What's wrong with Americans?

I have a personal rule that I don't swear or use profane language on my blog or Twitter and don't post comments that contain the same, however, some Americans, (call that many,) are pushing me to the edge.

Exactly what does it take for America's politicians to actually move away from the pork barrel and stand-up for America and Americans?

I am not an American but if I were, I would be ashamed to say so right now.

Consider.

In Sudan, the wife of an American citizen, was forced to wear shackles while giving birth and will now proceed to be executed for the crime of apostasy - that is, she chose to give up the religion of her birth - Islam - so that she could follow our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In Mexico,  US Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, is being held on charges of illegally entering Mexico and bringing weapons into the country.  It must be the greatest of ironies that America's open southern border, which is so poorly policed by America's Border Patrol, is better managed on the other side by the federales!  But hey, John 'I was against the Vietnam War and I speak with a deep voice' Kerry has asked Mexico for help on this!

In Phoenix and many other American cities, veterans of foreign wars (people like Post Traumatic Stress Dis-order sufferer, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi) are dying because they don't receive care.  They  are on waiting lists but you wouldn't know that because the lists are held secret.  The public lists show that the Veteran's Administration is doing a great job in caring for America's veterans.  That must be the case because these VA personnel are getting bonuses for a job well done.

Then there is the continuing sorry tales of Benghazi (4 Americans abandoned by the Obama and Clinton administration), Fast and Furious (wasn't that about guns going over the border, into Mexico??), the IRS targeting of right-of-centre dissident groups, like the Tea Party, the Bundy ranch raid and so on and on.

On the international scene.

America is withdrawing from Afghanistan.  This fulfills Obama's pledge to do so, though the US will leave behind 9,800 troops until 2016.  The pretense is that the rationale of establishing a stable government in that country, one which enjoys widespread support and has security forces that can be trusted to serve the interests of the people of Afghanistan and not those of the local warlord or the Taliban, has been met.  Even the Kool-Aid drinking Obama Main Stream Media don't believe or report that Afghanistan is stable!

The Ukraine?  Russia is flexing its muscles and getting exactly what it wants and America's reaction is to freeze bank accounts and issue travel bans.  I didn't expect any better from the ineffectual European Union.  Right now the EU focus is on hiding the mess that is the Euro common currency, by crushing the young unemployed of Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy.  I did kind of expect something more robust, from America.  Maybe an invite to Ukraine, to join Nato or at least a threat to do so.  I suppose though that with Obama's complete indifference to borders, it was to be expected that Russian violation of Ukraine's border and destabilizing of a sovereign nation,  would not raise too much concern in the Obama White House.

What does get the Obama White House concerned?

Well Michelle Obama has got all riled up about the 200+ girls that have been kidnapped by the terrorist Muslim group Boko Haram.  She took to Twitter, with the hashtag #Bringbackourgirls  Well here's a news flash Mrs Obama.  They aren't your girls.  They aren't America's girls because they aren't Americans.  Where is the American First Lady appealing for the release of AMERICAN Sgt, Andrew Tahmooressi? Where is Mrs Obama's condemnation of the treatment Merian Ishag, the wife of an American citizen and mother of a new born baby, that is about to be executed in Sudan. 

Don't search the media for comments from Michelle or Barack Obama or better yet actions from the 'most powerful man on earth' because you won't find them.  To me the inescapeable conclusion is that Sgt. Andrew Tahmorressi's problem is that he is white.  Merian Ishag's problem is that she converted to Christianity.  Those are sins that this most racist of White House administrations cannot forgive. 

Michelle Obama has put herself on the front line with her Twitter campaign but doesn't then question why her husband's administration repeatedly failed to declare Boko Haram as a terrorist organization, which it certainly is and always has been.  Husband Barack may not have wanted to offend his Muslim allies but what was former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's reason? 

My anger on the above has caused me to stray.  The real ire should be directed at the American people that allow their political 'leaders' to whore their country and political districts, the way that they do.  The Keystone pipeline can't be approved because Democrat donor, the billionaire Warren Buffet opposes approval and wants to keep moving oil in train cars, that he owns! 

These same politicians should be calling for the impeachment of President Obama for all of the crimes that have occurred under his watch (see above). 

They should be calling for the ouster of John Kerry.  This fool now claims that the greatest threat to America is climate change!  Not the Islamic terrorists,  that his President allows to cross into America, through open borders and easy immigration, or to carry out atrocities.  Not the resurgent Russians or expanding Chinese threat, no it is climate change.   The greatest threat to America comes from something that is unproven, except with very dodgy statistics.  The only rationale for citing this as the threat, that I can come up with, is that this can be used to justify yet billions more of US tax dollars being wasted on this pseudo-science.  The 'peaceniks' that run America today will probably see that as a more noble cause than caring for America's veterans of foreign wars!

So, back to the American people.  What is up with them?  Why aren't they clamoring for action?  I know that so many more Americans are now on food stamps and, in Obama's liberal paradise, unemployed and on welfare but surely there are still some people for whom the term patriot is not seen as a slur.  Some Americans who understand that the country must honour its commitment to its military - they did their part, now its the turn of America!  Some Americans who understand that to retain power you sometimes have to be prepared to actually display it.  Some Americans that look at Russia and China and see them as potential or even real enemies that need to be confronted.  Some Americas that understand the Islamic Republic of Iran can never be allowed to have nuclear weapons.  Some Americans that understand that its best friend in the Middle East is Israel.  Some Americans that know that offering an amnesty to illegal immigrants (again!)  will only encourage the next wave of illegals! 

I could go on but maybe I should leave it at that.  Maybe some Americans (don't hold your breath for too many American politicians though) will step up for their country.  It certainly needs it

America's problem

More accurately, the problem with conservatives in America.

As a Brit looking in from the outside, it seems to me that America is on a dangerous path and the fault really lies with American conservatives.

I don't blame President Obama and his socialist fellow travelers - Pelosi, Clinton, Biden, Reid, Blasio, etc. - they are only following the agenda that all socialists follow.  Their programme is running according to schedule and form.  Students of post-WWII European history will see the familiar pattern of subversion from within.  Take over educational/teacher training colleges, promote public service (sic) unionization, push minority issues even against the overwhelming wishes of the majority, promote policies that facilitate the breakdown of 'traditional' families and values, make previously abnormal behaviour the new norm and over-favour such, over-arching this, push the 'state' into every nook and cranny of daily life with either some kind of welfare or regulation or law.

So, why blame the American Right?  Well frankly because of the lack of focus.

Look at the recent shenanigans around the US budget.  The deal that was worked out - a bi-partisan solution, we are told - sees an infinitesimally  small reduction in overall spending but some of this falls on military veterans.  To my mind this breaks a covenant that the US has had with its service personnel - you go and fight for us and we will take care of you.  So we have Republican presidential hopeful (surely not still?) Rep. Paul Ryan, assisted by Republican Speaker John Boehner, pushing a bill that punishes military retirees.  Think back 30 years or so and consider if any sordid backroom deal, whose members included Republicans, would have had this as part of the package. 

Frankly speaking, the Democrats really don't need to push their agenda too aggressively, when their supposed opponents do such a good job on their behalf.  And why do Ryan, Boehner et al do the Democrats job for them?  Because they do not serve America, in spite of their oaths.  They serve themselves.  It is all about re-election and accumulating personal power and wealth.

WARNING TO REPUBLICANS - In any Bi-Partisan agreement you and your supporters (and your country) are being fooled.  Bi-Partisanship is part of the process by which the socialists incrementally achieve their goals.  They use this to move the discussion in their desired direction and keep on doing so.  When you meet someone 'half-way' on something, then they are closer to their goal and you further from yours!

Think about the recent government shutdown - who won that?  The Democrats did.  Obama didn't give an inch and the Republicans folded.  In saying Republicans I refer to the elected Republicans.  I don't believe that Republicans in the country supported Boehner's capitulation nor do they support Ryan's shabby 'deal'.

So back to focus.

What are the 'hot' issues for Republicans, just now?  Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame, is certainly up there and the homosexual lobby have taken a knock back on this one but they and their bigoted types, will be back!  Hillary Clinton's abdication of responsibility for the deaths of 4 Americans in Benghazi, is there as well.  Obamacare, with its almost daily new failures, is the gift that keeps on giving (consider that more people lost insurance coverage on 1/1/14 than managed to get the more expensive Obamacare cover and you will see what I mean).

What doesn't seem to be hot?  How about, the economy?  As in jobs, as in money in people's pockets.  How is this not the issue that unites the American 'right' and provides the single focus on which the 'right' can campaign?  $ Billions have been pumped into the economy but unemployment remains high.  Those 'shovel ready' projects weren't as 'shovel ready' as people were led to believe.

In my darker, conspiracy-theory moments, I keep wondering if the Obama administration isn't quite pleased that they have these different mini 'scandals' going on as the opposition is spread thin and their inept handling of these issues and the economy is masked because the 'fire' from Republicans is not concentrated.

So, to borrow the phrase from Bill Clinton, 'it's the economy, stupid!'  Republicans shouldn't allow themselves to get side-tracked by these other issues - yes, I do know they are important but if Republicans don't get the numbers elected to Congress then all of the commentary and tweeting and rallies will not change things, one bit.

At the same time, Republicans need to hold candidates to account and select and elect real Republicans.  

Real Republicans?  So no RINOs (Republicans in name only).    From my perspective, those of the Tea Party persuasion most closely fit the bill.  Candidates that understand that you cannot treat with leftist Democrats.  That understand that the political spectrum must be shifted significantly to the right, just  in order to recover the advances that have been made by the socialists in recent years.

I am afraid that I include the G.W Bush era in the left-sliding times.  Former President Bush was 'right' on foreign issues but was not focused enough on US domestic issues and so allowed the leftist slide, that started under his father and accelerated under Clinton, to continue. 

So my message for American conservatives is focus on a single issue that affects all Americans - the economy - don't follow the path taken by the UK Conservatives where pandering to minority groups, in an effort to appear more 'reasonable' has led them to promote same-sex marriage and continue to allow the 'state' to grow and to be dictated to by unelected European Commissioners (or commissars, is perhaps more accurate).

Remember, once the true 'right' have power, then you can pursue the impeachment of Obama and the imprisonment of Hillary Clinton and Eric Holder and the repeal of the hated Obamacare, until then the single most important task on which to focus, is getting the right people, selected and then elected.

2013 Culture Review

Well, the title sounds grand!

Building on last year's review of books, I wanted to share the following:

Books
Last year I got heavily into Jack Reacher novels, by Lee Child and found them to be  quite engrossing but then, at the end of 2012, a movie was made of one of them.  Tom Cruise was cast as Jack Reacher.  Cruise's production company having apparently bought the rights.  If you have read any of the Reacher books you will have the same difficulty that I have in squaring the idea of Reacher portrayed by the diminutive Cruise.  In some books, Reacher's size - height 6' 6'' and weight 240 lbs, is actually an integral part of the plot lines so I find it hard to acquaint the visual film reality with the written variety.  Consequently, I have struggled with these books this year.   They are still well-written and gripping but...........  the image of the sofa-jumper keeps interrupting my enjoyment.

Best book read this year was Arguably by Christopher Hitchens.  This is a compilation of the late author's reviews and shows the depth and breadth of his knowledge.  Oh to be able to write like that!  If you love America and it's history, I strongly recommend this.

Also if you love America, I re-read Decision Points by George W Bush -  a fascinating read, which puts the lie to much of the media distortions.

Finally, Hiding the decline by A W Montford.  This was a Christmas gift that was truly enjoyed.  This book explores the ClimateGate e-mail saga and exposes the so-called climate change experts for the lying charlatans that they are.  A powerful book which clinically dissects the story and then onto the cover-ups, that were said to be investigations.  If you value truth, do find the time to read this book.

Films
Perseverance and patience is always recommended and I am glad I listened to this advice.  I saw two 2nd parts of trilogies this year.

Part two of the Hunger Games series was considerably better than the first part.  Gets one a little closer to some of the grim reality of the books and is promising nicely for the third and final part.

The middle part of The Hobbit was also better than the first part and is building well for the finale.  I saw this with family, as part of a newish tradition that has taken in all of the Lord of the Rings trilogy  on successive Christmas' past.  Generally the external reviews were mixed but from the family all on the positive side but there is a feeling that the whole thing was perhaps longer than it needed to be.

TV Series
Enjoyed House of Cards - US.  As with the original from the UK  this shows the everyday venality of politicians and their fellow travelers.  Also watched Hannibal series one.  Gory but a fascinating back-story for this fictional monster.

America and Drugs

Why is it, do you think, that America spends so much money and effort fighting drugs that it has declared illegal, such as cocaine, marijuana and heroin and yet the two most dangerous drugs are ignored?

The two most dangerous drugs?  Sugar and debt.

Americans consume vast quantities of both.  Indeed the abuse of the former, because it leads to great obesity and a strain on medical systems, inevitably increase the need for the latter - a vicious circle of addiction.

I suppose that there might be something to be said for de-criminalising  the currently illegal drugs and taxing them, so that tax dollars on prevention could be saved and revenue raised.  I am not really sure where I stand on the argument - the 'war on drugs' seems to be a guerrilla-type one where the US gains some occasional small victories but the 'enemy' is too entrenched to actually be defeated.  All I have managed to come to know of the effects of drug use clearly demonstrate the very negative side-effects of such abuse but........

 Anyway back to America's drugs of choice.

Americans now consume, on a per capita basis, more than 34 Kg (75lbs)  of sugar in one form or another, each year.  The number 34 might be some kind of 'mystical' one as that is also the percentage of adult Americans that are classed as obese!  It seems that much of this consumption comes via so called,'soft drinks' - fizzy colas and such - rather than through refined sugar being ladled onto breakfast cereal or stirred into coffee or tea.  What's the common denominator when eating out in the US?  Some restaurants will have steak and other meats on the menu, some will just have vegetables, some pizza but not pasta etc., but all will offer soft fizzy drinks, which are loaded with sugar.  

Oh and don't think I am excusing the Europeans from this addiction, like with the other drug of choice, debt, the European Union members are mimicking the abuse seen in America but today's topic is America.

Think of what that level of sugar intake is doing to America's health and consequently it's economy.  All those emergency room visits for heart attacks - that isn't cocaine or heroin, that's sugar and it's consequential obesity.  All those large gas guzzling cars - that's the size vehicle that is needed to transport these larger people around.  Here's a visual for you.  Think of a small compact car - a Mini or a Micra or a Fiat 500.  Now think of trying to fit four average Americans inside.  Not working?  Brain can't get there?  Try two average Americans, maybe now you get a fuzzy outline of a picture?  You get my point, anyway.

 Now we move on to the other addiction - debt.  Quick pop quiz for you.  How many zeros in a trillion?  Don't know or can't guess?  Go on try, there's 6 in  million and 9 in a (US) billion so.......  You got it, 12.

Another question, what was the US debt level in 1980?  Less than $1T (I can't be bothered with all those zeros!).  2006 level?  $8T.  Currently it is north of $17T.  Think about that for a moment.  By 1980, America had accumulated, in its 204 years of independence, debt of $1T, 15 years later it had 8 times that level of debt, then during the Obama presidency, the amount has more than doubled again!  Think of that in an addicts frame of mind.  In 1980 you were smoking one joint or doing one line of cocaine a day but now you are smoking 17 joints or doing 17 lines of coke, a day! 

Americans are hooked on debt and as with most addicts (or at least how they are always portrayed), once hooked, just want evermore!

An American colleague tells me that when you add in the unfunded liabilities like Medicaid and pensions, then the debt level rises to $60T, even if that is only half right, that is truly scary.

Without concerted action to wean America off of it's debt addiction, Americans, for generations to come, will be paying the price for today's bingeing.

And please don't tell me that America is on the road to addiction-recovery.  The anemic spending reductions that have been put in place will still cause the debt to rise to $25T by 2023 - yes, in 10 years, the debt ceiling will increase by a further 50%.

And that is actually a conservative estimate.  Conservative because it pre-supposes that America can continue to export its inflation to the rest of the world and can continue to offload Treasury paper.  What happens though if over, say, the next ten years, the US Dollar starts to lose it's position as the world's reserve currency?  It isn't such a far-fetched idea.  China is starting to flex it's financial muscle.  Imagine if the Chinese, the world's largest producer and purchaser of gold, decided to back their Renminbi currency with gold and to make it freely tradeable.  The latter might be a way off but suppose you were a Middle Eastern government oil company and you were offered gold-backed currency rather than being paid in US$ which continue to lose value?  Not a difficult choice, is it? Can't happen?  Check out who are the largest investors in Iraq's oilfields.  Clue, it isn't those US oil companies that supposedly pushed Bush to go to war for oil, in 2003.  Nor is it the British oil companies that perhaps led Tony Blair and his Labour party to produce the so called 'dodgy dossier'. 

Maybe then, that's the solution.  Since America won't confront it's addiction problem, the rest of the world will need to do it for them.  To send America into 'rehab' by not buying it's debt or trading in it's devaluing currency and thereby forcing America to face the grim reality of a it's addiction.  Could be a win/win situation - America reduces government spending and, in the process the 'hardship' that ensues makes the average American reduce their soft drinks intake, simply because they cannot afford it.

Maybe but don't hold your breath.  There seem to be so few US politicians with the courage to hold-up a mirror and say, 'America take a good look, you are obese and you are getting worse and doing it on other people's money.  This cannot continue.'  There may be some honest politicians but I do not discern any with the courage required to deliver the needed message.

Oh, again!  the same applies to Europe though, as with so much in the 20th century, Europe lags behind the US but, is on the same downward spiral!

Apologies for being so depressing!  Who knows, maybe mirror manufacturing will lead to a revival of America's economy and prospects!