ROGER J. GOEBEL DIED

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Roger J. Goebel met his Maker on April 20, 2018. Roger was 82.

The meeting had to be an interesting one. Roger an intellectual. A genius. Few could match his mental acumen.

Roger’s life was committed to the law. The last 33 years as a Professor at Fordham Law. He might very well be serving as a counselor to the Lord today.

Strange I am writing about Roger today. The last time I saw him was on the day we both graduated from Manhattan College in 1957. My only connection with him since has occasionally reading about him in the news. Prior to teaching law, he was a partner with an international law firm. He spent many years in the firm’s Paris office.

Roger and I developed a strange relationship. He was beyond me mentally. I doubt anyone was of his intellectual level. Which meant he was a loner.

For some reason, we became friends in our last two years at Manhattan. We would walk one or two evenings a week around the campus chatting. Sometimes at his level, sometimes at mine. I found him to be a lonely person. His intellect setting him aside from others.

God love you, Roger! Sad we never spoke again after Manhattan.

I would never have known Roger died were it not for a fellow Manhattan graduate, John Reinke. Class of 1968. Reinke publishes a weekly internet periodical Jasper Jottings. Manhattan College is known less formally as the Jaspers.

How John gets Jasper Jottings out amazes me. Alumni detail big time.

Keep up the good work, John. You help so many of us in small but important ways.

Another Manhattan graduate who also became a lawyer is presently in the news daily. Rudy Giuliani. Not a class mate of Roger and I. Giuliani graduated some 8-10 years after us.

I have spoken/written of Giuliani the past few days several times. In this blog, my newspaper column, my podcast, and Facebook live video. The man is over the hill. His time has passed.

I suspect Trump has brought him on his team as an ego booster. He is not helping him legally.

Perhaps Trump does have a genius. By keeping Giuliani at his side, he keeps the news on Giuliani and not himself.

Yesterday morning, I wrote this week’s KONK Life column. It has to be to the publisher on Saturday. The paper hits the stands on Wednesday.

This week’s topic a change of pace. A walk back in history. A relatively unknown part.

The article concerns General James Wilkinson. Part of George Washington’s team and involved in American politics and military service in one fashion or another till after the War of 1812.

I wrote about Wilkinson because he was worse than Aaron Burr. For whatever reason, history rarely speaks of him. A devious man.

One example of his less than honorable ways is when he was serving as an American general, he was also on the payroll of the Spanish government as a spy against the U.S. Spain paid him so much in silver that he had difficulty getting it back to the U.S. Too heavy to transport.

Lunch afterwards at the Cuban Coffee Queen. Spent a couple of hours sipping Cuban coffee and reading the newspapers.

I was supposed to party last night at one of several places. I made none. As the race approached, I decided to watch it alone at home. A sign age is catching up with me.

I received several photos from the different parties. All suggesting the same thing…..See what you missed!

I was impressed with Justify. Three inches of rain fell before the race. The track muddy. The race only in doubt for a split second.

The Washington Post ran an interesting internet article yesterday afternoon. Concerned Trump. Title: “As The ‘King Of Debt,’ Trump Borrowed To Build His Empire. Then He Began Spending Hundreds Of Millions In Cash.”

The article claims that nine years before Trump became President, his company spent more than $400 million in cash for new properties. Fourteen transactions involved.

Real estate money men do not buy real estate by paying cash. They take on partners and borrow as much as they can. Debt is the way business is done.

All of a sudden, Trump has large amounts of cash! Does not make sense. Especially noting that the recession of 2008 occurred during the nine year period.

Where did the cash come from? Are these deals part of any investigation?

Glad it’s Sunday. Always a good day. I will probably attend Hot Dog Church with my lesbian wives Donna and Terri, followed by Kate Miano’s Gardens.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

 

NORWAY……HEALTHCARE AND COLLEGE EDUCATION FREE

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Heard from Jean Thornton yesterday. Key West’s Golden Girl was in Bergen, Norway. She and Joe had just finished lunch. Jean, soup and a beer. Joe, fish and chips and a beer. Cost, $75.

My first impression, WOW! Lord, save me from Norway!

The WOW understandable. On the other hand, in spite of the cost of the lunch, Norway may not be a bad place to live.

Healthcare is free. A public education through college is free. The country has a comprehensive social security system.

Norway is considered the star of 21st century socialism.

It has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Forty six weeks paid parental leave. An average hourly wage among the highest in the world. An average hourly productivity level also among the highest in the world.

Norway is the largest producer of oil and natural gas outside the Middle East. It has the fourth highest per capita income in the world. The second wealthiest country in the world in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation.

On top of it all, a low crime rate. No need to steal where the government in one fashion or another takes care of its own.

There is also a negative side. Not sure if negative is the correct word. Norway’s cost of living (excluding housing) is 52 percent higher than in the United States. Probably the reason Jean and Joe had to pay $75 for lunch.

Watched Trump speak to the NRA convention in Dallas yesterday afternoon. His cry…..Elect Republicans to save gun rights!

The man respectfully is a whore. I recall how several months ago he sat in the White House and told students, teachers and parents following the 17 Florida high school shooting deaths that no one should be afraid of the NRA. He was not, suggesting he was finally prepared to stand up to the NRA.

He made clear yesterday before the NRA that his words in the White House were for show. Yesterday he said, ” We will never give up our freedom. We will live free and we will die free.”

He was Teddy Roosevelt and the audience was ready to follow him up the hill.

The Chart Room again last night. Spent considerable time chatting with John and David.

Stopped at Five Guys on the way home. They have cheeseburgers wrapped in lettuce. Perfect for my diet. Enjoyed two.

Big day today! The Kentucky Derby!

I have been privileged to attend many major sporting events. Never a Kentucky Derby, however. Doubt I will in the future. Can’t do everything.

Rain predicted for this afternoon. The track may be a bit muddy. A horse called Justify the favorite. I do not follow the horses so I know nothing about him.

I have three places to watch the race. Don’s Place, the Chart Room, and Bob and Donna’s. Don’s Place always fun. Never watched the race at the Chart Room. Bob and Donna’s sure to be a great house party.

Recently, I have been referring to Netanyahu and Trump as birds of a feather. They are. Especially in the area of lying. Truth means nothing to them.

Netanyahu has been on a kick re Iran for a year. Especially the past week. He did a drama made for TV. Charts, diagrams, etc. Some even in color.

All to provide Iran nuclear information. Poorly stated. Actually, Iran nuclear disinformation. Turns out much of the material he relied upon was old and known. That not old, he fabricated. Significantly.

Netanyahu and Trump want war with Iran. Trump could get it now that he has Bolan and Pompeo as aides.

If a war should erupt with any country, it will be nuclear. Trump, his staff and family will be safely beneath some mountain in the West. While you and I will be scurrying to find a table to hide under.

Another problem seems to be overwhelming us. Lying is becoming acceptable. We don’t get upset when a political leader lies today. We have come to expect and accept lying. The kind Trump engages in.

A study suggest Trump lies 6.5 times a day and has lied more that 3,000 times since taking office.

Enjoy your day!

SEX AND SENIORS

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A recent study indicated a large number of older Americans have active sex lives. The survey stated one half of those over 65 are enjoying a sexual relationship.

The bottom line…..Seniors want to have fun!

At 82, I can say the desire never goes away. The ability sometimes does. Makes no difference. Viagra helps. In many instances, physical intimacy alone is sufficient.

I find sex better in my old age. The quality. Tender.

I have one complaint. Courting at 82 is no different from what it was at 22. Can be a pain in the ass!

The Chart Room again last night. Love the place! Packed with tourists. Only locals were Steve and Cindy. My Key West historians. They have lived here since 1974.

I intended to have a sandwich at home. On the drive home, decided I needed more people connection. I headed for Hogfish.

Hard to believe! The place full! People waiting to be seated. I was lucky to grab a seat at the bar.

Never fails. I met three fishermen and spent a couple of hours chatting with them. Typical Key West fishermen of old. Weather beaten faces, a tooth or two missing, happy in their work and play.

I am paying this morning for last night.

Donna and Terri telephoned yesterday. They had just left Tampa. Terri spent a few days with the doctors. A scheduled follow up visit. She will have many as her life continues.

The cancer problem no problem. Hurray!

The eye problem resolved. Terri has been slowly going blind. Glaucoma. Had it even before the cancer. Seems to have gotten worse the past couple of months. Accelerated rapidly.

Turns out it was the daily chemo pill she was taking. Increased pressure in her eyes dramatically. The doctors changed her pill a few days ago. Her vision was already better when she talked with me yesterday.

Trump speaks today before the NRA convention. Fourth year in a row. Wonder what he will say?

Following the Parkland shooting, he seemed to have jumped the fence and was on the side of gun control. Recall the meeting in the White House of students, parents and teachers.

Then a week or two later, he seemed to have returned to the side of the gun people.

The man is amazing. One day he supports safety. The next, the Second Amendment. The extreme of each.

I recall last year’s NRA convention when Trump said, “You have a friend!”

I suspect the friend of the NRA will show up again today. The strongest man in the world cannot stand up to those who contribute to the killing of American children.

Father Pat Conroy. The Catholic priest fired last week by House Speaker Ryan. Father Conroy wrote a letter to Ryan rescinding his resignation. A forced one you will recall.

Good!

The hypocrisy of Washington is too much to take sometimes.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

TRUMP MACHIAVELLIAN

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On this day in 1469, the Italian political philosopher and writer Nicolo Machiavelli was born. Friend and foe at different times of Cesare Borgia and the Medici family.

Machiavelli most famous effort is The Prince. The book’s hero an amoral calculating tyrant for whom the end justified the means. A man who believed diabolical expediency was proper activity in the world of politics.

“Machiavellian” has come to be recognized as an action undertaken for gain without regard for right or wrong.

Is Trump Machiavellian? If the shoe fits, he should wear it.

I think it does.

A busy yesterday. Sandy’s Cafe for lunch. Ran some errands. Picked up some groceries at Publix.

In my old age, grocery shopping has become an event. Run into friends, make new ones. I become increasingly knowledgeable regarding the increasing excessive cost for food. Some without sufficient means, cut back on their drugs. Others I am sure, food.

Spent a couple of hours last night at the Chart Room. My place! Good friends!

Last night John, Sheila, David, Holly and Kevin.

Kevin steadily recovering from his terrible scooter accident. Looks better. Extensive plastic surgery was required to his face. His skin smooth like a baby’s skin. His mental acuity better. A lucky man.

Kevin complimented his wife Holly extensively. His strength. How she was there for him all the time. I was happy for him.

In my lifetime, I have found many spouses are not helpful or do not stay around when the other is be felled by some adversity. I recall one wife who told me when her husband was into a long term non recoverable illness that she had not contracted for “this” when she married him. She divorced her husband.

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice contained an interesting comment. Reflecting that things change with time.

There was an era when Key Westers wanted ships wrecked on a reef so they could profit from the ship’s cargo recovery. No mention at that time of reef damage.

Today, the profit in such an occurrence arises out of the damage to the reef, not its cargo.

I mentioned last week in this blog and on my podcast that Rudy Giuliani was over the hill as far as representing Trump was concerned. No insult intended to a once a distinguished professional. However, he had not seen the inside of a court room in 20 years.

I was correct. Look at the mess he made on Fox News last night.

On this day in 1946, Japanese War Crimes Trials began in Tokyo. Twenty eight military and governmental officials.

Tokyo was not the only place where Japanese war criminals were tried. The Japanese had committed heinous crimes through out most of Asia. Outside Japan itself, more than 5,000 were tried and found guilty of war crimes. Nine hundred executed.

The 5,000 needed defense counsel. Many U.S. attorneys heeded the call for assistance. One was Robert Miller.

I was fortunate in later years to have Miller as a Professor in  law school. I studied criminal law and evidence under him.

A sharp guy. Extremely intelligent. Benefited his students even more by tying his lectures occasionally into one of the war crime trials he had defended.

Busy day again. Haircut, lunch and a manicure. Who knows what tonight will bring.

Such a life!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES / BUT NAMES CANNOT HARM ME

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Trump constantly disparages people. Someone checked how many times he has called people names. It came to over 400 hundred.

There is an old English children’s rhyme. One which persuades a child victim to ignore taunts. The words have slightly changed over the years. Its meaning remains the same: “Sticks and stones may break my bones / But names cannot harm me.”

MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle put together a list of White House staff who have described the President in less than flattering terms. The comments directed to his mental acumen.

Chief of Staff John Kelly referred to Trump as “an idiot.” Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called him a “fucking moron.” His former Chief Economic Adviser Gary Cohen said he was “dumb as shit.” Once National Security adviser H. R. McMaster called him a “dope” with the “intelligence of a kindergartener.” His first Chief of Staff Reince Priebus called him an “idiot” also.

The names must offend the President. Especially one who believes he is the smartest President ever. Believing and being are two different things.

My podcast last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

I love doing the show! Apparently the audience does, also. The numbers increase weekly. The show has acquired national sponsors. Its syndication recently expanded.

Tennessee Williams one of the writing greats who called Key West home. On this day in 1955, he received the Pulitzer Prize for his play write of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Few recalled Harold Bornstein, M.D. till the past 24 hours. He was Trump’s personal physician for 35 years. He is the doctor who wrote last year a good health letter for the President. Said in effect Trump was the healthiest President ever.

Bornstein apparently not Trump’s personal physician any longer.

In February 2017, Trump’s body guard, his lawyer, and a third person”raided” his office early one morning. Bornstein was there. The three removed all of Trump’s medical files.

Bornstein referred to the visit as a “raid.” He claims he felt “raped.”

The President moves in strange ways.

This story is somewhat familiar to the one Stormy Daniels has been telling. The part where she was putting groceries in the trunk of her car. Her young daughter in the back seat. Daniels claimed a strange man walked up to her and told her to back off Trump, suggesting danger to her and her daughter.

I don’t know if either story has truth/merit. They do have a common base. One involving fear and intimidation. Initiated purportedly for or by the most powerful man in the world.

Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu is a trouble maker. A bully. Authoritarian. An inventor of events. An initiator of false events. A right wing populist. Denounces the media. Dogged by corruption scandals. Casts himself as a victim of the elite establishment. Uses fear and hatred to sow divisions in societies and to win elections.

Similar to Trump. Birds of a feather.

Both suck up to each other.

Netanyahu has been on the international media the past few days attacking Iran. He claims Iran was not completely forthcoming re the fabled deal.

His audience is actually one. Trump. He wants Trump to not approve/renew the agreement with Iran.

Netanyahu is using colorful charts, diagrams and photos to support his position. A false one as it turns out. Everything Netanyahu is selling is old news, known to the parties to the agreement at the time entered into.

Recall National Security adviser Colin Powell’s infamous address in 2002 re Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. Turned out not to be true.

Powell’s speech then is Netanyahu’s speech today. Scary, but false. Powell unaware of falsity at the time he made the speech. Whereas, Netanyahu knows he is speaking with a forked tongue.

Netanyahu’s object is to destroy Iran.

He considers Iran and Syria to be Israel’s most dangerous enemies.

The belligerents in Syria wish to de-escalate. With the exception of one. Israel.

This week’s KONK Life hits the stands today. I have begun writing my COMMENTARY column again. This week’s title Can An Independent Be Elected President In 2020?

Before you say no, read the article. It could just happen.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

MAY 1 ALREADY

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Today is May 1st.

As the year moves swiftly, so too do the days of my life. Another birthday around the corner. Eighty three.

Nothing I can do about it.

Spent most of yesterday afternoon preparing for tonight’s podcast. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Tons of topics. Even without Trump, so many to discuss. I was selective. The program tonight should be interesting.

Join me for an exciting quick moving half hour tonight at 9. You will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I have been doing a live video on Facebook. Try daily. Miss one or two times a week.

The video is short and to the point. Yesterday’s done late in the afternoon: Netanayhu A Warmonger. Look for it on Key West Lou Live.

Early evening found me at Aqua. For Dueling Bartenders. My monday evening favorite.

Tom Luna and Rick Dery headlining. Guest performer Laura Richardson. First time we met. A great voice. Singing is for fun. Her avocation the Salt Art Gallery on Fleming which she owns.

Laura just finished her first year in the art business. Quite excited. She paid her bills, met payroll, and made a few dollars. A good start!

Judy and her son Steve were seated next to me. Judy from Ohio. I asked her about John Kasich. She did not like him when first elected. Now her enthusiasm for him overflowing. A good man, a good Governor.

I shared with her my thought he might make an excellent candidate for President in 2020 as an independent. She understood Kasich had broken with Trump before the Republican Convention which Kasich did not attend.

I consider Kasich a class act.

Lovely Liz with friend Josefina came in. Liz beautiful, as always. A new hairdo. Striking!

Good friend Joseph Lyles arrived with Linda. Joseph the best! Concierge now at The Reach. Loves the job.

Stopped at Tavern ‘n Town on the way home for a bite to eat. George bartending. Good company.

I am excited! Irma and Me on the shelf at the Key West Library. Enjoy reading it for nothing.

Book writing a learning process. Took 3 months before the Library accepted the book. Some one actually had to read it. My book went to the bottom of the pile and had to work its way up.

The speed limit for most Key West residential streets has been reduced. From 25 mph to 20 mph. I do not understand what the 5 mile difference accomplishes.

People speed in Key West. Not everyone. Most. If 25 mph was not working, why will 20?

Learned something re when police will stop/ticket you in Key West. A driver is pulled over for 5 mph over the limit. Does not necessarily mean a ticket. A ticket guaranteed if speed exceeds 9 mph.

The Big Pine Key fire finally out. A bush fire that moved rapidly and was difficult to contain. Took 7 days to totally extinguish. Fire personnel from all over working the blaze.

The weather helped. Friday 1.7 inches of rain. Did a number on the fire, though did not totally extinguish it. Hot spots remained which were resolved over the weekend. Mitigation operations continued over the weekend.

A great fire team. No lives lost. Property damage extremely little.

A Trump perversity in the works. He wants the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts with North Korea. What a joke! He brought us to the brink of a nuclear war!

Trump thinks his in your face threats to other leaders scares them into submission. Perhaps. It won’t work all  the time, however. It only takes one crazy leader at the other end who will not bend. Then, war!

South Korea President Moon Jae-in is responsible for the talks now ongoing. He went to North Korea to talk with Kim Jung-Un and arrange for the two Koreas to share certain Olympic activities. Moon is the one who has already met with Jun-Un and gained certain concessions.

The word is Trump has asked Moon to give him credit for creating the environment for the talks.

Respectfully, the man is a scum bag.

Enjoy your day!