Truman Capote comes to mind today. It was on this day in 1984 the great writer died.

In 1968, Capote visited Key West for the first time. He registered at David Wolkowsky’s new Pier House Motel. Less than a year old at the time.

David did not reside in his newly constructed motel. Instead he had a luxurious 45 foot 2 bedroom double wide trailer parked 10 feet from the motel’s water front.

Capote and David were drinking in David’s trailer the day he arrived. They had not met before.

Capote had a suite in the motel. He liked David’s trailer better. Capote told David he wanted to stay in the trailer. David said no way. It is where I live.

The two intelligent sharp men. Capote brought the issue up several times during the rest of the day. Finally, David succumbed. He move out of the trailer into Capote’s suite. Capote into David’s trailer. David was out of his “home” for six months.

Capote was in Key West to write “Answered Prayers.” He completed the work while here. He gave David a rough draft of the book. David treasured it.

Years later, David was living in the penthouse on top the Kress building. The Kress building the long time home of Fast Buck Freddie’s. Someone robbed the Penthouse. One of the items stolen was the Answered Prayers draft.

David was upset. Especially since on the floor below his penthouse, the Sheriff’s Department had offices. He thought he was secure.

Capote was robbed in Key West, also. The first night he was residing in David’s trailer. Stolen were all his credit cards, his address book, and about $2,000 in cash.

The police never apprehended the “robber.” They concluded Capote had been cleaned out by some street boy he invited back for a “private session.”

During Capote’s first visit, he was having dinner with several friends in a local restaurant. Three couples were seated several tables away. Constantly starring at Capote. He told his friends watch. Soon some one from the table would come over asking for an autograph.

Correct he was. A few minutes later a woman walked over and asked him to sign her menu which he graciously did.

The lady returned to her table. For some reason, her husband appeared upset.

He walk over to Capote’s table and asked, “Are you Truman Capote?” Capote said, “I was this morning!” The man unzipped his pants and pulled out his cock. He said, holding it in the palm of his hand, “Can you put your signature on this?” Capote looked down on the cock, and up again, and said, “I don’t know about my signature, but I can initial it.”

Tennessee Williams was living in Key West at the time. He and Capote were great friends for 40 years.

Terri White sang last night at Viva’s. I could not make it. However several mutual friends contacted me this morning to say her show was absolutely outstanding.

Terri is amazing. She was discharged from the hospital 2 days earlier after a week long stay at the hospital.

Think back to 1978 and Jim Jones. An American cult leader. He had established a Peoples Temple at Jonestown on the island of Guyana. His commune group consisted of 918 persons, 304 of which were children.

Jones was having problems. What, I am not sure. He decided it was time for he and his members to commit suicide. The event had been planned some time. Flavor Aid had been accumulated. Grape flavored. To which cyanide had been added.

All cult members consumed, including the children who were assisted by their parents. Jones was one of the last to die. He committed suicide by a self inflicted shot to the head.

A. U.S. Congressman had traveled to Jonestown a day or two before. Representative Leo Ryan. He brought a delegation with him. He wanted to see what was going on at Jonestown. Ryan referred to his appearance as a “fact finding mission.” Part of a Congressman’s “oversight” responsibility.

I think he was simply nosy. He was shot and killed while trying to get on the plane to get away from what was going on.

Which brings me to Republican Congressman Peter Meijer and Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton.

Without advising any of their superiors or getting permission, both took a “sneak” trip to Kubla Airbase this weekend. Their purpose to perform Congressional “oversight” duties.

I view their action as totally lacking in responsibility. Theirs was a secret quickie trip to see first hand what was going on. From my perspective, they added to our military’s responsibilities while at the air base and took up room on their return flight of seats/room those escaping the Taliban could have used.

My label for the two: Publicity seekers!

What bothers me additionally is that media reporters this morning seem to be equally divided like it was a good idea for them to go or they overstepped their responsibilities in going.

At the very least, suppose the two had become as Congressman Leo Ryan? Shot on the tarmac while trying to get on a plane. The cries of failing to protect them would have been overwhelming.

The Taliban lacks governing experience. Their drawing the red line and refusing to extend the August 31 date evidence thereof.

Their goal is not to help the Americans or anyone else. I view their function solely to “embarrass” the U.S.

The Taliban’s time in power will not be long. ISIS or some other ancestral breed will overcome them. Such is the way in their world.

Enjoy your day!

Some things continue to be difficult to understand. There are 8,700 students in the Monroe County School System. Masks were mandated by the school board which provided an option where parents could decline to have their children wear masks.

Thus far, 1,058 parents have opted their children out.

The Keys time frame initially for mask wearing is 2 weeks. The situation will then be reviewed again.

Schools have been open around 2 weeks thus far. Twenty students have been diagnosed with coronavirus.

As of August 18, the Lower Keys Medical Center had 20 Covid patients they were caring for.

The hospital is full otherwise. Surgeries are limited. Visitors not allowed. Beds scarce.

Last week 504 new cases were identified in Monroe County. Up from 388 the previous week.

No question the numbers are moving up.

Florida has achieved another distinction. It is the third state to have reached 3 million Covid infected persons. Actually, 3.o8 million. Governor DeSantis bears a large share why such occurred. He is without conscience.

Hospitals are filling up other than in Key West. Alabama has absolutely no empty beds. Shipping some patients to hospitals out of state. Texas has reported limited ICU capacity. Many Oregon hospitals are without ICU beds.

I had a doctor visit yesterday. It was lunch time when I was done. Decided to take a drive down Duval to evaluate people response to COVID. Mostly tourists.

Crowd the fewest I have seen this summer. Down by at least two thirds from my earlier visits.

That in itself is good. People should keep their germs home and not bring them to Key West.

The shocking observance was from Truman to Front I saw not one person or child wearing a mask.

The saying money talks and bullshit walks has many applications. One is how Key West will handle Fantasy Fest this year.

The City Commission is holding a meeting September 1 that hopefully will decide.

Key West cancelled Fantasy Fest last year. Should do so again this year. However pressure is on to keep it open.

Strange. The virus numbers are worse and probably will be even worse come the end of October. At the moment, the numbers and positivity rate are up from last year.

Excuses abound why the event should proceed as scheduled. Money, of course.

The reason receiving the most attention is that the City is powerless to do much because the City’s contract with the outside agency running Fantasy Fest only covers 4-5 events. Everything else that goes on are events sponsored by bars and restaurants. The City claims it is without power to control the outside businesses.

The City should take the bull by the horns and close everything down that week. Better safe than sorry. The continuing excuses preferring money over virus make me sick. Coronavirus is going to be with us until we take the bull by the horns. We have to stop band aiding the problem.

Several months ago, perhaps even last year, Trapper ended up at The Turtle Hospital. I recall the fanfare with which he was received. In bad shape. Floating upside down. Entangled in trap wires. Body externally and internally tumor afflicted.

Trapper got better. He was returned to his home last week. His return to the sea was conducted at Higgs Beach. An event! Many people there to cheer Trapper on.

The Turtle Hospital a special place in the Keys. Well staffed. Its reputation world wide. Many sick turtles are flown in from outside the Keys to be saved.

The hurricane season is upon us again. Always an interesting time of the year. The storms an item of concern and conversation. Irma was bad. A category 4. Especially from Cudjoe north. I returned home about 10 days after Irma hit. You will recall I wrote a book about the hurricane: Irma and Me.

On this day in 1992, Andrew hit. A category 5. A disaster!

Three weeks after Andrew, I was returning to Key West. Opted to drive down from Miami. The trip took me through Homestead.

What I saw that day, I had never seen before. Irma later on looked like kid stuff.

Homestead was down. Everything ground level. Nothing left standing, except for an occasional wall. It was like a movie scene. A war time movie. Following an area that had been bombed big time for several days.

I will never forget. It brought tears to my eyes.

Terri White was recently hospitalized for a week or more. She returned home 2 days ago. She is singing tonight!

At Viva’s on Duval at 7 pm.

One tough lady!

Enjoy your day!

Must skip a day. No blog.

Biden has a lot on his hands with Afghanistan. Tough decisions to be made. Harry Truman had a sign on his desk…..The Buck Stops Here.

Biden has the same sign on his desk, though not actually. Afghanistan is his headache!

Blame is not an issue at this point. The issue simply stated is how do we get Americans and certain Afghans and their families out? By August 31!

No choice involved. One way or another, Biden has to get them out.

A hero or heel in the making.

Choices appear limited. Flying the big planes in and out alone not going to do it.

I heard on the internet yesterday that Biden was looking to use airline planes to assist. Today, nothing heard.

The idea sounded good to me.

Another approach is to dump something like 40,000 U.S. military back in near and around the airport and anywhere else needed.. Enough to overpower the Talibans and get every one out that should be out.

Finally, get our boys and girls out swiftly afterwards.

Biden immediately froze Afghanistan/Taliban bonds, accounts, etc. that were sitting in U.S. banks. The word is the Talibans need the money. A perhaps excellent negotiating tool.

I wrote several weeks ago that Trump’s popularity was a diminishing one. I still believe it. By the time 2024 rolls around, Trump will not even be able to run for dog catcher.

Trump spoke at a rally in Alabama a day or two ago.

One of Trump’s traits while President wws he would say something one day, change his position the next.

Ain’t no question he was against vaccine use. For a number of years.

Trump was booed at the Alabama rally after encouraging the crowd to get COVID-19 vaccinated.

Ah, how the worm turns!

Today some booing. Tomorrow, a lot of booing. The crowds will begin to thin out and get smaller and smaller.

Most of Trump’s followers today will turn on him tomorrow.

Alabama’s vaccine rates presently lag behind the rest of the country. Coronavirus on a rampage. No room at the inn. No hospital beds available anywhere in Alabama.

Good job, Donald. You started all this crap!

Henri a Frenchman at heart. Were he in Paris, he would be hitting all the clubs, etc. Out over the ocean, Henri is readying himself to bring damage and death to New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Block Island at the very least.

It has been a long time since a hurricane or significant storm has gone where Henri is headed. Gloria hit Long Island in 1908. Bob New England in 1991. Sandy New Jersey in 2012.

Long Island and Connecticut can expect landfall this afternoon. And then forward like Christian soldiers. Weather definitely will be dangerous. Winds, storm surges, and major flooding.

Montauk Point at the eastern tip of Long Island beginning to suffer at the moment. A huge resort at the tip. I stayed there many years ago when first built as the guest of the owner.

Block Island is designated to be hit. Block Island a part of Rhode Island. A magnificent small island. Little known. A flavor of its own. Quiet and peaceful. Very much a family place. Only accessible by ferry boat, power and sail boats.

I rented houses on a high cliff overlooking the ocean two consecutive summers. First time for a week. The next a whole month.

I discovered Block Island earlier by sailing into it with a friend and spending a couple of nights each time sleeping on the boat, etc.

Interestingly, there is a possibility Henri will deviate a bit and hit Central New York. The Syracuse/Utica area. Utica my home town.

The concert in Central Park yesterday was cancelled while the show was going on. Henri made it to New York City before the concert had concluded. If I remember correctly, the storm hit while Barry Manilow was in mid song.

Central Park emptied out quickly.

Key West airport has become the butt of criticism the past few years.  Too many planes landing a one time. Passengers made to sit on planes for an hour or more before  deplaning. Planes sitting an hour or more on the runway waiting to take off.

Luggage retrieval another problem. Planes have been scheduled so as to generally land 4 at a time. Can you imagine how long it takes to get your luggage? How long you have to stand waiting for your luggage to be deplaned?

There is a picture on the front page of the Citizen this morning of the departure lounge. Standing room only. Butt to butt. Some masked, some not.

Local authorities claim the fault lies with labor shortages locally and nationally.

Plans are in place for an $80 million expansion. It cannot come soon enough.

Enjoy your day!

What I am about to share you will find difficult to believe. In the words of the famous philosopher Forrest Gump, “You can’t fix stupid!”

As the title indicates, it is unbelievable, insane, can’t be, and no one could be that stupid!

Mississippi’s COVID track record leaves much to be desired. It is one of the worst states for number of coronavirus infections.

Mississippians do not believe in vaccines to protect themselves.

They have come up with their own treatment. One thing certain, what they are recommending is as good as Trump’s shot or injection of bleach.

Mississippi is using livestock ivermectin. A deworming drug intended for livestock. An anti-parasite drug to treat COVID?

The drug’s success numbers are nil. However reports to Mississippi’s poison control center on the rise.

The drug is not recommended by the FDA for human use.

COVID impacts on human life in ways not realized until recently. Example, water supply.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer asked yesterday that the people of Orlando limit their use of water. Not a major inconvenience. He would simply like them to water their lawns and wash their cars only one time a week.

Not a major sacrifice.

Not being a doctor, I found the reason why confusing. I share it as I understand with you.

Hospitals are treating more COVID cases. Treating the cases involves liquid oxygen. Liquid oxygen is a by product of water. Whatever is done to the water to make a portion proper for coronavirus patients is done by the Orlando Utility Commission.

Key West hotels had a great season.

The second quarter of this year enjoyed the highest occupancy rate ever: 89.4 percent.

Wonderful! Marvelous!

One problem. Brought coronavirus with it. Visitors flooded the island. Key West infection numbers were a disgrace.

Respectfully, I congratulation the hotels and the Lodging Association. The hotels got the biggest buck ever for their rooms. The Lodging Association did the best ever for its members.

However both are responsible for the number of tourists who visited. Especially the Lodging Association. They advertised Key West everywhere. Out of town, out of state, nationally. They did their job. Performed without a conscious however.

No one can argue children represent our future. They should wear a mask and made to observe safe protocols.

The Key West Citizen runs some great cartoons in its “Wrong Key” section. One this morning had 2 old chaps sitting at a bar chatting.

First old guy: “Some knucklehead almost rear ended me because she was TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.”

Second old guy: “Distractions like that while driving can be very dangerous.”

First old guy responding: “Startled me so much I DROPPED MY BURGER and SPILLED MY SHAKE.”

The Texas Democratic rebels have finally capitulated.  Not sure the word “capitulation” proper. The revolt had run its course. There was no more which could reasonably be done.

The Democrat Assembly members are to be lauded for their action.

Friday the Republican Assembly Speaker graveled a quorum was present. The vote re the very restrictive voting bill will take place soon.

Some battles won, some lost. A point made here however. Another day will come when the Democrats will win.

In a particular regard, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is true to Trump form.

Recall Trump would say he was going to do something and that was the end of it. Whatever it was never got done.

On thursday, Greene was in Iowa with cohort Matt Gaetz. Knocking Biden and speaking well of Trump, of course. Greene said she was going to submit an Impeachment Article against Biden the next day (friday). Friday came and went. No impeachment article filed.

Henri is going his own way. The tropical storm/hurricane heading for waters that have not seen such stormy weather as Henri will bring in many years.

Henri was heading for the Keys. Took a hard right however while still far out in the ocean. Now heading on a path that is reported will be a tropical storm hitting New York City and then a hurricane as it passes over the eastern end of Long Island and all of Connecticut. A category 1 hurricane.

Expected to make landfall late  tonight or sunday morning.

However, Henri is fickle as all other storms. A “slight bump” east and the storm will hit Massachusetts.

Flooding and surges expected with Henri. Especially the beach areas. Mostly big wide  flat beaches. The water will run in with no opposition.

Enjoy your day!

History has a way of repeating itself. In this instance, Afghan babies and Central American ones.

Recall when the Mexican border was blocked. Many of those from Central America knew they would not be able to get into the U.S. Nevertheless, they wanted the better life for their children. Some of the children were babies.

Mothers knowing they would not get in, took steps to make sure their babies would. They were handed to women steps away from entry. The babies made a successful entry into the U.S.

The situation is repeating itself in Afghanistan.

Mothers are desperate to get their babies into the U.S. They know they themselves are not going to make it. In fact, many of the mothers will be killed by the Taliban as well as a number of babies. So it is with the Taliban way of life. A not so precious one.

Separating where those seeking to get out of Afghanistan may stand and where British and American solders stand, is a wall consisting of large bales of barb wire. Mothers are yelling at the allied troops to take their children. Desperation set in and they began trying to throw their babies over the barb wire.

Some make it, some don’t. Some into the hands of British soldiers in one area, others fall upon the barb wire. Some do not make it. They fall on the barb. All injured, some die.

A British officer said, “By the end of the night there wasn’t one man among us who was not crying.”

In another spot separated by barb wire, babies were thrown by mothers also. To American soldiers who suffered similarly to the British.

Friendly discourse becoming next to impossible, even among long time friends.

The place Martha’s Vineyard. Playground for the rich and famous.

This scene occurred at a popular grocery store. Alan Dershowitz and Larry David. David began by yelling at his long time friend Dershowitz re Dershowitz’s representation/assistance to Donald Trump. Dershowitz responded in a more conciliatory fashion. David would have none of it. Turned his back and walked away.

ICU beds a problem. Medical staff to operate them also.

Hospital beds across the country are rapidly filling up with COVID patients.

Some hospitals have hung out the no room at the inn signs. They have neither beds nor staff to handle the new sick.

Presently, one out of five ICUs throughout the U.S. had at least 95 percent of beds occupied last week. A figure that has doubled in recent weeks.

Alabama a scary example of the problem. Alabama has absolutely no ICU units available anywhere in the Sate. One hospital official said, “Our worst fears” have been reached.

An Alabama doctor views the lack of beds as potentially an “apocalyptic” situation.

Chris Cillizza is Editor at Large of CNN Politics. He published an article on 8/18 tilted: “Ron DeSantis Has No Idea What He’s Talking About.”

Re masks, DeSantis is taking all kinds of steps to force people not to wear them. Supporting his position, DeSantis said, “Politicians want to force you to cover your face as a way for them to cover their own asses…..even though its not proven to be effective.”

Recall Amanda Gorman, the brilliant inaugural poet. She has two new books of poems that will be published in the fall.

Hurricane Grace avoided the Keys. It went south. Making landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Winds projected at 80 mph, rains 4-10 inches, and surge if any will be 3-5 feet.

The group opposing the vaccine grows.

Washington State has one or more hospitals that do transplant work. The hospitals involved mandated  patients on transplant waiting lists would have to receive the vaccine to remain on the list.

Most of the patients refused.

Enjoy your day!

There are times where I’ll research a topic and then get not to use it. The story still interesting, but doesn’t fit another day. This happened last friday. Friday the 13th.

The story involved friday the 13th and Da Vinci’s Last Supper. I share it with you today.

Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition.

The Last Supper took place on Holy Thursday. Later that night, Jesus would be arrested. The next day tortured and crucified.

The Last Supper and friday the 13th have a relationship. Though not a friday, the Last Supper had 13 persons seated at the table. The twelve apostles and Jesus.

The 13 at the the Last Supper gave the Last Supper the bad luck label. There are several other happenings before and after that are considered the source of friday the 13th. However, the Last Supper is the one most historians consider the correct choice.

I have visited Milan several times. On two of those occasions, I visited the Last Supper.

Da Vinci’s work is housed at the refectory of the Convent of the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

Da Vinci began the painting around 1495-1496. It took 3 years to complete. The major reason for the length of time was Da Vinci had difficulty deciding how to paint Judas’ face. He spent considerable time walking the streets of the more tawdry sections of Milan seeking the face.

The Last Supper is painted consistent with John 13:2.

The work itself is large: 16.5′ x 26.6′.

It covers the end wall of the dining room.

The medium was not solely oil. Though Da Vini’s preference was to paint with oil, the work may be properly referred to as a fresco with variations.

No canvas. The Last Supper was painted on a large wall.

The wall was sealed with a double layer of gesso, pitch, and mastic. To which Da Vinci added an undercut of white lead to enhance the brightness of the oil and tempos that were applied on top. Secco painted on dry plaster for final touches.

To the non professional eye of one such as I, it appeared to be a painting on concrete.

To the painting itself.

John the Apostle sat next to Jesus. Facing the work, John would be seated to Jesus’ left. He had a pink shawl thrown over his shoulder closest to Jesus.

Note that a docent lead the tour each time. Appeared to be well versed in all aspects of the Last Supper.

He asked that we look closely at the pink shawl. He directed us to what was a woman’s face. Da Vinci had painted a woman’s face and shoulder beneath the shawl which on a close look left no question it was there.

The docent advised it was thought to be the face and upper portion of Mary Magdalene. He further advised  it would not have been strange for her to be at the Last Supper.

She had made her peace with Jesus and was now a devoted follower. She was at the Last Supper as a server, etc. She followed Jesus around the table as he washed the feet of the disciples. She dried their feet.

Then he told us something I had never heard before. He said Mary had become of the wife of Jesus.

Some time after, I decided to research the representation. Nowhere could I find even the slightest hint that such was a fact.

As to the painting itself, I was overwhelmed the first time my eyes rested on it! The size contributed to the feeling. The work itself magnificent!

Enjoy your day!

Recall the adage a picture is worth a thousand words. The veracity of the statement is found in a photograph which is all over the internet this morning.

It bears out the “utter desperation” which presently exists at Kabul Airport.

The picture is of the inside of the body of an American C-17. The plane had taken off. Six hundred forty persons in the picture. Actually, 640 heads. A sea of heads.

A C-17 is obviously a huge plane. Some how the 640 got on board. They were not suppose to. The plane was already moving down the runway to take off. A decision had to be made. The crew made the decision to go.

Six hundred forty lives saved from suffering, many from death.

Yesterday, I danced around the point the U.S. has lost all but one war it had engaged in since World War II. That was Grenada. A bunch of old ladies could have won the war. Grenada is a small island in the Caribbean. An insignificant army. The war ended in a very few days.

All other post World War II wars the U.S. has engaged in have developed into disasters. The U.S. lost. Korea, Vietnam, Iran, both Iraqi wars, Libya, and Afghanistan.

There is a message in such a track record. The U.S. should stay out of wars against small countries.

Florida hospitals are being pushed to the limit as the state fights the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the nation. Florida presently accounts for 18 percent of new cases in the U.S.

Florida has “distinguished” itself in fighting the virus under the leadership of Governor DeSantis. Masks and vaccines are the weapons to fight the war. Proven weapons of the virus war. Yet the Governor refuses to agree. A know it all. He has continuously refused to revisit calls to enforce mask mandates and other pandemic related measures.

Hospital beds equipped to handle coronvirus cases are in short supply in every state. Florida has a distinction here also. Florida leads the nation in having the most hospital beds in use for virus cases. The number 28.2 percent.

DeSantis is on a new kick. A Trump trait. As Trump did, DeSantis is pushing Regeneron and not vaccine as the way to combat coronavirus.

Regeneron is a “short term” treatment to accelerate the curing of the virus. The patient must first get infected, however.

DeSantis is talking in dollar terms here, as Trump did in many situations.He claims the drug will “normalize hospital rates.” People will not remain hospitalized as long as they are now.

A Regeneron treatment costs up to $6,500. Who is paying the bill? Not those who get sick. So said DeSantis.  Regeneron’ manufacturers or the State? An interesting query.

Recognize again, Regeneron promotes a treatment whereas the vaccine promotes prevention.

DeSantis is  establishing clinics to provide people with free monoclonal (Regeneron) treatments. Last week, he opened four such clinics in Florida.

Why is DeSantis pushing Regeneron?

Two top DeSantis donors have major investments in the drug.

One is the Citadel, a Chicago based hedge fund. The fund has $15.9 million in shares.

The other is Citadel CEO Ken Griffin. He has personally donated $10.75 million to a political committee over a 3 year period which supports DeSantis.

An adverse mask comment in the Citizens’ Voice in this morning’s Citizen: “My kids will not be wearing a mask and neither will I. Stay housed, not scared.”

The husband/father  and family could very well become instruments of death as soon as they leave their home.

Governor Abbott of Texas is discovering retribution occasionally comes down from above.

It was reported Abbott tested positive for coronavirus yesterday.

The man anti mask and anti vaccine.

The Governor is presently quarantined in the Governor’s Mansion.

He had no prior nor present symptoms. He is not suffering nor sickly.

Interestingly, Abbott did a campaign stop a few days ago. Six hundred surrounded him .No one masked. How can the virus be traced under these circumstances?

Abbot as with DeSantis is a Regeneron/monoclonal anti body treatment supporter also.

Virginia Dare was the first child born in present day America. Born this day in 1587 on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.

Enjoy your day!

The United States, the most powerful nation on Earth, finds it difficult to extract it own people and friends from Afghanistan. Not surprising.

Other nations have failed in confrontations with Afghanistan. As far back as Alexander the Great. Great Britain and Russia, also. So why would it be surprising the U.S. failed?

Leaving in defeat unquestionably an embarrassment. If a great nations such as the U.S. has spent 20 years in a country as small as Afghanistan and not defeated the “enemy,” something is wrong. There is a message here.

We beat the big guys in World War II. Germany and Japan. What war have we won since? North Korea never capitulated. Even to this day. Whatever may have been signed or agreed to is not “adhered to” by the enemy. Kim Jung Un continues to do what he wants when he wants.

Vietnam was the worst. A war against a smaller country, a war that went on too long also. The Vietnamese whipped our ass.

The U.S. departure from Saigon an embarrassment. I thought nothing could be more embarrassing that Americans and supporters en mass on the roof of the Saigon Embassy clawing their way to get the next U.S. helicopter out. While the enemy was below shooting up at them.

I was wrong regarding emergency removals. Afghanistan in recent days worse than the rooftop scene in Saigon. Here the American planes are huge. On the tarmac in Kabul. Taking off with hundreds of people holding onto whatever they could grab on the side of the plane or running along while the plane is taking off in hopes of getting on somehow.

I blame no one and yet blame everyone. Each President during the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars. Their military and other advisers in both wars.

We never got it right.

Eisenhower’s philosophy was you go in with a superior force. As he did on D-Day. No pussy footing around. Use more military than needed. Use all sorts of weaponry short of nuclear.

There is a key to insure against defeat by a minor nation. Don’t get involved in a war with one!

Big day today. On this day in 1969, the Woodstock Music Festival ended. After three days of peace, love, and rock ‘n roll.

Key West’s Larry Smith and Christine Cordone were there. Had to be college age at the time. It was 52 years ago.

Both are still performing strong and enjoying their life’s work.

Grace has abandoned the U.S. Decided not to engage us in her path. Her path is now taking her south of Cuba and into the Gulf.

Where is Henri? Significant reporting re Henri yesterday. Today, I came across none. Henri is the new kid on the block. Still gaining strength.

There is a saying let sleeping dogs lie. I would also throw in what goes around comes around.

Cuomo announced his resignation as Governor last week. An ultimate type punishment.

The Speaker of the New York Assembly is the second most powerful person in New York following the Governor. Speaker Heastie announced friday that the Assewmbly’s investigation of Cuomo would close. There would be no further move to impeach Cuomo.

Cuomo would go quietly into the night. He had no friends on either side of the aisle. Nor anywhere for that mater.

The announcement by the Speaker was friday. Over the weekend, bipartisan outrage exploded. Everyone unhappy. Cuomo needed further punishment. Everything short of burning him at the stake like Joan of Arc.

Speaker Heastie apparently is lacking in brass testicles. He is the boss. He is the second most powerful man in the State. Yet he capitulated to the mob. He advised yesterday he was reversing his position. The investigation would go on and a report released.

Strange! The purpose of the investigation and report could only be used to impeach Governor Cuomo. I ask, how do you impeach a governor who is no longer governor?

The U.S. national debt is now $21 trillion. China has been the U.S.’ #1 creditor in previous years. No more. China has been replaced by Japan. China is now #2.

The dollars owed each minuscule in comparison to the total national debt of $28 trillion. Japan is owed a mere $1.2 trillion and China $1.06 trillion.

Coronavirus numbers for Key West and the Keys continue to trend upward.

The surge is causing concern. Should Key West for example continue planning major events or cancel them now. A meeting to discuss the issue will take place at 5 pm today in City Hall. On the table are Fantasy Fest, the offshore power boat races, and the December holiday parade.

Keys data reflects 504 new COVID-19 cases last week. Yesterday alone, 69 new cases.

All Keys’ numbers by week or day contain 13 children who have become infected.

Not every country has reacted to government intervention to control the virus as people in the U.S. have. Many have. Sluggishly. However there are others in varying degrees who have not.

New Zealand has a Prime Minister and people who have their heads on straight.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister is Jacinda Ardern. Her country’s population is 5 million. Since the pandemic began, New Zealand has had less than 3,000 cases, with only 26 of that number dying.

The country did lockdowns and took other measures. The population with few exceptions did what was necessary to protect themselves.

New Zealand has been clean since February. No new cases till this weekend. One. The Prime Minister immediately announced the country would be in lockdown for 3 days. Note again, for only one infection since Ffebruary.

The Prime Minister suspects the one infection of the Delta variant.

The one infected person is a 58 year old New Zealander who went unvaccinated. His business required him to travel around New Zealand.

Lockdown in New Zealand means everyone must stay home. Busineses will be closed also except for essential services such as groceries and pharmaceuticals.

Today is tuesday. Means my blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9 pm for my observations re local, national and world events. Observations delivered with a kick!

Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Children are in extreme danger in certain parts of the country. Especially in states like Texas and Florida whose Governors are beyond inept.

Revolution is brewing. The non shooting kind. Especially in Texas. You can only defecate on a people a certain length of time. Then they will rebel.

Texas is overburdened with COVID-19 cases. Hospital beds and medical staff are experiencing shortages that could result in death. Young and old alike threatened.

Texas an example where the young have been placed in extreme danger.

Clay Jenkins is titled a County Judge in Dallas County. Actually, he is County Executive. However Texans have labeled their County Execs County Judges from time immemorial. It has something to do with their Mexican heritage.

Jenkins was interviewed over the weekend. The thrust of the interview concerned COVID children and a lack of available pediatric ICU beds. The shortage significant. No room at the inn a reality. With zero pediatric ICU beds available, children are being transported to Temple and Oklahoma cities if beds are available in those places.

Jenkins said, Dallas County has “zero ICU beds for children. In order for a bed to be available for a coronavirus infected child, or even a child severely injured in an automobile accident, “you will wait for another child to die.” Yes, such is how pediatric ICU beds become available for a Dallas County child.

Though referred to as a lack of pediatric ICU beds, the problem actually is lack of medical staff to service those beds.

Children are being transported to Temple or Oklahoma City if pediatric ICU beds are available in those places.

Texas and Florida presently make up 40 percent of all new coronavirus cases in the U.S. A certain number are children. With children soon to return to school, the number of children becoming infected will increase. Especially so due to methods being invoked by Governor Abbott to disallow mandated mask wearing.

As the number of children die, their blood will be on Abbott’s hands. I am not being dramatic. A fact is a fact. His conduct speaks for itself.

A Rhode Island study was recently released. The purpose was to determine if the virus was affecting children adversely and, if so, why. Only white children were involved.

The study’s conclusion is that children are affected. Definitely.

IQ scores down by as much as 22 percent. Verbal, motor and cognitive performance all suffered. Deficiency in cognitive functioning attributed to lack of mobility and interaction at home.

Prepandemic IQ for the decade before 3/20 was 100. The number has dropped to 78 because of the pandemic.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a new “terrorist” bulletin friday. The purpose of the bulletin was to advise an increase in “terrorist” danger. Terrorism comparable to January 6.

The bulletin warned about potential “attacks” by “violent extremists” related to conspiracy theories. Three in number: Opposition to COVID measures, election fraud and Trump be reinstated, and the anniversary of 9/11 and religious holidays.

No question the hurricane season has arrived. Early, in fact. September actually hurricane month.

First was tropical storm Fred last week. For all intents and purposes, no problem for Key West. Then Grace. We are still waiting for Grace here in Key West. Not expected to be more than a tropical storm, if anything. This morning it was announced Henri is behind Grace. Could be a danger to Key West. Still not certain. Presently forming as a tropical storm east-southeast of Bermuda.

Our esteemed past President Donald Trump issued a statement yesterday. He called on Biden to resign: “Resign in disgrace.”

Amazing! The worst President in the history of the United States calling one the finest and most moral of Presidents to leave office. The resignation called for by a proven liar, dishonest individual, with a sex traffic record, who it will ultimately be proven was one of those behind January 6.

For shame, Donald!

Trump asserts several grounds for Biden’s resignation: The surge in coronavirus, the border catastrophe, and a crippled economy.

Trump claims Biden’s resignation would not be of consequence: “It shouldn’t be a big deal, because he wasn’t elected legitimately in the first place!”

This is my second tour of duty with coronavirus. Self-quarantine. Today day 29. Amazing how swiftly this first month has gone by.

I still spend a considerable portion of my day reading and writing. Watching more movies this time, however.

I love old movies. For some reason, they seem to be better this time around. The great ones!

Jean Thornton tweeted the other day how enjoyable this quarantine was bcause of the great movies.

Silent films have never been to my liking. However a few days ago, I watched the original Ben Hur starring Ramon Navarro. Even better than Charlton Heston’s which I have always enjoyed. If you get a chance to watch the silent one, do so. You will be impressed.

Enjoy your day!