Today is Memorial Day. A time when we honor our military dead.

Memorial Day had a strange beginning. One that few know about. It is buried in the annals of history to a time immediately following the Civil War.

In those years, former Union General John A. Logan took a holiday originated by former Confederates and helped spread it across the entire country.

General Logan was the head of the largest Union veterans’ fraternity. The Grand Army of the Republic. Logan observed something that surprised him. A unexpected happening.

The people of the South were honoring Union War dead who had been laid to rest in Southern cemeteries.

The first Memorial day occurred in 1866 in Columbus, Georgia. Southerners had decorated the graves of Confederate soldiers. The Southerners included women.

The women did the unexpected. They also decorated the graves of their former enemies who had fought for the Union.

The Nation lauded the ladies. Described their action as “beautiful” and “unselfish.”

A northern Judge, Francis Miles Finch, wrote a poem commemorating what had been done by the Southern ladies. The Blue and the Gray. Finch considered the actions of the Southern ladies to be inspirational. He said, “It struck me that the South was holding out a friendly hand, and that it was our duty, not only as conquerors, but as men and their fellow citizens of the Nation, to grasp it.”

A significant line in the poem: “They banish our anger forever when they laurel the graves of our dead.”

The North quickly adopted the Southern custom of Memorial Day. It was thought to also include “burying the hatchet.” The Southern dead were to be considered brave men.

Feeling spread rapidly. By 1868, the U.S. had adopted the holiday.

A 10 year old Northern girl whose father had died in the Civil War made a wreath of flowers. She sent the wreath with a note to the overseer of the holiday in Lafayette, Indiana. The note read: “Will you please put this wreath upon some rebel soldier’s grave? My dear papa is buried at Andersonville and perhaps some little girl will be kind enough to put a few flowers on his grave.”

The Memorial Day flower laying on all graves was part of Lincoln’s hope for reconciliation. As Lincoln said, “Malice toward none…..charity for all.”

Within 3 yeas of the Civil War’s end, Memorial Day had become a manifestation of Lincoln’s hope for reconciliation between the North and South.

Leave it to the women! They always seem to get things right.

Big sea-faring day in Key West yesterday. The Minimal Regatta. A typical quirky Key West adventure providing merriment for spectators.

The Regatta is held annually in front of Schooner Wharf. Hundreds lining the boardwalk. Homemade boats of plywood and duct tape racing. Few complete the race. The boats fall apart.

Everyone has a good time! Participants and spectators.

An asteroid is going to pass over Key west and the Eastern Seaboard at 7:05 tonight. Not close. Three million two hundred thousand miles away. Such being more than 12 times the distance between Earth and Moon.

The asteroid consists of the asteroid and its moon. So referred to. Not exactly correct. The asteroids are 2 rocks. The larger one .08 miles wide. The smaller less than 2 times the big one and elongated..

The asteroids are no threat. Too far away.

Key West and measles. Various disease control centers consider Key West ripe for a measles attack. Tourists the reason. Measles could be brought in by tourists each day.

Fortunately, no measles cases reported as yet. Hopefully none will be.

I made a mistake for which I am truly sorry.

In my 5/25 blog, I chastise Trump because he would be in Japan on Memorial Day rather than at Arlington Cemetery honoring our war dead. Especially since the Japan trip appeared more social than business.

Before the day ended, I heard from Ron in the Comment section to the blog. He pointed out my error. I checked. Ron was correct. I had misspoken.

Trump and Melania made an unannounced visit to Arlington Cemetery before leaving for Japan. They were at Arlington last thursday and participated with the U.S. Army’s famed Old Guard in placing flags at the graves of the fallen. Trump and Melania assisted in placing some. They also placed a flag at the headstone of Frank Buckles, the last living World War I veteran.

My apologies to the President and you my readers.

Some things I do not understand. A federal Court Judge ruled several days ago that the subpoenas served on Deutsche Bank and Capital One had to be obeyed. Personal bank records of Trump, his children, his family, and the Trump organization had to be turned over to 2 different Congressional Committees.

As expected, Trump appealed.

Late friday, it was announced that “by agreement” the Congressional Committees and Trump had agreed to hold up the execution of the subpoenas till Trump’s appeal was concluded. The appeal is to be heard on an accelerated basis. Probably in late July.

Why the agreement? The Democrats are moving ever too slowly. The Republicans would never be as cooperative if the situation were reversed.

Back in my college days, 5 Day Deodorant Pads hit the market. Big time! Many only bathed once a week at that time.

The 5 Dayers were small round gauze pads soaked in some kind of anti-perspirant. One swab did it!

I have not seen nor heard of 5 Day Pads in years.

Yesterday, an advertisement popped up on my computer screen. Old Spice 48 Hour Protection. An anti-perspirant spray.

I checked Old Spice out. Yes, they do have such a spray and are marketing it. Those who use it only have to bathe every other say.

While searching re the Old Spice one, I discovered the 5 Day Deodorant Pad is alive and still selling. Over the internet and at Walgreens.

Merely sharing. Have no opinion.

Enjoy your day!

The shame of it all…..

Bayer is the well known producer of Bayer Aspirin. Bayer’s past a dark one.

Bayer a German company. Founded in 1863. It is most well known for the discovery of aspirin.

In 1925, six German companies merged to form the German conglomerate IG Farben.

Bayer continued to operate under the Bayer name while part of the conglomerate.

Following World War II, IG Farben went through two splits. The last one resulting in 3 companies, one of which is the Bayer known today.

I have taken the time to briefly spell out mergers, etc. since most historians refer to the World War II activities, to be described herein, as having been conducted by Bayer. Bayer at the time operating as a part of IG Farben.

Note that Helge Wehmeir, Bayer CEO, offered a public apology in 1995 for Bayer’s actions during World War II (covering years before World War II also – 1935-45) and the Holocaust.

Now for that which contributed to Bayer’s dark past.

Auschwitz was more than a concentration camp. A plant was constructed on Auschwitz grounds that was owned 100 percent by IG Farben. Known as Auschwitz III. The plant was the largest in the world producing gasoline and rubber.

Prisoners considered appropriate candidates were sent to the factory. For labor and human experiments. Non concentration persons were sent to Auschwitz III to work as slave laborers. Half of the 300,00 workers were slave labor or conscripts, 30,000 Auschwitz prisoners.

Auschwitz prisoners were used for human experiments for a new vaccine being developed. All died from the testing. Those sent to the gas chambers were privy to the synthetic gas Zykion-B, invented by IG Farben.

A group of 150 ladies were sent to Auschwitz III. Bayer injected not before tested chemicals into the women while seeking a cure for tuberculosis. All 150 ladies died.

Another prisoner  at age 13 was given tablets and pills as part of a birth control test. The birth control was permanent. She is still alive. She has never been able to conceive.

Dr. Victor Capesius conducted many of the tests. He worked for Bayer. He assisted Joseph Mengele, the Angel of Death, with genetic experiments on children.

Bayer purchased from the Germans certain of the victims experimented upon. They were sold and paid for like buying cattle. The number and price were negotiated and a contract signed.

Helmuth Vetter was an Auschwitz physician. He was also an SS captain. He drew 2 pay checks. One from the SS and the other Bayer.

One of Vetter’s experiments involved finding new anesthetics. He negotiated and bought 150 female inmates for which he paid RM 170. The women arrived in good condition. As a a result of the experiment, they all died.

Vetter merely requested in writing another 150 ladies at the same price.

The Auschwitz factory was not the only place human testing was done. IG Farben had its own concentration camp. Chemicals and vaccines were tested both on the sick and healthy. Injections, pills, enemas and powders were used. Many became seriously ill or died.

Fritz ter Meer was a IG Farben director and Nazi Party member. He directed Bayer operations at the Auschwitz plant. Tried at Nuremberg, he was sentenced to 7 years in prison. He was released after only serving 2 years.

Meer was elected Chair of Bayer’s Advisory Board in 1956 and so served till 1964.

An additional 23 Farben board members and executives were tried at Nuremberg. None received long jail terms. All released early. All were back to work assisting the German pharmaceutical industry soon after their release.

IG Farben was a huge donor to  Hitler’s electoral campaign and a supporter of the Nazis.

IG Farben worked closely with the Nazi Party to operate many plants in European cities seized by the Germans. The conglomerate also held stock in and was represented on the Board of companies which produced the gas used in Holocaust gas chambers.

Some historians suggest that without IG Farben, Hitler could not have risen to power and there would not have been a second World War.

Bayer’s story.

Enjoy your day!

On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary became the first man to reach the top of Mount Everest. He was accompanied by his guide Tenzing Norgay.

A monumental feat! Everest 29,029 feet.

Many had tried before Hillary. None succeeded. A successful climb thought to be impossible. Today, a piece of cake.

They climb by the hundreds. Last year 807. Many at one time. More expected this year.

There is a picture taken this week floating about the internet. It shows an approximate quarter mile of climbers standing next to each other as they wait to make the last part of their ascent. The photo shows the climbers at the top and runs down vertically to those standing in deep snow and cold waiting to move forward.

The climb is as deadly today as when Hillary accomplished it in 1953. Climbers are subjected to lethal conditions. Primarily frostbite and altitude sickness.

Not all make it to the top. Not all make it back down. They die both on ascent and decent.This past week alone 10 have died. Male and female.

One man died while standing in line to make it to the top. The line had not moved in 12 hours. He died standing in place.

A dangerous sport! A true accomplishment!

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. Parades, parties, cookouts, etc. A federal holiday. The purpose of Memorial Day to remember and honor those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Memorial Day always celebrated on the last monday in May.

Typically, the President on Memorial Day  appears at Arlington Cemetery and places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Trump will not be there. Instead he is in Japan attending as he described it “a very big event.” Represented to him as bigger than the Super Bowl. The crowning of the new Emperor.

Trump will also be attending a banquet honoring the Emperor Naruhito.

In addition, the finale of Japan’s Grand Sumo Wrestling Tournament.

The trip more pleasure than official. Trump says some negotiating will go on re tariffs since he wants a better deal for the U.S.

I am going to get a lot of adverse mail. I believe Trump’s place on monday should be at Arlington Cemetery paying homage to those who died in the service of our country. It is the President’s place on Memorial Day. Those lying beneath the white crosses so perfectly lined might cause Trump to realize that they who lay beneath made it possible for him to stand there as President. I might also add that many who lie at Arlington died in our war with Japan.

It might also serve to make Trump think twice before he decides to commit American troops to another war on a foreign land. We are in 17 already. We do not need another.

Trump is AMERICA FIRST. His line. During the campaign and since. He must have forgotten.

Canadian blogger Ian Welsh in a recent article made 2 observations re Trump.

First, “The presence of Trump in the White House is an unprecedented emergency and an enormous support of anxiety, and real day to day stress.”

The other, “My way, or the highway to apocalypse.”

Love the last line.

Never made it out last night. Perhaps tonight.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday afternoon, Trump was surrounded by a few farmers and many Staff members and Cabinet officials. He dealt with 2 issues. One was berating Nancy Pelosi. The other announcing he was giving $16 billion to help farmers. Too little.

Last year, he provided $12 million. A drop in the bucket also. He made a big deal yesterday of the way less than adequate appropriation.

The farmers, especially midwest ones, are suffering, losing their farms, etc., because of the Trump’ inspired tariff war with China. Now he rides in like the man on the white charger to help those he has hurt the most.

China could literally kill the U.S. economy by selling off large chunks of U.S. Treasury bonds it holds. China is the U.S.’ biggest creditor outside Social Security. China holds $1.2 trillion of our Treasury bonds.

All is fair in love and war.

If China sells off all or a significant amount of the Treasury bonds, the U.S. would suffer big time. Woe would be us. Such would raise America’s borrowing costs, weaken the U.S. dollar, and plunge global markets into chaos.

China is handling its end of the tariff war simply. Beyond imposing its own tariffs, it has told its people not to buy Kentucky Fried Chicken. A big seller in China. If China follows up, the next step could be selling off large chunks of its U.S. Treasuries. If so, it will not only be the farmers suffering. The entire Nation will.

Trump appears to have met his match in Pelosi.

Trump did what can only be described as a stupid thing yesterday. He edited/altered a video of Pelosi speaking and tweeted it. The alterations included Pelosi stumbling over her words, stammering, and repeating herself.

Dirty play even for politics. A perfect example of fake news.

On this day in 1943, a new doctor arrived at Auschwitz. Joseph Mengle. He became known as the “Angel of Death.” He experimented on the inmates. Diabolical surgeries. Most the patients did not survive. It bothered Mengle not. It was all being done in the interest of science.

Another Angel of Death is on the scene today. One who has labeled himself the “Grim Reaper.” Proudly so. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

McConnell controls what gets to the Senate floor for debate and vote.

The House of Representatives have passed a multitude of bills which now sit on McConnell’s desk awaiting attention by the Senate. Bills affecting medical care, the climate, etc. All good things.

By sitting on them and not giving the bills an opportunity to be heard, McConnell is playing politics. Good for the Republican Party. Bad for all others. Not the way the game is supposed to be played.

McConnell is also thwarting Democratic proposals that he views as socialistic. They remain on his desk.

The man is relentless in the pursuit of political power over the good of the country.

He has promised he would continue such action if he were still Majority Leader following the 2020 election. At a recent speech in his native Nevada, McConnell said, “Let me be clear. I will be the Grim Reaper in the Senate when it comes to socialist schemes that would destroy jobs, private health insurance, and the free enterprise system.”

Trump has already begun his attack on “socialism.” It will be a major campaign issue in 2020. A false scenario is being presented: Socialists are Communists, progressivism is socialism. McConnell is carrying the President’s water.

The power of any nation is its people. Ultimately the people of the U.S. will recognize the damage being done to the U.S. by Trump, McConnell, and the Republican Party. A Democrat will be elected President and both Houses will be Democratic.

I hope.

I sense a storm rising. A growing unhappiness with Trump and his policies.

A measles update. The measles epidemic is world wide.

The Philippines have been hit hard. Since January, it has experienced 33,000 cases. Four hundred sixty six of that number have died.

The cause for the exceptionally high numbers in the Philippines is two-fold. The population has a general distrust of vaccines and a decline in routine childhood immunizations.

Stayed in again last night. Feeling better. Going out tonight. I need to be with people.

Enjoy your day!

In 1965, the main ship channel off Key West was dredged to a depth of 35 feet. The first step in creating/building an island where one had not existed before. Fill then was used to create the island. One million one hundred thousand cubic yards.

There was a need for the island. The Navy required a fuel stowage facility. When completed and put to use, the new island was referred to as Tank Island. It so remained till 1994 when the Navy stopped using the island.

The island remained unused and uninhabited for several years. Except for some natives who illegally camped there and called it home.

Then Sunset Key came into being. A very special place. Private residences in the multi-million dollar range. Special guest cottages. And…..Latitudes!

Latitudes is one of the finest restaurants in the lower Keys. Perhaps the finest. Beautiful. Magnificent. A view to die for. Food superior. Service equal. Pricey. Worth every penny.

Reservations a definite.

Arriving at Latitudes an experience in itself. Sunset Key is 500 yards off Key West. Latitudes provides a boat to take its customers back and forth. A unique experience in itself.

Try Latitudes. You will love it!

Another doctor visit yesterday. My heart is good. Which leaves my problems somewhere in my trunk. We are down to the lower stomach.

I have been assured not cancer. Something screwed up, however.

The extreme tiredness has curtailed my night life. I probably needed a rest after all these years. However, I am anxious to return. I miss the Chart Room, my friends, and the acquaintances I am fortunate to make.

Trump continues to ignore Florida’s Panhandle. Financial support promised several times. Arrives in very small amounts. Accomplishes in effect nothing.

Mexico Beach is the smallest Panhandle community to have been hit by Hurricane Michael. A direct hit as a category 5 storm. Eighty percent of the buildings destroyed.

The people of Mexico Beach consider themselves “forgotten.” They have been, they are.

Trump has to put money where is mouth is. Talk is cheap. He should put up, must put up. He is treating Mexico Beach like Puerto Rico.

You can only hide things so long. Trump is finding that out.

Yesterday, a federal judge ruled the Deutsche Bank and Capital One banking records of the Trump family are subject to Congressional review. The subpoenas served are good and must be obeyed.

The noose is tightening. Trump will appeal. I doubt any appellate court will overturn yesterday’s decision.

China will fight the tariff war on all fronts. The nature of the Chinese people.

The Chinese government yesterday began a “boycott” of American goods. The people were told not to buy American products and to stop going to Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC is big in China.

Pain on all fronts!

Michael Snyder is a national journalist. I enjoy his writings. He published one yesterday on the economy.

Snyder asked if the economy is so good, why are large U.S. corporations laying off thousands of workers?

Layoffs come with a recession. Trump tells us no recession. Best economy ever!

Snyder senses the country is already in recession. He believes the economy numbers that Trump relies on are not honest.

I wrote similarly two weeks ago. I claimed how can we rely on anything a person says who lies about every thing. Who refuses to provide his tax returns which probably will reflect financial chicanery.

Snyder wrote the corporations are letting workers go because of “a slower than expected 2019.”

He supports his position with Ford’s recent announcement it will be laying off 7,000. He further substantiates his position with the announced layoffs to come at other large corporations. Nestle 4,000, 3M 2,000, MGM Resorts 1,000. He also sets forth the announcement by Dressban that it is closing all of its 650 stores.

Enjoy your day!

There is something else going on in Washington besides Congressional oversight of Trump. Government still goes on. Bills are passed by the House. At the present time, Trump, Pelosi and Schumer are scheduled to meet concerning the budget.

Re the budget, Trump announced yesterday if he does not get his wall, he will shut the government down. Monies for the wall have to be spelled out in the budget.

The man is crazy. Power crazy.

My podcast show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I enjoyed doing the show. Great topics. Including Alabama and abortion, life in the 2040’s, Don McGahn’s lack of character, and Trump and the Lincoln Memorial.

Once a year, Key West replenishes the sand on its beaches. The operation this year begins today. Expected to take 2 weeks. Smathers Beach first.

This is nesting season for turtles. Their safety a concern. Volunteers each morning will walk the beaches to identify and mark new nests.

‘KONK Life’s E-Blast ran a series of photos of Marvin Keys these days. What a difference from when I use to frequent Marvin Key. Howard Livingston (before he became “Howard Livingston) used to take me out.

I have not been in 20 years. When I was a frequent visitor, my friends and I were generally alone. Sometimes, another boat or two, though rarely.

E-Blast’s photos this morning show the difference. Tons of boats.People enjoying.

Marvin Key was a secret when Howard took me. No more.

The shame of it all. The Farmers Market at Bayview Park is no more. I have not been able yet to find out why.

Many the thursday I would stop at Farmers Market. My purchases the same. Bread and tomatoes.

The Market always had a steady group of customers. I find it strange that it is no more.

Words of wisdom many times can be found in the Citizens Voice column of the Key West Citizen.

A gem this morning: “What did you people do to this island? It was like St. Barts in the ’70s. Quiet, friendly, no traffic, a laid back paradise. Now it reminds me of Tijuana. I hope you all got rich!”

A photo of a Great White Shark appears in both E-Blast and the Key West Citizen this morning. On this day in 1956, Captain Tony Lones caught the Great White. Weighed 2,300 pounds.

Big! Too big! Appeared it could swallow a person in one or two bites.

Think things are bad with Congress today? No way. Far worse in the 1850’s leading up to the Civil War.

In 1856, a Southern Congressman went onto the floor of the Senate. He beat a Northern Senator with his cane. The hot issue of the day was the continued observance of Kansas as a free state.

The caning a symbol of uncompromising hostility over an issue. Just like today.

China’s President XI recently said, “China is embarking on a new long march.” Such signaling no resolution to the tariff war with the U.S. in the near future.

Recall Trump’s campaign words: “Tariffs are good. I know how to win tariff wars.”

Tell it to the farmers in the midwest who cannot sell their soybeans and corn, tell it to the public who soon will be paying more for most things. All because of the Trump inspired China tariff war.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday another I remained in, except for visiting my primary care doctor. I am now his headache. Dr. McIvor found nothing wrong with my heart.

More blood work. Another test today.

I sometimes question the accuracy of my scale. Told me as of yesterday, I lost 9 pounds in 10 days. Doctor’s scale and his notes said the same thing.

The weight loss a false benefit.

Udders obviously have to do with cows. Came across a couple of interesting for real stories involving cows.

A Dutch veterinarian was trying to demonstrate to a farmer that his cows were passing too much gas. To make his point, he used a cigarette lighter to set fire to one of the cow’s farts.

The cow became a “four legged flamethrower.”

The cow ran around frantically setting fire to the hay bales in the barn. Fire spread. Barn burned down.

Damage $80,000.

No damage to the cow.

Another story involves kissing cows.

Last wednesday in Australia, authorities told the people to stop kissing cows. Even where tongues not used. Dangerous to the animals and humans for a number of reasons.

The cow kissing began as part of a charitable fundraiser. Labeled the “Cow Kiss Challenge.” Run simultaneously in Australia, Switzerland and Germany.

Remember Bum Farto? The Key West Fire Chief who was convicted in a drug case in 1976. The day he left home for Court to be sentenced, he disappeared. His car pulled out of his driveway. Something occurred in the street. Farto and the car no where to be seen.

A Jimmy Hoffa type thing.

To this day, the question arises: “Bum Farto, where are you?”

Why Bum Farto today? On this day in 1986, Bum Farto was declared legally dead. Many locals think he is not dead. Rather lying on a beach somewhere enjoying his ladies and drink.

Norberg Thomson one smart man.

Key West’s cigar industry was booming in the early 1900’s. Norberg saw an opportunity to enrich himself by participating. However instead of manufacturing cigars, he built a huge factory on Caroline Street to make cigar boxes The business locally competition free.

The construction of the building began this day in 1911.

Deutsche Bank in the news frequently these days. Trump and family did much business with the German bank. They partnered at a time when Trump could not find financing sources elsewhere because of the Atlantic City casino debacle where Trump’s corporations filed bankruptcy. The banks involved took huge losses and banks in general thereafter would not do business with him.

Deutsche and Trump are birds of a feather. Found each other to do business with. Both losers.

Deutsche has been in a death spiral since 2007. Deutsche’s stock dropped 39 percent the past 12 months. Sixty percent since January 2018.

Character. Some have it, some don’t. Hard to tell till a time arrives where character is called for.

Character constitutes the moral values of an individual. A thing that calls upon a person to do the right thing at the right time.

Don McGahn had his opportunity today to reflect his character. He failed.

He was subpoenaed to appear before a Congressional Committee. His attorneys advised yesterday he would not. Citing several reasons that in actuality carry no legal weight when applied to McGahn and the facts surrounding him and his testimony.

McGahn capitulated. He abided with Trump’s directive not to testify.

Trump has failed to bring jobs back from Europe. Only a minimal amount have returned.

Ford announced yesterday that it is eliminating 7,000 jobs globally. Ford’s North America plants will lose 2,300 of the jobs. The eliminated jobs will come from mid management.

In the U.S., 1,500 have already been let go. Five hundred more expected to be separated this week. The balance by September.

A federal judge ruled that Trump’s accountants Mazars USA must release Trump’s accounting records.

The judge Amit P. Mehta.

His 41 page decision reflected clearly his thinking. Best the following paragraph: “It is simply not fathomable that a Constitution that grants Congress the power to remove a President for reasons including criminal behavior would deny Congress the power to investigate him for unlawful conduct – past or present – even without formally opening an impeachment inquiry.”

Trump says he will appeal.

Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg appeared on a FOX News Town Hall. His presentation a success. Over the top. At the end of the Town Hall, the audience stood and applauded.

Mayor Pete would make an excellent candidate for President, except for one problem. The blacks do not support him. His being gay the problem.

The Democratic candidate cannot win without black support.

Can Buttigieg get the support?

A measles update.

Number of cases in the U.S. 880. Most of the new cases in New York City.

This year thus far has been the worst year for measles since the Centers for Disease Control declared in 2000 that measles had been eliminated in the U.S.

My podcast tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. So much to talk about.

Join me. Guaranteed you will enjoy. I rant and rave about much that is going on around us. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Letter writing is a lost art. A vintage skill.

The digital age has taken over. Quicker, etc.

I enjoyed handwriting letters. Condolences, congratulations, a friendly note. Did so with some frequency till about 5 years ago. As my days became full with writing, etc. using a computer, time became precious. I now hand write probably 2 letters a year.

I still have engraved stationary, cards and envelopes with my name imprinted on each.  Since the number of written messages has been drastically reduced, I doubt I shall never use them all.

Still under the weather. Remained in all day yesterday. Tired. Laid around.

I see my primary care physician this afternoon. My heart doctor thinks I have a virus. Whatever, primary care physician’s problem to identify and correct.

There is a benefit to illness. A mild one. I have lost 9 pounds in 10 days. Other than that, being sick is sick!

Watched the PGA from my bed yesterday. The last 9 holes exciting. Brooks Koepka the ultimate winner went into the last day with a 7 hole lead. In the middle of the back 9, it dropped to 1. Dustin Johnson had moved up dramatically.

In the end, Koepka won by 2 strokes.

I thought the golf course was a terrible one to play a major tournament on. Bethpage Black. Difficult for every player.

Two problems from my perspective. The second rough was 3 1/2 inches. Too deep. The quality of the player lost. If one got out with a decent shot, it was luck.

The second was the greens. The greens have small subtle swings. Slight. Difficult to see. More short putts were missed by all. Even the 2 leaders.

The quality of a player is not represented by those playing on such a course. Luck enters into it big time. A professional tournament should give the players the opportunity to use their skills without the necessity of having to play against the 2 problems mentioned.

Blue jeans! A million dollar market!

Not new. Been around almost 150 years.

On this day in 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis were given a patent to create work pants reinforced with metal rivets.

Millennials. Their time.

A significant problem faces them, however. Money. Especially for those near middle age.

Janet Adamy and Paul Overberg recently wrote in The Wall Street Journal that such millennials are “in worse financial shape than every preceding living generation and may never recover.”

They wrote, “Americans born between 1981 and 1996 have failed to match every other generation of young adults born since the Great Depression…..They have less wealth, less property, lower marriage rates and fewer children.”

The cause is the financial crisis and recession that started as they began their working lives.

We are told the U.S. is experiencing “the greatest economy ever.” If such is the case, why are 40 percent of Americans struggling to afford housing, utilities, food and health care?

John Deere is one of America’s oldest and most successful manufacturers of tractors and other farm equipment. John Deere announced this week it was slashing production.

The midwest is Deere’s strongest sales area. Midwest farmers are struggling big time as a result of the Chinese tariff war. The demand for new tractors is down. Deere expects demands to sink even more. Farmers are making do with their old Deere equipment.

Trump says he want to talk with Iran. After so speaking last week several times, Trump tweeted Iran would meet its “official end” if it fights the U.S. He also advised Iran “never to threaten the U.S. again.”

The man speaks with a forked tongue. He invites armed conflict. Some day it will happen. To the detriment of the U.S. as well as whoever the opponent might be.

Republican Congressman Justin Amish announced this past week that the “President engaged in impeachable conduct.”

Trump retaliated by calling Amish a “loser.” Trump calls everyone who opposes him a loser.

History will record Trump as the biggest loser of all time.

I close with Mahatma Gandhi. From his many words of wisdom…..In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.

Enjoy your day!

Coups are in the air. The failed Venezuela one the most recent.

There are references to coups. Donald Trump at a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin described the Russian investigation as an attempted coup.

One definition of a coup is the sudden violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group. Chief prerequisite is control of all or a part of the military and police.

Another definition refers to a coup as an illegal, unconstitutional seizure of power by a dictator, the military, or a political faction.

A coup is known by several names. A coup d’etat, putsch, and golpe.

Two historical coups come to  mind. The Beer Hall Putsch and the March On Rome. Both led by authoritative figures.

The Beer Hall Putsch was led by Adolph Hitler. On November 8-9, 1923. The Nazi Party under leader Adolph Hitler failed to seize power. Hitler sentenced to jail for his participation.

Ten years later, Hitler was involved in another coup. This one peaceful. Hitler was growing in power in Germany. Demonstrations were occurring. Hitler encouraging them. The politicians unable to control what was happening.

Victor Emanuel III capitulated. He appointed Hitler Prime Minister.

Hitler came to power in what is described as a peaceful coup. He was voluntarily handed the reins of government. The date January 30, 1933.

From day one, Joseph Goebbels worked hand in hand with Hitler. A fierce supporter. He was Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda from 1933-1945.

Skilled in public speaking, he was a virulent anti-Semitic. He strongly supported the extermination of Jews in the Holocaust.

The world’s vision of him was a thin unsmiling man who combed his hair straight back.

He died in the bunker one day after Hitler died by poisoning his 6 children, killing his wife, and then himself.

Benito Mussolini came to power as a result of the March on Rome in October 1922. Mussolini’s Fascist Party marched on Rome beginning on October 22. By October 29, the coup was accomplished. King Emanuel appointed Mussolini Prime Minister, thereby transferring political power to the Fascists without serious armed conflict.

Mussolini had a son in law. Galeazzo Ciano. Married Mussolini’s daughter Edna in 1930.

Ciano distinguished himself in 1936 in the war against Ethiopia. He was a bomber pilot.

Ciano was recognized as Mussolini’s right hand man and likely successor.

He was appointed head of the Foreign Ministry. A few years later, Mussolini removed him and took over the foreign ministry duties himself. Ciano was removed because of his anti-war attitude. The removal took place during the World War itself.

Stepping back a few years, Mussolini hated Hitler. Ciano did not. He pushed for an Italian alliance with Germany.

After France fell, Ciano convinced Mussolini to have Italy join Hitler in the war. Italy thereafter negatively distinguished itself by being defeated in Greece and North Africa.

Ciano’s thinking changed with the defeats. He wanted Mussolini to make a peace agreement with the Allies. Mussolini did not agree and fired him.

Ciano joined with other member of the government in an attempt to remove Mussolini from power. The coup failed.

Mussolini considered Ciano’s actions a betrayal. Ciano was forced to flee for his life. He went to northern Italy where he was captured by pro-fascist forces.

Mussolini had Ciano charged with treason. Ciano was executed in January 1944 on father in law Mussolini’s direct orders. Mussolini ordered the execution under pressure from Hitler.

History repeats itself.

Hitler had Goebbels, Trump has Stephen Miller. Miller is a Senior advisor to Trump for Policy.

Goebbel’s Jews are Miller’s immigrants. Miller is a hardliner regarding immigrants. He has been chief architect of Trump’s travel ban, the administration’s reduction of refugees accepted into the U.S., and the policy of separating migrant children from their parents.

Miller also has a tendency to lie. He has made false and unsubstantiated claims regarding widespread electoral fraud.

Trump has his son in law Jared Kushner in the White House. Mussolini had his son in law Ciano in his administration. Ciano worked very closely with his father in law, as does Kushner with his.

Could a coup occur in the U.S.? Possibly so.

Assume Trump loses the election in 2020. Especially if he loses in a close race. He might refuse to leave the White House because the election was rigged from his perspective. A man who fails to recognize the Constitution in other respects might take the position he is still President. His record to date does not make such a consideration improbable.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Trump is one tough guy. If you are not with him, you are against him. Punishment in order. He has an I’ll teach you attitude.

The border problem is frustrating the hell out of him. Still working at getting the wall. Which will not be the cure all he believes.

The overflow at the borer is of his making. Migration from the south has been a U.S. problem for years. Most Presidents took steps to contain it. Trump thought he could solve it.

His efforts a dismal failure! U.S. border problems more serious than ever before.

Thousands clogging the southwestern entrances to the U.S. Trump has come up with a band aid solution. As with taking children from parents, it will backfire and have similar adverse consequences.

The President is vindictive. He must get even with those who do not support him.

Florida went with Trump in the 2016 election. He needs Florida to win again in 2020. Two Florida counties are Democratic strongholds. Palm Beach and Broward.

Note there are no sanctuary cities in Florida.

The President advised yesterday he is seriously considering  dumping some detained migrants in both counties. Deliver them. Drop them off. Leave. No pre-planning. No food, lodging or other necessary resources.

In Trump’s mind, that will be punishing those who did not support him.

Mara-a-Lago is in Palm Beach County. Why “punish” Palm Beach County? Did the County raise taxes on Mar-a-Lago? Maybe his neighbors dislike him and he doesn’t care.

Whatever, the plan a terrible one. The migrants and both Counties will be hurt.

Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. Trump forgets.

Eugene Robinson is a respected Washington Post columnist. Pulitzer Prize winner.

He and his wife repeat visitors to Key West. For a month early in the year.

While here, his wife paints. Spends time at the Studios of Key West. Robinson reads, wanders about town, and gives a lecture or two. I attended one earlier this year. The man speaks as well as he writes.

In a recent article, Robinson wrote there are many words to describe the Trump administration. One of the simplest is “dumb.”

An apt description.

Visited Dr. McIvor yesterday. My heart is good. Blood work and other tests fine. Not the cause of my tiredness.

It is back to my primary Doctor Norris monday. With the heart eliminated, now his problem.

In the meantime, my ass is dragging. It is only 9 in the morning and I am totally exhausted. Taking me longer to write than normal. Like digging ditches.

Showered, shaved and got out last night. Needed to get out no matter what. Can only spend so much time indoors.

I was tired when I left. Full of piss and vinegar when I returned. Amazing!

Stopped at the Chart Room before going to the movies. Did not drink. Can’t stand the taste of gin.

Chatted with my farmer friend from Illinois, Devin. He got his corn planted. Soy beans also. He has corn and soybeans stored on his farm from last year waiting for the China situation to be resolved. He hopes it will be before harvest time for the recent plantings. He is working on the come. No money till he sells what he grows.

Went to the movies! The new Regal.

First, the new theater. I liked it. The seats are terrific. You sit and the back reclines based on your weight. I went back about 6 inches. Comfortable. More leg room than is needed. I am tall. Leg room important.

The movie. Funny! Not heavy at all. Easy to watch and relaxing. The Long Shot. Starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. I recommend it.

Trip Adviser reported the following. Though Key West is the top summer travel destination, Miami will save you money.

I have always suspected the same. I fear Key West at some point will lose the chicken that lays the golden egg.

Anniversary time. The USS Vanderbilt was flooded in Key West waters 10 years ago this month. Specifically, May 27.

A new reef created. Diving the big sport. Also utilized to hang underwater art, acts as a laboratory, and military training facility.

A new Key West museum. Sail to Rails. Sponsored by Historic Tours of America. Located at the Flagler Station, 901 Caroline Street.

This is PGA Week. The PGA. A major in the golf world.

Tiger Woods failed to make the cut. Played poorly. Surprising since he won the Masters 4 weeks ago.

Turns out Tiger intentionally did not play in those for weeks. Not at all, except 9 holes a few days before the PGA.

Everything was off.

I suspect Tiger may have been testing himself. To see how much he has really come back. The result no indication. Every golfer knows in order to maintain sharpness on the course you have to play and practice. Daily if you are a pro.

Enjoy your day!