GUANTANAMO U.S. AUSCHWITZ IN THE MAKING?

Guantanamo was an American disgrace when the U.S. began using it years ago to house certain type alien terrorists. Some of the acts perpetrated on those jailed there clearly non-American and disgusting. 

The population of Guantanamo has diminished. Trump sees a new use for it now. He’ll use it to house certain migrants. There is a 30,000 person facility available or in the process of being made usable to house migrants with criminal records.

An Auschwitz in the making? How will the 30,000 be treated initially and in due course? Will the number increase as more space is required? Will conditions become intolerable? Why isn’t everyone being returned to their initial home countries from which they fled?

Auschwitz remains a symbol of terror. It was established as a final solution to the Jewish problem. As Guantanamo’s use for criminal migrants will be a partial solution to the immigrant problem.

Go for it Donald! Fits your image!

I predicted two weeks ago chaos would be evident within two weeks re Orders and other actions Trump was taking. Before the two weeks has even run out, he has been successful in creating chaos. None of which is or will be good for the U.S.

“Drill baby, drill” already raising questions about a pricing problem. Immediately, massive amounts of electricity or other type power are not required to power the AI revolution.

 Trump leaped before he looked.

The truth becoming evident within a short few days. Trump looks like an ass.  Especially with Canada who sells huge amounts of crude oil annually to the U.S. Where is Trump going to timely get the crude oil Canada will now ship to Europe and Asia if Trump imposes the 25 percent tariff threatened?

Another Trump miscue is he does not understand to change from obtaining/having huge supplies available immediately and timely takes a few years of planning and development. If Trump pursues his plans against Canada, the U.S. will be left standing empty handed re its present and soon to be increased needs for crude oil.

Donald will screw the U.S. economy rather than help it if his Canada plans proceed. Oil experts have been generally uniform the past few days that Trump is engaged in a wayward dangerous scheme re Canada that will seriously hurt us.

The Reagan Airport planes crashing into each other another situation where Trump jumped the gun and spoke before proof of anything was available.  Sixty four killed in the American Airlines plane and four in the military Blackhawk helicopter.

Trump went on TV, etc. almost immediately claiming Biden and Buttigieg responsible. He looked all smart in blaming them. Mr. Know-It-All.

This morning’s news reported the Control Tower was short staffed. Two instead of four controllers.

There will be other causes. Multiple causes. You cannot jump the gun as Trump did in this case. There are different agencies and groups experienced and prepared to place blame. It takes time. Trump speaks even before all the bodies have been recovered or the black boxes.

Mr. Smart Ass again!

Three days ago, Trump signed an Order freezing federal grants. Trillions of dollars involved.

Trump had to rescind it in a matter of days. First, the Order was too confusing. Second, it affected people in the U.S. and around the world not contemplated.

A perfect example of what I have been preaching. Trump shooting without thinking. The backlash exhibiting his lack of correct judgment significant. There is more to running a government than merely signing Orders. There are occurrences and happenings that follow. All must be considered before issuing an Order. Trump does not.

Trump is an extreme narcissists. Could be he/we are heading for a narcissistic explosion of unparalleled force.

He has been  a “screw up” as President since the moment following his swearing in. He was not worried about you or me. His speech reflected his concern for the rich, the oligarchy that was rapidly forming. His mentality similar to those at the Versailles Treaty. Look at the good it did the countries who exerted the heavy hammer on Germany. It took less than 15 years for them to be buried.

Trump thinks because he survived the assassination attempt, he is the resurrected Jesus. No way. He lacks Godly powers. Everyone knows it but him. 

Trump appealing to two groups. His attention directed to them. The rich who expect beneficial action in return. The middle class and poor who want to get rich. He gives them everything they want. The rich definitely. The voting group what they “think” they are getting.

Neither group cares that in appealing to them, he is fucking everything up. It is only going to get worse.

We want a “President,” not a “King.” Keep that in mind! Trump’s moves are to expand his powers. He is already spreading chaos by so doing. There will be more. Much more. Followed by a number of brutal crisis’s which the “people” will not win in view of the fact that Trump has control of the Supreme Court.

Tomorrow a significant day. Trump’s 25 percent tariff increases could be imposed on Canada and Mexico. No question, Canada and Mexico will be hurt. What Trump fails to see however is that the U.S. will suffer a similar harsh pain. What goes around, comes around. Immediately in this situation.

Syracuse’s basketball team continues its horrendous season. Lost to Stanford wednesday 70-61. Syracuse now 9-12. 

Next battle foe is California. Tomorrow night at 10.

Sorry so much Donald Trump. Has to be, however. His every action at the throat of the American people.

There are some Key West items I want to touch upon. I close with them.

The recent Bahama Village fire has another victim. A 5 year old. The toll now 2 adults and 2 children who died.

National news suggests gasoline prices are down. I agree. Not as much in Key West. Actually, Key West prices are “radical.” I filled my tank yesterday. One station $3.27 a gallon. Across the street, $3.65 a gallon. Most in the $3.65 area. Why the difference?

A step back in Key West history. On January 30, 1947, Al Jolson appeared in Key West. He entertained at the Birthday Ball at the Key West Naval Base and the Casa Marina on behalf of the March of Dimes.

I meet with the neurological physician today at noon.

Enjoy your day! 

A KEY WEST TRAGEDY

A Key West tragedy. A Bahama Village fire. Claimed the lives of three. The fire occurred on January 23. Two adults and one child died. Three additional children sustained injuries and were immediately transported to the mainland.

The fire was confined to one unit of a two family home.

 Firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze.

No further information available.

A second tragic event has also occurred. Key West lost one of its most prominent residents and leaders. Frank Toppino at 101. A member and leader of the Toppino family.

The weather sucks! Cold!!!

I was up at 4 researching. Cold then…..56 degrees. A little later now. Eight am. The temperature has risen one degree to 57. Still cold!!! My tiny heater is of minimal value.

America loses again.  First with Trump’s reelection. Now with Pete Hegseth making it to the Secretary of Defense seat. By one vote – Vance’s. Why wasn’t there one more Republican Senator with the courage to do the correct thing?

Female philandering seems to be a requisite element in achieving top jobs in the new administration. Beginning with the top job, of course.

Trump keeps saying he thinks FEMA should be abolished. He generally does what he says. So it’s goodbye FEMA to all or a large degree.

The sadness of it all is twofold.

First, FEMA does a good job.

Second, it takes time to fine tune a program to make it effective. FEMA has achieved effectiveness. Now Trump wants the States to take over and handle the problems. Their experience limited in comparison to FEMA’s. It will take time and MONEY for them them to achieve immediate readiness.

A stupid move! As Forrest Gump said…..Stupid is as stupid does. Trump’s getting rid of FEMA would exhibit the highest level of stupidity possible, essentially reaching the peak of foolishness.

Chaos. Abandoning friends. Jeopardizing America. Another Trump first. Done through Secretary of State Rubio.

I warned yesterday I feared Rubio would not think for himself, but rather adhere to Trump’s dictates to the letter. Rubio’s first action as Secretary of State was to freeze all foreign aid to several countries, including Ukraine. Israel and Turkey were excluded. Rubio in so doing emphasized an “America First” approach to overseas assistance.

Another Trump destructive action involves the 12 Inspector Generals he fired last evening in a late night purge. Why did he not do it in the light of day where reaction would be in his face and immediate?

A typical “King” approach on Trump’s part. The law required him to give 30 days notice to Congress. Not Donald! He does what he wants.

Another example of the “King” speaking. Trump had his Interior Department say yesterday that it had “officially” changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. It has been the “Gulf of Mexico” since the 1500’s. What about the positions of the other nations involved? Trump speaks and other countries are expected to capitulate? No way! Countries are like people. They have pride!

I close with two items today.

The first involves Syracuse. My beloved alma mater plays Pitt. The game at 12:30 at the Dome. Pitt a 7.5 point favorite.

Second, Trump and the cost of groceries. He was going to take care of the problem. Day one, if I recall correctly. He issued a watered down Order.

I grocery shopped yesterday. If anything, prices eeked up a bit even more. Donald, move with the same speed you are doing everything else. Americans will be most impressed were you to actually cut grocery costs. It’s a killer for everyone!

Enjoy your day!

LITTLE SCAM COULD TURN INTO BIG SCAM…..BEWARE

Our computers besides being helpful and providing pleasure are the tools of thieves who can do and are doing significant harm to us economically. They are getting into our bank accounts, etc. more than ever.

One of the recent and popular thievery tools involve toll charges for highway usage. Florida, as with many states, has done away with toll booths on certain major highways. Not a problem for me in Key West. No toll booths here or anywhere till somewhere near Miami. Also, the last time I drove to Miami or north was Hurricane Irma time. Irma occurred in 2017. All the way north through Florida to other states till I arrived in Birmingham, Alabama. I had a card on my window showing how I paid tolls at the time. So my tolls were automatically paid.

My hospital trips to Miami early last year were by ambulance or Corey and Lisa driving me.

Since Irma, Florida has done away with toll booths. Toll charges are automatic by something above as we drive along. If a person does not have a credit card with the State, you are billed automatically somehow through your license plate.

Note again my car has not been out of the Keys since Irma.

A few months ago, I received a text I owed $6.99 as a toll charge. Could not be. Ignored it. Two days ago, I received an  email indicating the same. I ignored that notice also.

This morning I learned on NBC news that there is a scam involving these $6.99 charges. Phony. Be warned not to open or respond. They want your bank info so they can steal from your account. Thieves skillfully at work. I was almost induced to pay by the email because it said if I did not pay there would be an additional $50 charge.

NBC said a toll charge scam. It claims a small unpaid toll. Text and email use a program  which originated in China. The Chinese sell it to thieves who ae now utilizing it to get their hands on our bank accounts.

Beware!

Most of what I shall be writing today will involve Trump. He has consumed big time the news. What he is doing must be understood by everyone. Unless you have no concern about perhaps being screwed in some fashion.

Trump said yesterday he was considering doing away with FEMA. States should be responsible for helping people re natural disasters, not the federal government. Stupid! The federal government has been responsible because states have nowhere near the monies required to provide natural disaster assistance.

Me thinks Trump wants to cut federal taxes wherever and whenever he can so there will be room for him to give a significant tax reduction to the rich in due course.

There was a U.S. Senate vote yesterday re Pete Hegseth. Sort of a test vote on whether to approve his candidacy for Secretary of Defense. The vote was 51-49 to do so. Two Republicans voted against him. Murkowski and Collins. The for real vote is expected to be taken this evening. Hegseth can lose 2 more votes and still win. Vance as Vice-President would step in and cast the tie breaking vote.

Trump is doing too much at one time. He is leading us into destabilization. His signing of all these orders is showmanship. He is creating a spectacle. As he progresses with them, will stabilization occur at some point. I doubt it. Chaos will result.

The rich will somehow benefit. I think much of what he is doing is to make them happy. Another group will cheer him, also. The know it alls who know nothing. The smarty pants people who want to tell the rest of us how to live our lives.

Trump’s big time immediate attack on climate change and the environment will backfire. He is pulling out of the Paris agreement, opening federal land for drilling, and has declared an energy emergency. There is no energy emergency. Only the one Trump creates with his mouth. The U.S. is producing more oil and drilling more than ever before. We lead the world in oil production. Trump lies to support his contrary position.

Note that Russia has come out opposing Trump’s position on climate control big time.

Marco Rubio is on his way to Panama. Then some other Central American countries.

Rubio disappointed me in his acceptance comments to State staff monday evening. I believe Cabinet members support a President, but also advise a contrary position to him if they disagree. Rubio’s position was clear. He will do what Trump wants. Who needs Rubio under those circumstances? I thought he would make a good Secretary of State. I now question my initial thoughts.

The rumbling is beginning. Down the road, Trump will seek to cut Social Security and Medicare. A disaster for a majority of elderly Americans. Trump will merely be doing it as another method of reducing federal costs so he can cut taxes for the very rich.

Beware!

Help me. I have not seen a Bess Levin article since mid December. Researched her lack of writing. Her columns appear in Vanity Fair. I came up with nothing. If I missed something or you know why her writings have not been appearing, let me know.

Enjoy your day!

COLD!!!!!

Cold does not adequately describe Key West temperature this morning. When I began working on today’s blog at 5 am, it was 58 degrees. Presently 6:30 and still 58 degrees. The high today will be 64. The temperature will not reach 70 till sunday.

I appreciate the northeast and southeast are experiencing chilling freezing weather. Even snow where snow never been seen before. It affects us in Key West, also. Fifty eight degrees totally unreasonable. I doubt we will ever see snow. I know, never say never.

Everything is Trump these days. Cannot be helped. He is making news big time!

I read about a woman this morning for whom I have acquired deep respect. An ex “MAGA Granny” turned down Trump’s pardon for her January 6 conviction. Reason: She wants to own what she did. Not proudly. She’s sorry. She feels what she did she did.

Her name is Pamela Hemphill from Boise, Idaho. Now 71. Attacked the Capitol on July 6 with a gun. Did 60 days in jail for it. Now realizes the error of her ways. Speaks before groups about it. In refusing the pardon, she said: “I don’t want to be a part of those trying to rewrite history. It was an insurrection day.”

The Washington Post: Trump preparing to send around 10,000 troops to the southern border to assist the Border Patrol in shutting off access to asylum. The specific purpose is to block entry to migrants who have communicable diseases. No specific threat other than communicable diseases mentioned, however.

Another Trump reason/excuse to block immigration. Never heard the communicable disease one before. Trump conveniently comes up with things to justify what he wants to do. A factual basis not required.

Trump acts on the spur of the moment many times based on some isolated thing he hears or reads. The isolated thing becomes fact to him. He reacts based on it.

For example, he now threatens to maybe withhold federal aid for Los Angeles if California does not change its water policies. Typical Donald. He thinks he knows the cause of why the fires were not quickly put out. Someone or something told him it had to do with pipes coming into California carrying water. Claims they were shut of and if and when turned on, only to dump the water into the ocean.

No one else has supported this theory publicly. The causes for the fires and inability to quickly put them out are many. Very many. Trump seems to ignore all the causes and comes up with a theory he believes is correct. As was the bleach ingestion one during the COVID epidemic.

Keep in mind that cause as it relates to the California fires has an “s” at the end. They are many.

Word is the Republican Senate is preparing to back Trump re Trump’s Panama position. The Republicans intend to issue a statement calling on Panama to cut off its political and economic ties with China and China businesses.

Not for the Republican Senate to do. A U.S. Senate step too far.

Trump has been President less than 3 days. He has initiated many things. Signing orders like mad.

Fine. He is doing what he said he would do. Everything he is doing is only the beginning of something. The order in effect is given. Now it must be carried out. Money, staff, equipment will be required big time. I suspect that portion of what the job will take has not been sufficiently taken into consideration. As I have indicated before, shortly there will be delay in execution. Chaos will follow.

Trump says he is going to withdraw the U.S. from WHO – The World Health Organization. Fortunately, WHO’s rules require one year’s notice before a withdrawal is effective.

Withdrawing from WHO a major error. It helps the U.S. to know what diseases are on the way to our shores from another country so we can prepare and avoid. It is believed polio cases will increase in the U.S. because of the withdrawal. Also many childhood diseases. Pandemics will become frequent. Finally, China will become more influential. China will become the country warning others of impending disasters.

Trump has declared a “national energy emergency.” His claim bullshit. There is none. Actually, what Trump is doing is giving in to his fossil fuel friends. We have been producing oil like crazy in recent years. Trump says not enough. Protected areas from oil drilling are being lifted to provide unneeded additional oil. Biden imposed global warming protections are being lifted. Trump effectively will be placing a knife in the chest of global warming protections. Trump is withdrawing from the 2015 Paris climate deal. Again, his explosion of support for fossil fuels.

Trump by so doing is grossly endangering the lives of our children and grandchildren. No question about it.

Trump held a public press conference tuesday where he had three purported AI giants with him. All of whom spoke a few words. Trump was gung ho over AI. As he should be. Everyone is. It is the next gigantic economic step world wide.

Biden was for it also. His position was to proceed cautiously. Big dollars involved initially. Control important, etc. 

Trump wants to jump in with both feet now. The claim was $500 billion was required. The three men with him claimed they had the money. Trump being the “businessman” he believes he is, suggested the U.S. government should be a 50 percent partner and put in half. That is how good a deal he thought it was.

Obviously, he had not discussed the mater with Musk who the next day said the three only had $10 billion.

My concern is Trump wanting the U.S. government to get into businesses which would be most times in competition with U.S. citizens and others wanting to do business in the U.S. The government should support and not participate. Period! If the government is to gain, it will be from taxes from the businesses and its employees. Can you picture the government a partner in a business and it goes under. Then comes the bankruptcy. The government files for bankruptcy, also. I do not even know if it could. What a mess would result for various reasons!

I have so much more. All Trump. The blog would be endless. Some being saved for tomorrow.

In closing, I speak of my beloved Syracuse again. Lost to Clemson 86-72.

Bad season!

Enjoy your day!

TRUMP’S INAUGURATION…..OH, WHAT A TIME IT WAS

Trump’s Inauguration actually covers two days. Sunday and monday. So much to report, to comment on. There will be no order to today’s blog. I will merely share my thoughts with you in the order they appear in my notes.

I have a few non-Inaugural items also which will appear at the end.

Let’s begin with Reverend Graham’s prayer. Actually began as a disgusting comment for a religious to make. His opening statements insulted Biden. Graham a man of God who purportedly loves everyone!

Catholic and Christian clergy in general have forgotten they are God’s representatives on Earth. They have achieved political prominence which makes them feel omnipotent and superior.

My notes meander. I will be meandering in referring to them.

The Washington Post in an Opinion piece following Trump’s speech labeled it “Mourning in America.” It was a column jointly written by ten columnists. Love the “Mourning” description.

Trump’s speech insulting to Biden. Biden who was sitting only a few feet from him. Trump has learned nothing over the years re good taste and continues to be insulting. 

Trump vowed to reinstate military troops who refused COVID vaccines and were discharged. He vowed to reinstate them with full back pay. Not a way to save money!

Trump said the “golden age of America” begins now. He said it. The “golden age will be one of prosperity.” Can he produce? Hope so.

Trump did not place his hand on the Bible as he was taking the oath of office. Melinda held two Bibles in her hand as Trump was sworn in. Stood next to him. Trump kept his left arm by his side as he raised his right hand.

The Bibles were a family Bible and a Lincoln Bible. The Lincoln Bible was used by Lincoln in 1861 as well as Barack Obama in 2009 and 2013.

I did some research. There is no requirement for the President to place his hand on the Bible during the swearing in. In fact, it is not legally required that a Bible be used at all.

Trump said he will rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.

He said he will take back the Panama Canal.

He promised a “revolution of common sense.”

Trump claimed he will rid our country of its “radical and corrupt establishment.”

He accused Biden of “horrible betrayal.”

Trump set himself up as a kind of Messiah figure, the man saved by God for the sake of national greatness.

Trump signed a flurry of restrictive immigration orders.

Query: Most of the changes required in the “Orders” need new staffing to effectuate. It does not exist. Within one to two weeks unmanageable chaos could abound.

Catholics are on edge as Trump’s second term brings immigration crackdown, climate deal exits, oil drilling abuse, repeal of birthright citizenships, etc. The U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops are aroused. Where have they been the last four years. Sucking up to the Republican right and other Christian denominations. Now they are concerned. Excuse me Lord, but your Church/my Church has been a whore.

Pope Francis calls Trump’s mass deportation plan a “disgrace.” His U.S. Bishops were not with Pope Francis on this issue till now.

Trump did wrong in forgiving the January 6th terrorists who invaded the Capitol. Especially those who assaulted police.

From this point forward, all who commit similar acts will do so knowing/believing “their President Trump” will pardon them. Not only will President Trump be free to commit crimes (per the Supreme Court ruling), now even his followers will be knowing “their leader” will pardon them.

The Village People performed for Trump at certain Inaugural events. Perhaps even at one of the Balls where Trump would have danced to the group. I fell asleep while Trump was in the Oval Office signing Orders. Missed the Balls a a result.

Surprises me how Trump has become taken with the Village People and especially YMCA. People might suspect him of a sexual preference deviation/change in his old age. I would not. He has been too much of a lady lover to jump the fence now. 

Some other items.

Why does Trump try things that question his ethics? Ahead of his Inauguration, President-elect Trump launched and promoted a new cryptocurrency venture. Immediately raised ethical questions about Trump’s attempt to monetize the incoming administration’s political ties to the venture.

Over the weekend, the project soared in value as Trump prepares to enter the White House. It is expected that Trump soon will issue new policy directives that could loosen crypto regulations and send the price of bitcoin and other assets sky rocketing.

The new project is known as the “meme coin.” Meme coin is a highly volatile sort of token that crypto enthusiasts can buy and sell online tied to an online trend or personality.

Former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards died at 67 from brain cancer.

She was a long time advocate for women’s rights. 

Richards was the former daughter of Texas Governor Ann Richards.

I mentioned in a recent blog that movie star Jon Voight was named a Hollywood Ambassador by Trump. I also said I was unaware of Voight’s political leanings. Someone responded to the blog in a Comment that Voight was “to the right of Attila the Hun.”

Ohio State won the National Collegiate Football Championship last night. Defeated Notre Dame 34-23.

An Emotional Healing observation: Can a man forgive a woman for sleeping with another man? Or even another woman for that matter? Yes. One hundred percent so. There is no doubt about it. He can mail her a letter and tell her about how he forgives her from the house he’s living in with the woman who actually cares about him right after he gets done making love to her knowing she won’t cheat on him.

Enjoy your day!

TRUMP’S DAY

Today is Trump’ Day. His Inauguration. Many observations to be made. Beginning with yesterday.

Trump held 2 events yesterday (Sunday). One a rally at Capital One Arena in the afternoon. He was to address 20,000 supporters at the Arena. Before which he and Vance visited Arlington National Cemetery.

I did not consider the rally “pure American.” Kid Rock sang several songs, including the “We the People” anthem of his which included insults of Anthony Fauci and the media. Also included the lyrics “Let Go Brandon,” a phrase many supporters of President Elect Trump use to knock President Biden.

The rally was boastful. Trump discussed among other things illegal immigration, denigrated Biden, danced with the Village People to YMCA, repeated many of his campaign exaggerations falsehoods, introduced Elon Musk to speak. Musk had his minor son X with him. X was jumping as his father had in previous days in support of Trump.

Trump mentioned that Jon Voight, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone were in the audience. He labeled them his Hollywood Ambassadors. Their job to help Hollywood get back on its feet financially. Hollywood has been suffering financially the past several years. It has become cheaper to make movies elsewhere.

I do not know Voight’s political leaning. I would assume Republican. Republican Trumpie.

Mel Gibson bothers me. Ever since his movie many years ago re Jesus Christ where it became evident Gibson was an anti-Semite, I have disliked him. Is Trump an anti-Semite? Never clear. He has been very helpful to Israel.  

I am unaware of Sylvester Stallone’s political leanings. I know him better as Rambo and Rocky. He may very well merely be a Trump supporter.

Trump said he will sign an Executive Order Day One of his Presidency to delay the TikTok ban. How can he do so? The Supreme Court has spoken. Trump has no authority under the Constitution or otherwise to do so.

He is acting as a “King” by so doing and not a President.

Regardless of who is President, Trump or some other person, we must remember we are a nation of laws, not of personal whim or caprice.

The years 1944 and 1945 were significant ones for Allied forces during World War II. The RAF dropped 2,300 tons of bombs on Berlin in 1944 alone. In 1945, the U.S. dropped 2 atomic bombs on Japan. 

I believe both destructive actions were warranted.

People support their leaders. Otherwise, the leaders would not be able to gain and control a government. I have had the opportunity to speak to several persons of German extraction who lived in Germany during World War II. They claim they had no choice but to support Hitler and the Nazis. I don’t buy it. People permit dictators to take power. Dictators don’t just step in. It takes time and public support.

Ergo, the German people in Berlin in 1944 and the Japanese people in 1945 paid for their poor judgements.

Such has occurred in other countries since World War II. The “punishments” yet to come.

I worry it could happen in the U.S. Half our people support the Trump administration taking office today. How many years will Trump’s influence be effective? What things will change for the American people?

I hope mine is only a concern and nothing more.

Today is also Martin Luther King Day. He fought for civil rights. It earned him a place in the National Mall.

I have visited the National Mall on two occasions. No dictators honored there. All for real American heroes.

On this day in 1942, Nazi officials held the notorious Wannsee Conference in Berlin to organize the “final solution.” The extermination of Europe’s Jews. 

Could it happen again? Yes. Jews have been persecuted and exterminated for thousands of years, not merely hundreds. 

I worry the problem could become more extensive in coming years.

Biden preemptively pardoned additional persons this morning. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Miley, and law makers who served on the House January 6 Committee. Includes Liz Cheney. Trump has threatened them with “retribution.” Biden said, “Our nation relies on dedicated public servants every day. They are the life blood of our democracy. Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”

Three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas. Big deal!

Something strange going on. Putin has recently been openly mocking Trump on Moscow TV. Putin began by initially mocking Melania. Now he refers to Trump as “Grandpa.” Putin – Trump’s friend!

Several Florida cities have voted to remove fluoridation from their drinking water. After roughly 60 years of fluoride in the water.

As you are aware, I am 89. I lived through the time period when New York voted to fluoride. It was a huge help in reducing cavities. So much so that over the years it caused dentists to suffer financially.

It is difficult to understand why a significant portion of U.S. society wants to get rid of things that work. Like fluoridation and vaccines to prevent measles and polio. These people if successful will be issuing death and disability warrants for a significant number of Americans in future years.

Last night, I watched an old movie made for TV. It was in two parts: Sandburg’s Lincoln.

Hal Holbrook played Lincoln. Extremely well.

Lincoln’s wife Mary Todd Lincoln was not portrayed realistically. She was featured as a kind caring spouse instead of the “bitch” she was.

I was taken by the Civil War in college. Took several Civil War courses. The TV movie was not realistic. Many liberties taken in making the film. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.

On this day in 1930, the first radio broadcast of The Lone Ranger took place. I probably began listening to it around 1940. Loved it. Enjoyed the TV version which came out years later.

The musical theme was exceptionally stimulating: “Hi ho Silver, away!” Whenever compact discs for use in cars became available, many musical ones came out. Sometime in the mid 1970’s. One was the Lone Ranger’s “Hi, ho Silver, away!” Told the whole Lone Ranger story. Exciting! I generally listened to it when I was on a long drive. I have not heard it in years.

I close with today’s Key West weather.

I woke at 3 and could not sleep. So began working on this blog for a couple of hours. Slept a bit again. Returned to the blog at 7.

Yesterday’s Key West temperature was 76. A beautiful day. Blue sky. Not a cloud to be seen.

At 3 this morning, it was 66 degrees. At 7, still 66 degrees. Raining off and on also. The weather projection for today is it will be 66 all day. We are receiving a bit of the extreme cold hitting the northeast.

We will survive. I am amused as I say that.

Enjoy your day!

RFK JR. IN JEAPORDY

I suspect Trump only nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a spot because he wanted a Kennedy name supporting him. Now that he is elected, he does not need further Kennedy support. 

Kennedy is a disaster in whatever fashion viewed. Especially his dislike of vaccine use. If Kennedy achieves the position sought, he would work his ass off to negate the use of vaccines in the U.S. The result would be massive epidemics. Especially where measles and polio are involved. Guaranteed!

A comment to this blog yesterday identified how many feel about Kennedy acquiring a power position: “RFK, keep your damn stinkin’ paws off my vaccines.”

I share some occurrences which happened when certain vaccines were recently not available.  A lack of measles vaccine in the UK in 2024 resulted in a rise in measle cases. At the same time, WHO’s European region reported a 5-fold increase in 2022-2023.

A clear message here. Beware of RFK Jr.

Syracuse beat Notre Dame yesterday 77-69. A surprise! At one point, Syracuse was down 17 points. Came back.

Clemson next. Tuesday evening at 7 at Clemson.

The People’s March yesterday was successful. Thousands participated.

A first! Snow fell on Miami, Florida this day in 1977.

Bruce Springsteen’s single “Born in the USA” was released in 1985. One of those tunes that will be forever popular.

On this day in 1994, Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Air Force One has 4,000 square feet of floor space.

TikTok is off line in the U.S. today. Stopped as of yesterday. One hundred seventy million American users are now without.

What next?

Biden is spending his last full day as President in South Carolina. A state that helped him become President.

I close with an experience I personally found exciting.

A recent article in the Orlando Sentinel concerned insurers denying millions of dollars in claims over Basquiat fakes. The insurers involved seek such a ruling to avoid paying millions to owners. 

Reminded me of an experience I had many years ago. My practice included representing a large number of insurance companies. One had a claim involving a Dali piece. The company knew of my art collection in which I had two Dalis and my art background and experience. My two Dalis of course were originals.

The company did not hire me to represent it as an attorney. It hired me as an “art expert” to refute the authenticity claim. The insured’s “Dali” was claimed to have been stolen. We had to work from photos.

I examined the photos and some paper work involved. Concluded the Dali not original.

What was my experience qualifying me to testify as an expert?

Utica was blessed to have a large spectacular top of the line museum called the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute. The three names were families from the 1800’s and early 1900’s who were exceptionally wealthy and left tons of money to erect the museum and do other things of benefit to the community. While in grammar school and high school, I took art classes there. When I returned to Utica after law school, I took 2 years of oil painting. Only one evening per week. Fun. Took me two years to complete one oil.

I also painted at home in my spare time those two years. However at the end of two years, my practice grew and was keeping me sufficiently busy so I had no time for painting. I became a “collector” instead. Studied new works and old. Especially the new who I thought might become famous. My hope was to buy cheap and sell years later when the works had become expensive. I have been correct in some instances in this approach.

I spent spare time assisting The Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute. Eventually became a member of its Advisory Board. Learned a lot in that capacity.

There is a Dali Museum in Tampa. Outstanding! I made several visits to the Museum over the years and literally spent hours inside each time. For the mere pleasure of it all.

Such was my background.

We won the trial! The jury determined the painting was a phony. I was thrilled!

I did not charge the insurance company an “expert’s fee.” I was representing them in a ton of insurance cases. Merely charged my usual attorney hourly which was significantly less.

Enjoy your Sunday!

MARY POPPINS’ “A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR” INSPIRED BY THE POLIO VACCINE

Would you believe! Mary Poppins’ “A Spoonful of Miracles” was inspired by the polio vaccine.

The song was written by Robert and Richard Sherman. Robert’s son was reluctant to be shot so the vaccine was put on a sugar cube and his son ate it. The song was born as a result.

We live in an era where vaccines are attacked. Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should note that the polio vaccine eliminated transmission of the disease within 25 years in the U.S.

Something else should be kept in mind when deciding whether to eliminate the polio vaccine. In 1988, polio was epidemic causing in 125 countries. In 2023, only 2.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tried to stop COVID 6 months after the vaccine became available. He failed, of course. Should have failed! The man does not know what he is doing when it comes to vaccines. If he is successful, measles and polio will skyrocket!

Heavy rain yesterday afternoon. Very heavy all afternoon. 

Exceptional cold weather is forcing the Inaugural inside the Capital Rotunda for the swearing in ceremony and the Capital One Arena for the parade. Each will hold much smaller groups. The thousands who pre-paid for planes, hotels, etc. will be out of pocket. Many may just stand outside and cheer. We shall see.

Today is the People’s March. The anti-Trumpers. Thousands are expected in Washington to participate.

TikTok shuts down in the U.S. over the weekend. Unless Biden intervenes, which is not expected.

Antiabortion advocates now looking for the man involved in causing the pregnancy to become involved in the cases where abortion bans are being enforced.

On this day in 1929, New York Daily Mirror columnist Walter Winchell debuted The Walter Winchell Show. His trademark opening line: “Good evening Mr. and Mrs. North and South America and all the ships at sea…..let’s go to press!”

I close with an item I have mentioned a few times in the past. Key West has a housing problem. Reasonably priced housing. Whatever has been built in recent years may bear an indication of reasonableness. However, far from it.

I have suggested in the past the empty parking lot and former Sears store in Searstown be utilized for cheap housing. 

Publix now owns Searstown. Increased grocery prices may help Publix pay for it. Whatever, Publix has asked the public to suggest uses for the huge empty parking lot portion. The answer simple: Cheap housing!!!!! For real cheap housing!!!!!

Enjoy your day!

TATTOOS NOT NEW…..WHAT DOES “C.E.” MEAN?

Tattoos are not relatively new. Body decorations go back hundreds of years.

A study is presently being done on the bodies of more than 100 mummies from the Chancy culture, a group that lived on the Peruvian coast between 900 and 1500 C.E.

Today, more than 30 percent of Americans sport tattoos.

The Chancy tattoos used a much finer needle than is used today. Such required exceptional skill and effort.

I am seeing more “C.E.” following the years number. What does it mean? I looked it up. It is an abbreviation for “Common Era.” Numerically equivalent to A.D. Refers to the time period from the birth of Christ to present day. It is used as it is considered “religiously neutral.” The claim is many non-Christians objected to A.D. which is a a direct reference to Jesus as Lord.

Some things I do not understand. It is only recently I have come across/noted C.E. in my 89 yeas of life. When did it begin to be used and what group pushed it?

I shall be chastised re the following topic. Big time! Right is right, however. This may be a first for me. I compliment Donald Trump re his position involving the subject matter which follows.

The 2028 Olympics are to be held in Los Angeles. Years involved before receiving the designation involve planning, money and time. Selection is a big deal for a city economically and otherwise.

Certain Republicans, primarily MAGAs, are pigs. I do not include Trump in that grouping for purposes of this report.

A group solicited Trump to have the Olympics moved from Los Angeles to another city. The fires were used as the excuse. The claim was Los Angeles and California mismanagement the reason the fires got out of hand. Proof Los Angeles cannot handle the Olympics in 2028. It was pointed out to Trump that California was a blue state and should not benefit for that reason also.

The “conspirators” attempting to induce Trump to make the change included Newsmax’s Rob Finnerty and Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan. Their thoughts and those of others was that the Olympics should be relocated to a “red city…..where you know things are gonna be” properly handled. What a joke!

Trump to his credit disagreed. A meeting was held this past wednesday evening at Mar-a-Lago involving Trump and Los Angeles Olympic organizers. Trump vowed to support the Games as part of the City’s comeback from the devastating wildfires. Trump said, “These are America’s Olympics. These are more important to Los Angeles and I’m going to be supportive in every way possible and make these the greatest games.”

Thank you Mr. President for not kicking a politically opposed area when it was down.

Trump’s Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessert is against raising the minimum wage. It has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009. Thirty states and a number of cities have increased the minimum wage on their own, however.

Bessert testified yesterday before a Senate Committee. Today his sex preference is popping up on the internet. He is gay. It should be of no consequence in this day and age. I thought we had moved past sex preference as an issue.

I advised yesterday that Obama, Bush and Clinton would not appear at Trump’s Inaugural. I reported it to you as I saw it on the internet. My information was wrong. Later publications indicated the three past Presidents would be present at the Inauguration ceremony. However they would not attend the luncheon to follow. Michelle Obama will attend neither.

Responsibility for deeds, good or bad, has a way of eeking out. It has been revealed that Nancy Pelosi was behind the campaign to remove Biden from the race. She and Biden had been friends for 50 years. Biden remains hurt from Pelosi’s behind the scene activities.

Trump has resurrected the Village People. His favorite musical group. The Village People will be performing at his Inauguration.

Trump’s favorite Village People tune: YMCA.

Biden is commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders. The commutations will extend to those serving long jail terms. Those who received harsher sentences for drug crimes that they would under current practices.

Biden said, “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs.”

I agree.

Eisenhower’s famous last words: “Beware the military-industrial complex.” He was correct!

The words were spoken this day in 1961 and were part of Eisenhower’s Farewell Address as President.

Today is the birthday of four famous persons. Each deceased. Benjamin Franklin, Al Capone, Muhammad Ali and James Earl Jones.

Witches were not only “popular” in the Colonies. On this day in 1775, 9 old women were burnt as witches for causing bad harvests in Kalish, Poland.

On this day in 1976, Barry Manilow’s “I Write the Songs” was introduced.

I close with Popeye. Why not?

Popeye made his first appearance in the comic strip “Thimble Theater” this day in 1929.

Enjoy your day!

SOON TO BE U.S. GOVERNMENT GIVES ME CONCERN

At the moment, I measure Trump’s government to be by the prospective Cabinet members he has designated. I base today’s comments on three of them. My comments arrived at with a significant degree of certainty based on their testimony before Senate committees the past two days.

Hegseth was a disaster. His problem one of pure incompetence. Not even close to being qualified to run a military of 3.4 million persons. His experience derived from womanizing, alcohol, and ineptness in running two small entities. A loser. If he is a loser, then the U.S. is a loser also.

Pam Bondi really worries me. I spent much of yesterday listening to her testimony. She is a fortyish good looking blond. Knows how to throw her hair back, twinkle her eyes, and otherwise be charming when responding to those that agree with her or she thinks she is hoodwinking with her responses. A smart woman unquestionably from an intellectual perspective, also.

A Trump supporter all the way. Though she understands her responsibility is to support the Constitution, she left me believing there is no question she will be “Trump’s lawyer” which is legally improper. Woe is we!

The Democrats on the Committee were ready for her. It was a battle. Only because she was reluctant to speak truth re her positions. Sometimes her temper got to her and she slipped a bit and revealed her true self.

I was ashamed of the Republican members of the Committee. They were true diehards all. Trumpies. Republicans have forgotten how to speak to truth. If just occasionally, it would be refreshing.

I was very impressed with Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. She took no guff from Bondi and did a good job of bringing out some of Bondi’s true positions.

I only got a brief look at Marco Rubio. He has been a Senator for 18 years. I have not always agreed with him philosophically. However, I believe he knows the role he faces as Secretary of State and overall will do a good job. He impressed me in his responses. We will be in good hands internationally with him, assuming Trump listens to him occasionally.

There was joy yesterday everywhere that Israel and Hamas had finally arrived at a deal. The war was over. Technically, sunday.

I was concerned the peace document was too long and had too many ifs and this’s. Anything could go wrong. With a multi-faceted agreement, going wrong is absolutely certain to occur

I woke to this morning’s news that Hamas has said: Wait, there is something else we want. Ergo, something has already gone wrong.

It bothers me that the agreement fails to release all the hostages at once. Apparently there are only three Americans remaining. Two of the three are to be released immediately. The third later on.

Biden delivered his Farewell Address last night. He warned of the rise of a new American “oligarchy.” He compared today’s tech moguls to 19th century “robber barons.”

Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush will not attend the Inaugural. They join Michelle Obama in declining to appear.

My congrats to all of them!

A person who does not respect others is not entitled to respect.

Many fast food chains have either closed down completely or reduced the number of its restaurants over the past few years. Now comes one that is expanding. Big time! Shake Shack, a burger chain. Plans on opening 1,500 new locations. Presently has 329 company operated restaurants in the U.S. and 200 plus internationally.

On this day in 2009, the “Miracle on the Hudson” occurred. U.S. Airways Captain Sullenberger safely landed the plane he was flying on the Hudson River. All 150 passengers and 5 crew members were saved as a result.

The “Phantom of the Opera” ran 13,981 times on Broadway. Over the years, I saw it three times. It was like rereading a good book.

Starbucks has a new policy! Buy something or leave.

I stopped doing Starbucks in Key West several years ago. Too many teenagers doing nothing but taking up space and making a lot of noise. Generally buying nothing. I also found seats unavailable because adults were seated and sleeping. Consuming nothing.

There was no room for me or a chair in a comfortable location. Stopped going!

Sexual abuse cases involving priests are now some 40 years old. Still ongoing. Cases still pending.

Parishes appear to be paying  all or a significant portion of pay outs to victims. An example is New York’s Rockville Centre Diocese. Located on Long Island, its 136 parishes have thus far paid out $53 million of the approximately $323 million payments to victims. Insurance has also contributed.

It has not been easy. Each parish filed for bankruptcy and contributed. Even those not sued. 

Involved were 600 victims.

I close with the weather. Key West will be cool again today. High 70 degrees. Most of the day in the high 60’s. Sweatshirt weather.

Enjoy your day!