What Putin is doing to the Ukraine is pure unadulterated carnage. Brutality at its worst.

The free nations must come up with a solution. Soon!

Putin has difficulty keeping his word about anything and everything. The most recent “human corridors” so Ukrainians wishing to leave can move on to a county where there is no war.

Yesterday, Putin agreed to two corridors. Roadways in effect from one city to the borders of other countries. In this instance, Poland. Each corridor had a several hour life. Neither could even make it through the first hour.

The Russians bombarded the corridors, effectively closing them. No notice to those trying to leave. Those moving on to Poland primarily women and children.

This morning, another corridor was agreed to. Certain conditions imposed by Putin and agreed to by the Ukraines did not last one hour either. Putin claiming the “rules” were not being followed.

Yesterday, a humanitarian group attempting to aid Ukraines advised 500,000 Ukraines were without food. Primarily women and children. Starving.

I have not in my lifetime seen a group of people as brave as Ukranians. Yesterday, an unarmed group were walking in mass down a city street. Confronting them were armed Russian soldiers.

The soldiers told them to stop and disperse. They continued on. The soldiers shot into the crowd. The Ukrainians continued. Not one turned and ran.

Initially Putin was attacking Ukrainian military. His attention has been redirected. He is now attacking communities. Bombarding them hopefully into submission. He assumes this will cause them to give up their noble fight.

The man has no mercy. In death, he will sit at the right hand of Hitler.

Movie star Sean Penn was in the Ukraine for a few days this week shooting a documentary.

It was time to leave. He and his group rented a car to drive to the Polish border. He describes the event as a “startling experience.” He said afterwards, “Our soul as America is lost” if we let Ukraine fight alone.

There were miles to travel. Cars and people inching forward. Finally the car line was not moving because of so many people.

Penn and his team abandoned their car on the side of the road and walked miles shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians to the Polish border. The walk was many miles and took hours.

Those on foot were primarily women and children. He observed they had no luggage. Appeared as if they intended to return. Actually there probably was no luggage because the Ukrainians had to move swiftly to save their lives.

Penn made it. He was in the U.S. yesterday.

I suspect Penn will be an advocate for the Ukraine big time from this point forward.

A growing number of Americans are in the process of going to the Ukraine to help in the fight. Presently 16,000 strong and growing.

None have to go. They want to go. Must go.

Reminds me of the Americans before the U.S. entry into World War I who joined the forces of the British and French. And the Americans who joined British forces to fight Hitler before the U.S. got into World War II.

Great Britain forgets the assistance the U.S. provided in the early days of World War II. At a time before the U.S.’ entry into the war.

In addition to Americans joining British forces, there was lend lease.

Boris Johnson fails to recall how people help one another.

When sanctions by the U.S. and certain countries were announced, he came on like Donald Trump with a bravado indicating Britain was going to do its share big time. Turned out the sanctions Britain intended to impose were a step short of nothing.

Now comes who is going to take Ukrainians into their countries. Those escaping Putin’s tyranny. Johnson announced insignificant numbers would be permitted. Based on already existing laws re Ukrainian immigration.

These are unusual times. Existing rules get thrown out the window. Open hearts and generosity become the order of the day.

Discrimination is popping up everywhere. Many seeking to leave the Ukraine are persons of color. Primarily Africans studying in the Ukraine.

They are being harassed on the buses transporting people to the Polish border. They are required to stand and not sit. The seats are for Ukrainian citizens.

When the Polish border is reached, Polish authorities are giving them a hard time as they seek asylum. Paperwork, etc.

A lot of major corporations world wide are socking it to Putin. I do not see how the Russian people can handle the deprivations and hurt such will bring upon them.

The ruble is shot. Worth next to nothing.

Now Visa and Mastercard have announced they are suspending services going in and out of Russia. Imagine, the ruble is no good and now your credit card is no good. Panic has to follow.

Sufficient to bring Putin down?

Enjoy your Sunday!

The Ukraine war has taken over the news. Everything else forgotten. Even here.

I feel guilty.

Today, a Key West update.

Rallies world wide. Huge. Impressive.

Key West had a rally thursday night in front of City Hall. Impressive also. About 200 people.

The group consisted of locals and people who left the Ukraine and settled in Key West.

Many flags flown at the rally evidencing support for the Ukraine: The Ukraine, U.S., Florida, and Gay Pride among those being flown.

The Ukrainian flag was blue and yellow. It has been given a permanent place of honor in front of City Hall. It henceforth will fly there together with flags already flown.

I mention again the rallies worldwide. Never have I seen such a gigantic reaction to anything.

The Russian rallies out of sight. I keep hoping the Russian people will revolt, rush into the Kremlin and drag Putin out to the nearest pole to be hung.

Putin must have a comic strain in his body. He stated this week he wants the world to protest in support of Russia. No question. The man is demented.

I was out and about thursday. The most I have been in almost 3 years. A haircut, manicure and lunch at Hogfish.

I had not been to Hogfish in three years. It was like old home week.

The place is larger. Bobby has added at least 50 more tables with a minimal amount of actual enlargement.

The place was packed. Primarily tourists.

The food the best it has ever been. I have always loved Hogfish’s lobster bisque. To die for! A thick soup filled with a ton of little pieces of lobster.

A meal in itself.

I should have stopped with the lobster bisque. My eyes were bigger than my stomach, however. Ordered also hogfish fish and chips. The hogfish outstanding. Huge deep fried pieces.

My waitress said, “Hi, Louis! Where you been?” Nice to be remembered.

Recall Camille’s? Thirty years ago when I first came to Key West, Camille’s was a small restaurant on Duval next to Aqua. Breakfast and lunch. Always packed. Customers sat close to each other like sardines in a can.

A good 15 years ago it moved to a much larger building on Simonton. Same menu. However added a few items for its new dinner offerings.

Now closed. I assume Camille’s a victim of COVID as many other Key West businesses.

One thing tourists are quick to order is Key Lime Pie. Key West has always been known as the home of Key Lime pie.

This past week the City Commission voted Key Lime pie the official dessert of the City of Key West.

I always thought it was.

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman. The President spent 175 days here covering 11 trips. Even after leaving the Presidency, he visited.

On this day in 1948, Truman left on a flight to Washington after a 10 day visit: “I’ll be back here if I can make it.”

Bum Farto back in the news. On a day this past week in 1976, he disappeared. His disappearance gave rise to a new item in the T shirt business. Tens of thousands of T shirts labeled: Bum Farto Where Are You? have been sold over the years.

It’s nice to have written a Key West blog again!

Enjoy your day!

The next time Putin says, “I have nuclear weapons,” Biden and the leaders of the other free nations who have them also should stand and say, “We have them, too!”

Zaporizhzhia is the site of Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant. It is located in the Ukraine.

A huge blaze was extinguished at the plant earlier today. Officials claim the plant is operating normally, Russian forces are in control.

The nuclear facility is run by the Ukraine state enterprise Energoaton which also operates three other plants in the Ukraine.

Russian soldiers had earlier attacked the nuclear plant with all sorts of military equipment. A huge fire ensued.

An official was quick to advise he no longer had communication with the plant managers, control over the radiation situation there or oversight of potentially dangerous nuclear material in its six reactors and 150 containers of spent fuel.

Note it is a war crime to militarily attack a nuclear facility.

Russia denies involvement in the atack. Claims the “monstrous attack” was perpetrated by Ukrainian soldiers.

The potential for a nuclear disaster remains. Who knows actually what is going on within the facility? Importantly also, is Russia speaking the truth?

Recall Chernobyl in 1986. Thirty six years ago. A spill/leak occurred. At the time, the nuclear facility was under the control of the Ukraine. Russia came in and took it over.

Russia initially denied that there was any escape. Some time later, Russia admitted such had occurred.

Chernobyl at the time was a community of 14,000 people. Today, 1,000.

I do not trust Putin and his henchman. They may be lying re any radiation escape. If one occurred, it would be Putin’s fault. The world would hate him more. His further time as Russia’s President limited.

Experts are telling us any escape would be ten times worse than Chernobyl. All of Europe would be affected. Including Russia which abounds the Ukraine. Cities would be destroyed, people die by the millions, future generations born afflicted with physical deformities, etc.

I suspect Russians would attack the Kremlin in mass and drag Putin outside to let the mob kill him. He would have earned such an ending.

There can be no question Putin is insane. No normal person would endanger his own country as well as neighboring ones as he may have done.

Somehow, someway, Putin must be taken down. I appreciate the NATO nations, which includes the U.S., do not want to touch off a nuclear war.

Understood. Yet how will the situation be resolved?

Somehow kill the bastard.

Enjoy your day!

A trial began this week in federal court in Washington that requires close watching. It is the first trial of a January 6 insurrectionist.

Its outcome will reflect what “people” think about those who participated in the attack on the Capitol. No professionals, police, etc. arriving at a conclusion. The jury, a combination of ordinary people, will decide.

The jury was finally drawn yesterday. Opening statements made yesterday.

The defendant is Guy Reffitt. A Texan. A member of a Texa militia known as the Texas Three Percenters.

The prosecutor referred to Refitt as the “tip of the mob’s spear…..a leader.”

Reffitt was one of those in the forefront going up the steps. He had zip ties and a pistol. He recorded what he was doing as he attacked. Not very bright if he had thought he might be on trial some day for his own actions. Perhaps he was recording what he anticipated was going to be a “victory” for the insurrectionists and wanted his participation to be properly recorded in history.

Two of his recorded comments.

“We’re taking the Capitol before the day’s over, ripping them out by their hair.”

“I just want to see Nancy Pelosi’s head hitting every step on the way out.”

Appears to be a strong case for the prosecution. You never know, however. The jury has the last word in the matter.

I was not able to do yesterday’s blog. I was totally exhausted. I was having trouble functioning.

My fault. I had overdone things tuesday. Up at 5 am to begin work. Knew there was much on my plate. Did the blog, researched for and later in the evening did Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Spent some time at the hospital doing medical tests. Caught the last half of Biden’s address.

Should have gone to bed at that point. Did not. My curiosity wanted to hear what the political pundits had to say. Remained up till 3 am.

Definitely foolish!

Having missed the opportunity to comment yesterday re the Address, I do so this morning. Briefly, however. You have heard all or most of it already.

Three observations.

Something seemed wrong with Vice President Harris and Speaker Pelosi. Harris was hard faced throughout. Not her normal course. No smiles. Looked to me like she was sick and needed to get to a bathroom fast.

Speaker Pelosi’s conduct. She did not appear to be herself either. She was closing her hands into a fist and and rubbing them against each other. Looking at those seated before her and while looking at no one. She had an almost constant smile. Great smile! Had never seen her so happy. She repeatedly tried to engage Harris in conversation which Harris appeared to ignore. Finally, the Speaker kept shuffling the papers before her, taking periodic quick peeks.

I thought wow, are the punsters going to have fun with both ladies after Biden is done.

Not one broadcaster spoke to their conduct. Nor in yesterday’s news.

Perhaps it was me and not the ladies.

Empty seats were another problem. I have never seen so many empty seats at an Address. Around 25 percent. Why?

Finally, the heckling by Representatives Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene during Biden’s comments re protecting veterans.

Too much disrespect in politics. Good people will not remain, good people will not run in the first instance.

More than 1 million have fled the Ukraine. There will be millions more.

Two weeks ago life was normal in the Ukraine. Life does change in a second.

Bess Levin commented in a recent column.

“The most pressingly scary, in the hierarchy of things, are people shitting their pants over right now, is the fact that the President of Russia is a power-hungry megalomaniac who harbors imperial ambitions so much that he decided to attack a neighboring country.”

Levin went on to comment the world is opposing Trump, major sanctions being enforced, and the Ukraine putting up a much bigger fight than Putin expected: “Obviously, these are welcome developments. The problem is, remember the part about being a power-hungry  megalomaniac? That type of person tends not to take failure in stride.”

All of which raises the question whether Putin would nuclear react to NATO members who might enter the war on behalf of the Ukraine?

Texas held its primary for the November elections tuesday. Beto O’Rourke and Gov. Abbott won for the Governor’s seat. I hope Beto whips the hell out of Abbott!

If Beto wins the election, he will be the first Democratic governor since 1994.

Worse than Abbott is his Attorney General Ken Paxton. He is in a close primary. There may be a run off.

His opponent would be George W. Bush. The newest member of the Bush dynasty to run for a major seat.

Enjoy your day!

How can Putin kill so recklessly?

He has a train of death moving towards Kyiv. A 40 mile convoy of tanks and other vehicles. Seventeen miles away from Kyiv at the moment. Slow moving.

Air strikes would wipe the convoy out. The Ukraine has insufficient planes. A resolution is in the works. Ukrainian pilots are in Poland training on MIGS. Many previously trained on them. The game plan appears to involve the Ukraine pilots flying out of Poland to hopefully destroy the 40 mile convoy of tanks, etc.

I am confused art this point. How can Poland permit the use of their airfields for the use of Ukraine pilots to fly out to destroy Russian tanks? I thought the NATO Charter prohibited a NATO nation from getting involved unless there was an attack on another NATO country. Ukraine is not a member of NATO.

From my perspective, the world cannot stand by and permit the pending slaughter. Rules should be set aside. The bully must be stopped, destroyed.

The Ukrainian seaside resort of Berdyansk is occupied by Russian soldiers.

A small shop owner said: “Frightened kids, frightened looks. They want to eat.”

The hunger problem is working two ways. Russian soldiers apparently not eating also. They went into a supermarket and grabbed canned meat, vodka, and cigarettes: “They ate right in the store. It looked like they haven’t been fed in recent days.”

Necessity is the mother of invention. The Ukraine doing whatever necessary to win.

An example is the offer by the Ukraine to Russian soldiers. The Ukraine is offering the soldiers cash and full amnesty to stop fighting. Requires a voluntary surrender.

The money offer is 5 million rubles. Less than $50,000 at the moment because currency has cratered amid global sanctions.

Numbers vary as to Ukraine war dead and injured. The UN Commissioner for Human Rights says 406 civilians affected: Three hundred four injured, 102 killed including 7 children.

Other sources indicate as many as 1,500 killed and injured.

A number have fled the Ukraine for neighboring countries. The present estimate 500,000.

Oksana Markarova is the Ukraine Ambassador to the United States. He said Russian forces have invaded his country acting like Nazis during World War II and hitting innocent cities.

Mitt Romney spoke out yesterday re certain members of his party. He said, “I’ve got morons on my team…..anyone who would sit down with White nationalists and speak at their conference are certainly missing a few IQ points.”

His reference was to the America First Political Action Committee Conference in Orlando. Romney was blasting GOP members who attended or spoke. White Nationalists support Putin and  are anti-Semitic.

Two “prominent” Republicans spoke. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in person and Representative Paul Gospar via a pre-recorded message.

Syracuse, my Syracuse!

Defeated again last night. Beat by North Carolina 88-79 in overtime. A close game throughout. Syracuse outscored in the overtime however 15-6.

There is always next year.

Join me tonight on Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. There is much to rant and rave about this week. Actually, when isn’t there.

Guaranteed you will enjoy.

Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Note the early publication of today’s blog. I am off to the hospital this morning for more tests. No problem testing Just don’t want them to find anything.

Enjoy your day!

I came across a quote, statement, whatever. I am not sure. However, in its own way food for thought: “A person without imagination is like a tea bag without hot water.”

Tomorrow is March 1. The day Biden presents his first State of the Union Address. It is also the day that American right wingers decided was the day for US. citizens to have their own Truck Convoy. Washington D.C. its goal.

The convoy’s name similar to Canada’s: Freedom Convoy USA 2022. Its purpose to end the “pandemic national emergency” and put to an end government rules requiring masks and vaccines.

Will tomorrow’s truck convoy be as impressive as Canada’s? More so? Less?

I suspect less.

I doubt it will be anywhere as close in size as Canada’s. One reason is everyone knows about it. Good guys and bad. Washington has been busy with planning and preparations for a month.

Organizers of the convoy had a simple plan in place. Several small convoys would start from various U.S. cities. As they drove to Washington, other truckers would join them.

Reminded me of the movie Spartacus. Recall as the slaves rode their horses to wherever, other groups of slaves would join them daily. A small group turned into a slave army of thousands.

One of the groups started from Los Angeles a few days ago. Not a large group. Only 5 tractor trailers.

A stop was made in Las Vegas. One or two of the five dropped out. No new trucks had joined nor were any joining in Las Vegas.

The leader of the Los Angeles group quit. He was disappointed no one seemed enthused about joining.

The convoy’s goal is the National Mall. If unable to gather at the Mall, a back up plan is in place. The Beltway. Use the Beltway to disrupt Washington.

The Ukraine situation continues.

My admiration for the people of the Ukraine is without limit. Such bravery. It is my country! Terrific! Makes me wonder if we would stand in such fashion were the U.S. under attack. We are not the brave farmers and merchants of 1776. We are not made of the same stuff as those who fought on both sides during the Civil War. We are not that special generation who fought World War II.

Belarus sits aside the Ukraine. It is Russia’s puppet. Word is Belarus is ready to send troops into the Ukraine this week. To fight on Russia’s side, of course.

A U.S. Defense official described Belarus in practical terms as “an extension of the Kremlin.”

Recent reports reveal Russia has used Belarus to launch missiles and aircraft across the Ukraine.

Belarus voted in recent days to ditch its non-nuclear status. The announcement coincides with Putin’s second nuclear threat.

A cop stealing from other police officers. Such has occurred in New York City.

Edward Mullins was until recently President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association. The PBA for New York City police sergeants on duty and retired.

The PBA has 13,000 members. It is the fifth largest police benevolent association in the U.S.

Mullins stole from members’ dues in excess of $1 million from 2017-2021. He used the monies to support his high style way of living.

Mullins surrendered to the FBI last week.

Syracuse, my Syracuse! Syracuse plays another top team tonight. North Carolina. The season has not been a good one. I still do not  understand. Team material this season the best ever. Their record  one of the worst ever.

Such is life.

Enjoy your day!

Putin yesterday threatened nuclear war a second time.

The man is insane. However his actions are typical of a small man.

Napoleon was a small person stature wise. Not that tall. Every victory made him taller in his mind, however.

So it appears to be with Putin. Short in stature. He also runs a small country. The Russia of today is not the Soviet Union of yesterday.

Unfortunately, the little man has one big item. Nuclear weapons. Would he use them? Who knows. Could be. Did anyone think he would go after a country considerably smaller than his own with the force and violence he has.

Putin has to be embarrassed and frustrated that he has not yet conquered the Ukraine. And therein lies the reasoning behind his second threat re use of nuclear weapons.

Putin’s threat was in the form of an announcement that he was putting his nuclear deterrent forces on alert.

Putin has not succeeded as he had anticipated in the Ukraine. The people are opposing him. They may fear Russia, be afraid of Putin, but the Ukraine is theirs and they are going to oppose him. If Putin wants the Ukraine, he will have to have to destroy it.

Putin’s excuse for the increase in Russian force are the recent sanctions imposed and “aggressive statements” from NATO countries.

Putin is not open and straight with his own people. He tells the Russians that there is no “war” or “invasion.” Russian troops in the Ukraine are merely a defensive operation and only in the eastern part of the country.

Many Russians do not believe him. The huge crowds protesting in Moscow and St. Petersburg indicate the Russians are not buying his lies.

Such has to make Putin uncomfortable. The crowds may be protesting today. Tomorrow they will be in Putin’s office taking him prisoner.

Putin does not want the Russian people to know the number of Russians who have and are dying. He has threatened any independent publications that report on Russian casualties with censorship. Further intimating more serious consequences.

It is believed 3,000 Russians have died so far in the conflict. Putin does not report that number or any number. It is clear however he fears body bags returning and the Russian people for themselves being able to see the number of mounting dead.

What to do.

This past week several sources said Russia was using “mobile crematoriums” to hide evidence of war dead. The crematoriums are camouflaged to look like artillery.

In addition to protests in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russians are protesting in 50 some other Russian cities. Protests massive in nature.

Protesting is against the law. So far 3,500 protesters have been arrested. There is a feeling Putin will soon be cracking down in heavier numbers re the protesters.

Protesting is taking place all over the world.

The Ukraines are doing a hell of a job!

Tanks are running out of fuel. As such occurs, the Ukraines are taking the Russian soldiers into custody. The Russians not fighting back at all at that stage.

Food is in short supply in the Ukraine. The Ukrainian people need money for all sort of personal things. Putin has announced that henceforth it is against the law to send money. A crime. Punishment 20 years.

Kharkiv is Ukraine’s second largest city. The Russians took control of a certain portion yesterday. Russian military were walking about as conquering heroes.

The situation did not last long. The Ukrainians were able to force the Russians out. Not sure this made Putin very happy. Putin with all his forces has yet to conquer any Ukrainian city.

Some Syracuse.

Syracuse and Duke met yesterday at the Carrier Dome. More than 30,000 spectators.

Duke the better team this year. Ranked in the top 10. Probably 5th.

Duke trashed Syracuse. Duke won 97-72.

Duke opened the game big time and had a 14-0 lead in minutes. Soon that lead was 41-13.

Duke looked terrific! During one of its runs in the first half, Duke shot 90.9 percent. They made 83.3 percent of their 3’s.

Oh, well. That’s how the cookie crumbles.

There is always next year.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Nina Krushcheva is a Russian expert. As one of many who consider Putin being affected with Napoleonic megalomania, she best summed him up in a Vanity Fair podcast: “He is a small man of five-six saying he’s five-seven.”

The Ukrainian  people are exhibiting bravery at its highest level. There are many stories that reflect such bravery.

One involves a Ukrainian marine who sacrificed himself to blow up a bridge. The bridge would have allowed Russian tanks to advance were it not destroyed.

He voluntarily undertook a mission to place explosives around the structure of the Genichesky Bridge near Kyiv before Russian tanks could cross it.

A hero was born.

The marine did not have time to flee the blast zone before detonating the explosives. He informed his battalion he would be blowing the bridge regardless.

Ordinary citizens of all ages have taken up the fight.

A photo on the internet this morning showed six girls standing in line holding AR-15 type guns. One girl could not have been more than 10. The remaining teenagers.

All dressed in winter clothes. Bulky jackets or coats. All serious faced. All defending their homeland.

Another photo showed a woman who appeared about 50 years old. Similarly dressed. Lying on her stomach pointing her gun waiting for nearby Russians to attack her position.

Men who left to take their families to Poland are returning alone to fight.

On one of the talk shows this morning, a Ukrainian leader was asked what was needed. He said, “Weapons. We’ll do the fighting.”

NATO must move their asses now! The imposition of sanctions is moving too slowly. Some sanctions are watered down type versions. Boris Johnson said 2 days ago Britain’s sanctions were tough and  Great Britain would doing its share big time.

Turns out to have been bullshit. London has too much oligarch money moving through it. Johnson fears upsetting the oligarchs.

Note Kyiv is still standing. The Ukraines a tough and proud people.

Biden could do more as far as U.S. sanctions are concerned. He has yet to go for the jugular. He must.

The oligarchs must be hurt harder.

Yesterday, it was announced sanctions had been levied against Putin that would affect his assets. Putin will suffer more inconvenience than pain. He is regarded as the richest man in the world.

Years ago, I was in Portofino several times. I saw how Putin lived. He was close friends with Silvio Berlusconi. Berlusconi had a home of the bay in Portofino.

I used to drink at an outdoor cafe on the bay. The bay itself  relatively small. Berlusconi’s home on a slight hill nearby. Huge, magnificient. The shrubbery surrounding the house impressed me. Tall, wide and extensive. Had to have cost millions. And at least a million more each year to maintain.

Sitting in front of the cafe and close to Berlusconi’s home was his yacht. One of those 150 footers. A home in itself.

Putin decided he wanted a summer home in Portofino near his friend Berlusconi. He built one next door to Berlusconi. Smaller. However magnificent, including the shrubbery.

I am sure Putin has summer/winter homes elsewhere also. Such is the way a man of his wealth lives.

Since the war started, I have found the substance of my blog changing. The war is top news and interesting. I am writing more about the war and less about other things.

My level of research is the same. However other topics are lacking in appeal at this time.

I have also noticed comments to the blog have increased significantly. The war is in the forefront of everyone’s minds. As it should be. No question an item of grave concern.

A few of the type of items I wrote more about till the recent past.

Sally Kellerman died. Age 84. The female star of MASH. Hot Lips!

Lord help us!

Governor DeSantis appeared before CPAC yesterday. He received “rock star treatment.” News reports indicate they loved him!

He would be a worse President than Trump. He can think a bit.

Enjoy your day!

War is down and dirty. The words of war also.

Words spoken yesterday in the Ukraine by a Ukrainian border security guard will forever be recalled in the history of the Ukraine: “Go fuck yourselves!”

Snake island is a tiny rock island sitting in the Black Sea. Thirteen Ukrainian border security guards were stationed there. Yesterday, a Russian warship approached and ordered the men to surrender. Their answer as expressed by one of the guards: “Go fuck yourselves!”

Last words honorably and well spoken.

Russian naval and  air power bombarded the island. In a very short time, the 13 were dead.

They will be forever remembered.

Ukrainians are not taking the Russian onslaught lightly. It is their country and they are fighting for it.

Putin claims Ukrainians are Russians. If so, why are the people of Ukraine opposing the Russian blitzkrieg? Why is Russia killing and maiming Ukrainians?

“Fuck” is a term of choice that is being heard constantly during the conflict.

Reflected in a conversation between a Ukrainian woman and a Russian soldier. The woman heated and abusive to the soldier. Properly so as her words indicate.

Note the exchange between the two was recorded and has been read over 2 million times already in the past 24 hours on Twitter.

The woman told the soldier off. The woman asked who the “soldier” was and was he “from Russia?” The soldier  said yes and further responded he was in the Ukraine on an “exercise.” He further asked the woman not to “escalate” the situation.

The woman responded: “How can it be further escalated? You fucking came here uninvited. Piece of shit…..You are occupiers, you are enemies.”

Putin appears to have misjudged his actions. The invasion results thus far cannot be what he expected. He has positioned himself for ultimate removal from office – deposed as other despots in history.

Russians do not protest. They are protesting big time with regard to the Ukrainian situation, however. Many do not approve. The last time I recall street protests of the nature going on in Russia was during the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Moscow and some 50 other Russian cities have protesters marching.

Videos of the streets of Russia show thousands. Seventeen hundred protesters have already been arrested in all of Russia. Note it is against the law to “protest” in Russia. The people do not care. The Ukraine invasion has rubbed them wrong.

The situation could get out of hand for Putin. It would not be surprising if he ended up hanging from a street pole in Red Square.

Chernobyl could turn into a disaster of significant consequence. Chernobyl is the community where a huge nuclear reactor facility exists.

Recall many years ago the reactor leaked. People today are still suffering the consequences thereof. Many of those yet to be conceived or born will show dire consequences. Babes born without limbs an example.

The Russians have attacked Chernobyl. Fighting going on at the moment. A leak will have the disastrous consequences already suggested. A leak of sufficient magnitude could easily flow into adjoining European nations.

Putin wants to historically be remembered as “one of the greats.” He is accomplishing it.  He has already earned the right to his place in the Gallery of Despots. Next to Adolf Hitler.

Enjoy your day!

War!

Evil! The war and Putin.

It takes me back to September 1, 1939 and Hitler. Putin should be proud. He has proven to the world he is as great a despot as Hitler.

Yesterday was a dark day for the Ukraine. An even darker day for the world if the war moves beyond Ukraine’s borders.

The Washington Post’s editorial this morning made some pertinent observations: An aggressor’s bombs and tanks are wreaking horror and havoc on a weaker neighbor…..Civilized life is being overwhelmed by blood and fire…..Threatens to spread, the U.S. is once again called upon to respond.

It is fortunate NATO exists. Its value will unquestionably be reflected with regard to the Ukraine situation. NATO is together, trained, and ready to go.

Excuse the repetition, what Putin is doing is evil. Putin is evil. His words evil. Especially when he subtly threatens nuclear reaction to those who interfere.

Things happen that have the smell of dead fish. Happens in all walks of life. The law no exception.

A three year investigation has been ongoing into Trump by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Authorized by Cyrus Vance who after many years in the job, did not run for reelection in November.

Vance a well known and respected prosecutor.

He appointed two top prosecutors to lead the Trump probe. Carey Dunne and Mark Pomerantz. The Trump prosecution staff consists of the two plus 25 other attorneys, paralegals and analysts.

The new DA elected to replace Vance is Alvin Bragg. A Democrat as Vance was. Alvin Bragg not a Cyrus Vance. Bragg appears to have abandoned the investigation into the former President.

Vance had authorized a grand jury. Witnesses have been presented before the grand jury through this past December.

Bragg took office January 1. He has prohibited any further witnesses to be called before the grand jury. The grand jury’s “life” expires April 1.

It is believed the grand jury has sufficient evidence to indict and a trial thereafter to convict Trump.

Dunne and Pomerantz’s hands have been tied by Bragg. He apparently has prohibited any further witness to testify nor the grand jury to vote. It appears he is waiting for the grand jury’s legal life to expire.

Dunne and Pomerantz resigned this week in protest. When two top respected attorneys do that, it is a clear indication something is amiss.

An investigation into the matter is warranted.

For lovers of art, Key West’s annual Old Art Days Festival is an event not to be missed. It is this weekend – saturday and sunday – from 10-5 each day. It will be held at the Truman Waterfront Park.

One hundred ten artists will be exhibiting their works.

Jack Baron was an artist and dear friend. For many years. He passed away some 10 years ago.

His work unique. His specialty was painting black women.

I have been a collector most of my adult life. I purchased my first Jack Baron at the Old Island Art Festival 27 years ago. A Black Madonna and Child. A magnificent piece!

It hangs with pride in my home to this day. It also is my favorite Baron piece.

I have 14 Baron works. I was not aware I had purchased the greatest number of his works till Jack died. A reporter called Jack’s lifetime partner Bob Burton and interviewed him re Jack, his works, etc.

Bob told him he should call me also as I was the person who had the largest collection of Jack’s works.

Jack also did tapestries. If he especially liked a painting he had done, he would take a year sitting on his couch watching TV at night doing something I believe called crewling. Whatever.

When done, he sold them. He did very few. I purchased 2. $10,000 a piece. One is Adam and Eve in the Garden of Paradise. The other his mother. He did her as a black woman wearing a long red gown.

One reason I had so many of Jack’s paintings is I had purchased a large home on the ocean in Key Haven. I did my dining room solely in Jack Baron’s works. The room was a joy. Three walls of Jack Baron and the fourth a huge window.

He had many friends. A group of us would meet early every morning at his studio which also served as his gallery. We would sit around drinking coffee and solve the world’s problems.

They were good times.

Enjoy your day!