I was trying to find the final round of the Fed Ex Tournament on TV yesterday. Not sure of the channel, I was jumping around with the remote control. Suddenly an Ellen DeGeneres show popped up on the screen.

I had never seen Ellen’s show. Decided to watch it a bit to see what makes her so popular.

The show was a last year one. Sometime early November.

One of he first things was someone being picked at random from the audience to participate in a sketch on stage with Ellen.

The lucky person was a lovely, bouncy, excited 17 year old young lady. In her high school senior year.

Ellen took her to a table. A map, phone book and dial phone were on the table.

The young lady’s instructions were to identify each. She was able to do so.

Then she had to unfold the map and refold it. Those of you who can recall, the maps were big and difficult to return to their original position after unfolding.

The phone book was a thick one. White and yellow pages. She was to look up the number for Gold Mufflers.

The telephone was the old type black dial phone. One which would sit on a table. She was given a number to call.

My generation could have done all. I will concede refolding the map was always a problem for me.

The 17 year old indicated no sweat. However, she failed with regard to all 3.

Absolutely no way she could refold the map. Finally gave up.

She did not know how to use a phone book. Gold Muffler probably could easily have been found under Muffler and then Gold Muffler. The poor kid went to Car Parts and then Cars. She failed.

Ellen moved her over to the telephone. She had been given a number to call. She never lifted the receiver. Left it sitting on the phone.

Instead went immediately to dialing. A finger in the number. Moved it slowly around with the finger and then with the same finger moved it slowly back in place. Obviously no connection.

Everyone laughed, including the young lady. It was funny. She was not embarrassed. And should not have been.

The reason for her failure was she had never used any of the 3 items in her lifetime. They were from a generation or two back. Similar to a person my age trying to use a cell phone or computer for the first time today.

Trump is a white supremacist.

He views BLM and other Democratic or liberal groups terrorists.

He is campaigning on law and order. He is going to rid our streets of the thugs he depicts as terrorists. The good guys.

Typical Trump strategy. He takes something he does or thinks which is bad and relabels it as having been done by the opposition.

I am not sure how he will handle this one.

It was revealed friday that the Department of Homeland Security as part of its annual report intends to label white supremacists as the most serious threat in the U.S. One which the DHS considers more significant than the immediate danger from foreign terrorists.

The American people will continue suffering re a further stimulus package.

Congress has returned and will be in session this week. Then home till after the election. Good job!

The word is the stimulus package will not be completed. Insufficient time the excuse.

Fault of the Republicans? Fault of the Democrats? Fault of both?

Whatever, the stimulus dollars the people have been expecting and which are long over due may be agreed upon in late November or December.

A lousy way to run a government! Governments are no different than a business. Operating as Washington does, it would soon be out of business if it were in the business world.

Today or tomorrow could be significant days for China and North Korea. Even the U.S.

China already has long range missiles that can be shot from somewhere in the South China Sea. Missiles with nuclear warheads that are capable of reaching U.S. shores.

North Korea close.

A test of a missile somewhat comparable to China’s scheduled for today or tomorrow. If successful, North Korea will have a major ballistic missile also with capability to hit the U.S.

Trump keeps pissing off China. North Korea long ago gave up on the U.S.

Trump has us in a position where we can literally be killed because of his inept ways of governing. U.S. defensive and retaliatory power is not as significant.

Trump has a terrific talent in picking people to work with him at high levels in Washington. Many crooks. So far 8 have been convicted of various crimes and many are in jail.

Trump wanted to destroy the Post Office. All over the mail in ballot issue which he created and which has no basis in fact.

He brings in Louis DeJoy to be Postmaster General.

No experience with mail. He acquiesces to Trump’s ideas of how to bring the Post Office down.

DeJoy testified before a Congressional committee last week. He lied big time. Under oath, no less.

Seems he would have his employee contribute to the Republican Party or Republican candidates and then reimburse them with a bonus what they had contributed.

A no no. Against the law.

Federal charges may not be available because of statute of limitation problems.

DeJoy is a resident of North Carolina. His business is in North Carolina. North Carolina has statutes forbidding what he did which are still good.

Me thinks DeJoy is in trouble. Another of Trump’s employees will fall.

You are known by the company you keep. Trumps appointees do not help his reputation.

College football has arrived! Unless coronavirus interferes, saturday afternoons are going to be fun.

Syracuse opens its season this saturday against North Carolina. Syracuse a 22 point underdog. Nothing new. Nevertheless, it will be exciting to watch my Syracuse play.

Tonight my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A quick moving half hour show. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Two of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are in Key West this weekend. Death and famine.

It is the Labor Day weekend. Key West has been quiet since the July 4th weekend. Bars and restaurants not making money. Hotels hurting big time.

This weekend is make up time!

From what I have gathered, the town is full of tourists. Partying like they have not in a while. Bars and restaurants packed. Hotels full.

Most of the revelers are young. Perhaps those older have more sense and are more cautious.

I’ve given thought to the young who have been and are partying in recent weeks. They are old enough to vote, old enough to join the military, old enough to drive a car. All require a sense of responsibility.

If they are old enough to do the above, why not do what is necessary to beat coronavirus?

Responsibility begins at the top. The President. A man who has no sense of responsibility. His actions speak for themselves. He has conducted himself in a very non-responsible manner since day 1. The virus is not for real, will be gone in a few weeks, will not wear a mask, does not social distance.

I can see the young adults thinking Trump is President. He must know what he is doing. I can act accordingly.

They believe they are immune from the virus which does not exist. They even have parties the sole purpose of which is to break the rules and then see in a couple of weeks who first comes down with coronavirus. That person the winner. The winner of what? Disease and possible death!

Dumb!

In Key West, the bars, restaurants, merchants and hotels have weighed in on the City Commission to loosen the rules. The Commission capitulated. The Commission will be as responsible for the virus surge to come as the bar owners, etc.

In the end, definitely sickness. Perhaps death. Those who sought the lifting of certain rules and those enjoying the “benefits” thereof this weekend responsible.

Responsibility the big word here. Responsible to themselves and others.

The hotels are cheap this weekend. A rarity in Key West. Generally expensive to the extreme. One internet advertised a hotel room as low as $19. Never mentioned the specific hotel, however.

Others advertised discounts as high as 75 percent.

I reviewed the ads. Even the major hotels were significantly cheaper than normal.

Which of course encouraged people to come to Key West for the weekend.

Businesses like the trolley tours and Furycat had their own ads inviting tourists for the weekend.

Apparently this is Brewfest Weekend. Brewfest a bigger deal than I thought. Seven different ads advertising the event.

From what I could gather, many visiting not those who normally travel. Which added to the rowdiness. One person described it to me as “running around crazy.”

Guaranteed there will be a rise in coronavirus cases in 2 or 3 weeks in Key West. Also in the home towns where the tourists came from. They will bring the bug home with them.

Do I sound disturbed? You bet I am! We are never going to win the war against coronavirus unless we follow the rules. Wear masks, social distance, wash your hands. Simple basics. And the bars, etc should stop complaining. They are not the only ones losing money. Think of all those out of work.

We must kill the virus or it will kill us.

The numbers are interesting.

June 1 a significant date. The day U.S. 1 was reopened. A mistake in and of itself.

Since June 1, Key West has experienced 798 confirmed cases. On June 1, the number was only 41.

Since June 1, Monroe County as a whole (including Key West) has experienced 1,764 cases. On June 1, the number was only 109.

Note that today’s Key  West 798 cases is roughly 40 percent of all of Monroe County’s cases.

Florida as a State has done poorly. Governor De Santis primarily responsible. He is Trump’s lap dog and does whatever the President suggests. As a result, Trump refers to him as the best governor in America.

Yesterday, Florida passed 12,000 for the number of deaths. Overall, Florida has had 646,431 confirmed cases.

Number of people permitted to attend a wedding reception has become an issue in some states.

New York’s Governor Cuomo said no more than 50 at a wedding reception. His order was taken to court. A federal judge said Cuomo could not do it. New York has appealed the case.

Maine has a 50 percent limit. The Maine story occurred after the New York problem.

The place Alfred, Maine. Sixty five attended a wedding reception that was supposed to be limited to 50. The fall out speaks for itself.

Tracking has been done. One hundred twenty three confirmed cases came out of the wedding reception.

One was an employee of the York County Jail. He was responsible for the virus being spread to 18 other staff members at the jail, 7 family members of staff, and 46 inmates.

What is going to come of the Key West Labor day Weekend? Many many more cases than 123. The Maine situation also clearly shows how easily the virus spreads.

Take heed.

Another guest was a nursing home employee. The person infected 15. Eight residents of the nursing home and 7 staff members.

Such is life as we are experiencing it these days. The days will continue ad infinitum till Key West and the rest of the country do what is necessary to defeat the enemy.

Enjoy your day!

The story I am about to share you will not believe.

Tonawanda is a city near Buffalo. Typical suburban America. Conservative leaning. Population 73,000.

The city has a high crime rate.

The Tonawanda City Commission at a meeting 2 weeks ago began entertaining proposed legislation to allow police officers to receive “sexual gratuities” while on duty.

The proposed legislation has an excellent chance of passing.

The sexual favors considered by some to be “tipping cops” for favors received.

Due to what has been ongoing in the U.S. in recent years, some Tonawanda citizens believe such legislation would, among other things, help “boost” police morale.”

Consider a simple situation. A woman is stopped for speeding. She says to the officer I’d like to blow you. He gets blown. She does not get a ticket.

Someone has to be crazy here! Like you, I could not believe such was possible. Police sexual misconduct legal. A Pandora’s box opening. What next?

Even more shocking, such legislation is already in force in 34 States. Would you believe!

New York City had such a law till April of this year. New York City police officers could have sex with persons “in custody.” The only requirement was it had to be “consensual.”

An officer arrests a hooker. In the paddy wagon on the way to the station, the lady knowing of the law asks the officer if he would like to get laid. Knowing full well, she may be let go before arriving at the station or receive a lesser charge when booked than she might have.

The laws in the 34 states cover everything from “groping to intercourse.”

Police develop an above the law attitude. The right to do as they see fit sexually as long as everything is “consensual.”

The proposed Tonawanda legislation has two conditions. The sex act must be completed within 15 minutes. Apparently Tonawanda allows its officers 2 fifteen minute breaks during a shift. He must also decline to take his next 15 minute break.

The other is that the sex must be a “gratuity.” The police officer cannot ask for it. The act must be offered.

Tonawanda a strange town. In addition to a citizen considering the “gratuity” a morale booster, a local group has been formed called the Coalition of Suburban Women Voters.”

The group not only wants the legislation passed in Tonawanda, they want it to apply on the State level to New York State Troopers.

Everyone wants to get into the act! Get a piece of the action! Tonawanda’s paramedics want to be included in the proposed new law.

Why not? Don’t forget the fire department, dog catcher, code enforcer, etc. What is good for one should be good for all!

My sense is that police officers after having been able to kill blacks with impunity over the years, now believe it is their right to enjoy sexually those who could be arrested or already have been.

Forget the “swamp” in Washington. A bigger one has been developing over the years with police departments across the U.S.

Less I forget, Happy Labor Day! TRY to follow the rules. Wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Mary Ellen’s on Applerouth has become a top Key West bar. Funky like Key West. Dildo races on tuesday nights for example.

Mary Ellen’s also serves the best grilled cheese sandwich and cup of tomato soup on the island.

Applerouth gives the impression of a shady street. Probably because it runs off Duval at La Trattoria to Whitehead. Narrow. A bit dark in the evening.

I can recall 15 years ago where Mary Ellen’s sits today, a sex club existed. A swingers’ club.

Sex can be interesting. I opted to stop in and see what it was like. Management was delighted. I got a first class guided tour.

What my eyes beheld!

Not my place, however. I was at least 50 years older than anyone else in the place.

I always thought dengue fever required tropical weather. Not the case. Pennsylvania recently reported dengue fever a problem. Sixteen cases. One dead already.

Dangerous. Glad the lower Keys spray, etc.

Kentucky Derby great last night. Authentic and Tiz the Law were neck and neck in the final quarter mile. Authentic pulled ahead and won.

Mexico has significant coronavirus problems. They are #4 in the world as to number of cases.

Mexico recently suffered a surge. Deaths higher than anticipated. Deaths to date 66,000.

Problem: Mexico ran out of death certificates. A real problem. Bodies cannot be buried without a death certificate. Bodies are piling up.

Some say the death certificate shortage also the result of Mexico fudging the numbers. An attempt to keep them low. The number of deaths too many for the numbers submitted. Not enough blank death certificates had been ordered.

Wednesday will mark my 189th day of self quarantine. Twenty seven weeks!

I am impressed. Also getting buggy. It is beginning to affect me.

I am fearful of going out. My age and underlying maladies make me a perfect candidate for Covid-19. I am not ready to meet my parents and grandparents in the other life yet. Assuming there is one.

Enjoy your Sunday and Labor Day holiday!

The summer of 2020 has been a long summer. A lost summer.

The end is here, however. We are into Labor Day weekend. Many coronavirus rules have been lifted or cut back.

The barbarians are at the gate. It was obvious yesterday afternoon. I was in the hospital for 3 hours beginning at 11:30. Two hours of that time strapped to a table while all kinds of pictures were taken.

Ran into a friend while waiting in Imaging at the hospital. Rita from the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Coronavirus has prevented any meetings for several months. It was good to see her again.

When I left, I decided to drive to Duval to see if I was correct in assuming the hordes would be coming.

I did not even need to get to Duval. I hit Route 1 at College Road. The cars were streaming into Key West non stop. Fast. One after another. I looked north. As far as the eye could see, cars!

To appreciate what I am describing, everything was moving south. Nothing north.

It took forever to get onto Route 1. Even with a light. The light had been fixed to let 2 or 3 cars make a right. It was green for those heading to Key West for several minutes at a time.

Duval. Some people. Not many. Still coming, checking into hotels, etc. Half the people not wearing masks. Some store fronts empty. Almost half of Duval’s 200 block with consecutive closed stores. The busiest block in Key West with empty stores!

My sense is the bars and restaurants did well last night. Will do better tonight. The hotels, also.

The merchants will make money for 3 days. Then what? I fear in 3 weeks coronavirus is going to surge in Key West and everything will have to close again.

I can and cannot condemn the businesses who will make a buck this weekend.

I condemn them for their greed/desire to make a buck not caring for the people who will get sick because of it.

On the other hand, they are desperate. Need to reopen, make a buck.

El Presidente Trump.

Yesterday was not his best. His military are “losers” and suckers” did not sit well with the American people. It has to have been the worse day of his Presidency. Might have been the one that put a nail in the coffin for real.

I read somewhere this morning that his comments made him look like he was against America. Suggested he might actually be a traitor.

I believe the last sentence a step too far. However, who knows with this guy.

Various governmental agencies require employees to attend ant-racism training programs. Trump yesterday described the programs as “anti-American…..divisive, anti-American propaganda.” He ordered them shut down.

Some believe Trump is a racist. What do you think?

Back to the “losers…..suckers” military cemetery issue.

Trump denies his hair had anything to do with his not attending the ceremony.

To back up his contention, Trump said he “called home” to Melania and told her how upset he was for not being able to visit the cemetery. Told her how the bad weather prevented the helicopter from flying.

He said, I “called home, I spoke to my wife and I said ‘I hate this. I came here to go to that ceremony.”

Some fact checking in order. Facts First reported: “Melania was on the same trip with the President and was scheduled to attend the cemetery visit. She was not in the U.S.”

The man cannot even keep his lies straight. No wonder when he speaks so many.

Senior Adviser to the President Stephen Miller is a sick man. Mentally. He is behind everything bad concerning immigration, writes many of Trump’s highly negative speeches about this and that.

He is a propagandist artist. I have often compared him to Hitler’s Goebbels. They even look alike.

Stephen and Katie were married in February. She too is a political adviser. She was secretary to Vice President Pence. She served as the public relations person for the coronavirus task force.

A mere 28 years old.

A strange duck. She has tattooed on the inside of her lip YOLO. Stands for “You Only Live Once.”

It has been reported that “the only thing she loves or values in the world is power. Anyone she attaches to in her life is a pawn to feed her addiction to it.”

Irma back in the news. The terrible hurricane that hit the Florida Keys on 9/10/17.

I read today that Irma was the “most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the open Atlantic region.”

Note “in the open Atlantic region.” The article discussed Irma’s overall power and damage over a period of several days. Days when it did significant destruction to Barbuda, St. Berthelemy, St. Martin, Anguilla, the Virgin Islands,and the U.S. mainland.

The article stated Irma was a Category 5 two days before it hit Key West. Winds were 180 mph on 9/5. Hit landfall in the U.S. as a Category 1 (when it went over Key West). Only to become a Category 4 when 16 miles later it was over Cudjoe Key. Cudjoe Key 16 miles north of Key West.

Irma’s damage estimated at $50 billion.

I wrote a book about Irma. Titled: Irma and Me. You might enjoy reading it. The book is available on amazon.com.

Today, the Kentucky Derby.

The blog Shoestring Weekend wrote this morning that the Kentucky Derby has ties to the Florida Keys.

A street named Churchill Downs is somewhere near Mile Marker 104 bayside at a tiny bridge crossing a canal near Key Largo.

The Shoestring blog indicated it did not know why a road in the Keys would be named Churchill Downs. I did some searching and came up with nothing, also.

The Kentucky Derby this evening at 7:02 EST. Love horse racing!

My Cocktails at 7 tonight is being moved up 15 minutes so I can watch the Derby. My mint julep a Beefeater on the rocks.

Enjoy your day!

Today is the beginning of the Labor Day weekend. Tourists will come to Key West in droves. Like Attila the Hun and hordes of old.

Normally, the onslaught would be welcome. Key West is a tourist town.

Some/many residents are not happy about Key West being an open town again. Except for the bar and restaurant owners. Coronavirus is still with us. While the flock of tourist will be open and visible, corinavirus is not. It is like a thief in the night.

Key West will pay later this month. The numbers will surge. Elsewhere also as the tourists return home and spread the contagion where ever they live.

The City Commission and bar owners have made a mistake. The ultimate cost of contagion and possibly death not worth it.

This day in 1969, the FDA reported birth control pills were safe. Changed a woman’s approach to sex dramatically. It was a new world!

Coronavirus and sex. Canada’s top medical person issued a statement this week concerning the subject.

Only have sex with your steady partner. Wear a mask when kissing. Avoid all face contact.

He also recommended use of a condom. Even though there is no evidence as yet that coronavirus can be contacted through semen or vaginal fluids.

Atlantic ran an article this week about Trump and the many he considers “losers” and “suckers.” Like soldiers, Marines killed in the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I, and John McCain because he was captured.

Recall when he was in France with other foreign leaders. They were attending a military cemetery in France. Trump did not go. Used the “losers” excuse. The real reason is said to have been it was raining and Trump feared it would muss his hair.

Trump’s failure in not recognizing coronavirus early and his overall failure to do correct things to reduce the virus’ contagion has resulted in roughly 180,000 deaths to date. Experts predict the number will be 410,000 by January.

Medical and scientific experts are not at all confident that there will be a vaccine by November 3.

Barr should be disbarred.

A lawyer’s word is everything. Barr has forgotten or does not care. He lies as does the President.

Barr recently claimed a Texas man collected 1,700 ballots and filled them out as he pleased. The comment made in support of Trump’s position that mail balloting leads to big time fraud.

Turns out Barr’s representation of the Texas man was not true. Fact check found the statement to be false.

There are concerns we are facing a government shut down. Need a budget by the end of the month.

The parties have yet to address the situation as it should have done. The new stimulus package in the way.

Pelosi is down to $2.2 trillion. Barely fair. The Republican Senate to $500 billion. Not even in the ball park.

The mighty fall. I refer to the “great” nations the world has known.

The U.S. itself and the rest of the world considered the U.S. the strongest nation  up to the time of Trump’s election. The U.S. could very well have dropped to second place under Trump. It could mark the end of U.S. dominance in the world.

The Roman Empire was another great nation. Nothing is forever, however. History wise, this day in 476 A.D. is recognized as the traditional end of the Western Roman Empire.

Romulus Augustulus, last Western Roman Emperor, abdicated after forces led by Odoacer invaded Rome.

Heat spell time!

It is expected 50 million will be exposed to unusually high warmth this weekend.

I had a doctor visit yesterday. It was hot outside! Ninety two degrees wit heavy humidity.

Nothing like air conditioning!

I mentioned earlier this week that United Airlines announced it was furloughing 2,850 pilots.

A further report has come out. The number has increased to 16,370. In addition to the 2,850 pilots, 6,920 flight attendants and 2,100 technicians.

My feelings are increasing that May Johnston may be fooling around. She has Ernesto out of town. Miguel in town.

Today’s diary entry in 1896 reports that her mother “brought up the Miguel subject again, I got up and left.”

Big day at the hospital for me. A 2 1/2 hour test. Hope this is the last one.

I have done well with the previous tests. I am beginning to think the doctors are going to test me till they find something.

Enjoy your day!

The Key West City Commission met last night. Changes in rules intended to protect against coronavirus were adopted. Overall, a win for bar owners and restaurants.

There is the old saying that a squeaky wheel gets the oil. So it was last night.

There were about 40 demonstrators outside City Hall carrying signs supporting open bar seating. Some, a removal of the requirement to wear masks.

I assume that certain bar owners did their lobbying for liberalization of the rules.

From my perspective, the City Commission did bad and good.

The Commission voted to allow bar counters in restaurants to open. Open seating permitted. With restrictions. Groups of 6 seated at bars are allowed with 6 foot social distancing between the groups. Food must be ordered. No drinking without eating.

Who enforces the new rule. Prior to last night, police and code enforcement officers were the enforcers. No more. Now it is the bar owner.

Is the buck being passed here? Concededly not a pleasant job.

Failure of the bar owner to enforce the new rules can result in being closed down for up to 10 days in the first instance. A second time and the penalty is extended for up to 30 days.

I disagree with permitting the bars to open as indicated. Coronavirus is no where under control. Allowing drinking and eating at the bars means more customers. The additional customers will primarily be those driving down for a few days.

Recognize that it is impossible to wear a mask while eating and drinking.

Labor Day weekend a few days away. There will be an onslaught of tourists. Guaranteed a couple of weeks down the road and coronavirus cases in Key West will be on the rise.

Face masks. The Commission delayed loosening mask restrictions for 61 days.

Such will not make much difference. The tourists who have been visiting recently generally disregarded the mask wearing rule. Probably will continue to do so.

One hundred eighty thousand plus have died in the U.S. Key West will make a significant contribution in sick and dead in the second half of September.

The History Section in today’s Key West Citizen made mention of a Carnival Stag Show involving the Navy which resulted in a sex orgy in 1953.

Search as I could, I could find no additional details than those set forth in the Citizen.

The event was called a Charity Carnival Stag Show. It took place 9/3/53.

Whatever occurred had to be flagrant. The Secretary of the Navy gave reprimands to Admiral Irving T. Duke and Lt. Commander Benjamin Berry.

No rest for the alleged “wicked.”

It was reported ICE worked hard in arresting illegal immigrants in July and August. Two thousand were arrested. The largest sweep during the Pandemic.

Two thousand a large number to be apprehended over a 2 month period. Where were they confined during processing? Had to take several days or longer. Was any protection provided to protect them against coronavirus?

The President of the United States is the most powerful person in the world. A President’s health is of extreme importance.

Recall last year when Trump was suddenly taken to Walter Reed Hospital. Whatever the purpose, he was in and out in less than a day.

The public has never been told what the President’s problem was. The public has a right to know. Especially if Trump’s cognitive abilities were impaired.

The issue as to what was wrong has resurfaced. Yesterday, Trump in a tweet denied having “mini-strokes.” No one said he had mini-strokes. Trump was the first to even use the term as he did yesterday.

Trump apparently refuses to let us know. However, he did have the White House physician issue a statement. The White House physician is considered the Physician to the President. His name Dr. Dean Conly.

Conly wrote yesterday that the President was “healthy…..I expect him to remain fit to execute the duties of the Presidency.”

A California State Judge issued an opinion affecting those applying for admission to University of California schools. The decision to the effect that SAT and ACT tests could no longer be used in determining admission.

The decision’s reasoning was that the tests disadvantaged low income students and students with disabilities.

The decision bugs me a bit. I and many I know come from “low income” families. Many with disabilities. Like blind. We made it. Those deprived today can make it also.

Not even 7 this morning and today’s blog done. Woke around 2 and could not sleep. Did my research and then grabbed some sleep. Up and at the blog itself at 6. Done!

The reason I am an eager beaver with today’s blog is I have a doctor’s appointment later this morning.

Tomorrow more testing. A 2 1/2 hour one at the hospital. Hope I can get tomorrow’s blog out.

Enjoy your day!

Somewhere in this great land of ours is a 15 year old young lady living brightly with a new heart. Not her first. The first came when she was 2 months old.

It worked good till Mother’s Day this year when she had a heart attack. Followed by 13 more. Widow maker ones.

She had been an active teenager. In fact, her whole life found her involved in normal activities. She participated in school sports. She was particularly adept at dancing and was a member of her high schools’s state dance team.

Doctors said time for a new heart.

She waited 10 days in the hospital till a compatible one was found.

She is back in school and intends to participate in the same events she had before her recent heart attacks. Both she and her doctors have given her a clean bill of health.

Bright and cheerful before and after. She has gained a new perspective on life: “Always remember that there is this light that’s always gonna come to you.”

Ah, the religious in life. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Liked and disliked.

The French Revolution began in 1789 and lasted 10 years. The people took over the government. Hated the royalists who had governed earlier and any who sympathized with them.

The religious for whatever reason seemed to side with the royalists.

The September Massacre took place September 1792. “Mobs” put many to death. Savagely. No guillotine. Three Roman Catholic Bishops were slaughtered, together with more than 200 priests.

Their political leanings and not belief in God the cause.

I have written for several years re U.S. preparedness to militarily engage. I questioned whether the U.S. was still the strongest nation in the world. Came to the conclusion it was not. China was.

I wrote a lengthy article some years ago comparing the strength of the U.S. and China. China was ahead in every respect. Especially as regards a Navy.

I also wrote several times over the years questioning where all the allocated monies for the military in the U.S. budget were being spent. Pointed out several audits reflecting billions of dollars were gone and could not be accounted for.

Even Trump saw how behind we were. From the time he took office, he has sought and received significantly increased monies to build up the military.

I am not impressed with what has been done in 3 1/2 years.

The U.S. Department of Defense’s 2020 annual report to Congress on Chinese Military Power spelled out how far behind the U.S. was, especially concerning the Navies of both.

The report stated in effect China had the world’s largest Navy. One which was getting better.

A comparison revealed China had 350 naval vessels. A good number new. Whereas the U.S. 293. Most older.

The U.S. was stronger regarding carriers. Eleven to six. However the report suggested carriers would not be the primary naval weapon of the future. China’s ships were of better technological quality.

China superior re anti- ship missiles. Some of which had the capacity to travel faster than Mach 5. Some believed to have the capacity to reach U.S.shores.

Trump basically got all the money he has requested for the military. How has it been spent. We should be advised.

Some short time after taking office, Trump met with China’s President Xi. It was reported at the time that Xi told Trump the U.S. had wasted money on Middle East wars for 17 years and gained nothing. Meantime, China had stayed out of wars and put their money into developing their military and infrastructure.

Labor Day 1935 fell on September 2. The Hurricane of 1935 struck that day.

It was the most intensive to ever pass over the U.S. It hit landfall near Islamorada. A category 5. Winds 200 mph. Tides 18-20 feet.

The Overland Railroad was being built. Right were the hurricane hit. The workers mostly immigrants.

Living accommodations for the workers were tents.

There was some prior warning a bad storm was on the way. A train lefty Miami to rescue the workers before the hurricane hit. It was almost to them when the hurricane struck with such strength that it blew most of the railroad cars off the track.

Four hundred were killed.

It was the end of the Overland Railroad. Already hurting financially, there were no monies to resurrect the project.

This is the 186th day of my self-quarantine. Twenty six weeks. One half a year. I have only left the house for doctor visits and hospital tests.

I’m getting edgy.

Over the years, I have developed a dislike for holier than thou persons who in back rooms sin like hell.

The most recent to be identified is Jerry Falwell, Jr. and his wife Becki. Jerry having been till most recently President of Liberty University. The son of Jerry Falwell now deceased.

Sex seems to be the problem.

Larry Flynt first published Hustler years ago. Photos of naked women, sensual stories, etc.

Jerry Falwell went after Flynt. Big time! Sinner! Fornicator, etc!

Flynt retaliated with a photo of Falwell and some words Jerry Falwell would never speak.

Falweell sued. The case went to the Supreme Court. Falwell claimed he had been defamed. The Supreme Court said the picture and words were not actionable. Freedom of speech applied.

Flynt wrote one time re religious leaders: “They actually work to increase the sum of human suffering. They are peddlers of religious snake oil.”

Modern day Elmer Gantrys.

Some of Trump’s utterances bring to mind…..You can’t fix stupid.

The Kenosha shooting. A police officer putting 7 bullets in the back of a black man.

Trump when questioned about the Kenosha shooting and others involving police and black persons responded in an unbelievable fashion. He said the police were under stress. He compared their shooting blacks to missing “a 3 foot putt.”

In the various shootings, he suggested the police “clutched.” There was no intent to harm the black person.

The World Health Organization announced 170 countries had joined under the auspices of WHO to work together to find a vaccine for coronavirus.

Trump refused to join. He said the group were to be led by the “corrupt” WHO and China.

I suspect the real reason Trump refused to join is he wants to go down in history as the person responsible for the discovery of a Covid-19 vaccine. Perhaps receive a Nobel Prize as a result.

Kentucky Derby saturday. I will be watching it alone at home sipping a Beefeaters. I generally watch at Don’s Place. Not this year.

Tuesday Talk last night. A good show. A different show.

I wanted to mention Trump as little as possible. Give everyone a break.

I did it! Only mentioned him a few times with regard to one topic.

People have to be tired of Trump, politics. etc. A big world out there. Many things happening.

Enjoy your day!

So much news! Overwhelming! Today, especially so.

Which means a Morning Stew day. No order or sense of continuity. I take my notes as written and go for it.

Respectfully, Trump a “crazy” leading the “crazies.”

He describes liberals and those with opposing thoughts from him as “radical left maniacs.” Words neither conciliatory nor helpful in making friends.

Trump today will be an unwelcome guest in Kenosha. Neither the Mayor nor Governor want him.

Trump’s words on just about every subject scary. Unless you’re a far righter, white supremacist, racist or nut.

Florida’s Governor DeSantis has extended the moratorium on rent evictions one month to October 1. The fifth time he has done so.

In Key West, most renters are the working class who have not been working. Bartenders, waiters and waitresses. Where are they going to get money to pay the accumulated rent due when the time comes?

Gun sales have risen dramatically in the past several months. The reason simple. People are afraid. They sense there might be a need to protect themselves. Even against the government.

From March to July, gun sales were record breaking. This year between these months, up 84 percent from the same period in 2019. Gun sales March to July this year were 8.5 million.

An interesting report from the Kenosha Police Chief. More than half those arrested during the 7 days of unrest were from outside Kenosha.

Anarchy is on the rise in this country. Beware!

Chad Wolf is the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security. On the Tucker Carlson show recently, he said the Department of Justice was “targeting and investigating” leaders of BLM, Antifa, and those paying for the organization of rioters.

Pray tell, what is happening to free speech?

What is good for the goose is good for the gander applies here. Far right groups have financial backers. Wealthy Americans. They have opened their pocket books to provide monies to aid and abet their demonstrators and counter demonstrators.

Both Trump and Biden appeared on TV yesterday. I watched both.

Trump was interviewed by Laura Ingram. My impression throughout the interview was the man is losing it. His blatant racism was evident. A supporter of white supremacism  unquestionably.

Biden appeared alone and presented his thoughts for the day.

Biden impressive. A steady Eddie.

He covered most of the issues briefly and succinctly.

One negative. Biden needs to open his eyes. It is obvious he is reading. Not a problem. Even Trump does. However when he reads and moves his head not, his eyes tend to close to narrow slits. He does look like a sleepy Joe.

When he does move his head to emphasize a point, his eyes open and his words have a greater impact.

Someone tell Biden.

World War II began this day in 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. A no competition event. Hitler overran Poland in a very few days. Polish soldiers on horses were no match for Hitlers tanks and airplanes.

Coronavirus is the plague of today. There was another in the U.S. in 1862. Yellow fever.

Yellow fever raged in Key West during September of that year. Killed 47. Twenty members of the 90th New York Regiment and 27 at the Marine Hospital.

Key West and Monroe County schools began reopening yesterday. A phased in opening that will take place this entire week.

School officials believe the children will be subjected to a “moderate exposure.” The School District has also prepared a Guide to Safely Reopening Schools.

Some of you may think I am generally opposed to reopening anything. I am.

Not only reopening in our area, but also nationwide.

The U.S. has made little significant progress in fighting/defeating coronavirus. Everyone is tired of confinement, close downs, etc. So the word is lets try.

The reentry is a forced one under the circumstances.

I agree with New York’s Governor Cuomo. A man who has achieved significant success in New York. New York schools are reopening. Cuomo reluctant to see it happen. Not his calling.

Remember, school reopenings involve children.

Cuomo said increases in coronavirus cases is “inevitable” in some places. The question is how good is a school’s plan to deal with new cases, how officials enforce rules, and whether a school’s plan can curb an outbreak.

He went on to say: “What we’re seeing with colleges, I think it’s going to be replicated on K-12.”

Absolutely amazing! September 1 already!

As one gets older, time moves more swiftly. Not comforting.

Take off the masks! No more masks! The cry world wide.

U.S. people have protested against the wearing of masks. They don’t believe the virus will hit them. Some do not believe there is such a disease. Some are fed up with wearing a mask.

The problem is not only in the U.S. In recent days large protests have occurred in London and Berlin.

People want back to normal. Understandable. We all do. Not the time yet, however.

I suspect these demonstrations are organized. In all countries. How can so many get together for such a protest.

Some groups want to overturn/upset the governmental apple cart in every country. Tear down the establishment. Form a new type government.

Shades of Steve Bannon.

Great Britain is getting very hard in its handling of the virus. Anyone organizing an “illegal party” will be fined up to 10,000 pounds. A big time penalty!

Countries are learning they have to become “hard ass” in order to defeat coronavirus. Another example being New Zealand which has opened “quarantine camps.”

The U.S. fails to do anything severe to defeat the virus. Understandable where Trump from day one has failed to take the virus seriously.

It has been months and we are all waiting for the virus “to go away.”

If memory proves correct, there are more than 30 million unemployed in the U.S. Mostly lower waged workers.

There is a second wave of layoffs on the horizon. Has just begun. This one will affect those with well paying jobs. Companies are prepared to slim down staff at higher levels.

These jobs will never return. Once a company learns it can do without high end costly employees, there jobs are gone forever.

In the meantime, lower payed workers have slowly begun returning to work. Automation waiting to replace them.

There is a point to be made. Nothing will ever be “normal” again. A new normal will rise. People will have to learn and to adjust.

Trump has had a hell of a month. Equivocating every day. The King speaking.

New York Times’ Timothy Eagen in an Opinion piece published 8/28/20, referred to Trump’s month as the “Guns of August.” It fits.

What goes around, comes around. So much truth in the statement.

On tuesday, a black Georgia man stabbed a white stranger. His excuse was that after watching videos of “police brutality,” he “felt the need to find a white man to kill.”

Tonight “Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.” Join me. Listen to me rant and rave about what I like and don’t like in the world

Interesting and fast moving.

Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

“The most basic duty of government is to defend the lives of its own citizens…..Any government that fails to do so is a government unworthy to lead.”

Trump’s own words. Spoken by him at the 2016 Republican Convention.

Coronavirus is one situation where Trump has failed to protect the lives of U.S. citizens. Trump’s missteps have contributed to 180,000 American deaths.

The U.S. has 4 percent of the world’s population. Due to Trump’s failures, the U.S. has 22 percent of the world’s coronavirus deaths.

Another University has closed down its in-house classes. The University of Alabama. At only one site.

Classes resumed 2 weeks ago. More than 1,000 cases have been  confirmed during that time.

I mentioned last week that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had banned wedding receptions larger than 50 persons.

A federal judge issued a temporary injunction prohibiting Cuomo’s order from being enforced.

I sense one of the reasons the judge did so was what harm could come from such a small gathering.

Maine has an order similar to Cuomo’s. A 50 person limit.

Sixty five attended a wedding.

So far, 123 confirmed cases have been attributed to the gathering.

Coronavirus is going to be with us definitely till we get a vaccine. However its numbers can be drastically limited if simple rules like mask wearing and social distancing were followed, as well as limiting the number of guests at an event.

Such has been successful in many countries world wide.

When are Americans going to learn to stop fighting rules to protect their well being? When are small business owners going to wake up and realize their fight to reopen and permit bar seating, etc. will only keep them open a short period of time? The virus will return.

In the final analysis, bucking the rules will keep us in masks, social distancing, and bars and restaurants subjected to many rules. Opening and closing is of no benefit to  a business’ survival either.

A Melania Trump tale.

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff  is a former senior adviser and close friend to Melania.

No more. They had a falling out.

Since then, Wolkoff has written a tell all book about the First Lady. The book is “Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady.”

It is reported in the book there were several reasons why Melania refused to move into the White House immediately. One was that Melania did not want to use the same shower and toilet as Michelle Obama had. The bathroom had to be renovated before Melania would move in.

Becki Falwell. Wife of Jerry Falwell, Jr. Fallen President of Liberty University.

Facts continue to come out. Once the door is open on a sensitive issue regarding a public figure, there is no stopping what comes out. Secrets are no longer secrets.

The Falwell story was exposed when it became public that Becki Falwell was involved in a 7 year relationship with a pool boy she met at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. It was further reported that husband Jerry used to sit in a chair in the corner of the bedroom watching Becki and the pool boy having sex.

Husband Jerry denies watching.

Over the weekend, the next chapter became public. A 22 year old Liberty University student was staying overnight in the Falwell home. She was a band member and friend of a Falwell daughter.

She claims Falwell came into her bedroom in the night and had her orally copulate him. She did not fight back.

Another part of the story came out over the weekend also. Sex pays. Falwell resigned as President of Liberty University. His severance package was $10.5 million.

A few Trump observations.

He is loyal to those who are loyal to him. A group that includes his white base and selected international despots.

His tax cuts have benefited the very rich.

An entirely foreseeable pandemic caught him unaware.

His economy has tanked.

Millions of Americans are unemployed.

Most schools are shuttered.

He does not even pretend that he is President of all of us.

He wants us to vote for him because what is happening on his watch is unacceptable. He caused the problems!

No blog tomorrow. I have a morning of tests beginning at 8:30.

I am getting tired of being tested!

Enjoy your Sunday!

I do not intend to get into police shootings with this topic. The error of the police is obvious.

I am going to go a step further. What I am about to share shows the stupid mentality of many police officers. It evidences a lack of rational judgment. Something missing upstairs.

Jacob Blake took 7 police bullets in the back. The video of the shooting all over the internet. The police will claim Blake was going for a knife he had in the car. I don’t care if he was going after a shotgun. Absolutely no way he could have gotten to any weapon, turned around, and did damage to the police officer.

Blake has been in the hospital since the incident. His injuries horrible. He has been rendered a paraplegic. Will never walk again.

He lies in the hospital bed heavily sedated.

Ain’t no way Blake is going anywhere at this time.

So why did the police shackle his leg to the bed? Insult added to injury. Why was a police officer left guarding him at all times?

His father had it. Father and lawyer went to the media and then court. Friday a judge said remove the shackles and get rid of the police officer.

The police excuse for using a shackle, and a metal one at that, was because there were 3 outstanding warrants for Blake for domestic abuse charges.

The Republican Convention.

Fifteen hundred people sitting shoulder to shoulder on the White House lawn. Wonder how many will come down with coronavirus in 2 weeks.

Trump’s speech was one the worst I have heard by a Presidential candidate. Dramatic, yes. Substantive, no. I thought Trump laid an egg.

He waved the flag, puffed his “accomplishments,” lied, and provided spin.

All I could think was will America fall for him again.

He knocked the hell out of Biden. That’s politics. The problem was everything Trump claimed Biden did wrong Trump had accomplished or attempted in his 3 1/2 years. He kept blaming Biden for his own wrongdoing.

Some are concerned the Republican Convention and Trump himself did him some good. Whereas Biden was ahead or tied in certain states, it now appears they may be tied in all the important ones. Trump definitely got a bump out of the Convention.

The Democratic liberal Michael Moore shares my concern. He says beware! Trump is on the move!

Generally there are 2 sides to a story. In politics, 2 opposing viewpoints.

Such is good. I have always believed  that no matter how way out, a counter view does not hurt. A proper thought/resolution will withstand testing.

We are each other’s indispensable opposition.

I received an e-mail from a blog reader which reflects her thinking. She is a die hard Republican and Trump supporter. She knows I am a liberal Democrat.

Here is what she had to say: “To answer all those of you who would say ‘I can’t believe you would vote for Trump.’ Well folks listen up! I’m just not voting for him. I’m voting for the second amendment. I’m voting for the next supreme court justice. I’m voting for the electoral college, and the Republic we live in. I’m voting for the police and law and order. I’m voting for the military, and the veterans who fought for and died for this Country. I’m voting for the flag that is always missing from the Democratic background. I’m voting for the right to speak my opinion and not be censored. I’m voting for secure borders. I’m voting for the right to praise my God without fear. I’m voting for every unborn soul the  Democrats want to murder. I am voting for freedom and the American Dream. I am voting for good against evil. I’m just voting for one person, I’m voting for the future of my Country.”

China. I am concerned about our relations with China.Things have gotten out of hand. Each side is pushing the other. Especially in the South China Sea.

I blame Trump for starting this mess. The sanctions.

Trump does not give up. The “China virus.”

There are a number of one side kicking the other situations. Any one of which could ignite an actual war. A war I believe the U.S. could lose. In spite of Trump’s saying we are the strongest nation in the world. Talk is cheap in this regard.

The South China Sea. The Chinese keep pushing us. They do not believe American war vessels and planes should be in the area. The Chinese bring their vessels close to ours. Bumping time some time in the future. Chinese planes buzz our planes. Some day there may be contact and then who knows what will happen.

Why do I think China is the more powerful nation militarily?

While the U.S. has been fighting wars in the Middle East and elsewhere for 20 years, the Chinese spent their money rebuilding their military. The Chinese navy is relatively new. Their submarines and missiles likewise.

The Chinese have built islands where none existed in the South China Sea. Impressive! Whole islands with airfields and military bases.

It is said that China has missiles capable of reaching U.S. shores. The U.S. on the other hand cannot say the same in reverse.

Trump keeps telling us all the money he is spending on the military. I don’t see it. The U.S. is not catching up with the Chinese timely. I sometime think that between allocation and spending, the money gets lost.

China is a proud country. Asians are sensitive people. They insult easily. Trump keeps insulting China. I worry China might say enough is enough and retaliate at some point.

Then real war. A war on our shores as well as China’s.

The result of such a conflict questionable in my opinion. I do not believe the U.S. is ready.

Laura did a hell of a job on Louisiana and Texas. An amazing hurricane. From nothing to a Category 4 in a matter of days. I read a report this morning indicating Laura went from a storm to a Category 4 in 48 hours.

It has been announced Trump will visit the hurricane damaged areas over the weekend. I hope he brings more than paper towels.

Irma struck September 10, 2017. The Keys are still not damage free. The federal money tap went dry. As it has with all other disasters which have confronted Trump.

I question whether the drying up of funds is based on a lack of concern for U.S. citizens. Trump goes in a few days following a natural disaster, promises the world, and then leaves. Things happen for a while. Then nothing.

Florida and its counties are still owed reimbursement dollars in the millions from Trump’s federal government. There are still people living in tents in the Keys. Canals are highways. Not all canals cleaned. Keep in mind, boats, cars and houses are in the canals and still need to be removed.

Key West lost one of its most prominent citizens this week. Paul Worthington. He passed on at 72.

Paul was the co-owner of Schooner Wharf. He and his wife started the well known Key West landmark many years ago. Together they did much to develop the historic Key West Bight.

He will be missed.

May he rest in peace.

Enjoy your day!