Insanity prevails at every level of the American population.
A comment in the Citizens’ Voice section of this morning’s Citizen a perfect example: “Well, it’s official folks. The Keys have turned into a far right conspiracy theory, lunatic asylum. At the school board meeting, parents were ranting about communism and how Jesus will keep COVID away. I couldn’t believe it.”
A comment by a recent recent tourist: “Came here on vacation, left as part of the COVID Nation.”
Another commented re Fantasy Fest: “Fantasy Fest zoners should wear masks and nothing else. Would be a blast – couldn’t tell who anybody was and could all be masked and frivolous safely.”
Fantasy Fest is the last 10 days of October. Some days, as many as 60,000 people.
I have always wondered where they sleep. Not enough rooms in Key West. Too many to sleep on the beaches. Not enough rooms for many miles up the Keys.
Sleeping accommodations not my issue this morning. An interesting observation to share, however.
It was announced yesterday that the parade and street fair portions of Fantasy Fest were cancelled because of the coronavirus danger. Such takes care of the last 2 nights of Fantasy Fest. What about the first 8?
Key West rocks all 10 days. Most events private rather than publicly sponsored. Every prominent bar has a “special evening.” A couple of BDSM parties and other similar events. Each jam packed.
Some of the parties bring in 1,000 people. No social distancing. I assume a few masks. Not many. I have no idea how many vaccinated. Probably most have not.
Without the parade and street fair, the event still a virus spreader. The City should find a way to totally eliminate Fantasy Fest for the entire 10 days. Merchants will scream. Bar owners have a heart attack.
How else can we ensure safety, however?
Two-three weeks following Fantasy Fest, many Key Westers will get sick. The 60,000 who return home will spread the virus among their families and neighbors in other states.
At the moment Florida is the #1 state re the virus. A distinction Florida could do without. Our tiny hospital will not be able to handle those who get sick during Fantasy Fest, whether from normal injuries and illnesses or coronavirus itself.
My comment re this issue is a voice in the wilderness.
My thought. It begins with “Our asshole Governor DeSantis…..”
DeSantis a few weeks ago issued an executive Order. The Order prohibited any school board from mandating the wearing of masks. DeSantis said he would stop salary payments to any board members who disregarded his Order.
The kids are back in school. Child virus numbers were up all over the state previous to school openings. Will now creep up even more. Child infections will be the highest ever.
Four school boards have defied the Governor: Alachua, Brevard, Broward, and Leon Counties.
Next came court involvement and decisions last week and yesterday. Each court decided the same. DeSantis the loser in all court decisions. Sounds like the Trump lawsuit decisions. School districts can require school children to wear masks, school board members must be paid.
The Governor’s office issued a statement. The Governor would continue to prohibit school districts from acting and refuse paying them if they did. The statement made no reference to any of the court decisions.
DeSantis is Trump in disguise. Birds of a feather.
COVID continues to overwhelm space and staff to care for coronavirus patients. Five states have less than 10 percent ICU beds left: Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas.
Ida definitely was not as sweet as apple cider. The fifth worse hurricane in the history of the U.S. A Category 4 which left much destruction. One million without power in New Orleans alone where it has been estimated it will take 5-6 weeks to return to normal power.
Fortunately, only 2 dead so far.
I periodically watched persons being removed via transport trucks from flooded areas. It was Katrina all over again. Only blacks on those trucks.
Ironically, Ida hit on the same day as Katrina did 16 years ago.
The Syracuse football season begins saturday. Against Ohio. Not sure who is favored.
Syracuse’s starting quarterback will be Tony DeVito. He started off and on the last 2 seasons. Hope he found whatever he has been looking for so he can deliver on being an exceptional quarterback this season.
Syracuse will go with a 2 quarterback system this year. Mississippi State transfer Garrett Schrader is back up to DeVito. It is intended for both to play in Syracuse’s opening game saturday.
It has been many a year since Syracuse had a quality team. This year? Hope springs eternal!
Tonight Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Jon me at 9 my time for a terrific blog talk radio show. I rant and rave for one half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.
Enjoy your day!