FINANCIAL HERD IMMUNITY

Trump and some of his whacky medical followers suggested herd immunity as the way to solve the coronavirus problem. Waste no money seeking a vaccine. Do nothing. Eventually the population will all have been infected and those surviving will have anti-bodies to protect themselves from future infection.

Neither a humane nor intelligent way to resolve the COVID-19 problem.

I compare the present day herd immunity approach to one similar which Hoover followed when the Great Depression began to unfold in 1929. His thought was to let nature take its course. Some would be financially ruined. However the problem would cure itself in due course.

How wrong he was!

Hoover’s approach was a lassiz-faire one. Hands off. The problem would cure itself. The herd insanity.

Hoover feared direct aid to people in distress would cause them to lose the incentive to work. The  same argument Republicans have been making again for 20 years. Rumblings of which we have begun to hear with the $900 billion stimulus package in the process of being passed today.

Those saying if monies (a pittance at $600 or $1,200) is given to those in need, they will continue to expect it. The Republican attitude lets not teach them bad habits.

This is the cry some Republicans over the weekend have been uttering. A cry which makes me fearful another stimulus package next year will be difficult to pass.

Hoover had a further approach. Encouraging volunteerism. The rich  helping those without in their time of need.

In Trump’s first 2 years, I heard this so much from friends. Affluent ones. We’ll take care of our neighbors. Government assistance is not required.

I would then ask when was the last time they went to help a sick neighbor, brought food to a neighbor, contributed to needy causes $10,000 or $100,000. Each looked at me as if I was crazy. People talk a good game, but are not necessarily there when needed.

The two years leading up to the 1932 election saw the U.S. increasingly in dire straights. Hoover recognized his herd approach had failed. He had a few federal programs initiated. It was too little too late.

Hoover was an extremely intelligent man. In the 1920’s, Franklin Roosevelt said Hoover would make a great President. Hoover’s reputation as an economic genius arose from two experiences.

He headed a program to feed starving Europeans following World War I. A very successful program. Then moved on in 1921 to become Secretary of Commerce. A position he held till his successful run for the Presidency in 1928.

The U.S. was booming in 1928. Whether on the farm or in the city, people were making money.

The economy was turning false. However few recognized it.

Prior to 1929, the economic vitality of the U.S. was in agriculture. Suddenly agriculture began failing. Farmers could not sell what they grew. Ergo, farmers did not have the money to purchase manufactured goods. The factories had to lay off people because no one was buying their products. Many corporations went out of business.

A recession was inevitable. A nation cannot have both agriculture and manufacturing on the down sweep at the same time. Unemployed persons have no money to purchase anything.

In the 1928 election, Hoover ran on a platform of “A chicken in every pot and 2 cars in every garage.” By 1932 when he ran against Roosevelt, people were lucky to be able to buy an apple on a street corner. No one had money to buy one car, let alone two.

The stock market crashed in October 1929. Rich and poor alike wiped out financially. Some of big dollars, others of the small pittance they had been able to hoard.

Panic ensued. Banks failed. People had no money to pay off loans. The credit necessary to to move an economy was not available.

Up to one third of the economy was unemployed. More and more families homeless.

Home foreclosures were rampant through out the country. Farms and city. People were angry. Big time.

An example is what occurred in western Iowa. Those about to lose their homes and farms wanted the courts to delay mortgage foreclosure cases. Borrowers could not win a foreclosure case against a bank. Delay was the only way they could keep a roof over their heads and hold out till the economy turned around so they could pay.

Judges were only concerned with moving cases. The banks legally were entitled to win. Equity played no part in the decisions of the courts.

People in one Iowa area raided the court house. Dragged a judge out of his court room. Took him into the country. Threatened to lynch him. Fortunately, the threat did not turn into reality.

More such disturbances occurred. The National Guard had to be called out to restore order.

By the 1932 election, Hoover’s popularity was next to nothing. As previously indicated, there was no chicken in every pot. Forget 2 cars in every garage. There was not even one.

Roosevelt recognized what was needed to restore the economy and help the people. Gigantic federal assistance. Jobs, food on the table, etc. The government was the only entity that could guaranty them.

America needed American dollars to survive.

The concept of federal herd immunity went out the window.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

TIGER’S SON CHARLIE IMPRESSIVE!!! AND ONLY 11 YEARS OLD

The 24th PNC sponsored golf tournament is being held this weekend in Orlando. Stars of yesterday and today playing with a member of their family. A son, daughter, brother, sister, father, etc.

Tiger Woods played with his 11 year old son Charlie. Charlie has been well trained by his Dad. The word impressive does not adequately describe him. The kid is outstanding!

Close to being as good as his father. Charlie struck the ball with confidence all day. His drives generally down the center. His putting excellent.

He made the first eagle of his life. Causing father and son to share a moment of jubilation.

The young man exhibited nothing but humility. He made no remarks. Did his job. Respectful at all times.

Tiger should be proud of the young man he has raising. Not just the golf. His overall demeanor.

If you get a chance this afternoon, find the PNC Tournament on TV. You have to see Charlie play!

By the way, he is not tall in structure. Short. Perhaps the right height for an 11 year old. With his tiny body, he hits the ball with power and precision.

The fruit dos not fall far from the tree.

As the Nation is now aware, there has been a delay in distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine. What began with a fool proof plan, fell before the week was out. States were complaining the follow up deliveries were not being received. Reason: The plan for delivery was somewhat remiss with what Trump and the General in charge Gustave Perna had said.

Like the true soldier he is, Perna went on national TV yesterday and made clear several times that the fault was his and his alone.

I don’t buy it. I suspect the General took a hit for the President.

General Perna is an authority how to move things around in a timely fashion. His primary responsibility for years. He could not have been responsible for the screw up. Rather, he was the good soldier taking the hit for his superior.

Only a Donald Rump would permit another to take blame for something for which he might have been responsible.

I graduated from law school 60 years ago. Never heard the word treason spoken in class. Conspiracy, yes.

Assume for the moment Trump and his associates are charged with treason or sedition. There would be an additional charge. Prosecutors as a practical matter generally throw in a “conspiracy” charge. Conspiracy to commit treason, conspiracy to commit sedition.

My knowledge re treason and sedition is extremely limited. Conspiracy not.

A charge of conspiracy requires what is called an overt act. To merely talk about blowing up the Empire State Building for example, is not a crime. The conversation is required plus further steps. Like buying the explosives, renting a truck, etc.

I took a brief glance at the federal treason statutes this morning. A treason charge under U.S. law requires 2 persons to testify in open court as to the overt acts. An outright confession in open court by the wrongdoer alone would suffice. So says the statute.

A reason for the brief dissertation thus far.

Trump and some of his associates keep making remarks that border on treason or sedition, or actually constitute them. The most recent example was the Oval Office meeting friday involving Trump, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Counsel Pat Cipollone, former General and National Intelligence Director Michael Flynn, Rudy Giuliani, and Sidney Powell a member of Trump’s “legal team.”

You have been reading the news. Flynn was lucky Trump pardoned him. Now less that a month later, he is spouting privately and publicly Trump should declare martial law to obtain possession of the voting machines, and for whatever further use federal troops might be.

Sidney Powell has been part of the legal team briefly. She was Flynn”s lawyer when he was pardoned. She is a conspiracy theorist. She see conspiracy under every rock and crevice. She wants the voting machines confiscated. She appears to support Flynn re his martial law call.

Others in the room friday were not supportive of either Flynn or Powell. The conversation turned into a “shouting match.” Powell wants to ” scorch the earth.” Flynn wants Trump to declare martial law.

Note also that the issue of Trump appointing Powell as Special Counsel to investigate the election arose.

Flynn and Powell were on one side, the rest in the room arguing against their positions. Understandably. The utterance were basic treason and sedition. Not a crime yet. Recall no overt act.

Trump was irritated. He appeared to like Powell being appointed Special Counsel. He said he needs the argument she would pursue on national television so the people would understand it.

Even Rudy Giuliani was against the Flynn/Powell approach. The first time I have seen Giuliani used his legal brain in the past several years.

The reason actually is if somehow the Oval Office argument resulted in overt acts, everyone in that room could be charged with conspiracy.

The meeting was further described as “deranged, ” its participants “yelling and screaming.”

We live not in exciting times. Rather, in a dangerous time. I cannot believe Trump would take the way out suggestions pushed by Flynn and Powell. Even he cannot be that stupid. He could end up with serious criminal charges brought against him. Do not forget, Trump will no longer be President January 20. No person, even Trump, would want to face treason and sedition charges. His get out of jail free card will be gone.

So much news to discuss this morning. I am going to briefly run through the balance of my notes.

Forty eight years ago, Joe Biden’s first wife and daughter were killed in an automobile accident. Biden and wife Jill visited their graves yesterday. The anniversary date of the accident. Trump’s supporters mocked the grave visit as a “photo op” and “rallying up deceased voters.”

They forget Trump’s visit to the front of St.John’s Episcopal Church during the BLM protests in Washington. Unwarranted. Could have developed into a matter of serious consequence. Trump’s visit was described as a “photo op.”

One valid. The other pure bullshit.

Some countries enforce coronavirus restrictions. A Cayman Islands happening a perfect example.

An 18 year old girl was visiting the Caymans. She was required to be quarantined for 14 days because she came from another country. I am not sure as to the boy friend. I suspect he was under no quarantine.

She broke quarantine to spend 7 hours watching the boy friend compete in a local jet ski race.

She and the boy friend were arrested. She for violating the quarantine and he for assisting her to so do.

The trial judge found them guilty. Their sentences a fine and community service.

The prosecutor appealed. He thought the punishments too lenient. Stronger ones were required as a deterrent to others.

The appellate court agreed. They are both now doing four months.

What makes me laugh is we can’t even enforce a wear your mask law in the U.S. My philosophy has always been throw violators in jail for a short period. More will then happily wear masks.

I do not want to hear that Key West is a vacation spot tourists want to visit. Businesses will be hurt if people are jailed. What are the Cayman Islands? Similar to Key West. A vacation spot attractive to tourists.

Trump yesterday “encouraged protests.” He wants his supporters out in D.C. on January 6 when the Electoral College votes.

Trump tweeted 96 times this past week. At no time did he mention the cyberattacks or Russia.

Syracuse beat Buffalo yesterday 107-96 in overtime. Syracuse was down 16 points with 14 minutes to go and rallied.

Enjoy your Sunday!

NO ONE WATCHES THE MONEY

Lend Lease was a thought in Roosevelt’s mind in 1940. He was able to get it actualized in 1941 when it became law.

The U.S. was not yet at war. Hitler was rolling over Europe. The Allies needed items for war and food. They had no money.

Roosevelt came up with Lend Lease. Production took place in the U.S. Then shipped to Europe and where ever else needed as time went on.

The program ended with World War II in 1945.

Items shipped were free. If there was any thought of the Allies paying back, it never occurred.

Someone had to watch the money. Involved was $51.1 billion. In today’s dollars $575 billion.

A Congressional oversight committee was established. Harry Truman chaired it. He watched the money being spent as if it were his own. Not one penny of scandal while the billions were being spent.

Not the same today. I suspect billions are wasted or channeled into improper pockets during similar transactions.

Many believe Roosevelt selected Truman as his running mate in 1944 because of Truman’s stringent honesty and ability to hawk every dollar spent as if it were his own.

The topic is not Truman and Lend Lease this morning. Lend Lease merely a run up as to how things were done at a time when honesty was a given among most in government.

It is the first stimulus package and its Paycheck Protection Program (PPC) at issue. Money was “lent” to companies to assure employees would be kept working. If employees were kept on or called back, there ws no pay back provision. Free dollars involved. It was assumed at the time it became law that small businesses would benefit.

The vermin smelled the free money and came out of the woodwork.

Many companies applied for the monies, received them, and either laid people off or did not rehire them.

A total of $1.8 billion is involved. Nine hundred companies. The 900 took the bucks and in effect laid off 90,000 workers.

Scam time.

Sixty percent of the money was to go to pay employee salaries. Initially it was 75 percent. However lowered at some point.

Some examples.

Brady Linen Services in Las Vegas received $4.6 million. Unemployed were 800 employees. None hired back.

PBM LLC was approved for $10 million. Three hundred forty nine were laid off.

The  Buffalo law firm of Gross and Dolowy got $3 million. Employees laid off before and after 146.

The penalty for misusing the monies. Must be paid back at 1 percent interest. A million dollar loan at 1 percent. Sweet!

Criminal responsibility? The level of wrongdoing must reach the fraud level. What that is at this time, I don’t know. Doubt any criminal charges have brought.

Why, how did this happen? Simple. No longer are there any Harry Truman’s in the Senate. Or, the House for that matter. Statesmen and men of honor left years ago. Most politicians today are dishonest in one fashion or another.

Biden’s transition team was barred by the Pentagon this week. Admittance denied. Biden’s people were “stunned.” This all occurred without notice or warning.

Trump’s political hacks in the Pentagon said “maybe” meetings would occur after the holidays.

What is being hidden? Cybersecurity information? Where billions of Pentagon dollars went which cannot be accounted for?

Strange.

Trump is not going to have smooth sailing oncehe leaves the White House. He is going to find “oh, the web we make when first we seek to deceive” is going to hit him squarely in the face in a number of areas.

The end is near. Trump will be out on January 20. His “loyal” workers are trying to redeem themselves. Barr with his failure to find significant fraud and publicly announcing it. Now Pompeo himself. He openly admitted yesterday that Russia was the country that has the U.S. under cyberattack. He described Russia’s involvement as being “pretty clear.”

For several months, Trump has been bragging how delivery of the vaccine was covered. The U.S. Army was taking care of it. A specific General had been appointed. He and his men deep in experience.

So what is happening?

A Pfizer representative said this week, “We have millions more doses sitting in our warehouse but, as of now, we have not received any shipment instructions for additional doses.”

What happened? Again Trump assured the American people everything was worked out. Some entities that were to receive x number of doses are now initially complaining they have not received the number they were told to expect. Now additional numbers of vaccine are not being delivered per any schedule.

Why? Why? Why”

Three reasons come to mind.

First, the Army failed. Hard to believe. I cannot conceive of such a detailed plan having gone no further than step 1.

Or, is it Trump punishing the American people because he lost? Could be.

Finally, perhaps he wants to make Biden’s life more difficult when Biden takes over?

Thomas Paine’s name comes into play today. He published his first American Crisis this day in 1776. The opening line we all recall: “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

He wrote the American Crisis essays from 1776 to 1783. In 1776, he also wrote what most of us learned in grammar school. Common Sense.

His writings promoted revolution. Overthrow of existing governments. His writings helped inspire colonial patriots to declare independence from Great Britain.

Not one to let a revolution escape his attention, he was in France in the 1790’s and deeply involved in the French Revolution.

He was anti-Christian. He was not well liked as a result.

Paine died in 1809. Only 6 people attended his funeral. The low number attributed to his negative positions regarding Christianity.

Excuse how I am going to describe Paine. He was a fruitcake. A troublemaker. Yes, he knew the correct words to inspire men to  revolution. Nevertheless, he was way out. The U.S. looks upon him favorably because all we were taught was Common Sense and the American Revolution. If one digs deeper into his background, the real man becomes obvious.

Paine reminds me of today’s Steve Bannon. A man traveling the world seeking countries where revolution or overthrow of an existing government is possible.

Mel Fisher. American hero. Key West hero. Considered by many to be the greatest treasure hunter ever. He searched 15 years before finding the mother lode of the Spanish galleon Atocha in 1985.

He died this day in 1998 at the age of 76. People who knew the man speak fondly of him all the time. His name came up frequently in the Chart Room which was one of his favorite haunt.

Daughter Lisa worked at the Mel Fisher Museum for several years. She was Development Director.

Jean Thornton has even a closer relationship. She knew Fisher personally. Jean you will recall is Key West’s Golden Girl. She was diving with Fisher and came across gold and jewels. Her discovery so sufficient that she quit her school teaching job and never worked again.

I wrote yesterday negatively re Trump. I expected several pro-Trump anti-Louis comments this morning. Not one. Shocking. Only comments from those who apparently agreed with me.

Busy day yesterday medically. Blood screw up last time taken. Had to return to have a portion redone at the hospital. After leaving, I got a call to return. They failed to get blood for a third item.

I fell thursday. Going up the stairs. Third time in 2 weeks. I worry about fracturing a hip.

Anyhow, my head and left arm just below the elbow hit the wall hard. I’m on a blood thinner. My arm was bleeding bad, profusely, etc. Actually, I did not think it was that bad.

However, I could not stop the bleeding. Thought it would stop on its own. Bloodied a good shirt, 2 towels, a bed sheet, and I don’t know how many band aids.

Still bleeding yesterday. Did not want to go to the hospital emergency room. A long wait. Instead called my friend Susan Neill at Dr. McIvor’s office. Susan is a heart specialist.

She took care of me. In fact, wrapped my arm so tightly that I fear I may lose circulation in my lower arm and fingers. I have been opening and shutting my fingers last night and today.

Self-quarantine now in its 324th day. I had to see my primary care physician a couple of days ago. Told me I looked tense. I said I was not. We talked. He was right. This quarantine is subconsciously getting to me. It is imperative to one’s existence to have someone to talk with.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

TREASON?

Shocking! The news of the cyber attack on the U.S. The smartest, brightest nation in the world invaded by computer hacking.

It is said to be a “grave risk” to our government.

The methods used described as “tactics, techniques and procedures that have not yet been discovered.”

The finger heavily points to Russia. Makes sense. However keep in mind other nations may be playing the same game and have not been discovered yet. Like Iran, North Korea, China, Turkey, and Israel.

Trump involved to some degree? His deference to Putin clear. No question. He has yet to even discuss the cyber security attack publicly.

If Hillary were President, the cry by Trump’s followers would be “jail her!” Even, “kill her!”

Also coming into play would be “treason.” How many times has Trump accused various persons of treason? So many. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Trump may not be free from such accusation.

His deference to Putin for four years has been alarming. Putin has to be holding something over Trump’s head. Anything from sex film to helping Trump with his personal finances.

The first Cabinet meeting in months was called this week by Trump. Noticeable by their absence were the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, Department of Justice, Director of National Intelligence, and the CIA.

Does their absence say something?

We shall see.

Trump has many consistent patterns. One is he expects his appointees to dance to his tune. Do as he says. My way or the highway.

Jeffrey Rosen is Trump’s nominee to replace Bill Barr. Maybe not, however.

Trump earlier this week said Rosen would not be his nominee if he didn’t agree to special counsels being designated beforehand for an investigation of Hunter Biden and what he describes as baseless election fraud allegations by the Biden side and others.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I suspect such might be illegal. A quid pro quo.

Coronavirus rampant. More cases and deaths each day.

Yesterday the worst yet for new cases. Over 200,00 new cases in one day. So far this month, 40,000 deaths.

Trump’s lack of action initially and even now misfeasance. It rises perhaps to a criminal level.

Even God’s chosen ones are in danger of the virus.

There is a home for elderly Sisters (nuns) in the suburbs of Milwaukee. Eight nuns died of Covid-19 last week. Four in one day.

The Sisters were tested. One hundred tested positive.

The virus began evidencing itself Thanksgiving day.

The FDA approved Moderna yesterday. It will especially help in smaller communities whose local hospitals do not have extreme freezing facilities. Another benefit is that only one shot of the vaccine is required.

The 21 Club in New York City is world known. A luncheon place for the rich and powerful. Expensive!

The 21 temporarily closed in March. Its owners announced this week that is its employees who were furloughed were now terminated. All 148 of them.

Sad. The 21 has been open for close to 100 years.

I was fortunate to have lunched there a few times. I was not among the rich and powerful. My clients were. I was their guest. And yes, we always were seated on the first floor.

The move continues to be to make Key West into a Naples. Elevate the community from its old vintage to a modern day existence.

More and more airlines are announcing they will be servicing Key West. The latest is Jet Blue. Direct flights from New York and Boston. The flights will begin February 11 and run through April.

When it is extremely cold up north, it is cold here. Key West cold. Today one of those days. High 68, low 65.

Enjoy your day!

 

PYTHONS OR LABRADORS…..WHO IS IN HARM’S WAY?

Florida permitted pythons to keep growing number wise. Did not pay attention when their numbers were small. The problem now is out of control. It has been for a number of years. Florida admits the best it can do it manage their numbers rather than eradicate them.

Florida has attempted several means. None have worked.

Now, a new one. Pythons. Being trained like dogs are to locate drugs.

One dog has already been trained. His name Truman. A labrador. Trained to detect a python’s scent thereby alerting Truman’s handler.

Truman has had his first success. An 8.2 foot Burmese python.

Eleanor is in the process of being trained. A sniffing retriever in the making.

I have been following the python problem for more than 20 years. The dogs will not work either. Just too many pythons. Who by the way are very promiscuous. Ergo for every one killed, probably 2 new ones will be born.

Following is a story which is occurring too often in the U.S. in recent years. Police raiding a house only to discover it’s the wrong house.

The place Chicago. Last year. Police raided the wrong house, humiliated a naked woman, and kept a video of the event away from Anjanette’s lawyers and CBS 2 for a year.

Anjanette Young is a licensed social worker at a local hospital. She had just returned home from work. In the process of getting undressed. Completely bare when the following occurred.

She heard a loud pounding. No time to put on clothes. Police using a battery ram came through the door. Yelling “Police search warrant” and “Hands up, hands up, hands up.” Anjanette complied. Police would not let her put clothes on before being handcuffed.

Anjanette recalls the guns being big with lights and scopes.She asked what was going on, explained she lived alone, and the police had the wrong house. She feared for her life. Thought the police were going to shoot her. Anjanette black.

She told the police 43 times they had the wrong house. Police videos recorded the whole thing.

Anjanette shouting most of the time. A police sergeant told her not to “shout.” Her response, “I don’t have to shout? This is fucking ridiculous. You’ve got me in handcuffs, I’m naked, and you kick my house in. I keep telling you you’ve got the wrong place.”

An informant had given the police the wrong address. Illinois law requires a State’s Attorney and the judge to verify an address before a warrant is signed. It was not done in Anjanette’s case.

Turns out the house next door was the correct one.

There is a humor involved. Sort of like the gang who could not shoot straight. The guy next door could have easily been located. He was wearing an ankle monitor at the time.

The police would not let anyone see the video. Anjanette’s attorney and CBS 2 tried to get it via a Freedom of Information request which was denied. A judge denied the request, also. However on a second application, the request was granted and the video made available.

Anjanette’s civil suit is awaiting trial.

France protects its workers. Against management. The country goes to the extreme in making sure employees are treated properly.

The City of Paris is either covered by the federal law or has its own ordinance. A gender balance law. Same number of male and female employees are to be employed.

Paris fined a company for employing too many women as opposed to men. The fine $110,000.

There has been a concern for allergic reactions to the new vaccines. The first in the U.S. have occurred. Two in Alaska. Pfizer and BioNTech vaccines involved.

Within 10 minutes, the reactions happened. Not nice. Each had different reactions. Both violent. One hospitalized for 3 days. The other still hospitalized.

Neither had any allergies before.

With so many to be vaccinated, a certain number of adverse effects are to be expected. No solution to the virus is perfect. Let’s watch and see how many get allergic reactions in the future before getting excited.

Yesterday’s blog reported on Pompeo’s party the night before where 900 were invited and less than 70 showed up.

Pompeo had another party scheduled for last night. It was cancelled. Pompeo had tested positive for coronavirus.

How successful Biden’s Presidency will be is dependent on the Georgia Senate vote January 5. The Democrats need to win both seats in order to control the Senate.

Fulton county is one of or the largest county in Georgia. Biden carried it in November.

Georgia permits registration to vote right after election day. Not election day itself. However beginning the next day and through December 7 registration has been open.

During that time, there were 9,769 new registrations. They will be eligible to vote January 5.

A recent poll suggests the Republicans have a slight edge at this time. Like 51-49 percent.

Interestingly, as of last tuesday, 715,000 have early voted. A significant number. However 100,000 less than in the Presidential race.

A doctor visit yesterday. My primary today followed by blood work at the hospital.

A pain in the butt!

Enjoy your day!

SEEDS PLANTED FOR AMERICAN REVOLUTION

An appropriate inappropriate title. Tea Watered might be better.

On this day in 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place. Time, midnight. Place, Boston Harbor.

Massachusetts colonists were upset with taxes Britain was imposing on them. They did something about it.

The Sons of Liberty were a group of colonials breeding revolution. Not there yet. Rapidly approaching, however. On this night, 60 of them disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians and boarded 3 vessels in Boston Harbor.

They dumped 342 chests of tea into the ocean.

The raiding party was led by Samuel Adams.

Significant retaliatory measures were imposed by Britain on the colonists. Considered a punishment by Britain, the measures merely accelerated the revolutionary spirit of the colonists.

Lexington and Concord were still 2 years away. However, the fire was smoldering.

Pete Buttigieg impressed me big time during the Democratic primary. Only 38, Mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

He was impressive. Articulate. His thoughts clear.

Yesterday Biden nominated him to be Secretary of Transportation.

An excellent appointment!

Transportation chief will be an important position under Biden. Biden wants to get infrastructure going. I believe he will. Roads and bridges will be repaired. Schools, also.

All this involves much activity. Jobs galore will be born! First at the manufacturing end in producing the materials required for such an ambitious undertaking. Then the contracting and labor jobs.

The work will be federal. Means top wages. A boon for the American economy.

Buttigieg will handle his new position well.

Trump seems to inflict pain and suffering on persons involved with everything he touches. He is on a literal killing spree with those in federal prisons awaiting death.

In this year alone, the federal government has executed more Americans than all the states combined. Mostly minorities. Trump’s action has been described as an “execution spree.” It began after his election defeat.

There has been a declining trend in death penalty executions. This year the states have executed the lowest number since 1983.

Why has Trump begun to move so rapidly with executions? Getting even? The inmates are not responsible for his lost. He himself is.

Presently, Trump is rushing to execute 10 prisoners by year end. Represents a “thirst for blood.” Trump eventually turns on everyone. He will on the MAGA groups, also. Mark my words. It is the nature of the man

MAGA is upset with Mitch McConnell. They advised yesterday that “people are angry” with him because he “caved into the mob and China” by finally recognizing Biden was President-elect.

He has acquired the title of RINO Republican and is claimed to be a secret Chinese agent.

Elaine Chao is McConnell’s wife. She is Chinese, having been born in Taiwan. She presently is Secretary of Transportation.

Her father is a shipping magnate.

I suspect the alleged charge of his capitulation to the Chinese has to do with his wife’s ancestry. There is no basis for such a charge.

Come January 20 and Trump will have problems with Twitter. He’ll probably get a panic attack as a result.

Twitter prohibits the spreading of conspiracy theories, with an exception. It does not apply to world leaders. By Twitter’s interpretation, Trump will no longer be a world leader after January 20.

If Trump is consistent, he will then turn on Twitter.

I advised yesterday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was having a big Christmas party. Invitations sent to 900. Mostly high level State staff and their families.

Only 70 responded and said they would be attending. Less than 70 showed up.

How insulting can it be? He deserves it. He has been a pompous ass and a Trump stalwart. His own State people don’t even like him.

It is thought very few attended because of coronavirus. At the party there would have been no mask wearing and social distancing.

There is an old saying to the effect you should watch out what you wish for, you just might get it.

The issue martial law. If high level military had been willing, Trump would have imposed it on the Black Lives Matter protest several months ago in Washington.

Amanda Case is a Republican seeking to be Virginia’s next Governor. She announced yesterday Trump should declare martial law.

Where do these nuts come from?

She commends Trump for refusing to concede that Biden won the election. She believes there was voting fraud and claims by supporting Biden, Virginia Democrats “legalized cheating.”

Apparently, Case got her martial law idea from Michael Flynn. Recall that within a week of his pardon, he was recommending Trump declare martial law.

Coronavirus continues to be on the up rise in Key West. As also in Monroe County and the State of Florida. The vaccine is on its way. No one knows how much, if any, the lower Keys will receive.

A quick look at the numbers. Monroe County has had 3,839 confirmed cases. Key West, 2,108 of that number. Note Key West continues to have the most and more than half of all the cases in the County. The next Keys city number wise is Key Largo with 507. A far cry from 2,108.

The Georgia Senatorial run off is attracting a lot of money on both sides. It was reported yesterday that Wall Street has already donated millions to the two Republican candidates.

Sometimes bad is the result of having done something good. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus in Ludowici, Georgia an example.

A Christmas party was held on 12/10 and the Claus’ were invited. They mingled with the 50 children at the party. Neither masks nor social distancing required.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus both tested positive after the party. They had been tested before and the test result came up negative.

Fifty children and their parents have been exposed.

Enjoy you day!

 

EIFFEL TOWER TO STATUE OF LIBERTY TO ONE FOOT OF SNOW IN NEW YORK CITY TOMORROW

The name Eiffel triggers immediately the Eiffel Tower. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel was the civil engineer who built the Eiffel Tower.

Less known, probably because of the naming difference, is that Eiffel also built the Statue of Liberty.

An unusual big day for New York City tomorrow. A northeaster coming in. One foot of snow expected. Two days of chaos will follow till things are somewhat back to normal.

I went to college in New York City. There were a few major snowstorms 1953-1957.

Snow is snow. Beautiful. However a pain in the ass to get rid of. I always found it interesting how and where New York City disposed of the snow removed from its streets.

The snow was shoveled, bulldozed, etc. into huge dump trucks. The dump trucks then proceed to the nearest sewer. The cover was taken off. The snow dumped next to it. And a crew would shovel the snow into the sewer.

For some reason, the sewers never backed up. I could not understand why not.

No question. Trump’s attempts at having the election results thrown out were nothing less than an attempt at a bloodless coup. Supported by right wing media and Republican officials.

Over the weekend, Trump twitted: “I WON THE ELECTION in a landslide.” Trump later in the day said, “This is a great and disgraceful miscarriage of justice. The people of the U.S. were cheated and out country disgraced.”

It was reported yesterday that when Trump finally acknowledges Biden’s victory, it will be “I did not win.” Not, “I lost.” To utter “lost” would choke him.

Biden’s election is now official. The Electoral College voted yesterday.

Many believe Trump is going to keep they stole the election going for a very long time. Not because he is setting himself up for a rerun in 2024. Rather it is the money Trump has been accumulating since his defeat.

Trump set up some sort of a PAC to receive monies to help him fight the election result. Not one penny however is going to the cause. Trump is fooling his supporters.

Fifty percent of monies raised will go to Trump to use as he sits fit. Most importantly, for his personal use. Forty percent is going to the Republican Party.

Over $4 million has been raised so far. By poor Donald’s I need help to correct the election fraud. Mostly by people contributing $35.

Putin finally recognized Biden’s victory.  Putin sent a note to Biden yesterday congratulating him.

Note Putin is one of the last world leaders to recognize Biden’s election.

Turns out the Texas case before the Supreme Court friday was not the last election fraud case still kicking. There was one in Wisconsin where Trump’s people attempted to have 221,000 votes thrown out. Trump lost in a 4-3 decision.

That seems to be the last of the Trump election lawsuits. Sixty in all brought in roughly 30 days. Trump only won 1. What a beating!

Georgia’s January 6 Senate run-off elections began yesterday. Early in person voting.

Voters have asked for 1.2 million absentee ballots. Two hundred thousand have already been returned.

Georgia’s Secretary of State expects a huge turnout: “It looks like we’re going to have a high interest election.”

He went on to advise January 6 was it! No matter what happens or is claimed, Georgia law permits no run off to a run off.

The nation passed the 300,00 mark for coronavirus deaths over the weekend. How many could have been averted had Trump acted early on and his actions were not to deny the virus?

Local Washington, D.C. political leaders said the white supremacist Proud Boys were the  instigators in Washington’s turmoil saturday.

Barr resigned over the weekend. Resigned to avoid being fired by Trump. Trump was upset because Barr recently said there was not enough voter fraud to overthrow Biden’s victory.

Barr’s reputation has been totally totally besmirched the past 2 years by his support of Trump. Barr has no one to blame but himself. He forgot how to say no. He failed to speak truth to power.

I wonder whether Trump will appoint someone else to the position with only 6 weeks remaining till Biden takes over.

There exists on the federal level a Defense Policy Board. Supposedly an independent advisory group. My recollection is 11 members.

In November, Trump fired all of them. Including former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright.

Trump named several to the Board overt the weekend. One is Newt Gingrich.

The swamp has another member.

Florida’s Governor DeSantis continues to show how stupid he is. Strong language. Fits the man, however.

He is being described as “rogue” this morning. The claim is he already screwed up the allocation of the vaccine being received by Florida.

The State makes the rules as to allocation. However, DeSantis appears to have gone beyond the bounds of what might be the best way to go.

I have to laugh. Typical DeSantis.

Big night in Washington this evening. Secretary of State Pompeo having a Christmas Party. Nine hundred guests.

Who foots the bills for these parties? Who is paying for Pompeo’s? Got to be the tax payers. Trump would not pay money for a party out of his own packet. Pompeo does not have enough money to do so.

A definite for Pompeo’s party tonight. No face masks and social distancing.

Tuesday again! My blog talk radio show tonight at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Please join me. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

KEY WEST NEW YEAR’S EVE HOTEL BOOKINGS DOWN 50 PERCENT

Something happened! Something I have never seen before. Such does not mean it did not occur. I merely have never been aware of it for 20 years.

Key West has a new set of restrictions which were imposed last week. Most had to do with New Year’s Eve. My comments are limited to New Year’s Eve.

Curfew is 10 pm. Bars and restaurants close at 10 also. No Sushi, Conch Shell or the Pirate sliding down something to bring in the New Year Everyone off the street by 10:30.

Harsh! Required, however.

Hotel reservations were around 90 percent at the time.

The Key West hotel industry has generally had a condition to reservations for a holiday or popular event weekend. Several specific days must be reserved. Payment in full in advance. No cancellations, no refunds.

Cancellations have been coming in. Reservations have dropped by half. The 90 percent now 45 percent.

Have the hotels been accepting the cancellations and refunding monies already paid for a room? If so, it would be the first time in my memory. A correct thing to under the circumstances.

At the end of KONK E-Blast this morning there is a photograph of the Custom House pre 1888. Referred to in the photo as the “old Custom House.” It was torn down and late in 1891, the new Custom House opened.

The old custom house in the photo is a dream. Looks like a home. Probably was and then utilized as a government building.

The structure a 1 or 2 story building. Difficult to be exact because of trees growing in front of it. Appears to be a wood structure. A large front porch. The property surrounded by a picket fence which I assume was white.

Hard to believe that the huge brick Custom House sitting in the same location today had land enough to be constructed. The 2 buildings very different in size. David and Goliath came to mind as I viewed the old one.

Oh, the many times I have written about this subject. Food scarcity. The problem becoming even more severe. People forced to do things they never did before.

Americans are stealing food to survive. Many have become shoplifters.

Hunger a genuine concern. Or, should be. The fact that many are stealing is proof the economy is bad. Forget the stock market, the economy stinks. Proof of the pudding is the food scarcity.

It is reported 54 million Americans are suffering at this moment. The 54 million number represents a 45 percent increase from 2019.

Numbers don’t lie.

Responsibility for the shortage can be attached to many things. Like coronavirus, federal food programs being reduced or having run out and not replaced, the increasing price of food, many schools no longer offering breakfast and lunch so 3 meals a day must be provided at home, and job losses.

Many are simply looking for a way to feed their families and hopefully themselves. Actually, a means to say alive.

Food shoplifting in years gone by was considered by many to be the result of a character flaw. Lazy husband/father not working for example.

U.S. hunger has reached a point not seen in decades.

People are stealing consumables and items associated with children and babies. They are not grabbing TVs and running out the front door.

Those stealing acknowledge it is wrong. However, they ask what are they to feed their children if food is not otherwise available.

The Electoral College meets today. No Trump problems anticipated. Biden’s election will be affirmed.

Beware, however. Trump announced in a FOX interview this weekend that the election challenge is “not over.”

The first coronavirus vaccines rolled out yesterday in huge Fed Ex trucks and then planes. America appears happy. Hopefully, the end is in sight. It was a happy day.

Three million doses are being released this week.

Trump can be a horse’s ass. Often.

He has been saying in effect he believes in nothing having to do with the virus. Yesterday however a startling announcement came out of the White House. It was announced Trump and key staff would be among the first to receive the vaccine.

This morning’s news reversed the announcement. Trump and staff will not be receiving it at this time. Perhaps sometime later.

Two nights of altercations over the weekend. Washington, D.C. and Olympia, Washington. Protesters and counter protesters in the streets over the issue of Trump’s defeat. He having been cheated out of victory.

While some are going hungry, McConnell still doing his best to weasel down the stimulus bill proposed. One of the major holdups involves corporate liability for injuries arising out of coronavirus related matters.

Somewhere along the way, McConnell lost whatever sense of values he had. He is holding up money people need for food to do another thing for corporate America. He does their bidding and dances to their tune.

Over the election ballot issues, many public servants are being harassed. Big time. Some in fear for their lives. They face personal threats as tensions flare.

Those who disagree with Trump’s baseless tweets about election fraud and coronavirus are being targeted at their homes and offices.

Some protesters are armed. Telephone calls are harassing. Some stalked.

Something bad will happen. An innocent person will be killed.

Then what?

Trump has rabble roused his people into believing everything he says and therefore they are free to act as they are. Trump does not tell them to stop.

Enjoy your day!

 

ONLY OPTION LEFT SECESSION AND WAR

The insanity of it all!

Words spoken by Trump followers at the Million MAGA March saturday in Washington, D.C. War and secession. The year 2020 and there are those talking that way. Even worse, they believe it is the only option left them.

Thousands attended the rally. Photos taken from an airplane showed thousands in front of the Capital. MAGA people had also gathered before the Supreme Court.

Why secession and war? They were upset with the most recent Supreme Court decision which tossed the Texas case out. Speakers claimed a Civil War the only option left.

A fantasy perhaps, but spoken by those believing the words coming out of their mouths. So assume it is for real.

It was stressed the Civil War must be a “total meltdown.”

The protesters were not happy with the GOP. They had been let down by the GOP. Trump lost the election. “Destroy the GOP” was a cry. One person wrote afterwards “Burn the Republican Party to the fucking ground.”

Note these are Trump supporters uttering in one fashion or another Trump’s rantings. I have a feeling the anti-Republican words are not going to be helpful to the Republican Senate candidates in Georgia.

The MAGA people are convinced Biden’s people broke the law and such was why he won. They blame Biden for the evil deeds of Master Donald.

They went beyond Biden. They claimed in effect Biden’s people were attempting a coup.

Can you believe?

The MAGAs wanted help: “Where is the military? This is a coup.” The military were needed because the DOJ and FBI were not doing their job.

Another cry heard and one consistent with war and secession: “The South must rise again!”

Violence turning into war a distinct possibility. Biden may have to become Lincoln to save the Union.

Protesters were present from both sides. Proud Boys and church groups. Both urging the faithful to participate in the demonstrations to come. Recommending Jericho Marches and prayer rallies specifically for Trump.

Violence was inevitable saturday. The two sides clashed. Four persons stabbed and 9 injured. The 4 stabbings have resulted in life threatening situations. The four are not yet out of danger.

The police arrested 23.

The odd thing is that the the clash did not occur till the rally was over and people were dispersing.

Additional cries during the rally included “Four More Years”  and “Stop The Steal.”

Two pictures of the altercation appeared on the internet. I was surprised. Could even be described as shocked. Appeared everyone was wearing a mask.

Georgia’s 2 Senate seats came into play. As earlier indicated, the protesters were not happy with Republican assistance in Georgia. Ergo, the cry “Destroy the GOP.” They also booed Georgia’s”RINOS Loeffler and Perdue.” RINO is short for Republicans in name only.

Violence may be the only alternative facing Biden. These demonstrations are not going to stop when he is sworn in. Trump has empowered the swamp people and the worst of Americans to perform. Perform quite possibly in a war and secession fashion.

I believe Biden may have to impose some civil rights restrictions even before an all out revolution and/or secession occurs. Such is the way unfortunately how civil disturbances as are growing in the U.S. need to be handled.

Lincoln did not sit back and let secession divide the country. He imposed restrictions. Some severe. He suspended habeas corpus. Freedom of speech and press were curtailed. Lincoln shut down 300 newspapers and detained editors without hearings.

As matters become more serious, and they will, Biden may have to evidence he has what it takes when things get tough. I believe he would after some deep thinking invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807.

Such would be legal under the circumstances. The Act can be called into play in the name of quelling dissent, silencing criticism of political decisions and preserving national security.

The Act would empower Biden to deploy U.S. military and national federal guard troops within the U.S under circumstances already described.

There are occasions where force is the only alternative.

I recall a friend while I was in college. He was from Hungary. He had participated in the Hungarian Revolution.

His words have never left me. He said initially they were just a bunch of bored college kids who began throwing empty beer bottles at Russian troops. Within 24 hours, the Russians took to shooting back. His people got guns and shot at the Russians.

On the third or fourth day, the Revolution was over. The Russians sent tanks in in a show of force. He and his friends had to quickly get their asses out of Hungary lest they be arrested and jailed or executed.

Biden may be forced into retaliation. Even before a formal act of secession by any state. The war portion is inevitable. These extreme right wing conservatives will already have been using weapons. Not they aren’t already. Small use today becomes big use tomorrow.

Now to Mitch McConnell. The man has transformed over the years into a bad person. His track record nothing to be impressed with unless you belong to the MAGA side.

McConnell cried on the Senate floor. Hard to believe.His every action indicates a cruel and uncaring person.

The crying occurred on December 2 . McConnell was giving a speech extolling Lamar Alexander who was retiring from the Senate.

McConnell’s tearful farewell speech came up on Tweet yesterday. Why was it not reported by the media on December 2 or 3?

A minor observation.

More important, very important in fact, is why doesn’t McConnell cry for the hundreds of thousand COVID deaths in America or the millions of Americans waiting for him to approve a stimulus package?

The Texas case was decided by the Supreme Court earlier this week. I thought that was it. Fifty plus cases and Trump only won one. Then yesterday, I read there was a federal court case left in Wisconsin. It was decided against Trump.

Yesterday, I read somewhere that Trump’s genius legal team now wants to start the whole process of lawsuits over. This time all being brought in state courts rather than federal ones.

Syracuse blew out Boston College yesterday 101-63. Not expected by either side. An indication of things to come?

Many ask why I do not write much about Key West these days. Simple. I have spent over 300 days in self-quarantine. I do not go out! Ergo, I know not what is going on.

My friends who occasionally sneak out for an evening tell me the town is dead.

What is there to report? When I pick something up from friends or the newspapers, I report it. That’s the best I can do.

On the other hand, I must concede I am enjoying my political writings.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

WHEN HAS THE U.S. HAD A BETTER DAY

Yesterday will go down as one of the best days in American history. Two biggies in one day. Vaccine approval by FDA of the coronavirus vaccine and the Supreme Court throwing out the Texas lawsuit against the four battleground states.

The FDA announced during the day that it had given emergency approval. There were a few minor details to clear up. However, formal approval would be coming the next day (today).

Trump got on his high horse. No way, he said. A message was conveyed to FDA Director Dr. Stephen Hahn on behalf of Trump. No way a tomorrow approval. By nightfall today (friday) or your resignation. His “job would be in jeopardy.”

FDA approval was forthcoming last night as Trump wanted.

The man cannot stop being a bully and buffoon.

I plan on getting the vaccine as soon as available for my age group. There is a concern on my part, however. Suppose the vaccine does have ill effects as some fear? Even to the point of death.

Then I will die. Either way, I could be a loser. Although I am self-quarantined, some how I could come down with the virus. I am 85 with several underlying conditions. Odds are I would not make it.

Ergo, what difference does it make?

The vaccine is our only hope. Nothing else on the horizon. Definitely better than injecting or ingesting bleach.

One doctor described Trump’s interference as “a veneer of political meddling.”

The Supreme Court decision in the case of Texas suing the four battleground states. The Supreme Court moved with dispatch in throwing the case out.

In a short one or two line order, the Court ruled one state cannot sue another under the fact pattern of the Texas case.

Trump does not give up. He was moaning all day and night yesterday. In fact, he tweeted around midnight that the “Supreme Court really has let us down. No wisdom. No courage.”

Obviously better than Giuliani’s, however.

I view yesterday’s decision as the fat lady has sung. I have to add I hope so. With Trump, you never know.

I suspect one thing that hurt or disillusioned Trump was that his three appointees to the Court did not support his position.

Trump’s problem is he believes he owns anyone he helps. The new Justices let him down. Good!

I admit I was concerned. I worry the Supreme Court has become politicized. The Court’s decision in the Texas case leads me to believe I may be wrong. However, I am not convinced yet. The next six months will tell.

The “beauties” have come out from under the woodwork.

Prior to the Court’s decision, the Rev. Pat Robertson was on TV assuring his fellow Evangelicals that God had promised a great Supreme Court victory for them.”

After the Court’s decision came down Robertson said, “That God is such a kidder.”

Rudy Giuliani has been discharged from the hospital. He beat coronavirus. He went public almost immediately He was interviewed on Newsmax TV.

Giuliani words indicate something is missing in his cerebellum.

He is his worst enemy. Apparently he received treatment and medications that are not available to the public. He thought nothing of it. Described such as the manner in which a “celebrity” is treated.

Giuliani assured the “legal fight would go on.”

January 5, 2021 is the next significant date in the ongoing political battles. A very important one. The run off election in Georgia. Two U.S. Senate seats up for grabs.

The future of the U.S. rides on both Democratic candidates being elected. Such will give control of the Senate to Biden and the Democrats. Otherwise, it could be as it has been for many years with McConnell and the Republicans being obstructionists.

To not elect the Democratic candidates would be like sending Biden into a street shootout in the Old West. One problem, however. Biden will be gong forth with no six shooter in his holster.

Patricia Tedesco. A great lady from my distant past.

When I first returned to Utica and began practicing law, Pat and her husband were part of our social group. Then over the years as  happens, the group dissipated.

At least 40 years elapsed since Pat and I had communicated in any fashion.

Several years ago, she happened upon my blog. Wrote me. It was wonderful to hear from her! She is now living somewhere between Florida and Utica, N.Y. Precisely where, I cannot recall.

Pat sent me a Christmas card. I responded with an e-mail.

I was duly chastised for not sending a Christmas card. I explained I never do and why. Did not make any difference. Her e-mail yesterday said she is waiting for my Christmas card.

Following her discovery of the blog several years ago, Pat sent me a quilt she had made. I wrote I had used it again a few days ago when the temperature dropped. And have any time it gets cold in Key West.

She responded telling me she has made and sent to various persons around 450. All made with love and good wishes, I am sure.

Recall last year, I mentioned that I had lost inches. I went from 6’1″ to 5’9″. Pat shared yesterday that a recent doctor visit revealed she had gone from 5’0″ to 4’10”. She described herself as a “munchkin.”

I would like to see Pat again. I have a selfish reason. She is an outstanding cook. I have not enjoyed a good Italian meal in at least 15 years. The kind of cooking our mothers and grandmothers did.

Enjoy your day!