Trump’s Big Lie has taken hold. Metastasized like cancer. It is a cancer. A death threat to our country.

The Big Lie: The election was rigged.

Yesterday, New York Times opinion writer Tom Friedman wrote an article titled: “The Big Lie Devoured the GOP and Now Eyes Our Democracy.”

Some of Friedman’s comments.

“We are close to a political civil war – more than any other time in our history.”

“The Big Lie is not fading away.” It is “being enhanced by a solid majority of elected Republicans and ordinary party members – local, state and national.”

Friedman quoted an article by University of Baltimore School of Law professor Kimberly Wehle in The Hall. She noted, “As of late March, state legislators have introduced 361 bills in 47 states this year that contain limitations around voting, a 43 percent increase from just a month earlier.”

Wehle indicated the GOP’s position was that the bills were about election integrity and security. She wrote, “The lack of actual evidence of fraud and mismanagement in the American electoral system totally belies those cynical beliefs.”

Friedman went on to point out that Republicans claiming a fraudulently rigged election result is “equivalent to lighting a fuse to a bomb planted beneath the foundations of our democracy.”

Regarding Liz Cheney, Friedman wrote, “Unless more principled Republicans stand up for the truth about our last election, we’re going to see exactly how a democracy dies.”

Following January 6, Twitter refused to permit Trump the use of its social media. Facebook merely suspended Trump. Both basically for the same reason. That Trump was using the social medias to promote and encourage violence.

Rather than handle whether Facebook should make Trump’s suspension permanent, Zuckenberg took the easy way out. He passed the buck. He had Facebook create an Oversight Board to deal with the problem. Twenty persons selected from all over the world to decide whether Trump should be permitted to return.

The Oversight Board announced its decision at 9 this morning. The suspension is to continue. However within six months, Facebook should issue some guidelines by which such “expulsions” will be dealt with in the future..

It assumes Trump will have the opportunity to reapply.

Trump desperately needs Facebook if his desires to run again in 2024. He needs Facebook for fund raising. The need to use Facebook therefore is crucial.

In the meantime over the weekend, Trump announced he has launched his own communications platform. A blog. It will operate as mine does. Its platform will be WordPress as mine is.

I assume his cost will be my cost. No big deal.

I checked out the new Trump blog this morning. www.donaldjtrump.com/desk. Up, but not yet running.

I find it amusing that Trump will be communicating as I do. With one difference, of course. He will have a couple million subscribers while I a mere 70,000. I could never run for President on my blog.

John Keats. Poet exemplary. Now long dead.

It was on this day in 1816 that The Examiner published Keats’ first work. The sonnet O Solitude.

Thirty five yeas ago, I spent a month in Italy with my then wife, 3 of my 4 children, and my parents. On one of those days when we went our separate ways, I found myself at the Spanish Steps in Rome.

I had what might be described as a Keats moment. I wrote about it in this blog in later years on 10/31/14.

My recollections of Keats and the Key West Lou article.

John Keats was an Englishman who wrote romantic poetry. He did not have a long life. Born in 1790, he died in 1821 at the age of 26.

I was in Rome at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Alone. I was walking back and forth deciding what to do next. I passed a small building next to the Spanish Steps. There was a small plaque on the front door reading John Keats.

The last time I had heard of Keats was back in college in an English writing class.

The building was a small four story structure. A tiny villa. I entered.

Inside, I discovered this had been Keats’ last resting place. He lived there several months before dying. He died in his bedroom on the fourth floor. I was able to view the room and all the other rooms he lived in. Off Keats’ bedroom, there was a small library containing his works, some in original form as first written.

One of the writings brought tears to my eyes. It was a line from one of Keats’ poems. The poem had been written with pencil on a piece of paper. Scribbled best describes his handwriting.

The poem contained what probably was the most famous line written by him…..A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

This apparently is the day when an occurrence of some importance was written by me. Keats was one. I wrote about that experience in this blog. I have another to write about. This one written in September 2014. However, not in the blog. I was writing a weekly column also at the time in KONK Life.

The famous Scopes trial. It came to my attention this morning because on this day in 1925 John Scopes was tried for teaching that man had evolved from an ape.

The KONK Life title: Scopes Monkey Trial…..A Fraud.

The trial was rigged. Not just the trial. Even the facts leading up to the trial. All phony.

A criminal case. Titled State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes. The trial took place in July 1925. Human evolution the issue. State law prohibited teaching man was descended from apes.

The town involved was Dayton, Tennessee. A small community. The local merchants were distressed. Business was not good. Something had to be done to put Dayton on the map so people would visit.

Local merchants came up with the human evolution trial idea. They convinced school teacher John Scopes to lie and say he did teach it. He had not.

I suspect the judge was in on it. I do not believe the attorneys Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan were.

What is amazing is that most people to this day consider the trial a for real one dealing with an important issue.

People can be fooled. In this instance for almost a hundred years now.

I am old school. I consider divorce a sad happening. Perhaps because my marriage ended after 52 years.

It was announced yesterday that Bill and Melinda Gates are divorcing after 27 years. Gates is purported to be the second wealthiest person in the world. The founder of Microsoft.

It is reported $150 billion is at stake.

There is no prenuptial agreement. However the parties have apparently resolved the financial issues. A separation agreement has been offered to the court outlining how they wish their respective properties be allocated. The court will have to approve it. Should not be a problem.

Enjoy your day!

Back. Only one day off. Doctor and emergency room.

Problem gave me some concern. Woke in the middle of the night choking and having difficulty breathing.

Fine now. Endoscopy next. In several weeks. Told I am not so bad that I need an immediate one. There are others who do. Bothered me initially to have to wait. On the other hand if such was the opinion, it did contain a degree of good news.

Florida Governor DeSantis not the best of leaders. Never the less, he is up front as the Republican candidate for President in 2024. He is a junior Trump.

Monday DeSantis signed into law a bill giving him the power to preempt local COVID rules.

Preemption getting big in Florida. Key West continues to have the cruise ship problem. DeSantis expected to sign that bill into law soon. Now he wants to dictate wearing of masks, etc. He claims by preempting the local COVID rules he’s helping “people, businesses, jobs , schools, and personal freedom.”

Hitler was a #1 tyrant. In my order to things, Trump was and still is #2. DeSantis could be #3. God help us!

The Citizens Voice portion of today’s Key West Citizen had an interesting comment regarding Florida. The last line read: ” We have the best government money can buy.”

Though this is fantasy, I sometimes think the island of Key West is going to sink into the ocean. Too many people!

Everyone wants Key West! Prospective residents and tourists. Each group willing to spend astronomical amounts of money to be in Key West as owners and tourists. Demand being high and supply limited, prices are ridiculous. But, they still keep coming.

United Airlines announced yesterday they have decided to extend the Houston/Key West connection till September 7. The present run which actually was a short one was to end May 5. However, business is obviously good.

Rents are very high. Many cannot afford them and have left. Workers, especially bar and restaurant ones, are in short supply. Most landlords will not rent for more than 7 months. They want their property back by December or January so they can gouge the tourists. I don’t blame them. Rental properties are an investments. Investments are intneded to make money. Here a bit piggish. However, part and parcel of a capitalistic society.

The situation overall is too much. Key West is growing. I don’t like it. Doesn’t matter. Merely one person’s observation.

An example of the growth is interesting. When I first started coming to Key West in the mid 1990s, the season was it. The season ran from January 15 till the sunday after Easter Sunday.

Then it became quiet. Nice.

It was always said at the time that during the summer, a person could throw a bowling bowl down Duval and not hit one person. Things were so slow that many restaurants closed August and September.

There no longer is a slow season. Key West has become a summer vacation land. The season runs all year. At most a 25 percent difference makes for a slow month. The hotels getting big dollars in what used to be the off season and summer.

Some day the boats with a glass bottom will tell its customers to look closely and you will be able to see Key West.

A respected and honored Key Wester died this day in 1937. Judge Jefferson B. Browne. A prominent person. His positions included President of the Florida Senate, Collector of Customs, Chairman of the Railroad Commission, and a Judge of the Florida Supreme Court 1916-1925. From 1916-1923, he served as Chief Judge.

I know of his background personally. In 1912, he published the book “Key West, The Old And The New.” Considered the best historical reference for Key West data from its beginnings to 1912. The book covers everything in detail. Politics, churches, businesses, burial grounds, hurricanes, cigar manufacturing, hospitals, Civil War, education, etc.

I know. I discovered his book about 3 years ago and purchased it. Many times the book provides facts I cannot find elsewhere.

Peter Minuit. I have not heard nor seen that name since grammar school. It appears in this morning’s Key West Citizen’s day in history section. The event occurred on this date 1626: “Dutch explorer Peter Minuit landed on present day Manhattan Island.”

Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney are 2 Republicans I have always respected. Rarely agreed with their views. We are diametrically opposites when it comes to political philosophy. They are both staunch Republican Conservatives. I am a Liberal.

The “new” Republicans are beating the hell out of them. Trump’s people. His followers. Those who believe everything he utters. Those who want to ride his coattails, if that will be possible, into nomination and election to office.

Cheney’s Dad was Vice President under Bush 2. He had a tremendous influence on Bush. I believe Cheney talked Bush into invading Iraq.

Liz Cheney today is #3 in the Republican House caucus. An important and powerful position.

Her party is ready to dump her. Probably will occur in the next 2 weeks. Her sin accusing Trump of the “Big Lie.” His insistence that the election was rigged. She has no fear in repeating her position that Trump is fabricating.

Her penalty for speaking truth. A truth her party presently refuses to acknowledge.

I have always respected Mitt Romney. His business and political career without reproach. He was the Republican Party’s Presidential candidate in 2012. Now, a U.S. Senator representing Utah.

The Utah Republican Party held its State Convention over the weekend. He was booed when he came on stage to speak and during parts of his speech.

Romney’s sin was he voted “yes” to Trump’s impeachment.

This consistent lying by Trump that the Election was rigged and stolen from him has a significant number of followers. People who have bought the “Big Lie.” Some those who attacked the Capitol on January 6. Most of whom are anti Cheney and Romney.

Joseph Goebbels was Hitler’s Propaganda Minister. He was the one who said and sold the statement which in effect said tell a  lie, make sure it is a big one, repeat it constantly, and it will be believed.

Trump’s claim of victory reflective of Goebbels’ statement. The statement used by Hitler to capture power and retain it for a number of years.

In a recent Opinion Piece in the Dessert News it was written: “Without open and civil debate within a party, it will grow ossified, the GOP will miss out on the immolation that is bred from diverse incidental exchanges.”

I first thought Trump was not actually lying when he argued the election was stolen. I attributed his comments to his not being that intelligent and having a sick mind.

Now I am convinced he is lying. He is following the Goebbels’ line And it is working!

Trump’s first wife Ivana said he kept Hitler related books in his nightstand drawer and would read a few pages each evening. He obviously knew where he wanted life to take him.

Today is tuesday. Tonight my blog talk radio show. Tuesday talk with Key West Lou.

Join me at 9 my time for an interesting half hour of my rantings and ravings. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Under the weather. No blog today.

The flavor finally returned!

Yesterday for me was the 18th day since coming off self-quarantine. Prior to last night, I had been out only 4-5 times.

Last night not only was I out, I had a good time! The old days prior to the virus had returned!

My evening was to start at 6. Don and Chris were meeting me at the Pier House Beach Bar for a drink and then out to dinner.

I was early. Discovered Jean and Joe Thornton at the bar enjoying an early diner. Jean was wearing a crazy Kentucky Derby hat.

The lovely Janine was bartending. She has worked the Beach Bar more than 20 years.

Chatted with Jean and Joe till Don and Chrs arrived. Jean was enjoying stone crabs. Reminded me yesterday was the season’s last harvest. She offered me a claw.

Don and Chris presently live near Syracuse. We met in Key West many years ago and have become good friends.

Poor Don! He had a foot problem far worse than mine. He was somewhere in the U.S. on business. Wisconsin if I recall correctly. He fell on a curb. Broke bones between knee and ankle, the ankle itself, a bone in his foot, and tore ligaments.

Good job, Don!

It has been a long recovery. He is better. Walks without assistance. He showed me a photo of the screws they removed from his leg. Heavy hardware.

We stayed at the Beach Bar and watched the Kentucky Derby with Jean and Joe and everyone else.

The Derby was exciting, as always. Two things impressed me.

Medina was the seventh horse trained by Bob Baffert that won. Baffert is the guy with the headful of white hair. He is now the Tom Brady of racing. No one else has won 7 times.

Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim and wife Julie were also in attendance. They met 27 years ago at the Kentucky Derby.

Boeheim also owned a “piece” of one of the horses running. Hidden Stash. Boeheim owns “two hairs of the tail.”

Actually, he does own a piece of Hidden Stash. Syracusan Adam      Weitsman owns Hidden Stash and for real gave Boeheim a small piece of the horse.

Unfortunately, Hidden Stash finished way back in #14 position.

Jim and Julie watched Hidden Stash make a run for the roses. As mentioned earlier, Jim and Julie met at the Kentucky Derby 27 years ago. Coach yesterday said, “It’s great to be back!”

I doubt Boeheim is into horse racing in any fashion, other than described herein. I have known him personally since 1981 and horse racing is not part of the man.

Bob Kastner came over to say hello mentioning he had met me a couple of times at the Chart Room and reads this blog every day. Thank you, Bob. I may have misspelled his name. If so, I apologize. He also introduced me to his wife.

The Derby over, it was time for dinner. Don had made reservations at a new restaurant. The Belmare.

Many Key West restaurants closed because of the pandemic. The Commodore was one. Sad. I had been a customer on and off for over 20 years. The best prime rib in town!

The Commodore was on the second floor near Alonzo’s. On the first floor was the famous and busy Boat. The  Boat is gone. Replaced by a hamburger restaurant owned by a movie star whose name escapes me. Both the Commodore and the Boat were owned by the same person.

The Belmare is top shelf. High end. Attractive. Decor basically the Commodore with minimal changes.

Don and Chris had eaten at the Belmare the previous evening. It was so good they wanted to go a second night. Don has a gregarious personality. Met many staff through him including Lucy the manager and bartenders Matthew and Kim.

Food and service were excellent. I enjoyed a piece of grouper, Don a lobster mixture, Chris the same except with shrimp.

Enjoyed Don and Chris’ company. We had not seen each other in over a year.

Such was my evening. Like the “old” days.

Don, Chris and I parted ways after dinner. Me to my car to go home. Don and Chris to Duval to party.

This afternoon an easy one. A manicure and pedicure at 2 with Tammy.

Enjoy your Sunday!

I was fortunate to make the acquaintance of several new persons this season. I say “fortunate” because due to the COVID-19 problem there were fewer people in Key West.

Two of those persons were David and EB Berger. David is a retired anesthesiologist. EB is short for Ennid. EB a nickname that has followed her for years. She is a retired attorney.

A charming and interesting couple.

David’s professional career was in the New York metropolitan area.

David and EB own a home in Key West.

During one of our conversations, David mentioned he had dome some writing a few yeas ago. For his pleasure alone. Never published any. I asked if he would send some to me. He did.

David was retired by the time coronavirus hit. He wrote concerning his impressions. What follows is a piece he wrote in the third month of the virus in April 2020.

I thought it worthy of sharing. He titled it Battle Lines.

BATTLE LINES

The Coronavirus pandemic has been an unprecedented stress on health care delivery. There are more patients, sicker patients, requiring more resources than seems possible. The specter of health care workers becoming infected has introduced an element of fear that most practitioners have never even imagined. As a recently retired anesthesiologist, I have stayed in touch with my colleagues in the New York metropolitan area to get a gauge on their day to day existence.

I have heard accounts of many health care workers who are conflicted on whether they should enter the fray or whether to sit this one out for their own safety and for the safety of their families. I myself wonder what I would do if I were not retired, with multiple risk factors and luckily isolated in a relatively safe zone. I know of several people who are sitting this one out, but just as many who have had to step up their hours as well as the intensity of work to meet the challenge.

We see accounts of health care workers in urban hospitals who are overwhelmed physically and emotionally, who are realistically fearful of getting sick because there is inadequate personal protective equipment for all practitioners. I’m sure these accounts are true, and am hard-pressed to understand how these situations developed. My heart goes out to those people who are sent to war without weapons.

Fortunately, the health system which I was associated with has exceptional resources, and I have not heard horror stories from my colleagues. The gist of what I have heard is that my colleagues are treating this just like any other challenge they have encountered in their careers. This challenge is unquestionably unique as the sheer unrelenting volume and intensity of disease has never been experienced except during wartime. The challenge is met through established channels of cooperation and decision making. That is because health care is a team effort. It requires resourceful administration and emergency planning. It requires the cooperation of multiple hospital departments in order to deploy services where they are required as well as to develop novel solutions to problems on the fly. It requires the dedication of health care workers to work harder and longer than they ever have before. In the trenches, teamwork is the only thing that gets people through the day and the only thing that gives people strength to get up and do it again the next day.

Today I saw a Facebook video from my hospital of a patient who was being discharged from the hospital after 17 days in the ICU. The entire hospital staff was lining the walls wearing masks and applauding the patient. There was a shedding of tears, but no hugs, just an occasional gloved fist-bump.

Everyone has seen a video like this. The difference for me was that I know this guy. He has worked at my hospital for 30 years and every person in the hospital knows him. In a week where many patients were dying despite the heroic efforts of the entire staff, he survived. It was a moment of victory in a season of death. The loss of countless patients was put in perspective by one friend who was saved. Health care workers must find a sense of detachment in order to stay sane. For a moment, that detachment was overwhelmed by the fact that health care is very, very personal. That experience provided the motivation to keep on going.

David Berger MD

Key West

April 2020

David has a talent. He should write more.

Staying with doctors for a moment, I visited Dr. Norris yesterday. He wanted to check how the gout problem was coming along. I had telephoned him to complain the pain had left me days ago. However, the swelling of the foot and ankle was getting larger. Extremely so.

Saw the good doctor. Gout is gone. My problem now is water retention. I have been on water pills for years. He took me off them 2 weeks ago. Something to do with getting rid of the uric acid.

The swelling extends up through my calf.

I am back on water pills. Can’t wait for the “swelling” to go down. The swelling is so significant I am unable to wear my normal every day shoes. The foot would not fit. I was back to crocs.

I also gained 5-6 pounds during this time.

It is amazing how many people have had gout. It has monopolized many of my written and face to face conversations recently.

Found a new place for lunch. Actually, to get a sandwich at any time.

It is called The Moose Pit. Located at the back of the Moose Lodge building on Eisenhower.

It is absolutely nothing appearance wise. Typical old fashioned Key West. A hole in the Moose building for cooking. Seating outside at several picnic tables. Each covered with a huge umbrella.

I make a point. Expect nothing fancy. It is the food that will return you to the place.

The specialty of the house is Pit Beef sandwiches. Seven variations. The meat, cheese and a dressing.

The sandwich on a huge soft roll. I had the Pit Beef with cheddar and house made island sauce. At least 2 inches high. $10! The best deal in town.

I have to believe 98 percent of the people in Key West are upset with the cruise ship bill passed by the Florida House and Senate. It is on its way to the Governor for signing. He will sign it. I would be shocked if he did not.

Following are 3 comments in this morning’s Citizens’ Voice critical of what has occurred.

“Yes, Republican Senator Jim Boyd stated that his bill to over turn the cruise ship referendums would ‘protect’ Florida citizens, but from whom? Key Westers voted for the referendums and the cruise ship crowd got the State legislature to vote for them!”

“Big money wins today (most are not local) as they get to have the daily mega ships come into our port.”

“Where do I sign up to greet cruise ships with “Unwelcome signs?'”

The stone crab season ends tomorrow. As a practical matter today as there can be no harvesting after May 1.

Stone crabs…..One of the world’s greatest foods. The season is from 10/1 to 5/2.

An interesting election today in Texas.

A Republican Congressman from Texas died and this election is to fill his seat. Twenty three candidates running. Includes the dead Congressman’s wife. No party distinction. All 23 run on the same line.

The victor must receive 50 percent of the vote. If not, there will be a run off between the highest two.

Texas has not elected a Democrat to the seat since 1983. However, the numbers have been getting closer and closer. In the most recent election, the Congressman won by only 3 percentage points.

Texas has been moving Democratic. This may be the time for a politically significant result.

Joe Manchin. I am not saying I am tending to dislike him. I have reached that point already.

Excuse the vernacular, the man is a pompous self-serving ass.

Biden needs every Democratic vote to achieve his goals for America. One Democratic Senator voting with the Republicans and Biden’s proposed legislation is defeated.

Manchin has already said loud and clear he will not vote to eliminate filibuster. In addition, he now advises he does not support statehood for Washington D.C. nor a bill to overhaul federal elections.

Big day today! The Kentucky Derby! The race is scheduled to start at 6:57 pm.

Today represents the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby. A 2 minute race. It is considered the  greatest 2 minutes in sports.

Don and Chris are back. Been a while since we have been together. I am meeting them tonight at 6 at the Pier House Beach Bar.

I wish the Pier House would reopen the Chart Room!

Enjoy your day!

One of the themes of DaThomas Paine’s “Common Sense” is that there needs to be a balance between man’s pursuit of liberty and the government’s responsibility to maintain order for the common good.

The great thing about America is that everyone is allowed to have their opinion. Exchange of opinions is what defines a democracy. Democracy, atits best, is the distillation of the spectrum of opinions and the establishment of a compromise which accommodates that span of ideas. In most eras of American history, this democratic process has worked, primarily driven by statesmen who serve the common good.

The First Amendment right to free speech is the cornerstone of our national ethos. Nonetheless, I was dismayed to see protesters in multiple states take to the streets to oppose the self-isolation orders imposed by their state and local governments, at the direction of the federal government. Even though I cannot fathom the logic of their protest, I fully support their right to express themselves.

As a retired physician from the NY metropolitan area, I know that many, many people are dying of Covid-19 and that my colleagues are stretched to their physical and mental limits trying to manage this disease. I understand and empathize with the fact that many people have been badly injured, both emotionally and financially. I also understand that not every part of the country is affected to the same degree by the pandemic and that easing of self-isolation rules will roll out at different rates across the country.

What I cannot understand or tolerateis that in congregating without any regard to the spreading of disease in direct violation of rules formulated to keepthe disease in check, these people are putting themselves AND OTHERS in danger by ignoring basic common sense. Social distancing was instituted because the disease is spread from person to person by contact that is by no means intimate. Furthermore, people may not get sick for a very long time after they are infected and are infective; some do not get sick at all. The only way that this disease can be checked without an effective vaccine is by avoiding contact with other people. VERY SIMPLE. Do not gather in crowds to express your opinion. Use social media, traditional media and contact your representatives. Do not risk other people’s lives because you are overdue for your haircut. Do not block health care workers from getting to work.

Lastly, the behavior of politicians who have politicized these protests and egged on the protesters is contemptible and misinformed. The concept that lives must be sacrificed for the economic recoveryis beyond common decency.

At this moment, the solution to opening the country involves widescale testing of the entire population, both for Covid-19 positivity (active infection) as well as blood testing for antibodies to the virus (indicative of active or previous infection). In combination, these tests can better approximate the extent of disease so far (current estimates are likely far below the real infection rate). People who have reliable evidence of prior disease and who have recovered can reasonably reenter the economy without risking others. Careful analysis of the data derived by pooling these results can help us understand how the virus travels and how to identify regions at imminent risk.

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” remains valid in modern times. This pandemic will continue for the foreseeable future. We all need to continue to use self-discipline, common sense and the guidance of scientists rather than to rush blindly into reopening the country.

David Berger MD

April 2020

I was excited about wednesday’s blog. Title and main topic had to do with Key West winning the cruise ship war. I was so excited, I could not wait to write it. I did the cruise ship portion tuesday evening following Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

It appears that things changed in Tallahassee about the same time as I was writing that Key West West had beaten the State and cruise ships.

I never went back wednesday morning to check if the result was still as I had written the night before. I have learned a lesson. I should have. Things can change. The House bill was amended and resubmitted again. This time time to pass.

My apologies.

The bill has been sent to Governor DeSantis. He has 30 days to act on it. If he does not, the bill automatically becomes law.

Something stinks!

The story will play out as time goes on. The result could be embarrassing to certain persons involved. Pay for play may be involved.

Assuming the bill becomes the law, Key West is left with no alternative but to appeal. Grounds for a successful appeal might lie because Key West is the only port affected by the legislation.

Carry on the battle Key West! It still remains possible for David to beat Goliath!

A recent Citizens’ Voice commented on the political screwing Key West is taking: “So, late at night, one day before the session ends a very specifically worded amendment is added to a bill that was seemingly dead. Politics at its dirtiest and most demeaning.”

Busy day yesterday. Had to be in Cudjoe. Forgot what a long drive it can be. Traffic was heavy. The drive no fun.

A stop on my way home was fun. A late lunch at Geiger Key. The lovely Lucy bartending.

Yesterday, I mentioned Willie Nelson and Huckleberry Rose. Today I note Willie Nelson is 88 years old. Happy birthday to one of America’s greatest entertainers!

Today a significant one in American history. The U.S. and France concluded negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase. The parcel so vast in doubled the size of the U.S. The U.S. negotiated a steal. Total cost $15 million. Less than three cents an acre.

It was not the “skillful” negotiations by the U.S. that accomplished the “steal.” Nor an possible impending war between France and Great Britain nor a possible blockade of France by Great Britain.

Concededly French problems. However, inconsequential in the total scheme of things.

It was the mosquitoes on the island of Haiti that motivated Napoleon to “give away” Louisiana.

Haiti belonged to France. There was a slave revolution. A tiny prick in France’s side. Though exasperating to Napoleon.

Napoleon ordered his brother in law General  La Clerc and a large contingency of French troops to New Orleans to improve French defenses there. However, Napoleon ordered Le Clerc to first stop in Haiti and end the bothersome slave revolution.

Napoleon and Le Clerc knew nothing of he dangers of mosquito caused yellow fever. The natives never got sick. They had developed an immunity over the yeas. The French had no such immunity.

In was 1802. Le Clerc’s first year in Haiti. He lost 6,000 troops to yellow fever. Even Le Clerc came down with yellow fever and subsequently died while still in Haiti.

Late in 1802, Napoleon sent 20,000 additional troops under General Rochambeau to Haiti. In one year the General returned to France with only 3,000 troops. Seventeen thousand died on Haiti.

Napoleon had it! He wanted nothing more to do with the new world. He instructed his staff to sell all of the Louisiana territory to the U.S. He did not care for how much. He was through with the Americas.

The bottom line the U.S. “stole” Louisiana from Napoleon. Obviously not so.

On this day in 1939, the New York World’s Fair opened in Flushing Meadows, Queens.

Some time after it opened, my father took me to the World’s Fair. I was  at the time 4 years old. I have certain, though not all, recollections of the visit.

Three things stick out in my mind even today. The world globe, monument, and ride through the City of the Future.

The names of the globe and monument were actually Perisphere and Trylon. Both imposing structures.

I recall clearly the Futuramic Ride through what was described as the City of the Future. The event itself not the reason why. It was the ride on a padded bench through the city.

I believe the Perisphere and Trylon stand to this day.

Increasing food prices continue in the news. I spoke of  the issue yesterday.

Today, there appeared an article that noted increasing food prices would continue and reach such a high elevation  and that social unrest would follow: “We are edging closer to a Biblical price increase scenario.”

I don’t buy the disaster situation. Every pending crisis has the same scenario. The end of society/the world as we know it. Such never seems to occur, however.

A doctor visit at noon. The goiter problem. My right ankle continues to be “huge.” Spoke with Dr. Norris on the phone and he said to come in today as he has to see the ankle before deciding what, if anything, has to be done next. The super pill prescribed killed the pain, but has not affected the swelling.

Enjoy your day!

We’re into a Willie Nelson/Dyan Cannon situation.

Recall their 1980 movie Honeysuckle Rose. A terrific film. A bit of a tear jerker. The movie’s best song was There Must Be Two Sides To Every Story. The key line for my purposes this morning “two sides to every story.”

Center Academy is a New York City private school. Pre-K to fifth grade. Three hundred students. Tuition $30,000 each year per student. Cash flow close to $1 million per year.

Leila Center and her husband are co-founders of Center Academy. Leila e-mailed employees saying the school would not employ people who had been vaccinated against COVID-19. You read the last sentence correctly. If an employee had the shots, he or she were out of a job.

A day or two before the e-mail, she had a video conference call with faculty and staff  in which she said in effect vaccinated persons could no longer be employed.

Her reason was a complaint by one parent who said her child was having headaches and the headaches were caused by association with persons who had been vaccinated. Leila also claimed she checked with three doctors who agreed there could be adverse results to children who came into contact with persons vaccinated.

I throw up my hands!

In recent years, I have complained how the Catholic Church had gone too far right.  The Catholic Bishops Conference was in bed with far right organizations.

The Catholic Reporter ran an interesting article this morning re the Church’s alliance with MAGNA. The article claimed the Church’s support of Trump in many instances had caused a large number of Catholics to exit the Church.

It is the same story over again. Too many prelates wanting to exercise political power as well as religious. Forgetting priests belong in the pulpit and not the political sphere.

Biden’s State of America Address last night was different. Different in a favorable way.

He reminded me of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his fireside chats. Soft and easy. Considerate. He also reminded me of Ronald Reagan who speeches were likewise special. Though coming from a different political perspective.

Biden compared January 6 to the Civil War. Many Republicans who work on the other side like Cruz, Hawley and Lindsay sat smugly listening to Biden. They reminded me of Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee who left the Union to support the Confederacy.

It was strange to watch the Address with so many seats empty. Coronavirus protections were enforced. Masks and social distancing.

Rudy Giuliani. Is he in deep shit trouble? Time will tell. What goes around comes around.

I went out last night. Enjoyed. Slept well after. Feel terrific this morning.

I attended the Sons and Daughters of Italy meeting. I have not in 2 years.

First, the location. The Stock Island Yacht Club. First time. Way out on Stock Island.

Beautiful. Perched on the open harbor. The food spectacular.

I sat with an old friend and 2 new friends last night.

Santa Claus one. He looks like Santa. Was Santa Clause to Robert and Ally in their early years. Learned something interesting about Santa Claus. He is a U.S. Army retiree. Spent 7 years in Europe as NATO’s Chief Chef.

Two ladies sat with us. I never met either before. Ansh and Charlene. Vietnamese. Own and operate a small nail salon near Winn-Dixie.

My three cohorts at the table all attend the Vineyard Church in Big Pine. I have to try it some Sunday. Sounded interesting.

We had a fun table.

Not all police are bad.

Chy-Niece Trachr was driving down a highway. A police officer stopped her. As she was searching through her purse for her license, etc. the police officer said forget them, I am not giving you a ticket. I stopped you to tell you your brake lights are not working and you should get them fixed.

Chy-Niece went into a tirade. She explained she had the brake lights fixed one month earlier at Firestone. She returned complaining her brake lights still did not work. Firestone said it would cost her an additional $600 to check the wiring. She didn’t have the $600.

The officer had her pop the trunk. He checked things out. Found no problem. Had Chy-Niece open the hood. No problem there either. Got on his hands and knees and checked connections under the dashboard. Again no problems.

The officer was unaware Chy-Niece was recording everything. She went to the station the next day and explained to the officer’s superior what had occurred, had him play the recording, and told him how pleased she was with the officer.

I don’t know if the brake lights have been fixed. However Chy-Niece was one happy camper.

One of America’s most embarrassing moments occurred on April 9, 1975.

The U.S. war with the Vietnamese had ended in failure. The Vietnamese Army was rolling into Saigon. Before the day was over, they were at the gates of the U.S. Embassy.

The last Americans and persons loyal to the American position had entered the Embassy for safety.

At some point during the day, it was obvious the Embassy was going to be over run. Everyone had to be evacuated. The plan was to have U.S. and CIA helicopters remove persons from the roof of the Embassy.

Seven thousand persons were so removed and flown to U.S. carriers out to sea.

Near the end of the evacuation, the Vietnamese soldiers were breaking through the barriers and shooting at persons on the roof. The U.S. Marines did a magnificent job protecting everyone.

One negative, however. How embarrassing for the strongest nation to end its long war beaten by the enemy and escaping from the Embassy rooftop. I was embarrassed and sad at the same time. The scenario did not make sense to me.

Enjoy your day!

Ho, ho, ho, the little guy won!

It was David v. Goliath.

Beaten was a major attempt to reverse the will of the Key West populace. It took everything Key West had. The Mayor, Commission and private citizens. All had their shoulders to the wheel.

The mountain moved!

Key West’s three successful referendums to limit cruise ships remains intact. The victory came at the last minute. Remindful of Yogi Berra’s “it ain’t over till it’s over.”

The Florida legislative season ends friday. The Senate bill had already passed muster. The House was to vote on it this past monday or tuesday. Late in the afternoon on monday, the sponsor of the bill pulled it. It will not be resubmitted this term.

Had it passed the House, the Governor would have had to sign it by this coming friday.  The burden is no longer his.

The proposed changes may pop up again next year or in some subsequent year. I doubt it will in the immediate future.

Some behind the scenes background which perhaps lends understanding to the bill being pulled. An if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, looks like a duck, it is a duck scenario developed.

I am not sure if the following was part of or the most significant in the political judgment process. It might have had no influence at all.

Mark Walsh lives in Delray Beach. A wealthy man. He owns the largest pier in Key West. Referred to as Pier 12 Development. Walsh will lose big dollars if the pier is underused as it now is and will continue to be.

At some point immediately before or after the legislative session began, Walsh companies donated $995,000 to Governor DeSantis’ war chest.

The 995,000 number strange in itself. Why not 1 million dollars?

The  donation was combined by drawings from 11 of Walsh’s companies. Another strange item.

DeSantis is considered Presidential timber in the 2024 election. Most polls have him #1 at the present time.

He has had several embarrassments in recent months. Would the Walsh companies’ contributions have been another?

The bill’s sponsor in the House said the bill in effect contained technical difficulties.

Believe what ever you wish. What happened is yours to decide.

Several year ago, the British company Oxitec was a gigantic pain! Oxitec wanted to use the lower keys to test a new chemical mosquito killing formula.

Qxitec laid out specifically where the spraying from the air would occur. Those living in the areas were infuriated. Those not, could have cared less.

One place to be sprayed was my street. My home. The street only one block long. I envisioned the plane flying down the street towards my house and contaminating everything with a chemical yet to be danger tested.

People got together, had the problem put to a public vote and won. Oxitec left town.

One of the leaders in the moment opposing Oxitec was Ollie. A Chart Room friend. Loved by everyone. He has been employed for many years by a keys sewer system. He is chemically knowledgeable.

Oxitec has returned. This time to test a new formula on the upper keys. Of course, the people silent the last time are infuriated this time. Such is amusing.

I recall several writing letters asking what we in the lower keys were concerned about. The spray testing was a good thing. Mosquitoes a major Keys problem.

The shoe is on the other foot now.

An interesting side light.

Bill and Melinda Gates are among the most wealthy in the world. Bill the retired computer genius.

In June 2018, it was announced that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was in the process of disbursing $4.1 million to Oxitec. The purpose of the money to develop a new strain of mosquito.

I have always respected Bill Gates, his success and his many significant charitable gifts over the years. I find it hard to believe he would financially support what is scheduled to happen shortly in the upper keys.

Whatever, my suggestion is the new formula be tested somewhere in Africa and Brazil where the previous one was with little success. Keep the testing away from U.S. soil.

The cost of groceries has steadily risen for many years. A recent study indicates the cost of groceries is the highest it has been in 8 years.

Economists see a major price surge soon. Futures are up suggesting the same.

The study included what today are regarded as basics. Things like bread and pizza dough, meat and soda.

The rise in grocery prices has been described as “relentless…..pushing a basic meal beyond the reach of millions of poor families who were already struggling to get by.”

Contributing to price increases are higher freight costs and packaging.

Many are on Biden’s back constantly. Unfairly. Raising issues to embarrass him. Some of the issues are as a house built on sand.

Villanova University Law School sponsored a recent conference on the challenge Joe Biden’s presidency posed to the Catholic Church. The conference emphasized the need to deny Biden Communion.

An issue being heavily promoted by the Republican right.

Biden is accused of outright support for abortion. From my perspective, he supports a woman’s right to choose. There is a difference.

In any event,  the is solely between Biden and God.

An NCP political columnist said the three speakers did not understand what they were talking about. The three were relying on Canon Law. The columnist said at issue was Roman law. They also were not aware Canon Law is open to a variety of interpretations.

The Communion Biden attacks are a real “problem and a frightening one.”

I have visited Milan several times. Historically significant as for example Rome.

I wanted to see everything!

One was the Esso gas station girder from which Benito Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci were hung.

It was on this day in 1945 that Benito Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci were captured and shot by Italian partisans while trying to escape to Switzerland.

The bodies were taken to the Piazzele Loreto in Milan the next day. An Esso petro station was located in the Piazzele. Their bodies were hung upside down from a girder on the station’s roof. The Milanese defiled the two bodies disgustingly thereafter.

I went to see the Esso station. It no longer existed. The Piazzele had been redesigned after World War II and the station was gone.

I will be out again tonight. Sons and Daughters of Italy meeting at 5. Then home to watch Biden’s State of the Union Address.

Enjoy your day!

The Good Book says “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17.

There are some who are forgetful of the mandate. Even those who wear the collar and frock. A Catholic priest, for example.

I view such persons as “nuts.” Mentally depraved.

The Catholic Church wonders why fewer and fewer attend Mass. Why many Churches have closed.

Two reasons therefore. The extreme rules of Catholicism and priests who promote non-existent rules.

The “hero” of this story is Father James Altman of St. James The Less Catholic Church in La Croce, Wisconsin.

He frequently attacks Catholics who are Democrats.

Father Altman is anti-vaccine. He believes vaccines are useless and anyone who imposes virus-related protocols will burn in the “lowest levels” of hell.

Father Altman writes in the St. James Church Bulletin that a “vaccine is an experimental use of a genetic altering substance that modifies your body – your temple of the Holy Spirit.”

The Bulletin article warned that it is “diabolical” for anyone to shove or compel someone into getting a shot and making “you nothing other than a guinea pig.”

He also wrote, “God is still the best doctor and prayer is still the best medicine.”

Father Altman spoke at the recent Palm Sunday Mass. He said COVID-19 protocols are “godless” and “Nazi-esque controls.” He called “Democrats godless” and warned they would go to hell if they did not repent.

Father Altman’s Bishop is William Callahan. He apparently has his hands full with Altman. He opposes Altman’s words. However, he recognizes that times are different but that does not give anyone permission to use a religious post as a “tool of condemnation.”

Yeas ago, a Bishop could shut Altman down. Not today. The Catholic Church is equally divided on most issues. A Bishop’s power is not what it was.

The cruise ship war continues.

The bill was supposed to come up today for vote. It would have passed with no difficulty. As Donald Trump might say, the vote was “rigged.” It then would have gone to Governor DeSantis for signing. The signing must be done by friday.

The bill was pulled yesterday afternoon with no reason being given.

A fortuitous occurrence might be the reason why.

Pier B Development is a large concrete dock in Key West. Can handle the largest of cruise ships. The owner of Pier B Development is Delray Beach resident Mark Walsh.

It was revealed in the past few days that Walsh had made a political contribution to Governor DeSantis earlier in the year in an amount just under $1 million. Nine hundred ninety five thousand dollars to be exact.

Whether the revelation of the donation had anything to do with the bill being pulled, I do not know. The facts require additional information.

It has been obvious from the beginning that little Key West was not playing on a level field. Tallahassee was deaf to Key West’s arguments. The cruise ship lines and businessmen were carrying the day.

It is going to be interesting to see what happens between now and friday.

I wrote about Mae West twice in recent days. My second writing mentioned John Wayne. He carried a small part as a villain in West’s first film She Done Him Wrong. I mentioned Wayne would not become a star for 5 more years. It was his performance in Stagecoach that made him a star.

I watched Stagecoach on TV yesterday. The John Wayne of Stagecoach was the same heroic figure we all came to love and respect in his subsequent movies.

It was exciting to watch Wayne and Stagecoach knowing the film was his entry into stardom.

Read this morning that Key West is one of the U.S.’s ten top vacation spots for this summer. Number 6 to be exact.

Does not excite me. Means more people on a small island that already cannot handle the burgeoning crowds.

It continues to amaze me how long it takes to repair hurricane caused damage.

Irma was 9/10/2017. Repairs still not complete. It was announced this week that work was to begin to repair damage caused by Hurricane Irma to Keys bridges.

I was out last night! Dinner with Jean and Joe Thornton at La Te Da. We had a wonderful time!

Jean was out without her crutches. Ankle taped. Moved around well.

Jean and Joe were self-quarantined as I was. We discussed how a year or more of not going out screws a person up a bit. They are past the problem. They have been out every night so far in Key West and that odd feeling is behind them.

I need to go out more.

As to be expected, the dinner was excellent. I enjoyed crispy duck.

Except for one person, I knew no one. Apparently tourists or new Key West home owners. The one person I knew was Tom Luna. One of the most respected persons in Key West. A good guy!

You will recall Tom and Rick Dery in  Aqua’s Dueling Bartenders for years. It was good to see him again. He is bartending at La Te Da.

Tuesday night again. My Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou show. Nine my time. A fast moving half hour.

Join me. Listen to me rant and rave as to my likes and dislikes. Guaranteed you will enjoy! www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!