The story of Eta and Key West.

Eta supposedly was going to hit Key West. Key West right in the middle of the cone. Eta avoided Key West entirely.

Eta a strange storm. Began in Central America. Built up. Went over Nicaragua as a Category 4. Hit Cuba.

Then instead of heading for Key West turned west and northwest into the Gulf of Mexico. Eta had lost its center and was trying to recapture it.

Eta did. Changed direction and headed for Florida again. Florida Keys and south Florida put on alert.

Before a tropical storm or hurricane hits, there is a calm. The calm before the storm. Experience one and you will immediately know when a big storm is on its way.

The calm in Key West began around noon. At 3, I stepped on the porch. The calm was stronger. Yes, a calm can be felt.

A calm means nothing is happening. Everything quiet. Little or no rain. Very little wind if anything. The water not moving.

I went out on the porch at 6 again. Could feel the calm building. Which meant Eta was getting closer.

At 9, I was back on the porch. Black outside. The street lights were out for some reason, though house lights were on. No moonlight. My neighbors on the street in small groups chatting.

I went to bed. Figured Eta would hit during the night. Knew what would happen when it did. Unbelievable thunder. Some lightning. Heavy rain. Wind big time.

Woke this morning. It was quiet. Eta never woke me. Eta never woke me because it missed Key West.

I went back out on the porch. Streets still wet. Very little breeze. The taste of the calm gone. In addition, no house damage, fallen trees or wires.

Key West did it again. Missed the bullet!

Further up the Keys not so fortunate. Eta reached landfall at Matecumbe Key as a tropical storm. Eta also pounded away on south Florida’s east side.

Eta has been taking a strange path. In all directions. Described as “zig-zagging.” A weather report this morning indicated Eta could return to Cuba. A 180 degree turn around.

Another possible problem. Eta might slow down and take a rest. Could sit as a tropical storm somewhere. Could spend several days over one spot.

This is the craziest storm I have seen re direction of travel. The zig-zag thing. Wind is fickle. Those who sail know. It moves this way and that way suddenly. Never seeming to know exactly where it is going.

May it decide not to pass over Key West!

Trump’s people have announced Trump is set on a Thirty Day War. Sounds like something out of the history books.

His fight to the bitter end.

Most consider his battle futile. No legal grounds for it.

Not surprised. At this point, Rudy Giuliani is heading Trump’s legal team.

Trump’s vindictiveness obvious. He cannot handle being a loser.

Word is he plans to make Biden’s prospective dealings with Iran difficult. Many believe Biden may try to reenact the Iran nuclear deal. Lifting the onerous sanctions Trump has placed on Iran.

Biden can do it.

Trump has come up with a way to thwart Biden’s Presidential move. Before leaving office, Trump would hit Iran with a new set of sanctions. Directed at Iran’s ballistic missile program, association with terror organizations, and human rights violations.

Such could be difficult for Biden to set aside. At the very least take significant time to correct.

Noted singer “Frozen” Sugar Idina Menzel shared a Biden victory experience. Her son was with her watching TV. When it was announced that Biden had won, her son went over and hugged her saying, “Mommy, no more kids in cages!”

The number of Key West confirmed Covid-19 cases. As of yesterday, 12 new cases bringing the total to 1,237.

If the tourists had been kept out and the bars and hotels fighting to reopen, the number probably could have been 237. I base the observation on the fact that no other Keys community has even close to 1,000 cases.

Enjoy your day!

Ding dong! The wicked witch is dead! Biden has won. Thank God! Actually, the American people won. The nation will be saved.

Trump’s defeat reminds me of Trump’s TV show which had several “You’re fireds” in it. Yesterday, Trump got “fired.”

The Munchkins marched last night. Joyfully singing “Ding dong! The witch is dead!…..Ding dong! The wicked witch is dead.”

Margaret Thatcher, though a great Prime Minister, was not well liked by the English people. When she died in 2013, they shouted “The witch is dead!” An intentional use of lines from The Wizard of Oz.

Trump is defeated. With the defeat, the evil he wrought.

Biden’s victory speech last night in Delaware was right on. Clearly set forth what most Americans already knew. He is the man for this particular time in American history. He will save the country as he and Obama did when they were teammates.

The evening was also Biden’s moment of glory. Forty eight years in the making. Forty eight years ago marking the first time he was elected a U.S. Senator.

It was Kamala Harris’ night also. Proud she was. Properly so. The first woman elected Vice-President and the first woman of color to so have been.

Many women of color were in the cheering crowd. The glass ceiling for woman had been broken both as to gender and race.

Some observations.

The Biden crowd was different from those at Trump rallies. Biden’s people were genuinely happy. Not somber faced. Appeared overall younger than the Trump supporters. My sense was that Biden’s people wanted to be there as opposed to many of those at Trump’s rallies.

Last night, Biden’s people wore masks. Very few without. Respect for the system and each other obvious. They did fail however to engage in social distancing. On the other hand, how could they social distance under the circumstance. Even on stage at the end when the Biden and Harris families were all on stage, it was impossible to social distance.

Many had their children with them. Even the smallest ones. Like their parents hoped they would remember the historic moment.

American flags being waved. Not merely held as at Trump events.

It was joyous. The first time Obama’s election was celebratory. No question. Last night was a bit different, however. A bit more enthusiastic.

The evening reminded me of the end of World War II. V-E Day and V-J Day. I was 10 years old. My father took me everywhere with him both days.

I recall people dancing in the streets. As they were last night at the Biden event. Joy evident everywhere. People genuinely happy.

All three similar evenings. With some added touch for the war events. Attributable perhaps because a horrendous shooting war was finally over.

The millennials were out in force. It appears the Democrats have captured their hearts and souls. Hopefully they will remain Democrats. It will require the Party moving forward with new ideas to accommodate changing times.

Many ladies dressed in white. Including Harris. They were making a political statement. The wearing of white was a nod to the suffragette movement.

At the State of the Union address in 2019, many female legislators appeared cloaked in white. They were commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment which in 1920 gave women the right to vote.

I had the feeling last night the ladies were also making a show of solidarity…..We’ve arrived!

Eta hurt Cuba big time. On its way to the Florida Keys at the moment. Scheduled to hit Key West around 2 pm.

Water will be the problem. A major surge could occur. Winds only expected to be 45-55 mph with gusts up to 70.

It has rained little this morning. In fact not at all in the past 3 hours. Sky gray. Wind slight. The calm before the storm. I have experienced it several times while living in Key West.

I do not expect Eta to be a big deal. A lot of noise, rain and flooding. No rooftops blowing away, boats thrown up on land, etc., though the flooding damage can be severe if the surge is significant.

Hunger is a growing problem across the U.S. In the Keys, it is especially so as regards school kids. The Monroe County School District announced 1,100 Florida Keys students are going hungry. They are not sure where their evening meals or weekend meals are coming from. On days where there is no school for whatever reason, they also are not fed.

The schools provide breakfast and lunch. Community organizations provide backpacks containing food for weekends.

Syracuse almost won yesterday. Lost by 3 points to Boston College 16-13. Syracuse record thus far this year 1-7.

There is no joy in Mudville!

May Johnson is out dancing at La Brisa most evenings with one or more gents. Recall she has a boy friend she claims to love deeply living and working out of town.

Everest is coming to Key West to visit later in the month. Joy abounds: “Everest sent me word he would probably be home between 20 and 25 of the month. GLORIOUS.”

Enjoy your Sunday!

It’s raining violets!

Not really. Though it is raining.

This is saturday morning. Eta continues on its way. Perhaps to us.

Eta was a Category 4 when it went over Nicaragua. Then lost strength.

Eta presently moving over the Caribbean heading for Cuba. Regenerating. Will definitely be a tropical storm or hurricane when it hits Cuba.

Then Florida! Which means heavy rain, a tropical storm, or a full blown hurricane.

Yesterday it was reported to be prepared for 9 inches of rain beginning tomorrow night and into monday. This morning’s warning 10-15 inches with wind. How much wind no one seems to know at the moment.

All of South Florida is under flood watch.

My sense is few if any in Key West are worrying. I just ordered groceries and did not order any of the usual hurricane foods I normally do.

Going to be an interesting weekend and monday.

Key West seems to be the place people run off to who want to drink and raise hell, especially when they cannot do so where they live.

Last weekend 2,000 Miami college students arrived unexpectedly in Key West. To party, of course.

They came to Key West because Miami authorities had advised they were going to spend the weekend checking underage drinking.

Florida’s drinking age is 21. Confuses me why they would come to Key West to drink. Key West’s drinking age is the same as all Florida, 21.

Perhaps the 2,000 felt Key West would not be checking them as Miami intended to do.

I assume the bars made money. I assume some of the 2,000 brought coronavirus with them. Key West seems to be the ash can of the Keys regarding the virus. Significantly more confirmed cases in Key West than any other community in the Keys.

I have been informed there was a brawl on Duval involving the students. I know nothing else about it.

One case of coronavirus was reported this week involving a Key West High School student. All parents have been notified. Spot checking will be done to determine a spread, if any.

There was a time when shrimp was the Key West industry. No more. Not for years.

However 1954 was a big year in the industry. Monroe County’s shrimp production was 1,300,000 pounds. Heads-on shrimp. Dock side value $4 million.

I am concerned with the politicization of the Supreme Court.

Justice Alito is a far right conservative. He has been a Justice for many years. His approach to the law similar to Justice Scalia’s.

Alito’s public appearances are few. However most have left me with the feeling over the years that Alito respects no one but himself.

The U.S. has been divided into areas covered by one Justice alone. For emergency situations. The Justice hears the matter in person or by phone. If required, makes an immediate decision and many times if it is so deemed, directs the case to the entire Supreme Court for emergency attention.

Pennsylvania and ballot counting in the news. An important issue.

It came before Alito in one of these emergency situations. It involved mail in ballots received after 5 pm election day. An earlier order by the Supreme Court as a whole had decided that they could be received, but kept separate up to a certain point. I believe sometime yesterday.

The Republican Party said the order was not being followed. The ballots were not being kept separate. Such is the issue Alito had to entertain on a sole basis.

Initially, I was bothered that the Republican Party as an entity itself was bringing a violation case. It further concerned me that Alito was the one initially hearing it.

Politicization stuck out like a sore thumb.

After getting into it, I can say there was nothing out of the ordinary. Alito performed per law.

My one concern was that the Republican Party itself brought the lawsuit. It seems to me it might not be considered a proper party to do so.

The up front problem was that I was immediately uncomfortable. Thought politicization immediately. With justification based on Alito’s prior actions.

No one looking to the Court for help should ever get that feeling or have to fight a case where such is thought to be involved.

A primary reason Alito concerns me is his conduct in 2010 and since involving a President’s State of the Union address.

Obama was openly critical in his address of the Supreme Court’s decision the previous year in Citizens United v. FEC. The famous “corporations are people” decision.

The decision opened the door for corporations to spend as much money as they liked on indirect political campaign contributions.

All major federal officials attend the State of Union address. Not mandatory. However part of U.S. tradition and also out of a sense of respect for the event.

Supreme Court Justices attend in their robes. Are provided front row seats.

While Obama was saying what he wanted to re Citizens United, Alito was shaking his head in obvious disagreement and mouthing “not true.”

Alito has refused to attend all subsequent State of the Union addresses since 2010.

Actually, three Justices fail to attend.

One is Justice Thomas. He considers the addresses “partisan.” Even when the President making the address is a Republican.

Justice Scalia, prior to his death, refused for years saying the whole thing was “strange…..we sit there liked potted plants.”

The three forget some jobs/positions require attendance at certain matters out of respect or tradition.

Obama’s comments that night were short and to the point. He said the decision opened “the floodgates for special interests…..I don’t think an election should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, or worse, by phony entities.”

Another Syracuse football saturday. My team plays Boston College at Syrcuse. Boston College is 4-3, Syracuse 1-6. Boston College favored.

I always enjoyed Boston College games. Every other year, the Syracuse/Boston College game was played in Boston. We would go! Several cars in a caravan. All friends. Couples.

It was a friday to sunday thing. We drove to Boston friday. Stayed at the Wharf Hotel. I’m sure I have the name wrong. It has been many years. What I clearly recall is the hotel was magnificent.

We partied friday night. Attended the game saturday afternoon. Left from the game to party some more.

Those were the days!

Enjoy your day!

The Electoral College has been in the news big time most of the week. It will continue so a bit longer.

Many are unaware of why there is an Electoral College. Seems to be different from the manner in which most things done by vote are conducted. Most are by majority vote. Considered the democratic way to do things.

The problem is the Electoral College does not function democratically. It distorts democracy.

The reason therefore is that the Electoral College was born of compromise.

It was 1787. The  delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia had spent months knocking out the Constitution. One item especially befuddled them, however. The manner in which a President was to be elected.

Two approaches were under consideration. One that Congress should pick the President. The other that the people select the President by democratic popular vote.

The delegates were tired, impatient, and frustrated. They wanted to go home. The Presidency issue still burdened them. Ergo, they acted in haste so they could return to their homes. Compromise was the only way they could get the job done and leave.

Haste does make waste. The Electoral College is an example.

The Electoral College adopted calls for the creation every four years of a temporary group of electors equal to the total number of Representatives in Congress.

Technically, the electors are to vote for the President, not the people. The present Congress consists of 538 members. A majority vote is 270. The first to reach that number wins.

The Electoral College was not intended to be perfect. The delegates knew it. They were aware it was not the best they could produce. However, they did not care. They were tired. Their goal was to get home.

The Electoral College has been described as an instrument “cobbled together” because the delegates could not agree on anything else.

Practical reasons were also involved in coming up with the Electoral College as opposed to anything else.

At the time of the Constitutional Convention, no other country had ever directly elected its chief executive. The delegates feared wading into uncharted waters.

The delegates also distrusted executive power. They had had to deal with a tyrannical king and overreaching colonial governors. Such considered despots. They did not want to deal with another despot.

Convention delegates were divided among themselves. Each had a different reason for how and how not a President should be selected.

One group was adamantly opposed to Congress picking the President. They believed such would provide too much opportunity for chummy corruption between the executive and legislative branches.

Another group was as fervently opposed to the people directly electing the President by straight popular vote. They feared a headstrong “democratic man” could steer the country astray.

Finally, there was a group that feared a populist President appealing directly to the people could command dangerous amounts of power.

Out of the disagreements, the compromise Electoral College came to be. Its delegates to be “electoral intermediaries.”

The states would appoint individual “electors” who would cast their actual ballots for President.

Perhaps the most serious problem, the one sticking point difficult to resolve, was how to deal with slaves. Some states were slave owning, others not. The problem a power one. The more the number of people making up a state’s population, the more electors a state would have. The problem plagued the House of Representatives, also: Should slaves be included in counting a state’s population?

The result was the “three fifths compromise.” Each enslaved person would be counted as 3/5ths of a person for the allocation of electors, representatives, and calculating federal taxes.

The Electoral College has not worked as intended. It does not fit in today’s world of modern politics. The party in power typically benefits. The minority party has little chance of changing the system.

Why so difficult to change the system?

The Electoral College is part of the Constitution. A Constitutional amendment requires a two thirds vote in Congress, plus ratification by three quarters of the states.

A practical impossibility in today’s political world.

The Electoral College will be with us forever.

Enjoy your day!

When I first began visiting Key West 30 years ago, the hurricane season was 2 months long. September and October. It has grown to 6 months. June 1 to November 30.

Late season hurricanes not uncommon. That is why November was added a few years ago. Not every year, but enough to warrant recognition.

The warning is out. Expect a hurricane or tropical storm around sunday. Named Eta.

Eta began as a tropical storm affecting Central America. It is restrengthening over the Caribbean as it heads for Cuba. At the moment a Category 4. Uncertain whether it will be a tropical storm or hurricane when it hits Cuba.

The model then has it heading for South Florida. Two paths. One has the cone with Key West in the middle. The other brushing the east coast of the Keys.

Rain storms are as erratic as hurricanes in the Keys. Not the rain that accompanies a hurricane. Rather, normal rainstorms.

Some days it rains unbelievably in Key West. Streets flooded. Seems to get worse each year.

On this day in 1906, there was excessive flooding on Key West streets. No hurricane involved.

Nine inches of rain in 48 hours. Water at the intersection of Southard and Margaret 2 feet deep.

The most powerful judge in the U.S. is a Federal District Court Judge. More powerful than even a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

A District Court Judge is the trial bench for the federal system. Cases originate at this level.

One thing a lawyer learns early on is, excuse the vernacular, don’t screw with a Federal District Court Judge. They know they have power and are not reluctant to use it.

Occasionally, a lawyer will bring a stupid lawsuit. One which has no basis in law. The Judge can determine the suit to be “frivolous” and fine the attorney. The fine generally excessive. The Judge wishes to make a point and does.

The other area of danger for a litigant or attorney is contempt of court. The Judge issues an order. The client refuses to obey. The skies come crashing down!

The client is called in, put under oath, and better have a god excuse for defying the Judge’s order. If not, the client is given one last chance to obey. Still no compliance, jail time till there is compliance.

Which brings me to Postmaster Louis DeJoy. Trump’s man. Dances to Trump’s tune.

Recall DeJoy is the person who ordered mail boxes and swift mail machine sorters to be removed.

He’s done something again.

Postal data showed that 300,000 mailed in ballots had been processed but not delivered. Processed means they were marked and there was a record they had gone through in house postal handling. Then disappeared.

In short, received but not delivered.

Twenty seven postal facilities involved.

Federal District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan issued an order that the 27 facilities be searched for the “I don’t know what happened to the mailed in ballots.”

DeJoy said no way. Suggesting the Post Office was already too busy with the election balloting processing.

Judge Sullivan said he was “shocked.” No one says “no” to a federal trial judge. Judge Sullivan said he expects full compliance with his order. Otherwise, DeJoy may be ordered in to testify under oath. The beginning of the contempt process.

Everyone already is aware of my thoughts re Trump and the election. Many contacted me to advise their thoughts re the the result as known yesterday. At a time when it looked like Trump might win. All but 2 thought as I. How could Trump get so many votes?

One of the 2 was a die hard Republican. I could understand his way of thinking. The other was concerned that Biden would raise his taxes. The gentleman does not make $400,00 a year. At best around $100,000. His taxes would not be raised under Biden.

He did not know.

It supports my thought that many who voted for Trump did not understand what they were doing or what was involved. They were primarily moved by Trump’s bravado. And that he was defecating on powers to be for them.

Politically, Key West is split politically. If anything, the Republicans having a slight edge.

This year the Florida Keys went as Florida in general did. A red wave. It reached throughout the Keys. Steamrolled the Democrats.

There were 3 ballots affecting cruise ships in Key West. Three referendums. Their purpose was to limit the size of cruise ships and total number of passengers.

The three referendums: Ships overall limit 1,500 visitors a day, no cruise ship with more than a 1,300 passenger capacity permitted, and priority given to cruise lines with the best environmental and health records.

All 3 referendums were passed by huge numbers.

Not the end of the battle, I suspect. Margaritaville has a major dock involved and probably will appeal. Bar owners may join them.

Key Westers wanted the limits imposed. I was for prohibiting cruise ships entirely. Cruise ships not to be allowed in Key West.

Key West makes a buck off the cruise lines. So much per passenger.

That’s it! Passengers walk the streets, drink and buy cheap souvenirs. They rarely eat in Key West. Their meals on board having already been paid await them free.

They crowd sidewalks slowly moving, gawking at everything, spending little.

The ships pollute. Key West waters have naturally cleansed themselves during the year the cruise ships have already been barred. The water where they sit all day is now clean. You can see bottom bottom.

Key West has a coral reef that has gotten sick over the years. Many believe the cruise ships with their discharges have contributed heavily.

The climate, the air, and even ocean waters when kept clean, contribute to good health and long life. Key West a healthy place to live!

On this day in 1937, Rebecca Ambrister died. She was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. She was 116 years old when she passed on, having been born June 1, 1821.

Enjoy your day!

I called it wrong.

In two ways.

First, I thought a blue wave was coming. Second, from my perspective, Trump had committed so many wrongs the people realized he had hurt them and would throw him out of office.

I don’t know who will win yet. It is 6:30 in the morning. It will be a few days more before we know who will be President. Could very well be Trump. If Biden, it appears he will have to put up with a Republican Senate.

Why are Americans so willing to support a Trump? Do people care any more who leads them?

Seems to me it makes no difference to people. They have followed Trump into the abyss.

It’s a new world. People’s values have changed.

We are a lost society.

This day will go down in history as the day the U.S. found its way once again. Corrected a mistake which almost destroyed it. The day Americans recognized their mistake of 2016 when Donald Trump was elected President.

Trump’s time will end January 20, 2021. Thank God!

Trump’s four years have been horrible. The fourth especially so. American Psychological Association CEO Arthur Evans said, “This has been a year unlike any other in living memory.”

America will be reborn today with the election of Joe Biden as President. Birth carries with it pain and suffering. America has suffered for four years. A choice of its own making. Can also be described as a mistake.

Whatever. Four years ago Americans were unhappy with Washington government and decided to take a different route in the form of Donald Trump. It did not work out. He proved not to be a savior. Instead seemed bedded with the Devil.

Dethroning Trump will be a return to normalcy and democratic government.

This past year has represented one best described as election stress disorder. Millions of Americans are so afflicted. Add to it coronavirus and racial reckoning, America has been overloaded.

A sense of dread and isolation prevails as a result.

The Washington Post columnist Peter Baker on 6/5/20 wrote, “The White House looks like a fortress under siege.” He was writing about the fence Trump had placed around the White House. High. Supposedly non scalable. Such took place when furor in the streets of Washington was at its highest.

The fence is back. Why the fence again? For the same reason as the former. Trump is in terror. Afraid. The bulliest of bullies worries about Americans storming the White House and doing him harm. Similar to what occurs in banana republics. Which Trump has made the U.S. in many respects.

America in most instances is a land of joy. A condition non existent under Trump. In fact, made consistently less each day of his Presidency.

The U.S. is a nation of music. Songs describing particular eras. Some joyous, some sad.

There is a particular song that fits what the American people have been experiencing. The artist was signed by the Beatles, the song produced by Paul McCartney. How can a Beatles’ favored song be bad in any respect?

“Those Were The Days” is a 1968 remake of an old Russian song sung by Mary Hopkins. Its words can be said to fit what America has experienced the past four years and what future days may be.

“Once upon a time there was a tavern / Where we used to raise a glass or two / Remember how we laughed away the hours / And dreamed of all the great things we would do.”

“Those were the days my friend / We thought they’d never end / We’d sing and laugh forever and a day / We’d live the life we choose / We’d fight and never lose / For we were young and sure to have our way…..”

A womanizer should not fool with a woman. Such woman speaking in the vernacular would remove the person’s balls.

Trump took on Lady Gaga. Gaga immediately retaliated and unloaded on the sexual predator Trump.

Gaga has been openly supporting Biden. Monday Trump took after Gaga.

Fracking is big business in Pennsylvania. It has provided jobs to hundreds of thousand Pennsylvanians. In a factually unsubstantiated tweet, Trump attacked Gaga about her purported comments claimed to have been made 8 years ago. He described her as an “anti-fracking activist.” He added she was “a sharp stick in the eye for 600,000 Pennsylvanians who work in the fracking industry.”

He added at the end he “could tell us stories about Lady Gaga.”

Gaga responded at a Pennsylvania rally monday night where she was introducing Biden: “Now is your choice to vote against Donald Trump, a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters or sisters or mothers or wives by any part of their bodies. Vote for Joe, he’s a good person.”

I will be watching the early returns beginning at 7. Unfortunately, my blog talk radio show conflicts with the returns for a time in the evening. At 9 is Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My quick half hour show where I have the opportunity to rant and rave, especially re politicians.

I expect none of my followers to listen tonight. I do remind you however, that my show is archived at 9:30 sharp. Available from that point forward to be heard at your convenience. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Don’t forget to vote!

Enjoy your day! Enjoy your evening!

An interesting week ahead. A dangerous one. Whether a losing demagogue will try to recapture his claim to the Presidency. Assuming of course he loses the election.

If Trump does, it will not be by peaceful means. Impossible. Involve violence? Definitely. Blood on the streets? Probably.

The issue has been out there for months. The media has discussed it extensively. However in recent days, not so much.

The Atlantic and the Washington Post have approached it right on  the past few days. The Atlantic’s article of 11/1/20 and Washington Post’s of 10/31/20.

I draw on the 2 articles and my own thoughts in composing today’s blog.

The election result may be violent and chaotic. As bad as the 1850’s leading up to the Civil War and the 1967 Weather Underground civil unrest.

Happenings have already set the stage. Extremists recently plotted to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, militias are recruiting police and soldiers into their ranks, the President has encouraged followers to monitor polling places, and asked the Proud Boys to “stand by.”

In addition, Trump refuses to agree to “a peaceful transfer of power.”

Present signs suggest a high risk of violence as soon as this week. A continuation of the rage and tension which are part and parcel of the U.S. today.

Americans are more polarized today than the years leading to the Civil War. Two prominent contributing factors: Protests against police racism and far right militia groups.

There is another which must not be forgotten. Probably the most important. In Trump, the U.S. has a President who is prepping his supporters in what to do in case he loses.

Unquestionably, disputed elections are more likely to lead to protests and violence. The consequences of losing are unbearable to most.

Some feel the need to rescue their nation through heroic action. Some by engaging in acts of violence and extremism.

The source of violence today in the U.S. is the far right. Most believe far right groups will be responsible for future violence. Indicating violence will be spontaneous and localized. Right and left wings clashing in only a few cities.

I do not agree.

The “war” will be national. Trump will rely on groups such as ICE, the Border Patrol, and certain military units to “verify” his Presidency, support the militias, and guarantee his reelection as a fact.

There is another factor that could initiate violence. Earlier than later. Trump sending in armed people to take over election administration centers and recount centers in an attempt to move the vote to his favor.

As with a wildfire, a spark could set things off.

Take Portland, Oregon for example. A right wing armed group plans to show up at ballot drop off sites on election day tomorrow with weapons in plain view.

Some extreme left wing organizations are planing to take to the streets in counter protest.

In Portland and elsewhere, street rallies and protests will be prevalent. I read somewhere that “a riot is the language of the unheard.” An interesting comment.

Violence in the present instance will be the result of Trump becoming that which he so despises: A loser.

There are signs in addition to those earlier set forth indicating violence is a moving black cloud that may set over the U.S. A sharp increase in gun sales. A spike in chatter re a civil war when right wing extremists gather together. An increase in violent language by Trump and others in his administration. Finally, some Americans showing an increased willingness to view violence as an acceptable tool against political opponents.

You need not me to tell you these are bad times we have been living through. Evil. Diabolical. Never saw it before in my lifetime nor as a student of history in the 244 years the U.S. has been a nation.

Hopefully there is a new day coming. One where the American family will be reunited. It’s kumbaya time again!

Enjoy your day!

“The grandeur that was Rome.” The grandeur that is Rome.

A multi-faceted city. It has everything. Including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, Churches on every corner, the catacombs, Piazza Navona, ruins of old Rome, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and on its streets buildings so old and beautiful they defy imagination.

The preceding a handful that quickly come to mind.

It was the summer of 1985. Absolutely the worst time to visit Rome. The heat unbearable. Romans leave the City for 1 or 2 months in the summer to escape the heat.

They go to the mountains and seashore.

I did not stay in Rome itself. I rented a villa for a month 42 miles outside of Rome in Livonia. Perched on a small hill on the Mediterranean with a private walkway to the beach.

My family and parents were with me. My mother turned out to be a blessing in disguise. She was the only one who spoke understandable Italian.

We had rented 2 cars. Visited Rome frequently. Generally one day in Rome, one day at the Villa. Sometimes took the train back and forth. An experience.

We took the wrong train back one day and ended up on Lake Como, once the Pope’s summer residence. Just as the sun was setting on the residence.

The error of our ways was worth it.

Since today is the date in 1512 when the Sistine Chapel Ceiling was opened to the public, I wish to share my Sistine Chapel experience with you.

A God is in His heaven, all is right with the world moment.

The entrance to the Sistine Chapel is through the Vatican Museums. A separate and distinct beauty from the Chapel itself. The museum portion we went through was a long corridor perhaps 12 feet wide. The Catholic Church has hanging on the walls and ceiling (yes, on the ceiling also) many many paintings. No wall or ceiling space evident. Frames touching each other.

I would have estimated the paintings’ value in the millions back then. Today, the billions.

All of a sudden you were in the Sistine Chapel itself. A large but not so large room. Michelangelo’s ceiling above.

We were packed like sardines in the room. No exaggeration.

Everyone’s neck cranked back to look up at what is regarded as one of the major accomplishments of human civilization.

Awesome. Everyone speechless. Only the sound of breathing.

I was fortunate to visit Rome many years later again. This time in the winter. Very few tourists. As a result, no crowding.

Sean Connery died last night in his sleep at age 90. May he rest in peace.

One of the great 007s.

I admired his acting. He worked till his later years. Always in a starring role. Roles he grew into.

Living in Key West, you learn about our coral reef. Often in trouble. Sick with what is known as coral bleaching.

There is a coral reef running along one side of Australia. Known as the Great Barrier Reef.

It has been there I assume as long as man has existed.

The last time anything new was discovered about the reef was 120 years ago. Now, a new and unbelievable discovery!

A portion of the coral reef has been discovered which is taller than the Empire State Building. Never seen by anyone before. It was discovered by a remote operated vehicle.

The Great Barrier Reef and this newly discovered rather tall portion has existed like forever without being affected by the malady coral bleaching.

What I am about to discuss raises the question whether the occurrence is America. Is us. It reflects a situation where a number of people were placed in harm’s way.

Saturday night, a Biden bus was traveling San Antonio to Austin on I-35 for Biden’s speech later in the evening. Biden was not on the bus.

Some Texans have had a “Trump Train” during the campaign. A Trump Train is a series of tractor trailers and cars. Saturday night numbering around 100. Flags and Trump paraphernalia adorning the vehicles. Horn blowing and adults whooping it up. Yelling profanities and obscenities.

The Trump Train surrounded the Biden bus. Trying to force it to stop in the center of the highway or push it off the highway.

Biden’s staffers were rattled. Called 911. The police came. The local police assisted.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Biden rally later in the evening in Austin was cancelled.

When Trump became aware, he tweeted “I LOVE TEXAS.”

Why did the Trump Train Americans do what they did? For the same reason that coronavirus is out of control. Their leader Donald Trump supports no mask wearing and social distancing. If he does improper crazy things, they can also.

It is a reflection of lack of respect. Respect for each other. It is ok to disagree and argue. It is never proper to let things get out of hand so others may or do suffer.

Should Trump win, these same followers will find out over the next 4 years how there lives will change. America will clearly be on the road to an authoritarian regime. Note regime, not government. Trump will bully and defecate on his followers because that is the nature of the man.  They will discover they live in a new world!

My poor Syracuse. Lost to Wake Forest yesterday 38-14. Record this season so far 1-5.

Woe is us!

The Key west Citizen was born this date in 1906.

Key West’s daily Inter-Ocean and weekly Key West Citizen combined to become the daily Key West Citizen.

Enjoy your Sunday!