Men have fought and died for democracy forever. American democracy. Some still dying. Others however have joined a growing group of dissidents who want to destroy that which has made America great. Democracy.

More than one million have fought and died to guarantee that democracy. The same democracy others are seeking to destroy today.

One of the measures of those who fought and died for democracy are the number who actually gave up their lives in America’s various wars.

Numbers generally reflect truth. The number of persons who died to guarantee democracy is an indication of its value. The same value many today are seeking to destroy.

The wars and number of U.S. deaths: Revolution 4,435, War of 1812 2,260, Civil War 629,000, World War I 117,000, World War II 407,000, Korea 33,700, Vietnam 58,000, Two Gulf Wars with Iraq 8,000, Afghanistan to date 2,400.

Total war dead 1,249,811.

A lot of good people have died to preserve U.S. freedom. To guarantee democracy would be sustained.

Now a bunch of radical insurgents, terrorists to the core, have heard Donald Trump’s call and follow him as if he were the Pied Piper.

They cannot be permitted to succeed. If they do, the U.S. will become a Nazi Germany.

The friendly transfer of power was a trade mark of the U.S. democratic society.

Trump says no more. It is his way or the highway.

There are other dissidents world wide. A growing disease this desire to overthrow a democratic society.

Israel is on the verge of falling into an abyss similar to the one Trump is creating in the U.S.

After 12 years in power, Netanyahu was replaced yesterday. Via Israel’s democratic processes. As with Trump, Netanyahu does not agree with his being replaced. In his brief words yesterday he spoke of a “fraudulent” vote that caused his opposition to succeed. He claimed he would be soon back.

Sound familiar?

Israel’s transition of governments was till recent days a friendly one. A day of celebration. There were no such events yesterday. Netanyahu sat stone faced as Israel’s new Prime Minister took over.

Insurgency spreads. It is a cancer. What one nation can do, so can another.

Certain areas of Antarctica’s ice mass are breaking up faster than anticipated.

The Pine Island ice shelf the perfect example. It is spawning huge icebergs.

There is a bigger glacier behind the Pine Island shelf one. It too is breaking up. However not as fast as the Pine Island shelf. The importance of the shelf is that it keeps the melting huge glacier behind it from moving into the sea.

Damage beyond comprehension would occur if the glacier got out into open water.

Scientists claim climate change is the reason for the problems with the Pine Island shelf and the bigger glacier behind it. Nations speak of cause. They accept climate change as the cause. Many are willing to do something. None doing any where close to enough, however.

Key West and much of the lower Keys could disappear some time in the next 50 years. The ocean front and gulf front homes and hotels will be swept away. The same homes many today are spending from $3 million to $7 million for.

I have spent much of my time over the past 30 years in Key West. Stock Island adjoins Key West. Stock Island the other side of Cow Key Bridge.

Stock Island has primarily been the place where the working staff of Key West live. Housing much cheaper. It was at one time the home of fishing fleets now long gone.

There always has been a sense that Stock Island was saying “Watch us grow!” It didn’t grow till recent years. Now booming.

Class hotels, great food restaurants, first class marinas. etc.

Stock Island is shouting for every one to come and see what is happening. A “I Love Sock Island Festival” will be ongoing from June 16-20. Go and experience the transformation taking place!

I hope as part of the Department of Justice’s investigation it is following the money. Wealthy oligarchs are funding the terrorist groups and the insurgency they bring. Big money!

Think for a moment. January 6. Where did the insurgents get the money to pay for the buses and other type transportation to get them to Washington? Hotel rooms? Meals? Miscellaneous expenses?

Follow the money! Those who funded January 6 are as much responsible as those who actually charged up the Capitol steps.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Sunday!

I decided to spend my Saturday night at home. My new thing remaining home. Read a little, watched TV a little. To bed and sleep at nine.

A certain topic caught my eyes during the reading portion. How soda and artificially sweetened beverages are bad stuff. I have been hearing for a couple of years to stop drinking soda. I go through about 6 bottles of Diet Pepsi a day.

I would like to say no more. However what do I substitute in its place? I already drink several bottles of water a day

Permit me to share what I read about soda being a killer.

I came across several articles. One right on carried an article titled Soda Consumption Reveals Mortality Rates. Title long way to say  sugar sweetened beverages will accelerate death in many instances.

When reference is made to “sweetened beverages,” it includes also “artificially flavored beverages.”

Circulation is a well respected scientific journal. Especially in the area of heart problems. It is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilks for the American Heart Association. A weekly publican.

Circulation ranks #1 among journals in the cardiac and cardiovascular systems category.

Circulation recently reported on a 25 year study. Participants 117,000. The study revealed a 21 percent increase in all cause mortality, as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality.

GThe article an interesting introduction into the heart of the sugar sweetened issue. My problem a simple one. Not deep. I went years ago from Pepsi to Diet Pepsi. What do I drink now that is totally devoid of sugar or sugar sweetener?

It’s almost humorous. As one gets older, he has to give up smoking, drinking and involuntarily sex. Now diet soda!

Audrey Hepburn. One of the finest movie actresses of all time. As well as one of the most beautiful.

World War II was all over Europe. Initially, Holland advised it would remain neutral. Hitler failed to recognize Holland’s neutrality, conquered and occupied Holland during the war years.

Hepburn’s mother and father had separated early in the war. It was only Audrey and her mother Ella living in Holland.

Hepburn literally starved. There was little food available.  Doctors attribute her slender appearance to being malnourished during her adolescence.

As a youngster, Hepburn worked with the Resistance. She acted as a courier delivering papers and money from one group of Resistance fighters to another. The Resistance used children because the Nazis were unlikely to search them.

When Hepburn hit Hollywood and almost instantaneous stardom, her studio found her Resistance background attractive for publicity purposes. However, the matter had to be handled with delicacy.

Hepburn’s parents were Nazi sympathizers and supporters.

Early on, her parents were members of the British Union of Fascists.

Hepburn lived with her mother Ella throughout the war. Her father Joseph had deserted his family early in the war.

Ella returned to Germany early on to attend the Nuremberg Rallies. Following which she wrote an enthusiastic account for the fascist magazine The Blacklist.

Joseph was more deeply involved. He was investigated by the British House of Commons for receiving seed money to start a newspaper from Germans with ties to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels.

Joseph was imprisoned as an enemy of the State for the duration of the war.

Neither parent was aware of Audrey’s Resistance involvement. Audrey was aware of her parent’s Nazi activities.

During the 1950’s, it would have been disastrous for Hepburn’s squeaky clean image if it were known her parent were Nazi sympathizers. Ergo, the movie studio worked hard to keep that facet of her life secret.

Hepburn’s first film was Roman Holiday in which she starred with Gregory Peck. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress. At some point, she left Hollywood and worked for causes world wide. Especially those involving starving peoples. Much of her work was through the United Nations.

While reading about Audrey Hepburn, Harry Truman came to mind. I recalled having read a statement he made about the work he wanted to do. I had marked it in one of my Truman books.

Truman was a plain speaker easily understood. He once said, “My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly a difference.”

The G7 seems to be going well. I like Biden’s statement: “The United States is back!”

The trip an obvious success for the nations participating. However the problem is in the details. Hopefully everything can be worked out in a kumbaya fashion as time moves on.

Terri White sings 3-5 this afternoon at Marylin’s. Drop in. Terri’s singing will make you feel good.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Merrick Garland has been in the news the past few days. For a number of reasons.

I am not certain he is the right person to be Attorney General.

I commented about him in my 3/13/21 blog titled Morning Stew #48.

My thoughts remain the same. My uncertainty continues.

I wrote re his being confirmed for Attorney General. Expressed my concern: “Garland has been touted as ‘best’ for the job for two reasons.”

“First, he headed the Oklahoma investigation 25 years ago. Second, he has been a respected federal judge for more than 20 years.

Both experiences qualifying on their face. However, I question such.

Twenty five yeas is long ago. No one can tell whether he is as good investigative wise as he was then. A good judge does not necessarily make a good prosecutor. Especially after 20 years as a judge. The mind changes. In some instances, the drive also.”

The jury is still out in my mind.

I hope Garland does well and I wish him well. However, he causes me concern.

It happens. Glory to one not seeking it. Like a Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

Darnella Frazier is winner of a special Pulitzer Prize.

Darnella is the young lady who was walking by as George Floyd was being killed. She stopped to film the entire scene on her cell phone. The film thereafter went public.

The Pulitzer Prize Board said she may not be a professional journalist, but whose actions had as much impact as any.

Her film went round the world. It had a decided effect on the outcome of the trial.

It does not stop. Weekends have become popular for mass shootings.

This one early this morning in downtown Austin, Texas. Thirteen injured. Police uncertain at this time whether one shooter or a gang.

The story of a modern day Jonas. One whose God was on his shoulder. A Cape Cod diver left with a whale of a tale after a humpback spat him out.

Lobster diver Michael Packer diving off the coast of Provincetown friday when the “capital cetacean” caught him unaware.

Packer was 45 feet down. He felt a huge bump and everything went dark. “I could sense I was moving. Then I realized there was no teeth and I had felt, really, no great pain. And then I realized, ‘Oh my God, I’m in a whale’s mouth and he’s trying to swallow me.”‘

Packer still had his breathing apparatus on.

He thought: “Ok, this is it, I’m going to die.” Thought about my kids and wife. “There was no getting out of there.”

Packard estimates that after 30 seconds in the mammals mandibles, the whale surfaced quickly and spit him out.

He was thrown in the air. Then, “floated.”

“I couldn’t believe I got out of that. And I’m here to tell it.”

Packer was taken to a hospital. Except for bruises all over his body, he was alright. “All in all, I’m a lucky guy.”

I trust he went to Church the next morning.

Texas Governor Abbott has never impressed me. His mental capacity is somewhere below normal. Trump worse. Abbott a close second.

He is a Trumpie true and true.

Abbott announced thursday that Texas will build its own border walls. His reason: The Biden administration is failing “to do its job” on the border and protect Americans from lawlessness.

Perhaps he wants to run for President in 2024 if Trump cannot.

Abbott further announced he planned “immediate” action. He plans “mass arrests”. He plans on building bigger jails.

A couple of Louis thoughts.

I recall during the Trump years the many Texans who went on national TV explaining the migration problem was not as bad as Trump was making it out to be. Wives and daughters were not being raped, disease nothing also.

Many residents advised there was an increase in immigrants. Not as bad as Trump was reporting. The communities were dealing with the problem, though assistance was needed.

Abbott forgets also the increase in costs to build new jails and pay new jailers to watch over the jailed immigrants. In addition to the new court space, judges, and judicial staff needed to process those arrested.

Texans will love the increase in their taxes!

The man speaks without thinking. Shoots from the hip. As does his hero, Donald Trump.

I’m curious how the Biden-Putin meeting will work out.

Biden earlier calling Putin a “killer” does not suggest an harmonious meeting. Biden has thrown the “gauntlet” down. Their public press interview following the meeting should be interesting.

Today is International Gin Day.

I never drank till I was 45. A story itself and for another day.

The first taste of alcohol was Beefeater gin. I liked it. It became my drink of choice. I consumed my fair share over the years.

Three years ago following a serious attack of pancreatitis, my doctor said “Louis, you’re on the wagon. A drink only now and then.”

And so it has been. Sometimes I have even gone two-three weeks without.

I must be honest. It is a tough life when I am out socially and everyone is knocking the drinks down. However, you do what you have to do.

My body improving from its most recent fall. Elbow the major problem. Bending it hurts. My right hip likewise painful if I sit or lie wrongly.

I will survive. Hopefully with no more than a sore body part. My two concerns are always a fractured hip and a brain bleed. The fractured hip is understandable. The brain bleed may not be to some.

I take blood thinners. A hard bang to my head and I could die. Blood could be seeping as a result somewhere in the brain.

Three times I worried my head bang might be dangerous. Three times I went through the necessary immediate tests to determine if the problem had occurred. Fortunately, so far so good.

I feel like the guy in the whale as reported today. God has been on my side each time. I will concede however being in the mouth of a whale is far worse.

Enjoy your day!

I am having a bad day at Black Rock.

Yesterday was a different day till 4:30 in the afternoon.

I was up at 5:30. Had a breakfast meeting at 9. Researched the blog so I would be able to write it quickly when I got home.

Nine found me at Two Friends on Front Street. Shamed I am to admit I have not been in Two Friends in 20 years. No particular reason. Just did not go.

The place was packed. Primarily tourists. Each enjoying a big breakfast.

My meeting was with Dave Hill, the owner of Two Friends, and Guy deBoer.

Never met Dave before. An interesting gentleman.

The purpose of the meeting was for Dave and I to meet and discuss Guy’s idea that we all do a radio show together. Guy moderating. Dave and I exchanging thoughts.

Dave and I are a perfect match. He a Republican, I a Democrat. National events will be the primary thrust of the show.

The show will be all of 10 minutes to begin. When yet to be decided.

I am excited. I will enjoy it and I am confident Dave will also.

Now that Dave and I are friends, I will be having lunch or dinner at Two Sisters hopefully once a week.

From Two Friends to the shirt laundry on Truman. I park my car in the Don’s Place parking lot across the street.

Normally, the parking lot is full in the morning. Around 9:30 the Breakfast Hour would still be ongoing. No cars in the parking lot.

The outside bar was not manned also.

Oh my God, all I could think was Don’s dead. He is dealing with heavy lung cancer at a Chicago hospital.

The door to the bar was open. Several people drinking. Saw Elizabeth who I have not seen in a couple of years. My drinking days are long gone so I frequent Don’s Million Dollar Bar no more.

I sought David. Don’s good friend who now is keeping the books. He was in the tiny house in the back working on them.

I did not want the door to open. I feared Don was dead.

Don has lung cancer. He was a master smoker. He recently had his first chemotherapy session at the hospital. He is staying nearby in his lake home that he and Stephanie built about 10 years ago. Their vacation home. It may never be.

Let me me tell you about Don. He is one of the nicest people I have met. Warm, friendly. The type that gave you all his attention when you were talking. Everyone loved Don! He was the man!

I played golf and bocce with him for 15 years. We occasionally lunched, David with us. Drank most days with him in his bar.

There is a sad humor to this. The doctor told me I would be better off not drinking two years ago. I stopped. Don was told to stop five years ago. Smoking, also. He was able to handle the no booze. Cigarettes were another story.

Don was an athlete in his younger days. He obtained his college degree on a football scholarship at a small college in the Midwest.

He ended up a Vice President with some newspaper chain in Buffalo. He also at one time was publisher of a newspaper somewhere else.

He visited Key West on vacation. Discovered what is now Don’s Place. He always wanted to own a bar. Bought it. Cost him one million dollars. That is why he named the bar Don’s Million Dollar Bar.

Hang in there Donald!

Returned home. It was pushing 11. Did the blog and had it out and published by 12:30.

Made myself a sandwich. Watched a World War II movie. Napped.

I woke at 4:40. I was upstairs.

Those of you who follow me regularly know I developed a falling problem that became acute 2 years ago. Comes with age. I started using a cane full time 2 years ago. Should have started 2 years earlier. It has become my best friend.

I rarely use it in the house. A person who falls generally has a sense a fall is about to occur. There is always something in a house to hold onto to prevent the fall.

I use the handrail on the inside steps second floor to first. One problem. The hand rail stops 4 steps before the end. I’m on my own from that point forward.

Yesterday was a problem. I missed the last step and went flying. I have some art work are not yet hung. They lie against the wall opposite the foot of the stairs. I went through a Jack Baron, Miro, Agam, and Renoir etching.

The art work came out ok. I did not.

My right side. Knee. My right hip. I assume I did not break it. Sore as hell, however. Right shoulder.

I take blood thinners. Bleed easy. My right elbow kept bleeding. An area about 3 x 4 inches.

I was out of band aids. Called a friend to get me some. I now have $25 worth. Was able to use a large band aid to cover the whole area.

Could not get comfortable in bed. Finally fell asleep. One hour. Woke and felt something wet. The blood from the right elbow had found a way out from under the large band aid. Sheet and blanket stained big time.

Gave up on the bed. Went downstairs to a large lounge chair. The position of my arm and hip were important. Both had to be placed gingerly. Watched TV all night. Did not sleep.

The story of my yesterday.

I’ve had better and worse ones. Not complaining. Merely sharing.

Enjoy your day!

My test for this, test for that trip, continues. Yesterday, an endoscopy. Tomorrow, an ultra sound of my kidneys.

I normally do not go into detail re a medical matter. However the Surgery Center is worthy of sharing my experience.

I have had a problem swallowing for several years. Called Zenker’s diverticulum. A growth on the esophagus. Food sometimes gets stuck on the way down. Has been happening frequently lately. Ergo, the endoscopy.

The surgery center is located on Toppino Drive. Behind the I-Hop on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

The first thing that hit me was the cleanliness. The whole place. Reception area to where the endoscopy was done to the room I was in before and after.

I know all medical places should be clean. However, many are not.

The staff terrific. Professional, pleasant and helpful. Cannot remember all their names. However, my physician was Dr. Lawrence Blass. His team consisted of Randall, Anna, Tiffany, and the anesthesiologist whose name I cannot recall even though he spent some time prior to the surgery with me.

I was in and out in 2 1/2 hours.

Fear not if you are in need of an endoscopy and/or colonoscopy. See Dr. Blass or contact the Surgery Center for a recommendation. Good people!

Yesterday was June 9. Nero died on June 9, except not in 2021. In 68 AD. Thirty one at the age of his death.

Not a nice guy. Got off on subjecting people to pain. Nero enjoyed debaucheries, political murders, and burning Christians. Especially after falsely blaming them for setting fire to Rome.

Two passions. Music and religious persecution.

There is no merit to the story Nero fiddled while Rome burned. I have written re the issue several times over the years. Responsible historians say no way. The fiddled had not yet been invented.

It is often said the mighty shall fall. Nero fell.

He was having political problems. Senate members were ready to depose him. The Senate declared him a “public enemy.” The penalty death. Flogging the mode of execution.

Nero believed flogging was a painful way to die. He preferred to have someone slit his throat.. He implored his secretary Epaphroditos to slit his throat. His secretary refused. He asked several of the military loyal to him to do it. They refused.

He did not have the courage to fall on his sword and kill himself. Someone finally slit his throat. Who, I could not determine.

A foolish decision on Nero’s part. While he was hiding out somewhere in the wilderness with his army, the Senate in Rome decided to withdraw the “public enemy” charge and dropped the execution decision.

Historians have toyed with the possibility Nero was Black. Several emperors before him had been Black.

The basis for his “may have been Black” involved several considerations. First, Nero is folk Latin (and modern day Italian) for Black. Rome had previous Black emperors. Finally, Nero’s features reflected a man of Black origin. His lips were huge. His overall face large.

I do not know whether he was white, black, yellow or purple. All I could determine is serious consideration has been given by historians to his purported Blackness.

The first group Biden met with in England were U.S. military at the air base where he landed. His talk to them televised. Biden without question appeared Presidential, intelligent, touching, warm, humorous, etc. The qualities of a leader.

I felt proud during his talk. The troops appeared to also.

Senator Joseph McCarthy rabble roused the military and high level government officials from 1950-1954. Everyone was a Communist from his way of thinking.

McCarthy was crazy. A drunk.

Members of neither party approved of his conduct. However as with people speaking truth in today’s political climate, no one spoke in opposition to him. Everyone was afraid they would be labeled a Communist.

Note Communism was very much feared in those days. War with Russia could occur at any moment. In New York State, it was suggested we build air raid shelters in the back yard. Children in schools were taught what to do in case of an air raid. Not much. Get under your desk!

Atomic bombs were the weapon anticipated.

McCarthy chaired the Senate sub-committee on investigations. McCarthy brought his Communist theory under the umbrella of the sub-committee.

So bad was McCarthy that 3 Democrats deserted the sub-committee. Republican members stopped attending. McCarthy and his attorney Roy Cohn were the only 2 sitting and interrogating at sub-committee hearings.

An investigation in 1954 was of the U.S. Army. The Army retained Boston attorney Joseph Welch to represent them before McCarthy’s sub-committee.

Welch was tiny and slender. Elderly. His image one of maturity and wisdom.

McCarthy began attacking one of Welch’s attorneys. One he had brought with him from his Boston firm. The young attorney was not a witness. However, McCarthy hit him heavily re his background and Communism. All false accusations.

Welch interrupted McCarthy and said in a quiet firm tone: “Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or recklessness”

McCarthy attempted to regain control of the attack and stop Welch. Welch angrily interrupted and said, “Let us not assassinate the lad further, Senator. You have done enough. Have you no decency?”

Welch on that day destroyed McCarthy. People were no longer afraid to stand against him.

Trump and his henchman have begun a Fauci attack this week. One that is an attempt to destroy Fauci. Make him the scapegoat for Trump’s failure with regard to coronavirus.

Trump and his people now blame Fauci for China’s purported failure to warn the world that the virus had escaped a Wuhan laboratory.

This Fauci attack is relatively new. Trump himself on 15 separate occasions while President praised China. Congratulated China on its transparency. Now taking the position it was China’s fault the vaccine had spread beyond China’s borders.

All this time and even today, Fauci’s position has been the virus was animal caused. Perhaps a bat.

Trump is now out to destroy Fauci. A good man. Honest from my perspective. A true civil servant his whole life.

May Trump fail in his bogus effort.

May Trump get his just do.

Things have been tough economically for Key West restaurants this past year. Some did a little cheating apparently to keep afloat. The problem is the cheating hurt their employees.

Antonia’s, Little Pearl, and Thirsty Mermaid failed to pay overtime wages to employees as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The three restaurants combined were required to pay $163,310 in back wages.

People ask how they can subscribe to this blog. I share the information with you today.

Go to my home page: Key West Lou. The email address is keywestlou.com. The most recent blog will appear. By scrolling down you can read every blog done for so many years.

There is a box in the upper right corner. Under it SUBSCRIBE. Enter your email address. You will then begin receiving my blog. No charge.

Enjoy your day!

The Florida Keys Highway is one of the greatest rides in the U.S. Pleasure wise, I find it comparable to California’s Big Sur.

The Keys highway runs the length of the Florida Keys. Covers the entire island chain. Forty bridges to cross, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

Many refer to the road as the Highway That Goes To Sea. Some, the All-American Road.

The drive spectacular. Rent a car in Miami and drive down to Key West. Preferably a convertible. A 140 mile trip. Generally ocean on both sides. As far as the eyes can see. The sun glazing over the ocean. An occasional boat slumbering along.

There is nothing finer nor more relaxing than the drive.

From Key West on the North American continent, we travel to Australia.

A major discovery has been announced. Confirmed by scientists, Australia’s largest dinosaur has been discovered. Something like the Keys U.S. 1. Unique and long. Two stories tall, a basketball court long.

In addition to being Australia’s largest, it is one of the world’s largest.

The dinosaurs fossilized skeleton was discovered in 2007. It took the scientists this long to put the dinosaur together and conclude what it was. An Australotitan Cooperensis.

Joe Manchin. A major disappointment to Democrats. A turn coat in disguise. The Republicans’ new champion.

Manchin is enjoying his moment in the sun. Loves being Washington’s newest power broker.

He appeared on two national talk shows Sunday. Proudly said that in addition to not voting against filibuster, he also had decided not to vote in support of the For The People voting rights bill.

Chris Cillizza wrote an interesting piece on Manchin and his Sunday talk show appearances.

Cillizza wrote Manchin “cast a pall on other Biden plans.” He cannot be depended upon. Cillizza described Manchin as having “totally screwed the Democrats.”

Some Manchin background.

He has been a friend of the Koch Brothers for years.

The writing is on the wall. Manchin’s numbers have been decreasing. He could very well lose in 2024 when he stands for reelection.

A Democrat, he is the last Democrat holding a state wide West Virginia office.

Numbers do not lie. In his 2012 Senate election, Manchin received just over 60 percent of the vote. His next Senate election 2018. He was lucky to win. Manchin received 49.6 percent of the vote, his opponent 46.3.

It is anticipated Manchin will lose in 2024. Many believe that is why he is playing games with the filibuster and the voting rights bill.

Manchin is seriously planning on changing his party affiliation to Republican for the 2024 election. His recent actions indicate he is feathering his bed for the event.

It should be noted Trump beat Clinton in 2016 by 40 percent. Trump recently said he believed Manchin was “doing the right thing” by saying “no” to ending the filibuster.

The Senate issued its report re January 6. A very limited one. Generally limited to a few security failures. Fails to mention Trump’s role.

Tonight Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou. Join me at 9 my time. A lot of good stuff to rant and rave about. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

NO BLOG TOMORROW. I have an endoscopy scheduled in the morning.

Enjoy your day!

Far right  and conservative Republicans are thought to be one week from commencing personal attacks on Dr. Fauci.

An article in Vanity Fair by Bess Levin 6/4/21 an interesting expose. Its title: Lock Her Up Chant for Anthony Fauci. If successful, the attack would be followed up with calls for Fauci to be charged with treason.

The anti-Fauci forces are gearing up for an attack that he’s the second coming of Benghazi/Hillary Clinton/Pol Pot.

The primary attack issue is Fauci’s belief that coronavirus originated with bats and not the Wuhan laboratory.

Why Fauci? Because he represents “everything conservatives hate: An educated man of science with not one but two degrees, he committed what Republicans believe was a capital offense when he failed to back up everything Donald Trump said about the disease, including the part about breaking it by freebasing bleach.”

Many of the anti-Fauci group believe “he invented coronavirus and is ‘part of a secret cabal with Bill Gates and George Soros to profit from the vaccines.'”

Levin’s article claims QAnon, Republicans, Trump, and FOX News believe they have found some kind of smoking gun showing Fauci is responsible for the virus.

There are those that want Fauci to “basically be tried for war crimes.” The very same people who have expressed next to no interest in any investigation whatsoever into the events of January 6.

Beware!

Step by step there is an increasing attack upon the democracy on which the U.S. is built.

Reminds me of Nazi Germany in the 1930’s.

Yesterday was June 6. A special day in American history. One reminding all that many Americans died to protect the American way of life.

It was June 6, 1944. Allies landed on Normandy shores. The Battle for Europe began. Within a very few days, 150,000 Allied troops were delivered to Normandy beaches.

In 1965, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Griswold v. Connecticut. A landmark decision.

The Supreme Court legalized the use of contraceptives by married couples without governmental restriction. “Marital privacy” was protected. The Supreme Court said in effect stay out of a married couple’s bed!

There is humor in the decision. Few Americans were paying attention to the prohibition against the use of contraceptives by married couples.

I take you back 16 years to 1949. I was a freshman in high school. I worked after school in a chain drug store. I was used where needed. Sometimes behind the cigar/cigarette counter.

Condoms were sold. They wee kept out of sight behind the cigar/cigarette counter. Men would stand around looking here and there till they were the only ones who wanted to buy condoms. They would approach the counter and in a nervous fashion ask for condoms. Sold in packages of three to a gross.

I was 14. Had no idea condoms were illegal. I thought they merely were an item men were embarrassed to buy. It was like sanitary napkins. Though legal, they were minimally visible behind the perfume counter. A woman would ask for a box when no one was standing around her.

Time changes things.

Several years ago, I wrote about what was perceived to be a coming California drought. California’s water supply was being rapidly depleted. California needed huge amounts of water especially for its fruit growing.

There was a water war at the time. Some big company came in and bought the water rights to thousands of acres. The company may have been Nestles. I do not recall for sure.

The company planned to sell the water as bottled water in super markets.

There was an added thorn in the side of farmers. Besides Nestles coming in and buying needed water, they were also able to buy it cheaper. Do not recall why. The companies were not stopped.

One of the reasons why today California is suffering from drought. The drought is 100 percent at this time. Nevada suffering similarly.

Scientist say the present California/Nevada drought is equal to or greater than the droughts experienced in Great Depression and Dust Bowl days. Scientist’s warn “the drought isn’t coming, it’s HERE.”

The scientists add another warning. A famine could be next. Historically, droughts are followed by famine.

Jon Rahm was disqualified from the final 18 holes of the Memorial golf tournament over the weekend. He tested positive during the saturday round. At the time, he was ahead by 6 strokes. It was anticipated Rahm would win the $1.7 million first place prize.

Rahm did not come down with coronavirus. He merely was in contact with a person who was so diagnosed.

Turns out Rahm failed to get vaccinated. For whatever reason, he is lucky he did not actually come down with the virus. He is unlucky he blew $1.7 million. Doctors reported that had he been vaccinated, he would not have been tested.

I missed Jean Thornton’s birthday party last night on the Truman waterfront. My goiter acted up. Could not even put a shoe on the foot.

I called Jean in the afternoon and made my apologies.

Jean is the best. She was all excited by the party which was scheduled for 7.

I spoke with several this morning who attended. Two described the crowd as in “the millions.”

Jean would be deserving of no less.

Now for the best news of all. Word is the Chart Room will open in two weeks! Hallelujah!

Enjoy your day!

Jean Thornton’s birthday today. Happy birthday Jean! Key West loves you!

Donald Trump spoke to the GOP North Carolina Convention last night. He said, “I’m trying to save democracy.”

If Trump speaks such words and knows they are not true, he is out right evil. If Trump really believes what he said, he is a mental case.

No one has done more in the history of the U.S. to tear it down. And a President at that.

His speech one of his typical campaign ones. He reached back in recent times to lie and lambast. He is incapable of recognizing truth even where it hits him in the face.

He basically hit on three themes. Two persons and an event.

First, Biden. I am not even going to list Trump’s adverse comments. The world has heard and knows them.

The second to have his head on the chopping block was Dr. Fauci. One of the greatest and most forthright public physicians in the history of the U.S. Trump said Dr. Fauci was “not a great doctor.”

Tit for tat, Trump was not a great President.

The U.S. should always have the benefit of a person such as Dr. Fauci.

The third item in Trump’s repertoire was the election was illegal. Stolen and corrupt. A “third world election like we’ve never seen before.”

Of course, no facts to support his charges.

There is a division in the “royal family.” The “family” is sweltering. Son in law Jared Kushner wants “a simpler relationship” with his father in law.

Note Kushner has “mostly dropped out of the orbit of ex-campaign adviser.” He says he wants to “focus on the writing of his book.”

Cracks continue to appear. Soon the avalanche. It may be all or a part of the family will not support him when things get tough.

Joe Manchin continues to fail the people of West Virginia and America. He appears adamant in his unwillingness to vote to get rid of the filibuster. His reasons pure unadulterated bullshit in today’s age.

He announced over the weekend he will be voting against the sweeping election overhaul bill. The one dubbed the For The People Act. His negative vote here also could spell the death of the Act.

Mitch McConnell says he is the “grim reaper.” He has company. Manchin is also.

The bipartisanship he talks of died long ago. It left Washington. Manchin’s positions are similar to a person who builds a house on sand.

One thing the U.S. can depend on is a mass shooting every weekend. There was another this weekend. Eight persons shot, one in the face.

A shock in the golf world yesterday. Around 4:45 in the afternoon.

The Memorial Tournament is being played this weekend. It is Jack Nicklaus’ tournament. Fifty four holes played. Eighteen left to be played today.

The winner’s purse $1.7 million.

Jon Rahm is the #3 ranked player in the world.

Jon Rahm was leading by 6 strokes. An excellent chance of winning

As he finished the 18th hole, a tournament official approached Rahm and told him he could not play the final round. He had tested positive for COVID-19.

He took the news with class and a few tears.

No one has reported whether Rahm had been vaccinated.

Jean, Happy Birthday again! Enjoy your day!

January 4, 1942. A significant day for the U.S. in World War II. The Battle of Midway. After a four day engagement, U.S. forces defeated Japan. Decisively.

Japan did a number on the U.S. when it bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Roosevelt was correct when he described it as “a day that will live in infamy.”

Following December 7, the U.S. was engaged in a war they were not immediately ready to fight. The U.S. was undermanned, did not have sufficient pilots and planes, its Navy was inadequate.

Yet just six months later, the U.S. overcame and defeated the naval forces of “mighty” Japan. A true David and Goliath engagement.

The battle lasted 4 days. The numbers clearly evidence the U.S. win. Japan lost 4 carriers, a cruiser, 292 aircraft, and suffered 2,500 casualties. The U.S. on the other hand lost 1 carrier, 1 destroyer, 149 aircraft and sustained 300 casualties.

Judges are fortunate to sit many years. Those who are elected generally get reelected forever. Federal judges are appointed for life.

Some judges get cantankerous the longer they sit. They think themselves omnipotent. Become accustomed to pushing lawyers around. Their minds become decrepit.

The mind an important factor. A judge 30 years on the bench thinks he can decide as he wishes. He is not bound by previous decisions. Which means he comes down with some wacky decisions. Totally out of hand.

In happened friday in California. A federal judge. Roger Benitez. He presently sits as a Senior Judge in the Southern District of California.

He has been a federal judge for 30 years.

Three decades ago, California adopted the Old Assault Weapons Bill. For many years the AR-15 has been considered an assault weapon and banned in California.

Now comes Judge Benitez. A mere 70 years old. His faculties appear to be slipping however.

He ruled the banning of the AR-15 violated the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

He compared the AR-15 to a Swiss Army Knife: “Like the Swiss Army Knife, the AR-15 rifle is a perfect combination of a home defense weapon and homeland defense equipment.” He further wrote: “Firearms deemed as assault weapons are fairly ordinary, popular rifles.”

The Judge criticized the news media, writing, “One is to be forgiven if one is persuaded by the news media and and others that the nation is awash with murderous AR-15 assault rifles. The facts however, do not support this hyperbole, and facts matter.”

Nothing is farther from the truth.

CNN had previously reported prior to the decision that the AR-15 had been the “weapon of choice for numerous mass shooters.” CNN went on to list several AR-15 shootings, advising that there were even more.

CNN listed: “The movie theater in Orlando, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, the Route 91 Harvest Musical Festival in Las Vegas, a massacre at a church in Texas, the Nightclub in Orlando, the high school in Parkland, Florida, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.”

Keith Olbermann has written a piece for the New York Times. He described the decision as “a direct threat to public safety.” He further described the Judge as “a death worshiping fascist.”

I would not go so far as describing the Judge as a “fascist.” I view him a man too old to be a judge who failed to follow stare decisis at the same time he also failed to recall the facts of AR-15 shootings across the U.S. in past years.

The Judge also released his decision on Gun Awareness Day. Intentional?

He should retire.

California’s Governor and Attorney General say they will appeal.

Since Biden took office, unemployment claims are down 50 percent and 64 percent of adults have been vaccinated.

You can’t argue with success.

Trump is throwing comments out there in an attempt to get some publicity. Besides claiming he will be reinstated as President, he has also recently said he might run for the Senate or Congress.

Congress is his most recent comment. He would like to become Speaker and launch an impeachment inquiry against Biden.

“Fauci lied, people died.”

Dr. Fauci under attack. Howie Carr goes after him in an article written June 3 in the Boston Herald. The opening line of this topic from Carr’s article.

The main thrust is the claim Fauci lied about where he thought the virus originated. Trumped wanted the Chinese lab. Fauci says he thinks from an animal.

Carr is a writer who is known to favor far right causes.

I smiled when I read the piece.

What is worse? Fauci’s misjudgment because that is what it is, if anything. The man’s reputation is spectacular, honest and straight forward. Speaking of lies, how about Trump’s claim at one point that ingestion or inoculation of a disinfectant like Clorox into the body would kill the virus in 5 minutes.

Who would you rather believe?

Pride Weekend. The Key West Pride Street Fair today from 10 am to 7 pm on Duval. Take a walk down Duval and enjoy.

Tomorrow the Parade.  The huge flag will be part of the Parade.

The big item on my plate yesterday was a chest cat scan. My heart doctor ordered it. Wednesday, I have an endoscopy because of my swallowing problem. Friday an ultrasound of my kidney.

All 3 tests really part of my annual check up.

Doctoring past 80 worthy of a book. Something like Doctoring the Life of 80 Year Olds.

Enjoy your day!

A spectacular late lunch yesterday. Geiger Key. One of their specials: A Prime Rib Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. The prime rib real. A huge slice covered with melted cheese, onions, mushrooms and peppers.

Special!

Began my day at noon. A haircut with Lori. Then decided to drive up to Geiger Key for lunch. The view from the restaurant outstanding! The help cheerful.

Each member of the work staff smiling. Kind words.

Bobby Mongelli stopped in. We chatted a bit.

Bobby owns Geiger Key and Hogfish. The menu the same. However, Geiger Key a step better.

Try it sometime. Guaranteed you will enjoy!

Two military happenings of significance this day June 4.

Today the fourth and last day the Battle of Midway.

The U.S. was still reeling from Pearl Harbor. The Japanese considered themselves invincible at the time. Midway was upon them. Japan had conquered many U.S. installations on the various Pacific islands leading to Japan.

The U.S. was outnumbered. Yet succeeded in destroying 4 Japanese carriers while the U.S. lost only 1.

The numbers speak of the U.S. victory. Japan lost 4 carriers, the U.S. 1. Japan suffered 2,500 casualties, the U.S. 149.

Winston Churchill was not a popular head of state prior to this day. b The big politicians in Parliament wanted to approach Hitler and work out a peace plan.

Churchill opposed surrender. June 4 was the very same day England was close to losing in excess of 30o,ooo Ally troops. They hugged together on French beaches with the English channel on their other side.

Churchill came up with a brilliant idea. He had every private boat and its driver relinquished to cross the channel and take 300,00 off French soil.

Three hundred thirty eight were saved. Mostly English.

The unpopular Churchill went before Parliament to announce the victory. Saving that many lives was a victory! A portion of Churchill’s speech: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall  fight in the fields, we shall in the hills, we shall never surrender.”

Parliament cheered. Each side. Church had given the then taste of “victory.”

Sexual abuse continues to rock the Catholic Church.

On May 21, Cardinal Rrienhart was the head of the Catholic Church in Germany. He asked Pope Francis to replace him. The Cardinal wrote the problem was not being handled effectively from the top.With regard to  Germany’s Catholic Church, he was its leader and responsible. Responsible also for many of its failures and administrative mistakes.

Germany’ Catholic clergy were and are not “disillusioned and ashamed” by child sex abuse .

Trump claims he will be “reinstated” in August to the Presidency was an outright fabrication on his part. Media responders and columnists hit Trump big time.

Vanity Fair’s HIVE published an article by Bess Levin

Levin thinks Trump is crazy.

She wrote, He should be taken seriously – as indicative of a “complete and total breakdown.”

The title of Levin’s column: REPORT: Trump Has Fully Lost It, Won’t Stop Telling People he is going-to be President Again This Year.

Time to shower, shave, etc. I am having a chest/heart cat scan at 1. Not serious unless something is found. Part of my annual heart check up.

Enjoy your day!