The handwriting is on the wall. The State will win the battle. At this point. Does not mean the war.

The cruise lines, politics, and certain local businessmen have called in the IOUs. To the legislators, dance with us on this issue.

The City will be left with one alternative. Appeal!

The City has already spent a ton of money on the referendum and the fight since. More money will have to be spent. Do the right thing. The City owes the voters that much.

If the cost of an appeal is a concern, think of all the money pissed away when the City makes contract mistakes, overpays someone, etc. Don’t blow it here. Be on the side of the righteous. Those who put you in office.

What galls me is even some of our State representative(s) initially supported the cruise lines, etc. Till some one brought to their attention they did not know what they were talking about.

Another galling aspect is the excuses being given on the floor of both State Houses. The real reason for the battle with the cruise lines is it is not being described properly by the shipping magnates to State representatives.

Let’s not get screwed. This is a battle that must be fought. Regardless of cost.

It will also send a message. Don’t tread on little Key West! The town can be a David when required.

On April 23, 1982, the Florida Keys seceded from the Union. The reason being the Border Patrol having established a road block at Florida City to check the citizenship of everyone leaving Monroe County.

Dennis Wardlow was the primary defector. He had become the Prime Minister of the new naton. Aptly named the Conch Republic.

The Conch Republic seceded the same day it was formed. Surrendered that same day shortly after seceding. Demanded reparations and financial assistance.

Big trees from little acorns grow! The creation of the Conch Republic has become a big deal. Offices, flags, passports, a navy and air force, etc.

Each year a big celebration is had celebrating the event. From my perspective, the best part of the celebration is the War between the Conch Republic and the  U.S.

The Conch Republic fighting from pirate ships. Their crews dressed as pirates. Throwing rotten tomatoes, heads of lettuce, etc. at the U.S. vessels. The vessels being modern ships of today’s U.S. Coast Guard.

Jets from Boca Chica fly over to engage the Conch Republic’s bi-planes. The Conch Republic bombing the Coast Guard vessels with unfurling rolls of toilet paper.

The celebration is a perfect example as to what Key West is all about. How we live and act.

I wish the Pier House would hurry and reopen the Chart Room. I am out in the world again and miss my old hangout.

I met and chatted with many people every night at the Chart Room. About 10 years ago, a tourist who was the Chief of Police of some community in the midwest.

From 1962-1965, I was General Counsel to the Police Conference of New York Inc. Two years out of law school when I got the job. Had an Albany office. I was a registered lobbyist.

One of my primary tasks was getting legislation passed that would protect police officers. It was the beginning. Protections did not exist. Today, police have formal unions representing them. The unions have been successful in getting laws adopted that we did not even think about in the early 1960s. Like qualified immunity, for example.

The Chief and I had an interesting 2 hour discussion in the Chart Room. I was shocked by the stories he was telling me. The black problem. How dangerous it was to be a policeman. Etc.

A different world had developed. The world that exists today. The world which hopefully now is in a state of flux because of the conviction in the Floyd case.

I believe Biden is doing a good job. Fighting the forces of evil so as to make the U.S. a better place to live. Also, to correct many Trump created problems.

I sense a different problem developing, however. Is the U.S. going to spend itself into oblivion? A trillion here, a trillion there. It adds up. Soon the U.S. debt payments per year will exceed the country’s next most expensive budget item.

My sense is Biden hopes/anticipates increasing corporate taxes as one way of paying the bill. The other is to get programs such as infrastructure moving. Increased wages alone will increase tax collections.

Never forget what Biden is facing today as regards money was faced by Franklin Delano Roosevelt when he first took office. The depression at its peak.

He had programs pushed into law. Each required the government to spend heaps of money.

Republicans knocked him constantly. He was going to bankrupt the nation.

Roosevelt succeeded and Biden can too.

The U.S. yesterday lifted its “pause” on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Ok to use. Safe.

The facts support the result. Thus far, nearly 8 million Johnson & Johnson vaccine shots have been given. Are you aware of the number of the number of the 8 million persons who developed blood clots? Fifteen!

As U.S. officials said yesterday, the benefits of the shot far outweigh the risk of a rare blood clot disorder.

The question at the moment is how the public will react to receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. There are 9.5 million doses siting on shelves waiting to be used.

Enjoy your day!

My life has changed.

The 412 days of self-quarantine responsible.

I have been out of quarantine for 10 days. I couldn’t wait. It would be back on the street again. Before coronavirus, I was out almost every night. In my recent 10 days of freedom, only 4.

The quarantine changed my way of life. I prefer remaining in than going out. Can’t believe it. Not healthy. Funny, but I obviously have to work at returning to my old ways.

The first 3 nights out, each evening lasted 2 hours.

One thing I must admit. I am uncomfortable being close to people.

Last night was a biggie for me. Out 4 hours! With 6 other people. Wow!

Guy deBoer was having a small get together at his home. Cocktails at 5. Like Cocktails at 7, except more people.

Started at 5. I assumed we were going to enjoy each other and a drink or 2, and I would be home at 7. Didn’t work that way. I was up late. The party did not break up till 9.

Good company! I had met Fred a few nights before. A New York labor lawyer. Met his wife Joanne last night. Attractive. In fact all 3 of the ladies were attractive.

Dave I had met previously also. A retired anesthesiologist from the New York area. Wife EB. Enjoys being called EB. Short for Ennid Berger.

EB and I have a lot in common. Retired lawyers. A Fordham law grad. She in the business/corporate world. I the enviromental.

Mimi. Unfortunately, her husband passed on 2 years ago. Did not spend enough time chatting with her. Hopefully, if their is a next time.

The two married couples and Mimi own homes in Key West.

The conversation was light and funny. The atmosphere easy going. Nothing heavy. The way it is with retirees in Key West. They come here to play. To leave their other lives behind. Playing means reverting to their younger days.

We had that type of gathering last night. We did not turn out the lights after a while, however. Even if we wanted to, the sun never went down. We were seated outside the whole evening. Guy’s home is on the Riviera canal.

All of a sudden, it was eating time. All easy. We ordered Chinese delivered. Then pigged out.

I enjoyed myself.

When out again is the question. I know I will be out monday night with Jean and Joe Thornton. We are having dinner at La Te Da. I look forward to being with my friends who saved my life during Hurricane Irma. It was their home I escaped to in Birmingham for 12 days. It was also that experience with them that formed the basis for my book Irma and Me.

Seems like everything gets out of hand at some point in life. A systemic racial discrimination debate was held at UCLA earlier this week. The observations from the floor as the final point in the program interesting.

A black female student rose and said that high tech soap dispensers were systemically racist against black people.

Would you believe?

The story.

The dispensers being discussed are those found in public rest rooms. The tiny machines on the wall that emit gobs of liquid soap when you place your hands under them.

The first black woman said the dispensers “don’t see her hands” because of her dark pigment. Another black female student said the dispensers force “black and brown persons to show their palms” because their palms are the “only light areas of their skin.”

Black students at UCLA were not the only ones to express concern. The event was zoomed. Some 80 other blacks joined in agreeing that the dispensers represented “systemic racism and white supremacy.”

Some claimed the dispensers were part of a “conspiracy.” The conspiracy theory pops up in most things involving racism these days. The belief expressed by many was that systemic racism exits everywhere and involves everything.

Those who spoke at the event itself called it their”lived experience” as proof.

The facts completely negate the systemic racism theory. Sensors of soap dispensers don’t see human hands. The dispensers do not have eyes. They work by using a simple device called a PR sensor which recognizes infrared light which is emitted by all people, regardless of color.

Blacks and other persons of color are on a role. Things are swiftly moving positively in their direction. They should beware lest they move so fast that there is a fallout which will wipe out the achievements being gained. That which has been gained in not yet set in stone.

Example. Post trial happenings related to George Floyd’s death have already moved a step too far. The fallout occurring is the kind of activity that will encourage reaction.

A “zone” has developed in the area where Floyd’s death occurred. Signs have been placed advising the area is “sacred space for community, public grief, and protest.”

Special rules are listed which are “for white people in particular.” Yup, “special rules” for whites. The message to whites is abide or get out or perhaps we’ll throw you out.

The “zone” is beginning to resemble something akin to a “religious cult encampment.” Baptisms are publicly being performed on the street in a large metal tub. Some blacks involved with the “zone” claim miracles have occurred.

The “zone” and everything associated with it is unhealthy in my opinion. Gains can be lost. Aggression develop.

The world has changed to the good for blacks in certain regards. Recall they once were considered “property”. Even by the Supreme Court.

The Key West Citizen has been  following the life of William Healy in the Key West world of 1856. On this date in 1856, Healy recorded the following in his digest: “John Geiger has sold the Longa to Manuel Farina for a negro boy valued at $600 and $800…..Drew up a bill of sale for the boy.”

Enjoy your day!

My apologies. No blog today. I’ll be back tomorrow.

Republicans seem to want to take things away from the American people. Not add to what have been accepted freedoms.

The big issue in recent years has been voting. Republicans dominate state legislatures. They have passed a multitude of bills which have become laws to limit voting rights.

They are now engaged in a new game. Pass laws punitive in nature to restrict protesting.

Republican lawmakers in 34 states have introduced 81 anti-protest bills.

A few examples.

Oklahoma and Iowa have passed bills granting immunity to drivers whose vehicles strike and injure protesters on public streets. A proposal in Indiana would bar anyone convicted of unlawful assembly from holding state employment. Minnesota has a bill pending that would prohibit those convicted of unlawful protesting from receiving student loans, unemployment benefits or housing assistance. Florida’s Governor DeSantis has proudly proposed a set of “anti-riot” bills that limit the right to protest.

Thus far during the 2021 state legislative sessions, already twice as many anti-protesting bills have been introduced than at any other time.

Democracy is a fleeting thing on the Republican side of the aisle.

Former police officer Chauvin was found guilty yesterday of all 3 counts in the George Floyd killing. Excitement abounds in the land. Properly so. However people should not think the tide has turned when it comes to police shootings.

The single most important thing in Floyd’s murder was there were cameras. Cell phone ones and police body cameras.

If the cameras had not filmed the event, the trial result could have gone the other way. As it has in most previous cases of this nature.

My point is without videos, convictions will continue to be difficult. The Chauvin conviction was a rare moment in justice.

Another issue to be contended with is qualified immunity. I am not sure it came up in Chauvin’s trial. It does in 99 percent of police shooting cases, however. Almost a total bar to conviction.

The doctrine of qualified immunity protects law enforcement officers from individual liability, unless the official violated a clearly established constitutional right. There are rights that are not clearly established constitutional ones. Like the right to be free from coercive police force, even if the act is clearly unlawful.

The preceding example is one where it is difficult, if not  impossible, to hold a police officer accountable for wrong doing.

The doctrine of qualified immunity has to go in order for true justice to result.

Nuts springing up everywhere. People who want to kill elected representatives. A trial in federal court in Brooklyn begins this week where the defendant threatened to murder members of Congress.

The defendant is Brendan Hunt of New York City.

Hunt did not participate on January 6. He was not in Washington. However two days after, Hunt posted a video online. His statements: “Kill our Senators…..We need to go back to the U.S. Capitol ahead of Biden’s inauguration and slaughter members of Congress…..If anyone has a gun, give it to me…..I’ll go there myself and shoot them and kill them.”

A legal issue may be involved. Free speech v. illegal threats.

Hunt has been charged with one count: Threatening to murder members of Congress. Conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

How swiftly news moves these days. Within minutes, we are aware of what has gone on anywhere in the world. It was not so when Abraham Lincoln ws killed.

Lincoln died in Washington on April 15. It took six days for news of his death to reach Key West. The news did not arrive till April 21.

Monroe County continues to be at a “very high risk” level for coronavirus. Twenty six percent in the County have been fully vaccinated. Forty percent have received at least one dose.

You’ve got to love the Citizens’ Voice in the Key West Citizen. Residents calling an issue as they see it.

The cruise ship problem continues. It is expected the Florida  legislature will in effect kill the referendum result. The cruise ship lines and certain Key West businesses will have won out over the vote of the people.

A comment directed to the issue in this morning’s Citizen: “State legislature says it is not right for 10,000 votes in Key West to put limits on cruise ships, but 160 State legislators think it is ok to tell the voters of Key West that we can’t limit the size of cruise ships.”

Back to the doctor today. My left foot acting up again. Something has to be wrong. My left ankle looks like it is full of fluid. Whereas the right one is normal. And of course, there is pain with every step.

Enjoy your day!

Marijuana flourished in the 1970s and 1980s. The problem for drug dealers was how to get the marijuana into the U.S. from Cuba and elsewhere. Federal and state authorities were making it difficult for the illicit busines to flourish.

Necessity is the mother of invention. The dope dealers came up with a workable plan. Not foolproof. However one by which enough marijuana was able to get into the U.S.

Bales of marijuana were thrown overboard from boats or dropped from airplanes into South Florida waters. The bales dropped at specified spots so those recovering them knew where to be at a particular time. Occasionally bales were missed and washed up on Keys shores.

This past week, bales of marijuana showed up on Sugarloaf and Big Pine Key. The bale on Surgarloaf weighed 9 pounds, on Big Pine Key 8 pounds.

Back in the 1970s, the bales that washed up became known as square groupers. Still so named. The recent two bales are square groupers just as those of 50 years ago.

The bale name square grouper became the name of a U.S. 1 restaurant on Cudjoe Key 10 years ago. The Square Grouper. One of the finest restaurants in the Florida Keys. An exceptional eatery.

The Ku Klux Klan and Key West walked hand in hand in the 1920s.

The Ku Klux Klan was a seed that grew rapidly following the Civil War. The Klan was founded in 1865 by a group of Confederate veterans. It rapidly grew from a secret social fraternity to a paramilitary force. Its initial purpose to reverse the federal government’s progressive Reconstruction era activities in the South. Especially those that elevated local African-American populations.

The Klan from day one was a white supremacist organization. It brought excessive violence down on blacks.

Congress was concerned. On this day in 1871, it passed the Third Forces Act. The Act soon became popularly known as the Ku Klux Klan Act.

The Act authorized President Grant to declare martial law, impose heavy penalties against terrorist organizations,and use military forces to suppress the Ku Klux Klan.

Key West has a reputation today of being One Happy Family. It was not so in the 1920s. At the time, many prominent Key West citizens were members of the Klan. Openly and proudly.

The Key West organization was also known as the Klan of the Keys.

The Klan became exceptionally violent when Key West resident Charles H. Ketchum was Grand Dragon  of the Klan for the State of Florida. During the 1920s, more lynchings occurred in Florida per capita than any other state.

Besides Ketchum, Key West men of power all belonged to the Klan: The Monroe County Sheriff, Key West Police Chief, tax collector, Key West Fire Department Chief and the head of the criminal courts.

Porter Place is public housing in Key West. Has been so for 81 years since its opening. The project is located at the corner of White and Eaton Streets.

The complex was named for J. Y. Porter, a prominent resident and leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

When first constructed, Porter Place was a “whites only” operation.

One week ago on tuesday evening, a group seeking to change the name from Porter to another appeared before the housing agency. The reason being Porter had been a Klan leader. The meeting was boisterous. Some board members of the housing agency took personally the racist charges levied against the  Porter name.

The matter re name change has presently calmed down for awhile. Expected to return, however. The solution to drop the matter from further consideration tuesday was the claim there were 2 J. Y. Porters. One the father, the other the son. The father claimed to be a local Klan leader. The son J. Y. Porter Jr., number one in the Key West chapter. He was the  Exalted Cyclops of the Key West Chapter of the Ku Klux Klan.

Two Porters with the same name. One apparently a minor leader The other THE leader.

To calm the storm that was brewing in the room, a way out was found. The reason the “lack of conclusive evidence” as to which Porter the public housing apartments were named after.

The winds of war have risen over the issue. Expect it to rise in the near future once again when proof of which Porter the project was named after is established.

What difference will it make? Both were leaders in some fashion of the local Ku Klux Klan.

Do you know what a tougas is? I did not till this morning. A tougas is the abbreviation for tortuga, the Spanish word for turtle.

The College of the Florida Keys has a new mascot for its sporting events. One with flappers. The Tugas.

Fits the location and many of the courses taught at the local college. Key West a water community. The turtle a resident of local waters. The name fits!

To be frank, I am waiting to see how the federal government finally handles January 6. Over 400 already charged. My concern whether the charges are minor in nature or something significant. From my perspective, what the terrorists did was significant.

Two leaders of Proud Boys arrested and charged were before federal Judge Kelly this past week. The charge: They “planned and coordinated the attack to stop Congress from certifying Biden’s electoral victory.”

Judge Kelly denied bail as to both. He said the two “were dangerous” and “facilitated political violence.”

Good for Judge Kelly. The system must handle the January 6 perpetrators tough. Theirs involved most serious crimes.

I am encouraged it appears something of significance will be done to all of the 400 plus. Judge Kelly reminds me of Judge Sirica who presided over the cases of the Watergate buglers. He was tough tough!

A great American died. Walter Mondale. He was 93. I always viewed him a political star. Better than most politicians.

He was Vice President under Jimmy Carter, a U.S. Senator, Ambassador to China and the Democratic candidate for President in 1984 against Ronald Reagan.

Mondale took a beating. Lost 49 states. I felt sorry for him. Reagan was formidable and would have been formidable against any opponent.

Mondale was responsible for a “first.” One that has received little attention over the years. He chose as his Vice Presidential running mate a woman. Geraldine Ferraro.

May he rest in peace.

Tuesday again! Comes around fast every week. Tonight my blog talk radio show at 9. Tuesday talk with Key West Lou. Join me. You will enjoy! www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

It was this day in 1927. Mae West was found guilty of “obscenity and corrupting the morals of youth.”

West was starring on the New York stage in the play Sex. Her role, one of a prostitute. She was sentenced to 10 days in jail and a fine of $500.

Her two subsequent plays Homosexuality and The Contact Sinner were closed down by authorities.

The adverse publicity landed her a Hollywood career and made her one of the highest paid persons in eh U.S. Paramount paid her $5,000 per week. A sum equivalent to $80,000 per week today. The only person making a bigger salary at the time was the publisher William Randolph Hearst.

Paramount paid her the big dollars because it was on the verge of bankruptcy. The film company thought America was ready for a film version of Mae and such would save Paramount. Note she was 38 at the time. Most female actresses were over the hill by that age and could not find work.

Mae’s first movie was She Done Him Wrong. It was her male co-stars first film also. Cary Grant. Mae’s famous line “Come up and see me some time” was born of the film.

A tough woman. Not inclined to take s–t from anyone.

The management of her apartment building discriminated against William Jones, her African-American boxer boy friend. Mae bought the building.

In addition to “Come up and see me some time,” Mae was responsible for other sexual lines that are associated with her to this day. Included are “I generally avoid temptation unless I can’t resist it,” When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad its better,” “Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere,” and “I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.”

This portion I label Mob Rule #2. Yesterday’s blog was titled Mob Rule.

Chauvin is charged with 3 separate crimes in the Floyd killing: Second degree “unintentional murder,” third degree “murder,” and second degree “manslaughter.”

I fear if the jury finds Chauvin guilty of anything but the highest charge (second degree unintentional murder), the rioters on the street will not accept the result. The charge carries a maximum 40 year incarceration.

In addition to a lesser charge not reflecting what the rioters consider the “serious crime,” they will further be shocked when they become aware that under Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines the 40 years will be reduced to 12.5 years.

Gunshot violence is out of control.

Specifically as to civilians shooting civilians, the blame lies with Congress. Most Republicans and some Democrats have failed to pass necessary legislation to correct the problem.

Ergo, Congress must move its ass. I doubt it will in the immediate future. Congresspersons are unaware that Americans on the street do not agree with the philosophy that motivates their elected representatives.

Another possible resolution, would be for the Supreme Court to reverse its decision in the Heller case. Bad law from my perspective. Such would only be possible with a Court which has more Democrats sitting than conservative Republicans.

Packing the court an excellent way to resolve the problem. How many years will America have to wait to see the Heller decision remedied?

Today a most import day in American history. The American Revolution began at the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775.

The sides were not balanced. There were 700 British troops. Only 77 Patriots. When the battle was over, 8 Colonists were dead or dying. Ten wounded. No British soldier was killed. Only 1 wounded.

David v. Goliath. The American Revolution had begun!

War wise, this day in 1861 an important day in American history also. The first blood of the Civil War was shed.

The Civil War began on April 12, 1861 with the South’s attack on Fort Sumter. No casualties resulted on both sides. Whereas one week later on April 19, 1861, there were dead in a battle which occurred in Baltimore.

A secessionist mob attacked Massachusetts troops headed for Washington, D.C. Four Union soldiers and 12 rioters died.

A time to be exceptionally careful has begun once more in Key West as concerns turtles. The event an annual one.

It is turtle nesting season. Turtles come out of the ocean and onto the beaches to bury their eggs under the sand.

Two dangerous situations arise.

Those walking the beaches must be careful not to step into one of the nests and destroy the eggs beneath their feet. Day time and night time.

The other problem concerns lights.

When the young turtles hatch, they crawl out of the sand. Their first natural inclination is to look for the moon. The moon is out over the ocean. It becomes the young turtles’ beacon as to where the ocean is.

Condo lights across the street from beaches a problem. The baby turtles see the condo lights and believe it is the moon. They are run over and killed by passing vehicles.

Even street lights become a problem. Take South Roosevelt Boulevard for example . Especially where the condominiums begin at Bertha and run north.

Several years ago, new street lights were installed. Made for bright evenings. The baby turtles mistook the many street lights for the moon and crossed South Roosevelt Boulevard. Many were found dead the next morning having been run over by cars. Key West immediately noted the problem. Streets lights in that area are not lite during nesting season.

Enjoy your day!

Mob rule has been taking over the country slowly but surely. It may have reached an acceleration stage.

Tomorrow the jury in the Chauvin case begins its deliberations. Looks like a winner for the prosecution going away. However, there is no certainty where a jury is involved. One vote in Chauvin’s favor will mean he was not convicted and will walk out of court a free man.

A hung jury an excellent possibility. The defense from day one has hit time after time that Floyd could have died from other causes. The repetitiveness can stick in some jurors’ minds.

The blacks will go crazy. I need say no more.

There there is the Daunte Wright killing. Occurred in Brooklyn Center, a mere 10 miles from where Chauvin is being tried. This case shows mob rule working to determine an immediate outcome.

The black cry immediately was to arrest the female police officer for the gun rather than taser shooting of Wright. She a 26 year veteran. Claims she pulled the wrong gun.

Does not give her an out of jail free card. However, she should be given all the rights to which every citizen is entitled. Instead the local government and prosecution succumbed to the cries on the street to arrest her. She was arrested in less than 24 hours.

No up front investigation of a crime under the facts involved can take place within 24 hours. The police officer was thrown to the wolves.

Police shootings have become an almost daily thing. A cure must be found. Otherwise the peaceful life all desire will never occur

The U.S. has reached a point where it is acting reactively to the shootings. Unless the killing was a murder per se and the police officer clearly guilty, the system should be permitted to proceed. Let the system determine guilt. Let the system find resolution so reaction is no longer required.

Concededly local authorities may try to white wash a wrongdoing. They have been getting away with it. However the tide is turning. My point is lets not lose the law as our guidance. If we do, we may never get it back.

It is not justice to hang an alleged murderer without due process, nor convict any criminal without a trial first. In the end, mob rule will not win. It will only delay significant resolution of underlying problems more years.  During which the number of people killed on both sides will significantly increase. Men in blue will have joined the club of those dying.

A few thoughts on Biden’s announcement he is withdrawing all American troops from Afghanistan by September 11.

The New York Times in a 4/13/21 article updated 4/17/21 wrote concerning the situation. The title: Biden to Withdraw All Combat Troops From Afghanistan by September 11.

Something like 2,500 troops involved.

The war has been ongoing for 20 years. Two thousand four hundred American lives lost. The cost $2 trillion.

Biden correctly said it is time to get out. Twenty years and no victory nor sign of victory is enough.

What Biden failed to tell the American people was that an American presence will still exist in Afghanistan. Nor has the media except for the New York Times even payed attention to what I am about to share.

There is a shadowy combination not labeled precisely U.S. forces which have been financed for many of the Afghanistan years and also in other parts of the world. A group of mercenaries involving Special Forces, Pentagon contractors, and intelligence operators.

Eighteen thousand strong. They will remain.

Note the U.S. finances these not for real U.S. Army people with American dollars. Significant ones. My recollection is the American military budget is around $750 billion. A good chunk finances the shadowy forces.

Which means in effect Biden is merely “drawing” down the war, not ending it.

Afghanistan has become the “Graveyard of Empires.” For more than a century, first the United Kingdom and then Russia, have tried to conquer Afghanistan. Each has walked away with their tails between their legs. The U.S. is now following suit.

There is something inbred in Afghanistan’s people that they do not give up. They continue to outlast major nations.

The Taliban has been the U.S. problem for 20 years. They are still there. Will remain. And presently are shouting to the world the Afghans won again!

A recent study indicates Monroe County is a “very high risk” area for cononavirus cases.

No wonder. The Keys are a world vacation spot. Everyone wants to come. Most do. Tourists bring the virus with them. Leave many in the Keys infected when they leave.

I believe DeSantis has opened everything up too soon. Also, our local government people. A one or two month roadblock would solve the problem. Will never occur, however.

A study issued indicates that as of last friday, COVID-19 was on the rise in the Keys. Six thousand seven hundred eleven cases since the pandemic began.

Key West has had the highest number 3,134. Key Largo the next highest number a distant 1,019.

Restaurant wait staff is minimal all over Florida. When coronavirus hit, many were laid off. They could not afford Florida rents and left the state. Florida is now open. Restaurants are reopening.

A problem exists. Not enough wait staff.

Mr. Q’s House is a famous restaurant on State Road 7 in Hollywood. Across the street from the Hardrock Casino. Weekends at the restaurant are especially busy. Many of the gamblers have come to enjoy dining at Mr. Q’s.

Management came up with a solution. They purchased 3 Robo Servers. Robots to host and serve meals. Human waiters only required to take orders.

Cost of the the 3 robots $30,000.

Joy Wang is the owner of Mr. Q’s. The robots are working, she says. She also advised why from her viewpoint she could not find waiters to hire. She said many employees “would rather sit at home and collect unemployment.”

Enjoy your Sunday!

A Citizens’ Voice comment this morning took me back to my early youth. Very young. Like 3-4 years old.

First the comment: “Someone who was born 80 years ago on their grandmother’s kitchen table may not have gotten a birth certificate. Now they won’t give them a government ID because they don’t have that document.”

The kitchen table for birthing understandable. Many medical activities were performed on kitchen tables back then. I am an example.

The tables were not as today. Back then, metal tops.

It was 1938 or 1939. We were still living third floor front in the Italian neighborhood. My parents had been out of work a couple of years. The Depression still ongoing. It took World War II to get the nation out of the Depression.

I got sick. I do not remember getting sick. My recollection today of what happened begins immediately before the operation.

I had some sort of an ear infection. The doctor had to go in and do whatever he had to do.

My recollection is my father laying me on top of the kitchen table. My grandfather and uncles hholding my arms and legs. My father held my chest down.

A cloth was placed over my nose and mouth. I assume it was chloroform.

My grandmother, aunts and my mother in the living room. I could hear them crying as I was put under.

I recall it was dark outside when I first was placed on the table.

Why the table and not a hospital? Had to be one of two reasons. No time to get me to a hospital. Or, my parents did not have the money for a hospital.

I recall nothing following the surgery.

Oh, my God! Holly died!

My first reaction seeing her obituary in this morning’s newspaper.

Her full name Holly Cmiel.

First met Holly and her partner Peter Diamond Illacqua some 25 years ago when we bought our Key West Home.

Peter was an entertainer. A vocalist. He worked most evenings. Holly was always with him. A warm person, I could always depend on Holly hurrying over and giving me a hug and kiss. Not just me. Everyone. That was Holly.

She and Peter were together 31 years. Hang in there, Peter.

Holly, I send you a hug and kiss. You will always be remembered by everyone.

Another shooting. Do we ever go a day without one?

The most recent a shooting at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis.

One thing certain, mass shootings have definitely become an American story.

Roger Stone was and I assume still is one of Donald Trump’s closet friends. Recall Trump gave him a pardon.

Now it comes out Stone owes nearly $2 million in unpaid taxes and fees.

The IRS has sued him.

Guns have become an epidemic. The numbers support the statement. Daily in the U.S. an average of 316 are shot and 106 of that number die.

Every day!!!!!

Ghislaine Maxwell is in jail awaiting trial. She was Jeffrey Epstein’s lady friend who assisted Epstein in acquiring young girls to have sex with older men. A pedophilia ring of sorts.

It was revealed this week by her attorneys that they need more time to prepare for her trial scheduled to begin July 12. Discovery was assumed to have been completed. The prosecution must have discovered some new evidence. Two thousand one hundred “highly confidential” photos were forwarded by the prosecution to defense counsel.

Maxwell’s attorneys have asked the Judge to reschedule the trail date as they will need more time to prepare in view of the 2,100 photos received.

If Maxwell is in any compromising photos, she is is deep turd trouble.

Moderna and Pfizer both came out with similar announcements yesterday.

Moderna plans to have a third booster shot available to Americans in the fall.

Moderna is supposedly 90 percent effective. A good number. However, it has been determined the first two shots may only be good for six months. Moderna is not certain how long immunity from the virus persists.

Pfizer basically came out with the same statement. They will be recommending a third shot for the same reasons given by Moderna. One difference however. Pfizer claims the third shot will be required within 6-12 months after the second shot.

I close with Syracuse basketball. Two new pieces of information.

Coach Boehiem’s oldest son Jimmy is finishing his senior year at Cornell. As a junior, he was a star on the team. Averaged 16.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, plus making 31 three point shots.

Jimmy sat out his entire senior year because Cornell cancelled all its games due to the pandemic. He still has a year of eligibility, however. He will do that year of graduate work at Syracuse rather than Cornell.

The Boeheim family is ecstatic. Jimmy and Buddy are excited they will be playing together.

ESPN announced its Way-Too-Early-Top 25. Syracuse is ranked #14.

Enjoy your day!

Not my usual Cocktails at 7 friday nights with friend Cathy in Seattle. Yesterday was boys’ night out. Four of us at Guy deBoer’s home for drinks.

A terrific two hours.

Guy deBoer had set up the event at his home so Fred and I could meet. Fred is a labor lawyer from New York City. He has a home in Key West, also. There is a connection between Fred and I. He too writes a blog. Friday Night with Fred. Read it. You will enjoy. www.gothamnetworking.com/blogs.

Fred is a labor lawyer closing in on retirement. Seventy nine at the moment.

Fred and I have communicated via e-mail a few times. It was Guy who brought us together.

Last night was our first face to face meeting. Fred’s friend David Berger was with us also. Berger a mere 65 and already retired. A Long Island doctor. Anesthesia his specialty.

He too has a home in Key west.

Fred a Syracuse graduate. He was wearing s Syracuse T shirt last night. We were at Syracuse a brief time together. One year. Fred was an undergraduate University freshman and I a senior in the law school. We never met back then.

A lot of Syracuse talk ensued. Some of Fred’s fraternity brothers were football and basketball players. Like Ernie Davis and Dave Bing.

We spoke of Joe Biden. Another Syracuse alumnus. The law school.

David had spent some time in Syracuse as a student. Although Upstate Medical is not a part of the University, it sits right next to the campus. Doctors to be and for real ones staff the facility.

Guy’s race came up. Time was spent discussing the race. I am ashamed to admit I did not know it was such a big deal.

Called the Golden Globe Race. Not run every year. The first was 1968, the last 2018.

Guy’s race is labeled Golden Globe 2022. The race begins September 27, 2021. Ends 530 days later in 2022. The race begins somewhere in the Canary Islands. It is the longest and loneliest race in the world. Each boat is piloted by one person. No one else on the boat for company or to help.

Guy solo! All alone by the telephone as Irving Berlin once wrote. I’m not sure if even telephone service is available, however.

Buy’s boat the Tashiba. Thirty six feet long

The trip non-stop.

I thought 412 days of self-quarantine was difficult. Guy is going to do 530 on the high seas which probably will have its moments for concern.

Guy, I think you’re crazy. I wish you well, however.

Do not plan crossing the Seven Mile Bridge saturday from 6-9 in the morning. The Annual Seven Mile Bridge run will be taking place. A thousand plus will be making the run.

Read an article this morning that Trump’s donors are flocking to Florida Governor DeSantis. Now I am convinced Trump’s supporters were and are crazy.

I have for the past year pointed out how incompetent and inept DeSantis is. He is a lousy Governor, he would make a worse President. Trump constantly referred to DeSantis as the best governor in America. No wonder, DeSantis did everything the President suggested.

The title of the article referred to is “A Nicer Version of Trump.” We can do without DeSantis.

Insanity prevails in the Halls of Congress. Especially the Senate.

I cannot understand how some Senators think.

Josh Hawley was an open supporter of January 6 before it even began. Ted Cruz for all his intelligence and experience has lost it. He probably thinks his conduct will buy him the Republican Presidential nomination in 2024. Will he be surprised!

Whatever, both are targeting Major League Baseball for its position re the new Georgia voting laws. Both want Major League Baseball “to pay.” Their voices in unison with Trump who said, “I would say boycott baseball.”

Not what is happening in this country. What has happened in this country?

Ivanka Trump in the news in a good way. She got her first vaccine shot yesterday.

She reacted like most others who have or are getting their shots. Thrilled! She told the world on Twitter. Again on Instagram with a photograph of her receiving the shot.

She said in Twitter and Instagram, “I got the shot. I hope you do too.”

Republican donors and fans are upset. They view her as a turn-coat.

Virginia Torrelino and I are Facebook friends. Have been so for quite a while. She lives in the Philippines.

Loves music! Says “music is my stress removal friend.”

Recall the Three Tenors. What great singing!

A couple of weeks ago, I came across a 3 person group who sang like the Three Tenors. In fact, held themselves out as  Three Tenors. Ages between 30 and 40.

I saw their video on the internet. Decided a few days later, I wanted to share it with everyone who reads my blog. The three sang that well.

When I went find it, I could not. Knowing how Virginia feels about music, I asked her to look. She is. In the meantime, Virginia sent me a video of the original Three Tenors Luciano Pavarotte, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras. A performance they gave in Italy in 1994.

Moving!

Enjoy your day!

A great lunch yesterday at Geiger Key! The location, atmosphere, people, and food!

I had a ton of things to do between late morning and early afternoon. Decided to go north for lunch rather than south. Geiger Key.

Geiger Key is a ramshackle open air restaurant located on the ocean. It has been there as long as I can remember. A place I have been eating at least once a month for 25 years.

A good crowd still lunching when I arrived. One end of the bar was empty. Six seats. There I opted to sit. Away from everyone.

It felt strange to be around people with my mask off.

From the moment I sat, this is a good choice Louis kept running through my mind.

One of the waiters stopped by. “You’re Louis Petrone the lawyer, aren’t you?” I was apologetic. I could recall neither his face nor name. Politely told him so.

He said he was not surprised. It was 20 years ago. He was a waiter at Louie’s Back Yard when I frequented the place.

He called over two waitresses and another waiter to introduce me to them. I was embarrassed. He kept stressing “lawyer” like I was someone important. They appeared impressed, however. Chatted with me a while. Returned off and on to talk a bit more.

Introduced me to Lou. The bartender. Roughly a 21 year old beauty. She had finished college and came down to the Keys in October. Loves the area. One drawback, however. Everyone a bit old and on vacation.

I probably would have felt the same if I were she.

Key West and the lower Keys have changed in various ways over the years. Thirty years ago there were an equal number of young and old. What impressed me the most was they socialized together. Many parties back in those days. The mix always the same.

Today primarily a 50ish place. Still friendly and fun. Though the disparity in age is obvious.

Bobby came in and came over to say hello. Bobby owns Geiger Key. As well as Hogfish. The same menu at both places.

We got into the pandemic. Bobby was excited. He had received his second shot yesterday. Amazing how people are thrilled to have received their shots!

My fish was spectacular. A huge thick piece of fried Mahi Mahi. Accompanied by some sort of avocado sauce.

Spent well over 2 hours at Geiger Key. By the time I got home, it was pushing 5. I decided the day had been good. I felt good. Did not feel like going out again. Stayed in and watched TV.

I recommend Geiger Key. It is about 15 miles up U.S. 1. Then a left on Geiger Key Road and a 3-4 mile ride on Geiger Key Road to the restaurant.

It is 11:30 and I have just begun the blog. Began as usual at 6 am. For some reason, I could not get on the platform for my show till an hour ago.

Running late.

Guy deBoer contributed to the lateness. He called me at the last minute to fill in on his morning show. Which I enjoy doing, so I cannot complain.

Spoke with Sheila Cullens soon after arriving home. She was all excited. She was on her way to the Airport to pick up Jean and Joe Thornton who were arriving. Key West will shine brighter with them here for the next month.

The blog is shorter than normal today. Reflects however a happy Geiger Key afternoon.

Enjoy your day!