Happy Birthday, America

"Another year older, and deeper in debt..."

Amazingly as it may seem, due to the extended campaigning system in the USA, Obama's campaign for re-election is getting under way. Seems no sooner are you in office in the States than you are planning your next campaign. Whenever do they find time to actually run the country?...

BO isn't getting it all his way. Afghanistan is a major issue for him with Republican candidates taking an anti-war stance and his liberal supporters openly voicing doubts as to when he is going to honour is pledge to bring the troops home. In an attempt to appease his critics, he has announced the withdrawal of 33,000 US troops in 2012, but many will be waiting for the get out clause...

And to make matters worse, several members of Congress are openly critical of Obama's decision to take action in Libya - albeit as far as I can see, somewhat limitted action.

And in the light of all this, economic gloom lumbers on...

Confidence in the housing market is low. Just 45% of US homeowners now believe their home is worth more than the mortgage. And 70% believe it would be bad for the nation if a failure to increase the debt ceiling leads to a default on the federal debt. However, 56% believe the failure to significantly cut federal spending would be even worse - so damned if you do, damned of you don't

So maybe at the end of the day, it will all come down to whether a candidate emerges to challenge Obama who can make people believe that anyone else could  any better.

Frankly, I doubt it...

Happy Birthday, America

"Another year older, and deeper in debt..."

Amazingly as it may seem, due to the extended campaigning system in the USA, Obama's campaign for re-election is getting under way. Seems no sooner are you in office in the States than you are planning your next campaign. Whenever do they find time to actually run the country?...

BO isn't getting it all his way. Afghanistan is a major issue for him with Republican candidates taking an anti-war stance and his liberal supporters openly voicing doubts as to when he is going to honour is pledge to bring the troops home. In an attempt to appease his critics, he has announced the withdrawal of 33,000 US troops in 2012, but many will be waiting for the get out clause...

And to make matters worse, several members of Congress are openly critical of Obama's decision to take action in Libya - albeit as far as I can see, somewhat limitted action.

And in the light of all this, economic gloom lumbers on...

Confidence in the housing market is low. Just 45% of US homeowners now believe their home is worth more than the mortgage. And 70% believe it would be bad for the nation if a failure to increase the debt ceiling leads to a default on the federal debt. However, 56% believe the failure to significantly cut federal spending would be even worse - so damned if you do, damned of you don't

So maybe at the end of the day, it will all come down to whether a candidate emerges to challenge Obama who can make people believe that anyone else could  any better.

Frankly, I doubt it...

The Dear Gill letters (11)

Mo and Bo come to tea...

You know, I reckon that Michelle Obama is a real star, and so nice with it too - not at all stuck up. We sat in the kitchen and had a super chat over a cup of tea and an eccles cake! Daddy always reckoned that there was nothing in the whole wide world that you couldn't sort out if you just sat down and had a chat over a nice cuppa. It's what made the Empire what it was, he reckoned.

Anyway, I thought I had a lot to put up with what with the Glam Sam thing to live up to, but this poor girly knocks me into a cocked hat. I mean 'Mobama' - what sort of a handle is that? Apparently the people in the White House hung it on her because it sounds all ghetto and street cred, for Gawd's sake. Poor girl.

I'm suprised that she let them get away with it frankly 'cos let's face it she's a big girl, well over six foot and I certainly wouldn't want to get into an argument with her. And she still manages to look stylish in that typically America groomed to the hilt sort of way they have. Between you and me, apparently old Barrack's right under the thumb back home once the doors are closed. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in their bedroom!

So there we were sat in the kitchen doing the 'look nice for the cameras' bit that we all have to go through and then the next day I see the pictures in the papers. I mean, what do you think they found to talk about? Could it be two intelligent, well educated and powerful women talking about serious world issues? Like buggery it could! I mean it really makes me fume! They only got a wide angle shot, spread it across the centre pages and captioned all the items in the background like what sort of microwave I use, the cook books I read and the make of the telly! Talk about sexual stereotyping! I bet they wouldn't do that if the boys were sat there.

To be honest, I took it out on Dave a bit but he just smiled and laughed it all away. Lucky for him I didn't have a cup of tea in my hand at the time is all I can say or he might have ended up wearing it. Still, some good has come out of it - the sales in Mummy's online kitchen accessories business have gone through the roof thanks to those marvellous new guidelines on product placement, so maybe the gutter press did us all a favour in the end.

Once we got the cameras out of the way and had some time to ourselves, Mo and I found we agreed on quite a few things as it happened, and comparing notes on the boys was very illuminating! All I can say is that it's a good job they've got us behind them or God knows what state the world would be in.

Let's do lunch next week and I'll tell you more...

The Dear Gill letters (11)

Mo and Bo come to tea...

You know, I reckon that Michelle Obama is a real star, and so nice with it too - not at all stuck up. We sat in the kitchen and had a super chat over a cup of tea and an eccles cake! Daddy always reckoned that there was nothing in the whole wide world that you couldn't sort out if you just sat down and had a chat over a nice cuppa. It's what made the Empire what it was, he reckoned.

Anyway, I thought I had a lot to put up with what with the Glam Sam thing to live up to, but this poor girly knocks me into a cocked hat. I mean 'Mobama' - what sort of a handle is that? Apparently the people in the White House hung it on her because it sounds all ghetto and street cred, for Gawd's sake. Poor girl.

I'm suprised that she let them get away with it frankly 'cos let's face it she's a big girl, well over six foot and I certainly wouldn't want to get into an argument with her. And she still manages to look stylish in that typically America groomed to the hilt sort of way they have. Between you and me, apparently old Barrack's right under the thumb back home once the doors are closed. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in their bedroom!

So there we were sat in the kitchen doing the 'look nice for the cameras' bit that we all have to go through and then the next day I see the pictures in the papers. I mean, what do you think they found to talk about? Could it be two intelligent, well educated and powerful women talking about serious world issues? Like buggery it could! I mean it really makes me fume! They only got a wide angle shot, spread it across the centre pages and captioned all the items in the background like what sort of microwave I use, the cook books I read and the make of the telly! Talk about sexual stereotyping! I bet they wouldn't do that if the boys were sat there.

To be honest, I took it out on Dave a bit but he just smiled and laughed it all away. Lucky for him I didn't have a cup of tea in my hand at the time is all I can say or he might have ended up wearing it. Still, some good has come out of it - the sales in Mummy's online kitchen accessories business have gone through the roof thanks to those marvellous new guidelines on product placement, so maybe the gutter press did us all a favour in the end.

Once we got the cameras out of the way and had some time to ourselves, Mo and I found we agreed on quite a few things as it happened, and comparing notes on the boys was very illuminating! All I can say is that it's a good job they've got us behind them or God knows what state the world would be in.

Let's do lunch next week and I'll tell you more...

Film sweeps Oscars...

One film has reigned supreme at the Oscars this year.

"The President's Speech" follows the touching and heartwarming story of a black man from Hawaii as he overcomes a rich, priviledged upbringing and struggles through Columbia University, Harvard Law School and the U.S. Senate to become the 44th President of the United States.

The film culminates in his historic speech at his inauguration promising much and yet, at the same time, saying nothing. The film gives hope to politicians all over the world, whatever their humble beginnings.

Film sweeps Oscars...

One film has reigned supreme at the Oscars this year.

"The President's Speech" follows the touching and heartwarming story of a black man from Hawaii as he overcomes a rich, priviledged upbringing and struggles through Columbia University, Harvard Law School and the U.S. Senate to become the 44th President of the United States.

The film culminates in his historic speech at his inauguration promising much and yet, at the same time, saying nothing. The film gives hope to politicians all over the world, whatever their humble beginnings.

Washington protests continue

Anti-government protests are continuing in Washington today as thousands gather for yet another day in front of the Capitol building and round the Washington and Lincoln memorials.

Protesters are demanding that President Barrack Obama step down from office and that the right wing regime move towards full and proper democracy. So far there has been little reaction from Obama although the state controlled media are reporting the demonstrations as 'dangerous and undemocratic'.

The army and the National Guard has been surrounding the demonstrators but so far show no stomach for taking direct action. Some skirmishes have taken place between pro-Presidential supporters and the protesters and last night, the fourth night of this protest, several people were injured. The government has denied that the CIA was responsible for orchestrating the violence in order to influence public opinion against the demonstrators.

Chants of "Revolution! Revolution!" and "Democracy now!" have resounded around the Capitol where the administration is in emergency session to decide what to do next.

A spokesman for the Arab League said "We have demonstrated that people power in Tunisia and Egypt can bring down these authoritarian and corrupt regimes and replace them with a truly democratic process by the people for the people. We urge the American President to demonstrate his commitment to bring this about in the United States. Change needs to happen now, and it needs to be meaningful."

Sources close to President Obama commented "He is going nowhere. He has a degree in obstinacy." 

Washington protests continue

Anti-government protests are continuing in Washington today as thousands gather for yet another day in front of the Capitol building and round the Washington and Lincoln memorials.

Protesters are demanding that President Barrack Obama step down from office and that the right wing regime move towards full and proper democracy. So far there has been little reaction from Obama although the state controlled media are reporting the demonstrations as 'dangerous and undemocratic'.

The army and the National Guard has been surrounding the demonstrators but so far show no stomach for taking direct action. Some skirmishes have taken place between pro-Presidential supporters and the protesters and last night, the fourth night of this protest, several people were injured. The government has denied that the CIA was responsible for orchestrating the violence in order to influence public opinion against the demonstrators.

Chants of "Revolution! Revolution!" and "Democracy now!" have resounded around the Capitol where the administration is in emergency session to decide what to do next.

A spokesman for the Arab League said "We have demonstrated that people power in Tunisia and Egypt can bring down these authoritarian and corrupt regimes and replace them with a truly democratic process by the people for the people. We urge the American President to demonstrate his commitment to bring this about in the United States. Change needs to happen now, and it needs to be meaningful."

Sources close to President Obama commented "He is going nowhere. He has a degree in obstinacy." 

That special relationship....

Obummer has just had a birthday and we've had a change of leader. So why not take a moment to reflect on the 'Special Relationship'?

America is pulling its troops out of Iraq, so there's a glimmer of hope that we might get out of there soon too. Unfortunately, this means that there will be troops released to go to Afghanistan - where, as we already know, it is dangerous for our troops to stand in front of theirs - or indeed to be found anywhere under the USAF.

Still, we junior partners know our place - which is why we are being directed by an American general.

Then there is the impending takeover of BP by Exxon much whispered about by the underground press. They've already got rid of Tony Hayward and replaced him with one of their own. And they have also conveniently overlooked the fact that the troubled well was drilled by a rig leased from them and operated by Americans. If Dave allows that to happen, then we might as well apply to be the next state! At least that will get us out of the EU...

And then there is the Magrahi affair. These cheeky fuckers have the nerve to summon Jack Straw, the Scottish Justice Minister and Tony Hayward to attend a Congressional Enquiry. When they all declined, the yanks decided to send one of theirs over to interview them. Thankfully, the Scots showed some admirable backbone and told them to get stuffed thus halting yet another devious manoeuvre in the BP takeover.

Well done Scotland. Your country is not an American state, although ours appears to be in danger of becoming one...

That special relationship....

Obummer has just had a birthday and we've had a change of leader. So why not take a moment to reflect on the 'Special Relationship'?

America is pulling its troops out of Iraq, so there's a glimmer of hope that we might get out of there soon too. Unfortunately, this means that there will be troops released to go to Afghanistan - where, as we already know, it is dangerous for our troops to stand in front of theirs - or indeed to be found anywhere under the USAF.

Still, we junior partners know our place - which is why we are being directed by an American general.

Then there is the impending takeover of BP by Exxon much whispered about by the underground press. They've already got rid of Tony Hayward and replaced him with one of their own. And they have also conveniently overlooked the fact that the troubled well was drilled by a rig leased from them and operated by Americans. If Dave allows that to happen, then we might as well apply to be the next state! At least that will get us out of the EU...

And then there is the Magrahi affair. These cheeky fuckers have the nerve to summon Jack Straw, the Scottish Justice Minister and Tony Hayward to attend a Congressional Enquiry. When they all declined, the yanks decided to send one of theirs over to interview them. Thankfully, the Scots showed some admirable backbone and told them to get stuffed thus halting yet another devious manoeuvre in the BP takeover.

Well done Scotland. Your country is not an American state, although ours appears to be in danger of becoming one...

War - a fresh perspective

Seems there have been one or two fuck ups lately on the warfare front.

First, Nick Clegg stands up in his first Prime Minister's Questions and describes the Iraq War as 'illegal'. Oh dear. Sharp intakes of breath from the Tories behind him who voted for the war.

It should, however, be remembered that the Lib Dems have always regarded the war as illegal. It should also be remembered that just because someone voted for the war, that didn't make it legal. Show me the dodgy dossier and persuade me that Blair has integrity (difficult in my case), and I might have voted for it. But that still doesn't make it legal - so I reckon fair enough, Cleggy.

Then Call-me-Dave pops across the water to liaise with the great black hope. Unfortunately, he then pisses off the yanks by describing Britain's presence in Iraq as a 'supporting role'. True, but not very palatable. It's America's war, they're fucking it up and we seem to be covering all the difficult stuff. Truth hurts!

But just to show that he's not biased, Dave then pisses off his own veterans by saying that Britain played a junior role in World War II. Well, Dave, that's bollocks because if the Japs hadn't bombed Pearl Harbour we'd still be waiting for the yanks to arrive - just like in the first war.

So, all in all, I reckon that's 2-1 on the war front. Not a great result, but a result nevertheless...

War - a fresh perspective

Seems there have been one or two fuck ups lately on the warfare front.

First, Nick Clegg stands up in his first Prime Minister's Questions and describes the Iraq War as 'illegal'. Oh dear. Sharp intakes of breath from the Tories behind him who voted for the war.

It should, however, be remembered that the Lib Dems have always regarded the war as illegal. It should also be remembered that just because someone voted for the war, that didn't make it legal. Show me the dodgy dossier and persuade me that Blair has integrity (difficult in my case), and I might have voted for it. But that still doesn't make it legal - so I reckon fair enough, Cleggy.

Then Call-me-Dave pops across the water to liaise with the great black hope. Unfortunately, he then pisses off the yanks by describing Britain's presence in Iraq as a 'supporting role'. True, but not very palatable. It's America's war, they're fucking it up and we seem to be covering all the difficult stuff. Truth hurts!

But just to show that he's not biased, Dave then pisses off his own veterans by saying that Britain played a junior role in World War II. Well, Dave, that's bollocks because if the Japs hadn't bombed Pearl Harbour we'd still be waiting for the yanks to arrive - just like in the first war.

So, all in all, I reckon that's 2-1 on the war front. Not a great result, but a result nevertheless...

Obama and Cameron have 'frank' discussion

Obama - hanging on the telephone...

US President,Barack Obama, has had a 'frank but friendly' discussion with Prime Minister, David Cameron.

This blog has received an exclusive transcript of their conversation :

Pres : "Hi, Dave. BO here. How's it hanging, ol' buddy?"

PM : "Great. And can I just say right away how much I really appreciate your troops not shooting me while I was in Afghanistan the other day."

Pres : "Don't sweat it, Dave. You just have to remember not to stand in front of our guys and you'll be just fine!"

PM : "This line is secure, right?" (There is a sound of sniggering in the background)

Pres : "Absolutely, Dave. We can say anything we want and not even MI5 or the CIA will know anything about it. Say, can we talk about this oil thing with British Petroleum. It's kinda giving me a hard time here..."

PM : "Well, I can see that would be difficult - but you know I have had strong words with Tony Hayward and he tells me that the oil's not hemorrhaging half as fast BPs share price."

Pres : "That guy couldn't plug a hole in his own ass, least of all a Gulf oil spill! Guess you know we're gonna insist on you guys paying for all this shit."

PM : "That could be a problem. You see we're flat broke over here at the moment. Perhaps we could pay you in some other way?"

Pres : "As long as you're not gonna suggest oil. We've got rather too much of that over here at the moment"

PM : "No, actually I was going to suggest double or quits on the football on Saturday. If we win, you pick up the tab. If you win, we'll let you have BP!"

Pres : "You're on, Dave. We'll whoop you assholes good!"

At this point, there is a twenty minute argument about the relative merits of soccer and basketball after which the President hangs up. Cameron is heard to remark "I think that went rather well, don't you?"

Obama and Cameron have 'frank' discussion

Obama - hanging on the telephone...

US President,Barack Obama, has had a 'frank but friendly' discussion with Prime Minister, David Cameron.

This blog has received an exclusive transcript of their conversation :

Pres : "Hi, Dave. BO here. How's it hanging, ol' buddy?"

PM : "Great. And can I just say right away how much I really appreciate your troops not shooting me while I was in Afghanistan the other day."

Pres : "Don't sweat it, Dave. You just have to remember not to stand in front of our guys and you'll be just fine!"

PM : "This line is secure, right?" (There is a sound of sniggering in the background)

Pres : "Absolutely, Dave. We can say anything we want and not even MI5 or the CIA will know anything about it. Say, can we talk about this oil thing with British Petroleum. It's kinda giving me a hard time here..."

PM : "Well, I can see that would be difficult - but you know I have had strong words with Tony Hayward and he tells me that the oil's not hemorrhaging half as fast BPs share price."

Pres : "That guy couldn't plug a hole in his own ass, least of all a Gulf oil spill! Guess you know we're gonna insist on you guys paying for all this shit."

PM : "That could be a problem. You see we're flat broke over here at the moment. Perhaps we could pay you in some other way?"

Pres : "As long as you're not gonna suggest oil. We've got rather too much of that over here at the moment"

PM : "No, actually I was going to suggest double or quits on the football on Saturday. If we win, you pick up the tab. If you win, we'll let you have BP!"

Pres : "You're on, Dave. We'll whoop you assholes good!"

At this point, there is a twenty minute argument about the relative merits of soccer and basketball after which the President hangs up. Cameron is heard to remark "I think that went rather well, don't you?"