Video: Hitler plan to assassinate Pope Pius XII and the King of Italy

The Vatican newspaper LOsservatore Romano has reported that Hitler had intentions to assassinate Pius XII as a revenge against the Italians who arrested his ally Benito Mussolini.

According to the reconstruction of the events, the plot was being planned at the Reichs General Headquarters in Berlin at the end of July 1943.

The Vatican newspaper says Hitler wanted to teach Italy a lesson by deporting or killing the King of Italy and the pope.

But the head of the German intelligence service at the time, admiral Wilhelm Canaris, decided to boycott the operation.

He told an Italian general who spread the word in Rome that the Nazis wanted to kill the pope. After that, the plan was abandoned.

Three years later, admiral Canaris was executed for participating in Operation Walkyria, the failed plot to assassinate Hitler. (Rome Reports)

Ireland: FG Job Creation Subsidy Plan offers up to 40% of dole costs to employers

Job Creation Subsidy under FG Plan

Employers considering taking on new staff can avail of a €4,000 subsidy for one year to support those new jobs under proposals announced outside Trinity College last Tuesday by Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD and Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael’s Enterprise Spokesman. The €4,000 back to work subsidy, which is the equivalent of 37% of the annual jobseekers’ allowance in year one, reduces to €2,000 in the second and final year of the subsidy and will be paid through deductions through the PRSI system for the employer.

The back to work subsidy complements Fine Gael’s policy of exempting PRSI for employers recruiting new staff in 2009 and 2010 but is particularly targeted at companies considering recruiting younger workers who, because they tend to be paid less, would benefit less from the PRSI exemption alone. Commenting on the back to work proposal, Enda Kenny said: ‘Ireland is facing the very real prospect of a lost generation of young people who cannot get work. Recent CSO figures showed a 123% increase in the live register in the last 12 months for the 25 to 34 age group, an increase of 68,760 people.

At the same time, many companies would love to expand but cannot afford the cost of taking on extra staff’.“That is why Fine Gael is proposing a job creation subsidy to help employers create new jobs and get people off the dole. This will allow employers who create new positions to claim a job creation subsidy of €6,000 over two years, with €4,000 paid in the first year and €2,000 in the second. The subsidy will be copper-fastened to ensure that if the new position is not retained for a full two years, the subsidy must be re-funded on a pro-rata basis.“This proposal complements Fine Gael’s plans for a two-year PRSI exemption on new jobs.

Employers will be able to choose either option, but the back-to-work subsidy will give them more flexibility by allowing them to select the option that suits them best.”Commenting on the measure, Deputy Varadkar said: ‘Fine Gael’s back-to-work subsidy will benefit the Exchequer by increasing revenue and reducing social welfare costs. But it will also be a vital tool in fighting the unemployment crisis that has convulsed the country, in the face of Fianna Fáil’s failure to produce any meaningful proposals’.“The Government hasn’t even realised the scale of the problem facing Ireland, in particular our young people who have been cast adrift by Fianna Fáil. This 25 to 34 year old generation bought into the housing bubble, and is now suffering most as a result of the collapse in house prices and the unemployment catastrophe.

“This proposal will help the Exchequer and it will particularly target younger workers. This type of scheme can be of particular use in terms of the recruitment of young graduates, given that the average salary for new graduates is of the order of €20,000. This back to work subsidy can be introduced very quickly through amendments to a new Social Welfare Bill, and can begin to arrest the growth in our dole queues.”

Ireland: FG €11bn/100,000 Jobs Stimulus Plan announced by Enda Kenny

FG Plan will Transform Irish Economy for next Thirty Years

Enda Kenny today unveiled his Party's plan (Rebuilding Ireland) to generate an €11bn stimulus plan to kick start the Irish economy and generate 100,000 jobs over the next four years. The plan involves the creation of a new industrial development holding company, NewERA (New Economy and Recovery Authority) that will be responsible for delivering a targeted series of large scale investments in green energy power generation, telecoms and broadband roll-out and an upgrading of all our water distribution and treatment networks. The ambition of the Party is to turn Ireland in to the most competitive and sustainable economy in Europe. The plan was brought to the Fine Gael Front Bench this week by the Party Spokesman on Energy and Communications, Simon Coveney T.D. The FULL TEXT may be downloaded here

This policy document is a worthy contribution to the debate on the future direction of Irish economic policy. It is well researched and is brimful of original and radical proposals, which have the potential to radically transform the Irish economy and drive future economic growth. The FG party and Simon Coveney in particular deserve our gratitude. FG in recent months has published a raft of well-researched policy documents. No opposition party in Irish political history has brought policy development to such levels.

Commenting on the plan today, Enda Kenny said;
"Fine Gael has a plan to get this country back to work. More than that, Fine Gael has a plan for our economy that will help make us the most competitive and sustainable economy in Europe. We have long recognised that the Fianna Fail model of selling property to ourselves was not a viable long term strategy for the Irish economy. That is why we have consistently driven the need to return to the basics that made our economy strong in the first place. That means getting costs down, regaining competitiveness and producing things that international consumers want to buy. This plan today sets out a roadmap that will get 100,000 people back to work in the next four years, but in the process, will position our economy as a world leader in green energy, make us energy self sufficient and a net energy exporter by 2020 and turn us in to a genuine hi-tech base for Irish and overseas investors.

"The creation of the NewERA holding company to drive industrial development in key strategic areas allows that entity to borrow monies from the EIB (European Investment Bank) and issue bonds that do not affect our national debt calculations. That is because, as a commercial semi state, the NewERA investments would be treated as financial investments seeking a commercial rate of return. By moving existing NDP investments and new additional investments "off the balance sheet" in this way our strategy also helps with the parallel objective of cutting exchequer borrowing.

"The additional €11bn in investments funds that NewERA will manage, on top of the outstanding €7bn worth of NDP projects in the relevant areas, will be funded from a combination of sources. These include the draw down of National Pension Reserve Fund monies, additional forms of borrowing by NewERA and the sale of existing state assets that it is judged no longer serve the strategic goals of the NewERA initiative. These sales will only take place when market conditions are favourable and will have to be approved by Government and the Oireachtas. The funds raised by these asset sell offs can then be used to replenish the NPRF and will, in effect, result in the swapping of old state assets for new state assets in the form of new green energy and broadband infrastructure."

Commenting on the report, its principal author, Simon Coveney said;
"As a people we can begin the fight back against the recession with this stimulus package. At the core of Fine Gael's vision for Rebuilding Ireland and cutting unemployment is our proposal for €11 billion in new investments in the cutting edge technologies and network infrastructures - energy, transport, communications and water - needed to reposition Ireland as the most competitive and sustainable economy in Europe.
"Supported by these investments, Ireland can drag its economy out of recession by:
- Unclogging the key arteries - like energy, transport, broadband and water - that have so damaged our competitiveness in recent years and held back private sector investment in Ireland;
- Becoming a world leader in green energy technologies;
- Giving tens of thousands of homes, businesses and farms a role to play in protecting the environment, and an opportunity to generate extra incomes, by selling their own renewable energy into the electricity grid;
- Starting to power our cars with domestically produced renewable energy, rather than spending billions on foreign fossil fuel imports; and
- Eliminating the "digital divide" and giving every child, home and business the same access to the education, entertainment, health and information services that will be delivered over "next generation" broadband telecoms networks.

"The ownership of a wide range of existing and new state companies involved in energy, transport and communications will be vested in NewERA. Among the existing state companies that will be moved under NewERA will be the ESB, Eirgrid, An Post, Bord Gais, Bord na Mona, Coillte and the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANS). The new commercial state companies will include;
Smart Grid (ESB Networks restructured and split off from the ESB Group) that will invest an additional €3.3 billion (over and above existing investment plans) between 2010 and 2013 to develop a 21st century "smart grid"Broadband 21, to invest an additional €2.5 billion in amalgamating and building out the diverse telecom assets of existing state companies,BioEnergy Ireland will merge together Bord na Mona, Coillte and the National Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD), to invest €800 million in 2010-13 to become a global leader in the commercialisation of next generation bio-energy technologiesRenewable Energy Ireland which will invest in early stage green energy companies and applied renewable energy research, with a particular focus on technologies that can be licensed.Irish Water will take overall responsibility for providing safe clean drinking water and treating waste water through an expanded water infrastructure investment programme.Greener Home Bank will help tens of thousands of home owners across the country upgrade their homes to challenging new energy and waste water standards.

"The new jobs will be spread evenly between regions and skill levels, and will include thousands of jobs in the following areas:
- Telecoms, civil and structural engineering- Plant maintenance and operation- Scientific researchers- Insulation and home energy appliances- Plumbing, electrical work and other construction crafts- Software programming and support- Forest maintenance and timber processing- Digital content production for health, education and Government services

Deputy Coveney continued;
"By stimulating new investment and job creation in the economy, and by moving some NDP investments out of the exchequer and into "NewERA" commercial state bodies, NewERA investments will also cut the Government borrowing requirement by just over €4 billion by 2013.
"If Fine Gael were in Government tomorrow we would begin preparations straight away so that the NewERA investment and stimulus programme could proceed in 2010.
"Among the actions by Government now needed to make this happen are:
1. New legislation establishing by May the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) as an independent state company, and allowing the Government to vest ownership of commercial State companies into NewERA;
2. The appointment of a board of directors by June and a management team by September.
3. A further amendment to the National Pension Reserve Fund Act 2000 by May further extending the Government's powers to direct the €9.2 investment by the NPRF Commission into NewERA over the period 2010-13.
4. Government recapitalisation of the EBS by June, making it a state-sponsored mutual building society, with a new board of directors appointed by Government.
5. The establishment of ESB Networks as a stand-alone company, separate from the rest of the ESB Group, and re-branded as "Smart Grid".
6. New legislation by the Autumn establishing Irish Water and transferring the responsibilities for maintaining and upgrading our water infrastructure from local authorities to the new State company.

"Fine Gael has a plan to get our economy back on the right track. We can become a world leader in key industries and create a thriving and, importantly, a sustainable economy. The smart decisions have to be taken now though so that we avert a further slippage down the competitiveness, jobs and IT league tables of the world."

Obama Tax Plan- Calculations Do Not Add Up (Voters Misled)

The UnionLeader.com publishes a forensic article -on Obama's tax proposals-titled "It doesn't compute: Obama's tax plan a ruse". Here are some excerpts:
..."According to the plan, "his tax relief for middle-class families is larger than the revenue raised by his tax changes for families over $250,000." That sounds like he's giving a net tax cut. But much of what he calls "tax cuts" are actually cash payments to low- and middle-income Americans. Ultimately, he sends out of Washington hundreds of billions of dollars more than it takes in..."

"....The bottom line is that Obama is not being honest about his tax and spending plans. It is impossible -- impossible! -- for him to finance his giveaways by taxing only those making $250,000 or more. He will have to raise taxes substantially on people making much, much less than that.."

Take particular note of this readers comment:
"Most small business owners file their taxes as individuals, not as businesses. When asked whether the $250,000 amount was 'net' or 'gross' income, the Obama spokesperson responded "gross". Therefore, any Joe-the-Plumber who has 6 employees and who, along with them, draws a $35,000 salary, will find himself with a significant tax increase.What's his option? Lower salaries? Cut an employee?Obama's tax plan is downright stupid, particularly in this environment.And as for his 95% getting a tax break, two pesky items to point out:First, 40% pay NO federal income taxes at all, so 40% will be getting a welfare check at the expense of the other 60%.

Second, EVERYONE who pays taxes at all will see them increased because the Bush tax cuts will be tossed.In so many ways, Obama would be a disaster for the USA.Therefore, while I am no cheerleading fan of McCain's, he is the one for whom my family is voting. Once again, the lesser of two evils. Much lesser.- Pamela Valentine, Washington NH

The full article is compulsive reading for all voters. Be afraid; be terribly afraid of Obama's tax proposals.

Presidential Debate- Nashville ,Tennessee: McCain V Obama: McCain enhances his Credentials on Economy

In the economic section of the debate John McCain was more specific. Obama tended to rely on populist generalisations. His solution appears to be more and more state involvement. Obama is a true Socialist. The state will solve all problems. The difficulty with his approach is that more state involvement requires higher taxes. There is no such thing as a free lunch. If voters opt for Obama on the health care issue they will pay a heavy financial price in increased taxes.

McCain caught out Obama on Freddie and Fannie. Obama being the second highest recipient of campaign contributions from Freddie and Fannie. McCain outlined how he attempted to introduce regulation on Freddie and Fannie. Obama was no place to be seen. McCain outlined a plan to buy up bad house loans and stabilise house values- cost 300 billion dollars. New mortgages at present values would be provided to those house owners. This just might work. I believe that this should come from the 700 billion rescue package.

McCain outlined how his tax policies would benefit the middle class and small business owners. McCain stressed energy independence: more off shore drilling and nuclear.
He outlined plans for public expenditure freeze (except military spending). This would help fund tax cuts.
McCain hammered Obama on spending and earmarks. Obama voted for 94 tax increases. Obama according to McCain has plans for 860 billion dollars in new spending. I suspect that it is much more. Clearly Obama’s tax promises cannot be fulfilled.
As McCain stated: “Nailing down Obama’s tax proposals is like nailing Jello to a wall".

Obama criticized McCain on Freddie and Fannie and on deregulation. Obama did not adequately answer McCain charges on Freddie and Fannie.

Obama outlined his ideas on middle class tax cuts. He attempted to inject class warfare into the debate. He criticized McCain proposals to lower tax burdens on industry. Obama fails to realise that various European countries have embarked on reducing tax burdens on industry. Failure to reduce taxes on industry will lead to job outflows. Obama pressed universal health care. Once more failing to realise that such a policy would ignite a taxation time bomb. It would cripple taxpayers. McCain challenged Obama's plans for fines. Obama failed to respond.
McCain performed very strongly on the economy. He certainly gained the upper hand on this key issue.

He exposed major contradictions in Obama’s plans. Obama stressed more and more state involvement and regulation. Even on energy Obama was economical with the truth.

Both candidates sparred on foreign policy: On Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Russia. McCain won this hands down. McCain made it clear that he would defend Israel in the event of an attack. Obama waffled. On Pakistan, Obama came across as naive.

John McCain Statesmanlike Suspends Campaign to help with the Bailout Negotiations (action of a true patriot)

John McCain in a statesmanlike move characteristic of the man has announced that he will suspend his presidential campaign on Thursday to return to Washington to help with bailout negotiations. He has also urged his opponent Barack Obama to do the same. It had become increasingly obvious that there was a groundswell of opposition in Congress to the bailout proposals. This opposition ranged across the political spectrum from left to right. Even moderates have extreme difficulty with the proposal.

Mr McCain also asked the Presidential Debate Commission to postpone Friday’s scheduled debate with Obama so that he could work on the financial crisis bailout plan now on Capitol Hill.

“America this week faces an historic crisis in our financial system. We must pass legislation to address this crisis. If we do not, credit will dry up, with devastating consequences for our economy. People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake. Businesses will not have enough money to pay their employees. If we do not act, ever corner of our country will be impacted. We cannot allow this to happen,” McCain said.

The McCain approach is patriotic and visionary- the mark of a true leader. He has sacrificed his foreign policy advantage in the debate on Friday night. John McCain as a true patriot has put his country before his political interests. Obama must now follow his lead.

Democrat Energy Plan-Hope for the best

This image via Gateway Pundit neatly encapsulates the Democratic Party's energy policy or rather its lack of one. Barack Obama in marked contrast to John McCain has opposed more offshore drilling, a large expansion in the nuclear programme, increased use of coal and support for the electric car.

Obama's energy policy is based mainly on conservation and increased development of renewals.
Correct tyre pressures is a major plank in his energy platform.
That is not a sufficient response to the present crisis. It is a recipe for economic decline.

Huge reserves of untapped oil lie off shore. Under a Democratic Congress and a President Obama they will remain there.
The US and the West in general will remain at the mercy of unstable Middle East regimes under the Democrats and a President Obama.

Meanwhile Communist China ploughs ahead with a policy geared towards securing foreign oil supplies and other natural resources. It has extended its tentacles into Africa and is now increasingly active in South America. It is a new colonial power.

China is a major competitor with the West. US politicians had better wake up before it is too late.
China is rapidly developing it navy, army and air-force. These will be used to protect raw material supplies and if necessary to bully countries which threaten China's interests. Competition for scarce energy resources could trigger a nuclear war.