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!

I have visited Puerto Rico several times. The first time 1968. A magnificent and beautiful place. My next time 20 years later, following which I returned often. Generally for business.

The 20 year spread from 1968 to 1988 was one of growing devastation. Everything dirty. Scared to walk even the busy streets evenings for fear of being mugged.

The downward trend continues to this day.

Puerto Rico took a double whammy when Hurricane Maria hit 3 years ago. An already beat upon island was defecated upon. First by Maria, then Trump.

Puerto Rico needed help big time. Trump played games and in the end sent next to nothing to an island requiring gigantic assistance.

I suspect Trump intentionally poorly treated Puerto Rico  and forgot the island till recent days for 2 reasons.

The island’s people are persons of color. Trump is a prejudiced man.

The other is that at some time many years ago, Trump spent some time in Puerto Rico on a business deal. The deal failed. Trump left the island holding the bag.

It is thought he has always had a dislike for the island and its people because of that business failure It was the people’s fault and not his.

Trump announced this past week he was sending big dollars to help the island recover from Maria and help reestablish its businesses.

Trump made it sound like he was being magnanimous in wanting to help Puerto Rico at this time.

The island can always use money. It could have been better used 3 years ago.

Why the generosity 3 years later?

Certainly not from Donald’s good heart.

There is an election coming. Many Puerto Ricans left the island following Maria and today live in Florida. They are eligible to vote. Trump needs Florida to win the election. It is thought who ever the candidate who wins Florida wins the Presidency.

Trump was not being generous nor thoughtful in announcing funds were coming at this time. He was merely sucking up to the Puerto Ricans now living in Florida.

Buying their votes in effect!

I can see a scenario where Trump wins and the funds never arrive. Such his modus operandi.

There are new coronavirus cases everyday in Monroe County. In Key West also, with a few exceptions.

It was reported Monroe County had 11 new cases yesterday. Four involved Key West residents. Key West total cases to date 827.

In Key West, the youngest victim was a 6 year old boy. So much for the virus not affecting the young. At the other end of the spectrum, an 88 year old woman.

Key West was in great shape when the barricades went up on Route 1. They came down June 1. Since then the numbers have been accelerating for what is considered a small community. Additionally, one that has been a ghost town for several months. Very few visitors arriving because of the virus.

I blame Governor DeSantis, Key West Commission members, and Key West’s business community for most of the 827 cases. All in a hurry to get the economy going again!

Staying with DeSantis for the moment, he announced yesterday he was reopening Florida’s businesses. He thought it time to do so. At a time when Floridan’s numbers are among the highest in the nation.

Seven hundred die each day in Florida.

DeSantis is Trump’s lap dog. Does everything Trump says should be done. As a result Trump says DeSantis is America’s best governor.

Now he also says the only state with a decent ballot voting system is Florida. He needs the Florida votes. Especially the elderly’s.

There is one business flourishing in Key West. The homeless shelter.

The shelter has gone from a 12 month operation to a 24 hour one. The increased shelter availability has had some positive results.

A 32 percent decrease in indigent care, less intoxication, and higher levels of shelter clients wanting to go out and find work. The reason being they now have a place to come back to.

Increased time means increased costs to run the operation. The Shelter’s budget has risen from $483,000 to $706,000.

The City Commission believes the expansion time wise was required and has resulted in a positive investment. Commissioner Kaufman thinks the increase is very reasonable given the fact the shelter has gone from a 12 to 24 hour operation.

My poor Syracuse! Already has lost its first 2 football games. Today, Syracuse plays Georgia Tech at the Carrier Dome.

It will be the first Syracuse game of the season in the newly remodeled structure. The score box in the center of the Dome is considered one of the largest and finest in the U.S. Social media this past week described it as a “wow!”

Now we need a “wow” team!

Enjoy your day!

The saying the truth will make you free has a lot of merit.

I was disturbed that Trump would be nominated for the Noble Peace Prize. Not only is he unworthy of the prize itself, he also is not worthy of a nomination.

Turns out the nomination is not such a big deal. Anyone can be nominated. In fact, at the moment there are 317 other candidates for the Peace Prize.

In order to nominate, one must be a leader of some noteworthiness, a politician, or someone with professional status. For example, I as an attorney would be qualified to nominate someone, as would Key West Mayor Johnson, and screwball Governor DeSantis.

Trump was nominated by a far right elected political figure from northern Norway. The second time he has nominated Trump. He did so also in 2018, though we never head about it.

There are standards that must be met for the nomination to be considered an acceptable one. In 2018, Trump failed to meet those qualifications and that is why we heard nothing about it back then.

Trump is doing his usual bellowing. Making it appear his nomination is a big deal. Not so if he is 1 of 318.

Trump is not necessarily respected outside his solid core of supporters. Proof is his and Melania’s appearance at the Supreme Court to pay tribute to Justice Ginsburg.

They were booed. The boos probably for Trump. Cries of “Honor Her Wish” and “Vote Him Out” could be heard.

Trump deserves public embarrassment. If this were two centuries ago, he probably would have been stoned.

Note that the President and Melania wore face masks.

Trump announced he is going to send out in the next few weeks a stimulus to seniors. Seniors being defined as the 33,000 on Medicare.

The stimulus a card with a value of $200. With a condition attached. It can only be used to purchase prescription drugs.

What a bargain! Give the rich pharmaceutical houses an opportunity to get even richer. Most elderly can use the $200 pittance for some other need. It should be their judgment how to spend it.

Assuming Trump turns the election result into the chaos he is suggesting, a way has to be found to accelerate any court review process. The American people cannot be expected to wait 1-3 years to find out who their President is. During which time Donald will still be sitting in the Oval Office.

Chief Justice Roberts does run the federal court system. Over the years, he has proven to be a fair jurist not afraid to step over the line and join the liberal wing of the court.

He should schedule to election court fights as follows.

All election suits for any federal office must be brought in a federal court within 10 days of November 3. That court must reach decision within 20 days of filing. Appeals to any judgment must be filed within 10 days. Appeals to the Circuit Court would be eliminated.  All appeals would be directly to the Supreme Court. All appeals to the Supreme Court must be filed within 10 days. The Supreme Court must render its decision within 20 days. The decision of the Supreme Court would be final.

Such would guarantee all issues would be resolved before January 20.

My suggestion not far out. It is reasonable and practical. In the best interests of the nation and its people.

Everyone from judges to attorneys to court staff must work their asses off to accomplish these ends. It is their time to stand tall.

The Vietnamese are an enterprising people.

Vietnam police have arrested a number of its citizens for cleaning up some 320,000 condoms and arranging for their resale.

Reusing a condom, no matter how well washed and sanitized, is considered an “extreme health risk.”

Those arrested would wash, reshape, and then pack the condoms in plastic bags for resale.

No information was available as to where the condoms were sold nor if any had been sold in the U.S.

The pedophile scandal that rocked the Catholic Church surprised me as it did many others. It also shook the foundation of my beliefs in man’s Church on earth.

I have been further bothered by the Catholic Church’s involvement in far right values in recent years. To me, it represents another grave error.

Now comes a third revelation. A key Vatican Cardinal has been caught up in a real estate scandal. Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Beccia. A most powerful Vatican figure.

Whatever he did must have been bad on the extreme side. Instead of being sent to a monastery to spend the rest of his years praying for forgiveness, he has been forced to resign his status as a cardinal. In so doing, he was also required to give “up rights associated with being a cardinal.” Such verbiage indicating the “seriousness” of whatever he did.

For a century, a significant number of Americans lived in the suburbs and on farms. Then a movement occurred whereby they left their previous residences to live in cities. Especially so in recent years.

The tide has turned once again. A movement has begun whereby people are leaving the cities to live in the suburbs. The reason therefore are the protests, demonstrations, and unrest occurring in American cities with more frequency.

The coronavirus pandemic has created a number of heroes. Those who have stood and fought the virus. Those who have made a difference.

One is New York’s Governor Cuomo.

He announced yesterday that New York is setting up a vaccine checking laboratory. Cuomo said he does not trust the federal government to be truthful regarding vaccines. He recognizes health has become politicized.

He also announced he was establishing 2 clinical task forces.

One to advise re clinical safety of future vaccines. Such task force would be composed of leading scientists, doctors and health experts. The other to best decide distribution and implementation of the vaccine.

Cuomo’s goal is for New York to have the smartest and safest vaccination program possible.

One of Cuomo’s successes has to do with testing. New York reported yesterday 92,953 tests were done. Nine hundred fifty five or 1.02 percent were positive. The low number of positives an indication as to how successful the New York program is. Anything under 5.0 percent is considered “outstanding.”

Another doctor visit yesterday. From my perspective, all problems being reviewed are minor. One could be a real problem, however. Problem may not be the best wording. There is a situation unquestionably. The issue is what to do.

Since I was downtown, I decided to drive Duval once again. My findings a bit different from the other day.

The drive was at 2 pm. The number of people walking Duval was about one third greater than earlier in the week. Even the number of those wearing face masks was different. Ten percent. I would assume most or all tourists.

More people, less mask wearing.

Enjoy your day!

If this does not piss you off, nothing will!

In March, Covid-19 supplies were in very short supply. A $1 billion fund under the Defense Production Act was established to help the nation “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.”

Recall we were desperately short of supplies back then. Tests kits and mask shortages extreme.

To this day, we still do not have enough test kits or masks. Though Trump often reminds us there is no problem, he has millions of each.

Where? Only in his imagination I suspect.

What actually happened is the money went to the Pentagon to distribute per Congress’ instructions for Covid-19 relief. Instead, the Pentagon used hundreds of millions of dollars to support private defense contractors.

Common Sense on September 23 reported: “If you can’t get a Covid test or find an N95 mask, it’s because these contractors stole from the American people to make faster jets and fancy uniforms.”

No one knew except those spending the money and those receiving it.

Examples of where the Pentagon spent the money interesting. Car maker Rolls-Royce received $183 million for drone and space surveillance technology. Eighty million went to Kaiser for their aircraft parts business. A subsidiary of Rolls-Royce received $22 million for an upgrade to its Mississippi plant.

The Pentagon received the responsibility to parcel the money as Congress had directed because the funds were received via the Defense Production Act.

This is the same Pentagon that cannot account for trillions of dollars spent the past several years. Not even an Ernst and Young audit could discover where the money went.

I have said it many times before. Someone or some have a hand in the pot. A lot of “grease” money has to have changed hands.

Trump in response to a reporter’s question yesterday refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power after Election Day. Claims the ballots may be screwed up.

If Trump is not out of the White House on January 20, it will only be a short time before angered American citizens will storm the White House to remove him. A significant number of citizens will not stand for it.

The next step, an outright civil war.

Would you believe!

Trump tells us the economy is getting better. If so, why did demand for unemployment benefits increase last week by 870,000?

The Supreme Court presently in the news and will continue to be so through January 20.

A bit of Supreme Court history.

On this day in 1789, George Washington signed a law establishing the Supreme Court of the U.S. Staffed at that time by six justices who would serve till death or retired.

All six were confirmed by the Senate.  In only 2 days.

The number of justices is now 9. Congress can change that number at any time. The Constitution does not prohibit such action.

I reported a few days ago that a shark attacked a 30 year old man near Sombrero Lighthouse off Marathon.

One of his shoulders was torn badly. The doctors report they hope the arm can be saved.

The man’s pregnant wife was on the boat nearby. She jumped in the water and pulled her husband into the boat.

My alma mater Syracuse University announced it has cancelled Spring Break 2021. The purpose to minimize travel and the anticipated closeness of those enjoying Spring Break. Also, to avoid quarantine complications.

The students will remain in school that week. To make up for the week, second semester in January will begin one week later.

The move not uncommon. Other schools such as Ohio State and Kansas State have already announced similar action.

Cow Key Bridge is scheduled to open today or tomorrow. My compliments to the contractor. A job well done. Consideration always given drivers and traffic moving swiftly.

Enjoy your day!

Noted New York Times columnist Frank Bruni in an Opinion piece published yesterday detailed how a “minority” actually rules the U.S. The article reflects how the Republicans have been doing more with less.

The article’s title: “The Special Hell of Trump’s Supreme Court Appointment.” Subtitle: “With a non existent mandate, it does exemplary damage.” Referring of course to the Republican Party.

Begin with Trump. He won with almost 3 million votes less than Hillary Clinton. A minority President.

The Republican Party overall is significantly smaller in membership than the Democrats. Ergo, the Senate represents a minority party.

Trump and the Senate combine to protect the nation from the tyranny of the majority.

Bruni wrote, “We’re a country where the minority rules, and under Trump, it rules tyrannically.” Senate Republicans representing the smaller Republican Party must command the support of power in order to accomplish what they do. They have that power and freely exercise it, even to the detriment of the nation.

The Republican Party is down to white evangelicals. It continues to decline in membership. This campaign may very well be its last hurrah.

The annual UN Assembly Meeting is being held this week. Yesterday, Trump appeared virtually. Perhaps because his appearance was virtual, the media has reported little of what he said.

The thrust of his address was China. He knocked China big time. Blamed China for coronavirus. Tensions between the U.S. and China flared even more as a result of his words.

Those appointed to the Supreme Court occasionally acquire a new political philosophy. In modern America, two conservative Republicans became liberal Justices.

Earl Warren was respected as a Republican conservative. He had been governor of California. Unsuccessfully ran for Vice-President on the Dewey ticket in 1948 which lost in the unexpected Truman sweep. He ran early on in the 1952 Republican primary for President.  The race Eisenhower won.

Eisenhower appointed the conservative Earl Warren to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Eisenhower repeatedly said over the years that the worst mistake he made as President was appointing Warren. He turned liberal while on Bench.

Warren gave us Brown v. Board of Education. Desegregated schools as a matter of law. The decision not well received by the conservative Republican block.

David Souter was nominated by the first President Bush.

Souter was from New Hampshire. Had served as Judge there. An evident conservative based on his decisions as well as his activities prior to becoming a judge.

Souter sat on the Supreme Court 19 years. His political philosophy changed almost immediately. He became part of the liberal block on the Court and consistently voted with the liberal Justices.

You never know! Though I doubt whoever Trump appoints will change her colors once a member of the Supreme Court.

Some coronavirus observations.

Canada is the U.S.’s neighbor. Immediately to the north of the U.S. People the same in just about every respect as their neighbors to the south.

The U.S. recently passed 200,00 deaths. Canada has had no deaths in the past 6 months. One thousand Americans die each day from the virus. As indicated, Canada has had no deaths in 6 months.

The U.S. has 40,000 new cases each day. Canada, 500.

Why?

The Canadian governmental leaders when the virus first struck and they knew what they were facing, went to the people and laid the facts out. Straight. No bullshit, no lies. Told the people of Canada they were relying on the advice of medical and scientific experts as to how to handle the problem.

Canada went all in for masks, social distancing and washing hands. The people did not complain about loss of freedoms, their businesses hurting, etc. They accepted their responsibilities in defeating coronavirus.

As with other successful nations world wide, it worked. Therein lies the reason why Canada is clean today as opposed to the U.S.

Two nights ago while speaking at one of his rallies, Trump mentioned in passing that children do not acquire the virus, sometimes some do. Suggesting in effect coronavirus was no big deal with kids.

I thought his brief comments re children strange. He went out of his way to state them, I thought.

The next day the actual facts surfaced.

Five hundred thousand coronavirus cases involving children. And the point most significant especially in view of Trump’s comment the previous evening, assuming a successful vaccine was discovered before or soon after the election, there would not be a sufficient supply to inoculate everyone. Children would begin getting the vaccine next fall. At the bottom of the totem poll.

Sneaky Donald! Set the American public up for the news that kids would not be eligible for the vaccine for one year.

It was reported yesterday that coronavirus cases have surged in Monroe County and its cities. Keys governments were taking steps to attack the reasons for the surge.

What plans, the increase attributable to Key West, etc. were not available.

I am not surprised. Considering Key West alone, governmental leaders capitulated to the demands of the business community. This past week alone, mask wearing was reduced. Bar rules lightened. Then there was Labor Day weekend. The surge should have been anticipated and because of it mask and bar rules left alone. The Good Book says: As ye sow, so shall ye reap. Key West and the County are reaping the wild wind.

I had a doctor visit yesterday. Afterwards, I thought I would give myself a treat. Figure I am entitled to one after more than 200 days in self quarantine. I decided on a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich from Mr. Z’s to take home and enjoy.

Since I was in the area, I went to the one in the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center. It was after 12 noon. Mr. Z’s opens at 11 am daily.

Mr. Z’s was closed. Though disappointed, I understood. The town is dead. There is no business of any consequence.

I compensated. Stopped at the Dion’s on U.S. 1 on the way home. Dion’s chicken for lunch!

I continue receiving questions why I do not write more about Key West. The answer simple. Nothing is happening in Key West. The town is dead. Ergo, nothing of interest to report. Added to the fact I do not go out. If I am not out and about evenings, I see nothing to report.

So there is no understanding, the primary problem is Key West is and has been dead for a few months. If there were tourists and things were booming, I would hear and read about it. Nothing.

My blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou went well last night. I enjoyed doing it. The show as with my blogs primarily covers politics. What else is there to write and talk about?

Enjoy your day!