The world has changed. Most families are dysfunctional today. Respect lacking. From both sides. Child v. parent, parent v. child, grandparents ignored.

The lessons of my youth seem no longer to apply.

Dysfunctional hit the media big time yesterday. Rudi Giuliani’s daughter Carol Rose wrote a scathing article about her father. It was published in Vanity Fair. Titled: Everyone Vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

No question, Carol Rose is mad at Dad.

I quote some interesting passages from her article.

“We are mountains apart, politically and otherwise.”

“None of us can afford to be silent right now.”

There is a “desperation to escape corrosive political discourse.”

“There is hope on the horizon, but we’ll only grasp it if we elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”

“I’m asking you to stand with me in the fight to end Donald’s reign of terror.”

My father has become the “President’s personal bulldog.”

“Corruption starts with ‘yes-men’ and women, the cronies who create an echo chamber of lies and subservience to maintain their proximity to power.”

“We are hanging by a single, slipping finger on a cliff’s edge, and the fall will be fatal.”

The Town Halls last night. Both at time same time. Made no sense to schedule them thusly. I was switching back and forth attempting to get the thrust of each man’s responses.

Two different men. Two different sets of values. One lies, the other truthful. One full of rancor and hate. The other calm. One basically non-responsive, the other detailed.

I got the impression at one point that Trump was trying to shout his way back into the White House.

One moderator good. The other leaving much to be desired.

ABC’s George Stephanopolus moderated Biden. He was looking for a “gotcha” moment. Failed. His followups were poor, not meaty and significant at all.

On the other hand, NBC’s Savannah Guthrie was outstanding! She had Trump to deal with. Her followups right on.

I have been writing and talking the past 2 years about a coming food shortage. Many have been critical of me. They were blind. Refused to see what was coming.

Not good to be out of food at any time. Worse when many unemployed and do not have the money to buy sufficient food even were it available.

An interesting article in Bloomberg’s this morning: Supply Lines: Scrambling for food.

Hunger on the rise is a global problem. Coronavirus a major crippling force. Lack of money the other.

The worse coronavirus gets, the less food that will be available.

Trucking delays add to the problem. Money problems leave food product stranded in areas, sitting in ports, logjams in warehouses.

With more and more becoming unemployed, food banks are swamped with requests for help. Their food supplies diminishing steadily each day.

Soon there will be no food at food banks. Then what?

John Brown raided Harpers Ferry this date in 1859. Brown and 6 of his followers were captured and executed.

Brown’s body lies on a mountaintop near Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. Next to his home.

I have visited twice. A thing to do on a rainy day in the Adirondacks.

The house is small. Furnished spartanly. Brown buried next to the house.

Tom and Fran Dixon have been Key West friends for more than 10 years. They still live in Buffalo. Travel to Key West 4-5 times a year because of a business interest here.

Fran is the charming woman who for several years has been bringing me jars of homemade meat sauce with pork, meatballs and sausage. She worries about me! Love her!

This year no Italian sauce. Instead, face masks.

My friends are die hard Syracuse fans also. Fran made Syracuse face masks. 1095s. With inserts.

Tom and Fran are far braver than I. They flew on the plane, drank in bars, ate in restaurants, etc. They are 74 and 70 respectively.

I told them they were foolish. Good friends can speak to each other in such fashion.

They wanted to visit, to bring me the face masks.

They were aware of my 200 plus days of self quarantine. I told them they could not come in the house. What a good friend am I!

It was no problem. Easily resolved. They stood on the sidewalk in front of my house and I on the porch, leaning on my cane.

We talked quite a while. Then I was impolite again, though it was not taken that way. I told them the visit was over. The sun was killing me and I was tired leaning on my cane.

Guy de Boer called at 7:55 this morning. His 8 o’clock guest on his KONK radio show could not make it. Asked me to fill in which I was most happy to do. We “exorcised” last night’s Town Hall shows.

The Citizens Voice spoke well this morning. A reader’s comment I agree with: “Key West has a seedy past. Long live Key West’s seedy side.” It had to be more fun back then.

Twenty year old May Johnson continues to enjoy her Key West life in 1896.

She started her evening this day in 1896 by attending a teacher’s meeting. Received free physicals which took a long time.

Then she and Charlie went to La Brisa. She had a wonderful evening. Danced every dance.

She was upset with Dr. Nobo, however. It bothered her that he sat watching her all night.

Her purported love Ernesto was as usual out of town working.

May lets no grass grow under her feet.

Enjoy your day!

Our legal system is disintegrating.

In days gone by, the law could be depended upon to do the right thing. No more. As a result people are losing faith in the legal system.

The legal system is like a dike. It can handle a leak. Cracks are another story. The leaks turn into cracks and the walls are in danger of collapsing.

The Supreme Court is on the verge of losing face. Its politicization is destroying it. People are losing faith.

The non-judicial portion of the legal system has lost its way. Somehow, somewhere. The system seems to pay less and less attention to the 99 percent. Rights are violated. Rights not upheld. The system becoming more and more out of control.

A perfect example: Police being able to kill blacks with impunity.

A society whose laws fail to protect everyone understandably and fairly cannot survive.

Can the U.S. survive? Perhaps. Timing is everything. The disintegration discussed herein is no different than the Ovid-19 virus plaguing us. Millions infected and thousands dead.

The people of the U.S. must move with all deliberation and seriousness to destroy the political virus before it destroys America.

Can they?

I have had enough of Amy Coney Barret. She is on the wrong side of history.

Her ascendancy to the Supreme Court a fait accompli.

The Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation have succeeded. It took them fifty years to finally and firmly change the face of the Supreme Court. Their patience won.

It will take a generation to correct the wrongs the 6-3 conservative Supreme Court will now perpetrate.

Nicholas Kristof published a right on Opinion piece in yesterday’s New York Times. Titled: Will We Choose The Right Side Of History.

One of the areas he zeroed in on was Amy Coney Barrett’s method of answering questions. He described at as “avoidance.” Pure and simple. Precedent would control or she had no firm views on an issue. Hr evasiveness obvious.

So bad were such responses that Kristof wrote, “If she had been asked about astronomy, she might have explained: ‘I have read things about the Earth being round. I would not say I have a firm view on it.'”

Another doctor visit yesterday. Since I was downtown, I opted to drop of my mail in ballot at the Election Bureau.

I was concerned that my signature on the envelope might not look as it did when I first registered some 15 years ago. As my legs wobble, so do my hands on occasion.

I asked the clerk if I could see a copy of my registration signature. She brought it up on her computer screen. Told me not to worry. The same.

My car was parked in front of the Green Parrot. Several years ago the Green Parrot purchased the building next to it on Southard. Turned it into a restaurant. Big. Basically served burgers and the like.

The place was closed down. Windows boarded. A large sign: FOR SALE.

I observed the crowd on Duval again. Crowd the wrong term. Like nobody would have been more accurate. Roughly 10 percent that would be walking Duval at that time on a weekday if no virus. Next to no masks.

Enjoy your day!

After 11 days of home confinement, Trump was “back on the road again.” Shades of Willie Nelson.

He was in Sanford, Florida. Now his “home state.” A rally of thousands at the airport. Chanting USA! USA!

Donald’s people. Most maskless.

Pure unadulterated adulation emanating from their lips.

Trump said, “I’m immune!” Followed by he was willing to come out into the crowd and kiss the men and women. He had met the enemy coronavirus and defeated it. He was invincible.

No social distancing. Thousands of prospective Covid-19 challenging the virus to attack them. Their god Trump clear indication their was nothing to fear.

Yesterday’s news re coronavirus not good. The virus is up by at least 50 percent in 5 states. In one week! An obvious resurgence.

The States involved Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont.

The numbers were up in 31 other states in one week also. Though not to the 50 percent level.

Yesterday was Columbus Day. Brought to mind the rhyme we were all taught back in grammar school: “In fourteen hundred ninety-two / Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”

Heard from 2 separate couples I have not been in touch with in several months.

Saturday it was Larry and Christine Smith. Christine Cordone her professional name. Still Key Westers. They have purchased a home somewhere in Pennsylvania.

They are snowbirds in reverse. Still maintain their Key West home.

The reason for the Pennsylvania purchase was Larry’s mom. She is on in her years and living in an assisted living facility. He wanted to be close to his mother who he visits every day.

Coronavirus affects how they meet. There are 2 barriers between he and his mother.

Larry mentioned something of interest. He said It was Trump country where he lived. Tons of Trump signs. One house after another.

Tom and Fran Dixon from Buffalo are in for a few days. A board meeting. Tom owns a small piece of the Ocean Key House.

I have not seen Tom and Fran in over a year.

They thought I would be out on the town with them. Told them no way! I have been self quarantined for over 200 days. I also chastised them for traveling during these times. They are in their 70’s.

Good people.

They insisted on seeing me. We worked out a deal. They would drive to my home and stop for a few minutes in the street. I would stand on my porch. We would laugh, communicate and have a few minutes of fun.

Fran has been my benefactor over the years food wise. She always brings me homemade meat sauce with pork and meatballs. About a dozen bottles. And I won’t see her! I am ashamed, but correct.

This trip no sauce. Instead Syracuse face masks which she made herself.

Love the girl!

That’s it for today. I am scheduled to appear on Guy de Boer’s KONK radio show at 8:22. Don’t laugh. The topic is Amy Coney Barrett and yesterday’s Senate Judiciary hearing.

Enjoy your day!

Today is the first day of years of bad days to come for our country. Assuming of course everything goes as Trump and the U.S. Senate anticipate.

This morning the Senate Judiciary Committee meets for what is expected to be a one week process confirming Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.

Trump could not have made a worse choice. America will rue her ascendancy for many years.

It has to do with religion. I am fully aware that a person’s religion is not to be considered in deciding if she should move on to the Supreme Court. It is not her choice of religion that is the problem. It is how it will affect her judgment and rulings.

The best example is 1960 and John Kennedy’s race for the Presidency. He was Catholic. The U.S. had never had a Catholic President. Many feared that Kennedy would be the Pope’s puppet and his decisions would be influenced by the Pope.

In one sentence, the issue was put to rest. Kennedy said, “Render unto God that which is God’s and to Caesar that which is Caesar’s.”

Barrett’s problem similar to the one Kennedy faced.

Barrett claims to be Catholic. I don’t know and can’t figure if she is. It is not her Catholicism that concerns me, it is her other religious affiliation. People of Praise.

People of Praise is not a church per se. It is a network of para Christian groups. The majority are Catholics, though there are some Protestants.

The group was founded in 1971. It has 1,700 members today.

People of Praise considers itself charismatic. Such concerns me. Most are not aware of what the charismatic movement stands for.

Some of its tenets worry me. Note Barrett can belong to any religious group she wants. However, her involvement with certain types could affect her judgment improperly. In this instance she will succumb to People of Praise dictates.

I had the opportunity to attend a charismatic service in Utica in 1978. I wanted to know what it was about. Especially since my wife and a lady friend had become enamored with the movement. That was all they were talking about at the time.

What I saw that evening was a bunch of nuts.

Charismatics believe in the Holy Spirit. No problem. I do also. The third person of the Holy Trinity. What seemed way out to me was that the people at the service believed that the Holy Spirit would “speak to them in tongues.” Come down from above on a person individually. Speak in a foreign language not understood by the person being so “blessed.”

Simultaneously, the person afflicted would raise his/her arms in a hallelujah cry and shout out I am being talked to. Some ran into the aisles, some fell to the floor ranting.

A holy rollers situation.

There are certain other aspects of Persons of Praise that make me uncomfortable.

Each member has a “head.” A spiritually mature person. A member meets with the “head” on a frequent basis. As many as 3 times a week. The “head” acting as a personal adviser. Note personal adviser. Not just concerning religious matters. The “head” provides areas of encouragement, correction, and help in non religious areas.

Some tenets do not fit into today’s way of thinking. For example, the husband is the head of the household and spiritual adviser to his wife. The wife at all times is subservient to her husband.

You may say so what. How bad can it be? Terrible! Because it is off track. Not normal.

Approach the situation in a different fashion. There are other off beat and/or wacky religious groups.

Those involving snakes. Snake handling. Also known as serpent handling. The group has a small number of churches in the U.S. They are part of Holivers movement.

In addition to Holivers, Pentecostals, Charismatics, and other Evangelicals.

What about Satanism. A recognized religion in the U.S. Contemporary as People of Praise. Founded in 1966.

Snake churches go back to the Middle Ages and before. The Inquisition where people were tortured and put to death.

What about the Salem witch hunts? People claimed the Devil was in their midst or in a person, and reacted accordingly. People were hung and had harm otherwise inflicted upon them.

People who believe snakes are intrinsically involved in religion and those that recognize Satan as their Christ, are deviants to some extent.  How much different from a charismatic group that believes the Holy Spirit descends upon them and “speaks in tongues?” And then they shout out about it in holly roller spirit.

I would be more comfortable if persons of Barrett’s ilk were not considered for the Supreme Court. Barrett’s group thinks differently from most Americans in having a person they must talk to weekly to share concerns, etc. A Supreme Court Justice should not require such counsel and neither seek nor accept it.

To the women, think of how hard you have fought for women’s rights. The hard won battles of the last 60 years. Out the window with Barrett.

As I opened, today is a bad day for America. The Senate Republicans will approve her.

Enjoy your day! Continue Reading →

Pray tell, where does Trump get these supporters? The most recent to come to light is Candance Owens. A 31 year old black woman who formed and leads BLEXIT. A far right  black Republican conservative group.

BLEXIT was the group present on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday for the brief talk by God: Trump standing on the Truman balcony far above the 300-400 black BLEXIT’s standing below him.

Allegedly young Republicans. Not sure if Republicans, conservatives, or anything actually.

The talk had been promoted during the week preceding it as a law enforcement one. Two thousand persons had been invited. The HUGE outdoor rally advertised failed to even closely reach its goal.

Many of the 300-400 Brexit persons came from elsewhere. Most had their travel and lodging expense paid by Candance Owens’ BLEXIT group. All were given blue BLEXIT T shirts which they were mandated to wear without exception. Also face masks to wear, with no requirement that they had to be worn. There was no social distancing. They stood shoulder to shoulder looking up at the President.

The black attendees were required to fill out a form that in effect notified them that BLEXIT, a campaign urging Black Americans to leave the Democratic Party, would be covering travel costs.

Trump referred to the group as Black Conservatives.I wonder how many were even enrolled with a political party.

Candance Owens was running the show. A former liberal Democrat now a Republican conservative.

Trump was expected to discuss law enforcement with the Conservative Blacks.

Owens was a staunch Democrat activist till 2017. In 2015, she criticized conservative Republicans in a writing. She wrote about the “bat-shit-crazy antics of the Republican Tea Party.” She further wrote, “They will obviously die off then we can get on with the OBVIOUS social changes that need to happen.”

Something occurred in 2017 that affected her politically. What, I do not know. All of a sudden the staunch Democrat became a black hearted Republican. As she wrote in 2017, “Overnight…..I realized that liberals were actually the racists. Liberals were actually the trolls.”

Owens came to Trump’s attention this year. The Republican Party will take as many blacks into its ranks as it can. Especially smart ones. A mere 10-15 percent of the voting population are black and Republican.

Those on the White House lawn have been referred to as “secret paid protesters.”

Owens is planning an “anti-Black Lives Matter” event. Her followers have been urged to attend and have been further advised a limited number will receive travel stipends.

Regarding BLEXIT which Owens formed in 2018, she said, “We have to take this mask off. We have to unmask America.”

A question. Where is the money coming from to finance BLEXIT? I wonder. I doubt she is independently wealthy. She is a 31 year old college drop out.

Trump must be disappointed he failed to win the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. He need not worry. His name has already been submitted for the 2021 Peace award

He was nominated by Laura Huhtasaari, a right wing Finnish politician. She said she nominated Trump based on his “endeavors to end the era of endless wars.” She felt Trump had been “snubbed” in failing to receive the award this year.

How Cubans and Cuban cigars came to Key West.

In 1868, M. De Caspedes started a revolution on his estate in Bayamo, Cuba. The Spanish government immediately crushed the uprising.

Such led to the first mass Cuban migration to Key West. De Caspedes and his followers.

They brought with them the knowledge and seed to make Cuban cigars. The hand rolled Cuban cigar business was established using clear leaf Cuban tobacco.

The football season does not look good for Syracuse. My team lost to Duke yesterday 38-24.

Duke had lost its first 4 games this season. Syracuse was 1-2.

Syracuse had played exceptionally well against Georgia Tech which was the team’s first win. I expected the same against Duke.

It was not to be.

On obvious reason is Syracuse receivers could not hold on to the ball. Perfect throws dropped from their hands.

Some day, glory will be Syracuse’s again. I hope I am around to see it.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It has been a while since I discussed pythons and iguanas. Two of Florida’s most disliked reptiles.

This past week, two workers at the Florida Python Elimination Program were working in the Everglades. They caught a record breaking female Burmese python. Just under 20 feet.

Besides its length, there is one additional factor involved. They caught the python with their bare hands!

Two crazy guys!

Iguanas are a total absolute pain in the ass! The only way to describe how they affect humans. They eat our flower beds, defecate in our pools, etc.

Florida was late in deciding to deal with the python problem. By the time Florida got to them, there were too many pythons to deal with. Like in excess of 1 million.

Florida is aware of its delay and the result thereof. Florida acknowledges pythons will never be eliminated. The hope is to control/manage the population.

Florida has equally been late in dealing with the iguana population. They’re all over the place!

When I first started visiting Key West 30 years ago, there were no iguanas. Then they began to appear on the golf course. In trees and on the ground. All sizes. Looked like tiny dinosaurs.

They are prolific. Enjoy sex. They frequently engage in the practice. Iguanas today without any doubt exceed the 1 million pythons.

For the past 2 years, Florida has been trying to deal with the problem. Good luck! Will not do any good. The State is too late again.

Florida now permits “private hunters.” Their game iguanas. They are hired by property owners, not the State.

One such hunter is Quentin Garcia. He has been in the business 2 years. In that time, he estimates he has killed 3,000.

The law permits snares, trapping, and BB or pellet guns. Garcia prefers the guns.

Iguanas are not an endangered species. Never the less, Florida law requires they be killed with one shot. The first one. Recommend a bullet to the brain. Garcia aims for an ear.

A problem arises if the iguana is not dead. Not supposed to shoot it again. In pain. However, I do not know what is done next.

The Villages in mid Florida is the largest retired persons community in the U.S. Most residents black hearted Republicans. Trump their hero.

My few Democratic friends who live there try to keep their politics secret. It’s that bad.

Some are coming into the new light of day.

Residents get around on golf carts. Signs have been seen on them in increasing numbers. The signs saying Go Biden. Note the increasing numbers no way compares with the number still supporting Trump.

J. Ronald Johns died. He was 84. His friends referred to him as Johnnie.

Johnnie had 2 homes. One in Utica, the other in Key West. Summers in Utica, winters in Key West.

We became friends. The Utica connection made it possible. We were not close friends, but knew each other. We both belonged to the Key West Yacht Club which brought us together with some frequency.

Johnnie was a mild mannered man. Everyone liked him.

He was a bean farmer. The farm just outside Utica. His grandfather established it. The family has run it since and continue operating it to this day.

I would run into him occasionally on the Key West golf course. He was an excellent golfer. Not scratch, but close enough.

My golf club in Utica was the Yahnandasis. Every summer a Member-Guest Tournament. I asked Johnnie to be my guest.

Understand, I am the world’s worst golfer. My handicap 35. Horrible!

I could be helpful in a tournament, however. A par or two, an occasional birdie, and I made my contribution. Especially where I got 2 strokes on a hole.

Three days. The tournament serious business.

We were in the sixth or seventh flight. My poor playing caused us to be that low.

We played wonderful for 3 days. Johnnie played a bit over his head, as I did. I smiled every time we won a hole. I would look at the guys we were playing, point to Johnie, and say, “My horse!”

Not only did we win our flight, we won the whole tournament. The result being based on overall score for the 3 days.

I felt terrific. I’m not supposed to win. I never win. We split $700 and each received a Gorham crystal bowl.

As I indicated before, Johnnie was my “horse.” We won because of his playing, not mine.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to do an outstanding job with his handling of the coronavirus crisis. He continues to stay on top of the problem.

New York was in great shape till recently. Suddenly clusters began appearing in various parts of the City. One part those where Orthodox Jewish communities are located.

Cuomo limited all religious services to 25 percent. The Orthodox community went crazy. Argued a violation of their religious beliefs prohibited by the Constitution.

The Jews took Cuomo to federal court. The first hearing was friday. The Jewish religious wanted a temporary injunction prohibiting Cuomo from limiting their services in synagogues.

The federal judge ruled in favor of Cuomo. A telling portion of the Judge’s decision: “How can we ignore the compelling state interest in protecting the health and life of all New Yorkers?”

If Cuomo had been running the coronavirus pandemic for the whole U.S, we would not still be in the position we have been for several months.

A study recently concluded 59 Americans have more wealth than 50 percent of the population. The study further revealed the “59” increased their wealth substantially in the several months Covid-19 has been a problem in the U.S.

Syracuse/Duke today. Duke a 2.5 point favorite.

Hope I can get the game on TV. Getting Syracuse games on TV an absolute pain in the ass in Key West! And, I have a special sports package. The problem arises because of a war between the ACC and Comcast.

Enjoy your day!

White supremacists and similar type groups continue to be on the move. Each act or contemplated act the worse yet.

The most recent plan diabolical from its inception. Kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer, try her, then execute her. Following which the group involved would move into Wisconsin and start a civil war.

The rebels the Wolverine Watchmen.

Fortunately, officials became aware and informants were able to infiltrate the group several months ago.

Thirteen have been charged with the plan. Six federal, seven state. They will be tried for treason.

These are Trump’s people. Trump has been on Witmer’s back for more than a year. They do not agree among other things how the coronavirus epidemic should be handled. Trump has spoken poorly of her.

Even following the arrests. Trump spoke of the group’s goodness and not a favorable word re Witmer. His attitude very negative. No words of happy the plan failed, etc.

Last year for the first time, federal officials warned that domestic terrorism is the worse danger facing the U.S. It’s members people who support Trump and in return are supported by Trump.

The U.S. must engage in a war against domestic terrorism. Its danger equivalent to the coronavirus epidemic. The only valid solution is to get Trump out of office. They’re his people. Mine is not a political cry. Rather, a practical one.

Biden must be elected. The House and Senate controlled by the Democrats.

Then we will be able to work to weaken and hopefully get rid of these hate groups. We will have neither a Trump or Barr to deal with.

Presently, we are like Hitler and his people in the mid and late 1930’s. If Trump is reelected, Trump will become Hitler and the U.S. Nazi Germany.

It’s up to you, me, the people…..everyone!

Trump is unhappy with many. Always has persons on his “hate list.”

Presently it is Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer for her handling of the Covid-19 crisis, Attorney General Barr because he refuses to arrest Biden and Clinton for purported wrongdoings in the 2016 election, Secretary of State Pompeo for his failure to release Clinton’s e-mails, and FBI Director Chris Wray who overall Trump has found not to be supportive.

Today has to be another bad one for Trump. He is sick, looks like he is going to lose the election, losing cases in the courts, his tax records getting out, very few things going his way.

Trump received 2 nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. I am sure he had dreams of sugarplums dancing in his head.

The winner was announced this morning. It was not Trump.

An organization did. The World Food Programme, a U.N. entity. The organization has been providing food to 90 million people a year.

What has Trump done to equal such? Nothing even close.

The New England Medical Journal is probably the most respected medical publication in the world. Not political in any fashion. In fact, the last time it published anything of a political nature was back in 1812.

This week became the time to be politic again. The Journal wrote a blistering editorial about Trump’s failure in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of the editorial: “National leaders had the opportunity to limit the virus’ spread and prevent widespread illness, deaths, and lasting economic turmoil. Here in the United States, our leaders have failed that test. They have taken a crisis and turned it into a tragedy.”

When Trump was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night last year, the doctors who were to treat him were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. Two refused. They were not allowed to care for Trump.

Same thing with Trump’s Walter Reed hospitalization last week. Only doctors who signed non-disclosures were permitted to care for the President.

I have written increasingly over the past 2 years concerning what I viewed as an impending food shortage. Many mocked me.

It is here and is growing. Getting worse each day. More people in need of food assistance and less food available.

It is believed that over the next 12 months the shortage will increase faster and to a bigger extent.

The next 12 months will reveal that food banks will be short 8 million packages. Means 8 million will go hungry.

It is projected 1 out of 5 will be out of cash by election day. More Americans are slipping into poverty.

The surge for food at the food banks is unprecedented. The demand surge greater than ever and increasing by the day.

Food banks require among other things large donations. Donations have been drying up because of the U.S.’s growing economic problems.

Soon the U.S., the greatest nation on earth, will find 50 million of its citizens without sufficient food on a consistent basis. As the economy continues to crumble, the hunger crisis will escalate.

Unquestionably, troubled times ahead. How will the U.S. handle it?

Scarlet fever is returning.

How many have even heard of scarlet fever? It is a yesterday disease that was solved with anti-biotics. No vaccine available. However the anti-biotics worked efficiently.

Till now.

The scarlet fever virus is mutating. Its resurgence becoming obvious.

Scarlet fever may each epidemic proportions as it did years ago. One of the worst times in the U.S. was the first half of the twentieth century. It was the leading cause of death among children. Children from 5-15.

I have a somewhat clear recollection of when I had scarlet fever. I was 4-5 years old. We lived in a 3 story 6 apartment house. I was taken to the hospital. The charity one. Not that I knew such at the time.

I recall 2 things distinctly.

When the ambulance people were taking me out of the building, there was a sign by the front door. I cannot recall its exact wording. What it said in effect was the building was quarantined, DANGER!, no one could enter.

That’s the way it was in the late 1930’s.

The other distinct recollection was my parents could not visit me in the hospital. They stood on the lawn outside waving and trying to talk with me. I was inside on the other side of the window. Waving at them and laughing.  I did not understand what was going on.

Another doctor visit yesterday. Afterwards, I drove down Duval. It was noon time.

Not many people again. Appeared to be all tourists. No mask wearing. A couple more stores closed. The windows reflecting a stark emptiness.

Enjoy your day!

The primary thought running through my mind last night was why was I watching the Vice-Presidential debate.

The debate changed nothing. Pence and Harris both unimpressive.

Pence was his usual self. Did his job Always supportive of Trump. Never spoke ill of him. His performance so lacking that a fly got more attention.

Pence has a bad problem. He lies. He was consistent with past speeches in that regard last night.

Harris bothered me. My thoughts centered on whether she was Presidential timber. She was great in her preprepared responses. Hesitant otherwise.

Harris reminded me of a sports team that made it to the championship game for the first time. Like the Super Bowl or Final Four. A team has to have been there before in order to win. This was Harris’ first time. Seasoning required.

Rather than throw the baby out with the wash water, lets try something else first. Give the moderator a button to press that cuts the speaker off if the speaker speaks beyond his or her time. Debates for the highest offices in the land should not be a free for all.

Trump received some anti-body treatment while in the hospital. I believe it is called Regeneron. Still in its testing stage.

Trump considers it a miracle drug. Made him feel great. Says it might be good to give to the American people and at no cost.

Yesterday’s MIT Technology Review reported the drug was tested using fetal cells originally derived from an abortion.

What would God say? The Trump administration has consistently said fetal cells from any source should not be used for testing or as a part of a drug. If Regeneron is approved, will Right to Lifers permit its use in their bodies?

Sound way out? Think of all the stupid cases that have gone to the Supreme Court on abortion/birth control issues equally far out.

Regeneron’s final product will not utilize fetal cells in its testing or preparation. In its place will be cells from some hamster organ.

Amy Coney Barrett will be approved for the Supreme Court. It would take an apocalyptic event to prevent it.

I have written several times as to my opposition. It is based primarily on her religious background.

Recently, she is being palmed off as a Roman Catholic. Perhaps she is. Yesterday and for most of her adult life she has not. She and her husband have been members of People of Praise. A charismatic group who have beliefs way out. Like a wife must be subservient to the husband in all things. Seems her group interprets the Bible as Scalia interpreted the Constitution. To the letter.

She has said in the past that abortion is “barbaric.” It is believed she will vote for its repeal. She is anti-Obamacare. She is and/or will be against everything that has been fought for and decided favorably for the American people in the past 60 years.

I mention this religious thing again today because of Senator Durbin. He said on TV yesterday that religion would be off limits in questioning Barrett. Wrong!!! In this instance it is her religious foundation and beliefs that are crucial in deciding what “fairness” means to her while sitting on the Supreme Court.

Suppose she was a member of some Satanic group? Ok to question her on her religious beliefs then?

The woman is going to spend 30-40 years on the Court. She should be questioned on anything and everything that might affect her judgment.

Trump claims he is transparent. As transparent as a brick wall!

Will we ever be told when Trump was last tested negative?

In fact, his whole medical scenario re his recent hospitalization should be an open book.

I consider Stephen Miller the Joseph Goebbels of the Trump administration. Goebbels was Hitler’s Propaganda Minister. He even looks like Goebbels.

Miller sits at the right hand of God. His office next to Trump’s. Trump relies on his thoughts. Miller writes most of Trump’s speeches.

It was announced he has been infected with coronavirus.

Trump keeps telling us the economy is good. If so, why are so many corporations announcing big number furloughs?

The most recent Regal Cinema. Closing all U.S. theaters thursday. The move affects 40,000 employees.

Trump has been twice nominated recently for the Nobel Peace Prize. I am not certain if the nominations were for this year or next.

Friday, this year’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced. I will be shocked if it is Trump.

The vaccine! The vaccine! The vaccine!

Even Pence last night said with confidence we would have a vaccine this year. He even used the word “soon.” Said with an aura of confidence.

Trump has done even better. I can recall several months ago when it was next year. That moved down to next month, next week, days, and now “momentarily.”

Would Trump lie to the American people by announcing and pushing a vaccine or other drug allegedly to cure coronavirus so he can be reelected?

YES!.

Helen Reddy recently died at age 78. Her recording of I Am Woman became a feminist anthem.

Trump lost his credibility almost as soon as he took office in 2016. Doctors have generally been considered credible forever.

Today, not those attending Trump for Covid-19. They refuse to provide Trump’s recent medical records.

Amazing how Trump contaminates everyone he comes in contact with! And I do not mean solely coronavirus wise.

Another doctor visit at noon.

Enjoy your day!

So much news to share. My preparatory notes this morning overwhelming. Too many to organize properly. Ergo, it’s Morning Stew time!

Trump announced late yesterday that he had told the Republicans to withdraw from any further stimulus negotiations. As far as he was concerned, the talks were over till after the election when he would give the people the best stimulus package ever!

Who is he kidding!

Reminds me of Little Jack Horner. Donald being Little Jack Horner, of course: “Little Jack Horner / Sat in his corner, / Eating his Christmas pie; / He put in his thumb / And pulled out a plum, / And said, ‘What a good boy am I!'”

Word this morning is Trump is reconsidering. Appears steroid psychosis was the driving force in his statement last night.

Pence/Harris tonight. The battle of the Vice-Presidential candidates.

Don’t expect a sweet calm exchange. Both are skilled debaters.  Pence calm and a skillful liar. Reminds me of Trump on occasion. Harris an experienced former prosecutor. Blood will flow. One will be on the ground when it’s over.

Pence has a heavy burden. He has to answer for the 210,000 Covid-19 deaths. He was #2 in command. He also was the head of the Commission Trump appointed to manage America’s war with the virus.

He never took command of anything in his 4 years as VP. His leadership of the Commission a disaster. Trump would lie and Pence would support him.

Remember the children that wee separated from their parents at the southwest border? Babies ripped from their mother’s arms?

It was revealed yesterday that Jeff Sessions and top Justice Department officials were the “driving force” re the “migrant children separation.”

Sessions’ orders were that age of the children did not matter. Separate them all, even babies.

Greece. My beloved Greece.

During my first two visits, there seemed to be a secondary police force. Dressed in all black. The Golden Dawn. A neo-Nazi group.

Scared the hell out of me. Day or night, they looked at you and followed you with their eyes. Always in a group. Aryan appearing. Young, tall, fair skinned and blond.

Greece were hurting. No work, no food, etc. They took over.

The regular police were still there. They turned their backs whenever someone was being beaten on the streets. I discovered half the police force were also members of Golden Dawn.

People eventually were able to work again, put food on their tables,etc. Golden Dawn’s popularity diminished.

Some 6 years ago, the head of Golden Dawn was arrested and charged with forming and running a criminal organization. The trial took 5 1/2 years.

The jury has returned. The leader was found guilty.

If we do not resolve our problems with neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other far right radical groups, people similar to Greece’s black shirts will be walking the streets of America all day, every day.

Under Trump, the rich got richer and the poor poorer. Something we all know.

Billionaire fortunes increased dramatically. To dizzying heights.

On July 1, 2019, the billionaire fortune totaled $8.9 trillion. One year later on July 1, 2020, it had increased to $10.2 trillion.

The group were all happy to say, “Thank you, Donald!”

In October 1927, work began on Mount Rushmore. Took 12 years to complete at a cost of $1 million.

Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The scene of many Indian battles in the last half of the 19th century.

The Indians who still live where Mount Rushmore is located, initially strenuously opposed the project.

The faces of the four Presidents are constructed in the following order: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Jefferson presented a problem. Two years after beginning work on Jefferson, the stone began to crack. Jefferson’s face was totally removed. His new head was located on the other side of Washington.

I wrote recently that we are on a path to scarcity as far as food is concerned. It has become impossible to grow enough, feed the animals, transport the finished product to the stores, etc.

The reason our super markets are beginning to evidence less items on shelves is not because people are hoarding.

They don’t have the money to hoard. It is because coronavirus has made it impossible to get the food produced and to super market shelves.

More and more food banks are opening. Not to feed the homeless and normally poor. There is a new group. The “formerly comfortable” who today do not have the money to put food on the table.

I have written to the issue at least twice. Each time people commented I did not know what I was talking about. The validity of my words is now becoming obvious.

Key West for example has 2 food banks rapidly going to 4.

In the past year, those needing food in Key West has almost doubled. The new high points being food packages provided: 13,500 and 14,035 in August and September respectively.

A new hurricane. A big one! Delta. Already a Category 4 and has not hit land yet.

It is heading toward the Mexico Yucatan. Then to the U.S. gulf coast. Anticipated it will be a 4 also when it hits U.S. shores sometime next week.

The DOW dropped 600 points yesterday after Trump’s announcement he was ceasing stimulus negotiations.

We live in an age of distrust. Even with 210,000 dead from coronavirus in less than a year, Trump cannot accept the horrors of Covid-19.

Trump has been tweet crazy the past 2 days. Result of the steroids. He wrote some obviously wrong comments re coronavirus. Facebook deleted them. Twitter hid them.

Cornell came out with a study yesterday. The study indicated 38 percent of American people believe as Trump does that coronavirus is a hoax, will soon disappear, etc.

A hefty number. No wonder many do not wear masks.

The crazies are out there.

The most recent Donna Lorraine. A former candidate for a California Congressional seat. Now a conservative commentator.

Newsweek carried her story.

Lorraine claims the Democrats deliberately infected Trump’s microphone and podium prior to the debate a week ago yesterday. With the coronavirus bug.

Lorraine could provide no evidence to support her claim.

Pence has been drinking Trump’s Kool Aid too long. He initially refused a plexiglas shield between he and Harris for tonight’s debate. Also wondered why the desks could not be closer together.

Last night, he changed his mind. I suspect only because he looked stupid in the positions he was taking.

Guy de Boer, publisher of KONK Life, E-Blast, and morning radio show host on Station WPIK. The show is Keys Talk-In the News.

Guy’s 8 o’clock guest called in. She coud not-make it. Guy called me 3 minutes before air time: “You’re going on this morning!”

We did 10 minutes re Trump.

I enjoyed it.

I have many more notes. Blog already long enough. I am saving them till tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!