Endorsement for ...

Well, tonight we see the Floriday Primary count that goes a long way to deciding the Republican nominee.

With the Liberal media and Conservative idealogues, in an unholy alliance, having spun Guiliani out of contention (so much for gratitude when it comes to his achievements in what was a crime ridden and terrorist targetted city); it now seems to have come down to three realistic contenders.

Firstly, a mention must go to Ron Paul. A man who, I seriously doubt, could identify Canada or Mexico on the map. The fact that the majority of his very few supporters could be identified as the 'missing links' and his holding of extreme libertarian views made his candidature rather ridiculous. His continued participation is as irrelevant as that of Edwards in the Democrat race.

Governor Huckabee seems a nice enough bloke, although his general appeal to those other than Evangelicals has yet to materialise. With a shortfall in funding, his bid now seems doomed. Although he is clearly short of relevant experience, he could appeal as a Vice President.

Governor Romney is attempting to buy the Republican endorsement, and comes across as an unsympathetic and bad-mannered character. Short of class, he would also struggle on the world stage although, no doubt, helping his corporate cronies 'feather their nest'. It would be inconceivable that he could beat either Clinton or Obama in a fight for the White House.

Senator McCain is a class act who has demonstrated his ability to put the interests of his country before party loyalty. Along with Senator Lieberman (D), he is one of the few politicians with principle and who has not added ear-marks onto bills passed into legislation. His war record speaks for itself, as does his humanity. When it comes to immigration; possibly too humane, although he realises that securing the US/Mexican border is now a priority. He is, undoubtedly, the only Presidential candidate, on either side, that will receive any form of respect from countries around the world. However, his age is of concern and could see him looking old and tired when up against a youthful and energetic Obama. Despite this, TAXING TIMES is pleased to endorse Senator John McCain for US President!

Obama Jumps Ino Bed With The Devil

Having been disappointed with the lack of policies espoused by Obama, it was with shock to see that he received the endorsement of Senator Edward Kennedy yesterday.

Why Obama would want Kennedy's endorsement is beyond me. However, it is to the credit of the American people that Kennedy has remained on the periphery of US politics. This despite his family name.

Notwithstanding Kennedy's support of the IRA during the 70s and 80s; to paraphrase the now immortal words of Rosie O'Donnel - "Senator Edward Kennedy and Chappaquiddick. Google it!"

Dorset Casualties during the ECW

I've just completed reading Tim Goodwin's excellent book 'Dorset in the Civil War 1625-1665'. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the Civil War, at more than a superficial level, as Dorset proved to be a county whose control mirrored the War in general.

Indeed, Portland was the penultimate garrison to surrender in the west country; a mere week before Exeter and just nine before Oxford.

Anyway, to the main point of the post. Goodwin maintains that Dorset casualties amounted to at least 3,000 and probably reached about 4,000. With a population of about 85,000, this amounted to a total loss of about 7%; a proportion twice as high as Britain's losses during the 1st World War. He also points out that losses during the 1st World War "were said to have destroyed a generation".

Notwithstanding, that British losses the Great War were mostly restricted to male losses (causing a demographic imbalance) his point is well taken. At even 5%, the consequences of such a population decrease in a rural county must have been horrendous.

MoD data loss ... that follows the DVLC data loss ... that follows the HMRC data loss ...

A Government that is desperate to introduce ID cards has once again demonstrated it's inability to protect UK identities. This is despite the patronising advertisments advising UK citizens on their reponsibilities in destroying personal documentation, etc.

The latest case involved a laptop computer being stolen from a Royal Navy officer in Birmingham last week. Despite the loss being taking place on 9th January, the MoD only disclosed that the laptop had been lost late last night. The result: the loss of details on 600,000 persons wanting to join the British Armed Services. The security implications are obvious, let alone the financial problems as 600,000 bank accounts could end up in criminal hands.

To assuage public concerns, the Government today informed us that it was treating the loss of this sensitive data with the "utmost seriousness". Well, that makes it okay then!

The real lesson is that our details are not, and have never been, safe in the hands of beaurocrats who could never hold down a job in the 'real world'.

Obama Barack: An Exercise in Vacuousness?

US Democrats and left-leaning Independents have demonstrated that, in their opinion, the singer is more important than the song. In this country, Blair had managed to win an election and retain power for an eternity with nothing little more than platitutudes and pandering to the left when necessary. Tory, David Cameron has been adopting the same approach, with similar appeals to the suburban chattering classes.

Now, presidential candidate Barack is attempting to follow this same road to power. There are two lines of attack. Firstly, convince the electorate they desperately need political change. Secondly, eloquently preach the message of change whilst striving to mention policy. This is done in challenging environments like The Oprah Winfrey Show or dancing the day away with doggie-lover Ellen De Generas, whilst avoiding the political pundits on Fox, CNN ...

Unfortunately, a record numbers of punters in Iowa and, probably, New Hampshire have fallen for this lame approach. Meanwhile, they forget his intention to attack Pakistan and his professed willingness to negotiate with the World's greatest dictators and despots. Confused? I am!!! How could someone trust their country to someone who is so totally out of his depth when it comes to issues on the world stage?

When looking at the Democrat candidates, Hillary Clinton appears to be the only one who has any idea about what constitutes a realistic policy. Trustworthy? Probably not. But she is a politician, and is undoubtedly a pragmatist determined to be the first woman President of the US. The US Armed Services would no doubt be victims to her political expediency, but the world would be a safer place without Barack's finger on the button.