A lot of material this morning. Too much to organize. I will lay things out as they come up in my notes.

Enjoy!

Haircut yesterday with Lori. I have not seen her in a month. She was sick when my last haircut was scheduled. In the meantime, I began growing a beard. The last time I had one was about 12 years ago.

The beard is entering its fifth week. Coming in well. I have trimmed it twice. Past the wild stage. Chin and moustache gaining body. Sides of face still not much. Apparently grows slower.

Lori and I had a conference. Should I try letting my hair grow. I have kept my head bald for at least 15 years. Half my head is naturally bald.

We decided to try. She cleaned my head up a bit. Very minimally.

Whether to grow hair is one of the heavy decisions one has to make at my age. So it should be!

Watched Syracuse/North Carolina State football last night. Not going to be a good season for Syracuse. We lost 16-10.

North Carolina played well. As the game progressed, I thought they were really going to kill us. They have a freshman quarterback. Seasoned already.

Syracuse’s De Vito is a redshirted sophomore. He needs seasoning. A lot to learn. He spiked the ball 3 times for example. Even once would have been too much.

This is De Vito’s year to learn. Means Syracuse will not shine till next year. Hopefully!

Caught pieces of Trump’s Minneapolis rally during the night when I woke and could not get back to sleep.

Typical Trump.

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. I occasionally use swear words in the blog to describe my feelings or what I think about another person. Fortunately, I do not use profanity or less than acceptable language as much as Trump.

Last night, he said Biden was only good while he was Vice President because he would “kiss Obama’s ass.”

Made me think. The guy most certainly is not a role model for the youth of America. Not just because of “ass.” He has used rougher language in the past. In fact, frequently.

Kids deserve better.

Clinton was not much of a role model either. His was  sex. The children understood. Someone someday will write a book re the impact Clinton had on the children of America.

The news before the rally was Trump was in a war with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Over money.

It cost Minneapolis $530,000 for extra police protection services, etc. The Mayor said the President should pay. Trump said no way, he never pays. Which is true. Everywhere he has had a rally, he has left the city holding the bag.

Trump believes it is a city’s legal obligation to pay. He claims the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech. He as President is speaking. He should not have to pay.

No question Trump is el cheapo. He took in $125 million the first quarter this year to help with the campaign. A rally is part and parcel of a campaign. The President should pay. Especially since he is rolling in campaign money. Recall he is paying Facebook $1.6 million a week for political advertising. Most of which is going towards negative Biden ads which are coming up as lies.

The GM/UAW strike is in its 25th day. No resolution in sight as yet.

One of the biggest issues, if not the biggest, is the union’s demand that GM move work back from plants in Mexico to plants in the U.S. GM had announced pre strike that it was closing 4 U.S. plants. Three of the 4 have already halted production.

A difficult issue to resolve. Labor costs much cheaper in Mexico. Makes cost of the car to the consumer cheaper, also.

A huge chasm to cross in resolving the issue.

Woe the web we weave when first we seek to deceive. This Ukraine thing is growing. More persons being drawn into it. I suspect it will be the problem that brings Trump down in the final analysis.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York arrested 2 former Ukrainians who are now U.S. citizens. They make money for themselves and others by doing deals that may be less than proper involving the Ukraine.

The 2 were arrested at Dulles Airport wednesday as they were getting on a plane to fly to Venice. One way tickets. The two charged with campaign-finance law violations.

The 2 are “clients” of Rudy Giuliani.

A photo appeared in the newspapers yesterday showing the 2 at lunch with a third man and Donald Trump Jr.

It is claimed Trump has 119 business interests in the Ukraine.

Recall Trump’s cries that he was going to clean the swamp that Washington had become. His performance leaves much to be desired. In fact, the swamp has gotten swampier.

The U.S. has been at war in Afghanistan for 18 years. The U.S. has reached the point where many of the U.S. military serving in Afghanistan are 18 years old. Fifteen thousand three hundred sixty four.

Afghanistan is the place we should get out of. Not the Ukraine as Trump has done.

Interestingly, the U.S. is not the first nation/group that spent years in the Afghanistan region without success. The following failed: Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, the British Empire, and Russia.

A study was recently released listing the “most miserable” cities in the U.S. Gary, Indiana was #1.

Gary used to be a hub for manufacturing. Its jobs have gone elsewhere. When jobs go, the people do also. Of those remaining, only 50 percent are employed, 36 percent live under the poverty line.

Even “crimes” have left.

Gary used to be the murder capital of the U.S. Hardly anyone left to kill. Gary also used to be the drug capital of the U.S. No more. For drugs you need money. There is no money. There are not sufficient jobs nor things to steal.

Key West still in hurricane season. Till November 31.

Key West has had its share of hurricanes. Part of the Key West living experience.

There was the Great Hurricane of 1846. High winds and a 7 foot surge. All buildings damaged or destroyed. The hurricane considered the “most severe” till that time. Difficult to be certain. Fewer formal records kept. Those that were kept did not survive the hurricane.

Then there was the October 10, 1909 hurricane. A category 3. Winds over 100 mph. Twelve inches of rain in 5 hours.

Most of Key West destroyed. Leveled. KONK E-Blast ran a pic of the Ruy Lopez Cigar Factory. A huge 2 story building. Long. Ninety percent leveled. Not a pleasant sight.

This weekend the ROAR. Loud it will be. The 46th annual Florida Keys Poker Run. A fundraiser for charities and non-profits.

Hundreds of motorcycles will roar down U.S. 1 today to party in Key West through sunday. Then roar out with the same noise level. None of the bikes seem to have mufflers.

They drive U.S. 1 30-40 at a time in group formation.

The drivers and riders look like bad people. Black leather, Nazi type helmets, etc. Many with their women riding behind them. Similarly attired. All with tight blouses and shorts/jeans.

Men and women alike look like bums and dangerous people. Actually, not. They are doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc. with their wives and girl friends. Coming to Key West for a fun filled weekend.

The merchants will be happy. The restaurants and bars will do a big business. The bikers spend money! The bikes cost as much as a good car. Beautiful vehicles.

The bikers come from all over the U.S. Unless Florida residents, they have their bikes shipped to Miami. Pick them up there and then ride U.S. 1 to Key West.

A few years ago, some biker groups joined the event. Not good guys. Bad ones. Came to start fights, etc. Key West wanted the event no more. The problem was resolved and last year the doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc. were the only ones partying in Key West.

Enjoy your day!

A Yom Kippur story.

Sandy Koufax  is one of the greatest baseball pitchers of all time. In 1965, he was the absolute best.

On October 6, 1965, Koufax was playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers were playing the Minnesota Twins that day in the opening game of the World Series.

Koufax refused to play. He was Jewish. It was Yom Kippur, a religious day. The Dodger manager was Walter Alston. Neither he nor any of Koufax’s team mates got upset with Koufax. They respected his decision to put his religion ahead of  his job.

Don Drysdale was selected to pitch in Koufax’s place. Drysdale an excellent pitcher in his own right.

Not that day, however. He did not have it as the saying goes. In less than 3 innings, he gave up several runs.

When Alston went out to the mound to take out his starting pitcher, Drysdale quipped, “I bet right now you wish I was Jewish too.”

Historical genius Donald Trump was at it again yesterday.

Seeking to justify his giving Turkey the green light to invade the Kurds in northeastern Syria, he said, “They did not help us in the Second World War.”

Someone should remind him that neither did Germany or Japan. In spite of the clashes the U.S. has with them, Trump would never arrange to have either invaded.

At least, I don’t think so. Never know with Trump.

Another quip by Trump yesterday was, “They weren’t at Normandy.” An event 70 years ago. An observation by a man who avoided military service because of alleged bone chips in his foot.

It was mentioned yesterday on one of the news shows that Trump has many business interests in Turkey. One hundred nineteen to be exact.

An influencing factor in his decision?

There is no justification for what Trump is doing to the Kurds. He has stabbed a “friend” in the back.

America’s Judas. The best way to describe Trump. Because of him, women, kids and men are fleeing on foot the Turkish invasion. Some in wheelchairs. Smoke is seen billowing over a city. The sound of bombs can be heard. Soon 10,000 plus ISIS prisoners will be released from jail to act out their beliefs again on the Kurds. Perhaps even Americans.

The Turks are invading Syria from the north, Russian backed forces from the south, and ISIS fighters are attacking Raqqa. Trump has unraveled death and destruction.

It was reported that as many as 300,00 persons could be displaced. Talk about immigration problems! Other parts of Syria and other Mideast and European nations will be impacted.

Good job, Donald!

Trump’s war chest is big. He is taking in millions.

Trump’s campaign is spending $1.6 million a week advertising on Facebook. Political ads. Right now directed at Biden. Most of the ads false.

Facebook’s policy was to review political ads before running them to make sure what was being said was correct. Two weeks ago, Facebook CEO Zuckerberg met with Trump in the White House. A couple of days later, Facebook changed its policy re political ads. It no longer reviews them for correctness. Facebook has intentionally excluded them.

I have been opposed to government overseeing the internet. I wonder now if my thinking has been correct. Money talks!

This past week, Vice President Pence was interviewed by Anderson Cooper. This man who holds himself out as a most religious person defended Trump’s call to Turkey’s President Zelensky. He told Anderson that no request was made for the Ukraine to investigate Biden.

Now to Key West.

Lovely sweet Tammy from the Chart Room will be on a float for Fantasy Fest. Her first time.

I told her I had been on one years ago with Howard Livingston. Never again. Too much work. I was exhausted at the end of the evening. It’s the beads. Continuing to throw them to the screaming crowd tiring.

Tammy is 48. Looks 28.

She worked for a time as a bartender at the Garden of Eden. The clothing optional operation. Her time included a Fantasy Fest Week. She was required to go topless. Permitted however to have her breasts painted.

She was lucky.

There are female tourists on the street walking around with their entire bodies painted. Clothing consists of pasties on the nipples and sandals on the feet. Nothing in between.

Enjoy your day!

Turkey began entering Syria yesterday. A small band to prepare for the larger invasion which may begin today. TV and the Internet show tanks heading for the border. It is reported that the Turks will use tanks, foot shoulders, F16 jets, and howitzers to accomplish the invasion.

The Kurds are among the world’s best soldiers today. Trained by U.S. forces. They have distinguished themselves in the Syrian Civil War which has been ongoing for 7 years 8 months.

The Kurds do not have sufficient soldiers nor equipment to defeat the Turks. They will be defeated. A massacre of the Kurd forces and their families is anticipated.

All thanks to the “impetuous” Donald Trump who gave the ok signal to Turkey to go for it. He did so by “immediately” withdrawing the 1,000 American soldiers who had been helping the Kurds.

Seeing the Turkish tanks on TV and the internet reminded me of September 1, 1939 when Hitler began his invasion of Poland. The blitzkrieg. The start of World War II.

Turkey’s President Erdogan reminds me of Hitler. The same type moustache. Narrowed in. The war he is leading similar to the Polish invasion.

Actually, Erdogan and Trump remind me of Hitler and Mussolini. Erdogan Hitler in appearance and war effort. Trump Mussolini in appearance. However the two can be described as dissimilar. Trump purportedly has the brains and could be considered Hitler. Forget not, it was Trump who said in a monday press conference that he has “great and unmatched wisdom.”

World War II resulted in 70-85 million deaths. Military and civilian. Four hundred thousand American military.

It is difficult to determine the actual number of deaths caused thus far by the war in Syria. Syria’s President Assad a mean man in his own right. A killer. Cares not for his people. He has had many killed via the military and while imprisoned. He tortures the imprisoned big time. Many to their deaths. He once had 803 children killed at one time. He has been known to use chemical warfare.

Throw in Turkey. Add on Russia, Iran, and the Islamic State. All responsible in one fashion or another for deaths.

Can’t leave the U.S. out. Turkey and the Kurds our friends. We have been helping each side.

The U.N. estimates overall deaths between 400,000 and 570,000.

My concern is whether the Turkish invasion is the beginning of the end. I worry it may be the start of an even larger conflict. Like a world war.

I have always assumed if there was a third world war, it would begin in the Middle East or thereabouts. Too many war crazy people.

Add Trump into the mix and who knows what will happen. I fear Trump has become the facilitator for the big war. Doing stupid things like he did in telling Erdogan sunday he would pull American troops out.

The joke of it all is that in the entire Syrian War only 4 Americans have been killed. The U.S. does not have a similar track record anywhere else.

Why does everyone want all or a piece of Syria?

I suspect Turkey merely for expansion purposes. Erdogan refers to the land they want as becoming a “buffer zone.” Sounds a lot like Israel and the Palestinians.

Russia and Iran are after the oil. Crude oil. Syria is the only significant oil producing country in the Eastern Middle East region.

The U.S. is not interested in a buffer state or the oil. It is difficult to recall how the U.S became involved in Syria.

The entire situation a scary mess.

In the meantime, Trump is aggravating the hell out of China. He has declared new and significant tariffs. Trump keeps pushing and China is going to send some missiles our way. A people can only be defecated on so long.

My blog has been limited to the Turkey-Kurdish-Syria situation. It is that important.

Enjoy your day!

He’s nuts! Narcissistic! Our President. Donald Trump.

Forty eight hours ago, he stabbed our friends the Kurds in the back. He ordered the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from northeastern Syria. Gave Turkey’s President Erdogan the ok to attack the border where the Kurds are stationed.

It is anticipated a massacre will result. Kurd soldiers and their families.

Trump made the decision without consultation with anyone he should have. Like Defense, the Pentagon, CIA, etc.

None agree with his move. Many Republican Senators also.

Such reflects how bad Trump’s decision was.

Apparently Trump and Erdogan had a telephone conference sunday. Erdogan was already extremely upset with Trump. Trump had not met with him privately at the U.N conference. May have caused Erdogan to lose face.

Whatever, in the call Trump agreed to the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Some say Trump was “rolled” by Erdogan. Typical of Trump. He gave something of value and received nothing in return. Takes me back to the campaign when Trump was proclaiming he was a negotiator, knew how to negotiate, etc.

Withing hours of the decision, experts were on Trump’s back. A bum move on his part.

He had to walk his decision back a bit.

At a press conference, Trump said he would “totally destroy and obliterate Turkey’s economy (I’ve done before) if it takes unspecified off limit actions.”

Trump also said that “…..if Turkey does anything that I IN MY GREAT AND UNMATCHED WISDOM CONSIDER TO BE OFF LIMITS,” Turkey would receive the economic destruction and obliteration previously described.

One of our problems is Trump believes his wisdom is “great and unmatched.” He knows not how limited his abilities are.

The U.S. has been involved in Syria for years. In an assisting capacity. Assad forever. Joined by Iran and Russia. Can you imagine! We have been helping Assad’s forces who have been totally aligned with those of Iran and Russia. We knew it all the time.

Strange in itself. The U.S. was in Syria to destroy ISIS. Somehow we got tangled with 2 of our worst enemies, Iran and Russia.

Why has Assad been so hot in taking over Syria? Why also Iran and Russia? The answer the same as with many present military engagements. Oil. Syria is the only significant oil producing country in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Oil is gold!

Respectfully, Trump is an asshole. He continues to remind me of Little Jack Horner. Recall, Little Jack Horner sat in a corner eating his Christmas pie. He stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum and said, “What a good boy am I.”

I am sure Trump thought oh, what a good boy was he. He had pulled out a plum when he made the deal with Assad sunday to pull U.S. troops out.

The man is incompetent and inept. And those words give him too much credit!

Attorney General Barr belongs in Washington running the Justice Department. Not running around the world looking for dirt. Something to overturn the popularly believed concept that Russia was not involved in the 2016 U.S. elections.

He has recently visited Australia, Italy and the United Kingdom searching for wrongdoing by Democrats which would help Trump in the 2020 election. Interestingly, he has been coldly received in all 3 countries. Deciding rightfully that U.S. politics are none of their business.

Barr is doing such at the behest of Trump. Not his job. He should stop sucking up to Trump. Get fired or quit, if necessary. His reputation has become severely tarnished and gets more so with each passing day.

Tonight, my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Am I going to have fun!

Join me at 9 my time for a quick moving and interesting half hour. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Some consume alcohol in the evening, some in the afternoon into the evening, some in the evening. Some consume all day.

Drinking seems to be an All American sport. Definitely is in Key West.

Some require that early morning drink(s). Soothe the nerves, alcoholism, call it whatever you like. It is definitely needed!

I am aware of 2 Key West breakfast clubs. Schooner Wharf and Don’s Place. Both open at 7 in the morning. People arrive early and stand waiting for the 7 o’clock bell.

Schooner is open air. So people stand at the bar waiting. Don’s enclosed. They begin lining up outside at 6:45.

Never a mere handful at either place. A significant number of patrons waiting.

Schooner Wharf has an official club. Six hundred fifty two members.

I have been at both bars early morning.

Schooner Wharf several times years ago when my grandkids would visit me. Schooners has one of the best breakfasts in town and a terrific view of boats from dock side tables. I would take the grandkids for breakfast around 8. Nod hello to some of my friends at the bar as we were being seate.

Don’s Place is Key West icon Don Manaher’s place. Actually called Don’s Millionaire Bar. Don paid $1 million for the bar years ago.

This is where the customers line up outside waiting for the doors to open at 7. Don does a big breakfast club business.

I was at Don’s one morning at 7. Never again. Too early for me to drink. Actually, Don had arranged some sort of party. I went for the party phase. Knocked on my ass by the drinking phase.

A man’s word is his bond. So the saying goes. A nation’s word should be its bond also. Agreements between nations are reduced to writing. Makes the bond even stronger.

I have always respected Great Britain and France for declaring war on Germany immediately when Hitler attacked Poland. They had a mutual defense pact with each other.

The U.S. has many agreements between nations. Some for war, some for trade, whatever.

A nation sticks to its word. Most have. Till the past couple of years. The U.S. has failed to be a dependable partner since Trump’s election.

Syria has been an ongoing war for years. Never seems to get resolved. Many countries involved. Most want to control Syria for economic reasons.

Turkey is led by an authoritarian figure, Tayyip Erdogan. Though elected President, a dictator. He wants Syria for Turkey.

Trump and Erdogan are birds of a feather. Bullies, nationalists. The two perceive themselves to be tough guys. They get along well.

Last night, the 2 had a long distance call.  Erdogan wanted to invade the northeast border of Syria. The much respected Kurds have been defending the area. With the assistance of 1,000 American troops.

Trump agreed to withdraw the American troops immediately. The Americans have been withdrawing all day from the border. Turkey prepared to go in. Tough though the Kurds may be, it is highly questionable whether they can hold back the Turks.

The U.S. and Kurds have had a long standing agreement that U.S. forces would work with them. Trump did not care. He has no respect for agreements. Many Kurd friends and Syrian civilians will die because Trump wanted to impress a “political friend.”

Trump has justified his actions with the statement it is time to remove the U.S. from “ridiculous endless wars.”

Bullshit, of course. His intent is to show another national leader of the power he (Trump) has.

There is a shame factor involved. The U.S. by Trump’s actions have shamed itself. Trump stabbed the Kurds in the back.

Another area of the U.S. government reflects shame. The Republican members of the U.S. Senate. They blindly stand with Trump on most things. Things diabolical, non-legal, etc. And criticize not. They fear Trump. Amazing! Less than 3 years in office and he has them cowering.

Wisconsin’s Republican Senator Johnson guested on Meet the Press yesterday.

Some may think he did his duty by defending Trump. Others may view his performance as scary.

Johnson is not new to the political game. He is in his second term and is considered one of the Senate’s brighter members. Did not come over as such yesterday.

Rather than answer questions posed, he jumped in and started swiftly reading from a prepared document. He kept screwing it up. He frequently left the document which added to the confusion. He ranted and raved. Conducted himself abusively.

The man was the personification of fear. He feared. I have to assume he feared Trump. It appeared he sold his soul to the country store.

He reminded me of Sean Spicer. Spicer was Trump’s first Press Secretary. Recall inauguration day. Trump was upset with Sean’s description of the crowd. Trump wanted it to be the largest ever. Spicer spoke truth. It was much less than Obama’s.

Trump sent Spicer back before the TV cameras several times. Each time the pain and anger with that which he was being forced to do was obvious on his face.

Such is what I saw in Johnson’s conduct yesterday on Meet the Press.

To make the picture complete, friday evening Johnson was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal. He was upset with Trump. He thought Trump had created a quid pro quo by holding up military aid to the Ukraine.

Less than 48 hours later on sunday morning, he took an opposite position. I cannot say he was less upset sunday morning as he had been friday evening. No, he was more upset sunday morning.

It was obvious Johnson had been imposed upon and was preaching a line not to his liking.

An example of the pot calling the kettle black. Trump said this past week that Nancy Pelosi may be guilty of treason. Why? She knew of all the “many shifty Adam Schiff lies and massive frauds perpetrated upon Congress and the American people.” Trump twittered, “The knowledge constitutes High Crimes and Misdemeanors, and even treason.”

Today is Vladimir Putin’s birthday. He is 67 years old. I bet Trump will call and wish his “friend” a Happy Birthday!

I conclude with a question: Does Democracy have a future?

Mull the question over. Some may wish to comment with a response.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Sunday!

Victoria Komada was born 3 years ago in Norwich, Poland. She was born with backward legs.

The medical term bilateral tibial hemimelia. A congenital deformity which results in deformed legs and missing bones.

She would never walk.

The doctors advised the only solution was a double amputation.

Her parents were reluctant to so proceed. They rapidly searched world wide. They discovered a surgeon in Florida who thought he would be able to reconstruct one of her legs.

The medical costs would total $235,000. The parents did not have the money. They sought donations via various sources world wide. The money was raised.

Victoria and her parents flew to Paley Institute in West Palm Beach. Dr. Dror Paley was the physician who thought he could help. His examination confirmed the left leg could be fixed and the right leg could simply be fitted with a prosthetic.

The surgery was successfully performed. Victoria could walk. One problem. She was reluctant to do so in front of her parents.

On her discharge day while on the way to a car, Victoria said, “Mummy can I show you something…..” She walked!

Victoria can walk, run and play sports. Her results described as “superb.” All possible because of parents who would not give up, a doctor who thought he could do the job, and thousands of people who contributed to make the surgery possible.

The murder trial of former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger ended this week. She had returned home, went into the wrong apartment, saw a black man, became frightened and shot him.

She was found guilty. Sentenced to 10 years in jail. Could have received 99.

Immediately following sentencing, a strange happening occurred. An unusual one. The victim’s brother went up to Amber, put his arms around her and said, “I forgive you.”

Even stranger, the Judge (a black female) came off the bench, hugged Amber and gave her a Bible.

Friday night, the scenario became even stranger.

The key witness in the case was a black man. Joshua Brown. He had provided significant testimony during the trial. He was shot several times while standing in the parking lot of his apartment building. He died upon arrival at the hospital.

Key West is home to many ghastly stories. Some truth, some fiction. The most strange probably is the story of Count Carl von Tanzler and his love Elaine Hoyo Mesa. A true story.

On this day in 1940, the Count was arrested. The charges involved his stealing his dead girl friend’s body and sleeping with it for 7 years at his home.

The Count was employed at the Marine Hospital as an expert x-ray technician. Elaine was admitted for tuberculosis. She died sometime after being discharged.

The Count had developed an excessive obsession for Elaine even in death. She was first buried in a crypt in the cemetery. Two years later, the Count removed her body to his home. He kept her in his bed 7 years. Maintained her physical features with wax, plaster, and other items.

Her family and police became suspicious. The Count was arrested. Never tried. The statute of limitations saved him.

What I am about to describe probably requires a person to have lived during its time to appreciate the fear involved.

On this day in 1961, President Kennedy announced to the people of the United States that they should build backyard bomb shelters. Underground ones. The purpose of the bomb shelters was to protect against an atomic fallout in the event of a nuclear exchange with the Soviet Union.

That is how sensitive U.S. and Soviet relations were at the time. War was considered a probability.

I was 27. Married. Four children. Living in a home we had recently purchased.

Rome, N.Y. was a mere 14 miles from Utica where we lived. There was a SAC base in Rome. Griffiss Air Force Base. My recollection is there were only 6 SAC bases in the U.S. The planes carrying U.S. atomic bombs were located at the 6 bases.

There was no way Utica was going to avoid atomic fallout in the event the base was bombed. As it would have been.

For whatever reason I cannot recall at the moment, I never built the shelter. Nor did anyone I know.

One year later, President Kennedy’s concern could have become reality. The Cuban missile crisis occurred.

The ex-Marine who lied last week when he claimed he had sexual relations with Elizabeth Warren was found out at the time. The story was a lie.

The Marine claimed he had fought in Afghanistan. Marine Headquarters announced yesterday another lie. The Marine never had been deployed to Afghanistan.

Mitt Romney came out against Trump re the Biden/Ukraine story. One of the first Republican senators to so do.

As per his custom, Trump retaliated. Called Romney a “pompous ass.” Also began a hashtag: #impeachmittromney.

What follows concerns Mexico and the U.S.

Trump has been President close to 3 years. Recall his campaign promise that he was going to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. His track record thus far leaves much to be desired.

Since becoming President, he broke a trade treaty with Mexico and began a tariff war. He has also squeezed Mexico re immigrant responsibility.

A recent report indicates the auto industry has shifted its production base from the U.S. to Mexico. Today, Mexico is the #1 exporter of autos to the U.S. and not the other way around.

General Motors, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen and Honda leading the pack. The reason labor costs. Labor costs in Mexico pale to those in the U.S.

The Mexico bound trend continues despite growing opposition from U.S. auto workers and their unions.

The most recent data covers January-September this year.

During that time frame, 2.03 million new vehicles were dispatched from Mexican assembly plants to U.S. markets. The number  158,000 more than during the same time period last year.

The projections suggest the U.S. is on track this year to import 2.7 million new vehicles from Mexico.

The percentage of increase for certain companies January-September 2019 dramatic. General Motors 21 percent, Ford 18.3 percent, Volkswagen 56 percent, Honda 53 percent.

Not all auto companies have increased numbers. Mazda is down 71 percent, Chrysler 12 percent, Audi 22 percent, Nissan 4.3 percent.

Where am I going? What am I suggesting? Trump has not done well returning or keeping auto business in the U.S.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Iago a character in Shakespeare’s Othello. One of the most villainous villains in all of Shakespeare. Evil personified. Lusts evil. Represents cruelty for its own sake.

Trump is Iago.

Few are the redeeming qualities to be found in Trump. At the moment, I can think of none. There are words however which do identify his character.

Like divisive, rabble rouser, narcissistic, malefactor, bad actor, shit stirrer, shit disturber, scheming, instigator, mean, spiteful, provocateur, sadist, malicious, and antagonist.

I am sure there are more. These are merely the ones that immediately came to mind.

Trump and his family do not understand what is going on around them. They have never suffered the everyday problems of most. Such is reflected in a recent statement by Ivanka Trump.

She was recently interviewed. The issue of impeachment came up. Her response: “I think everything is a question of priorities. We have our priorities in the White House. We’re fighting everyday for the American worker.”

Fighting everyday for the American worker? Nothing further from the truth. Yet I am sure she and her father believe it. That is the scary part!

Saw Judy last night. One of the finest movies I have seen. The film outstanding.

As are the performances. Renee Zellweger in the role of her life. Portraying Judy Garland in Garland’s last year of her life.

She sang, danced, and suffered as Garland must have.

Zellweger was not Bridget Jones. As Judy, she lost a ton of weight. So thin! Close to emaciated!

The movie is not easy to take. The movie throughout is compelling and heavy. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Pain!

Zellweger was Judy. Hurt, on the verge of destruction. Clearly evident in her eyes and face. The ravishes of addiction and alcohol.

The movie ended on an emotional upswing. Judy singing Over The Rainbow.

Zellweger’s performance an Academy Award one.

Did Happy Hour at the Saint before Judy. A quaint little hotel. Affiliated with Marriott. Cute bar. Located directly across the street from the Tropic Cinema.

Mary met me at the Saint. We went to the movies together.

Cupboard was bare again. It was 9. Dropped Mary off immediately after the movie to do some shopping. Rushed around Publix. Bought enough to tide me over into next week. Would have purchased more. However the time was not there.

The keys are a series of islands. Many. Not certain of the number. Believe I read once 800.

The first community at the north end of the keys is Key Largo. From there to the southernmost city Key West is 113 miles. Not as the crow flies. As U.S. 1 goes.

The trip between Key Largo and Key West consists of 44 islands and 42 bridges.

A terrific drive. Try it sometime if you have not. Water to your left, water to your right. Islands to your left, islands to your right.

Most importantly, beautiful!

Enjoy your saturday!

Trump is beginning to make me sick. He talked of cleaning the swamp. He is the swamp. Dirty! Everyone he comes in contact with gets dirty.

The man has to go. Either by way of impeachment or defeat at the polls. Our country will not survive if he is reelected. We will have become the Trump’s United States.

The Biden attacks. First Ukraine. Now China. His attacks on Biden and son sickening. Revolting.

John 8:7 reads, “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” Simply stated, do not criticize others when you personally are not perfect.

Then there is “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.” Not Biblical in origin. A proverb.

Its meaning is that one should not criticize others, because everyone has faults of one kind or another.

The source of the proverb is multi-faceted. Historians give credit to Geoffrey Chaucer, George Herbert, an article in the William and Mary College Quarterly, and Benjamin Franklin.

Trump has embarked on a scorched earth approach. Leave none standing.

He calls Democrats “maniacs.” The pot calling the kettle black.

Joe Biden is a man of integrity. Slime has never attached to him. His life one of public service.

The proof of the pudding are his income tax returns. Biden is the poorest man in Congress. After so many years!

Check the financial records of his peers. They go into Congress poor and come out millionaires. Cannot be said of Biden.

It has constantly been reported Trump has had few if any personal friends over the years. Who would want to be friends with a person such as he?

The world of New York business and society have ignored Trump over the years. Fearful. Aware. They saw how he handled things. The Trump of today remains the Trump of yesterday. A leopard does not change his spots.

There is a saying which aptly fits the scenario: “He who goes to bed with a dog, wakes up with fleas.” A sound warning. Be cautious of those whose company you keep.

Biden has many friends. Trump has few to none.

Politics has become a sick profession. One of the reasons our candidates have checkered backgrounds is that people of character do not want to enter a public service that places them next to people like Trump.

An exception is Elizabeth Warren. Do not think I have made my choice. I still do not know who I support as the Democratic candidate. My early choice was Biden. Now I wonder if he is too old. My being 84 affects my judgment. I am not who I was.

Warren was accused of involvement in a sex scandal this past week. Claimed she was a cougar. An older woman who who used escort services to supply her with younger men.

Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman held a press conference. With them was a a 25 year old former Marine who claimed he was one of her frequent escorts.

There was a sign at the press conference: Elizabeth Warren Cougar. Those running the press conference had announced beforehand, “The charges will shock the conscience of the nation.”

The sign was correct. Warren was a cougar. Still is. Forever will be. She attended Houston University. Houston’s pet mascot is a cougar.

Wohl was involved in a similar false accusation regarding Mueller. Towards the end of Mueller’s work, he was responsible for making false sex accusations regarding Mueller.

My yesterday pleasant. Ran some errands around noon. Napped a couple of hours in the afternoon.

The Chart Room around 6. Tammy bartending. A personality!

Business continues to be slow. There were 3 people in the Chart Room besides me. A woman from North Carolina and a couple from Saratoga, N.Y.

Chatted an hour and then left. Not really hungry. Too early to go home. Not drinking screws up my evenings.

I stopped at the VFW on the Boulevard. A year at least since I wa last there. I recalled the VFW’s grilled cheese sandwich. It was delicious! I enjoyed another last night.

Chatted with the bartender. Got a bit of a beer education. Spent some time talking with 2 veterans seated near me.

On this day in 2002, the Coral Isle Bar on Stock Island closed. A dive. Remembered to this day because of a sign on the building: Free Beer Tomorrow!

The day never came.

I have been growing a beard. Fourth week. Moustache and chin have body. Hair on side of face taking a long time to grow out.

I am happy with it thus far. I hate shaving. A beard requires a trim once a week. A shave every day.

Enjoy your day!

Trump shamed himself yesterday. Though not for the first time. His mad man ranting and raving during the press conference with the President of Finland reflected a person who at this time is definitely incapable of leading.

I am pleased that the Democrats are finally performing in an efficient manner. The Mueller time was wasted time. A disappointment to us all.

The Republicans have yet to speak. Though their silence says much. Silence better than their previous comments in support of the President.

The next step is for the Republicans to step up and express themselves.

We are talking about saving the Constitution. More important than who is going to win the next election.

The Anglo-Irish statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke wrote in a letter to another statesman, “All evil needs to succeed is for good men to do nothing.”

Let Democrats and Republicans work together at the proper time to eliminate Trump from the Presidency.

Bernie Sanders a good man. Whether you agree with his philosophy is immaterial. He has always been a fighter for good.

There comes a time in each of our lives when we have to pack it in. Age and/or illness the cause.

Sanders was rushed to the hospital yesterday. Required 2 stents. Fifty years ago, he would have been dead.

I am familiar with stents, though fortunate not to have required one yet. Many I know have. Some 2 or 3 times.

Stents a great modern discovery. Removes the blockage and prepares the body to return to work or the golf course in a few days.

I do not believe Sanders should return to the campaign. His age has caught up with him. Seventy eight. The campaign still has more than a year to go assuming he gets the nomination. The strain heavy. Another attack could kill him.

His place for the next few years should be as a Presidential adviser or Cabinet official. If he is even smarter, sitting on an island beach somewhere explaining to his wife the mistakes the next President will be making.

Whatever, I wish him well.

Key West orchids are among the most beautiful in the world. They grow anywhere and everywhere in the keys.

When I bought my first Key West home, I relandscaped the entire property. Many new palm trees. The landscaper implanted on the trunks orchids which continued to grow every year. Beauty in every direction.

This friday October 4 beginning at 6 pm, the annual Orchids in Paradise event will be held. At the lovely Curry Mansion. Orchids of exceptional beauty will be auctioned.

Nature’s beauty is everywhere. Not just in Key West.

It is Autumn up north. In my hometown Utica, in the Adirondack Mountains next door. The trees are changing color. It is anticipated this weekend will be the peak. The colors the most glorious.

It is interesting why and from where the colors come. I recall reading once it is because the leaves are dying. A seasonal thing.

Key West is not the only community with traffic problems. A worldwide problem.

New York has begun dealing with one of its traffic problems. The famous 14th Street. One of New York’s busiest east-west arteries.

Beginning today, 14th street is closed, with certain exceptions, to vehicular traffic. No cars. Only buses, trucks, and emergency vehicles. From 6 am to 10 pm.

Other cities have already successfully designated one way streets at certain times to ease a traffic problem. Toronto, Paris, and Barcelona.

Does the concept provide Key West with some relief?

It was announced monday that the U.S. is in a manufacturing slump. The worst in 10 years.

The cause obvious. Experts blame the U.S./China tariff war. Another thank you Donald scheme that failed. The trade war is causing a manufacturing recession not just in the U.S. It is global.

Manufacturing not the only area suffering.

The stock market has been down badly the past 2 days. Roughly 500 points each day. Car sales took a dive in September.

It was predicted yesterday small dairy farmers will be a thing of the past soon. Small dairy farmers like mom and pop stores. Small dairy herds. More than the tariff war however, the small dairy farms are being killed by the bigger corporate farms. The two cannot compete.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is a beauty. He wants to be President. Makes no bones about it. Sees himself running in 2024.

I doubt it. All I see him running for is the hills. He is a little Trump. His participation and lack of truth in the present Ukraine problem is doing him no good. He is a liar same as his boss.

Enjoy your day!

Rats in the White House. Not what you expect. However, interesting.

There was an early morning press conference yesterday. The reporters were seated in the press room waiting.

Peter Alexander is known to most of us. An NBC and MSNBC reporter.

Suddenly a mouse fell onto Peter’s lap from the ceiling.

Panic ensued. Some running to get out of the room. Others trying to catch the mouse.

The mouse won. He found the door out. The last anyone saw of him he was running down a long hallway.

A rat/mouse expert I am not. Looked to see if a small mouse could possibly be a rat. Yes. Turns out there are several species of rat. One is small like a mouse.

Whatever, I give the White House a gold star for cleanliness and assume it was merely a mouse. A mouse who inadvertently found his way in and was now looking for a way out.

To those of you who tuned into my blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night, as you found out there was no show. Irritated me!

There was a technical glitch at the studio’s end. When I tried to connect at 5 minutes to 9, things were not right. I was blocked.

Called Sloan. God’s gift to me. Within minutes, she had ascertained the problem. Ergo, I had a night off. Sorry. Not my fault however.

The reason for the irritation is that it takes about 4 hours for me to prepare for the one half hour show. If no show, the 4 hours are wasted. The material will be dated and of no value next week.

I became exercise conscious again yesterday. I am in and out of exercise. Mostly out.

It was lunch time. I was driving by the White Street Pier. Decided to stop and walk the Pier. The outside perimeter.

Took me 15 minutes. I walked slowly. It had been some time.

The water was moving. Tide high. At certain spots, it was coming over and onto the Pier. Pleasant to look at. Had to move my ass each time.

A slight bit of news. A Key West man was arrested for sending $87,000 to Nigeria. Part of a money laundering scheme.

No further details available this morning.

Key Westers are good people all! It is one month post Dorian hitting the Bahamas. A category 5. Did a number on Key West’s sister city Green Turtle Cay. Beside 4 days of hurricane wind, the Cay was deluged in a 20 foot surge.

Key Westers ae good and generous people.  Absolutely no question. I have seen them respond many times to someone else’s disaster.

Immediately following Dorian, a group of Key Westers formed a group to help. Called themselves Key West Cares.

Here is what Key West Cares has accomplished in one month. Fifty three thousand pounds of supplies shipped via charter cargo planes. Things like power generators, food, water, and clothing. The cost of the flights underwritten by Key West citizens and businesses.

The Star of the Sea Mission sent a shipment of food to the kitchen providing hot meals on Green Turtle Cay. The Conch Republic Navy has been collecting bicycles to be sent.

Kids on Big Pine (1st to 5th grade) raised more than $2,500 with 3 lemonade stand events. A group of local women founded heartpack.org. Purpose to send Bahamian children backpacks filled with educational materials, emergency supplies, and care kits with notes of love and support.

The City  of Key West sent 2 decommissioned fire trucks. A benefit at the Key West Theater raised $18,000. A Billy Currington concert $25,000.

Good people all!

How many recall drive-in theaters? A big deal back when.

It was announced on this day in 1952 that construction would soon begin on a drive-in theater which was to be located on Stock Island.

Drive-ins were part of our lives back when.

When courting, boys and girls would take Dad’s car and go to the drive-in to see a movie. Never saw much. The whole purpose was to have a place to park and neck.

Drive-ins continued to be an integral part of our lives as we got older. My wife and I would take the children, pillows and blankets and go to the drive-in. The kids were small. They slept on the back seat. Mom and Dad watched the movies. It was the only way we could get out.

Some businesses are naturals! Think of the Dairy Queen on United. It has been there for 68 years. On this day in 1951, the Key West Planning Board approved a zoning change for the Dairy Queen to be built on United.

The Dairy Queen continues to be one of the most popular places on the island.

There is a second whistleblower. Another whistleblower complaint. Claims “inappropriate” steps taken to influence an audit of Trump and Pence’s tax returns. Apparently the law requires a President’s tax returns to be audited.

The charge involves “inappropriate efforts to influence.”

Trump’s nature is reflected by his actions. A mean, heartless man. Has to do with the wall.

Trump has suggested to staff several ways of keeping the “aliens” out.

One was a water filled trench stocked with snakes or alligators. He was serious. Even had cost estimates worked out.

Another was the electrification of the wall. Burn ’em! The top of the wall to be lined with spikes that would pierce human flesh.

How about soldiers shooting any migrants who threw stones at border guards. Told no. Illegal.

His alternative, just shoot them in the legs. Still illegal.

Key West normal. We do not subject people to snakes, electrification or shootings.

Enjoy your day!