The REAL LBJ and Civil Rights - Civil Rights Era

The New York Times: Reports on the row between those that are critical of a film version of LBJ and his role in the Civil Rights Agenda, the article notes the following, " But it has also drawn some sharp criticism for its depiction of Johnson as a laggard on black voting rights who opposed the marches and even unleashed the Federal Bureau of Investigation in an effort to stop Dr. King’s campaign. "

Lets Get Real:

A film and the reality of a historical events are no going to match up most of the time, if your looking for truth of events in film then your looking in the wrong place, moder viewrs want to know who is the bad guy and who you should they be supporting.   President Johnson due to Vietnam War does not get high grades from historians, but when it comes to the Great Society and Civil Rights this blog has a lot of respect for LBJ, he was willing to lose 1964 Presidential Election before giving up Civil Rights, one a quick reading of the history that the film covers one finds that LBJ was concerned about getting another bill through the Congress that dealt with this issue, also that the Democrats would lose the South to the Republicans, it can could be argued that LBJ needed the political pressure on his  back to get something done, but the idea that LBJ was a block on Civil Rights is not true.    As LBJ noted Kennedy could get nothing through the Congress when it came to Civil Rights and thus LBJ would make it part of his record.   LBJ was a master of Congress, he got two civil rights bills passed in two years, yes it helped that the African American leaders and supporters were on the streets in peaceful marches, and the over reaction of the State police.   It was a partnership between LBJ and Dr King, they might not have wanted it, but it worked.  Politics is like making a grand meal, making it is not great, but the eating makes up for any bad memories. 

Two Italian Hostages held by Al Qaeda Franchise - Syria

Telegraph: Reports " Italian hostages beg for their lives in new video message..Two Italian aid workers captured in Syria by al-Qaeda appear on Youtube video "

Lets Get Real:

Thus another hostage crisis from the Middle East, now two women faced death at the hands of a Al Qaeda franchise group.    One can see how this will play out,  the Italian Government will face pressure from its own people to act, thus another payment to hostage takers, then more hostages will be taken.   This blog is calling for the EU and the West to block its citizens going to Syria and Iraq, no matter if they want to help, they are undercutting the effort to get rid of IS, if they want to go they must sign a document that means that should anything happen to them their own Governments do not have to buy them back.    The West has to stand firm, no talk or monies to hostage takers, no matter the results. 

IS Update - New War on Terror

Guardian: Reports " US-led coalition launched 29 air strikes against Isis on New Year's Eve...Fighters, bombs and aircraft attacked 17 targets in Syria and 12 in Iraq "

Lets Get Real:

In the next two years the US and the UK will have to place US/UK Special Forces in Iraq, the new Iraqi Army while starting to be built up and having success is no match for IS is such places as Mosul.   In the house to house fighting in Mosul the air power of the Allies can not be used, thus it will be harder to rid Mosul of IS, the new Iraqi Army might want to take the fight to IS, but its better to give them time and then for them to have success, than run in and lose, Kobani should be lesson to ALL, that when it comes to towns and cities the Allies will have to use their forces, one wonders if the Oval Office is dreading the day when the call comes from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs for US forces to clear IS out of major populations areas.    The decision to that call will decide how history writes about the Obama Era. 

Is Jeb Bush the NEXT President ? - 2016 Presidential Election

BBC News: Reports " Former Florida governor Jeb Bush has reportedly scaled back his business commitments as he thinks seriously about a White House run. "

Lets Get Real:

The one plus for Jeb Bush should he face Hillary Clinton is that the Democrats can not use the charge that Bush Family is becoming a Dynasty, as Hillary Clinton is the wife of President Clinton and served as Secretary of State in the first Obama Administration.   As of now Jeb Bush is the front runner, it can be expected that Senator Paul and Governor Christie will also run, this works for Bush as it will split the vote and thus help his campaign, the Conservative Republicans will split their vote thus allowing Bush or either Governor Christie to come through.   It has been argued that more Republican candidates suites Jeb Bush, interesting and right theory.  The base the Conservative core will see Bush as to moderate on education and immigration, thus in the early stages they will test out different candidates, the more room for the Bush strategy to come through in the middle.   Two years to go in till new President in the Oval.