When I was a young man, birth control and abortion became major issues. It was the 1950’s, I was in college and law school.

I believed that life began at the moment of conception. I was pro life.

Since that time, my thinking has evolved. By the late 1980’s, I had moved over to the other side. I firmly believed in a woman’s right to choose.

My primary reason for being pro life was not a religious one. I believed if we killed the young at that time, we would kill the old years down the road. When I was older.

At 85, I am older. And because of the coronavirus pandemic, society is mysteriously considering that medical care not be provided everyone. That it be limited to those who have a better chance for survival. Those younger than 85? The cut off point no one has yet decided. Guaranteed it will be close to 85.

Consideration will also be given to withholding medical care from those with a Charlson comorbidity index of 5 or more. Those younger, but who have other serious illness which will kill them sooner or later anyhow.

Why am I raising the issue now? Simply because it is in our faces. We are eyeball to eyeball with it.

Some may be thinking about the issue. Most not. The shock will be horrific. It may be right around the corner. As close as to 2-4 weeks away.

The coronavirus numbers reported over the weekend indicated to me it was time for the open discussion. Perhaps too late.

Over the weekend, the U.S. hit in excess of 11 million cases. One million were added last week in less than 7 days. The numbers shot up to 11 million less than 1 week after it hit 10 million.

No end appears in sight. The numbers are surging. Faster than ever before.

Hospitalizations have risen. Dramatically. As of yesterday, more than 69,000 people were hospitalized in the U.S. Hospitals are reaching the breaking point. In addition to insufficient beds, doctors and nurses are being overworked. Supply shortages beginning to appear.

The solution is some have to be denied medical care. Rejected on the steps of the hospitals. Young being favored over the elderly for treatment because their generation has a better chance of surviving.

Some examples where medical care had to be selective. Not all coronavirus cases. The problem the same, however.

Several months back when Italy was in dreadful shape, it is now slowing being revealed  hospitals decided 2 groups would be denied treatment. Those older than 80, those who had a Charlson comorbidity index of 5 or more.

Remember Katrina. New Orleans was suffering a total power failure. The hospitals were overwhelmed, the heat was overburdening. The hospitals could not treat all those requiring attention.

Washington State at one point was discussing behind doors when their hospitals were becoming overwhelmed, who would receive medical care and who would be refused.

Even Auschwitz and the other Nazi concentration camps had a selective system as who was to be gassed. If an individual had a profession or trade useful to the Germans, they were permitted to live. Doctors, scientists, and the like. Attractive young ladies also. To entertain German soldiers in the bordellos located on camp grounds.

Who decides? The thought is doctors and nurses. Doctors who were sworn to save lives will now be required to decide who is to die.

Some doctors or nurses may very well refuse to make that judgment. It violates their lives of work and dedication to saving people’s lives.

Triages may first be established. Small groups of doctors and nurses. To make the decision process more palatable. Note that the need for decision making will be based on a lack of beds, equipment and personnel. Imagine! A person refused attention because of a lack of a ventilator.

The thought occurs as to how older doctors and nurses are to be treated. Realize there can be no exceptions. There must be consistency. Everyone must die. Including the older doctors and nurses who returned to work during the epidemic.

Should people be told why they are not being admitted to a hospital or receiving sufficient care at home? A serious question.

I believe the answer to whether a person lives or dies should belong  to the patient. It should be recognized as a right equal to any other.

Age or health should not alter a person’s entitlement.

Heavy stuff being considered here.

Restricting people from accessing medical care is around the corner.

Permit me to conclude with those I hold responsible for our nation being placed in this position.

First, Trump. For failing to recognize coronavirus was a dangerous threat and have dealt with it. He never really has. He left our people vulnerable when he could have taken steps to minimize coronavirus potential as a killer.

Then there are the American people. Appears half or close to half think they have “rights” not to wear masks, social distance, etc. Caring not for those they come in contact with.

I normally end with “Enjoy Your Day!” Can’t today. Not with the solemn message presented.

Trump’s people demonstrated in Washington yesterday and into this morning’s early hours. As one participant said, “The purpose to keep his spirits up and let him know we support him.”

The name of the demonstration: Make America Great Again.

As usual, disagreement as to the size of crowd. Trump’s press secretary said over 1 million. Police and other persons said, Thousands” or “tens of thousands.”

I watched part of the demonstration. The crowd appeared large to me. I would doubt however it was anywhere close to 1 million.

The crowd was shouting “Stop the steal…..Count every vote…..USA, USA, USA…..Four more years.”

The demonstration ran well past midnight. That was when most of the trouble began.

There were those on the other side. Those not supportive of Trump.

Police arrested 21. One for a stabbing, 20 for assault. I do not know the numbers arrested from each side.

The confrontations involved knives, fists and clubs. I assume guns also. However, I found no mention of guns in the reports.

The neo-Nazi Proud Boys were there in significant numbers.

The Trump people were convinced Trump was cheated. One said, “We can win because he did win.”

Except for 2 instances, Trump has not left the White House since election day. One the Rose Garden address re what might be described as a Covid-19 0ne.

The other involving Trump yesterday. He did not appear before the demonstrators nor speak to them. He was driven past and nodded.

Within the White House itself, discussions do not center around the virus. The discussions center on Trump’s election loss.

A “bunker” mentality is developing.

What goes around comes around.

A report by Newsmax Health this morning provided information re a recent research project. The result: Seniors are turning to pot for common health problems.

The seniors of today are the product of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Just about everyone smoked! Then illegal, today in most areas legal. Especially for medicinal reasons.

Elders are using pot to ease pain, sleep disturbances, and psychotic conditions like anxiety and depression.

I have been writing in recent days about coronavirus and its impact on Key West. Today, let me share a bit of the whole re the State of Florida.

Off the wall! A disaster.

One reason is Florida Governor DeSantis’ relationship with Trump. He is Trump’s lap dog. He has consistently danced to Trump’s tune when it comes to the virus and anything else. So much so that Trump refers to DeSantis as the best Governor in America.

Florida is and has been one of the worst states number wise. Total cases number 871,000. In that number, 17,444 deaths.

Thursday, Florida reported its highest number of new cases in one day: 6,933. Yesterday (Saturday), the number still high though not as much as Thursday: 4,544.

Virus numbers have been surging since October.

Deaths are increasing. Hospitals at the breaking point. Either out or running out of intensive care beds. Medical staffs wiped out.

Comments re the surge the same through out most of the U.S. The surge is on the rise. Dramatically.

A couple of brief reports signifying the increase.

Los Angeles City’s coronavirus numbers are hitting summer highs.

Orange County could be in the “purple tier” as early as next Tuesday, the 17th.

Lancaster County reported 276 new coronavirus cases for Saturday. A record one day high.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It’s Morning Stew time once again! Many topics. Order difficult. Simplest way is to lay out information as it appears in my notes.

First item involves coronavirus in schools.

A particular word has been heard repeatedly the past few days involving the subject. Positivity. Means percentage of students becoming infected with coronavirus during a particular time period. Generally, one week.

First heard this week in New York City. Mayor de Blasio announced friday that if the average positivity rate in the public schools hit 3 percent, the schools would be shut down. Governor Cuomo concurred.

The positivity rate had been holding between 1-2 percent since the schools opened. Now pushing 3 percent. At the same time that coronavirus has been on the upswing in New York City.

Mayor de Blasio said, “We’re going to be very cautions to not let there be a resurgence. By setting this 3 percent goal we’re sending a message: Health and safety first.”

New Yorkers want the schools to remain open.

I was watching the national news last night. Wisconsin and the virus were being discussed.

The school positivity rate was over 40 percent. Would you believe! The schools remain open. There is little public clamor to close them. One reason, there are some who distrust the numbers.

When the Wisconsin decision was made in August to reopen the schools, the positivity rate was 6.5 percent. Repeating, now over 40 percent. Proof Covid-19 moves rapidly. Further proof that children do contact the virus.

The blind cannot see.

Now comes Key West.

I find it strange there has been little reported in the Key West Citizen re coronavirus in Key West schools. I was surprised when I checked the numbers.

As of November 12, total students afflicted 37. Of that number, 28 represented students, 4 teachers, and 5 staff.

Not bad.

Key West High School has 9 cases. Seven students and 2 staff. Horace O’Bryant 5 and Gerald Adams 3. The other schools make up the rest.

The numbers are insignificant compared to new cases elsewhere. There is no reason to close Key West schools based on the numbers. However, the Citizen and School District need to be more diligent in reporting them.

I do not have to worry about Syracuse football today. The team drew a bye. Three games left. Can’t wait for the season to end. As the Brooklyn Dodgers of old used to say: Wait till next year!

Trump’s win/loss record in the courts in recent weeks has been dismal. Not one victory through thursday. Record 0-8.

Yesterday, Trump lost 6 more cases in Pennsylvania. New record 0-14.

It appears all attorneys representing Trump in the election cases have withdrawn. Sources reported last night Rudy Giuliani was taking over the legal election fight on behalf of Trump.

God help Trump and Giuliani’s pocketbook!

Trump is reminding me more and more of Rodney Dangerfield. Neither could get any respect!

One difference, however. Dangerfield was honest.

There is a cry among many that Trump should acknowledge defeat and do what is expected of him between now and January 20. He has not and does not seem willing to do so.

A New York Times Opinion piece yesterday basically said to Trump…..Get out!

The writer Roger Cohen.The title: Mr. President, Pack Your Bags And Be Gone. Its thrust that Trump wants to “preserve, protect and defend only himself.” His country forgotten.

Cohen wrote, “The ruler broods, alone with his rage and shame, undone by rejection, his mind like Macbeth’s, ‘full of scorpions,’ plotting to overturn facts and destroy American democracy. His lackeys, and only they remain, try to humor the master in his labyrinth.”

Cohen further wrote, “His only vow is to preserve, protect and defend himself. He has never been able to see beyond that orange face in the mirror. No Bible offers consolation to this man, no creed, no truth, no sense of decency, not even FOX News now, nothing.”

Another comment this morning in the Citizens’ Voice re Key West government’s failure to handle the coronavirus problem properly: “Our Covid-19 positivity percentage is at dangerous levels. Our officials haven’t done a single thing to improve our situation. This is a blatant dereliction of duty.”

The comment befits the facts. In 2 days this week, nearly 100 new cases were confirmed in Monroe County. Fifty eight of those cases were in Key West.

Thus far, Key West has suffered 1,313 cases. The next 2 Florida Keys communities number wise are Key Largo and Marathon. Key Largo 500 cases and Marathon 250.

Presently, 5 coronavirus cases are being cared for the the Lower Keys Hospital Center.

Most if not all consider Key West having the much higher number because it is “a major entertainment district.”

No argument. However recognizing Key West as such, local officials should do something about it besides succumb to the cries and protests of the bar and restaurant owners and their employees.

New York City is now closing its bars and restaurants at 10 pm. For Key West, that would not be enough. Key West bars and restaurants have to close for a period of time. Tourists don’t come to Key West to visit you and me. They come to party in the bars and restaurants.

Enjoy your day!

The Key West Citizen provides a valuable service with its Citizens’ Voice section. It provides Key Westers and others to speak out on issues of concern to them.

How local authorities have been handling coronavirus concerns is one of them. The County and City Commissions are kow-towing to bar and restaurant owners and their employees. To an extent that can almost be described as forgetting the rest of the citizens of Key West. Who account for much more in number than the bar, etc. people.

One comment, infrequently two, will show up re an issue. Coronavirus issues are becoming more frequent. To the extent that yesterday there were many. I do not ever recall that many in the years I have lived here.

I share several with you.

“Inviting tourists anywhere during a pandemic seems irresponsible. It needs to stop.”

“Thanksgiving is upon us and the city is recommending we not have large gatherings of family and friends to celebrate, while they just approved stuffing as many people as possible into local bars, full of people not masking and not distancing all night. The city needs to stop pandering to businesses who are obviously the cause of our rising COVID-19 cases.”

“As long as we have weak, meaningless Covid-19 rules, we will continue to get crushed by the Miami crowd.”

“The Commission meeting seemed to be all about the welfare of bars and tourists. I didn’t hear much of anything about protecting residents. Ten months later, ‘communication’ isn’t going to solve anything.”

“A curfew is pointless if we don’t enforce the rules before midnight. All over town there are bars and restaurants whose staffs are not following the guidelines all day. If the staff does not follow the rules, how can we expect tourists to? The city should be cracking down.”

“Tourists willing to vacation during a pandemic probably don’t care much about Covid-19 or the residents of Key West. Clearly our leaders don’t care much about the residents either.”

There is madness that attaches.

Miami’s Covid nurses and front line workers were surprised with a free vacation to the Florida Keys. Over one dozen. They had been scheduled for an upcoming mandatory 48 hours of training. Instead they were surprised tuesday with certificates for the vacation.

Why the Keys? Same old story! They can do more and get away with more in Key West than in Miami. Miami should keep its germs in Miami. The Keys neither want nor need them.

A never ending supply of Miamians on weekends. Key West acquiring an “open town” reputation. The gunslinger of yesterday is the coronavirus of today.

I do not know which Key is involved. Whatever, the message is the same: Miamians stay away from our homes!

On the national scene, Trump’s baseless election lawsuits are a disgrace and shameful. Thus far, each and every such lawsuit has been groundless and dismissed. I believe Trump’s record is 0-8.

With a record like that, a coach would be gone. Yesterday’s news.

Not Donald. Yet.

The federal system frowns on groundless lawsuits being brought. The type Trump has been bringing.

Rule 11 of the federal Rules of Civil Procedure apply.

Rule 11 requires an attorney to perform a due diligence investigation concerning the factual basis for any claim or defense.

Claims such as have been brought by Trump, waste a court’s time, resources and other parties’ time.

Lawyers and their law firms can be sanctioned. A fancy word for fined. Significant dollars involved.

In Trump’s cases, federal judges are requiring Trump’s attorneys in open court to swear under oath at the beginning of the case that the case has some factual or legal merit. Each attorney in the phony cases has responded “no.”

A strange procedure.

Cases based on fraud solely to delay , confuse and harass will not be permitted.The attorneys wish neither to be sanctioned nor embarrassed. The lawsuits are then dismissed.

Justice Scalia has always been spoken well of by Trump. Considered by many including Trump to be what every justice and judge in the U.S. should aspire to be.

Justice Scalia in a 1993 opinion re Rule 11 said judges should come down hard on lawyers who abuse the system with delay, confusion and harassment.

Scalia added lawyers should be sanctioned with mandatory fines. He wrote, “In my view” re “litigation abuse” those “who file frivolous lawsuits and pleadings should have no ‘safe harbor.”’ Scalia thought courts must punish this conduct to deter bad behavior and free up the use of the courts! Courts were needed to hear legitimate disputes.

Yesterday an unusual one. It was 7:40 and I was prepared to begin typing my blog. Suddenly, no internet, computer, land line, cell phone and TV.

Not a momentary glitch. The problem resolved one item at a time till around 6 pm when all was well.

When the world was available to me once again, I became aware there had been an accident around mile marker 88. The area has some sort of central station that handles all the items. Note my cell phone is with Verizon. Everything else Comcast.

Never did do the blog.

Also discovered a day without internet or TV is not easy to handle. Boring!!! Nothing to do!!! Tried reading, but was not into it very long.

Glad to be back on line.

Enjoy your day!

The Key West City Commission has failed again. Failed with regard to its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

In most instances, the Commission has subverted the interests of its citizens to the interests of bar owners and their employees and restaurant owners and their employees.

At last night’s Commission meeting, the most important issue was whether a curfew should be imposed prohibiting the operation of bars and restaurants from midnight to 7 am. The bars and restaurants attended in full strength. Owners and employees.

They won. The curfew resolution was withdrawn.

Covid-19 is increasing in Monroe County and the State of Florida. Rampantly increasing across the country. New Covid cases every day.

Key West is a tourist community. Tourism its industry. People have once again begun flocking here. Especially on weekends. Key West has developed a reputation for being an “open town.”

The Commission did wrong last night. It capitulated to certain business interests which put them in opposition to its many more citizens.

It is time to cut the bullshit and get tough. Otherwise, Key West’s sole hospital and its area cemeteries will see an increase in their businesses.

Front page headline and article in the Key West Citizen this morning clearly set forth Covid cases are on the rise both in the County and Key West.

The County has experienced 74 new cases since friday. Nearly one half are attributable to Key West.

Florida’s total number of cases is 847,821. Monroe County 12,596. State deaths are reported as 17,179. Twenty five occurred in the County.

Significant is the following. Recognize what the numbers tell us.

Since the start of the Pandemic, Key West has had 1,251 confirmed cases. The next city in the County is Key Largo. Three hundred thirty eight cases. The numbers speak for themselves. Key West is the Covid playland of the Keys. The merchants and virus love the many tourists who come down.

The Citizens’ Voice carried a comment this morning which reflects ignorant and arrogant thinking. Trump thinking: “We haven’t ever worn a mask. Not going to, ever. Covid-19 is a hoax. Always has been, always will be.”

Vice-President Pence and his family arrived on Sanibel Island yesterday for a vacation. The vacation to last till saturday.

With everything topsy-turvy in Washington, why has Pence left the Capital? Is it because he does not agree with what Trump is doing and wants to escape any responsibility for it? Or, is it so he will be kept “clean” for the pardons he will give Trump and family?

I strongly believe Trump will resign before January 20. Pence will become President. Pence will pardon Trump, etc. As Ford pardoned Nixon.

Today is Veterans Day. It marks the end of World War I. The Allies and Germany signed an armistice that day.

I find it interesting that the provocateur in both world Wars was Germany.

The holiday was first known as Armistice Day. The name since then changed to honor all U.S. military veterans.

As time moves on, we tend to forget many things. The purpose of Veterans Day is to make sure we forget not the many sacrifices they made.

Some interesting facts surrounding Veterans Day.

The World War I Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. A practice has developed  where at 11 am on Veterans Day there is a period of silence lasting 2 minutes. There are 9 million veterans over the age of 65. Female veterans exceed 1.6 million.

It’s rain, rain, go away time. It has been steadily raining for several days. Two might be attributable to Eta. None of the others. It just keeps coming down!

There was late breaking news last night. We were already aware Trump had fired Secretary of Defense Esper. Last night, Trump appointed to 3 top Department of Defense posts “his people.” None of whom has any experience in work they are now responsible to perform.

Trump appointed a successor to Esper. He too is without sufficient experience to hold the post he now does.

Trump is packing the deck. Esper was fired for not backing Trump in calling into play the Insurrection Act during the demonstrations in various cities. Military on the streets, guns drawn and loaded.

There may be demonstrations between now and January 20. Did Trump fire Esper and make the 3 appointments to ensure the Insurrection Act will come onto play the next time he wants it?

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou is a half hour show. Last night only 15 minutes. Don’t know why the platform cut me off. Bill is paid. Sloan checking into the problem.

Enjoy your day!

Mark Anthony standing over Caesar’s body uttered the following in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “Cry ‘Havoc!’, and let slip the dogs of war.”

At the moment, Anthony was imagining Caesar’s spirit joining in  exhortations “ranging from revenge.”

Anthony intended the words to be a call to the Roman people to unleash themselves upon the Senate and those supporting them.

I cannot take credit for usage of the “dogs of war.” A commentor wrote very recently that “Trump released the dogs of war between the citizens of this country.”

How true. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. He spews his lies re corrupt balloting. His nutsy followers believe him. At some point Trump followers may end up in the streets in a conflict between Trump’s people and Biden’s.

Trump is a poor loser. A vindictive man. His present intent is similar to what the Russians intended when they defeated Napoleon’s armies. A scourged earth. Destroy everything.

Barr has been quiet in recent weeks. He came out of the woodwork yesterday. He has directed Justice to investigate election fraud claims. Even before the results are certified.

The rule was only after certification.

Barr is as his leader. He abuses authority. His scum equal to Trump’s.

Once again a civil servant has stood up to a Trump wrongdoing. Richard Pilger was till yesterday the official who oversaw investigations of vote fraud in Justice. He refused to carry out Barr’s directive and resigned.

His successor was immediately named. Similar to a bench warmer on his high school’s basketball team. Not even the varsity. The jayvees.

Trump is doing well in recent court cases involving the election. He is 0-8. Even Syracuse is doing better at 1-7.

Trump is blind to he error of his ways and the effect it may ultimately have on the nation as a whole.

Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper yesterday. By tweet. A class act.

Replaced him with another bench warmer. Christopher Miller. His experience limited. His most recent as Director of the National Terrorism Center.

Trump fired Esper because Esper refused to call out the Army during the Washington protest.

A dangerous move by Trump. Trump can do all sorts of things adverse to U.S. interests between now and January 20. Like invade Iran, call home all U.S. troops stationed on foreign soils.

It was announced on the news this morning that Pence was on vacation. If there is to be a “bunker,” Pence obviously does not want to be a part of it.

This is a momentous day in the Supreme Court. It is hearing arguments on the future of the Affordable Care Act. An adverse decision would ring the death knell for Obamacare.

Twenty million would lose coverage. Pre-existing conditions would no longer be protected. Parents would no longer be permitted to keep children on their policies till 26.

A tough day. The 9 Justices are divided 6 conservative and 3 liberal. Republicans have waited years to totally take down the law. This may be their day. I expect they will.

There will be no decision today. The Supreme Court rarely decides on the day of argument. It will be several weeks before a decision is rendered.

Key West was sparred Eta. However the storm did hit the upper Keys with 65 mph sustained winds.

Some damage. Could have been worse. One thousand homes without power, some property damage, trees on houses.

Key West has had in excess of 1,700 coronavirus. With the number steadily rising. All other Keys communities significantly lower. Key West leads the pack by a large margin.

Key West is “open” too much. Only ten percent want it thus. The bar owners and hotels. Ninety percent of the people want the City Commission to restrain itself and cut back in some areas.

This is not Louis alone speaking. This morning’s Citizens’ Voice had 3 comments on the issue. Three on one issue rare. I share all 3 with you.

“Our Covid-19 cases are rising rapidly, mobs of uncontrollable tourists are taking over, tourism is being promoted and our Commission thinks a midnight curfew will accomplish anything? What a failure of our government.”

“When are we going to stop pandering to the bar owners and their employees versus the other 90 percent of citizens? Most decent tourists will not even notice a midnight curfew and it might discourage some of the trash we’re getting on weekends. Close the bars at midnight! Permanently!”

“The City Commission is scheduling large events yet again. Do they really think that implementing a curfew will curb our over-rising Covid-19 cases? It is foolish to invite thousands of people here and than have a curfew. You are all responsible for our numbers rising because of your poor decisions.”

Tonight Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A fast moving half hour of critical observations by me.

The one problem I face in putting the show together is there is so much to talk about.

Join me. A fun time! www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

The story of Eta and Key West.

Eta supposedly was going to hit Key West. Key West right in the middle of the cone. Eta avoided Key West entirely.

Eta a strange storm. Began in Central America. Built up. Went over Nicaragua as a Category 4. Hit Cuba.

Then instead of heading for Key West turned west and northwest into the Gulf of Mexico. Eta had lost its center and was trying to recapture it.

Eta did. Changed direction and headed for Florida again. Florida Keys and south Florida put on alert.

Before a tropical storm or hurricane hits, there is a calm. The calm before the storm. Experience one and you will immediately know when a big storm is on its way.

The calm in Key West began around noon. At 3, I stepped on the porch. The calm was stronger. Yes, a calm can be felt.

A calm means nothing is happening. Everything quiet. Little or no rain. Very little wind if anything. The water not moving.

I went out on the porch at 6 again. Could feel the calm building. Which meant Eta was getting closer.

At 9, I was back on the porch. Black outside. The street lights were out for some reason, though house lights were on. No moonlight. My neighbors on the street in small groups chatting.

I went to bed. Figured Eta would hit during the night. Knew what would happen when it did. Unbelievable thunder. Some lightning. Heavy rain. Wind big time.

Woke this morning. It was quiet. Eta never woke me. Eta never woke me because it missed Key West.

I went back out on the porch. Streets still wet. Very little breeze. The taste of the calm gone. In addition, no house damage, fallen trees or wires.

Key West did it again. Missed the bullet!

Further up the Keys not so fortunate. Eta reached landfall at Matecumbe Key as a tropical storm. Eta also pounded away on south Florida’s east side.

Eta has been taking a strange path. In all directions. Described as “zig-zagging.” A weather report this morning indicated Eta could return to Cuba. A 180 degree turn around.

Another possible problem. Eta might slow down and take a rest. Could sit as a tropical storm somewhere. Could spend several days over one spot.

This is the craziest storm I have seen re direction of travel. The zig-zag thing. Wind is fickle. Those who sail know. It moves this way and that way suddenly. Never seeming to know exactly where it is going.

May it decide not to pass over Key West!

Trump’s people have announced Trump is set on a Thirty Day War. Sounds like something out of the history books.

His fight to the bitter end.

Most consider his battle futile. No legal grounds for it.

Not surprised. At this point, Rudy Giuliani is heading Trump’s legal team.

Trump’s vindictiveness obvious. He cannot handle being a loser.

Word is he plans to make Biden’s prospective dealings with Iran difficult. Many believe Biden may try to reenact the Iran nuclear deal. Lifting the onerous sanctions Trump has placed on Iran.

Biden can do it.

Trump has come up with a way to thwart Biden’s Presidential move. Before leaving office, Trump would hit Iran with a new set of sanctions. Directed at Iran’s ballistic missile program, association with terror organizations, and human rights violations.

Such could be difficult for Biden to set aside. At the very least take significant time to correct.

Noted singer “Frozen” Sugar Idina Menzel shared a Biden victory experience. Her son was with her watching TV. When it was announced that Biden had won, her son went over and hugged her saying, “Mommy, no more kids in cages!”

The number of Key West confirmed Covid-19 cases. As of yesterday, 12 new cases bringing the total to 1,237.

If the tourists had been kept out and the bars and hotels fighting to reopen, the number probably could have been 237. I base the observation on the fact that no other Keys community has even close to 1,000 cases.

Enjoy your day!

Ding dong! The wicked witch is dead! Biden has won. Thank God! Actually, the American people won. The nation will be saved.

Trump’s defeat reminds me of Trump’s TV show which had several “You’re fireds” in it. Yesterday, Trump got “fired.”

The Munchkins marched last night. Joyfully singing “Ding dong! The witch is dead!…..Ding dong! The wicked witch is dead.”

Margaret Thatcher, though a great Prime Minister, was not well liked by the English people. When she died in 2013, they shouted “The witch is dead!” An intentional use of lines from The Wizard of Oz.

Trump is defeated. With the defeat, the evil he wrought.

Biden’s victory speech last night in Delaware was right on. Clearly set forth what most Americans already knew. He is the man for this particular time in American history. He will save the country as he and Obama did when they were teammates.

The evening was also Biden’s moment of glory. Forty eight years in the making. Forty eight years ago marking the first time he was elected a U.S. Senator.

It was Kamala Harris’ night also. Proud she was. Properly so. The first woman elected Vice-President and the first woman of color to so have been.

Many women of color were in the cheering crowd. The glass ceiling for woman had been broken both as to gender and race.

Some observations.

The Biden crowd was different from those at Trump rallies. Biden’s people were genuinely happy. Not somber faced. Appeared overall younger than the Trump supporters. My sense was that Biden’s people wanted to be there as opposed to many of those at Trump’s rallies.

Last night, Biden’s people wore masks. Very few without. Respect for the system and each other obvious. They did fail however to engage in social distancing. On the other hand, how could they social distance under the circumstance. Even on stage at the end when the Biden and Harris families were all on stage, it was impossible to social distance.

Many had their children with them. Even the smallest ones. Like their parents hoped they would remember the historic moment.

American flags being waved. Not merely held as at Trump events.

It was joyous. The first time Obama’s election was celebratory. No question. Last night was a bit different, however. A bit more enthusiastic.

The evening reminded me of the end of World War II. V-E Day and V-J Day. I was 10 years old. My father took me everywhere with him both days.

I recall people dancing in the streets. As they were last night at the Biden event. Joy evident everywhere. People genuinely happy.

All three similar evenings. With some added touch for the war events. Attributable perhaps because a horrendous shooting war was finally over.

The millennials were out in force. It appears the Democrats have captured their hearts and souls. Hopefully they will remain Democrats. It will require the Party moving forward with new ideas to accommodate changing times.

Many ladies dressed in white. Including Harris. They were making a political statement. The wearing of white was a nod to the suffragette movement.

At the State of the Union address in 2019, many female legislators appeared cloaked in white. They were commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment which in 1920 gave women the right to vote.

I had the feeling last night the ladies were also making a show of solidarity…..We’ve arrived!

Eta hurt Cuba big time. On its way to the Florida Keys at the moment. Scheduled to hit Key West around 2 pm.

Water will be the problem. A major surge could occur. Winds only expected to be 45-55 mph with gusts up to 70.

It has rained little this morning. In fact not at all in the past 3 hours. Sky gray. Wind slight. The calm before the storm. I have experienced it several times while living in Key West.

I do not expect Eta to be a big deal. A lot of noise, rain and flooding. No rooftops blowing away, boats thrown up on land, etc., though the flooding damage can be severe if the surge is significant.

Hunger is a growing problem across the U.S. In the Keys, it is especially so as regards school kids. The Monroe County School District announced 1,100 Florida Keys students are going hungry. They are not sure where their evening meals or weekend meals are coming from. On days where there is no school for whatever reason, they also are not fed.

The schools provide breakfast and lunch. Community organizations provide backpacks containing food for weekends.

Syracuse almost won yesterday. Lost by 3 points to Boston College 16-13. Syracuse record thus far this year 1-7.

There is no joy in Mudville!

May Johnson is out dancing at La Brisa most evenings with one or more gents. Recall she has a boy friend she claims to love deeply living and working out of town.

Everest is coming to Key West to visit later in the month. Joy abounds: “Everest sent me word he would probably be home between 20 and 25 of the month. GLORIOUS.”

Enjoy your Sunday!

It’s raining violets!

Not really. Though it is raining.

This is saturday morning. Eta continues on its way. Perhaps to us.

Eta was a Category 4 when it went over Nicaragua. Then lost strength.

Eta presently moving over the Caribbean heading for Cuba. Regenerating. Will definitely be a tropical storm or hurricane when it hits Cuba.

Then Florida! Which means heavy rain, a tropical storm, or a full blown hurricane.

Yesterday it was reported to be prepared for 9 inches of rain beginning tomorrow night and into monday. This morning’s warning 10-15 inches with wind. How much wind no one seems to know at the moment.

All of South Florida is under flood watch.

My sense is few if any in Key West are worrying. I just ordered groceries and did not order any of the usual hurricane foods I normally do.

Going to be an interesting weekend and monday.

Key West seems to be the place people run off to who want to drink and raise hell, especially when they cannot do so where they live.

Last weekend 2,000 Miami college students arrived unexpectedly in Key West. To party, of course.

They came to Key West because Miami authorities had advised they were going to spend the weekend checking underage drinking.

Florida’s drinking age is 21. Confuses me why they would come to Key West to drink. Key West’s drinking age is the same as all Florida, 21.

Perhaps the 2,000 felt Key West would not be checking them as Miami intended to do.

I assume the bars made money. I assume some of the 2,000 brought coronavirus with them. Key West seems to be the ash can of the Keys regarding the virus. Significantly more confirmed cases in Key West than any other community in the Keys.

I have been informed there was a brawl on Duval involving the students. I know nothing else about it.

One case of coronavirus was reported this week involving a Key West High School student. All parents have been notified. Spot checking will be done to determine a spread, if any.

There was a time when shrimp was the Key West industry. No more. Not for years.

However 1954 was a big year in the industry. Monroe County’s shrimp production was 1,300,000 pounds. Heads-on shrimp. Dock side value $4 million.

I am concerned with the politicization of the Supreme Court.

Justice Alito is a far right conservative. He has been a Justice for many years. His approach to the law similar to Justice Scalia’s.

Alito’s public appearances are few. However most have left me with the feeling over the years that Alito respects no one but himself.

The U.S. has been divided into areas covered by one Justice alone. For emergency situations. The Justice hears the matter in person or by phone. If required, makes an immediate decision and many times if it is so deemed, directs the case to the entire Supreme Court for emergency attention.

Pennsylvania and ballot counting in the news. An important issue.

It came before Alito in one of these emergency situations. It involved mail in ballots received after 5 pm election day. An earlier order by the Supreme Court as a whole had decided that they could be received, but kept separate up to a certain point. I believe sometime yesterday.

The Republican Party said the order was not being followed. The ballots were not being kept separate. Such is the issue Alito had to entertain on a sole basis.

Initially, I was bothered that the Republican Party as an entity itself was bringing a violation case. It further concerned me that Alito was the one initially hearing it.

Politicization stuck out like a sore thumb.

After getting into it, I can say there was nothing out of the ordinary. Alito performed per law.

My one concern was that the Republican Party itself brought the lawsuit. It seems to me it might not be considered a proper party to do so.

The up front problem was that I was immediately uncomfortable. Thought politicization immediately. With justification based on Alito’s prior actions.

No one looking to the Court for help should ever get that feeling or have to fight a case where such is thought to be involved.

A primary reason Alito concerns me is his conduct in 2010 and since involving a President’s State of the Union address.

Obama was openly critical in his address of the Supreme Court’s decision the previous year in Citizens United v. FEC. The famous “corporations are people” decision.

The decision opened the door for corporations to spend as much money as they liked on indirect political campaign contributions.

All major federal officials attend the State of Union address. Not mandatory. However part of U.S. tradition and also out of a sense of respect for the event.

Supreme Court Justices attend in their robes. Are provided front row seats.

While Obama was saying what he wanted to re Citizens United, Alito was shaking his head in obvious disagreement and mouthing “not true.”

Alito has refused to attend all subsequent State of the Union addresses since 2010.

Actually, three Justices fail to attend.

One is Justice Thomas. He considers the addresses “partisan.” Even when the President making the address is a Republican.

Justice Scalia, prior to his death, refused for years saying the whole thing was “strange…..we sit there liked potted plants.”

The three forget some jobs/positions require attendance at certain matters out of respect or tradition.

Obama’s comments that night were short and to the point. He said the decision opened “the floodgates for special interests…..I don’t think an election should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, or worse, by phony entities.”

Another Syracuse football saturday. My team plays Boston College at Syrcuse. Boston College is 4-3, Syracuse 1-6. Boston College favored.

I always enjoyed Boston College games. Every other year, the Syracuse/Boston College game was played in Boston. We would go! Several cars in a caravan. All friends. Couples.

It was a friday to sunday thing. We drove to Boston friday. Stayed at the Wharf Hotel. I’m sure I have the name wrong. It has been many years. What I clearly recall is the hotel was magnificent.

We partied friday night. Attended the game saturday afternoon. Left from the game to party some more.

Those were the days!

Enjoy your day!

The Electoral College has been in the news big time most of the week. It will continue so a bit longer.

Many are unaware of why there is an Electoral College. Seems to be different from the manner in which most things done by vote are conducted. Most are by majority vote. Considered the democratic way to do things.

The problem is the Electoral College does not function democratically. It distorts democracy.

The reason therefore is that the Electoral College was born of compromise.

It was 1787. The  delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia had spent months knocking out the Constitution. One item especially befuddled them, however. The manner in which a President was to be elected.

Two approaches were under consideration. One that Congress should pick the President. The other that the people select the President by democratic popular vote.

The delegates were tired, impatient, and frustrated. They wanted to go home. The Presidency issue still burdened them. Ergo, they acted in haste so they could return to their homes. Compromise was the only way they could get the job done and leave.

Haste does make waste. The Electoral College is an example.

The Electoral College adopted calls for the creation every four years of a temporary group of electors equal to the total number of Representatives in Congress.

Technically, the electors are to vote for the President, not the people. The present Congress consists of 538 members. A majority vote is 270. The first to reach that number wins.

The Electoral College was not intended to be perfect. The delegates knew it. They were aware it was not the best they could produce. However, they did not care. They were tired. Their goal was to get home.

The Electoral College has been described as an instrument “cobbled together” because the delegates could not agree on anything else.

Practical reasons were also involved in coming up with the Electoral College as opposed to anything else.

At the time of the Constitutional Convention, no other country had ever directly elected its chief executive. The delegates feared wading into uncharted waters.

The delegates also distrusted executive power. They had had to deal with a tyrannical king and overreaching colonial governors. Such considered despots. They did not want to deal with another despot.

Convention delegates were divided among themselves. Each had a different reason for how and how not a President should be selected.

One group was adamantly opposed to Congress picking the President. They believed such would provide too much opportunity for chummy corruption between the executive and legislative branches.

Another group was as fervently opposed to the people directly electing the President by straight popular vote. They feared a headstrong “democratic man” could steer the country astray.

Finally, there was a group that feared a populist President appealing directly to the people could command dangerous amounts of power.

Out of the disagreements, the compromise Electoral College came to be. Its delegates to be “electoral intermediaries.”

The states would appoint individual “electors” who would cast their actual ballots for President.

Perhaps the most serious problem, the one sticking point difficult to resolve, was how to deal with slaves. Some states were slave owning, others not. The problem a power one. The more the number of people making up a state’s population, the more electors a state would have. The problem plagued the House of Representatives, also: Should slaves be included in counting a state’s population?

The result was the “three fifths compromise.” Each enslaved person would be counted as 3/5ths of a person for the allocation of electors, representatives, and calculating federal taxes.

The Electoral College has not worked as intended. It does not fit in today’s world of modern politics. The party in power typically benefits. The minority party has little chance of changing the system.

Why so difficult to change the system?

The Electoral College is part of the Constitution. A Constitutional amendment requires a two thirds vote in Congress, plus ratification by three quarters of the states.

A practical impossibility in today’s political world.

The Electoral College will be with us forever.

Enjoy your day!