Enda Kenny signed the new euro fiscal compact treaty while in Brussels last weekend. It has me scratching my balding head again! Just last week he called for a referendum on the issue - but it seems he has his own mind made up already.
As me old granddad used to say, 'Actions spake louder that words.'
There have been plenty of views on the subject from within the ranks of high government and some of them suggests divisions.
If it's not passed then this government falls - softened by cushy pension plans - in case the current chief instigators are not returned to 'serve.'
A super-tax of 75% on pensions would sort out who's there to serve Ireland and who's there to serve themselves. One wonders why it is never discussed. The established order in this country should be ashamed of themselves.
Michael Martin said 'sorry' to the Irish people for the last governments 'ineptitude' but rendered it useless by offering excuses before he even uttered the word. With a room full of ex-ministers and taoiseagh, I doubt very much the fightback is on. Bertie and Brian were there. Martin suggested Bertie's days might be numbered in the party if the tribunal findings go against him. Then he lavished praise on Brian Cowen? He clearly needs to step aside now if the party are to have any chance of surviving.
It was almost ironic that the parties Ard Fheis was held at the same time as 12,000 Irish people queued for miles to attend a foreign jobs expo at the same venue. A further 5,000 lined up in Cork yesterday.
As the government announced who'd be junketing where for the Paddy's day festivities, Gardaí removed the Occupy Dame Street camp during the night. In scenes sure to further diminish Ireland's reputation abroad, it took over a hundred Gardaí and council officials to remove the protesters at Ireland's Central Bank.
There still has not been one charge against anyone for the catastrophe that befell the Irish people - it seems light-touch regulation has a place in our democracy - but light-touch protest is driven from sight. Our forefathers must be turning in their graves.
*************
In America the Super Tuesday primaries in 10 states weighed in on the GOP presidential nomination race. Mitt Romney won six states. Rick 'The Sick' Santorum clinched three. Newt looks mute now after only picking up one.
It all means that Romney is closing in on the nomination, but it's still not quite over. If Gingrich throws himself behind 'The Sick' then the homophone war-mongering side of the once great GOP may still think they have a chance at another term in the White House. But that's just them, and the media that back them to the hilt. In reality, these kind of people have ruined their party and more and more ordinary Americans are tuning into that with each passing week.
As Obama entertained Israeli leader Benjamin Netenatu this past few days, the talk was all on Iran. The American president was saying all the right things as would be expected from a commander and chief - but he is uncomfortable. You can tell by his speech. It's broken and not delivered with the same clarity and divisiveness which he's famous for.
With thousands now dead in Syria the region is ultra-volatile. Iraq is unstable and it would appear the shift to democracy hasn't exactly gone to plan in Libya or Egypt either.
After I walked into a door the other day, I had a bit of an awakening. What if all nuclear bombs were de-commissioned, say like, immediately.
It can be done. We went to the moon.
Let's just takes nukes out of the 'whose got the biggest military dick' equation.
It's not like there's a huge military complex of psychopaths profiting from it all or anything... Then the world could work backwards from there? If countries say 'no' to the decommission, we will then really know who's rogue and who isn't.
I wonder how Fox and that leech O 'Reilly would spin that one?
Oh me head.
*************
The blogs going to be on and offline sporadically over the coming days while I do a re-vamp. Apologies to those who came here originally for a writing blog from a recessionary Irish character.
Poor ol' Booker - a fictional product of environment - if ever there was one!
Happy Women's Day!
Showing posts with label White House 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label White House 2012. Show all posts
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Democracy prevails in Ireland - for now.
As American Republicans opt for Mitt Romney to contest November's presidential election, thorn in the side of Europe, Ireland, has a pretty big decision to make as well.
Word filtered out late yesterday afternoon that Ireland is to go her people and ask if they are in favour of the new EU fiscal compact treaty. Enda Kenny made the announcement in the Dáil yesterday after taking advise from the Attorney General.
Like the re-run of the Lisbon Treaty, fear will now be struck into the soul of the Irish nation regarding consequence, so I'd expect it to have a similar result as the last time the Irish people were asked their advice on matters of national interest. But then again...
It does give me some much needed pride that we, a little float away island in the North Atlantic, still have the courage to practice democracy in some proper form at times. It certainly doesn't happen across the Superstate where our fellow Europeans are constantly denied a voice on such matters. Ordinary people, pawns in a game of power that's having catastrophic consequence to societies right across the continent.
With Europe on its knees, it's safe to say those protagonists at the top are incapable - but without proper democracy how do people change that fact.
People are a mere commodity in all this - a natural renewable resource that's being leveled in every quarter outside the self interested. That unfortunately is how we are seen. These people are not our saviors. These people are the problem as they try to prevent humanity evolving in any sustainable way. There are exceptions - but they are few.
Mitt Romney has taken the latest round of primaries in Michigan and Arizona. Santorum was second. Ron Paul finished third with Newt Gingrich a distant fourth. Still think Ron Paul might run as an independent.
The GOP are the only losers is this disgusting race for the right to challenge Obama for the White House. Sick and twisted are just two words that spring to mind every time i think of Rick Santorum and Rick Perry. Gingrich is another nasty piece of work. Pro-war and pro-God?
I mean, come-on. People can't be that thick. But yet many buy into it. I've said all along I'd expect Romney to face Obama down in Novembers race.
Even under as much pressure as Obama is at home on the domestic front, it's hard to see the whole of America backing a Republican Party candidate with so many hate-spewers within their ranks. Time will tell.
Next up for the party are the Super Tuesday primaries on March 6. A candidate needs 1,144 delegates to secure the GOP nomination. Romney is leading with 163 delegates followed by Santorum with 83, according to an Associated Press tally. Last chance saloon for Gingrich and if it's a disaster for the hate-spewing and at times, utterly insane, Santorum, it's game over.
*************
Booker's World ebook and blog re-vamp over the coming weeks. Sorry about the many delays, but you know how government red-tape can be. But at least, and at last, there's a foundation to be built from.
After that, in this crazy world, who the feck knows.
Word filtered out late yesterday afternoon that Ireland is to go her people and ask if they are in favour of the new EU fiscal compact treaty. Enda Kenny made the announcement in the Dáil yesterday after taking advise from the Attorney General.
Like the re-run of the Lisbon Treaty, fear will now be struck into the soul of the Irish nation regarding consequence, so I'd expect it to have a similar result as the last time the Irish people were asked their advice on matters of national interest. But then again...
It does give me some much needed pride that we, a little float away island in the North Atlantic, still have the courage to practice democracy in some proper form at times. It certainly doesn't happen across the Superstate where our fellow Europeans are constantly denied a voice on such matters. Ordinary people, pawns in a game of power that's having catastrophic consequence to societies right across the continent.
With Europe on its knees, it's safe to say those protagonists at the top are incapable - but without proper democracy how do people change that fact.
People are a mere commodity in all this - a natural renewable resource that's being leveled in every quarter outside the self interested. That unfortunately is how we are seen. These people are not our saviors. These people are the problem as they try to prevent humanity evolving in any sustainable way. There are exceptions - but they are few.
*************
Mitt Romney has taken the latest round of primaries in Michigan and Arizona. Santorum was second. Ron Paul finished third with Newt Gingrich a distant fourth. Still think Ron Paul might run as an independent.
The GOP are the only losers is this disgusting race for the right to challenge Obama for the White House. Sick and twisted are just two words that spring to mind every time i think of Rick Santorum and Rick Perry. Gingrich is another nasty piece of work. Pro-war and pro-God?
I mean, come-on. People can't be that thick. But yet many buy into it. I've said all along I'd expect Romney to face Obama down in Novembers race.
Even under as much pressure as Obama is at home on the domestic front, it's hard to see the whole of America backing a Republican Party candidate with so many hate-spewers within their ranks. Time will tell.
Next up for the party are the Super Tuesday primaries on March 6. A candidate needs 1,144 delegates to secure the GOP nomination. Romney is leading with 163 delegates followed by Santorum with 83, according to an Associated Press tally. Last chance saloon for Gingrich and if it's a disaster for the hate-spewing and at times, utterly insane, Santorum, it's game over.
*************
Booker's World ebook and blog re-vamp over the coming weeks. Sorry about the many delays, but you know how government red-tape can be. But at least, and at last, there's a foundation to be built from.
After that, in this crazy world, who the feck knows.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Mad Pride
The homophobic Republican tour whistle stops in the liberal state of New Hampshire tonight as they go to the polls to choose who should run off against Obama in November. If the polls are correct, Mitt Romney leads the pack with Ron Paul a distant second. Romney needs the momentum from this one as they head for South Carolina. It's a different state of affairs there. It's territory which will decide whether Rick Perry or Newt Gingrich retires from the race.
New to the party is John Huntsman and he is currently polling third. Iowa surprise, Rick Santorum propping up the field with Perry and Gingrich. So much for momentum. This was to be expected though, given New Hampshire's swing-state status by becoming a Democrat stronghold going back to the days of Bill Clinton after Republican successes.
If Romney does well in South Carolina or Florida the week after, it's over. If he gets the Republican nod the pollsters have him almost neck and neck with Obama. The only other presidential candidate to run Obama close is Ron Paul.
I found it despicable earlier today watching Fox News pull a Democrat congresswoman up on taking something Mitt Romney said about 'loving to fire people' out of context. These people will stop at nothing to push the Republican agenda. What makes it worse, it seems many Americans are buying into it. True, in an evolving society government should be less visible to us all, but these people want the run of everything, to do as they please at any one's expense, often under the name of God. I'm sure God would want little to do with them. I wonder will Obama hold firm and not bomb Iran. If he does, he's at war. Americans won't vote out a war-time President once the war was started on his watch. Now we will see how much water that noble peace prize holds over the coming months.
*************
The guys from the ECB and the IMF are in town for a spot-check. With tax receipts down to the tune of almost a billion, the talk on the street is of an impending second bailout for us. I never seen that! I thought straight to default. How we have been led the merry dance.
Events over the coming weeks will tell a lot. It's looking like a referendum if I am to be honest. I can't see the Euro collapsing, as I feel there are just to many 'interests' involved. A flood of cheap money will be made available - once you are a firmly a European. After that, who knows? I can't see the Supreme Court not guiding us toward a vote for make no mistake about it, their will be little negotiation about it. You're either in or you are out.
France wants a Robin Hood Tax on bank transactions which the UK is opposing. I'm not sure why. Maybe because every transaction would then have to declared?
It does seem the decent thing to do, considering we robbed the poor to pay the rich, so they could get richer, and tell them in the middle, who the poor elected, to make us poorer. Are you with me? Nope, didn't think so! You wouldn't write that sh**
*************
CHARLIE CASANOVA
Ok, it's not the Palme d'Or, but the good news today is CHARLIE CASANOVA - which if I'm correct was made for under a grand and without support until its success demanded it, received four Irish Film & Television Academy nominations.
It's just the latest in a long list of accolades the independent film has scooped on its global travels through the festival sphere.
The film was nominated in four categories. Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Editing. I think if ever a film spoke to the powers that more money put into an enterprising film industry and developing it further would be money well spent. But Ireland is rarely so brave. A New Wave as Ireland sinks - How Irish would that be.
*************
Ireland lost two of her unsung heroes in one day today. Journalist and filmmaker Mary Raftery, who exposed child abuse in church run state schools in her documentary, States of Fear, died today aged just 54. Her place in the hearts of Ireland is forever cemented by the gutsy and courageous way she did her job. Many in this country could learn from her. Particularly in those fields.
And "Mad' John McCarthy, founder of Mad Pride Ireland. He was 61. I've heard him described as a 'force of nature.' A truly inspiring figure - a man I only came to know about about three months ago. I really wanted to meet the man. Not it will not be.
Both leave behind legacies that defied a time. People Ireland should reflect on. Linger on, even. They are all that is great about Ireland. They should be held in the highest regards and even inspire a nation.
You've all heard the saying about the good dying young. There may be a truth in that pudding. I'm not sure if either person knew of absurdity, but they certainly seemed to embrace it in their lifetimes. If only we were all so brave.
R.I.P
New to the party is John Huntsman and he is currently polling third. Iowa surprise, Rick Santorum propping up the field with Perry and Gingrich. So much for momentum. This was to be expected though, given New Hampshire's swing-state status by becoming a Democrat stronghold going back to the days of Bill Clinton after Republican successes.
If Romney does well in South Carolina or Florida the week after, it's over. If he gets the Republican nod the pollsters have him almost neck and neck with Obama. The only other presidential candidate to run Obama close is Ron Paul.
I found it despicable earlier today watching Fox News pull a Democrat congresswoman up on taking something Mitt Romney said about 'loving to fire people' out of context. These people will stop at nothing to push the Republican agenda. What makes it worse, it seems many Americans are buying into it. True, in an evolving society government should be less visible to us all, but these people want the run of everything, to do as they please at any one's expense, often under the name of God. I'm sure God would want little to do with them. I wonder will Obama hold firm and not bomb Iran. If he does, he's at war. Americans won't vote out a war-time President once the war was started on his watch. Now we will see how much water that noble peace prize holds over the coming months.
*************
The guys from the ECB and the IMF are in town for a spot-check. With tax receipts down to the tune of almost a billion, the talk on the street is of an impending second bailout for us. I never seen that! I thought straight to default. How we have been led the merry dance.
Events over the coming weeks will tell a lot. It's looking like a referendum if I am to be honest. I can't see the Euro collapsing, as I feel there are just to many 'interests' involved. A flood of cheap money will be made available - once you are a firmly a European. After that, who knows? I can't see the Supreme Court not guiding us toward a vote for make no mistake about it, their will be little negotiation about it. You're either in or you are out.
France wants a Robin Hood Tax on bank transactions which the UK is opposing. I'm not sure why. Maybe because every transaction would then have to declared?
It does seem the decent thing to do, considering we robbed the poor to pay the rich, so they could get richer, and tell them in the middle, who the poor elected, to make us poorer. Are you with me? Nope, didn't think so! You wouldn't write that sh**
*************
CHARLIE CASANOVA
Ok, it's not the Palme d'Or, but the good news today is CHARLIE CASANOVA - which if I'm correct was made for under a grand and without support until its success demanded it, received four Irish Film & Television Academy nominations.
It's just the latest in a long list of accolades the independent film has scooped on its global travels through the festival sphere.
The film was nominated in four categories. Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Editing. I think if ever a film spoke to the powers that more money put into an enterprising film industry and developing it further would be money well spent. But Ireland is rarely so brave. A New Wave as Ireland sinks - How Irish would that be.
*************
Ireland lost two of her unsung heroes in one day today. Journalist and filmmaker Mary Raftery, who exposed child abuse in church run state schools in her documentary, States of Fear, died today aged just 54. Her place in the hearts of Ireland is forever cemented by the gutsy and courageous way she did her job. Many in this country could learn from her. Particularly in those fields.
And "Mad' John McCarthy, founder of Mad Pride Ireland. He was 61. I've heard him described as a 'force of nature.' A truly inspiring figure - a man I only came to know about about three months ago. I really wanted to meet the man. Not it will not be.
Both leave behind legacies that defied a time. People Ireland should reflect on. Linger on, even. They are all that is great about Ireland. They should be held in the highest regards and even inspire a nation.
You've all heard the saying about the good dying young. There may be a truth in that pudding. I'm not sure if either person knew of absurdity, but they certainly seemed to embrace it in their lifetimes. If only we were all so brave.
R.I.P
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Republican Nova
It's a wind of fury that's welcoming in the New Year raft of cuts and taxes which took effect from New Year's Day. The rains pretty icy too. Still it could be worse. We could be a young, innocent child living in Tehran or Baghdad as 2012 starts running - where just seeing the year through will be the ultimate goal.
I'm sure nonsense was meant to be a subject for a bit of banter and the occasional ridicule, but not the word used to describe where human society stands at this juncture in our thought-evolution.
But unfortunately, as I see it anyway, that's the best I can describe our current set of ideals into how we are going to get ourselves out of our current ponzi - peaking predicament.
Us being humanity, that is, - assuming people have a belief in such a thing, after the start we have had to the current century. Nonsense it is. Strangled in debt or dying in poverty depending on an individuals Geo-political position on Planet Earth, the only ones going anywhere are those who deal in such things - for profit. It's disgusting when you thinks about it. Be it enslavement due to unsustainable debt or victims to a large weapons based complex used to profit from human misery - misery that costs hundreds of thousands of lives in wars served over resources, largely belonging to other nations. What will the human race fight over when it all runs out?
It seems the American Presidential parade has been going on forever at this stage and yet, it hasn't really even started. Just about every Republican that have put themselves forward to contest Novembers election against Barack Obama to see who gets to have their finger on the button for a four-year term, has led the polls at some stage. That's the media for you.
Obama has been a flop - no real sense in saying it any different. So many promises, equal number of let-downs. If the Republicans had a good candidate to step forward, I'd have no doubt in my mind that Obama would be a one-term president.
American Republicanism is stained after the tyranny of George W. Bush's presidency. Unfortunately Obama has followed a similar path in foreign policy with Gitmo still water-boarding, Iraq on the verge of civil war after their withdrawal, Afghanistan in turmoil, a middle east in crisis and a war of wills currently going on against the Iranians.
Not to forget that relationships are strained with Russia, China and Pakistan and a clear class divide in-house between the so-called 1% and 99% has also to be dealt with.
Meanwhile America continues to leak jobs to emerging nations, has a massive deficit, an economy going no-where. Americans now not only have to deal with homeland security and home intelligence agencies, but now also have to run the gauntlet of being indefinitely detained if their voice poses a defiant tone toward what America is turning into.
The National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) Obama signed silently into law as the bell tolled midnight and brought in a New Year will have ordinary Americans wondering where this erosion of rights came from, especially in a country which has designed itself on freedom and civil liberties through their Constitution and Bill of Rights. The signing of this bill was barely covered within the American mainstream media. We don't need to wonder why...
All these things will give Americans who think for themselves something to mull over as the Race for the White House gathers pace with the Iowa Republican Caucuses holding their contest today.
Polls suggest a slight lead for Ron Paul, but with most of the candidates holding a poll-topping position at one time or another in the media frenzy of debates, ideals, cock-ups and public appearances, momentum at this time will be important, even if the result lends little mass when it actually comes to selecting a Republican runner at the Republican National Convention in late August in Florida.
Here's a quick rundown on the main protagonists at this stage -
Ron Paul is a congressman from Texas. He has served in the military and is known as a conservative libertarian.
On the plus -
are his less heathen foreign policies than his party counterparts and wanting to end the Federal Reserve System which privately controls the American dollar.
On the minus-
would be his nonacceptance of evolution as a theory and his ultra-conservative stance in certain areas such as gays serving in the American military.
Paul is the best candidate on paper for America at this time, but one feels his progression is being hindered by his exclusion as a serious contender by the American mainstream propaganda machine led chiefly by Bill O'Reilly and his circle of wannabes.
Should Ron Paul win in Iowa, his every secret - true or false - will be known by the end of the week. That won't be good for a 76-year-old heart.
Michele Bachmann is a Congresswoman from Minnesota. She was an early front runner in the polls. Various polls have her anywhere in the top-5 over the last few months, though few consider her much more than a Sarah Palin wannabe. Known for her anti-gay views, loose mouth and love for foot-long corn-dogs it is difficult to see her winning the nomination, though don't be surprised if she is pulled from the pack to stand for VP.
Newt Gingrich is the former draft-dodging Speaker of the House - the third most powerful position in American politics. A former Baptist, Newt became a Roman Catholic in 2009.
He has written numerous books which have been aided to publication by Rupe Murdoch of Fox News fame. A known flip-flopper on many key issues, he is in favor of increasing American military spending. He has been married three-times and is known in Washington for a wandering eye. It may prove his downfall, but he can't be ruled out.
Mitt Romney is a former governor of Massachusetts. He is aiming to become the first Mormon president of the United States. Some estimate the former businessman's net wealth at close to a quarter of a billion dollars.
Romney lost out on the Republican nomination in 2008 to war-monger John McCain and is seen as the front runner to win the Republican nod. Again known to flip-flop on the issues, he supports a withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, increases in military spending and sees Iran as America's greatest threat. A win here in Iowa and in the New Hampshire primary next week may make the nomination race a non-event thereafter - but such clear water is rare in American politics.
Rick Perry is the governor of Texas, taking over from warlord, George W. Bush. Perry is the new poster boy of the neo-cons. During a campaign which saw a good start, Perry has appeared drunk on occasion, forgetful on others. A committed proponent of Christian values and the death penalty, he is also a committed homophobic. He is also a global warming septic, but to his credit is not a fan of the Federal Reserve. Hard to see America falling twice - but you never know.
Rick Santorum is a former senator from Pennsylvania. He is another of the neo-con poster boys, a supporter of the War on Terror and neo-con foreign policy. In recent weeks Santorum has gained as other conservatives have faltered and rumors are out of Santorum-Bachmann 'dream-ticket.' He is also a homophobic.
John Huntsman is a former governor of Utah and is regarded as a fiscal moderate conservative. He has chosen to by-pass the Iowa Caucasus to concentrate on the New Hampshire primaries next week. If Wall St. decide to get rid of Obama - Huntsman might be your man.
Former Pizza guy, Herman Cain's name will appear on the Iowa ballot, but his campaign has been suspended as Cain attempts to keep his family together after numerous sexual allegations were made against him. His 9-9-9 plan however remains a talking point.
All in all it amounts to a bad series of political X-Factor, doesn't it? Hard to see any of them really making any lasting contribution in the great scheme of things. Which doesn't bode well for the next four or five years. With new emerging superpowers America could be in real danger of losing it's head at the top of the World table - which may not be a bad thing.
It may give middle-America the room to reflect on what has been a catastrophic start to the new century for them.
America, throughout her history, has tended to rise to serious challenges, especially in matters of definition when it comes to deciding who they are.
There ideals have taken a wayward turn since that awful day of September 11, 2001. It has served no-one well, in particular ordinary Americans themselves. With the class divide widening, it appears America stands at another of those defining junctures. They've tended to get there, often at a huge price. I just wonder where she'll stand eleven short months from now?
My money's on an Obama-Romney showdown come November. I think Obama is in real trouble, and it won't be his talking that gets him home this time. He's going to need a whole lot more this time round. 'Cause the charm offensive is gone.
*************
Thanks to Terry McMahon for the use of images from his Independent movie, Charlie Casanova which wiped the film festival floor last year. Charlie will soon to be released in Irish and UK cinema's and has been acquired by Pan Labyrinth and The Wrestler distributor, Optimum/Studio Canal.
Throughout January we will be using images and quotes from the movie in an effort to promote the film here on the blog and continue the blogs support of Independent artistic endeavor in whatever form it takes.
I invite all readers to do the same by keeping up with the buzz right here.
I'm sure nonsense was meant to be a subject for a bit of banter and the occasional ridicule, but not the word used to describe where human society stands at this juncture in our thought-evolution.
But unfortunately, as I see it anyway, that's the best I can describe our current set of ideals into how we are going to get ourselves out of our current ponzi - peaking predicament.
Us being humanity, that is, - assuming people have a belief in such a thing, after the start we have had to the current century. Nonsense it is. Strangled in debt or dying in poverty depending on an individuals Geo-political position on Planet Earth, the only ones going anywhere are those who deal in such things - for profit. It's disgusting when you thinks about it. Be it enslavement due to unsustainable debt or victims to a large weapons based complex used to profit from human misery - misery that costs hundreds of thousands of lives in wars served over resources, largely belonging to other nations. What will the human race fight over when it all runs out?
It seems the American Presidential parade has been going on forever at this stage and yet, it hasn't really even started. Just about every Republican that have put themselves forward to contest Novembers election against Barack Obama to see who gets to have their finger on the button for a four-year term, has led the polls at some stage. That's the media for you.
Obama has been a flop - no real sense in saying it any different. So many promises, equal number of let-downs. If the Republicans had a good candidate to step forward, I'd have no doubt in my mind that Obama would be a one-term president.
American Republicanism is stained after the tyranny of George W. Bush's presidency. Unfortunately Obama has followed a similar path in foreign policy with Gitmo still water-boarding, Iraq on the verge of civil war after their withdrawal, Afghanistan in turmoil, a middle east in crisis and a war of wills currently going on against the Iranians.
Not to forget that relationships are strained with Russia, China and Pakistan and a clear class divide in-house between the so-called 1% and 99% has also to be dealt with.
Meanwhile America continues to leak jobs to emerging nations, has a massive deficit, an economy going no-where. Americans now not only have to deal with homeland security and home intelligence agencies, but now also have to run the gauntlet of being indefinitely detained if their voice poses a defiant tone toward what America is turning into.
The National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) Obama signed silently into law as the bell tolled midnight and brought in a New Year will have ordinary Americans wondering where this erosion of rights came from, especially in a country which has designed itself on freedom and civil liberties through their Constitution and Bill of Rights. The signing of this bill was barely covered within the American mainstream media. We don't need to wonder why...
All these things will give Americans who think for themselves something to mull over as the Race for the White House gathers pace with the Iowa Republican Caucuses holding their contest today.
Polls suggest a slight lead for Ron Paul, but with most of the candidates holding a poll-topping position at one time or another in the media frenzy of debates, ideals, cock-ups and public appearances, momentum at this time will be important, even if the result lends little mass when it actually comes to selecting a Republican runner at the Republican National Convention in late August in Florida.
Here's a quick rundown on the main protagonists at this stage -
Ron Paul is a congressman from Texas. He has served in the military and is known as a conservative libertarian.
On the plus -
are his less heathen foreign policies than his party counterparts and wanting to end the Federal Reserve System which privately controls the American dollar.
On the minus-
would be his nonacceptance of evolution as a theory and his ultra-conservative stance in certain areas such as gays serving in the American military.
Paul is the best candidate on paper for America at this time, but one feels his progression is being hindered by his exclusion as a serious contender by the American mainstream propaganda machine led chiefly by Bill O'Reilly and his circle of wannabes.
Should Ron Paul win in Iowa, his every secret - true or false - will be known by the end of the week. That won't be good for a 76-year-old heart.
Michele Bachmann is a Congresswoman from Minnesota. She was an early front runner in the polls. Various polls have her anywhere in the top-5 over the last few months, though few consider her much more than a Sarah Palin wannabe. Known for her anti-gay views, loose mouth and love for foot-long corn-dogs it is difficult to see her winning the nomination, though don't be surprised if she is pulled from the pack to stand for VP.
Newt Gingrich is the former draft-dodging Speaker of the House - the third most powerful position in American politics. A former Baptist, Newt became a Roman Catholic in 2009.
He has written numerous books which have been aided to publication by Rupe Murdoch of Fox News fame. A known flip-flopper on many key issues, he is in favor of increasing American military spending. He has been married three-times and is known in Washington for a wandering eye. It may prove his downfall, but he can't be ruled out.
Mitt Romney is a former governor of Massachusetts. He is aiming to become the first Mormon president of the United States. Some estimate the former businessman's net wealth at close to a quarter of a billion dollars.
Romney lost out on the Republican nomination in 2008 to war-monger John McCain and is seen as the front runner to win the Republican nod. Again known to flip-flop on the issues, he supports a withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, increases in military spending and sees Iran as America's greatest threat. A win here in Iowa and in the New Hampshire primary next week may make the nomination race a non-event thereafter - but such clear water is rare in American politics.
Rick Perry is the governor of Texas, taking over from warlord, George W. Bush. Perry is the new poster boy of the neo-cons. During a campaign which saw a good start, Perry has appeared drunk on occasion, forgetful on others. A committed proponent of Christian values and the death penalty, he is also a committed homophobic. He is also a global warming septic, but to his credit is not a fan of the Federal Reserve. Hard to see America falling twice - but you never know.
Rick Santorum is a former senator from Pennsylvania. He is another of the neo-con poster boys, a supporter of the War on Terror and neo-con foreign policy. In recent weeks Santorum has gained as other conservatives have faltered and rumors are out of Santorum-Bachmann 'dream-ticket.' He is also a homophobic.
John Huntsman is a former governor of Utah and is regarded as a fiscal moderate conservative. He has chosen to by-pass the Iowa Caucasus to concentrate on the New Hampshire primaries next week. If Wall St. decide to get rid of Obama - Huntsman might be your man.
Former Pizza guy, Herman Cain's name will appear on the Iowa ballot, but his campaign has been suspended as Cain attempts to keep his family together after numerous sexual allegations were made against him. His 9-9-9 plan however remains a talking point.
All in all it amounts to a bad series of political X-Factor, doesn't it? Hard to see any of them really making any lasting contribution in the great scheme of things. Which doesn't bode well for the next four or five years. With new emerging superpowers America could be in real danger of losing it's head at the top of the World table - which may not be a bad thing.
It may give middle-America the room to reflect on what has been a catastrophic start to the new century for them.
America, throughout her history, has tended to rise to serious challenges, especially in matters of definition when it comes to deciding who they are.
There ideals have taken a wayward turn since that awful day of September 11, 2001. It has served no-one well, in particular ordinary Americans themselves. With the class divide widening, it appears America stands at another of those defining junctures. They've tended to get there, often at a huge price. I just wonder where she'll stand eleven short months from now?
My money's on an Obama-Romney showdown come November. I think Obama is in real trouble, and it won't be his talking that gets him home this time. He's going to need a whole lot more this time round. 'Cause the charm offensive is gone.
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Thanks to Terry McMahon for the use of images from his Independent movie, Charlie Casanova which wiped the film festival floor last year. Charlie will soon to be released in Irish and UK cinema's and has been acquired by Pan Labyrinth and The Wrestler distributor, Optimum/Studio Canal.
Throughout January we will be using images and quotes from the movie in an effort to promote the film here on the blog and continue the blogs support of Independent artistic endeavor in whatever form it takes.
I invite all readers to do the same by keeping up with the buzz right here.
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