A comment in Citizens’ Voice this morning: “If you are unvaccinated, the virus is going to find you. It is just a matter of time.”

Right on. The unvaccinated are playing with dynamite.

Get vaccinated!

The validity of the statement is found in today’s COVID Delta variant statistics. The variant makes up 83 percent of all new coronavirus cases. The 83 percent is up from 50 percent just 2 weeks ago.

Andy Slavett, former adviser to Biden’s Covid Response Team, told CNN last week: “It’s twice as infectious. Fortunately, unlike 2020, we actually have the tool that stops the Delta variant in its tracks: It’s called vaccine.”

I am compelled to return to a philosopher of note. Forrest Gump. He was correct in saying “stupid is as stupid does.” From my perspective, those unvaccinated are stupid.

An adverse Comment to a blog a couple of weeks ago suggested I was unaware Gump was not for real, etc. To the contrary, I made the statement in jest. I assumed everyone was intelligent enough to understand.

Let us not forget Forrest Gump was a star collegiate football player, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and became rich.

Our country is in dire danger should Florida’s Governor DeSantis ever become President. The man is worse than Trump.

DeSantis visited the Texas border recently. His people were selling Tee shirts and koozie cups attacking Dr. Fauci. They carried the imprint “don’t Fauci my Florida.” The sales were the beginning of another fund raising effort by DeSantis.

Is there no respect left anywhere in this country? Fauci is already responsible for saving more lives that DeSantis will, no matter what position he holds.

On this day in 1929, the Scopes trial ended. Also known as the Scopes Monkey trial.

Few are aware the trail was actually a ploy. The facts falsely presented so as Rhea County, Tennessee would receive national attention. It did.

Rhea County merchants needed business. They concluded they could bring droves of people in if something big occurred in their area.

Scopes was a young school teacher. He was accused of teaching evolution in his class in violation of a Tennessee state law. Nothing was ever more fraudulent nor phony.

Scopes was found guilty. Fined. On appeal, his conviction was overturned.

Who was in on the scheme originally? Certain business men, of course. Scopes. Perhaps the judge. I cannot believe Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan were. Both too big and respected to be part of such a shady scheme.

TACOS a hit! Many favorable responses.

Today paragraph 5.

Then big Afro Dave showed up at my door / All by himself he built my first store / He drove into town all ready to work / Found me in a bar and I felt like a jerk / He asked me to get some lumber if I could / And laughed when I pointed at an old pile of wood / Then Miss Jessie wanted us to work for her / She didn’t realize how busy we were / I told her we’re still working on the store / So she said I couldn’t live there anymore / She said , “Get out, you’re finished, you’re through, / And take that bushy haired friend with you.”

Tomorrow, the Chart Room.

Enjoy your day!

Why the lies? Why the deception? Not by Trump. By the major companies and people who support him.

Take the issue as to the need to be vaccinated.

FOX News more than 200 times has suggested not getting vaccinated. Vaccinations unnecessary, even dangerous.

FOX has made vaccinations an issue with its employees. Get vaccinated or you’re fired! One or the other. No vaccination, no job.

Management and the broadcasters must get off on it. A form of political debauchery.

It has become known as “dismissive vaccine coverage.” Particularly dangerous to FOX’s older audience.

An example. A few weeks ago, FOX News host Laura Ingraham did what she has done over the past year: Scoffed at the danger posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

She was interviewing Florida’s Governor DeSantis at the time. Ingraham stated, “They just can’t let the pandemic go.” DeSantis agreed simultaneously dismissing the idea his State was at risk.

Since DeSantis’ appearance, his reelection committee has begun selling merchandise mocking pandemic restrictions. Also since the appearance, the 7 day average of new coronavirus cases has quadrupled in Florida.

The first Capitol offender charged with a felony has been sentenced. Eight months in prison.

The length of the sentence disgraceful.

Thirty eight year old Paul Hodgkins pled guilty last month to obstructing Congressional proceedings – specifically the counting of electoral votes. He had been in the Senate chamber 15 minutes wearing a Donald Trump tee shirt and carrying a Trump flag.

Federal Judge Randolph Moss said Hodgkins deserved some leniency because he pled guilty “exceptionally early,” was not involved in violence, and issued a “sincere apology.”

Judge Ross was wrong. Off base in the sentence. It was way too lenient. Hodgkins was involved in an insurrection in one of the most sacred American buildings. His presence alone warranted a significant sentence. Federal judges normally do give credit to a defendant who pleads “exceptionally early.” Hodgkins’ crime was not a normal one, however.

When was there a previous insurrection at the Capitol? Never! The insurrection itself was a “unique experience requiring a unique application of justice.”

Amazing. Defecate on the U.S. Capitol and walk away with a slap on the hand meager sentence!

The sentence imposed by Judge Ross has set a standard by which the other 500 plus defendants will expect to be sentenced.

Kasie Hunt. An outstanding TV journalist. Always charming. Right on. No bullshit. Called them as she saw them. Never wrong.

She announced last friday she was leaving MSNBC. A quick comment to that effect at the end of her 5 am show Way Too Early. She was interviewed later when she appeared on Morning Joe. No one asked her why she was leaving, where she was going, etc.

It now appears to have been revealed. Hunt is going to CNN. Her responsibility to develop streaming control platforms. A burgeoning area in television.

Money has to have been a part of her judgment factor. She was earning $250,000 a year at MSNBC. Her new position with CNN will pay between $1 million to $1.5 million per year.

No one can argue with her move.

The word on the street is NBC could not match CNN’s offer.

The college football season less than 2 months away. Coach Dino Barber announced Tony DeVito has the “edge” to be starting quarterback.

I am disappointed DeVito might be the starting quarterback. He failed last year. I was not impressed. He simply did not have it. I feel it will be the same this year.

Syracuse fans are desperate for a “good season.” It has been years. It should be a new quarterback for a new Carrier Dome.

The Olympic Village in Tokyo is being labeled “anti-sex.” The beds are constructed of cardboard and easily fall apart with more than a sleeping body on them.

The Olympic hierarchy claims the purpose of the cardboard beds is to prevent coronavirus from spreading.

The athletes look at it differently. They believe the real reason is “to avoid intimacy among athletes.”

All good the cardboard beds will do. Where there is a will there is a way. Youthful roaring sex drives will not be denied.

Gold, etc. from Atocha found again last friday. The strike did not provide anywhere near as much as in previous discoveries. However it will keep the Mel Fisher divers at their work.

The strike revealed 1 gold coin, 2 silver ones, and an ancient musket ball.

Atocha went down 400 years ago. The gold coin found still bright and shiny. It was 30 feet down under 10 feet of sand.

The diver comes from a family who have found gold and other items from Atocha in years gone by. In 1985, the diver’s father was part of the team that discovered a bonanza. One hundred sixty five pounds of gold finger bars and chains. At another time, his mother was part of the team that discovered treasure from the mother load itself.

I have begun sharing Steve Thompson’s recollections of Key West beginning in 1973 for a very simple reason. People want to know what went on back then.

Today TACOS paragraph 4.

I met the big guy named Bud Man / He had a glass of rose in his right hand / He always had a smile on his face / He rented me my first taco place / He owned the Old Anchor Inn next door / It was the old town underground drug store / All the locals called it the “Snake Pit” / ‘Till the Feds moved in and closed it / He invited me to his house one day / And immediately gave me a glass of rose / He had chickens and ducks and rabbits too / The doors were all open they just walked right through / Bud Man and Dorothy were legends here / They sure helped me out that whole first year / Everyone remembers Bud to this day / With that big warm smile and a glass of rose.

Tonight my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. Lots of fun. Louis ranting and raving. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

From all sources, the news is the dramatic rise in COVID cases primarily involves the unvaccinated. A surge has developed that threatens the nation.

All for one and one for all does not apply as far as the unvaccinated are concerned.

Two breaking news items this morning support the proposition.

The first is the stock market soon after opening dropped 700 points. The basis the skyrocketing number of new cases and increased deaths most of which involve the unvaccinated.

The other that a national organization of pediatricians has recommended that all schools require masking again as students return.

Experts admonish the risk associated with the acceleration is caused by the most serious virus of peoples’ lives.

Some examples substantiating the conclusion.

First Maryland. Since June, 130 persons have died as a result of the virus. All 130 were unvaccinated. Maryland’s new cases and hospital confinements are up 95 percent and 93 percent respectively.

Louisiana a similar story. Since February, new cases and deaths are up 97 percent. In the past 14 days alone, up 177 percent. All unvaccinated persons.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal said, “We really have two choices, we are either going to get vaccinated and end the pandemic or we are going to accept death, a lot of it.”

Alabama the same story. Ninety six percent of deaths since April 1 involved the unvaccinated.

Wear a mask and get vaccinated. Otherwise be prepared to meet your deceased family members and friends.

The Chart Room last night.

A new bartender. Jocul. From Indonesia. Filling in for John.

A good number of locals including Jean, Sheila, John and Cheryl.

Met Cheryl for the first time. She has been living in Key West since the early 1980’s.

An attractive and charming woman.

Cheryl, Jean and I sat at the bar and had a most interesting conversation. Covered a multitude of sins. And they were “sins!”

Jean and I moved over to the Prime Steakhouse. At least 5 years since I had been there. A lovely place. Top of the line food and service. Prices to match.

Jean was celebrating my birthday with me. I never got out on July 6 the day of my birthday. Prime was my idea. I wanted to celebrate 86 at an excellent restaurant. Additionally living in Key West where the fish is fresh, most become fish eaters and seldom enjoy a steak. My situation.

My meal as it would be in a New York City steak house: filet mignon, hash browns and creamed spinach.

I heard last night Marylin’s was closed. So soon? I was surprised. Hard to believe since the 3-4 times I had been there business was good.

Telephoned Donna this morning. Yes, closed but only for one week. The owner doing additional renovations. Terri will return to sing.

Steve’s sister in law Linda lives in Alaska and Orlando. Mentioned her yesterday. Inadvertently failed to mention her husband Rich. An Alaskan fisherman. He is the one who actually got his wife and a sister involved in reading the blog. I knew it and forgot Rich’s involvement. My apologies!

Before I share TACOS paragraph 3 with you, a few items of explanation.

Jesse Porter is prominently named. At one time, she owned a whole block of prime property in Key West. One block of Caroline extending from Duval to Whitehead. Beginning cross the street from today’s Bull.

The corner house on Duval facing Caroline was the Porter House. Today, the Porch.

Jesse’s property had a number of small cottages on it. One cottage was occupied by the poet Robert Frost for 16 consecutive seasons. Which one, I am uncertain. It may have been the one named Carrier Pigeon House. It might have been the one Steve stayed at. Steve not sure and I could not figure it out.

The Porter House/Porch was built in 1838. Jesse’s grandfather Dr. Joseph Yates Porter Jr. bought it in 1845. Lived there 80 years. He died in the room he was born in.

Dr. Porter was a distinguished physician and well known nationally for his work with yellow fever. Even back then, mosquitoes were a problem. Dr. Porter was instrumental in devising methods to control yellow fever, reform sanitation and quarantine.

Time for TACOS paragraph 3. It begins with Steve arriving in Key West for the first time.

It was early dawn when I pulled in alone / I thought I had just entered the Twilight Zone / I drove down Duval to Shorty’s Cafe / And parked right in front thinking it was ok / I knew a couple house painters who invited me down / They rented a conch house in the middle of town / I slept all day on their porch it was nice / When I woke I knew I was in paradise / Old friends from Ft. Lauderdale named Bobby and Wayne / They said, “Welcome, Bubba, we’re glad you came” / I said I wanted to open a taco stand / They said let us know if you need a hand / Everywhere I looked I thought was neat / I met this little old lady on Whitehead Street / She said her name was Jesse Porter / She had a small cottage and needed a boarder/ It was in the garden and kind of secluded / Fifty bucks a month, utilities included / Dr. Perry was her grandpa’s name / Getting rid of yellow fever his claim to fame / She said the first Pan Am flight took off from right here / And I wondered if she had been drinking beer / Then I asked her about the hole in the wall / She said carrier pigeons, they had no radios at all / And Robert Frost slept right here in this bed / And I believed nothing she said / I didn’t know for a year or two / That everything she had told me was true.

Enjoy your day!

How many times do we hear I wish I had been in Key West in the 1970’s? Understandably. It was an exciting time.  A time close to us that some remain who recall it.

Two are Steve and Cindy Thompson. The stories they have to tell!

The Chart Room was closed during the pandemic. Reopened two weeks ago. John Holster back as bartender. John was cleaning the place up for opening night when he came across a writing by Steve Thompson. A short book.

It’s title TACOS.

Steve showed me a copy of it the other night at the Chart Room. It should be shared. Surprised it was not.

For whatever reason, Steve got the itch to write about his Key West years 10 years ago. TACOS the result.

The reason my blog today is titled The Robert Frost of Key West is that Steve’s book is written in a poetic style. The lines rhyme.

I asked Steve why the poetic style. He was unaware it had the tinge of poetry to it. Claims it’s just the way it came out.

I assumed Steve had an English/poetry background from college. Not so. His college time involved two years of studying accounting.

There is a game plan to what I am sharing with you at the moment. Steve’s writing so good and so interesting it should be read by all with a Key West interest. Steve has given me permission to do whatever. The plan agreed to is to share a paragraph or two a day with you. It will take several months of course.

I guarantee you will be interested and pleased.

Key West in the hand written style of Robert Frost.

The last shall be first. A two line comment by Steve at the end of his work: TO ALL THE PEOPLE I EVER MET IN THIS TOWN, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO SAID “WRITE IT DOWN.”

Not the moment yet to share Steve’s opening paragraph. I believe his words will be better appreciated if a bit is known of Steve and Cindy’s background.

Steve was born in Seattle, Washington January 22, 1949. Cindy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 13, 1946. They were introduced in the Chart Room bar in 1978. Cindy will quickly state it was “merely an introduction.” Nothing special.

They did not meet again till 1979. Again, in the Chart Room.

Married in 1981. Created two wonderful daughters. Seven grandchildren.

Steve attended Seattle Community College for 2 years. It was Vietnam time. Rather than be drafted and sent off to the Vietnam to fight and possibly die, he volunteered to be part of the Air Force Band which played at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Cindy graduated from the University of Wisconsin. She openly admits she was a hippie. I suspect there is a little of it still in her today.

Instead of going to work, she and her boy friend at the time took a trip to India. She made several other trips here and there. One of her boy friends told her about Key West. She decided that would be her next stop.

Steve, Cindy and Jimmy Buffett were neighbors. The corner of Olivia and Pearl.

In 1985, Buffett stopped his car and asked Cindy if she wanted a job. He needed some help. Her full time employment with Buffett lasted 27 years. She partially retired February 24, 2012. She still works part time for him.

Steve wanted to go south. He hitchhiked to Fort Lauderdale from Seattle in 1971.

Bartended a while. Had a desire to own something of his own. His choice Tacos!

Steve came to Key West in 1972 for the first time. Settled in full time in March 1974.

He opened a taco shop in a small building at 208 Duval Street under the name of the Key West Taco Co. The business grew. Eventually, he was operating 4 taco stores in Key West and an additional 4 in other parts of Florida.

Two reasons motivated his settling down in Key West. People had told him Key West was laid back. He was also told that everyone watched the sunset go down.

It was his kind of town.

Time for the beginning of TACOS. Paragraph 1.

You drove down US 1 to where the Keys began / There was no Homestead Extension on the Turnpike then / Florida City was just empty land / Except for a Texaco and a hot dog stand / I closed up the bar and drove with no rest / There were no lights or cars all the way to Key West.

Paragraph 2.

I got to the Seven-Mile Bridge at 4 am / My car seemed wider than the lane I was in / It was raining and the sky was pitch black / But I could see the side rail, an old train track / Actually I was scared to death / For seven miles I held my breath / That was the scariest drive I ever had / ‘Till the next bridge, it was twice as bad / A 1912 trestle built only for trains / With boards across the top to fit two lanes / A few days later I read the paper in town / “The Bahia Honda Bridge has finally closed down.”

More tomorrow.

Enjoy your Sunday!

A lot of James Bonds out there. People with licenses to kill. Pseudo doctors in a sense. Not really physicians. However know it alls when it comes to COVID-19 and vaccines.

They are anti-vaccine at every turn. Refuse to be vaccinated. Tell everyone not to be. Reasons therefore many. The vaccine not yet dependable. Tests for the vaccine inadequate. Part of a Democratic conspiracy. Etc.

Proof in the pudding? Covid-19 cases are up in all 50 states. In every area, it is the unvaccinated who are being attacked by the virus. In excess of 90 percent of new cases involve those not vaccinated. Some areas have reached the point of not being able to handle the new huge numbers arriving for hospital care.

Two California areas with diametrically opposed ideas how the surge is to be handled.

One the Los Angeles County Sheriff. A crazy man! Not just because he endangers himself. He forgets if he is wrong, he is endangering the people he swore to protect.

California COVID cases are surging. Governments have passed new local laws or guidance procedures. One involves the mask.

The Los Angeles Sheriff will not enforce the new mask mandate. He claims it is not “backed by science.”

Who made him so smart and who gave him the authority to refuse to enforce a law?

Another California area is making news with a new mask guidance. The San Francisco area.

The San Francisco bay area has reinstated mask requirements. Discharge or not hire in the first instance all workers who refuse to wear masks. Masks are required to be worn in all indoor areas, including homes and restaurants.

Lack of having been vaccinated a primary cause of the coronavirus resurgence. The other failing to wear a mask.

As a result of the two causes, medical professionals in some parts of the country predict “the worse is yet to be seen.”

This past week Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards reported: “Since February, 97 percent of cases and deaths related to COVID-19 are those who are not fully vaccinated.”

Many will die because of pure unadulterated stupidity.

The Arizona audit back in the public eye. CEO Doug Logan of Cyber Ninjas says his company does not have enough time to finish its audit. The results are due soon. His cry is for more time. Many Arizona politicos support him.

Logan claims he requires more Senate subpoenas to obtain more records and survey tens of thousands of voters at home.

The Logan led audit was to take 60 days. Such was advised several months ago. An adjusted time schedule for completion is being requested.

The Arizona situation is being audited to death. There have been 3 “audits” already prior of Logan’s work. The three involved a hand count of a statistical sample of ballots which in the end matched the machine count and 2 post-election audits which found no manipulation of machines.

Those opposing any further time or money to complete what is considered by many to be a fraudulent and illegal audit, have spelled out that items pointed out by Logan are consistent and typical to auditing and not audit errors (in other words, Logan and his people do not know what they are doing), and the injection of an “alternate reality.” by Logan’s people. Alternate reality involves made up facts to arrive at a conclusion.

Simply stated, the audit is finding errors where none exist and many of the claimed improprieties are due to inexperience in auditing rather than actual wrongdoing.

Matt Gaetz, the boy wonder. He has already spent $1.95 million preparing his defense to sex with a minor charges for which he has not yet even been indicted.

He hired a “crisis management team” which thus far has cost nearly $1 million. The company has only 2-3 employees. He also has hired Roger Stone himself or a small company owned by Roger Stone for “strategic consulting.” Cost so far, $20,000.

I suspect Gaetz’s monies would have been wiser spent hiring the best team of lawyers he could find. If indicted, it will be a court room and the law he will require to be acquitted. Not the “people in the streets.”

Those who deny climate change are of the same mentality as those who deny the efficacy of the vaccine.

How can climate change be denied with all the crazy things happening: The catastrophic flooding in western Europe, drought in California, wildfires, frequent hurricanes, frequent cyclones, melting of glaciers in Antarctica, and deadly heat?

Today is the international day set aside to honor Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela Day was established years ago by the United Nations.

A theme is associated with the Day. This year: “The Rule of Law and Food for All.”

The theme is consistent with what I reported yesterday re legal and food problems in South Africa.

No question, a booming real estate market exists in south Florida. Especially in Key West. It has been described as “red-hot.” Property values and the cost of homes has sky rocketed.

The average selling price of a house today is $1 million more than a year ago.

My admonition. I have seen this happen before in the Keys. There is an old saying. What goes up, must come down. It will happen with the real estate market and sooner than most think.

Prostitutes, B-girls, and whore houses had a difficult time in the 1930’s, 1940’s and into the 1950’s in Key west. The U.S. Navy frowned on them and were constantly on the backs of local police authorities to do something about them. The Navy claimed the evil women “preyed on young sailors.”

Local police agencies cooperated at various times. “Various times” because most were customers of those being arrested.

Today’s sex for pay is found in the telephone book and massage parlors.

One of the famous houses of ill repute was Mom’s Tea Room. Alice Reid the proprietor of each. Three times Alice was shut down. Even did time as a result of one of the arrests.

Several years ago, I considered writing a book on the history of prostitution in Key West. Thought it might be a best seller. I could not find an excellent detailed one on book store shelves. Nor buried anywhere.

I got together with Diana Millikan and asked her to help with the research.

I am aware some of you dissect her for any number of reasons. Permit me to advise however, she is one of the best research persons I have come across in my lifetime.

Even Diana could not come up with much.

I pursued the Key West prostitution book no further.

Spent a comfortable time yesterday watching the British Open. Excellent golf! Today’s professional golfers are way better than those of yesteryear. They hit the ball farther. Sink longer putts.

Probably because of increased quality in clubs and balls, working out daily in physical fitness programs which the older players never did, and having full teams to assist them. An example is many have psychiatrists or psychologists. To help them keep their heads on straight as problems arise.

Enjoy your day!

Anything you want to know first hand about Key West’s 1970’s forward talk to Steve Thompson. He and his charming wife Cindy discovered Key West then and know everything there is to know about Key West since then.

Steve and I chatted the other night at the Chart Room about 1970’s Key West. His memories exciting!

Steve has a sister Sam and a sister in law Linda. Sam lives in Seattle. Linda, Alaska and Orlando. Steve told me they have religiously been reading my blog for years. Love them! Hope someday to meet them!

Last evening was the night of the Big Caravana. Spanish for Big Caravan.

Key West and Cuba have always been married. All the way back before the U.S. and since. There is an inborn burning relationship.

There is unrest in Cuba again. The people are protesting. Big time. Whether it will turn into a shooting situation remains to be seen.

Whatever, Cubans living in America are already voicing their support for the homeland. “Libre!” is the cry!

There was a parade last night on Duval in support of the Cuban people. The parade had a strange beginning. A different one.

The parade began at 5 pm in Key Largo. Picked up more supporters in Marathon. Entered Old Town around 8 pm accompanied by a police escort.

People in the cars waving the Cuban flag and cheering support for their native country.

It is like those who fled Cuba because of the Castro brothers have been waiting for a correct time to express themselves big time. The time appears to have arrived.

There is another country where unrest has suddenly appeared. South Africa.

I have a special interest and concern for South Africa. My blog has had a large following over the years.

Typical of most unrest, the people are suffering from a lack of food, fuel, money and jobs.

The South African newspaper reported that the people “are on the brink of severe fuel and food shortages” Key supply routes  are being “severed due to social unrest.”

The social unrest involving goods and trucks being stopped by roving crowds, stripped of their cargo, and more often than not torched or dismantled for parts. The truck damage has resulted in billions of dollars lost, shelves of shops and shopping centers standing empty.

Riots have a political unrest basis. Began last week following former President Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment.

Looting has increased rapidly in one week. Once again, food a problem. The same evidenced by the fact that in a 2 day time frame, 9,360 loaves of bread were distributed.

Food is a problem in the U.S. as well. Not a scarcity, however. The problem rather is cost.

I frequently hear people complaining about the cost of groceries. I have been commenting for more than a year that the cost was rising on a “snakey ” basis. A few pennies here, a few pennies there. Now out of sight!

The Chart Room again last night. I’m getting out a bit more.

I was to meet Don and Chris.

Don and Chris are from the Syracuse area. Die hard Syracuse fans. I met them 15 years ago and we became immediate friends. Key West is their “beloved place.” They visit 3-4 times a year.

Oneida Lake sits near Syracuse. Two years ago, Don and Chris purchased a home on the lake. It has become their summer place. They have been here this week so family members could enjoy it.

Both travel big time for their respective jobs. Don is a Vice President of a South Korean company. He is frequently back and forth to South Korea.

Dan Reardon’s name came up. Dan and his wife another couple I have known for 15 years. Met them when they were on a 2 month winter vacation in Key West.

They live in Skaneateles. A Syracuse suburb also. Owned and operated a restaurnat for years in Skaneateles which they sold 2 years ago.

Don texted with Dan. We exchanged photos.

Dan and his wife good people. Always a good time when they visit.

My yesterday began earlier. A haircut with Lori. A lovely woman. She has been doing my hair for 20 plus years.

She and her husband finally got out to Tavern ‘n Town for dinner. The restaurant has not been reopened that long. Business still slow. Food prices are up. Way up! Typical of what is going on in the finer restaurants.

George was bartending.

When Tavern ‘ Town closed for the pandemic, George was let go. A family man, he was fortunate to get a bartending job at Irish Kevin’s. When Tavern ‘n Town reopened, they called George and in effect begged him to return. Every type business in Key West is desperate for help. He returned with a significant raise.

I have to get over to Tavern ‘n Town. I’ve missed George.

Later in the afternoon, a doctor visit. My esophagus doctor. Everything is wrong with me!

When I left, I got screwed up. His offices are in a series of pastel colored buildings. When I got off the elevator on the first floor, I zigged instead of zagging. I had to walk round the entire complex before finding my car.

I agree. I am losing it. Not the problem however. The pain in my right leg. Wow! I had to stop 3 times in spite of using the cane.

Key West weather is typical for this time of the year. Hot with heavy humidity. And this is only the beginning. The worst 2 months heat and humidity wise are August and September.

Several months ago, we were told we would be undergoing a “temporary” inflation. Be of no concern. It would go away.

Not so. The opposite is actually occurring. The rise in inflation in the last 4 months has been the hottest since the 1980’s.

Five percent inflation is bad, but palatable. Over 5, a problem.

Economists say if the rate of inflation continues as it has in the past 4 months, it will annualize at 8 percent.

I wake just before 5 each morning. Catch Way Too Early with Kasie Hunt on MSNBC. An outstanding journalist!

Sad news this morning. It was her last show. She is moving on. She could not mention where yet.

Fortunately, there will be another channel and time for her. And me.

Enjoy your day!

American philosopher Forrest Gump bears responsibility for many profound statements. One applicable in today’s contrary environment is: “Stupid is as stupid does.”

I specifically refer to Trump’s consideration to leading a coup to take over the country following Biden’s election. Unknown to us, November and December were dangerous days.

General Mark Milley was especially concerned. He felt during those months a “night of the long knives” was possible. He sensed Nazi Germany at a time when Hitler was in the process of taking control.

The danger still exists. Listen to Trump’s rhetoric. Inflammatory!

Can he be made to see the light? No. The man is crazy. Lacks intelligence. It becomes more and more evident with each passing day.

American comedian Ron White created the phrase: “You can’t fix stupid.”

Benjamin Franklin spoke most tellingly when he said, “A Republic it is, if you can keep it.”

The streets of Havana ring out in protest. Some 60 odd yeas since Castro’s successful revolution, the Cuban people of today want freedom and a better life.

A revolution in the making.

Can it be successful? I doubt it.

Those demonstrating are lacking in essentials to wage a fighting revolution. They have no military force. Guns, if at all, few.

In addition, the people have little electric power, few medicines and no work.

None of which is contained in the previous two paragraphs gives indication that a revolution could be successful.

In the meantime, I am seeing small pieces of the protest on the streets of Key West. Persons walking towards or past you on a street. Quietly moaning “libre” as they pass. Last night on the Gulf side of the Atlantic an auto procession of about a dozen cars drove swiftly by yelling libre!

It was Happy Birthday time at the Chart Room last night. Cindy Thompson’s birthday was celebrated,

A group of locals present including Jean Thornton, Holly and Kevin, and Cindy’s husband Steve. The Chart Room was otherwise crowded with tourists.

I followed up the Chart Room with Marylin’s to hear Terri White sing.

An unusual year. July normally a dead month for visitors. Not this year. They are pouring non stop into Key West daily.

David Wolkowsky lived elegantly. As it should be. During my time with him, he had an open home penthouse atop the Kresge Building and a formal home on Flagler.

David is now dead some 2 years. His penthouse being rented by vacationers by the month. A most lovely place to do so.

Inflation has been on the rise in recent months. The highs becoming uncomfortable.

Strange things affect inflation. The most recent one contributing heavily to inflation’s rise are the sale of used cars. Would you believe!

Used car sales have contributed 1/3 of the increase.

Yesterday, I wrote concerning Tennessee’s handling of coronavirus vaccinations and all other vaccinations young people receive.

In 24 hours, an upgrade.

A doctor in Washington, D.C. can vaccinate children without parental consent. The ordinance permitting such was passed by the Washington, D.C. City Council 11/20/2020. Became law officially 1/21/2021.

The law permits physicians to provide all kinds of protections without advising the parents.

Washington’s actions in this regard are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Today a haircut, doctor visit, and drinks with Don and Chris at the Chat Room tonight.

Enjoy your day!

Three especially interesting topics this morning. Anyone of which could be number one. I could not decide so I lumped them together in the title.

I begin with China. The U.S.’ competitor/enemy. Working hard in recent years to be regarded by all as the #1 nation in the world.

Director Chulekying of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on July 7 made a comment re the Surfside building collapse. He issued a statement on Twitter. Not of sorrow or sympathy. Rather competitive in nature: “More than 100 people are missing in the condo collapse in Florida. Heartbreaking! A natural disaster or man made tragedy? Unthinkable in China.”

The last sentence the most interesting: “Unthinkable in China.”

The Director’s comment appeared in Twitter less than a week ago. Well, if it’s going to happen it will. A hotel and 1/3 of an adjoining building collapsed. On monday, the hotel structure itself went down as Surfside did.

The hotel is located in the eastern part of China in the city of Suzhou.

Six hundred are presently engaged in the search for survivors.

The 3 story building next to the hotel initially had 23 missing. Fourteen bodies have been located. Eight of them no longer alive.

No numbers yet re the hotel. The Director wrote, “Rescue very difficult.”

Another first story involves Tennessee and vaccinations.

Tennessee is one of the states whose people do not believe in the COVID-19 vaccine. Proof simple. Only 38 percent of residents have received their first shots.

Tennessee has had for a number of years a reminder it sends out to parents advising  vaccines required for school and in general. Tennessee calls it outreaching. Tennessee outreaches also directly to adolescents 14-17.

The reminders covered such problems as second dose reminder for coronavirus vaccine, HPV reminders, kindergarten reminders, flu vaccines, and infant immunizations.

Now the controversy. Republican politicians became aware the 14-17 year olds were also being notified. They had for a number of years already for various other vaccines.

Tennessee parents are generally opposed to the coronavirus vaccine and all other vaccines. The issue became a public one.

Note parental consent was not required for the 14-17 year old group to receive information re COVID-19 shots.

The Tennessee Health Department issues the information re vaccinations. The Health Department has been told it cannot issue any letters, information, etc. concerning vaccinations to anyone of any age unless the agency logo is first removed from the letter head.

Nor can any notices be sent to minors re public meetings involving vaccinations, only to parents.

The State Medical Director is Dr. Michelle Fiscis. One of her responsibilities is to advise vaccines available for “preventable diseases and immunizations.”

When told to cease and desist as indicated herein, she insisted it was her responsibility. She lost her job.

Three health policy experts recently wrote in the Journal of American Medical Association’s JAMA publication that those 14-17 should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to be vaccinated. It was their opinion that adolescents 14-17 had the capacity to understand and reason more than parents in some instances.

One wrote that in the case of vaccinations, some older minors “may possess a more accurate understanding of the virus and benefits of a vaccine than their hesitant guardians.”

The final interesting story involves Jeff Flake. Flake the former Republican U.S. Senator from Arizona. Served only one term.

Flake opposed Trump early on re a couple of issues. Pissed Trump off!

So Trump went to work on Flake. Other Republicans did likewise. It became evident  Flake would have difficulty winning his next election. Would even be lucky if he first got the Republican nomination.

The handwriting was on the wall. No way could he win a primary. Forget the election itself. Flake did not run.

He has been a soul lost in Limbo since.

Biden has resurrected Flake. It was announced yesterday that Biden had nominated Flake to be the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey.

I am confident Flake will represent U.S. interests well.

The task will not be easy.Turkey’s President is Recep Tayyip Erogan. An authoritarian figure the likes of Putin and Trump.

A new Trump expose book is scheduled to come out next week. Seems lately there is at least one a day.

The one to come out next week indicates that Trump is not happy with his 3 Supreme Court  picks. And reserves “particular bile” for Brett Kavanaugh.

As to Kavanaugh, Trump feels he stood up for him during the Senate advice and consent process and Kavanaugh should be doing a better job for him. Trump claims he received much heat during the  process to dump Kavanaugh, but stood by him.

Trump’s problem is when he makes a special appointment, he believes he owns that appointee. Especially a Supreme Curt Justice whose appointment is for life. Trump expects such appointees to dance to his tune.

Some believe Pope Francis’ recent diverticular stenosis surgery is the beginning of the end of the Pope’ time in office. His failing health the concern. It is anticipated he has 5-6 good years left.

Francis’ surgery was July 4. He remains in the hospital recovering.

When the time comes that Francis leaves the Pope position, it could be the end of the Catholic Church as we know it. As with U.S. politics, there is a far right and a liberal side within the Church. The far right are a tough crowd with which to deal.

The rights want a new Church. Actually, they want the power to run the Church. They are the same group that wants Biden prohibited from receiving Communion because he believes in freedom of choice.

The radical far right are influenced and to an extent lead by the U.S. Conference of Bishops. Who in turn are influenced by the likes of Steve Bannon and Newt Gingrich.

Steve and Cindy Thompson have been Key West residents since the 1970’s. They have seen it all!

Cindy has had an interesting career. For some 30 years, she was Jimmy Buffett’s associate, administrative person, secretary, confidant, etc. What a trip that must have been!

Cindy is still young. Her 75th birthday is today.

There will be a gathering at 5 at the Chart Room to help her celebrate. Join in if you have the chance.

Enjoy your day!

I have been writing and saying from day one that Trump’s lawyers could not be doing what they were in court: Lying, making things up. Not the way the judicial system operates.

Sanctions could be imposed. Big dollar ones. My estimate as much as $100,000 to $500,000. To be paid by the attorneys themselves for doing what they were not supposed to doing. Disbarment a possibility also.

Many of the cases were in federal court. I admonished never piss off a federal district court judge. The most powerful person in the legal system.

The Kraken case took place in Detroit in Federal Court. Sidney Powell and a number of attorneys represented Trump in a fraudulent ballot case. The judge Linda Parker.

She threw Trump’s case out of court. Yesterday was the day of reckoning for the attorneys. Sanction, etc. hearings.

The attorneys were skewered by Judge Parker for making “fantastical” allegations of election fraud “in bad faith” and failing to do the most basic due diligence.

The open court hearing took 6 hours. Everyone shouting. The court reporter had to stop the attorneys. She could not get it all down.

The attorneys seeking the sanctions were those representing Detroit and Michigan. The attorney for Detroit said, “Imperiling democracy by perpetuating lies about the 2020 Presidential election warrants substantial punishment.”

The hearing not concluded. No question in my mind that most if not all of the attorneys will be severely punished by Judge Parker. Their licenses to practice law are in danger in addition to large payment sanctions.

Turmoil in the Texas legislature. Republicans who control intended to pass negative voting laws. A quorum required in order to do so.  In this instance, a certain number of legislators before a vote could be taken. Fewer required to pass the legislation.

The Democratic minority were needed to effect the quorum. Two weeks ago, they walked out before the vote could be taken. Ergo, no quorum.

The situation arose again.

The alternative yesterday was for them to leave the State. Go into hiding in effect. The reason being the Governor had the power to have them arrested and appear in the legislative chamber in order to have a quorum.

Sixty of sixty seven Democrat representatives flew on 2 charted planes to Washington, D.C. They intend to remain in Washington till the Governor’s power to call a new legislature had ended.

A question exists whether the Texas Rangers can travel to Washington, arrest the representatives there, and return them in custody to Texas.

The Texas situation is clear evidence that the Democrats and Republicans continue not being able to get along. I fear in due course these “election wars” can turn from vocal to physical. Actual fighting a probability rather than possibility.

What the Texas Democrats have done in legalese “break quorum.”

Not the first time “break quorum”has occurred in the U.S. There have been 10 noteworthy legislative walkouts since 1924.  The 1924 one in Rhode Island. Additionally, Oregon 2001, Texas 2003, Wisconsin 2011, Indiana 2011, Oregon 2019, 220 and 2021.

Note Oregon has experienced legislative walkouts 4 times.

January 6 was the radical right using force in their attack on the Capitol. There have been other examples in recent times.

Force must be met with force. The only solution. Negotiation will not dissuade the rabble in any way. They want to take over and control the U.S. government. The government must hit and destroy the terrorists groups before they accomplish the same result on existing government.

When the fray began, Trump led the groups. I believe the terrorist groups now lead Trump. They make him think he is charge when in reality they are the bosses.

At some point, Trump will be useless to them. He will be dropped like a hot potato.

The use of force has generally been successful against significant demonstrators and protesters inn the U.S. and elsewhere.

General MacArthur on horse with a large detachment of U.S. Army troops behind him attacked World War I veterans who were demonstrating in Washington, D.C., 7/28/32. MacArthur attacked them, burned down their tents and beat up the veterans. Veterans who were destitute because of the depression and wanted the payment of their “service bonuses” accelerated.

Time Magazine referred to the occurrence as the “Battle of Washington.”

Whatever, a superior force put down and drove away with use of excessive force the veterans.

Hungary 1956. Demonstrations turned into revolution. The event covered several days: 10/23/56 – 11/10/56.

Hungarians were merely aggravating the Russians at the beginning. Throwing stones and beer bottles at Russian troops. Then some one began shooting.  The situation accelerated, became serious. The Russians did not screw around. They sent the tanks in. The revolution ended.

Superior force again won the day.

Tienanmen Square in China another example. The time the night of 6/3/89 – 6/4/89.

The demonstrations were large. Never ending. The government saw it could possibly be toppled. It sent troops into central Beijing. The demonstrations in short course ended.

The use of force once again resulting in success/victory.

Iran a similar situation in 2019. Iran put down the massive crowds with excessive use of force.

The past several years have brought many demonstrations and protests throughout the U.S. The U.S. government never saw fit to using force in a powerful fashion. Ergo, the demonstrators/protesters never lost. Most certainly, the government never won.

Force! Force! Force! Do it. Get it done. While the U.S. is sitting on its ass, terrorists groups are gaining strength in membership, training and money.

I believe we are not dug in enough. Force must be met with superior force.

A profound Comment in the Comment Section of today’s Key West Lou blog: “Our lawmakers should be chosen by the voters and not the other way around.”

Tuesday again. My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9 my time. A lot to talk about and analyze this week. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Three Mississippi women graced the Chart Room last night.

I walked in to find them sitting at the bar. They had arrived in Key West a couple of hours earlier.

John and I chatted with them. They were interested in where to go, what to do, etc. Three charming people readying themselves for a ladies night out that would last several days.

Sibyl the only one still working. A school teacher. Resides in Madison. Mother of 2 sons.

Jan and TA retired.

Jan from Brandon. Formerly worked with the telephone company. Mother of a daughter.

TA’s career as a social worker. Lives in Brook Haven. Mother of two boys.

First time staying at the Pier House. First time in Key West.

Their energies were up. Anxious to discover Key West.

Jimmy Buffett always comes into a conversation with tourists who visit the Chart Room. I was not aware that Jimmy Buffett had a Mississippi connection. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi.

The ladies were interested in good music. John and I suggested Smokin’ Tuna, Sloppy Joe’s and Irish Kevin’s.

They had a specific interest…..The Blues. Mississippi Blues. The ladies die hard fans.

They had done their home work. Read up on Key West before making the trip. They already were aware of some spots they wanted to hit.

Sibyl and I had a brief discussion re Mississippi being one of the 4 states with low vaccination numbers. Sibyl saw the blacks as the problem. They refused to be vaccinated. Feared the vaccine for a number of reasons.

Sibyl was proud to have been vaccinated. One of the first. Better safe than sorry.

Enjoy ladies!

One of the ocean’s most beloved creatures are manatees. They frequent Keys waters. Many spotted in Key West. Generally at a boat dock drinking fresh water from a hose someone is holding to their mouths. People rubbing their backs as they drink.

A recent study revealed manatees are dying in record numbers. More than at any other time in Florida’s recorded history. Primarily from starvation due to a loss of seagrass beds. A record number died in the first six months of this year. Eight hundred forty one.

Scientists believe there is a second cause of their deaths, also. Boat strikes. Manatees swim into marinas knowing humans will give them fresh water. Unfortunately, the manatees come into contact with moving boat propellers.

Many of Lincoln’s words were pearls of wisdom. Some befitting not only his time, but also the future. The following especially fitting today: “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

We are in those destructive days. May we save the nation before it is too late.

A big day for the perpetrator/leader of our problems. Yesterday, Trump was interviewed by FOX New. Later in the day, he addressed the CPAC meeting in Dallas.

His words generally not comforting. Assuming you are not blind and can see what has been and is happening.

In the interview, Trump repeated there were a “million” people present who supported him on January 6. He added, you could feel “love” in the air.

I did not see the million or sense the love he referred to on TV that day or since.

Some interesting statements by Trump at the CPAC rally itself.

“I’ll never stop fighting for you.” When did he start? He only fights for himself.

He chidded the press for stating there was no “widespread evidence of election fraud.” Why then did judges in 62 separate cases throw out election fraud lawsuits?

Trump accused the “radical left” of cheating. What cheating? He who is without sin should cast the first stone.

Trump called the 2020 election “a disgrace to our nation.” Incorrect. It was Trump who was a disgrace in the 2020 election, not the election itself.

He and his lying arousing statement that the election was “rigged” and “stolen” from him was the issue that dominated part of his speech.

Trump is a believer in the Hitler/Goebbels’ line to the effect that if a lie is repeated over and over, the people will eventually believe it. Trump keeps repeating and repeating ad naseum: “There are now two sets of laws in this country – one for the left…..the rioters and rampagers. ….and another set…..for law abiding conservative Americans who happen to be Republicans, who simply want to speak their minds and exercise their rights to talk about the election.”

I wonder what Trump would be talking about today were it not for he and his followers made up claims concerning the election?

Coronavirus is on the rise in 42 states. Dr. Fauci says it’s “horrifying” to see people cheer lack of vaccinations.”

America owes a debt of gratitude to Richard Bronson and his successful flight to the edge of outer space yesterday. America will owe a similar debt of gratitude to Jeff Bezos next week when he rides a rocket space ship to the heavens.

Both of these men are zillionaires. No one compels them to spend huge sums of money to do these things. They do it because they want to and for the fun of it.

There is a third element involved. It has been some 50 years since America’s first flight into space. Man must continue the flights. Wonders are out there awaiting man’s discovery. The government does not have the type of money to put such programs forth in this day and age. Bronson and Bezos do and are willing to spend a part of their monies for a good cause.  They are to be congratulated. The men are patriots.

Enjoy your day!