Key West is a funky town. Properly so. People who live here do so because they enjoy the atmosphere. Tourists, also.

Things get a little out of hand occasionally.

Karl Tanzer aka Count von Cosel worked at the Key West hospital. He fell in love with Elaine Hoya Mesa. The difference in their ages significant He could have been her father.

Elaine was in love with Karl as well.

On this date in 1940, Karl was arrested. Elaine had died. He was heart broken. She was buried in the cemetery. Some time later, Karl removed her body. He took Elaine’s body to his home.

Karl placed her in his bed. They slept together for several years.

Karl was arrested for keeping Elaine’s body in his home.

Because of a technicality, Karl was never convicted of any crime. He was not even tried.

Sickish! Ghoulish! Key West, however!

The Regal Cinema in the Sears Shopping Center took a bad beating in 2017 from Irma. Took forever for the repairs to be completed. Worth waiting for, however. The new Regal was extremely comfortable. Best movie seats I have ever sat in. Tons of leg room. Backwards, forward, up, down. A delight!

Coronavirus is affecting many American industries. One is the movie theater business.

Layoffs/furloughs are substantial when a major business goes down.

Regal Companies has announced it is closing all its theaters in the U.S. on thursday. Five hundred thirty six people will join the ranks of the unemployed.

The numbers keep growing.

Regal announced the closing was “temporary…..we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

It is not the virus alone which is keeping people away. It is the nature of home entertainment. Movies by the thousands are available on TV. Many free. The ticket prices, pop corn and soda became too expensive.

Today a big one in 1927. The first talking movie ever opened. The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson.

Silent movies were dead. Talkies the new kid on the block.

I watched Biden in an MSNBC Town Hall last night. The event outside in Miami.

Biden was outstanding. Presidential. As if he has been training for this job forever. He has. His entire life.

What was most interesting, Biden had a detailed plan worked out to solve any problems raised by the audience. Facts, not bullshit. No yelling either.

Lester Holt could have done better. He was not as bad as Chris Wallace. Not even close. However he did a few followups to  questions asked. I thought his followups stupid. Like he was trying for a “gotcha.” He asked questions about issues that were remote or non existent.

Yesterday, I thought Trump’s illness was a made up one. Today I think it was the steroids affecting his brain. Perhaps both.

Steroids are part of the coronavirus treatment procedure and can make a person off the wall for a period of time.

Trump was so afflicted when he took the ride Sunday and when he returned to the White House last night. Most of his tweets yesterday were way out.

It was reported yesterday and today that son Donald Jr. is concerned about his father’s health. He feels his father is “acting crazy.” The President’s appearance one of desperation. His sick body and mind trying to project strength.

Donald Jr. was alarmed.

He went to Ivanka and Jared. Asked for their cooperation in going to the President and telling him how bad he was doing and to back off.

Ivanka and Jared refused. They had been telling Trump “how great he was doing.”

Donald Jr. said he would not approach his father alone. He needed assistance in telling “Dad” he was acting crazy, the steroids were affecting him, etc.

When Trump arrived at the White House and after he got off the helicopter, he appeared to have difficulty breathing. Especially after he climbed the outside stairs to the Truman porch.

He stood for a good several minutes at the top of the stairs. Breathing appeared difficult. His face was pancaked under a coat of orange powder.

He saluted. I don’t know who he saluted. Great sharp salute. Lasted 23 seconds. His face never moved. Not one muscle.

Instead of immediately going to bed, he waited around. Waiting to make a video of his return. American flags flying.

Trump was jacked up by the steroids. His few words made it obvious. There was a power and excitement in whatever he said.  He could have flown to the moon without a spaceship.

Sad.

If China, Russia or Iran decided to do something terrible to the U.S., Trump cannot be trusted to handle it. I hope decisions have been made for Pence to take over temporarily in such instance.

CNN viewed Trump’s Sunday joyride and “the next to crazy Monday” as “steroid induced psychosis.”

New York City was a disaster several months ago. Cuomo worked hard at it and the numbers are way down. Although there was a slight increase this past week.

When things were bad, ICU beds reached the point of being unavailable. Regular rooms were turned into ICU rooms. Hospitals and staff were over loaded and over burdened.

As of October 1, New York City hospitals had 19 percent of regular beds empty. In addition, 25 percent of ICU beds were available.

Lets hope none are needed.

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou tonight. Nine my time. Guaranteed to be special. Trump alone could eat up the entire half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

I question Trump’s Covid-19 scenario.

For two reasons.

First, his credibility has been lacking the entire four years in office. Why not lie and misrepresent now. The inconsistencies from the White House, doctors and Trump himself makes one question the legitimacy of the claim he has been infected. Trump’s actions alone in the past 3 days raises the question of legitimacy to its highest level.

Second, Trump is Hollywood at its best in this gambit. The polls indicated he was on his way to being beaten badly. Something needed to be done to turn the tide. Something big, daring and dramatic. He would become a coronavirus victim.

If Trump’s personal Covid-19 lacks legitimacy, it magnifies his recklessness. Raises the question how one so reckless can be depended upon to protect his people. The first charge of a President.

It takes few words to reveal my thoughts and concerns.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday I congratulated Charlie Brown and Peanuts on their 70th birthday. The response has been amazing!

I was deluged with telephone calls and e-mails. Everyone knew or knows Charlie Brown. A tone of excitement accompanied each communication.

I should not have been surprised. Peanuts is read every day by 330 million people spread over 22 countries.

May Charlie and the comic strip Peanuts be around for generations to come. Anything that makes so many people happy deserves to be.

Back to Lucy. Yesterday’s Lucy.

Cathy and I did Cocktails at 7 last night. Lucy always a part of our meeting.  Lucy does not drink. She merely sits on Cathy’s lap the whole time we are laughing away.

I mentioned Lucy is blind. I failed to mention she is also deaf and has diabetes. Thank God her “mother” takes such good of her.

Lucy walks around the house alone. She has the layout down pat. Occasionally she is in too much of a hurry or screws up some how. Her head and a wall come into contact.

She used to jump off and on Cathy’s bed. No more. Cathy lifts Lucy on. She has to take Lucy off the bed in the morning. She no longer jumps. Does occasionally fall of the bed, however.

I learned last night Lucy’s sense of smell is still intact. Cathy was picking on some small pieces of pork dipped in some type sauce. Lucy’s tongue hung out. She continued to want more.

Lucy is a good girl. Takes her two shots a day for diabetes without complaint.

I telephoned Donna early this morning. She was in the hospital. Has been there since wednesday. Being discharged today. Some stomach problem.

My lesbian wife has had some hard times recently health wise. She had a knee replacement 4 weeks ago. Still dealing with that.

Louie’s Backyard. One of Key West’s finest and most beautiful restaurants.

I am referring to Louie’s this morning for a couple of reasons. One because it has been a long time since I have. The other involves The Key West Concierge.  Island Genn wrote about Louie’s in Key Wester’s 9/30 publication.

Louie’s opened in 1971. Its home is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The restaurant sits on one of the best ocean front locations in Key West. Facing the Atlantic. Water racing up to  its Afterdeck outside bar.

Key West as everyone knows is a bit funky. Proudly so. Next door to Louie’s is Dogs’ Beach. A small beach set aside for dogs.

The other side of Louie’s is the home of the Coconut Beach Resort. A series of old Key West homes refurbished and connected down to the corner and around the block. Each end connecting with the ocean.

An interesting story concerning me and what is now the Coconut Beach Resort.

In 1996 there was no Coconut Beach Resort. Merely houses with people living in them. The house immediately next to Louie’s was for sale. The house today part of the Coconut Beach complex.

It was for sale. I was looking to buy a home. The asking price $70,000. Cheap by any standard back then. Needed work. I liked the set-up. One problem. I did not want to live next to a restaurant. I let it pass.

A mistake obviously. I would have made a killing at some point selling it.

The home had fame. Jimmy Buffett once lived there.

Earlier in the year when coronavirus started hitting the U.S. big time, I wrote food at some point would become a problem. There would be a distinct scarcity. Mentioned it in writing and on my blog talk radio show several times thereafter.

I write about it again today.Food is becoming increasingly scarce. Note that your supermarket is not always fully stocked. Many items you wish to purchase not available, Prices of course rising constantly.

The problem involves water and an inability to transport food products at a cost that can be afforded. Then too certain food products, whether meat or various canned goods, are not available in sufficient quantities for the producers to make a profit.

The American public is ending up on the short end..

People with no or little dollars have always gone to food banks. Now another group has joined them. Those who were able to afford groceries and no longer can. One reason being out of work.

The demand has become greater. The supply either the same or less. The moral being the food banks at some point will be insufficient to satisfy the needs of those who no longer can put food on the table themselves.

Then what?

The government continues to fail the American people. The Senate is going home again for a couple of weeks. Only a small group remaining to approve Barrett for the Supreme Court. The stimulus bill still sitting with no action by the Republican Senate.

Credibility has been a problem vexing the White House while  Trump has been President. Credibility failure has followed Trump into the hospital.

Trump’s medical condition is no joke. People have a right to know.

Apparently the President and his advisers think not. The “medical report” by a group of Trump’s attending physicians at one point was treated by them as a joke. Conflicting stories are coming out as to Trump’s real condition.

When a President of the U.S. is sick enough to be confined to the hospital, his physical condition must be an open book.  The people must be informed.

The Florida Department of Health is providing Monroe County residents free coronavirus testing. Take advantage of it.

ID required. An appointment must be made. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 786-910-9764. Walks ins will not be allowed.

I end today with Mount Rushmore.

On this day in 1927, work began on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. On land once owned by Native Americans. Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills. Site of many Native American movies.

The Native Americans involved consider Mount Rushmore sacred ground. They strongly opposed the project. To no avail.

The project took 12 years. The cost $1 million. Funded primarily by the U.S. government.

The four Presidents were completed in the following order: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

Thomas Jefferson created a problem. His face was still being worked on 2 years after it began. Cracks started appearing in the stone. Jefferson would not remain in place for all time.

Jefferson was completely removed and begun again on the other side of George Washington.

Enjoy your day!

Missed Charlie Brown’s birthday. It was yesterday. Sorry. Never the less, the loving spirit of the Peanuts comic strip was born in effect when it made its appearance 70 years ago on October 2, 1950.

Happy Birthday Charlie Brown! Happy Birthday Peanuts! Happy Birthday Snoopy! Happy Birthday the security blanket! And most of all, Happy Birthday to Charles M. Schulz who penned the comic strip.

First named Li’l Folks, the strip was later renamed Peanuts.

Friend even to Presidents. Charlie Brown mentioned occasionally by John Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.

Today, the comic strip has 330 million readers in 75 countries. It is published daily in 22 languages.

It is thought Charlie Brown has been such a continuing success for so long because of Charlie Brown getting up and trying again after being down. It is called perseverance.

Charlie Brown was a trendsetter in pet relationships. Snoopy.  Pets were members of the family and truly best friends and companions.

Schools are open in most parts of the country. I thought the schools were being prematurely opened. I was wrong.

The kids are going. Nothing coronavirus wise of any significance is happening.

In all of Monroe County, there have been only 3 confirmed cases. The 3 located in the northern part of the County.

I got into wearing masks with Robert. He is a Junior at the Key West High School. He said masks were no problem. Everybody wears one and no one complains. The only time they may remove the masks is during lunch.

I checked with an emergency room friend in one of the most northern cities in New York. She says she has not observed any problems. She mentioned a 7 year old who came  into the emergency room this week. Not for a coronavirus related problem.

She talked with the 7 year old. The little girl was wearing a mask. She asked her if she liked the mask. The girl nodded a shy yes and then proudly said, “We have a mask break for one minute every morning and afternoon.”

Adults should have adapted to mask wearing as children apparently are doing across the country.

Our President is in the hospital. At his age, coronaviirus could be very serious.

I don’t know what it is, but I feel bad that Trump is ill and may die. My writings clearly suggest I like neither the man nor the way he is running the country. Think he is a bad guy. Recommend everyone vote for Biden.

I must add I doubt Trump feels bad about anyone or anything. He is the original I don’t like prisoners, I don’t like Muslims. His feelings regarding Jews is obvious. He stands for all the bad things America has become.

Yet, I feel sorry for the man and wish him well.

Frank Bruni wrote in a New York Times Opinion piece yesterday about Trump. The column: The Pandemic Comes For The President.  Its thrust was no one is invincible. Not even the mighty Donald.

Bruni wrote: “The Presidency and the President are always national mirrors, in many different ways at once…..Trump has shown America its resentments. He has modeled its rage. Now he personifies its recklessness.”

He wrote America is “infected,” it has become a “morality case.”

Every day it is something new about Amy Coney Barrett.

CNN Politics reported yesterday that in the late summer she and her husband were diagnosed with coronavirus. Her husband was asymptomatic. The Judge “felt a little under the weather but recovered.”

My concern is her tendency to be secretive. She has failed in many respects to make full disclosure re professional matters and her religion. Forget not she is 48 and being considered for a lifetime job. Nothing is secret under the circumstances.

The fact that she and her husband had coronavirus may appear non consequential on its face. It probably is. However in today’s climate where the major issue in the election is coronavirus, she should have mentioned it.

Marsha is a long time reader of this blog. From Syracuse, New York. We have never met, except through the blog. We have become good friends.

Marsha sent me a lengthy column she came across. No author. The words intuitive. I share come with you.

“I wonder…..why we all seem to be Russians waiting in line for toilet paper, meat, and Lysol.”

“Why we all look like we are in bad need of a haircut or a facial or a reason to dress up again and go somewhere.”

“There are no images of the first family enjoying themselves together in a moment of relaxation.”

“We are rudderless and joyless.”

“We have lost our mojo. Our fun, our happiness.”

“We have lost the challenges and the triumphs that we shared and celebrated. The unique can-do spirit Americans have always been known for.”

“We are lost.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do whatever you can to help the cause. Few are they who are not touched by its curse.

There is an urban exodus. A return to the suburbs. A topic I have written about many times.

There are three reasons for the exodus.

The first involves technological improvements. People can work from home. The second the destabilizing threat of rising crime in the cities. Third and finally, people cannot make a living in the cities as they once did. Tied into the fact that city rents and living costs have failed to recognize that fact yet and make city living very expensive.

The urban exodus is expected to be an accelerating one over the long term.

A common example of the financial crush city living is causing, many live in flats with multiple roommates.

Key West is not the only City experiencing the dilemma.

Even great cities sometimes go away. They cannot seem to make it back. Goats were grazing in Rome’s Forum a few decades after the Empire collapsed.

On this day in 1995, O. J. Simpson was acquitted. “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

I watched the trial everyday for 3 months. Would not miss it.

I had rented a condominium at 1800 Atlantic for the season. Except for 2 days when I had to fly back to Syracuse for a sensitive hearing, I remained in Key West.

My days all the same. Up early. Walked the ocean along South Roosevelt Boulevard. Back to the condo. 1800 had a great pool. I took a cool refreshing swim and laid out on a lounge to sun dry.

Then my day really began. Watched the trial from the comfort of a barcalounge. Exciting! My eyes and ears remained fixed.

The evening was a late dinner somewhere. Generally at Square One. It had become a meeting place. We joined our local and snowbird friends most evenings there.

This is the fourth day in a row that Hackley has written in his 1855 diary about his piles. The poor guy had a real problem!

He wrote, “The piles will not stay up and are very sore. Bathed in the tub yesterday 3 times. Kept a piece of cotton with ointment on the parts and put some more Mustang Liniment on at night.”

I write about poor Hackley’s medical problem because I had a serious hemorrhoid problem twice in my life. Surgery for the first. The problem returned however.

Strangely, nothing seems to have changed as to how to medicate the problem. Every thing today as it was in 1855. I  lived in a hot bath, tried all kinds of ointments.

May Johnson continues to fascinate me. I make the following observation for the second time. Conservative school teacher May is not the quiet angelic type. She is not even good looking as the one photo I have seen indicates.

Yet she has the men here in Key West and away chasing her. Or maybe she is chasing them.

She went dancing at La  Brisa last night with Charlie and Fritot. They gave her a letter from Everest. He never comes home. Supposedly “her love.” They write and she goes out with others in Key West.

Even her mother appears upset with her meanderings.

After La Brisa, the three “went to Sybil Curry’s, lots of boys and girls there. Charles and I came home at 11 o’clock. KICKING TIRED.”

She warns that a “cyclone is brewing.” If it hits, it will be interesting to read about an 1896 hurricane from a person who was there. An

I have been self-quarantined for way more than 200 days. I gave up counting at 200.

Not a very exciting time.

Tonight is Cocktails at 7.

I met Cathy over the internet. Cathy lived in Key West in 1988. She read the blog and wrote me. We became friends.

A long distance romance, if anything. Cathy lives in Seattle, Washington.

Whatever, I have come to enjoy my one night a week having a drink via Skype with Cathy.

Her dog Lucy is part of the experience. Lucy always on Cathy’s lap. Lucy is blind.

Enjoy your Day!

I have been up since 1 this morning watching the news. The President and Melania have tested positive for coronavirus.

As much as I dislike Trump, no one wants another person to suffer and/or die. Trump who has had no empathy will receive tons of it from people like myself who oppose him. Because we have empathy!

The news has already filled everyone in on what transpired. I am not going to get into those details. However, I do have thoughts to express.

There is an old saying…..”The chickens have come home to roost.” In Donald’s case, the hoax has come home to roost.

Another applicable saying comes to mind. Concerns something coming round and biting a person on the ass….Coronavirus came around and bit Trump on the ass.

Finally…..”What goes around, comes around.” The President was a sitting duck for that one.

I am sure I will have more to say in the coming days.

The debate! The disgraceful one tuesday night. Trump made a mockery out of it.

Spencer Bokat-Lindell is a staff editor for the New York Times Opinion page. Appears to be relatively young. Deep in experience, however. Before his editorial position with the New York Times, he was an editor at the Paris Review and AXIOS.

He penned an article which appeared in the New York Times yesterday. Titled “Debatable.”

He described the debate as “an acutely cursed spectacle, the logical descent of political pornography intercourse snuff files.”

Interesting language. Is this the way today’s young describe things? Is this the new English? The language of this generation?

At 85, I have to wonder.

It is obvious I do not consider Amy Coney Barrett worthy of a Supreme Court seat. Little things keep popping up about her. Like her religion which she conveniently failed to disclose when she was going through the Senate approval process in 2017. In addition, her anti Roe v. Wade thinking concerns me.

More items not previously disclosed by her have come to light.

In 2006, she permitted her name, together with many others, to appear in an ad. The ad called for the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

When Barrett filed her Senate disclosure form for 2017 when she was a nominee for the Circuit Court, she failed to disclose her participation in the ad.

At some point also before her 2017 Senate review, she failed to report her reference to Roe v. Wade being a “barbaric legacy.”

The ad and language required disclosures . She failed to disclose. Hid her positions.

As she did her religious involvement with People of Praise. A charismatic group. Not affiliated with the Catholic Church. Its tenets make me wonder how she can render “blind justice” when sitting on the Supreme Court bench.

Politely said, the woman is a sneak.

Watched Joe Biden on one of his train stops yesterday in Ohio. Alliance, Ohio.

A sloppy performance. Where were the advance men? The people who go into a community and make sure there is a large turnout. They also know down to the minute how a speech is to be set up.

None existed in Alliance. Makes me question if he even has advance men for his two days of train stops.

I know that of which I speak. I helped the Democratic advance man who came to Utica in the 1960’s for 2 different campaigns. Rockefeller’s race against Frank O’Connor for Governor and Hubert Humphrey’s race for President.

Got to know the advance man well. The same person each time. He was our house guest each time he was in Utica.

My criticisms of Biden’s train stop are not intended to be derogatory. Hopefully someone will advise him of wrong planning as I am herein.

Biden stood on the side of a railway car. Trimmed to reflect America and his candidacy. Biden had a microphone in hand. The podium only faced one end of the crowd. All to his right. Not sure how many heard him. Also the set-up indicated someone did not know what they were doing.

Another group of Biden supporters were on the other side of the railway car. They could hear nothing.

Biden was wearing baseball cap. Take it off! It covered his eyes, he had to look up to be seen.

Trump’s people attended also. Provided music and singing to interrupt Biden’s talk. Songs like “God Bless the USA.” The group also provided via microphone clips of Biden’s gaffs.

Biden’s appearance totally lacking in political professionalism.

Permit me to share how Harry Truman did it.

It was 1948. I was 12 and in the 8th grade. Me and two of my buddies rode our bikes to the railroad station to hear Truman speak. We arrived a bit late. He was already talking when we arrived.

He too was doing a train stop campaign. From the small deck on the rear of the last car. Most important. A huge crowd was in front of him. Everyone could see Truman and he could see them.

My buddies and I were upset. We did not want to stand all the way back.

We did something only kids could get away with. We rode our bikes to the front of the crowd. There was a 5-6 feet area between Truman on the back of the train and the crowd. We moved our bikes in front and had the best seats in the house!

I mentioned this happening in 1948 to Truman when I was a senior at the Syracuse Law School. Truman was spending 2 days at the University giving talks. A luncheon had been arranged involving allegedly top University students. The University’s top 12 and Truman.

I was selected to represent the Law School.

Two round tables. Six students at one. Six students plus Truman at the other.

Seating was determined by the University. I sat to the immediate right of the President. I told him the story of my bike friends and I in 1948 at the railroad station in Utica.

Truman was excellent company. He spent 2 hours with us. Recalled vividly the 1948 election itself. He was predicted to be the loser. New York’s Governor Tom Dewey an easy winner.

Election night, some big town newspaper (I believe a Chicago one) had an extra on the streets before midnight. Headline: Dewey Wins.

H.V. Kaltenborn was a noted radio commentator. That same evening he went on national radio and said Truman had lost.

As we all know, Truman won.

Truman was obviously happy recalling the evening for us. He mimicked Kaltenborn to everyone’s delight.

Several people called this morning asking if I had watched Rachel Maddow last night. I did not. Apparently it was the best show ever from all that called. The 11 o’clock news also described Rachel’s show in glowing terms.

I understand it is being streamed on MSNBC this saturday.

Just as I was ready to write today’s blog, I received a telephone call from KONK Life’s Guy DeBoer. He has a morning talk show. Always a guest. His guest for today had called in and said she could not make it. He asked me. The show was to start in 3 minutes.

Since I could do it by telephone, I agreed.

Guy may never invite me back again. The topic was Trump and everything involving him. I consider Trump to be worthless. He has done much damage to the U.S. nationally and internationally.

One topic involved Trump leaving the White House on January 20. I said the people would storm the White House if Trump did not leave.

Guy was of the opinion getting Trump out could be done peacefully. The people and the Constitution would prevent such an occurrence on January 20.

I disagreed. Trump would stay. ICE, the Border Patrol and certain terrorist groups would protect him. A civil war in the making.

I was a bit verbose this morning. My apologies.

Enjoy your day!

Proud Boys are receiving national acclaim. By their members, people who believe in their purpose, and President Trump. The debate tuesday night did it. Trump’s admonition to them: “Stand back and stand by.”

In other words, the day will come when I will need you. Be ready.

A wonderful comment by Trump to one the the U.S.’s worst terrorist groups.

Nicholas Kristof in his New York Times Opinion piece yesterday wrote about the organization. The article’s title: Real Threat To America – White House.

Some interesting comments/observation by Kristof.

“Trump calls on extremists to stand by.”

“Instead of condemning violent groups, the President marshals them.”

“Trump didn’t hurt Joe Biden in tuesday’s debate, but he badly damaged our country.”

Some Proud Boys background.

The group was founded in 2016. Terrorists, white supremacists, anti-black, anti-Semitic.

The Southern Poverty Law Center describes the group as a “fascistic – right wing political block.” The Anti-Defamation League compares them to a “gang.”

Its founder staid, “I cannot recommend violence enough.”

Its members have brandished guns, committed criminal assaults, and engaged in rioting. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram have barred Proud Boys.

An anti-Semitic podcast once estimated that if Proud Boys were pressed, 90 percent of them would tell you some thing along the lines of Hitler. “Hitler was right. Gas the Jews.”

Nice company you are keeping, Donald. Guess no one ever told you that when you go to bed with dogs, you wake up with fleas.

The more I learn about Amy Coney Barrett, the more I believe she is not the type of person who should be on the Supreme Court. Her intelligence is not the problem. Her religious beliefs are.

People of Praise is a charismatic faith group.

Apparently, she has a concern about her relationship with the group. Note it is not a Catholic group. It is considered a para Christian organization.

Barrett was on Trump’s short list in 2017. People of Praise’s website deleted all mention and photos of her at the time. Barrett failed to mention her People of Praise relationship in the Senate Judicial questionnaire.

Thus far, neither she nor her husband have answered any questions about their association with the group.

There are 2 significant reasons why I oppose her confirmation.

First, she has been openly opposed to Roe v. Wade. she is anti-abortion.

Second, People of Praise requires that the wife be subservient to the husband, that the wife do all things the husband directs.

Once again Barrett might possess the finest legal mind in the country. Her People of Praise involvement however prohibits her taking a Supreme Court seat.

I believe she will receive Senate approval. The Republicans are gleeful of her nomination. The country will pay over the years for that support.

Yesterday, I reported Disney was going to furlough 28,000 employees. Today, American and United Airlines is planning and already may have started laying off 32,000 employees. American 19,000, United 13,000.

Some poker may be involved. The airlines says it will proceed with the furlough unless the government has in place in the next few days a new stimulus package that provides $25 billion for airlines.

In spite of my education, readings, and knowledge acquired over the years, I continue to learn. Learning has no cut-off date.

It has recently come to my attention the source of the Roosevelt family’s fortune. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s mother was Sara. Her father Warren Delano, Jr.  He was an opium dealer. Yes, FDR’s maternal grandfather made his fortune in opium.

The grandfather did not consider the sale of opium as that bad. He admitted it was wrong, but thought it no worse than booze.

John Kennedy’s father Joseph has been said to have made his fortune bootlegging during Prohibition. Historians question whether such is so.The only “credible” information they have is that of prominent Mafia bootleggers at the time who claimed they were doing business with him.

Today is October 1. Just yesterday it was January 1. Time moves fast, especially as one gets older.

Jimmy Carter is 96 today. Happy birthday, Mr. President!

Carter was one of our worst Presidents. Anything adverse that could happen did. Since these matters were on his watch, it affects his legacy.

However and without question, Carter has been the best post President. A good responsible man. When his story is told, it will be his post Presidency activities which will receive the most attention.

There were times in the past 20 years when Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Carter spent New Year’s with friends at a friends home on Summerland Key. Down the street from Howard Livingston’s home.

Hackley has been having a medical problem. It is today’s date 1855. Hackley in his third day of hemorrhoids. Among other things, he is taking warm baths.

Today’s remedy also. Little has changed. Surgery and ointments available. However, hemorrhoids seem never to really go away.

Enjoy your day!

There are some things that take priority over all else. Today, Lisa’s birthday. My baby is 56 years old. And still my baby.

Amazing how time flies. The little girl I knew so well gone. Today, a bright cheerful person. One who has given me 2 lovely grandchildren. Robert and Ally. Both high schoolers. How swiftly they have grown.

Happy birthday dear Lisa! May I be around many more years to say that to you.

Helen Reddy has passed on at 78. The woman who gave us I Am Woman. The song became a feminist anthem. It will be so for all time.

Now to the War on Decency and Democracy.

The Presidential Debate last night. I caught the last hour.

Trump ruined it. As he does all things. He made it a dark event. The man is a buffoon. The more I see of him, the more convinced I am he does not have it mentally.

Trump has always been unhappy that New York society and elite never welcomed him into their ranks. Who would want to be a friend to someone who acts as he does.

Some comments I came across in reading various reviews this morning. One writer described the debate as a “revulsion.” Due to Trump’s presentation. Another, “ugly.”

The New York Post reported that Trump’s “over belligerence” led him to stumble. USA Today described the event as a “horror show that had to scare America.” CNN described the debate as “total chaos.”

The moderator Chris Wallace asked Trump at one time to denounce a far right or white supremacist group. Trump appeared reluctant. Biden suggested the far out radical group known as Proud Boys.

Trump’s response shocking. He told Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.” In other words get ready, I may need you. Proud Boys celebrated last night their recognition by Trump and his apparent need for their assistance at some point in time.

The “stand back and stand by” sounded like a call to arms.

Mike Allen in AXIOS this morning wrote the debate was similar to what is going on in the country today. Division big time. Radicalism definitely on one side. Not much on the other. A President egging on far right enthusiasts.

On Good Morning America, Bob Woodward described Trump’s performance as “attempting to assassinate the Presidency.”

Biden said something profound. Think about it for a moment: “Dirty fighters don’t win.”

Chris Wallace failed as the moderator. Perhaps anyone being moderator would have. Trump was out of control. Ranting and raving.

Wallace could not control Trump, could not make him comply with the rules for the debate set beforehand.

If I had been Wallace last night, I would first have warned Trump re his conduct, tell him if it continued he would be cut off till it was time for him to speak again. Yes, close his mike down so he would stop interring with Biden’s responses.

Let him rave all he wanted in his own silence.

Trump has received his third nomination for the Nobel Peace Award. Would you believe!

The nomination came from a group of professors in Australia who praised the “Trump Doctrine” against endless wars.

Biden provided his tax returns several months ago. Yesterday, he and his wife provided their 2019 tax return. The return set forth $944,737 in income. Their tax payment $346,204.

Trump has not provided his. The 20 years of tax returns the New York Times has appears to be from a source other than Trump himself.

With tongue in cheek, I must say I admire Trump’s transparency.

Nicholas Kristof’s Opinion piece in today’s New York Times is titled: “Watching  A Cataclysm of Hunger, Disease and Illiteracy.”

The article’s first 2 paragraph’s telling.

“We think of Covid-19 as killing primarily the elderly around the world, but in poor countries it is more cataclysmic than that.”

“It is killing children through malnutrition. It is leading more people to die from tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS. It is forcing girls out of school into child marriages. It is causing women to die in childbirth. It is setting back efforts to eradicate polio, malaria and female genital mutilation. It is leading to lapses in Vitamin A distribution that will cause more children to suffer blindness and death.”

Trump claimed last night the economy was in the best shape ever because of his efforts till coronavirus hit. He further claimed he has done such a good job with the virus that the economy is on its way back to where it had been.

If so, why are major employers advising large layoffs?

The most recent is Disney. Disney announced it was laying off 28,000 employees. The Pandemic the cause. Disney’s theme parks taking the biggest hit. Sixty seven percent of those to be laid off are part timers.

On this day in 1927, Babe Ruth hit his 60th home run of the 1927 season. The record stood for 34 years.

College students returned to school. Within days, the numbers began coming in. Within 2 weeks, the numbers were off the wall. Many universities closed down.

High school, middle and grammar school children have generally returned to school across the country. So far no word as to whether the virus is infecting them. This includes the Key West High School.

The silence gives me concern. Are the schools free of coronavirus cases? Or, there are cases and the schools are keeping them quiet?

Some things are hard to believe. There is an underground movement to hold an unstructured Fantasy Fest. Limited to certain events.

Fantasy Fest was cancelled in July. For good reason. Some people do not understand nor fear the virus. Tourists as well as Key West bar and restaurant owners.

It is claimed the underground movement began when the hotels refused to return deposits for Fantasy Fest week. A Facebook page and other social media outlets started talking about the underground.

Tampa a big one. Tampa apparently has a 1,100 member Key West Fantasy Fest Club. They do not want to stay home during the week. So they have gone to social media and advised here would be parties, etc., except under different names. Black Lingerie Matters would replace the Zombie Bike ride for example.

Irish Kevin’s is openly advertising in Tampa for those who will be attending the underground Fantasy Fest to come party with them.

The numbers will go up. Not just in Key West. Also, in Tampa and from where ever else the tourists come.

Enjoy your day!

Tonight’s the night! The War of the Roses! A heavyweight championship fight.

The first Presidential debate. Trump and Biden. One and  a half hours. Begins at 9 EST.

I will miss the first half hour. Tuesday Night with Key West Lou.

The combatants have different styles. One a belligerent street fighter The other a gentleman. Forget not Gentleman Jim Corbett.

There was a similar fight 4 years ago. Man v. woman. Trump v. Hillary Clinton. Trump was not a gentleman.

Americans wanted a change after 20 years of the Bushes and Clintons. Understandable. Trump represented that change.

What a change! No one expected what has happened in the past 4 years. Hopefully another change is in the works. Another 4 years of Trump will mean the end of America. It will have become a totalitarian state.

The lifestyle of all will change. Food will continue to disappear from the table, there will be fewer jobs, people will be required to pay 100 percent of their medical bills, etc.

The moment of truth is upon us. The next 4 weeks will determine what our country will be. It will be determined by who is elected President. Hopefully, Joe Biden.

Amy Coney Barrett. A disaster that cannot be stopped.

Today’s Wall Street Journal said she is a Catholic. Tonight would mark 2 Catholics battling since Joe Biden was Catholic, also.

Barrett is not a Catholic. She may have been at one point. I do not know.

Today, she and her husband belong to a charismatic group. Considered a Christian parachurch. No affiliation with Rome. Though Pope Francis likes People of Praise as Barrett’s religious group is known.

I view charismatics as a cult group. One of my family had an experience with the group in 1978. I know full well the impact of charismaticism. A little far out. Weird from my perspective. Like the wife must do everything the husband tells her.

On this day in 1938, the Munich Agreement was concluded. What Neville Chamberlain referred to as “peace for our time.”

Four countries involved. Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Britain and France feared Hitler. They did not want another World War. They came to the meeting prepared to give away everything, including the kitchen sink, to avoid a war.

They did.

The 2 nations agreed that Hitler be allowed to annex Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland. Amusing. Czechoslovakia was not  present at the meeting and had never consented.

Historians tell us Hitler called the meeting to pacify Britain and France. He wanted nothing. They wanted to talk. They feared Hitler was preparing to invade somewhere and start another world war.

It became obvious that Britain and France wanted to give Hitler something so he would agree to a peace. A gift, a bribe.

One of the books I read had Hitler and one of his aides in an adjoining room alone at some point. Hitler told the aide in effect he did not know what was the matter with Britain and France. He wanted nothing. On the other hand if they wanted to give him the Sudetenland, he would take it.

Chamberlain returned home to London. As he got off the plane, he raised the agreement in his hand and shouted, “Peace for our time.”

Chamberlain was heralded as a returning hero. He could have been anointed King that day.

Within a year, Hitler marched into Poland and World War II began.

It is believed that one of the ingredients in a coronavirus vaccine will be squalene. It is a natural oil found in a shark’s liver.

To produce one vaccine per person, 250,000 sharks must be killed. If 2 shots are required, 500,00 sharks.

Some flu vaccines have been using squalene. Three hundred thousand sharks a year needed for the flu vaccine.

The world is going to run out of sharks!

The problem has been recognized. Scientists have been testing for a synthetic version which hopefully can be produced from fermented sugar cane.

Key West’s chickens are in danger. Botulism. A yearly outbreak. This year however worse than normal.

The Wildlife Center is asking that people not feed the chickens.

The botulism comes from a bacteria naturally occurring in the soil. When activated, it gets into muddy street water chickens drink from. As to man’s food, people normally break the food into small pieces and throw it on the ground for the chickens to eat. The food becomes contaminated.

Governor DeSantis has made another bright move. Yesterday, he lifted all bans on masks and other items. He also gave restaurants and bars carte blanche as to number of customers and any other restrictions which had involved them.

DeSantis and Trump are birds of a feather. I think Trump is a bit smarter than DeSantis. Doesn’t say much.

The Florida Department of Health has a local office. It has been manned by Bob Eadie for many years. He is bucking his boss the Governor. Eadie says too soon. He wants people in the Keys to continue wearing masks, be smart in crowds, social distance and wash their hands.

The bars and restaurants I suspect will be packed this weekend. Tourists will fly in. Floridians who can drive to Key West in less than a day will rush in also.

The visitors will leave at some point. The rest of us remain. They will also leave the coronavirus they brought with them.

What will the impact be on Key West in 2-4 weeks?

May Johnson continues her merry ways in 1896 Key West.

She seems to be out and about with Fritol lately. She must have dumped Charlie. And then there is poor Ernesto who is always out of town working. Ernesto is supposedly May’s love.

Ain’t no grass growing under May’s feet.

If anyone is not planning on listening to the debate tonight, listen to my blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Those of you who prefer the debate, remember my show is archived immediately and is available for your listening pleasure all the time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Oh, Trump’s tax returns.

So far reflect he has been a loser his whole life. He has lost millions, if not billions of dollars. I give him credit, however. “Credit” a key word.

Overall, Trump screwed people and banks. The bank portion the most interesting.

Trump did it with the Atlantic City casinos. He will do it again if he reaches a point where he cannot meet the $300-400 million in bank obligations that come due in the next 3-4 years.

This time it will be European Banks. Like Deutsch and HSBC. When the American banks refused to loan any more money to  Trump, he turned to Europe. Actually Putin and other despotic leaders. The government controls the banks in such countries.

Never complain when a bank loses money. They steal enough on their own. They cause pain to many persons every year. Think back to 2008. The banks caused the recession with their mortgage games. The people paid. Millions lost their homes in foreclosure.

You have to admire Trump in one respect. He screwed the banks big time, yet lived royally. In a huge gold apartment on Fifth Venue. His own private jet.

Pays no taxes! Impressive with all the money running through his business enterprises. A mere $750 in 2016 when he took office. Seven hundred fifty dollars again in 2017. In 10 of the 15 years preceding his rise to the Presidency, he paid no taxes.

His write offs will do him in. Where he took too much for a deduction or failed to be honest re the deductions claimed. Reflecting he failed to be honest in the preparation of his returns.

Trump will do jail time at some point. Unless…..My suggestion is he resign before January 20 so Pence  can become President. Pence can then pardon Trump for all his sins.

I want to write a bit about an honest man. Yes, there were and still are some in this world.

Ted Williams.

On this day in 1941, he was close to batting .400. No one had since Bill Terry in 1930.

It was the last day of the season. A doubleheader. Williams had to have a real good day to reach .400. He had 6 hits in 8 at bats that day. Ended up with a .401 batting average.

He did what he had to do.

It was another September 28. This time in 1960. It was Williams’ final game. He was retiring.

He went out in a blaze of glory. At his last time at bat, he hit a home run. Number 521 for him.

He retired with a .344 batting average.

There is still more to the Ted Williams story. He took 2 years out of baseball in both World War II and the Korean War. He left baseball to fight for his country. Returned each time to play more ball.

Williams was a Marine combat aviator.

Interesting is Trump avoided military service by claiming he had bone spurs in his heel.

More yet.

Williams was a fisherman. Loved the Keys. Bought a home on the water in Islamorada in 1960. Fished just about every day for 19 years.

Word is he sold his home when he had to wait for traffic to pass before crossing U.S. 1. Too many people for him.

Two stories. Two men. Both American. One a good guy, the other a bad man.

Enjoy your day!

Big day in the life 0f Amy Coney Barrett yesterday.

Big day for America, also. Though not a good one.

With her nomination to the Supreme Court, Trump has set the Court on a path unhealthy for America. She will lead the Court in destroying the basic freedoms that have taken years to attain.

She is the personification of a far right ultra conservative. Her judicial philosophy is based on rigidity rather than flexibility. Her approach to the Constitution is to read it precisely as written. From my perspective, wrong.

The Constitution was adopted in 1787. What was then is not necessarily now. There were no planes, cars, dishwashers, women voting, computers, the internet, nuclear weapons, birth control, tampons etc.

The Constitution should be read in conjunction with today’s life style. Not that of 250 years ago. The Court decided cases that way from the late 1930’s till recent years when the conservative block began taking control of the Court.

Barrett gives the Republican conservative block a 6-3 majority. It cannot lose. Since Supreme Court Justices are elected for life, a whole generation will pass before some degree of flexibility returns.

Note Barrett is only 48. She will sit for a good 30 years.

Barrett’s life style bothers me a bit. Not sure bothers is the correct word. However, it does make me uncomfortable.

She and her husband have had 5 children and adopted 2 more. Severn kids! A stay at home Mom would have her hands full with such a brood.

Barrett does not. She said yesterday she also drives the children here and there, and does everything other mothers do. Runs a house, besides.

All the while having been a full time law professor and in the past 3 years a sitting federal appellate judge.

Impressive. She’s unique. I appreciate today’s women can walk and chew gum at the same time. They are multi-faceted. Thank God because we men could not do it.

She is considered an intellect. Based on her accomplishments to date, it is obvious. Her intellect is not enough, however. Heart is required also.

Barrett is not Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A liberal. She had a major hand in opening the door for women in many ways over the years. Barrett will not. She will close the doors Ginsburg helped open and will make sure further such doors not open again.

It is generally agreed she will vote to repeal Obamacare. Roe v. Wade will be gone. What happens to the 23 million who rely on Obamacare today? How will their medical bills get paid? A woman’s right to choose will be limited to a back room and coat hanger.

A return to yesteryear.

Religion should not be a factor in how Barrett will vote. She is expected to separate her religious beliefs to what the law requires in a particular instance.

Kennedy made it clear such was the way it should be in 1960. The Republicans were saying he was Catholic and would listen to the Pope in making decisions. During the campaign, Kennedy hit the issue head on. Basically saying render to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is God’s.

It is not going to be Barrett’s way.

She and her husband are members of a religious group known as People of Praise. Relatively small. Began in South Bend, Indiana. Seventeen hundred members in 22 cities covering the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.

One of the group’s covenants is that the wife must obey the husband in everything.

Wow!

What happened to the women’s rights that have been recognized in the past 50-60 years. Recall Virginia Slims cigarettes. Came out late in 1960 or early 1970’s. A woman’s cigarette. Specially designed for her. Advertised: You’ve come a long way baby!

No more advancement. The women’s movement will become a train running in reverse.

During her speech yesterday, Barrett made a comment something to the effect that every morning upon awakening, her husband asks what he could do for her today. Strange. Does anyone know of such an occurrence in other marriages. I assume the husband’s question is based on a belief of the People of Praise religious group.

Another strange thing about her “church”is that all members are assigned a personal adviser of their own sex. For Barrett, it would be a “woman leader.” Members become close to their “leaders” for many reasons. A requirement is the member and leader be in a constant ongoing relationship involving advice.

Will Barrett rely on her leader as to certain decisions she must make as a Justice?

Praise the People has been a slowly growing movement. I assume it will grow more rapidly now that a person of fame is a publicly known member.

For only 1700 members, the group has accomplished much. Praise the People has established 3 Trinity Schools. Private Christian schools. In South Bend, Indiana, Falls Church, Virginia, and Eagan, Minnesota.

In 2003, the group also established Praise Academy in Lakeside, Louisiana. A middle-high school. Built in the “poorest neighborhood.”

People of Praise members are encouraged everywhere to move into the poorest neighborhoods.

It is reported Barrett failed to disclose her religious affiliation in 2017 when she appeared before the Senate Committee as part of the acceptance process for election by the Senate to the federal Circuit Court.

Although Barrett appears sweet and tender and may very well be so, her mental machinery is not. It is prepared to return the U.S. to the country’s thinking as far back as 1787. Respectively, she is a Donald Trump in disguise as to the damage she will do.

Though I wished this to solely be an Amy Coney Barrett blog today, it cannot. I MUST speak of Syracuse’s victory over Georgia Tech yesterday. Syracuse won 37-20.

Simply stated, it was the finest game Syracuse has played in years. It performed as expected when it was expected. Another way of saying, Syracuse did what it had to do when it had to be done.

I will not bore you with the details. Again, it was not just the victory. It was the way they performed. As close to perfection as a team might.

Enjoy your Sunday!