about the short term political results, he wants to close down the Government, that what is uber liberal base want, well the Republicans should give it to them, only pass defence and social security bills, lets see who folds first, as Iran and Russia have shown, when they say NO the Oval folds. 

The NEXT US Defense Secretary ? - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports " The White House has a big problem on its hands: finding someone to replace Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who was pushed out of the administration this week. "

Lets Get Real:

One can understand why no one wants to be the next US Defense Secretary, the term in office will be short, only two years if they do not resign or get fired in the process.   There is a President in the Oval who thinks he understands military matters, when he has no clue, and then to add to the problems, the President is WARY of putting any combat troops in to Iraq and Syria, and lets not forget that Israel might attack Iran within the next two years. If the Oval was strong and smarter it would try and get a Republican to take the job, the problem is that any one with a brain will say and demand the he or she runs the Defence department and that the Oval consider placing US troops in Syria and Iraq.   Then lets not forget the confirmation hearing, that will be run by Republicans, so no walk in the park.   Interesting times for the next Secretary. 

Afghanistan Troubles - 2nd Term Blues

BBC News: Reports " A suicide bomber has hit a UK embassy vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, with a British worker and an Afghan member of staff among those killed. "

Lets Get Real:

Thus as predicted more attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan, the UK should get ALL its people out, there should be no more UK Deaths in Afghanistan, the UK and the US have done their part to rescue Afghanistan from the Taliban and Al Qaeda.   Thus three Empires, British, Soviet and the USA have spent treasure and tried to reform Afghanistan, nothing sticks, the structure of Afghanistan is to tribal outside Kabul, once the West pulls out of Afghanistan by 2015 the new Government in Kabul will fall and we will back to the real politics pre 9/11.   The history of Afghanistan is about repeats.   No one ever learns. 

The FALL of Secretary Hagel - 2nd Term Blues

Fox News: Reports " " Make no mistake, Secretary Hagel was fired,” a senior U.S. official with close knowledge of the situation told Fox News. "

Lets Get Real:

The Oval Office has to be careful, if it throws Hagel under the bus he might want some revenge, this is about how bloggers and historians will deal with the Hagel tenure as Secretary of Defence, it can be assumed that Secretary Hagel will want to write his memoirs about his time as Secretary of Defence, and to move the blame for IS from himself to the Oval Office.   Lets recall Mr Hagel is a Republican, thus he does does not owe the Democratic Party anything, this might lead to a sharp and critical memoir before the Presidential Election of 2016. 

The Breakup between Obama and Hagel - 2nd Term Blues

CBS - Politics: Reports " ...Hagel was was fed up with micromanagement from the White House, while the White House was unhappy that Hagel was not a vocal defender of the administration's policies.  "

Lets Get Real:

The REAL problem is President Obama, he made a bad decision not to leave US Forces in Iraq after 2011, he left VP Biden in charge of the Iraq relationship, that was massive mistake.  Thus from that mistake we have seen the growth of IS terror group Syria and Iraq, when it comes to Syria the President made himself look weak when he did not follow through with his threats to bomb the Assad Regime, now the US is bombing IS in Syria and Iraq and it looks like Assad is using that time to also bomb his opposition, in essence the US air force has become the air force for Assad.   The Oval Office has no real plan on how to deal with Assad, that has become a secondary issue, the main fight is now IS, the terror group has become a threat to the States of the Middle East and to the West.   As noted in this blog, Obama has become the new LBJ, thus we come to the Obama strategy to micromanagement Wars, and that is worked badly.   Lets hope the new Defence Secretary can stand up to the Oval. 

The SACKING of Secretary Hagel - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports " Hagel, who has served as Defense secretary since February 2013, was forced out by President Barack Obama, CNN confirmed from several sources. "

Lets Get Real:

It seems the Oval is getting the PR message through first, so Hagel was sacked, this of course will lead  to an interesting confirmation hearing for his successor.   The Republicans should play hardball after the move by Obama on immigration.   The next Defence Secretary is almost can  not be fired, one can hardly have 5 Secretaries of Defence, it would be record,  thus the new Defence Secretary needs to be a strong, with his or her own base of support, outside of the Administration.  Also the new Secretary must he a hawk with the ability to stand up to the Oval Office.    Interesting days ahead for the Senate confirmation. 

Hagel OUT - 2nd Term Blues

The New York Times: Reports " Administration officials said that Mr. Obama made the decision to remove Mr. Hagel,.... last Friday after a series of meetings between the two men over the past two weeks. "

Lets Get Real:

One has to say that Secretary Hagel was the right man at the wrong time, he was bought in as US withdrew from the WARS in Afghanistan, well events change, and the US is now back on a War/Terror threat from IS.   The Oval Office wants a safe pair of hands but also someone who is good at communication, in other words a strong Defence Secretary.   Of course that comes with a problem, what if the new Defence Secretary wants more bolder action than the Oval wants, President Obama will be on his 4th Defence Secretary after the confirmation hearing for the successor to Hagel, one has to question WHY Obama has problems with defence, Gates and his successor, Leon Panetta have both been critical of President Obama, with Gates it was the view that Obama did not support his own Afghan policy and with Panetta it was Iraq and the lack of leaving troops behind, thus the present War with IS in Syria and Iraq.    It will be interesting to read the memoirs of Secretary Hagel, was he pushed or did he fall by his own design.   

Hagel OUT as US Defence Secretary - 2nd Term Blues

Guardian: Reports " Chuck Hagel forced to step down as US defense secretary "

Lets Get Real:

As this blog has noted you can't be a liberal President home and abroad, something has to give, thus it can be assumed that Obama wants to see more action in Syria and Iraq, he might even want to win.   It would be an irony if President Obama when he leaves Office in 2017 will have Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria on a ground war footing, that would be the political gods having fun at the expense of President Obama.   The Democratic Nominee will not be happy, he or she will either have to support these Wars or ditch the Obama brand.   The President that was elected to end Wars would have just added Syria in to the mix.   It will be interesting to see who Obama nominates for the Defence post, will it be a strong hawk or dove, that will tell the real story of this sacking. 

Vienna talks - UN and Iran - 2nd Term Blues

BBC News:  Reports " The deadline for a nuclear deal with Iran has been extended to the end of June after talks in Vienna failed to reach a comprehensive agreement. "

Lets Get Real:

This is Tehran playing the West, they give and the West gives them more time, by the time there is an agreement Iran will have the bomb and the rest of the region will have gone nuclear as they do not trust the US/UN to get the right deal and in time.  If your neighbour of Iran you are already using your oil money to make insurance against Iran, in other words you are looking at the nuclear black market to get the bomb as fast as possible before Iran can go nuclear and blackmail the region.   The Oval Office is so keen for a deal that it can not see that Tehran is playing it, that is the problem when you have stubborn President,  in many respects Obama is a modern President Wilson.   They are both elitist and stubborn and see the World they want to see. 

The Vienna Talks with Iran - 2nd Term Blues

BBC News: Reports " Doubts are growing at talks in Vienna that a deal on Iran's controversial nuclear programme will be struck before a Monday deadline.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Tehran Regime knows that the West does not have the stomach for another Middle East War, thus they will play this game, of giving ground and then stalling when the talks resume.   The Obama Oval has made it clear that it favours Iran over Israel.   The Powers have to get the fact that Iran wants the bomb, once Iran goes nuclear this will cause an arms race in the region, the oil powers can buy the technology and the know how to develop the bomb.  Thus Iran must be allow 100% access to its nuclear sites, open and covert,  and allow inspections any time, they can not be appeased, if the West follows that route there will be a WAR, it is just a matter of when. 

Israel ready to STRIKE Iran - 2nd Term Blues

JP Exclusive: Reports " Cornered but unbound by nuclear pact, Israel reconsiders military action against Iran "

 

Lets Get Real:

It seems from this article that UN is going for a PR deal, as the article notes the following, "  On Saturday afternoon, reports from Vienna suggested the P5+1 – the US, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany – are willing to stop short of demanding full disclosure of any secret weapon work by Tehran. "  If the above is TRUE then the deal is pointless, the Tehran Regime is playing for time, then it will go nuclear.   The Israeli Government has to get ready to take action and wipe out the threat from Iran.   The Israeli Air force with other countries in the region should take action within the next few weeks and months to wipe out the Tehran nuclear structure.   The Oval is the new Neville Chamberlain, wants a deal at any cost, the State of Israel can not afford to leave its security in the hands of the above countries. TIME FOR ACTION ISRAEL.   The Israeli Government has history of taking action alone, it did so in Iraq in 1981 and in Syria in 2007.   There is no time to waste. 

The Republican Reaction to Obama's Amnesty - Part 2

BBC News: Reports on remarks by the Speaker Boehner " The conservative leader said the action sabotages any chance of enacting cross-party reforms and damages the presidency itself. "

Lets Get Real:

Revenge is best served cold, thus the Republicans should wait in till they control the Senate in January, then make the Oval pay, the Congress then should shut down, only pass laws it wants and force Obama to veto them, the laws should repeal ObamaCare, cut taxes, and increase defence spending, then place the pressure on the Oval to either sign or  veto them.  Make President Obama the issue.    As of January the Oval will not have the shield of the US Senate in the hands of the Democrats.   Also the new Senate should increase tough investigations of the Obama Administration, with Committees to look at the assassination of the US Ambassador in Libya, the use of the NSA to bug everyone, rake through ALL the Obama scandals, the Senate should not pass a single Obama pick to join his Administration.  Political pain is best served with constant investigations, AND all under Oath. 

Is there a DEAL in Geneva - US and Iran - 2nd Term Blues

Washington Post: Reports " Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif delayed their departure Friday night to keep negotiating over Iran’s nuclear capacity, casting further doubt on their ability to strike a deal .."

Lets Get Real:

Tehran and the Obama Oval want the same thing,  a PR deal that they can sell the World.  On the Tehran Regime side they want to remove Western sanctions and give the public appearance of giving up their nuclear ambitions, while President Obama wants to give the appearance that he has stopped Iran going nuclear and thus prevent Israel taking action.   The problem is that any real agreement has to pass the US Senate, when it comes to Israel both Republicans and Democrats will be quite happy to vote against any Obama should the deal look like a sellout by the Oval.   Thus any deal between the US and Iran has to pass the smell test, that is not going to happen, even if Obama lifts sanctions the Congress will put them back,  Obama is no Ronald Reagan. 

The FLAWS of Jonathan Gruber - 2nd Term Blues

Fox News: Reports on  the flaws in the Jonathan Gruber plan for ObamaCare, the article notes the following, " His predictions, which government agencies used to make critical projections about the heath care plan, have not held up, according to an analysis. "

Lets Get Real:

Thus Mr Gruber thinks the American people are stupid, that you can not tell the truth when dealing with big bills before Congress, that older Americans do not know what is good for them,   But it seems the biggest fool is Mr Gruber, his economic structure for ObamaCare has not followed through, rather than costs going down they have gone UP.    One does not have to be an expert on health care to know that costs always go up, the UK's NHS budgets are never enough, there are always complaints that any Government is not feeding the NHS enough money.   The problem with health is that costs always go up, a new drug is found, the Doctors have to be kept within NHS by more money etc.   Any idiot could have told Gruber that, the problem is simple, the Oval was pushing an Agenda, it did not care about the real FACTS, as with immigration its about keeping the base happy.   

President Obama on Amnesty for illegal Immigrants - Historical Record

The Republican Reaction to Amnesty by President Obama - 2nd Term Blues

The New York Times: Reports on the reaction by Republicans to the amnesty move by President Obama, "... the party is sharply divided about whether to shut down the government or seek Mr. Obama’s impeachment in an effort to stop the executive actions from moving forward. "

Lets Get Real:

IF the Republicans really want to go down this road they should play hardball, after the Mid Terms they control both the House and Senate, lets for starters refuse to confirm any Obama's candidates for Administrative posts,  and since the Congress decides when it goes in to recess it should not, thus no chance Obama can make recess appointments.   Then the Republicans should close down the Government and pass ACTS that it wants and leave it up to the Oval to veto them, make Obama the issue, then the Republican House should vote for an  impeachment hearing in to the Obama Administration, lets recall its full of Chicago Pols, lost count of how many politicians from Chicago have served time, let see what comes out. Then the Senate in combination with the House should have a joint Committee in to the deaths of the US Ambassador in Libya and other Americans in Libya.   If you want to make the Oval have regrets make sure it spends 24/7 having to deal with Congressional hearings.   President Obama thinks he has had bad time so far, the Republicans should make it worse, let there be a price for Obama for being an elitist , make POTUS wish for January 20th 2017 every day of his Presidency. 

The Republicans on illegal Immigrants - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports " Republicans are furious Obama is going around them and have already sternly warned doing so could wreck relations between the Capitol and the White House for the next two years. "

Lets Get Real: 

The Republicans are making a BIG POLITICAL MISTAKE, they should be critical of President Obama, as this move is not supported by the Republican base and the US Courts might reject this move by the Oval.   In pure political terms it could be a great move by President Obama, the base of the Democratic Party wants this and the Oval would have suffered political blowback if it had done nothing, the Obama Oval is looking to the future, these illegals will become US citizens in the long term, they will it is assume support Democrats as African Americans have done since LBJ bought about Civil Rights for black Americans.   This is how the Republicans could benefit, the issue will be off the table tonight after President Obama's address.   The Republicans should offer good economic policies that help the former illegals, as stated they should out do Obama, its an old political lesson, attack the opposition at what they see as a plus.   The Republican candidates for President can say that the issue is OFF the table, they can hardly throw five millions illegals out after 2017, it would not be fair and there would be political blowback, smell the coffee Republicans, change a loss in to a win. 

Obama on illegals immigrants in the US - 2nd Term Blues

Guardian: Reports " Obama to unveil immigration plan that could shield millions from deportation...Thursday night announcement set to be among most contentious of Obama’s presidency and puts White House on collision course with Republicans "

Lets Get Real:

This is the RIGHT policy for the WRONG reasons, the problem of illegal immigrants in the US is not new, and lets recall President Reagan gave amnesty to millions in 1986 through a Act of Congress.  This blog is not worried about about making illegals legal, the US through its creation has taken in millions, the World will not stop with this piece of action by President Obama.    Reagan as he stated in his diaries did not think it was right for those illegals that had families in the US should be torn away from them, thus the Republicans are making a mistake.  The Obama Oval is doing this because it does not have to run again and putting a finger in to the eyes of the Republicans, Obama is a sore loser, he is Chicago Pol lets recall.   The Republicans should not fall in to the trap of saying NO, after these citizens become legal and get the vote, and that will come, they will asking same kind of questions as many on Main Street, about jobs and culture values, the Republicans should use it, be bold, outdo Obama, because its right and its great politics.    Obama leaves office in 2017, the Republicans should take the time to build a new coalition with those that have become legal and to gain their votes.   It worked for Reagan, and he was  a  great President. 

IRAN is conning the West - 2nd Term Blues

BBC News: Reports " US Secretary of State John Kerry is heading to Vienna in a last-minute push for a deal in long-running talks aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear activity. "

Lets Get Real:

The Obama Oval wants a deal at any cost, it will even take a bad deal so it can state it ended the conflict between the US and Iran.  President Obama has offered his hand many times to the Tehran Regime and has gotten sand thrown in his face.   In the latest talks it is France that has shown some backbone, it wants a real deal, the French know that Obama will be gone in 2017, at least the French have learned the mistakes of Neville Chamberlain, it seems the Obama Oval has forgotten them, recall how tough Obama was on Syria and then didn't do a darn thing, he was forced to act in the present Wars in Syria and Iraq because IS beheaded Americans on the Internet. The hardliners in Tehran know that Obama has no stomach for a War, they are just pushing his buttons for a PR DEAL. 

Obama is the new LBJ - War on Terror 2

CNN - Politics: Reports on remarks by former US Defence Secretary Robert Gates at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Secretary stated, " ... likened Obama to President Lyndon B. Johnson in what he called "micromanagement" of military policy and targeting during the Vietnam War. "

Lets Get Real:

This should worry President Obama, no President when it comes to Foreign Affairs wants to be likened to President Johnson and his failure in Vietnam.   The President should consider how he behaves with the military, he needs to make the decision then leave it to the Defence Department to follow through, not think he is General who knows better that the high ups in the Pentagon.    The Vietnam War was a major failure for US foreign policy, in many respects the Wars now in Iraq and Syria are more serious, as stated IS with billion of dollars in oil revenue would be threat to the Middle East and Europe.    Thus they have to be taken out, and finished, there can be no talks, no back channels, this WAR the US has to win.   Thus President Obama should take the advice of Secretary Gates and give orders and then leave it alone, Obama does not want Iraq and Syria to turn in to Vietnam. 

The Iran Talks - Iran Crisis Part 2

Guardian: Reports " US and Iranian negotiators in crunch nuclear talks..Iran’s foreign minister says deal is possible but ‘excessive demands’ by west could derail chances of agreement in Vienna "

Lets Get Real:

Any deal with Iran that looks tough will be seen as a success for the conservative element in Tehran, this is ALL PR, Iran what ever it signs will carry on with its secret development of nuclear material for the bomb.   They want to ease sanctions as to keep their public happy, the present sanctions have hit Iran hard, thus the agreement for talks, but its ALL PR, Tehran will build secret buildings that it will take years to find.   It seems the West has not learnt the lessons of Munich 1938 very well, there can be no peace with Iran, only an academic like Obama thinks he knows best would fall for the lies out of Tehran. 

Obama on Terror Attacks in Israel - War on Terror 2

The White House: Statement by the President, " I strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack on worshipers at a synagogue in Jerusalem, which killed four innocent people, including U.S. citizens Aryeh Kupinsky, Cary William Levine, and Mosheh Twersky, and injured several more.  There is and can be no justification for such attacks against innocent civilians.  The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims and families of all those who were killed and injured in this horrific attack and in other recent violence.  At this sensitive moment in Jerusalem, it is all the more important for Israeli and Palestinian leaders and ordinary citizens to work cooperatively together to lower tensions, reject violence, and seek a path forward towards peace.  "

Lets Get Real:

This is WHY President Obama has lost the trust of the US voter, there are 3 Americans dead and all an elitist like President Obama can stress in the Middle East peace process and via this to blame Israel.  Of course the Oval mentions the deaths but one knows what this is really about.  The bloody Middle East Process.   This was a TERROR ATTACK on innocent people, it does not matter WHY, no wonder the relationship is fraught between Israel and the US.   Jonathan Gruber and Obama are elitists, they see THEIR World not the real World. 

Terror Attack at Jewish synagogue in Jerusalem

BBC News: Reports " Four Israelis have been killed and eight injured as two men armed with a pistol and meat cleavers attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue. "

Lets Get Real:

THIS is why there can never be a two State solution to the hardest question in the Middle East,  the relationship between Israel and the people of the Palestinian nation. Any real Palestinian State would need its own borders, army etc, at any time that could be turned on Israel, lets recall what's our there, IS or Iran,  and Palestinian terror groups, for the security of Israel there CAN NEVER  be a REAL Palestinian State.  Life is unfair as JFK once said, there are winners and losers, and Palestinian has been given a bad hand of cards, that will never change. 

The " Mouth " Again and Again - Jonathan Gruber - 2nd Term Blues

Fox News: Reports " ObamaCare architect Jonathan Gruber said “seniors do a terrible job choosing” their own public health care plans.. "

Lets Get Real:

Well if you could trademark a Mouth or Speeches by Jonathan Gruber you could make a fortune, Mr Gruber is the symbol of an out touch elite, who think they know best, the nanny state, think Americans are stupid and that old people have no clue what is best for them.   The Republicans should bring Mr Gruber before Congress and check how much of his views he shared with the Oval Office and other members of the Obama Administration.   Lets hope the US Supreme Court, another out of touch elite have taken the lessons of Gruber and vote down aspects of ObamaCare.   The ObamaCare Act was drives by lies and miss direction, time to scrap the law. 

Reagan and Immigration Reform - Reagan Era

This is what President Reagan said in a 1984 debate with former Vice President Walter Mondale when it came to Immigration Reform, " But it is true our borders are out of control. It is also true that this has been a situation on our borders back through a number of administrations. And I supported this bill. I believe in the idea of amnesty for those who have put down roots and who have lived here even though sometime back they may have entered illegally....With regard to the employer sanctions, we must have that not only to ensure that we can identify the illegal aliens,..and these are employers down through the years who have encouraged the illegal entry into this country because they then hire these individuals and hire them at starvation wages and with none of the benefits that we think are normal and natural for workers in our country, and the individuals can't complain because of their illegal status. We don't think that those people should be allowed to continue operating free. "*  In 1986 President Reagan singed the Immigration reform Act in to law, the President stated the following, " In 1981 this administration asked the Congress to pass a comprehensive legislative package, including employer sanctions, other measures to increase enforcement of the immigration laws, and legalization. The act provides these three essential components. Distance has not discouraged illegal immigration to the United States from all around the globe. The problem of illegal immigration should not, therefore, be seen as a problem between the United States and its neighbors. Our objective is only to establish a reasonable, fair, orderly, and secure system of immigration into this country and not to discriminate in any way against particular nations or people.....Future generations of Americans will be thankful for our efforts to humanely regain control of our borders and thereby preserve the value of one of the most sacred possessions of our people: American citizenship. ".**  Thus this blog supports the move to reform US Immigration, the Republicans should follow the advice of the Gipper when it comes to such matters, he did win a few elections folks. 

* Debate Between the President and Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale in Kansas City, Missouri October 21, 1984 " The Public Papers of President Ronald W. Reagan.  Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

** " Remarks on Signing the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, November 6, 1986  " The Public Papers of President Ronald W. Reagan.  Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Obama on the death of Peter Kassig - War on Terror 2

The White House: A Presidential statement on the murder of Peter Kassig, " Today we offer our prayers and condolences to the parents and family of Abdul-Rahman Kassig, also known to us as Peter.  We cannot begin to imagine their anguish at this painful time.

Abdul-Rahman was taken from us in an act of pure evil by a terrorist group that the world rightly associates with inhumanity.  Like Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff before him, his life and deeds stand in stark contrast to everything that ISIL represents.  While ISIL revels in the slaughter of innocents, including Muslims, and is bent only on sowing death and destruction, Abdul-Rahman was a humanitarian who worked to save the lives of Syrians injured and dispossessed by the Syrian conflict.  While ISIL exploits the tragedy in Syria to advance their own selfish aims, Abdul-Rahman was so moved by the anguish and suffering of Syrian civilians that he traveled to Lebanon to work in a hospital treating refugees.  Later, he established an aid group, SERA, to provide assistance to Syrian refugees and displaced persons in Lebanon and Syria.  These were the selfless acts of an individual who cared deeply about the plight of the Syrian people.  

ISIL's actions represent no faith, least of all the Muslim faith which Abdul-Rahman adopted as his own.  Today we grieve together, yet we also recall that the indomitable spirit of goodness and perseverance that burned so brightly in Abdul-Rahman Kassig, and which binds humanity together, ultimately is the light that will prevail over the darkness of ISIL. "

Lets Get Real:

The above statement is quite moving, but words alone will not end the terror reign of IS in Syria and Iraq, they have to be traced and removed from this Earth.   There are those that want to talk to IS, those with that kind of advice should be told to smell the coffee.  IS and the Tehran Regime are a threat to Western values and to the security of the Middle East, there are talks between the US and Iran to stop Iran going nuclear, does anyone trust the Tehran Regime, if they do they need a padded cell and a lot of coffee.   Evil must be dealt with, as with the USSR, it needs to be destroyed and thrown in to the bin.

What does the Kassig video tell us about IS - War on Terror 2

The New York Times: Reports the following on the video, " The change in format — combined with the lower production quality of the clip — may suggest that the Islamic State is on the run and unable to pull off the same cinematic production as before. "

Lets Get Real:

If IS is on the run then one can argue that the Obama's air attack alone plan is working, of course this based on the difference structure to the latest video, as noted in previous post Mr Kassig could have shown resistance thus no PR speech before his death.    The question that arises what does the West do about the towns under the control of IS, one can hardly expect the new Iraqi army to do door to door fighting, the US has a track record in this so we are back to when US troops will be back in Iraq and now Syria to finish off IS.   One can assume Western Special Forces are already in Syria and Iraq, the question is will President Obama allow thousands of US ground troops back in to Iraq after promising they would not fight.   Without US and UK ground troops this IS War will last years, well in to the next US Administration, one gets the impression that Secretary Hillary Clinton if she becomes President will fight to win in Iraq and Syria. 

The " MOUTH " speaks again, Jonathan Gruber - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports "  In a 2011 conversation about the Affordable Care Act, MIT economist Jonathan Gruber, one of the architects of the law more commonly known as Obamacare, talked about how the bill would get rid of all tax credits for employer-based health insurance through "mislabeling" what the tax is and who it would hit. "

Lets Get Real:

The MOUTH never stops giving, the Republicans should hold a Party for Jonathan Gruber, his videos are worth hundreds of votes, even elite Supreme Court should listen to the Gruber tapes, the Supremes could decide that since the architect of ObamaCare thinks so little of the US voter then the law should be sunk under the ego of Mr Gruber.   The Republicans should hit THE Democrats hard over ObamaCare, make it even more toxic for them than it is now, force those Democrats still in the Senate to support the law, then tie them to the law at the next election.   The Republicans should have adverts up asking DOES HILLARY want to keep ObamaCare, does she support the views of Gruber.   The Republicans should have a field day over this issue, thank you Mr Gruber. 

The Kassig Murder Part 2 - War on Terror

Telegraph: Reports " Peter Kassig may have defied captors over beheading video statement..The lack of a propaganda statement in a video apparently showing the death of Peter Kassig may mean he defied his murderers to the end "

Lets Get Real:

One wonders why the US and UK have not managed to take down the IS terror websites, the US NSA and our GCHQ in the UK should have the ability to trace these terror sites and cause them to fail.   The release of these horrific videos should be stopped, as they give to much PR to the terror group.    Why can't the West trace were the terrorists upload these videos and send in the air force to take then OUT.   Also US and UK special forces should be on standby to rescue those held by IS, how many more deaths must the West face before IS is taken out.  This is going to be a long war. 

US and Iran DEAL on the CARDS - Iran Crisis

Guardian: Reports " Iran and US close in on historic nuclear deal at Vienna talks..Diplomats arriving in Austrian capital warned that failure to agree end to deadlock over Iran’s nuclear programme is not an option "

Lets Get Real:

The Guardian is a LEFT WING paper, but it seems to have no memory recall, the paper and those that want a deal so much are willing to TRUST Iran, they do not recall Munich 1938 and the policy to appease Hitler.    At this moment the West faces a threats form, IS, Iran, and Russia.  IS wants to dissolve Syria and Iraq and form a new State, Iran wants to use covert means to get the nuclear bomb,  while Putin's Russia has started a new Cold Wart 2. At this moment the West faces real and future crisis points that could lead to a deadly War. This is not the time to think the glass is half full, the glass is empty and its just a matter of time before it shatters, it depends who gets hit with the glass.  NEVER TRUST A RUSSIAN BEAR OR TEHRAN'S LIES. 

IS Murder Peter Kassig - War on Terror 2

BBC News: Reports " A video posted online claims to show that Islamic State militants have killed the captured US aid worker Abdul-Rahman Kassig. "

Lets Get Real:

This is IS making a PR statement, making sure the World does not forget the Wars in Syria and Iraq.   There can be no deals with these people, they have to be taken down and removed from the soil of Syria and Iraq.    They are a real and present threat to every State in the Middle East, of late IS has been pushed back in Iraq, the new Iraqi Army with US air cover has taken back a oil town, thus less money daily for IS.   This blog has called for Western troops to take an active part in the fighting, otherwise it will take years to get rid of the IS terrorists from the Middle East.    Our thoughts are with the Kassig family and friends. 

The MOUTH - Jonathan Gruber - 2nd Term Blues

Fox News: Reports " The mouth that won't stop giving -- and that has Democrats and the Obama administration cringing -- has been caught shooting off yet again on video, this time bragging how the Massachusetts health care system he helped design worked by ripping off millions of dollars from the federal government.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Republicans should ALL send thank you notes to Mr Gruber, he is the typical left wing intellectual that confirms ALL the worries about liberal elites, they think the MAIN STREET is for losers OR fools, they think that anything the say is of value while others have to be taught the LEFT WAY. Mr Gruber is worth a few thousand votes to the Republicans, and that helps in very close races.  One wonders does President Obama share the same view of MAIN STREET, his decision to grant amnesty to five million illegals will hurt MAIN STREET, these new people to the work force will drive down wages, thus causing more people to either take part time jobs or have no jobs.    As less tax will be bought in, this increase the costs to Government.   THANK YOU MR GRUBER FOR YOUR HONESTY. 

The ObamaCare LIE Part 2 - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports " The Supreme Court poses the gravest threat after agreeing to hear a challenge to the crucial tax credits that subsidize health coverage purchased on federal exchanges. "

Lets Get Real:

The US Chief Justice saved ObamaCare the last time by calling ObamaCare a tax, one expects that the four conservative Judges who opposed it the last time want to see how the Chief reacts to this challenge.   One can expect Chief Justice Roberts to follow his own logic and say that ALL aspects of the law are legal, and its up to the Government how it is developed.    Also in the long term the ISSUE is good for the Republicans, as noted by the US news networks, 30 Senators who supported ObamaCare are not out of office.    Thus ObamaCare for Republicans is a prize that never stops giving.   

IS Update 2 - What is the price of a Coin? - War on Terror 2

Guardian: Reports " Isis to mint own Islamic dinar coins in gold, silver and copper..Islamic State to produce own currency for use in self-declared caliphate - as soon as it can locate a mint and enough metal "

Lets Get Real:

As the article notes this is a clever stunt, the currency will have NO value outside the areas under IS control, and will not be used in the selling of black market oil, but its value comes from its PR value, Countries have coins, they produce and run the currency, thus IS with its fiction of a State will have hard currency for its State.   This will force people to use IS money and carry Euros and Dollars.   As noted in previous post the NEW Iraqi Army is starting to push IS out of towns, it has retaken a oil town, thus the more Iraq can push IS out of its sites that gains money for the terrorist group the more standby money that IS has to used to pay its followers.   Thus IS could bankrupt itself over the long term, that would ironic. 

IS Update - IS LOSES Baiji' - War on Terror 2

BBC News: Reports " Iraqi officials say their forces have driven out Islamic State (IS) fighters from the oil refinery town of Baiji, 200km (130 miles) north of Baghdad. "

Lets Get Real:

This is good news on the PR front and military front, it shows that the new Iraqi forces with the air cover of the US can push IS back, also it means that IS has less money coming in from selling oil on the black market.   The question is it a REAL success will come IF Western reporters are allowed to visit the town and oil production area.   This is a good news for the Obama plan of using air power with the Iraqi or Kurds doing the fighting.   Lets hope we see more progress this year. 

The ObamaCare LIE - What did the President know?

CNN - Politics: Reports " Obamacare architect discussed misleading public in 4th newly uncovered video "

Lets Get Real:

These discovered talks by Jonathan Gruber shows what the elite liberal view of MAIN STREET is, they are fools to be lead by the hand by the political elite in Washington D.C. Well this main street pleb wants to know did the President Obama know that ObamaCare was being sold based on a lie, that millions would lose their health plans, that the prices of health plans would go up, the idea that the costs of health care would go down IS the biggest lie, since its creation the NHS in the UK it has cost more over the years.   The Republicans in January should demand answers, under oath, when did President know and when he thought it was a good idea not to know the facts, a clever man surly would not be fooled like the the rest of MAIN STREET. 

IS Update - War on Terror 2

Telegraph: Reports " Islamic State and al-Qaeda 'agree deal' in Syria..Islamic State, al-Qaeda affiliate agree to stop fighting and work together in Syria "

Lets Get Real: 

This is ALL the Oval needs, at least before IS and Al Qaeda were at each others throats, now they have joined together, this means that Kurds under US support will have a bigger threat to face.   It would be a nightmare if a union of IS and Al Qaeda managed to take over both Syria and Iraq.    One also has to assume that the West will also become a bigger target, IS will try to strike the US and the UK, lets hope the FBI and MI5 HAVE their ears and eyes open and connect any dots that could become a threat.   One only has to have nightmares if IS gives Al Qaeda the millions it holds, the Al Qaeda franchise could try to buy a nuclear dirty bomb or better arms to attack the West.   This is a troubling development. 

US Ground Troops for Iraq - War on Terror 2

Guardian: Reports " US military considers sending combat troops to battle Isis forces in Iraq....General Martin Dempsey tells House committee that he would consider abandoning Obama’s pledge and send troops to fight Isis in Iraq  "

Lets Get Real:

Well as stated in this blog there were the dots to connect US troops in Iraq to combat troops, it has not taken a long for the US military to get real when it comes to Iraq.   When you come to the large populations holds by IS the US Army as a history of fighting door to door, there is no way the new Iraqi Army could be expected to take large towns, thus it willl be left to the US Army.   One wonders what President Obama will do, he started the new War on Terror in Iraq, will he give up Iraq as he did in 2011 or will he take the fight to to IS.   This blog has always argued you can be very liberal at home but you can not be liberal abroad, if you weak in both areas your Presidency is going to be a disaster.  So one can expect POTUS to be a radical liberal at home but having to fight IS on the ground in Syria and Iraq.   As to Iran it is clear that Congress, both Democrats and Republicans will oppose any weak deal that allows Iran to go nuclear, the friends of Israeli it is hoped have placed pressure on Congress to veto any deal. 

The New Political Era - After the Mid Terms

BBC News: Reports " The House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill to approve the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline. "

Lets Gets Real:

One of the results of the 2014 Mid Terms is that President Obama better get used to bills he does not like getting to his desk and forcing him to either approve or veto such bills.   In the past six years Obama did not have to worry as the Democratic Senate would block any moves that were a negative to for the Oval.   After January that is over, as the article notes the following, " The move comes as Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu has pushed for a similar vote in the Senate as she fights a runoff campaign for her seat. ".  The Republicans will send various bills that will either cut funding for ObamaCare or repeal it as a whole.  The next two years will see a lot of veto's by the Oval.  That is the price of democracy.    

The US and Iran - Iran Crisis

CNN - Politics: Reports " Republicans poised to take control of Congress are already threatening to kill what could turn out to be President Barack Obama's most significant second-term achievement: a nuclear deal with Iran. "

Lets Get Real:

IF your a friend of Israel you will oppose any such deal by President Obama, its simple the Oval Office can not be trusted after ObamaCare, THE Oval will sell out any ally or friend to get a deal while Obama is in Office.  Any such deal is not worth the paper its written on, it will appease Iran and allow Obama to show to his extreme left that he got a deal with Iran. When it falls apart in 2017 Obama will be out of office, of course Israel might see such an agreement as a threat and thus take action, as it took in 1981 and 2007.  The Israeli Lobby has to play hardball, grow the pressure on Democrats who get support from Jewish groups to oppose the agreement, make it clear to the Democratic Senators, they either support the Israeli Lobby and the Republicans or they will not get one more $1 dollar to fund their election campaigns.  Obama is the modern Neville Chamberlain, his ego does not match his skills and in that failure he could destroy Israel.