I waited till I saw Trump’s departure before starting today’s blog. Normally, I begin at 6 am. At the moment, it is 9.

My thoughts.

Change is good. Required in many instances. Trump’s departure one of them. He brought our country to its knees. Not once, many times. Though he will always deny it.

The crowd at the White House this morning as the President and Melania walked to the helicopter was small. Around 100.

The crowd at Andrews slightly larger. One hundred fifty to two hundred. Except for a larger crowd, Trump got what he wanted. A red carpet and 21 gun salute.

The crowd was enthusiastic.

Trump’s speech short. Typical, he hit on what he perceives as his successes. Most were failures.

He touched on the Pandemic in the past tense. “Was” as opposed to “is”. Made it sound like the worst was behind us, he having resolved the COVID-19 problem.

His “successes” reflected the great foundation he was leaving his successor. My words, not his.

The best was the mess when he began his term and how “we put it together.”

I am glad he is no longer President. There was not much more we could handle.

Now to Biden.

I began my yesterday by watching Biden’s farewell speech in Wilmington. Sincere and touching. He had ridden the train something like 8,000 times in his career.

Last night was the best.

Four hundred thousand Americans have died as a result of coronavirus. Biden paid tribute to them. The first time anyone has in the solemn manner Biden did.

It was a COVID-19 moment. Just after 6 in the evening at the Lincoln Monument Reflecting Pool at the National Mall. Lincoln sitting behind him covered by a multitude of lights. Biden and company standing at one end of the Reflecting Pool facing towards the Washington Monument.

Along the pool a series of lights difficult to describe. However, magnificent. Should be left for all time.

Between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, two thousand American flags proudly standing.

Even the weather was perfect. It was as if God had made the moment.

The sky was black, until it hovered over the Capitol. Then it was no more. The sun had finally set. However, it was radiating skyward from beneath the horizon. At the end of the black clouds. Bright orange.

Imposing!

With the President to be were Mrs. Biden, Vice President elect Harris and her husband. The program was short and to the point. It opened with a prayer by a Cardinal. Then Biden and Harris briefly spoke. Followed by 2 women who each sang a song befitting the moment.

One was Amazing Grace.

The entire program was dedicated to those who lost their lives to the virus. It was a time for grief, it was a time to remember all who had died. No one had in the past in such fashion.

I was touched. Tears were rolling down my cheeks. Many others who watched had to have a similar experience.

Many have experienced grief. Death of a loved one must be discussed. There is no resolution till there has been such experience.

Biden is one who has experienced death close to him. And experienced grief. He was the right person at the moment to speak. Recall Biden’s first wife and a daughter were killed in an automobile accident. Recall further his son who died from cancer several years ago.

Biden’s words were touching. The thought came over me that the next 4 years were to be Biden’s time. I had a feeling of confidence he would take us out of the abyss Trump was leaving.

Following Trump’s departure on Air Force One, the camera moved to a Catholic Church in Washington where Biden and several others were entering to attend mass.

It was a small group. Significant were 2 of those entering the Church with Biden. Republican House Minority Leader McCarthy and Republican Senate Majority Leader, soon to be Minority Leader, McConnell.

They were with the President soon to be rather with the departing one. Speaks volumes. An indication the 2 sides were already coming together.

The U.S. is on its way. I believe Biden will be able to run with the ball. Expect multiple touchdowns.

Enjoy your day!

January 20, 2021. The day could not come soon enough. The U.S. will officially have a new President. Joseph Biden.

Timely. Wish he could have been sworn in earlier. The problems he faces are monumental. They seemed to get worse with each day leading up to the Inauguration.

Our country is at a sensitive stage. Divided. Trump leaves the U.S. in shambles. He has wrought that which none of us conceived could occur.

Will there be violence as on January 6? I am not sure.

The insurgents have indicated there will be. On the other hand, the Biden/government forces have geared up for all types of violence. Fences surrounding the Capitol, 25,000 National Guardsmen brought in, etc.

One might think the insurgents having such knowledge would pass on tomorrow. Wait till a day when opposing forces would not be so great.

However, the insurgents have made it clear tomorrow is the day! January 6 has added significantly to their confidence. So they might meet what they perceive as the “enemy” head on tomorrow.

Violence! Pure and simple! Blood definitely. More deaths almost a certainty. Tomorrow the main battle. Not a skirmish.

It will not be an inauguration day like all inauguration days. No thousands of people cheering the new President on. No parade with the President, Mrs. Biden, and the family leading it.

The winds of war mandate against such.

In lieu of the throngs of Americans, a huge “field of American flags” will stand.

A new poll came out yesterday. It was done January 15-17. Revealed new startling information.

The issue was how many Republican senators would vote to find Trump guilty of the impeachment charges. Twenty percent “strongly” or “somewhat” approved of the Senate finding Trump guilty.

A dramatic increase. Twenty percent represents 10 votes. Seventeen Republican votes required to find Trump guilty.

Makes sense with all the additional bad news coming out of the White House daily. Trump is not going out quietly. His ill conceived contributions have continued.

There are times we do not appreciate the freedoms we have. Freedoms for example to speak adversely re the Presient and his staff, as well as elected officials.

Not so in every country.

Things are different in Thailand.

Thailand has a law that makes it a crime to defame senior members of the royal family.

Anchan Preelert was a civil servant. Middle aged. She made inappropriate statements re the royal family.

She was sentenced to 87 years. Since she pled guilty and waived trial, her sentence was cut in half. To 43 years.

Imagine what would have happened to thousands of the insurgents on January 6. They do not know how good they have it living in the U.S. If January 6 had occurred in Thailand, most of the demonstrators would probably have faced the death penalty.

Rand Paul is a Republican senator from Kentucky. I find him on the fringe when he speaks. Somewhere between a “normal” senator and Ted Cruz.

He does not agree with the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He also voted against turning the election on the fraud ballots issue.

Rand is concerned with Trump’s eventual trial before the Senate. His position is if the  Republican members go along with a guilty result, the Republican Party will be destroyed. He projects one third of the entire Party would leave.

Keep in mind that McConnell has freed his Senate Republicans to vote their conscience. He also advises he has not yet made up his mind how he will vote. Recall the poll referred to earlier. If the Democrats vote as a block, it will only take 17 Republican Senators to vote guilty for Trump to be convicted.

A Tom Hanks movie The Terminal was released in 2004. It involved a man who could not get into the U.S. However the authorities could not arrest him if he never left the Kennedy Airport. So he resided there. Hiding by night, wandering around by day, being fed by Airport employees.

A similar situation has been discovered at the Chicago Airport. A man lived in the Airport for 3 months before being discovered.

The man involved feared coronavirus. He would not go home nor take a flight for fear of the virus afflicting him.

He hid in a secured area. Wandered about the Airport when safe to do so. He was fed by Airport employees.

Shades of the Tom Hanks movie.

Key West has been the locale for many movies. Two were in the news on this day in different years.

In 1956, The  Rose Tattoo. The play written by Tennessee Williams. The movie starred Burt Lancaster and Anna Magnani. It opened in Florida at Key West’s Strand and San Carlos Theaters.

In 1959, the filming of the comedy Operation Petticoat began in Key West. Starred Cary Grant and Tony Curtis.

I conclude with an actually funny story.

Someone opened an account on Go Fund Me for the Pier House. The Pier House’s plight a financial one due to many vacancies as a result of the Pandemic.

Don’t believe it. The necessity for the Account, that is. The Pier House has remained open. Maybe not fully occupied. However a sufficient number of rooms occupied to keep the Pier House profitable.

Though the Chart Room still remains closed. However a hotel makes its money off rooms and not its bars.

It is suspected a Citizens’ Voice reader set up the Go Fund Me account.

Tonight, my blog talk radio show! Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me. So much to rant and rave about. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Today is a federal holiday. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

It marks King’s birthday. He was born January 15, 1929. Note that it is not being celebrated on the 15th. Rather on the 18th. The reason why is in 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act became law. Its purpose to allow federal holidays to contain a Monday so citizens would enjoy a long weekend.

Unfortunately King’s life was short lived. He died on April 4, 1968 at the age of 39 from an assassin’s bullet.

King was a Baptist minister and a leader of the American civil rights movement in the 1950s and ’60s. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The youngest person ever to be so recognized.

His speeches and actions were many. The one speech that sticks in everyone’s memory is I Have A Dream which he gave on August 28, 1963.

Unfortunately, the Black problem continues to exist. Things are better, but still horrible. The shootings by police a perfect example.

Two passages from I Have A Dream note the condition of Blacks in 1963 as opposed to today. Yes, there have been many advances. Never the less, the problem still exists. The problem being one rotten to the core.

King said “…..the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land.”

Piercingly true then and now.

He further noted, “We can never be satisfied as the Negro is the victim of unspeakable horrors of police brutality.”

Nothing has changed.

The last portion of King’s speech dwelled on his “I Have A Dream” thoughts. Eleven all toll. Each right on. Unfortunately not many have been achieved. The Black community is still striving for equality.

I picked one line out of the middle of King’s speech. One that we as a people and our government have forgotten: “The time is always right to do what is right.”

King has been acknowledged both in life and death. Perhaps the greatest is his place in the National Mall. His huge statue stands among the greatest of Americans.

His closest nearby neighbors reflect such. He is surrounded by the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Wednesday is Inauguration Day. Different from others of the modern era. Citizens will not be jamming the streets. No parade afterwards with the now President Biden and his family. Twenty five thousand National Guardsmen, in addition to thousands of other police types, from many jurisdictions to protect our new President.

Too bad it has to be this way. However, we would be foolish not to recognize the clear and present danger and protect all involved from it. Especially after what occurred last week with the attack on the Capitol.

Every day the media comes up with videos of the attack which have not been seen. Newly discovered, so to speak. Each worse than the previous. Each scary. My America!

Luke Mogelson is a war correspondent. He shot a 13 minute video which I saw for the first time this morning. Shocking footage. An obscenity.

Eight to ten thousand insurgents were involved in the attack on the Capitol. Thousands more will be involved in the next attack. Supposedly wednesday. However noting the defensive planing, the insurgents might select a different day.

A new issue has arisen. It is suspected that the insurgent poison runs deep. There is a fear that the National Guard troops in DC could have members who in reality are on the side of the insurgents. A group to attack from the inside.

The FBI is vetting all 25,000. God bless them! That’s a lot of vetting. However such is part of their job/training and supposedly will be successfully accomplished.

Giuliani is consistently in the news.

Two days ago, he announced he was part of the Trump impeachment defense team. His ball to carry the alleged fraudulent ballots problem which resulted in a Biden victory rather than a Trump one.

Yesterday, he announced he could not be a defense counsel in the matter because he was a witness. Recall Giuliani spoke at the rally prior to the attack.  “Trial by combat” were part of his closing words.

The man will never learn to keep his mouth shut. He is going to end up in trouble. He has danced well up to this point. I would bet money he is one of the many Trump will pardon tomorrow.

Lindsey Graham is a whore. If not, incompetent. Or, perhaps both.

Four years ago he was against Trump and labeled him with all sort of competency, mentality, etc. insults.

Along the way they became friends. Such occurred soon after John McCain’s death.

Today Graham and Lindsey are, and please excuse the vernacular, “asshole buddies.”

During the time immediately following the Capitol attack, Graham was out there spewing how terrible, something has to be done, etc. Yesterday his tune changed. News indicates he called Schumer and told him the impeachment trial should be called off. The reason: To “let the nation heal.”

Where has Lindsey been the last 2 years? Flying on Air Force One and playing golf with Trump.

There is a suspicion pardons may be up for sale. Not right. Not even close to being right.

Dollar figures from $200,000 to $2 million have been mentioned.

That is not the way it is supposed to be done. It very well may be under Trump. I for one would want the payments noted and what portion went to who. Let’s keep it honest folks!

Biden’s plate is full. He has a ton of problems that must be dealt with. Some sooner than later. I am sure the problems will be prioritized and addressed in that fashion.

All of a sudden, there is a new immigration issue. Reared its ugly head in the past 72 hours.

A caravan of immigrants from Honduras is heading for the U.S. Biden during the campaign had promised to take of take care of immigrants. He did not say right away nor when.

Where 9,000 came from and why now during inauguration week puzzles me. They have crossed or are in the process of crossing into Guatemala. Mexico next. Then the U.S.

Not our headache till Biden says so. And he will not “take care” of them as Trump did.

This 9,000 person caravan has to have been organized. Impossible to get 9,000 people to get together for a trip from Honduras to the U.S. overnight.

Enjoy your day!

Thousands of national guard readying Washington for the Inauguration. Many also at state capitals throughout the nation. Trump having 3 days left in his Presidency and everyone wondering what he will do before leaving.

All important.

A change of pace is in order, however. A day off before the proverbial s–t hits the fans.

Leading topic for today Roosters!

I have written about roosters at least a dozen times over the years. They are part and parcel of Key West. I am motivated to write about them again this morning.

I live on the golf course. Not in Key West, on Stock Island. Lovely homes. Pristine neighborhoods. No chickens. They would not dare enter our peaceful sanctuary.

One has. Two mornings in a row I have heard the cock a doling do of a rooster. Sounds only 2-3 houses away.

Most think roosters cock a doodle do because they are waking the world as the sun rises. Not so. Roosters cock a doodle do off and on all day.

The reason simple. One that affects human males as well. The rooster wants sex. He wants to get laid. He is announcing to hens that he is on his way.

Roosters are sexual beings. Too much for the hens. Watch some time when you hear a cock a doodle do. The hens will run like hell in the  opposite direction from the oncoming rooster.

Can’t blame the hens. The gestation period is only 29 days. The hens would be pregnant all the time.

Rudy Giuliani won’t give up. He must be back in Trump’s good graces and getting paid again. Most certainly because Trump thinks he needs him.

Giuliani announced yesterday he was working on Trump’s impeachment defense. I nod my head in disbelief.  The issue is going to be incitement/conspiracy causing sedition.

Giuliani said he would argue the voter fraud claim.

He and Trump should give up. That issue is dead and buried. To resurrect it for the impeachment trial would definitely lead to Trump’s inevitable defeat.

Louis says: Giuliani will be as successful with the election fraud issue as he was with the Ukraine/Biden one.

Congress’ Pistol Packin’ Mama. The Anne Oakley of the House of Representatives. New Republican Congresswoman from Colorado Lauren Boebart.

The lady from Colorado continues to make news. Her “rap” sheet as well as that of her husband Jayson are at the revelation stage.

Her extreme gun rights mentality revealed itself this week. Speaker Pelosi ordered House metal detectors. The Congresswoman was obstinate. She refused to go through one.

Note also she tweeted on January 6 just before the riot: “Today is 1776.”

One of Boebart’s problems is she has no respect for the law. She does not like being told what to do and in many instances will fight long and hard before she does. Her lack of respect is obvious.

In 2015, she plead guilty to a disorderly conduct charge. She missed 2 court appearances along the way.

In 12/16, she was charged with careless driving and operating an unsafe vehicle. She rolled her truck into a ditch.

Boebart failed to appear in court one month later. She had to be arrested some 3 months later to make sure she showed up in court. She pled guilty to operation of an unsafe vehicle. The careless driving charge was dropped.

Going back to 9/10, she was arrested after a neighbor claimed Boebart’s 2 pit bulls attacked her dog. She pled guilty to permitting her dogs to be at large.

Husband Jayson was arrested for exposing his penis to 2 women at a bowling alley. Lauren was 17 at the time and present. Jayson pled guilty to indecency and lewd exposure. He was sentenced to 4 days in jail and 2 years probation.

In 2/04, a domestic violence charge was levied against him by his still girl friend Laura Boebart. Jayson received 7 days in jail.

Lauren and Jayson were married in 2005, remain married, and are the parents of 4 children.

Charges were levied in 5/04 against Lauren herself for in effect beating up Jayson. She scratched his face and chest and trashed his residence. She was charged with 3rd degree assault, criminal mischief, and underage drinking.

The final disposition of the case is unknown. Because Boebart was considered by law an infant at the time, the record is sealed.

The Republican Party is faced with a major decision. One it has to make: Whether it is the party of Lincoln or the party of Trump.

The Keys vaccine problem has not resolved itself. None available. No different than anywhere else in the country. Trump “misspoke” when he advised the government had held in reserve thousands of doses to be used for second shots.

Biden announced a few days ago he was going to release the “reserve doses”. Put them to use now. He would make sure the second shots were available when needed.

Copy cat Trump announced the next day he would do the same thing.

Then came the announcement by the Trump people that there were no 2nd doses being held in reserve.

The U.S. is fortunate Trump will be out of power in 3 days. He and his cohorts remind me of the gang that couldn’t shoot straight.

Biden’s proposed stimulus package is $1.9 trillion.

Trump advises he will increase the $600 stimulus to $2,000. Those who have already received the $600 will receive an additional $1,400.

Obama spent a lot of money. Increased the national debt significantly. Trump outpaced him. What with the tax cut for the rich, the wall, the military, coronavirus, and what have you.

Biden inherits a national debt higher than at any time in the history of the U.S. Podcaster Michael Snyder recently addressed the U.S. debt problem: “If we continue destroying the U.S. dollar at current pace, toilet paper will eventually be more valuable than U.S. dollars.”

Biden has no choice. People must be taken care of during COVID-19. However at some point after the virus is behind us, significant thought has to be given to reducing the nation’s huge debt.

People have to understand that when the U.S. does not have all the dollars it spends, it must borrow. From governments like China. There is no choice. Money is going out faster than it is coming in.

Enjoy your Sunday!

What happened January 6 was reflective of a banana republic. I fear Biden’s inauguration will be even worse.

I limit my concerns today to those legislators and staff who may have assisted the insurgents before or during the attack. It is becoming increasingly clear that some assisted.

All traitors in the highest sense. They deserve execution. If so, it should be done in banana republic form. Line them up against a wall and shoot them dead.

Or, 20 years in jail. Either sentence proper retribution for the evil done.

Ongoing investigations suggest some elected officials and/or staff were involved. Terrorist experts are convinced January 6 was an “inside job.” The insurgents knew where they were going once they were in the capitol building. A left here, a right there, through door 3 down, etc.

I zero in one one Congresswoman thought so be involved in anti-American play. A pistol packing gun totting Republican from Colorado. This is only the beginning of her first term

Lauren Boebert carried a gun in Colorado. Thought she could do the same in Washington. Announced before her arrival let them try to stop me, I have my Constitutional rights.

The police told her she could not. She seemed to be obeying. Went 2 days with no gun.

Apparently Boebert is not all that popular with some of her Colorado constituents. A number joined in a letter to Congressional leadership saying they had a “deep concern about her actions leading up to and during the protests that turned into a deadly mob.”

Her tweets during the attack at the Capitol appear to be the most serious.

She encouraged “mob mentality” before the 6th.

Her tweets the day of the attack unforgivable. It is claimed she tweeted the location of certain lawmakers as the Capitol was being breached.

Twenty five thousand national guardsmen are being brought into Washington for Biden’s inauguration. Many have already arrived. There to support the Washington Police, Capitol Police, Sergeant at Arms, FBI and Secret Service.

The word is that January 6 at the Capitol was a “dress rehearsal.” The insurgents were told not to carry guns. However, Inauguration Day another story. The insurgents have had their training and are ready to go.

I believe violence should be met with violence. However in retaliation, the violence returned should be more than that first inflicted. The only way to defeat an enemy generally requires a superior force.

Many peacemakers frown on violence. Turn the other cheek. Sorry, I can’t buy it. Kick the opposition in the ass as swiftly as possible and destroy them in the process.

Yes, violence begets violence. Violent behavior does promote other violent behavior in return. My suggestion again the the violence in return be superior and do the enemy in as much as possible. Such includes not only additional violence, but also death or severe jail sentences for those involved.

Note the insurgents are the ones who acted first here. No problem in destroying them. Forget not Matthew 26:52…..”All who draw the sword shall die by the sword.”

God is good! He takes too long in providing justice. However, he’s the Boss and it’s His way.

The NRA. That wonderful gun protecting organization. The one that cared less for the many children and adults killed over the years.

They filed for Bankruptcy friday. Chapter 11. Which means there will be a restructuring, etc. so the NRA continue in business. It also means the NRA is broke and cannot pay all of its bills at this time.

The NRA’s home is New York. That is where the NRA should have filed its Bankruptcy papers. Instead, they filed in Texas. The State of New York is pursuing a fraud case against the NRA.

The NRA not to be done, accuses New York of a “corrupt political and regulatory environment.”

The New York fraud case claims CEO Wayne LaPierre and high level staff diverted the non-profit group’s dollars to luxury vacationing, private jets and more.

The NRA deserves to be gotten from every conceivable side. It made its bed over the years.

Some are advising Trump to declare martial law. With 4 days left in his term. A vindictive move if he does it. It would involve big time shooting of Americans, one against the other.

Trump is going out in a blaze of glory. An event he probably is the only one who thinks he deserves it.

Trump plans to leave Washington in the morning on January 20. By leaving before noon when his term is over, he does not need to ask Biden for permission to use Air Force One.

His destination Florida and Mar-a-Lago. His residence, unless his Florida neighbors are successful in preventing him from living in Mar-a-Lago.

Trump has master minded his departure.

A military band, red carpet, military honors, a farewell speech, and 21 gun salute.

Showman to the end!

Enjoy your day!

“We are a part of history.” Words shouted by John Earl Sullivan from inside the Capitol January 6. Sullivan the 26 year old black founder of Insurgence USA. A social justice group set up to protest police authority in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Sullivan first helped others scale the outside wall to the second floor. Exclaiming as he did, “Let’s burn this shit down.”

Then inside, “That’s what I’m sayin’, break that shit.”

Finally, “We accomplished this shit. We did this together. Fuck, yeah! We are all a part of history.”

Another who “gained” fame is John Francis Stager from Arkansas. His picture all over the media. The insurgent who was running around carrying a large American flag who beat a Metropolitan police officer with the flagpole. The officer was guarding the entrance to the Capitol.

The mob stormed the building, grabbed the officer, dragged him down a flight of stairs, and  forced him into a “prone position.” He “remained prone on the steps” as Stager and friends “forcibly and repeatedly” beat him on his head and body with “various objects.”

Stager shouting during the beating: “Everybody in there is a treasonous traitor. Death is the only remedy for what’s in that building.”

Then there is Alabama’s Joshua Blod. He said, “The spirit of God wanted him to storm the Senate.” Also the following confluted statement” “Plead the blood of Jesus over it.”

Blod claimed, “They stole my country.” He said afterwards, The crowd went crazy when they “found out Pence turned on us and they had stolen the election like officially.”

The proceeding examples of the extreme nuts the U.S. has bred in past years.

As the days pass, it is becoming increasingly clear that certain lawmakers may have conspired with the Capitol attackers in placing legitimate Congressional persons and their staffs in legal peril. The conspiring having taken place the day before the attack.

If true, they should be sought out and charged with the most serious seditious crimes carrying the longest sentences. Benedict Arnolds one and all.

Trump’s reputation has dropped swiftly the past 2 weeks. He is toxic and no one wants to be close to him in any fashion.

Many companies have withdrawn their support. Many prominent persons who previously supported Trump, also.

Ariel Pink, the Indie rock artist, is one who now suffers because of his past support of Trump.

Ariel was on the Tucker Carlson show. Sorrowfully complaining. His label has dropped him. He told Carlson his support of Trump now “leaves me destitute and on the street.” He claims he has been “stripped of his livelihood…..People are so mean.”

Substantiation once again of the Biblical words: “As ye sow so shall ye reap.” In today’s words: “If you go to bed with a dog, you wake with fleas.”

It was announced yesterday that Trump and his entourage will leave Washington the morning of January 20 on Air Force One. Trump heading for his new home at Mar-a-Lago.

Trump’s toxicity and actions over the years have left many Mar-a-Lago neighbors unhappy with Trump. They do not want him as a neighbor. Palm Beach County is looking for a way to end Trump’s agreement in 1993 giving permission to run a business at Mar-a-Lago. The agreement does not provide for Trump or anyone else to live there.

Every nation having a problem with coronavirus has the elderly listed near the top of the priority list to receive shots first. Except, one. Indonesia.

The elderly are at or near the bottom of the list. Vaccines are being reserved for those under 60. Considered “young” by Indonesian standards.

Two reasons therefore. Indonesians claim there is a lack of research as to how the vaccine will affect older recipients. They believe vaccinating the young first is the best way to dampen widespread transmission of the virus. Younger persons are the largest group spreading the virus.

Two years ago, a tiki hut vessel appeared on Key West waters. A boat. Merely a tiki hut with a small bar beneath it. A good way to enjoy a drink  by day and to view the sunset in the evening.

Someone stole the Tiki Hut boat. Twenty four hours later the thief was arrested. Stone drunk!

He is Tyln Earl Morlang, a 36 year old from Missouri.

He apparently spent the night on the boat. Whether he got drunk while on or before not known yet. Could be while on. It was a cold evening. He might have consumed a few bottles of alcohol to keep warm.

He did try to start a fire to keep warm. A series of small fires. One in a coconut, others in plastic cups. None took sufficiently to remain ongoing for very long.

He’s lucky he did not burn the Tiki Hut and kill himself during his night long cruise.

This day in 2009 a happy and proud one. For all concerned.

I am sure you recall.

U.S. Airways Captain Chesley “Suny” Stullenberger was flying an Airbus 320. The plane hit a flock of birds just after take off. Both engines were disabled.

Sully accomplished the impossible. He landed the plane on the Hudson River. All 155 persons on board were saved.

Enjoy your day!

Key West’s tax revenues for 2020 came out yesterday. Today’s Key West Citizen made a comparison between 2020 and 2019.

COVID-19 was with us in 2020. Not at all in 2019.

Guess what? Tax revenues for 2020 were higher than 2019. Amazing, isn’t it. Which means the  bar, restaurant owners and other merchants who were complaining should not have.

If tax revenues were up, bar owners, etc. had to be making a big buck. The bars, etc. are a significant source of tax revenue for the City.

The people of Key West were played for suckers. There was little if any truth being spewed by the bar owners, etc. They were crying wolf. Foisting on the politicians and public there was a problem when there was not.

For shame!

If the tourist level had dropped, why have 2 airlines recently advised they have added Key West to their routes?

Jet Blue announced last year it would begin Boston and New York routes beginning 2/11. Today’s Citizen reported Allegiant Air would begin Key West/Nashville 6/2.

Airlines don’t fly where business is down.

Coronavirus data all over the country continues to be screwed up. Trump’s fault at the national level. State and local health departments also responsible for inconsistent figures.

The Monroe County Health Department reports it received only 1,300 vaccine doses. The Official State Vaccine Report advises the Keys received 1,507.

The Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo is for the rich and famous. Very affluent members.

They are getting far more vaccine doses than elsewhere in the Keys. Why?

The Monroe County Health Department does not know why. In the meantime, many are without.

The right hand does not know what the left is doing. And I at 85 and many other seniors have yet to get a shot.

The swastika painter has yet to be apprehended. On the loose since 1/6.

A tough criminal for the police to apprehend. The culprit was wearing a face mask. The mask covered a good 75 percent of his face. The police have a film shot of him at one of the places he was defacing. So far, it has been no help in catching the vandal.

Now to the national scene.

The House voted to impeach Trump yesterday. Means he has been charged. The Senate’s responsibility is to try him. A date has yet to be determined.

I would have not impeached Trump. I appreciate as Americans we want blood for what occurred on January 6. And it will come in due course. Does not however have to be by impeachment.

I want Biden to be able to jump in on January 20 and do what has to be done from that point forward. He has many Trump caused problems to correct.

My fear is Washington is going to get tied up in the impeachment trial and the Biden’ program will not receive the 100 percent attention required.

Trump will get his. Beginning this year. There will indictments. Beginning with the Manhattan DA and New York Attorney General’s offices.

An avalanche will befall him.

Thousands of U.S. military in Washington and more on the way. Twenty thousand total in the end. To protect Biden and the Inauguration. Also, to provide protections against any significant problems which might arise before then.

I reported last week that Trump may not be able to reside at Mar-a-Largo. The problem is the legal papers permitting him to operate the business Mara-a-Lago does not allow it.

When the ceiling falls, it falls on everyone. Ivanka and Jared spent $31 million on a lot to build a house on in Billionaire Bunker in Miami. They will have to look for another location. Billionaire Bunker blackballed them.

Trump eventually turns on everyone who has tried to help him. The newest person on his “screw you” list is Rudy Giuliani.

Trump is irritated at having been impeached again. He told his staff not to pay Giuliani’s legal bills.

Before the January 6 investigation is concluded, we are all going to be surprised at the people involved.

Claims are being made that certain House Representatives engaged in “suspicious behavior.” The claim is certain Representatives took certain insurgents on a tour of the Capitol the day before the attack on the building. Those providing the information to authorities described the walk around appearing to have been a “reconnaissance tour.”

I am unusually tired today. I have decided to have a Louis afternoon. Read a bit, watch a movie, and take a nap.

Enjoy your day!

No one can say there is no news fit to print. Trump alone is overwhelming. Coronavirus a close second. I am compelled to do a Morning Stew this morning because there is so much. Morning Stew #148.

I share with you that which is important, unusual, etc. in the order such appear in my notes. No organization.

Something is wrong in Denmark! Actually, Tallahassee.

I speak only as to the Keys. I and many others living with the problem.

Many are not able to get the coronvirus vaccine. Including me.

I qualify near the top being 85 with underlying conditions. I have not even been able to talk to someone in authority to arrange an appointment. The rules locally you must have an appointment.

I telephoned the Health Department 4 days in a row at the end of last week to make an appointment. Four times each day. Each time, except for the last day, the message was the box was full and could not accept calls. Finally, I scored over the weekend. The message now was do not call us for an appointment, we’re out of vaccine. Go to the County website.

I went to the page directed. All I could find was a small note at the top saying don’t call, we have no vaccine.

In the meantime, two things happened that upset me. First, non residents are and have already received the shot here in Key West. Someone at a higher level than Key West has to have made the decision.

The other appeared in Keys’ Voice this morning. A man’s father walked into the Health Department and was taken care of immediately. No appointment. We were told an appointment was required.

No one seems to play by the rules.

The Lower Keys Medical Center still needs 100 additional doses to complete vaccinations at their facility.

The County Health Department said in this morning’s paper that it has no more vaccine and hopefully will have more by the end of next week.

Trump told us 3 months ago distribution was no problem. He had a General who took care of these things. Everything would run smoothly. Typical of Trump, it has not.

A vandal/hater is in the Keys painting swastikas on buildings, etc. Two last week near Key West on a front door and sign. More up the Keys.

The bad guy is pictured on a webcam. Only problem is his face is almost totally covered. The police however are hoping someone still may identify him.

I guess sick people will always be with us. The kind that torture dogs and cats.

A manatee’s body was mutilated. Someone cut the name “Trump” in large letter on the manatee’s back. The injured manatee was discovered sunday 75 miles north of Tampa Bay.

A manatee is huge. Gentle, however. Several times I have petted one.

We live in a sick society.

Vanity Fair recently published an article that Ivanka Trump is planning to run for President in 2024. She may be a very pleasant person. However, she and her family are toxic. The poison will stick with all of them the rest of their lives.

When something of a serious criminal nature attaches to an individual, he no longer has friends. You would be surprised how swiftly they disappear.

Trump’s “friends” who he needs desperately are the banks. They are walking away from him. Already Deutsche and Signature. Trump has $300 million he owes Deutsche. How will he pay it back?

Deutsche has been in big trouble recently for money laundering. Donald, too? It will all come out over the next year.

Trump will also lose income at his many properties. His famous hotel in Washington, D.C. will no longer be packed with persons seeking favors from the Trump administration. His greatest asset, his name, will be of no value.

When you’re out, you’re out.

Various police authorities are working diligently to identify and arrest those involved with January 6. Even to the affluent financiers who provided money  to various hate groups.

The Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney advises he has 170 files opened against individuals who potentially committed cries. The Department of Justice has opened 75 cases.

Both advise that they have only just begun. There will be many more persons identified and prosecuted.

An impeachment vote is schedule’s for this afternoon in the House of Representatives. It will pass. Donald will have the distinction of being the only President to have been twice impeached.

The U.S. was once a white America. Over the years, persons of color have increased in the U.S. Those of color will soon have numbers in excess of the whites.

Republicans represent white America. Their numbers mostly made up of whites. Democrats on the other hand cannot even say half their number are whites. Actually, less than. The Democratic Party is primarily composed of persons of color and other minorities.

The Republicans can’t win. They know it. The numbers in the last 20 years prove it. Consistently upward for persons of color.

Hitler had his bunker in the last days of Berlin. Trump had his bunker wednesday January 6.

Next door to the Oval Office is the President’s private dining room.

Trump earlier in the day had told the thousands at the rally he would be there with them when they attacked the Capitol.

He was not.

He was in the private dining room described watching what was going on at the Capitol through a window, trying to reach on the phone Senators to convince them to vote against acceptance of the State certifications, and eating hamburgers and drinking cans of Coca Cola. In between yelling that he had won the election. A group of supporters were around him. His consiglieres.

Trump initially was happy with the disturbance. These were “his people.” Until Trump saw the big guy with horns and a bare chest. The horned man upset Trump. He described the man as “white trash” and one who was making his people look bad. He was angry.

Slowly and unknowingly to Trump, most of his consiglieres left. At the end, the usual ones were there. Giuliani, Meadows, Miller and Cipillone.

Picture it. Sort of like when Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Trump eating his burgers and drinking Coke.

Biden announced a week ago that his coronavirus plan was to lower the age to 65, release all the doses now, and he would make sure there were enough doses available and distributed for second shots.

Trump announced 2 days ago Biden’s plan. He announced it as if it were his idea.

It ws announced 2 days ago that Representatives, Senators, and their staffs could wear bullet proof vests. At no cost to themselves. They would be paid out of each representative’s already allocated budgets for their offices.

It was announced recently that 2.4 million Americans died in the first 10 days of the new year from coronavirus. We’re literally getting killed.

It was also reported through a different source that vaccines were being thrown out. They had spoiled because the cold storage units holding them in hospitals and medical offices were not sufficiently cold.

And here am you and I who cannot get a shot.

It was reported this morning on Morning Joe that masks are the order of the day in Congress beginning today. Everyone must wear a mask. First time without, the fine is $500. Second time, $2,500.

What happens to Trump when he is out of the White House?

The following will occur whether he is impeached or not. It will be his time to pay the fiddler. His business empire will crumble, he won’t be able to borrow the money he needs, no one will be his friend.

And, Trump will have no one to blame but himself. He did himself in!

Enjoy your day!

Last night, before or after the football game, I heard a brief news report to the effect that some of the Capitol Police or other police did not do their jobs effectively because they appeared to be on the side of the insurgents.

I researched the item on the internet this morning. Came up with nothing. Whether true or false, it will come out in due course. Truth has a way of surfacing.

Fifteen some odd years ago, I spent two consecutive summers in Greece. Six weeks each time as I recall.

Much of what was happening in Greece at the time is comparable to what is occurring in the U.S. today. The situation far worse in Greece. The U.S. may be on its way to experiencing the extreme.

There was no work. There was no food. No work means nothing. We are still better off. No food not like the food lines in the U.S. today. People were starving. Families killed their pets and ate them. Then broke into zoos, killed the animals, and took the meat home.

It reached a point where nothing could be grown. Initially, everyone had their little gardens. Then the ground would grow no more. They dug into the earth and ate roots. The roots were boiled.

When peoples’ lives change as to food and work, their politics become acerbated and change. Food is a first concern when there is none.

Politics were crazy.

I was staying at the Gran Britannia hotel in Athens for a few days. My balcony faced the Parliament building across the street. It was morning. The noise aroused me. There were thousands surrounding the building, carrying signs and shouting.

No way was I going to miss this. Threw on some clothes and ran out. I spent several hours each day with the demonstrators. No one bothered me. I did not understand what they were shouting, but there was no question they were upset.

There was one thing I could comprehend. Every time Angela Merkel’s name was mentioned, they spit on the ground. Young and old alike.

What about the police? As I think about it, I cannot recall seeing any at the site of the demonstrations.

No damage occurred at Parliament nor do I believe there was an intent by anyone to enter and do damage. The damage occurred later on the top commercial street in Athens. It ran directly perpendicular to Parliament.

Top retail stores and offices on the street. In a very few hours, a total mess. Windows all broken. Graffiti on the outside of some buildings. Cement walls somehow broken and lying on the ground. Fire damage evident also.

I was shocked.

Which brings me to the police.

The cops were cops. There was also at the time a neo-Nazi party called Golden Dawn. Half the police department were members of Golden Dawn.

The Golden Dawn members were scary. By day and night, they stood in groups on downtown busy streets. Aryan appearing one and all. Good looking young men. All blonds. Their attire the same. Shirts, pants and shoes black. They carried guns on their waists and batons in their hands.

I walked Athens day and night. Black Dawn groups standing everywhere. I found it interesting and will not deny a degree of fear was within me each time.

They never bothered me. However, their heads and eyes would follow me as I passed.

There were instances both day and night where I saw Black Dawn beating the hell out of someone on the sidewalk. A police officer was once nearby. He turned his back and walked away.

Black Dawn’s neo-Nazis controlled.

I learned that half the police force were members. Most judges, also.

Black Dawn was a smart operation. Recall food was scarce. Each day they would drive to certain corners with truck loads of food. Citizens were welcome to it. However, each receiving had to sign up to be a Black Dawn member.

Things have changed. Greece’s economy improved. People are working. Black Dawn if it still exists is a mere sliver of what it once was.

I spent the time this morning sharing Greece and its police with you in light of what seems to have occurred on January 6. In Greece, police became protesters and joined Black Dawn. If the news report I heard is correct, the same is occurring here. No where near as bad.

However not even one American cop should jump the fence. They should be arrested, charged, convicted and jailed.

There are many videos of what happened at the Capitol. Some showing Capitol or other police opening barricades and letting the protesters in. Another shows one of the barrier guardians saying to the protesters as they went by, “I respect you.”

I spent some time each trip on a few smaller islands. Whether in Athens or the islands, it was next to impossible to get people to discuss politics. They were afraid.

My blog talk radio show tonight at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. No problem having enough to talk about. My problem is I do not have enough time to get everything in.

Enjoy your day!

Ginni Thomas is married to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. She white, he black. Their marriage of long standing.

Her name first came to attention when her husband had been nominated to the Supreme Court. There where whispers and innuendos that she was actively involved in far right extremist activities. Such never became an issue.

Her husband was before the Judiciary Committee for approval purposes. Joe Biden chaired the Committee.

Everything was running smooth for Thomas. His approval was expected. If my memory proves correct, he was the second black nominee ever to the Supreme Court. He was appointed to replace the great civil rights leader Thurgood Marshall.

It was near the end of the proceedings when the proverbial s–t hit the fan.

Anita Hill was a Constitutional law school professor. She forwarded a letter to the the Committee that Thomas was not in her opinion qualified. She had worked for him in some bureaucratic position when he headed a federal agency. She accused him of improper advances and claimed he was always talking about his great pornographic collection. He would ask Anita to watch porn with him.

The Committee called Anita. They bruised her badly. Democrats and Republicans alike. How could this woman say those things about a person like Thomas?

I was disappointed with Biden at the time. He was not fair in the way he handled her. It was a male/female thing.

The morning after Hill testified, Thomas was recalled. He waited for no man. He went into a tirade that the proceeding had become a lynching. Recognize he is a black man saying those words before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. He was on the verge of tears.

His explosion won the day. Hill’s testimony in effect was rejected. Thomas’ believed.

Hill continues to be a Constitutional law professor in California.

To this day, I believe she was not treated fairly. I believed her. Thought Thomas had lied.

Thomas has been on the Supreme Court bench more than 25 years. I believe he has been one of the Court’s worst Justices.

The Supreme Court is an appellate court. Justices ask questions. Rarely does an attorney have the opportunity to provide his well prepared argument. Questions from the Court come one after another. The attorney feels a bomb has been dropped on him.

There is no rule a Justice must ask questions. However, everyone in every appellate court in the U.S. does. Up to about 2 years ago, Thomas never asked a question.

I attributed his silence to a feeling he was not up to the job. In the past 2 years, for whatever reason, he asks a question here and there.

Which brings us back to wife Ginni.

She was a far right extremist when her husband was nominated. She has kept active in Republican far right circles. Even to today.

Ginni supports Trump’s argument that the election was illegal. On the day of the Capitol rally, she was on social media cheering on the protesters. She sent her “love” to them. Also, “God bless each of you standing up or praying.” How about, “We all have guns and concealed carry to handle what’s coming.”

The worst of the worst involves the story reported in several news releases. It was suggested she sponsored 80 buses for protesters to travel to Washington. Assuming 30 passengers per bus, Ginni  would have assisted in excess of 2,000 people to make the trip.

“Sponsored” may may not mean her money paid for the busies. It could have been as a board member of CNP Action.

One news article reported her assistance with the buses was “akin to paying for the plane tickets of the 9/11 hijackers.”

Her other far right activities prior to January 6 included her assistance in helping to handcraft lists of “disloyal” government officials. Shades of Senator McCarthy.

She is apparently anti BLM. She wanted authorities to remove a BLM banner from a city.

Ginni has been a virulent organizer against the Democratic Party and leftists.

If the facts are correct, it would appear she aided and abetted the Capitol insurrection. If such is the case, she should be charged where appropriate with those who actually stormed the Capitol.

So many stories coming out of January 6. It will take days/perhaps weeks to cover the more important ones.

Enjoy your day!