Did we do enough?

Originally posted in December 2021

A two hour meeting yesterday via internet between Biden and Putin. The issue the Ukraine.

I had two feelings prior to the meeting and interestingly the two remained following the meeting.

First, I had a fear of another Munich. Chamberlain’s peace in our lifetime. Such would cause Biden to back down from his tough position in the meeting. He would give something to Putin to satiate him.

Putin would have won. Won and ready to “fight” another day in another place because he believes he has the U.S. on the run.

Second, the Cuban missile crisis. War was in the air. Seemed inevitable. Kennedy figured a way to  handle it. Causing Khrushchev to blink at the last moment. Who will blink first re the Ukraine?

Putin’s position simple yesterday. Either the U.S. and NATO provide Russia with “legal guarantees” that the Ukraine will never join NATO or become a base for response that can threaten Russia – or we (Russia) will go in and guarantee it ourselves.

New York Times columnist David Leonhardt in a piece in The Morning Newsletter today wrote: “Foreign aggression often gives political leaders a chance to rally nationalistic support at home, especially as a distraction from domestic problems. And Russia has domestic problems, like surging COVID-19 cases, slow growing wages, and rising prices. Last year, opposition groups held some of the largest anti-Putin marches in years.”

Leonhardt went on that the U.S. does not have united support for the war and united support would not be there in the event the U.S. gets involved.

Militant groups in the U.S. would not rally to the flag. Rather, would side with Russia. Providing Russia with the benefit of “insurgent guerrilla forces” on U.S. soil.

Leonhardt wrote that shots are already being intermittently exchanged between Russia and the Ukraine: “The two sides exchanged fire from machine guns and grenade launchers yesterday. International diplomats worry the skirmishes could offer Putin a pretext for invasion.”

Without actually fighting a war against Russia, Leonhardt indicated “Biden still has options. The U.S. could increase its military support to the Ukraine, which could make a potential invasion bloodier and more costly for Russia. (The U.S. is pursuing a related strategy in Taiwan.)”

Additionally, Biden and other European nations can increase “economic measures.” Severe sanctions.

Russia has serious economic problems already. It could not maintain an all out war very long.

In the back of my mind always sits the final consideration. A U.S./Russia war would mean the extermination of both countries. Nuclear devastation on a major scale. I am sure Biden does not want such. I have to believe neither does Putin.

Following is a Matt Gaetz scenario. Read it and draw your own conclusions. If Republicans take control of the House next year, this is what will occur based on Gaetz’s own words.

Gaetz envisions an extremist Republican takeover of House oversight: “We are going to take power after this next election and when we do, it’s not going to be the days of Paul Ryan and Trey Gowdy and no real oversight and no real subpoenas…..It’s going to be the days of Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Dr. Paul Gosar and myself doing everything.”

I contine advising the U.S. judicial system is antiquated. Needs a complete overhaul.

A perfect example the trial date set by a federal judge in the Bannon case: July 18, 2022.

No way that date will be helpful to the January 6 Committee. It is too close to the November elections.

There is a wackiness in the way the judge selected the trial date. He asked the prosecution what they wanted. They said no later than April 15. The defense said mid October.

The judge in a Solomonic fashion split the “baby” down the middle. He scheduled the trial date between the dates suggested. A compromise!

Compromise no way to run this case. Time is of the essence. He should have “fast tracked” it to 2-4 weeks hence.

It never fails. Justice delayed is justice denied. The American people are entitled to a complete expose with regard to the January insurrection. July 18 is too late to be helpful to the January 6 inquiry.

New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote in his column this morning titled “The Age of Creative Minority” an observation re white evangelical Protestants. He wrote, “White evangelical Protestants are down to about 15 percent in the country. They vote for people like Donald Trump because they feel like strangers in their own land, oppressed minorities fighting for survival.”

To the 15 percent I say: Welcome to the club!

Armanda Gorman. No one knew of her till Inauguration day January 20. Her poetry stunned America. Such brilliance. And from a lady only 22 years old.

In 11 months, her fame has skyrocketed.

She was asked how she felt about her rise to fame: “It felt like I was kind of shot out of a cannon.”

Key West’s Lighted Boat Parade 8 pm saturday. Starting point Schooner’s Wharf.

One terrific Christmas show. Fifty/sixty boats decorated for the holiday. Large and small. People partying on the boats and on shore. Food and drinks. The larger vessels, live music and dancing.

Exciting! I know. I have done it many times.

Omicron has found its way to Florida. Two cases so far. One in Tampa and the other in St. Lucie County.

Both victims hospitalized. Information re whether vaccinated not yet available.

Beatle John Lennon shot to death outside his New York City apartment building this day in 1980.

Crazies never leave us. Thoughtless killings part of every generation. Increasing in number this generation.

Eighteen year old Kyle Rittenhouse continues to be the man of the hour.  His tongue as loose as his trigger finger was the day of the shootings.

He has become ballsy. His most recent tirade against LeBron James.

At issue, the tears he wept while testifying.

During a recent TV interview he replied “fuck you LeBron” after LeBron had mocked his tearful moment in a Twitter comment last month.

LeBron was asked about Kyle’s tears. He responded, “What tears?…..That boy ate some lemon heads before walking into court.”

Definitely going out tonight. First a manicure. Then meeting Jean Thornton at the Chart Room followed by dinner somewhere.

Enjoy your day!

Not just a Key West Problem anymore…

Originally Published January 31, 2018

Word on the street is the Key West lodging and entertainment industry is having staffing problems. No wonder. The work staff, bartenders, wait staff, hotel workers, etc. are departing. They cannot afford to live in Key West any longer. Irma the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Rents became too high for ordinary Joes and Janes. Many ending up sharing an accommodation with anywhere from one to three other persons.

Irma caused damage in varying degrees to real estate. Renters found themselves without a home. Landlords in many instances became pigs. The law of supply and demand. Raised the rent!

Most were not able to work during the crisis. Two weeks or more  going unpaid.

Can you blame them for leaving? Or would you rather have them live under the Cow Key Bridge?

The heart of the housing problem is that the local law requiring Key West rentals to be for at least 28 days is not being effectively enforced. Forget excuses and difficulty of enforcement. Enforce! Hit violators with the fines permitted under the law, not a slap on the wrist.

Within a year, the affordable housing problem could be resolved. Without the need to construct affordable housing. The high cost of affordable housing itself  a joke.

Berlin proves my point.

Berlin was experiencing a relatively new housing crisis. Rentals became unavailable. Those available experienced sky rocketing rents.

Berlin attributed the problem to Airbnb. The greed of swift big dollars caused homes to be converted to unlicensed, super profitable hotel rooms. Such caused housing prices to be driven up and a shrinking rental inventory. Suddenly, Berlin was unaffordable for the people who lived and worked there.

Berlin dealt with the problem face on. Enforced a long term rental policy. Punished those who violated the policy.

In the first year alone, 8,000 units were returned to Berlin’s long term rental market.

San Francisco had a similar problem. Enforced its long term rental laws. As a result, 6,000 illegal listings disappeared.

New York City is presently complaining of the Airbnb problem. Airbnb has resulted in a raised cost of living for renters.

Unless local laws are enforced sternly, the situation will be as the comedian Robin Williams related regarding England’s unarmed police: Stop or I’ll say stop again!

Key West must use the law and its staff to combat the problem. Give Codes more men, a bigger budget. Resolve cases with significant fines. Of a size that hurt.

Then there will be no need for affordable housing. The working community will be able to pay fair market prices for rentals.

Trump’s State of the Union Address last night. What can I say that is not being bandied about via the media last night and this morning. I thought the address more form than substance. Considered it divisive. The tone Trump’s way or the highway.

Trump is fortunate to have finally discovered the value of prompters. He stuck to script last night. Made him appear Presidential.

Things are happening under Trump which I do not consider in the best interests of our Nation.

I hear purge and cleanse too often these days. With relation to the Department of Justice and FBI. Trump is a destroyer. A member of the Apocalypse.

Trump could have sanctioned Russia yesterday. He already had Congressional approval. He failed to do so. His excuse being he thought the ability to sanction was a sufficient deterrent to Russia.

He gave Russia a free pass. Russia who is out to bury us. A Russia that cannot be trusted. A Russia that only understands force/compulsion.

Trump claims that one of the benefits of the new tax law is that many corporations are paying bonuses in the thousands to its employees. I would buy $1,000. Not the point, however. A recent study shows only 9 percent of Fortune 500 companies have arranged to have their employees share in the windfall.

Whether 9 percent or 100 percent, the corporations who pay something to their employees still come out with huge significant monies remaining.

I am concerned. A society that is 1 percent/99 percent cannot survive. The 99 percent deficated upon will accept it only so long. Social disorder could result.

I worry about the market. So high! Higher every day!

Such cannot sustain itself. Fifty percent of Americans are not in the market, not benefiting.

Herbert Hoover was elected in 1929 when the market was acting as it is today. Upwards, ever upwards! Less than 8 months after his election, the market fell. The U.S. experienced its worse depression in history.

Trump could be the Herbert Hoover of the 21st century.

Irma and Me is now available at the Key West Library. Available for checking out. I am honored.

Syracuse/Georgia Tech tonight at 8. I will be watching the game. I am not sure where yet.

Enjoy your day!

Still relevant today!!!

My apologies up front. I am on a soap box today. Two issues. Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision and the cost of food.

We need a new Supreme Court! Plain and simple. The Court has gone so far to the right that it appears to be a tool of the 1 per cent. In a 5-4 decision yesterday, the Court rendered a decision that basically allows more personal private money to political candidates. The millionaires and billionaires can donate effectively with no limits.

Government of the rich, by the rich, for the rich.

Breyer in his dissent said the decision creates “…huge loopholes in the law…that undermine, perhaps devastate” a free and unbridled election system.

At issue was the right of the super rich to donate as much to a political campaign as desired. The majority said it was the rich guy’s right, that the rich should not in effect be limited in their giving because they are rich.

I am concerned. You should be also. I include my Republican friends. Never forget that he who pays the fiddler, calls the tune.

Food. I have become close to the issue in recent days. My back kept me down for almost a week. Ergo, no grocery shopping. The refrigerator, freezer and cupboard are bare. Easy to fix. Go to the supermarket!

The situation has brought to the forefront an issue I have addressed many times in this blog, on my TV show, on the radio, and in my newspaper column, the past few years. The ever increasing cost of food!

It has been reported that the cost of food went up a staggering 19 per cent last year. Wow! Lets examine the cost of meat as an example. The food  industry claims two reasons.

The first is the cost of whatever cows eat to make them plump and fat. Foodstuffs like corn and soy beans. The cost of items such has these has risen.

The second is the growing middle class world wide. Most of the developing countries now have a middle class. They want all the goodies our middle class enjoy/enjoyed. Especially beef and protein. The demand is up, the supply low. Simple economics. The price of meat must go up.

The preceding may be a contributing factor. I believe there is something else. Four large corporations control 85 per cent of the meat packing business. Cargill, Tyson Foods, JBS, and National Beef Packing. A monopoly, in effect. They control so they can charge whatever they like. Even if it amounts to gouging the public a bit.

I remained in last night. Wanted to be sure my back was really ok. Today, I plan to be out and about. Besides grocery shopping, a business lunch on the new roof at Schooner Wharf, and bocce this evening. It has been 4 weeks since I last played. I look forward to the evening.

Hello goodbye auf weider sein goodbye.

I hate to go.

Thank you Sound of Music.

The title of today’s blog is the message. I have to take a bit of a hiatus. I am preparing for surgery. The blog absorbs too much of my time under the circumstances.

Today’s message is the last blog I shall prepare for a while. Roughly two months.

In the meantime, what to do to keep my friends interested.

This blog is 15 years old. It has grown beyond my expectations. I want my readers to be available when I return.

Fifteen years is a lot of blogs. More than 5,000.

A solution has been arrived at. Sloan three times a week will select one of the old blogs at random and reconstitute it as that day’s blog.

The three days a week are tuesday, thursday and sunday. “Her first blog” will appear this coming sunday and continue as indicated thereafter.

I thought an at random reading of a 5, 10 or 15 year old blog might prove interesting and rekindle some old memories.

Hope you enjoy the new format till I return!

COVID cases are on the rise. Like a roller coaster. Up and down. Every time it appears the virus has been beaten, it returns.

The New York Times reports as of sunday, 31 new cases had been recorded nationwide. A 3 recent increase over the previous 2 weeks.

Philadelphia one of the communities hit. City officials are not going to delay this time. The City has reinstituted indoor mask wearing in public places. The rule goes into effect 4/18.

The new COVID White House czar Ashish Jha issued a statement that the country should not be “excessively concerned” at the moment.

American universities are becoming so, however. Better safe than sorry. Many are reinstating mask mandates.

The female oracle of wisdom Marjorie Taylor Greene defends January 6 because “it only happened one time.”

I murder someone. Do I get off because “it only happened one time?”

I rape a woman. Do I lack in responsibility because “it only happened one time?”

I had sex with a child. Do QAnon and the courts find such acceptable because “it only happened one time?”

As far as Greene is concerned, anyone’s first crime gets a don’t go to jail card.

I do not believe my hypotheticals fly because of Greene’s statement. She only wants January 6 wrongdoers to get the don’t go to jail card.

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump recently testified willingly before the January 6 Committee. At first, I thought it was to save their asses from the tsunami that may follow.

I have now changed my mind as to the why.

It was announced yesterday what I assume Jared and Ivanka knew was coming: Saudi Arabia was committing $2 billion to fund Jared’s fledgling investment fund.

The Saudi monies come from a fund led by the Saudi Crown Prince. Jared’s very good friend.

A Panel screens investments made by Saudi’s leading Prince. The Panel did not approve of the investments.

The Prince overruled the Panel.

Leaves me with a concern as to why. Raises the question in my mind also as to whether any portion of the money will find its way into Donald’s pocket.

Other concerns.

Jared will receive $25 million a year for managing the fund. It will not mater whether the fund made any money.

Jared has no experience in investment funding. His experience, for whatever it is worth, is in real estate.

The Prince’s investment fund acquired 28 percent of Jared’s investment fund. In other words, the $2 billion bought them a 28 percent interest in Jared’s business.

Amazing! Jared’s new company which has nothing picks up $2 billion and Jared gets a guaranteed $25 million a year for his personal use.

Rocky Mountain, Virginia police officer Thomas Robertson was convicted by a federal jury for his role in the January 6 riot. Guilty of multiple charges including obstruction of Congress on January 6 as Congress was to count Electoral College votes.

Proof during the trial included harmful footage of the mob Capitol scene and testimony from a co-defendant who once served with Robertson on the Rocky Mountain police force.

A touch of the Keys.

Renovation of the Old Seven Mile Bridge complete. The old part had been retained when the new one built years ago. It became a place for people to walk, ride bicycles, etc. Best for standing along a rail people and water watching.

The renovation took 7 years.

Tuesday again. Comes around swiftly each week.

This evening at 9 Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. A quick half hour of me ranting and raving about what occurred the past week.

Join me in this interesting blog talk radio show. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-lou-west.

Enjoy your day!

My father was born April 10, 1914. He died 10 years ago at age 98.

Donna and my Dad have the same birthday. April 10. We discussed it at lunch last week.

I spent some time saturday (April 9) thinking about my Father, our experiences, etc.

I never thought of him sunday the 10th. Just plain forgot! I forget a lot these days.

Lynda Frechette reminded me. She e-mailed me yesterday. Remembered my Dad in her blog. Also mentioned that Donna and Dad shared the same birthday.

I think I was a good son. It’s the aging. My father forgot a lot as he got older.

Physical problems can be genetic. I have a few of my father’s physical problems also. Among them, aortic valve and parathyroid tumors.

Happy birthday, Dad! Better late than never. Tell Mom I love her too.

The final day of the Masters got exciting on the back 9.

Twenty six year old Scottie Scheffler won. Things got close. Cameron Smith made a run for it. Till he put his ball in the water and took a couple of extra putts on the same hole.

The Masters was Scheffler’s 4th win in his last 6 starts. He was #1 ranked before the Masters and obviously still is.

He earned $2.7 million by winning the Masters.

Tiger Woods finished all four days. A feat! He did not score well. Not important, however. Finishing was. His body appeared beat up when he completed the final round yesterday. He was walking as if in pain.

Strange things happen.

A baby seal was found wandering in a traffic circle in Southampton.

My first thought was the seal was a pet of one of the rich and famous who have homes in the Hamptons and had wandered away. Not the case. Seals are common in the Hamptons in the “human season,” the summer time.

I have spent many occasions in the Hamptons. Sailed in and lived on the boat. Drove in and spent a few days in a hotel. Never saw a seal, never heard anyone talking about them.

Turns out they are commonplace summers. They follow certain fish north and enjoy them for meals. This seal apparently came north a little early.

I live and learn.

Ligri Payyappilly is a Catholic nun helping in Ukraine. Originally from India. The Sister operates a shelter for 75 women and children and 50 elderly at her convent at Mukacaevo in western Ukraine.

She reports war hit Ukraines are hungry and frustrated. Russian soldiers loot their homes for food and rape the women. Sister says the Ukraines so attacked are “hungry, angry and frustrated.”

Trump loses most of the lawsuits he brings. I suspect for two reasons. His cases stink. They are without basis. The other he has a reputation of rarely paying his attorneys. As is commonplace in all areas of endeavor, you get what you pay for.

Trump recently brought a lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and other prominent Democrats for alleged false statements made during the 2016 election. Trump says Clinton, etc.’s representations that Trump and Russia were involved together were false.

Trump sued the case in Florida. I assumed because he now lived in Florida. Appears not to have been the case.

The case was assigned to Federal District Court Judge Middlebrooks. He has been a federal judge 25 years.

Trump’s sole ground for seeking the Judge’s recusal was that he was nominated to the federal bench by then President Bill Clinton.

Judge Middlerbrooks has issued his decision re the recusal request. In a most judicious way, Middlebrooks referred to Trump as a moron, without using the word. Two reasons exemplify Middlebrooks’ reasoning.

Trump filed the lawsuit in the Fort Pierce Division. Only one federal judge sits in the Fort Pierce Division. As a result, other judges are routinely assigned to handle his load.

The sole judge was nominated by Trump in 2020. Talk about “judge shopping!”

Typical of Trump. Always expecting judges he appointed to do what he wants. He forgets some do have a sense of honor and ethics.

It was a role of the dice so to speak that caused the case to end up before Middlebrooks.

In support of Trump’s motion to recuse Middlebrooks, his attorneys cited 4 cases as authority for Trump’s position. Turns out one of the cases actually supported a denial of Trump’s request.

Trump probably retained the services of a less than careful attorney. He got what he paid for. Assuming he paid anything at all.

I love it!

Enjoy your day!

Women are the property of their husbands. Before I go further, not something I believe. But many others do.

This topic begins with Judge Jackson’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. A Senator ask the Judge to define “woman.” Jackson adroitly passed the question off. She was not going to be dragged into GOP culture wars.

Marjorie Taylor Greene next.

One tough lady. Mentally sick, also. I was surprised what she recently said regarding women: “They are weak and the property of their husbands.” Later she added again: “We are the weaker sex.”

Surprising! This woman believing women the property of husbands, women inferior to their husbands.

Interestingly the Bible supports Greene more than 100 times. A few references follow.

“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” 1 Timothy 2:12

“Wives submit to your husband’s, as is fitting in the Lord.” Colossians 3:18

“Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church…..Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” Ephessians 5:22-24

“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, then head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.” 1 Corinthians 11:3

The following Biblical reference has nothing to do with the issue at hand. However, it has application in many households today: “It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.”  Proverbs 21:9

Local newspapers are constantly reporting re the Florida housing crisis. Especially the one existing in the Keys. One recent article was titled: Housing Affordability Crisis.

A thrust of the article were the unprecedented rent increases – up to 30 percent in a year.

An abomination!

Drug parties in Keys waters. Not actually parties. More like a drug pickup failed or the Coast Guard was catching up and the goods had to be thrown overboard.

This past week just short of 70 pounds of drugs washed upon Keys shores. Nineteen pounds of cocaine, 49 pounds of marijuana. Estimated value $193,000.

Justice Breyer will soon leave the Supreme Court. He recently noted the dissent among its members. The Court not jambalaya.

Justice Breyer’s admonition: Justices should leave their politics at the door when they put on their robes.

Vanity Fair’s Bess Levin reported on a recent Trump interview by the Washington Post’s Josh Dowsey. The interview took place at Mar-a-Lago and lasted 45 minutes.

The Washington Post article reported Trump is “still a lying sociopath.”

Among other things, Trump said he regretted he was unable to march with the rioters to the Capitol on January 6: The “Secret Service said I couldn’t go. I would have gone there in a minute.” I question the truthfulness of the statement.

The interview was described as “a dazzling array of bullshit, lies, pathological narcissism, and a clear picture of what it will be like if Trump were reelected in 2024 and return to the White House for a second term, ie. so, so much worse.”

Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome receiving $20 million from the State of New York. The budget item was passed last night by the New York Legislature.

The monies will help complete the next phase of the Dome’s renovations. Items involved include replacement of aluminum benches with an individual seating configuration and the installation of 5G technology throughout the Dome.

There are “special geniuses” in this world.

Take for example Vaughan Smith, age 46. He is a Washington, D.C. carpet cleaner. Scrubs rugs for $20 per hour.

Vaughan speaks 37 languages. Twenty four of them well. He can read and write 8.

Enjoy your Sunday!

There is a centuries old saying…..Like rats abandoning a ship. Goes back to the days when ships were constructed of wood. Full of rats. When a ship began sinking, they could not jump off soon enough into the water.

It was assumed the rats would swim to shore. They would have had to be excellent swimmers to make it.

The phrase been reworded to modern terminology. Its meaning today is that the least loyal, trustworthy, or dependable people will be the first to begin abandoning a failing endeavor.

I write with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump in mind.

Mitt Romney generally a class act. Sometime he falters and submits to the will of the Republican majority.

Not yesterday.

He voted to confirm Judge Jackson. He was the only Republican in the Senate Chamber to stand and applaud her confirmation.

It is said a congeniality exists in private Supreme Court Chambers. Especially the room where they discuss and decide cases.

It should stop.

The congenial conferences should stop. It should be all out war on some issues.

The Supreme Court increasingly is failing the people. They vote for the Republican right and corporate America.

The American people are being cheated.

I hope Justice Jackson will put the gloves on.

I watched the Masters all day yesterday. Especially the play of Tiger Woods.

Except for two brief occasions, he failed to smile. His face constantly grimaced in pain. I felt sorry for him. It was a bad day for Tiger physically.

Will Smith will not be slapping or otherwise assaulting anyone at an Academy Awards function for the next 10 years. He has been suspended for that length time because of the the Chris Rock situation.

I question the punishment. Especially the severity of it. It would have been enough had he gone to Chris Rock the next day and apologized. The two would have ended up embracing and that would have been the end of it.

First it was gas, then pizza, and now first class airline tickets.

Singapore Airlines announced yesterday that its new first class suites for a trip from New York to Singapore would cost $17,000. Don’t know if one way or round trip.

The amenities are many. As they should be. The charge covers 6 people. The suite has two private baths.

Brings me back to the first class of many years ago. I had a condo in the 1970’s for several years at the Jockey Club in Miami. Spent at least one long weekend a month there. It was Heaven!

I flew first class Syracuse to Miami non-stop. First class round trip ticket $100. Economy class $80. You had to be crazy not to fly first class.

The food was excellent also. If I flew mornings, it was the finest preparation of eggs, etc. Dinner time was a standing prime rib brought to your seat on a cart. You would tell the stewardess (in those days) the cut you wanted. Everything with the meal outstanding also.

The seats were wide. Plenty of leg room. Knitted slippers generally provided.

Time for the flight 2.5 hours. For real. No stopping.

Putin has taken bestial brutality and moral depravity to another level.

I refer to the missiles directed into the Kramatorsk railroad station in eastern Ukraine. It was a known departure point for those fleeing  the Ukraine.

Adults and children killed. A portion of a missile was still intact. It read handwritten on its side in bold letters: “For the Children.”

Kelenskyy said, “Evil knows no bounds.”

Putin is totally out of hand. How long before the free world has to step in physically and encounter Russia on the battlefield. Such includes the U.S.

I understand Biden’s problem. And that of the rest of NATO. Putin has nuclear weapons. A nuclear war would erupt.

A tough one to handle. The decision mind battering. God help the good guys in making whatever decision they do.

Putin’s pure unadulterated crazy way out war calls for a Putin punishment beyond what I have been recommending. I have been saying he should be dragged from his office into Red Square and hung from a pole. Last week, I added his genitals should be removed and stuffed into his mouth immediately before hanging.

He has gone so far this past week that such is not enough. He deserves more and far worse. The problem is I do not know what. Guess I was at the end of my punishment thinking with my last suggestion.

Enjoy your day!

I have a new neighbor who has read my blog and listened to Tuesday Talk for years. Renee!

Love her already and I have not yet met her.

I was in the parking lot to my home when a fellow who parked nearby came over to introduce himself. I had seen his car for about 3 months.

He said his name was Joe. From Jersey City. He told me about his wife Renee and her affinity to the blog. It thrills me to meet people who read and enjoy the blog.

Joe said he reads it occasionally, but Renee all the time.

Got to meet Renee! Sure we will run into each other soon.

Renee and Joe, welcome to the Sanctuary!

A shocking experience last night.

I expected the price of gasoline to go up. Pizza, no.

I ordered from Pizza Hut a medium pizza with pepperoni and sausage. Also, 6 wings.

Cost $35. Are you out of your mind I asked as I cancelled the order.

Marjorie Taylor Greene continues to be a low life. She referred to Judge Jackson yesterday as “ignorant.”

The Judge is supposedly to be approved by the Senate later this afternoon. She has the necessary votes.

Putin has outlived his time.

What follows involves Mariupol.

We are all aware Putin knocked the hell out of Mariupol. People have just begun to be able to return. What they are finding not nice. Actually, not human.

The Russians have moved out. Leaving behind many dead. Way more than anticipated.

Present estimate 5,000. Could be in the tens of thousands.

What remains has been described by Mariupol’s Mayor: “This is the new Auschwitz.”

Before leaving, the Russians used their mobile crematoriums to destroy body remains. Hopefully to make sure no one would know what had occurred and to what extent.

Many of the good people of Mariupol were first tortured. For the simple sake of torturing them. Then had their hands tied behind them and shot in the head execution style.

Just like the Nazis used to do.

Many of the bodies remain uncremated. Lying on the streets in the fashion described.

Putin must have ordered the tortures, deaths and cremation. Who else? He was “destroying” any evidence of the crimes committed.

The day will come when Putin will pay for his sins. First in an earthly manner. Then in the hereafter. He will go wherever Hitler, Tojo, Mussolini, Franco and Mao Zedong are today.

If Putin tries to run, he will be caught. You can run, but you can’t hide. Recall Sadam Hussein. The picture of him emerging from his underground mud hovel when caught.

Another big day sports wise. The Masters begins.

The world will be watching Tiger Woods. Will he be able to play all four rounds? Will he be able to win?

A haircut and manicure later this morning. Have to cut the blog short.

Enjoy your day!