China is a power. Hong Kong is not. Hong Kong is protesting big time.

A power can only tolerate abuse so long…..before it snuffs the little guy out. Such is the way of the world.

The 1956 Hungarian Revolution an example. The Russians let the Hungarians vent a few days. Then sent the tanks in. The student protesters could not leave Hungary soon enough.

Another example is Tienanmen Square in 1989. Student led also. China gave the demonstrators a few days to give off steam. Then sent the tanks in.

Present day protests in Hong Kong are millennial led. Protests time limited. China is massing military vehicles near the city’s border.

Note that each of the three “uprisings” were/are youth led. They try, but seem not able to succeed.

In the last 24 hours, China has said the Hong Kong protesters are “asking for self destruction.” “Terrorism” increasing. Most recently, Molotov cocktails. Those demonstrating must be severely punished “without leniency, without mercy.”

Big day tomorrow for the youth of Key West. Back to school! If all are like Robert and Ally, they are anxious to return.The police will be out in school areas. Enforcing no speeding around schools and school bus rules.

Don’t beware because the police are out. Beware because it is the right thing to do. They are our children!

Key West and the State of Florida were on opposite sides during the Civil War. Key West remained with the Union. The rest of the State with the Confederacy.

As war was being declared, the Union officer in charge of Union troops stationed in Key West led his men to Fort Zachery Taylor. A point from which the Union was able to control ship movement around the Keys the entire war, thereby denying the South much needed supplies.

Vessels that did put into Key West could not leave till owners and crew pledged allegiance to the Union.

Another police screw up story. Hugo, Oklahoma. Two police officers were attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect. He was driving a pick-up truck. Four children were riding in the back seat. Five, 4, 2, and 1 year olds.

The police began firing. The police put 26 rounds into the truck. The driver was not hurt. Three of the four children were. A bullet pierced the front left side of the 4 year old’s brain. The 5 year old suffered a skull fracture, the 1 year old gunshot wounds to the face. The 2 year old not touched.

The 4 were children or step children of the truck driver.

He shot back at the police. However says he did not do so till the police shot at him. Rank stupidity!

The police were in an unmarked car and in plain clothes.

Nothing of consequence has occurred yet. The shootings occurred in April. The 2 officers have been relegated to desk duty.

One of the officers was involved in a citizen shooting several years back. The citizen died. The officer was determined not to be responsible.

How thorough will the investigation be? Will the results ever be made public?

Six months certainly long enough for the investigation to have been concluded and the results made known.

In my long life, 2 things have impressed me greatly. Both without comparison. Man on the moon and the Berlin Wall coming down.

Who can question the astronauts stepping on the moon’s surface?

Berlin was split into 4 zones following World War II. Berlin was actually in the Russian zone. However the major powers each wanted a piece of it. The U.S. got its zone.

The East Germans did not like living under Russian domination. They used to cross the street into the U.S. section No wall preventing them from doing so. Many never returned.

One day, the Russians went out and built a barbed wire fence soon followed by a concrete wall. One hundred miles of concrete blocks encompassing the East German zone.

Several years later, the height of the wall was increased to 10 feet. This time guard towers,machine gun posts, and searchlights added.

On November 11, 1989, German citizens from both the East and West sides began tearing the wall down.

Absolutely amazing! Never thought it would happen!

To understand my comments you had to live more than 30 years with the threat of a Soviet/U.S. war hanging over your heads. As school children today are taught what to do if a shooter enters their school, my children were taught what to do if a nuclear bomb was on its way. Whatever was not sufficient. Getting under one’s desk provided no safety.

Putin and Trump are the best of friends. Trump believes everything Putin tells him over the advice of his advisers. Trump and Kim Jung Un are in “love.” Trump tells us Kim writes him “love letters.”

Kim is testing low and intermediate missiles. Capable of carrying nuclear war heads.

Putin recently went back to nuclear testing. A missile that could best any U.S. missile defense the U.S. has.

The test failed. Exploded. Five scientists killed. Radioactivity sprayed everywhere.

The nuclear weapon Putin was testing is called “Petrel.” The missile nuclear armed and powered. If Putin succeeds in turning out this new weapon, Russia will have a missile capable of evading any U.S. missile defense and have unlimited range.

Putin is having his problems. His popularity on the down slide. The economy dipping. Protests occurring. Not the size  of those going on in Hong Kong today. However, I am sure sufficient to cause Putin and Russia’s leaders to have concern.

Tonight, my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Not sure at the moment what I will be discussing. I decide that this afternoon. However, I guarantee a fast moving and interesting show that you will enjoy.

Join me!

Enjoy your day!

This morning’s Citizen in its History Section ran a photo of Julius Stone and the then Governor of Florida taken sometime in the 1930’s.. They had been visiting the National Guard encampment at Fort Zachery Taylor.

Julius Stone brought to mind the blog I wrote on October 20, 2016 titled Gibraltar of the South. The blog was limited to who Stone was, how he came to be in Key West and minimally his accomplishments.

Today, an expansion of that blog. A bit more of the Stone story and persons intertwined in that story.

Things were tough in the 1930’s in Key West. The depths of the Depression. Julius Stone had been appointed WPA Administrator for Florida. He quickly observed
Key West was in worse shape than any other city in Florida.

He therefore opened a WPA office in Key West. One of two in the entire country.

Stone concluded tourism was the only way Key West could improve its economy. He viewed Key West as the Gibraltar of the South. Tourism would work!

Stone was a precursor. He saw what men like David Wolkowsky would envision in later years.

A major beginning was required. What? Stone finally decided a locally produced showing of the Pirates of Penzance. An effort to put together in those days, especially in Key West. He succeeded, however, Did it!

Diana Millikan comes into the story some 70 years later.

Diana is a snowbird. Rents a place in Key West on an annual basis. Sneaks down here whenever she can.

She can write. Even better, she is one hell of a researcher. I know. She has researched some items for me.

Three yeas ago, Diana decided to write a play. The play would tell the story of Julius Stone and the Key West production of the Pirates of Penzance.

Diana spent two years writing the play. No one has bought it yet. As she puts it, the play sits in several producers’ offices on a chair in a pile of other plays that maybe someone will get to some day.

I wish you well Diana. Good things happen when you least expect them.

Mosquitoes, mosquitoes, mosquitoes. Were it not for a Mosquito Control Board covering Key West and several miles up U.S. 1, most of us would probably have come down with dengue fever by now.

It was announced over the weekend that Massachusetts is having a mosquito problem this summer. There has been one case of EEE. Authorities are fearful of an outbreak. The EEE is the first case since 2013.

Key West is the perfect place for mosquito invasion. Water everywhere. The reason for the Mosquito Control Board. Directors publicly elected. The operation financed with tax dollars. The organization has several helicopters, trucks, a staff, etc.

We periodically get sprayed on. Also, periodically staff inspects every house within the Board’s jurisdiction. Merely walk around the outside of a house. The purpose to identify pools of water, no matter how small, where mosquitoes could breed.

Mosquitoes serious business!

Not all of the Keys provide the protection, however. Two recollections proving the point.

I was visiting friends in Sugarloaf for dinner in the summer time. I had to fight my way from the car to the house. A wall of mosquitoes. Never saw so many.

About 10 yeas ago, I did not drink for a year and a half. An enlarged heart. Doctors said no more drinking till it shrinks back. Took the year and a half. The heart will/did reduce itself.

Then the doctors said ok to drink again, but with moderation.

During my non-drinking time back then, I drove to Boondocks one evening for dinner. Boondocks is a large open air restaurant. Sits just short of Big Pine.

The place was packed. I was lucky to get a seat at the bar. All of a sudden, I was under attack. Mosquitoes.

The lady sitting next to me was my savior. She handed me a can of mosquito spray and said, “Spray!”

Over the course of the evening, I noticed everyone had a can of spray and were periodically covering themselves again.

We don’t have the problem in our open air restaurants in Key  West. We spray from helicopters!

A colorful picture on the front of this morning’s Key West Citizen. Apparently one of the short rainstorms we kept getting hit with last week flooded Angela Street between Simonton and Duval. The picture showed the water covering the street and sidewalks. Three cars that should not have been there. And the Angela Street side of The Gardens. The outside yellow wall. Glowing! Like a painted picture.

We all have favorite movies. One of mine is The Wizard of Oz.

The movie premiered this day in 1939 in Oconomowoe, Wisconsin.That’s the name of the city. Why it premiered there, I do not know. Perhaps the munchkins came from Oconomowoe.

Judy Garland starred. Her rendition of Over the Rainbow everyone’s favorite. Including Terri White. Where ever she performs, she works it into the list of tunes to be sung.

Great also at Dueling Bartenders. Everyone sings!

I particularly enjoy We’re Off To See The Wizard. Judy, the straw man,and the iron man walking down the road singing along.

A group that determines which songs were the best during a specific time frame voted Over the Rainbow the #1 Song of the Twentieth Century.

Several years ago, I visited Washington. Spent 3 days visiting Smithsonian Museums. One displayed the red shoes Judy Garland wore during the movie.

The Justice Building Blog recently ran an article titled Global Warming. Interesting. A bit scary. A serious warning.

The article traces the earth heating up. From dinosaurs to today. From today to when all liquid on earth is gone.

What then?

The closing paragraph: “The atmosphere will disintegrate and the earth will be a scorched wasteland, much like parts of current day New Jersey. This is our future. We are doomed.”

Trump says the economy is good. He constantly pitches the stock market in support of his position.

I do not believe the stock market alone can be relied on. I have expected it to fall. It will. It is over inflated. Whatever goes up comes down at some point. When it does,it will be 1,000 points a day. As in 1929, investors will be jumping out of high rise windows.

Every now and then I spell out certain industries/businesses that are down sizing, actually going out of business, or have had an extremely bad year.. A new one today. Heavy trucks.

Trucks ship goods cross country. An integral part of how we transport certain commodities. A recent studied indicated that between July of last year and July of this year, heavy truck orders dropped 81 percent. Means the call for and manufacture of 81 percent did not take place.

These are class 8 trucks. Only 9,800 were manufactured during the July to July period. The drop has been described by economists as a “striking collapse.”

During the same period, orders for truck freight trailers collapsed also.

Enjoy your day!

Nothing like a public hanging. Brings neighbors and friends out from miles around. Exciting free entertainment.

Sort of like the days of the Christians and Coliseum. Everyone thrilled. Especially if those who died did it well.

Long time since there has been a public hanging in the United States. The last one was August 14, 1936 in Owensboro, Kentucky. It involved racism, prejudice and sadism. The crowd estimated at 10,000 to 20,000.

The weather good. The aura of death in the air.

Back in the days when public hangings were common place, it was thought by government officials that the hangings would teach the onlookers to avoid crime, not commit evil, etc.

Public executions were not common to the U.S. alone. Then and even to this day they frequently occur in the Middle East. The crowd roars at a beheading or stoning.

Back to Owensboro.

Rainey Bethea was a 22 year old black man. He raped and choked Lischia Edwards, a wealthy 70 year old white woman. He robbed a piece of her jewelry during the happening.

His fate was sealed. Pled guilty . He thought what the hell. Hang me and lets get this over. His problems were only just beginning.

He was still forced to undergo a trial and jury determination. Determination of what? His sentence. Under Kentucky law, a conviction for murder and robbery mandated execution at a State penitentiary. The prosecutor wanted the execution in Owensboro. The public lusted for vengeance re Ms. Edwards death.

The way to get around the problem was to try Bethea for murder alone. Ergo, the need for an actual trial.

A crazy law. However, that is what it was. To follow it would permit an execution in Owensboro.

Black justice prevailed. No reason to determine guilt or innocence. Bethea had already pled guilty to murder and robbery. Under State law, the jury still had to decide punishment for the commission of a single crime. Murder in this instance. State law mandated 10-20 years or death.

It took the jury 5 minutes to come in with a guilty verdict.

Everyone happy, except Bethea and a Florence Thompson. Thompson was the Sheriff. Her husband had been, but died 3 months earlier. She was appointed to complete his term.

Thompson would have been the first woman in the U.S. to have legally executed someone. She did not want the honor.

Her function actually would have been simple. All she had to do was spring the trap so the floor would give way and Bethea would fall to his death.

The populace was not happy with Mrs. Thompson. Her reluctance could mean no public hanging. She received death threats.

It was decided she could appoint someone.

That someone was G. Phil Hanna. Hanna was an Illinois resident. He was an experienced hang man. He had overseen 70 hangings in his life time.

Hanna was a big shot in the hanging business. Top of the pecking order. It was not his responsibility to spring the trap. His function ended when he put the noose around Bethea’s neck.

Hash was brought onto the execution crew. It became Hash’s responsibility to spring the trap.

Party time arrived! The crowd excited. Actually, blood thirsty.

After Hanna made sure the noose was properly affixed, he signaled to Hash to  pull the lever. Hash was drunk and did not notice Hanna’s order. Hanna finally yelled “Do it now!” He did. Bethea died. The execution was over. The thousands who had gathered to watch it cheered.

Not all were pleased with the execution. One newspaper described it as a “carnival of sadism.” The reporter covering the story thought the crowd enjoyed Bethea’s death too much.

So did the State of Kentucky. Two years later, the State abolished public executions.

Black Bethea had no chance. In 1936 Kentucky, the moment he killed the white Ms.Edwards he was dead. Only the machinations to get him to the point of his punishment remained.

Last night. My first stop Donna and Terri’s for dinner. An outstanding meal. Donna could have been a celebrity cook. Scallops.

Bear seemed bigger. I asked. He was. Bear is only 18 months old. He’s huge! The vet says he has more growing to do.

My next stop was Captain Tony’s for his 103rd birthday party. The bar tourists. Tables and chairs in the back for the party.

I could not find Captain Tony’s daughter Toni. I left. Toni, I was there!

Captain Tony’s is right in the middle of Lobsterfest. Decided to do it. Walked several blocks. Stands selling cooked lobsters. Done every which way. Plus stands selling hand made items.

Duval a mess of people. Almost like trying to move the night of the Fantasy Fest Parade.

In the street next to Sloppy Joe’s was a bandstand. I was there at the right time. A trio playing and singing. People of all ages going crazy. Some fathers with small kids on their shoulders. Everyone moving to the beat of the music. Even me.

The Keys Weekly reported Lobsterfest as “A Crustacean Celebration.” Describes the event well.

I chatted with some people I knew along the way. Even with Donna and Terri. The photo that was everywhere to be seen. The photo of Trump and Melania at the El Paso hospital. Melania holding a baby. Trump was giving the shot a thumbs up.

The conversations I had. Really not conversations. Grievances. Grievances about Trump’s conduct.

The baby was Paul Anchondo. Paul and his parents will forever be remembered because of what happened to their family during the El Paso shooting.

Paul’s mother fell on Paul to protect him. His father fell on Paul’s mother to protect her. Both were killed.

Paul has no parents. The sadness deep. Hard to imagine. Fortunately, it appears his family is large and Paul will be raised as his parents might have raised him.

So what is wrong with the photo shoot and story behind it?

The baby Paul was not at the hospital. Trump asked that he be brought to the hospital so he and Melania could take a picture with him. Someone went and got Paul and brought him to the hospital.

My conversations last night turned on the appropriateness of the request that the baby be brought to the hospital for a photo shoot. Does not seem right to me. Nor to anyone I spoke with last night. This was not a Trump event. This was his visit to extend sympathy to those alive but hospitalized.

John left very early this morning for Columbia. He is there now. Have fun, my friend

Enjoy your Sunday!

Smokey the Bear. We grew up together. I am 84 and Smokey 75. He was in newspapers, on the radio, and on TV frequently. Not sure when I began seeing less and less of him. A time did come when his presence slowly began to diminish.

Smokey was a bear. A cartoon character. Created as a tool to help prevent forest fires. Every showing of Smokey carried the admonition: “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires.”

Verbiage changes with time. “Forest fires” became antiquated. The verbiage was changed. “Wildfires” replaced “forest fires.” The new admonition: “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

Smokey was always attired the same way. A yellow ranger hat and blue jeans. No shirt. Always depicted carrying a shovel.

Smokey became popular almost immediately. A federal law was adopted protecting his name and image.

Note that Smokey’s name contains an “e.” An intentional misspelling when the concept of Smokey was being developed.. The adjective smoky is spelled with out the “e.”

Forest fires a concern even before Smokey’s time. Walt Disney’s Bambi was in effect the first Smokey. Smokey replaced Bambi.

I have written about Mom’s Tea Room several times over the years. As recently as last week.

Mom’s was a house of ill repute in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The Navy did not approve of its sea men frequenting a place such as Mom’s. The Navy constantly pressed local authorities to close Mom’s down. Sometimes the local authorities having to do something would raid rather than close a place down.

Note Mom’s was operating in an era when the Mafia controlled prostitution.

One such raid took place on this day in 1941. Mom’s location near Fort Taylor. Three women were arrested and charged with prostitution.

A woman’s way of doing business today has changed dramatically. Changed specifically in the way the solicitation and acceptance takes place.

With rare exception, there are no whore houses per se today. Meeting a lady of the night is via the telephone. An escort service listed in the yellows pages is called. Also via computer. The internet lists such ladies as part of a club. Pictures and all. Call in and ask for whoever turned you on picture wise.

Then there are gentlemen’s clubs. Ladies met and arrangements made for services after the club closed and away from the club.

The closest thing to the whore houses of old are today’s massage parlors. Generally Asian in nature. Springing up all over.

The massage parlors seem to have come in as a wave. No one was aware. They were and are being opened in the corners, nooks and crannies of most buildings. Not obvious to the public.

Last night was the Chart Room. John bartending.

Tonight is John’s last night for a while. He leaves at 6:10 tomorrow morning for Columbia for a week. My farewell words to him were be careful and stay out of trouble.

He laughed.

Burger King’s new Whopper is available. The Impossible. The meat is not meat. The Impossible is made from a plant grown protein. The entire patty meatless.

Burger King advertised you will not be able to tell the difference. I could not. Looked and tasted like hamburger meat.

David Wolkowsky. My good friend who died at 99 several months ago.

The Key West of today would not have been were it not for David. He is the father of Modern Key West.

David is responsible for what today is the Pier House. One of Key West’s leading hotels. Home to the Chart Room.

David started the Pier House as a motel. Fifty units. Erected where the Pier House stands today.

It was on August 11, 1968, that David opened the Pier House Motel to business.

One of his first customers was Truman Capote. He spent almost a year and wrote one of his novel’s while at the Motel.

There is a picture of the Pier House Motel in the History Section of this morning’s Citizen. A magnificent edifice. Not what I expected. Ahead of its time design wise. Should have known. David was on top of everything. He was tomorrow when every one else was still yesterday.

Forget not Captain Tony’s 103rd birthday party tonight at 8. At Captain Tony’s. The world will be there!

I have a double header tonight. Dinner first with Donna and Terri. Donna cooking. The meal will be magnificent. She could make a leather shoe taste like filet mignon! Then to Captain Tony’s party.

Dayton and El Paso seem to be having an effect. All the shootings do. The politicians are finally going to do something. And then nothing gets done!

Even Trump this time says something must be done. He is pushing for detailed background checks. That is it as far as I can see. Mitch McConnell says he does not know. He will decide when the Senate returns in September.

This could be the time! However what will be offered will not be enough. A more detailed background check will only offer a minuscule improvement to a gigantically horrendous problem.

Time to go for it all! Assault weapons and magazines MUST be part of the package. The Republicans will want to walk away offering next to nothing if they can.

Assault weapons won’t fly with a Republican Senate. After next year, things can change. The election of a Democratic Senate. I am assuming the Democrats will continue to control the House. I am further assuming/hoping the Democrats win the Presidency. If Trump were to win again, this country will deserve whatever it gets: Nothing good.

At 7:30 this morning, Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide. He hung himself in his cell. The cell being one under “suicide watch” since authorities believe Epstein tried it a couple of weeks ago.

I wonder whether a court proceeding was the motivating factor today. Two weeks ago, a federal judge ordered papers in another case to remain sealed. Friday, a different federal judge ordered all papers in 2 cases to be opened.

Thousands of pages involved. Names. It is anticipated many will reveal the names of prominent persons. Political and business wise. The names of persons who enjoyed the pleasures of underage ladies at Epstein’s Florida and Caribbean homes.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Key West remembers Captain Tony and celebrates his 103rd birthday party tomorrow night. In memory only. Tony long gone. The party will be at Tony Tarracino’s formerly owned bar Captain Tony’s Saloon on Greene. Still there. Operating under the name Captain Tony’s. The celebration begins at 8.

A legend, an icon. Even before death. His life unique. Four wives, 13 children. Significant in itself. He was  everything from a bootlegger to Mayor of Key West. Jimmy Buffett was his campaign manager when Captain Tony ran and won.

Of his 13 children, I only know one. His daughter Toni. Love her dearly. Her father her hero. The stories she tells of her time with him!

Over the years, I wrote about Captain Tony 3 times. Rather than write pages about the Captain’s exploits, I refer you to the blogs. You will have a good understanding of the man after you have read the 3 blogs.

My blogs are archived. Easy to find from my web page. Even easier if you merely google the article’s date and title.

A History of What Is Now Captain Tony’s 5/29/2019, Toni Tarracino Shares Her Legacy 11/15/2018, and Captain Tony…..I Beat The Mafia 8/9/2018.

Join me at the party. Key West fun time!

Mangrove Mama’s is up the road about 20 miles. Means on Route 1 in Sugarloaf. Can’t miss it. Just south of the Bow Channel Bridge.

A typical Keys bar surrounded by woods. Funky. Most of the place an actual shack. Live music on the weekend.

It has been a while since I had been to Mangrove Mama’s. Twenty miles a long way to drive if you have been drinking. Though not for me any more. For heath reasons, I drink no more. It has been close to 3 months.

I eat the same thing each time I am there. A lobster reuben. Tastes as good as it sounds.

Hurricane people screwing me up. Last week, I reported based on their reports that it was going to be an easy hurricane season. Yesterday, the experts decided otherwise.

It has something to do with El Nino over the Pacific. El Nino winds would push hurricanes heading our way over the Atlantic to turn north when yet far off shore or break up a storm even before it reached hurricane status.

El Nino decided not to cooperate. There has been an unexpected decline in its force.

Prior to El Nino’s change, the experts thought the chance of hitting the Keys with a hurricane was less than 30 percent. The number has increased. Now projected at 45 percent. No less than.

Forty five percent suggests a probable hit. The questions are where and how strong.

One thing we have learned in Key West about hurricanes is that reports are less than reliable till a few days before the hurricane comes ashore. Hurricanes are fickle. Their paths can change dramatically.

Fat Albert. The big white government blimp on Cudjoe Key. Fat Albert got a companion in 2013. A smaller blimp.

Till today, I rarely gave any thought to Fat Albert. Occasionally would see it as I drove up U.S. 1. For 30 years have thought it to be a weather balloon.

I was wrong.

Fat Albert and Jr. belong to Homeland Security’s Custom and Border Patrol. In interdiction. The U.S.’s sky view running south into the Caribbean and north to Tampa. The “eagle eyes” looking for drug smugglers.

Fat Albert began operation in 1980. Last reported to have 21 employees.

My problem is whether Fat Albert and Jr. still exist. Every few years Homeland Security says it is going to close the facility down and then does not. I could not find any information as to whether it is still operative.

I could have looked yesterday when I was driving up to Mangrove Mama’s. The route took me through Cudjoe. All I had t do was look to my left. Fat Albert sat generally at teh end of Blimp Road.

I did not look. Next trip.

A Keys Weekly reporter interviewed Chip Lyons who is/was manager of the Cudjoe Key Aerostat Site. Homeland Security’s fancy name for Fat Albert. Lyons basically non-responsive. Said ninety nine percent of questions would have to be answered by the Custom and Border Agency. Questions like…..two blimps in the sky, why 2 blimps, same or different size, how high can the blimps go ( answered with “as high as they can go”), how long is the tether.

I will let you know if Fat Albert still there the next time I drive up U.S. 1 through Cudjoe.

The goodness of people. The consideration propel have for others. The Biblical do for others more than words.

Matt and Kelli recently married. Keli a school teacher.

They decided on a different type wedding gift. They asked the 70 guests to bring school supplies. Much needed today. Especially in the Roland Park Magnet School.

The guests came through. With more than requested, Besides school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, belts, underwear and socks.

The gifts plentiful. So much so that they were shared with other schools.

Cruelty Knows No Bounds. The title of a newspaper article yesterday. The article referred to Trump’s ordering the arrest of 680 illegal immigrants in Mississippi.

“Arrest” used before the raids. Watered down afterwards to “detained.”

Most Latinos.

Bernie Sanders stated the raids were “terror” and part of Trump’s “racist agenda.” Joe Biden claimed Trump was “morally unfit to lead the country.”

I agree with both.

I have consistently maintained ICE should be disbanded. Started doing so soon after Trump became President. I became uncomfortable as to how Trump was increasing the size and power of ICE.

I wrote and said then that ICE would be Trump’s private army in case of trouble. I compared ICE to Hitler’s Gestapo.

Nothing has changed. Things are worse as far as ICE is concerned.

Beware!

Enjoy your day!

1

As ye sow so shall ye reap. Galatians, 6-7. Stated in today’s vernacular, deeds good or bad shall reward you in kind.

Donald Trump is learning. Unless he is too hard headed to recognize it. He has abused, insulted, bullied, and defecated upon people as he willed. He forgot actions have repercussions. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Make take time, but the inevitable always occurs.

Dayton and El Paso prompt today’s writing. Trump is finally meeting his match. Especially with El Paso. El Paso will cause the tide to turn. Trump’s life will be more difficult. Greater numbers will turn against him. He will be recognized for what he is. A racist, bigot, and white supremacist.

As referred to in a fashion in Galatians, Trump will get what he has coming.

Trump keeps digging a ditch for himself. With him in it. Soon he will have to look up to see bottom.

The Key West High School is about to open. There is a screw up. Security measures were to be upgraded. The work not completed. Total completion a couple of weeks away.

I assume the school board is at fault. Whoever, there is no excuse. The security upgrades should have been a #1 priority. The number of school shootings warning enough. These are our children who attend the high school. My grandchildren Robert and Ally among them.

Two uncompleted items stand out. A gate/barrier is to be constructed in front of the school. No one will be able to gain entrance unless approved by the main office. Another upgrade, all doors are now supposed to be locked by the teacher from the inside. Some completed. Too many remain to be done.

Shame on those who failed to complete the job timely. Our children come first. All the time!

The relatively new Key West Amphitheater seems to be doing well. Located on the Truman Waterfront.

The issue as whom to name the amphitheater after arose. It has been examined and reexamined. The decision made.

The amphitheater will be named after Key West musician Lofton “Coffee” Butler. Ninety years old and still going. Sings and plays the piano. A “headliner” for years.

One of the Committee members to decide who was to be chosen Clayton Lopez.  Lopez best described Butler: “He exemplifies Key West culture. He exudes Key West love. He’s played with the best because he’s one of them.”

The Mall on Duval. Three blocks. Blocked off friday through sunday evenings. For several months now. Street activity and entertainment. Restaurants placing tables and chairs in the street. Etc.

I am not sure it will succeed. Presently in a test run. Some owners say it has not helped business. In fact, business declines when the Mall is open. Others are concerned because it costs the City (taxpayers) too much money to operate.

Key West is not a street mall type community. Duval is narrow. People are accustomed to it being a walking thoroughfare.

I haves been watching the Mall during the time it has operated. Big crowds initially. The numbers have dropped dramatically. Many visitors merely sit at tables placed for sitting alone and chat. Buy nothing. No problem, but if not enough money coming in and too costly it becomes a problem.

I view the Mall as a noble experiment. A great idea that did not work. The sooner it closes the better.

Florida has a habit of doing things too late. Recognizing a problem and dealing with it forthwith is not Florida’s way.

Pythons. A major problem for years. Experts agree too late to eradicate them. Estimated there are in excess of 1 million. Only solution is to constrain. Problem is constraining not working either.

Governor De Santis announced this week the State will deal with the problem anew. Remove the pythons! Good luck! I have watched the python problem develop since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Ain’t nothing going to get rid of the pythons.

Now come the iguanas. A pain in the ass problem for 15 years. They defecate in the pools and eat planted flowers.

What began as a small bunch when first seen in Florida is now whole families. Big ones, small ones, running all over the place.

The State has begun a study as to how to eradicate. Good luck! They’re here to stay! The State waited too long once again.

Names of communities. Generally fit the location. Most Keys communities have “keys” in the name. Other areas of the country have names particular to that area.

I am originally from upstate New York. Oneida County. Saratoga County is a 1 hour 45 minute drive to the east.

I came across 2 Saratoga County names that reflect the area’s history, etc., just as the keys do down here. Coons Crossing and Halfmoon. Coons Crossing in realty a road. Somewhere along the way, there is a small gathering of houses. That community is Coons without the crossing. It is west of Mechanicville.

Coons and Coons Crossing are part of Halfmoon township. Halfmoon fairly big these days. Some 21,000 people.

The 2 names come from a time back in history. Exactly when I could not discern. However, I was able to discover that Halfmoon was first settled in 1680 near the banks of the Mohawk River. Years later, the Erie Canal was built along the southern part of Halfmoon.

Love how Trump operates. While he was visiting Dayton and El Paso  yesterday, ICE entered 7 factories in 6 different cities in Mississippi to arrest illegal immigrants. Six hundred eighty were arrested.

Yesterday also happened to be the start of school. ICE did not take the children into consideration. Who was to take care of them when they got out of school? In many instances if both parents were illegal, both were taken into custody without any thought being given to their children.

A furor developed. School personnel and legitimate community persons were concerned about the children. Finally ICE took over a gymnasium for the night. Reports indicate many of he children were sobbing. Others crying because they had nothing to eat.

Where will the next batch of detention centers be constructed?

Trump had to know of the ICE invasion. The term can be used in many respects. One is that ICE was dealing with the “Hispanic Invasion” of Mississippi.

Trump is maxi talented. He can do more than one thing at a time. Like walking and chewing gum. A wonderful talent for the leader of the free world.

I have to move swiftly. A noon haircut appointment with Lori.

Enjoy your day!

Took a ride last night to Geiger Key for dinner. A pleasant place to sit and contemplate one’s navel.

A ride after on some of the side roads off the main road to Geiger Key. Short 1 or 2 block roads on the Atlantic side. Been around 30 years. First time I took a look.

Surprising! Some very nice houses on the water. Intermingled between some permanently affixed trailers. The water view fantastic.

I mentioned earlier this week that Burger King was coming out with a meatless burger. Will look and taste like beef. In actuality, a plant grown protein.

It is reported today that Subway is coming out with a similar type sandwich. A meatball sub. Not meat. The composition of the meatballs from a plant grown protein.

There are several companies that grow the artificial meats. Impossible and Beyond Meat supposedly the largest and best. Burger King said it went with Impossible over Beyond Meat because Impossible tasted better.

I am anxious for tomorrow to come. Burger King’s Impossible goes on sale nationwide. Subway’s meatball sub not till September.

This is confrontation day. Trump and the citizens of Dayton and El Paso.

I suspect demonstrations. Hundreds of people in each community. Pissed! They have had it! The chant “Do Something!” heard yesterday in Dayton as the Governor was speaking will be heard today as the President speaks.

Assuming he does speak.

I will be surprised if Trump appears before a crowd, all of whom will be upset with him. Especially in El Paso. It takes courage to stand alone and confront a mob. Trump lacks such courage.

Trump will avoid the masses. He will probably meet inside rooms in buildings. Some with first responders. Hospital visits with those who survived. Promise everything. Speak as if he is not a racist, hater and/or white supremacist. Deliver nothing when he returns to Washington.

El Paso is a unique community. Not just another city on the Mexican border. Trump has blasphemed and insulted El Paso since he decided there was an “immigration” problem.

El Paso is actually the star, the shining light, of border communities.

Known as the “Ellis Island” of the border. Many Mexican Americans can trace there roots to El Paso. Before World War II, El Paso was the Port of Entry from Mexico to the U.S.

Trump has dumped on El Paso from day one. He cites El Paso’s crime rate as proof why a border wall is needed. Despite FBI statistics that show El Paso to have a violent crime rate below the national average and crime statistics that show El Paso to be safer than other municipalities the same size in population.

In spite of this knowledge, Trump continues to knock El Paso. He views it as the “Hispanic invasion of Texas.” Remember his words which he repeats when ever the occasion arises: They bring disease, crime and drugs with them…..They rape women.

El Paso has the distinction of being considered the bedrock of American southwest culture. A booming center for Mexican literacy and art.

Our culture is sick. Guns a problem. Assault weapons and magazines everywhere. Not just El Paso and Dayton. Not only Parkland. There are other cities that suffer beneath the problem of too many assault weapons in the hands of those who are wont to use them.

I refer now specifically to communities such as Chicago. This past weekend, 55 persons were shot in Chicago. We do not heard of the Chicago’s. They suffer because of the gun problem also.

I may offend some. However, I believe that our Chicago’s are intentionally stepped over by the national media. Also by national Democrats on their way to 2020.

Why?

Could be because there is no political advantage in thinking about Chicago’s. Perhaps it is solely about colored boys with guns shooting other colored persons. A subtle discrimination involved here.

Trump is not one to let a “good tragedy go to waste.” He will talk gun control. Not push it. His support does not want gun control. It will appear for the next week or two that Trump supports gun control. He will reach a point where he will believe he has fooled the American public. The issue will then be forgotten as far as he is concerned.

Trump continues to tell the American people how good his relationship is with North Korea’s Kim Jung Un. Claims Kim Jung Un’s letters to him are “love letters.”

How easily Trump is bullshitted! Especially by criminal world leaders.

Trump says he will work our differences with North Korea out. The two leaders are good friends. It will take time, however.

He prides himself in boasting that in the more than a year that he and Kim Jung Un have been friends, North Korea has not tested any weapons. Until the past 2 weeks.

North Korea tested 4 intermediate ballistic missiles in the past 2 weeks.

Trump has changed his tune slightly. He says he is not concerned about the missiles. Merely intermediate ones. He lies. To cover his misjudgment. He either does not know or thinks the American people do not know. The first problem is the missiles are capable of carrying nuclear war heads. Additionally, there ability distance wise is sufficient to strike South Korea and Japan. Two places where the U.S. has thousands of troops stationed.

Military experts believe Kim Jung Un has restarted the testing because of U.S. and South Korea’s military exercise. His position simple. If I do not test, you should not play war games.

My day will be spent home watching Trump’s visits to Dayton and El Paso. He presently is in the air to Dayton.

Tonight, I don’t know what.

Enjoy your day!

Many topics this morning. Too many to organize. Therefore Morning Stew Time! You get ’em in the order they appear in my notes.

Two updated hurricane notices. Nothing of consequence to report re the Keys. With one admonition, however. Indications the same as they were in 1992. Merely a few storms. True. However one was Andrew. A category 5. Wiped out Homestead.

Never know!

Trump is going to El Paso wednesday. Dayton not determined yet. Many El Paso residents are advising the President should stay away. Especially Democrats.

Trump did not attend John McCain’s church service. He was not wanted. What will he do re El Paso? I feel he must show up. Even if they throw rotten tomatoes at him.

Ronald Reagan one of our great Presidents. A tough guy. He recognized he was President and exercised his decisions based on that.

It was 1981. Air controllers were federal employees. Thirteen thousand went on strike August 3. Negotiations had failed. The Air Controllers were not happy with the pay raise offer and the response to their request for shorter hours.

Seven thousand flights had to be cancelled. The nation and its airways were in chaos.

Reagan did not screw around. He immediately told the air controllers the strike was illegal, they had 48 hours to get back to work. If not, they would be fired with no opportunity to ever recover their jobs.

On August 5, Reagan carried out his threat. He began firing 11,359 air controllers.

Reagan’s action in firing that huge number was the beginning of the end for labor unions across the country. Everyone began standing up to them. Over the years, labor unions diminished in power and effect.

Reagan was responsible.

Trump and his Republican cohorts are laying the blame on horrific videos among other things re the 2 shootings this past weekend.

Such videos bear no responsibility. Trump and NRA bullshit. Research debunks the theory. One expert said, ” The data on bananas causing suicide is about as conclusive.”

Republicans refuse to give up on the propaganda supplied them by the NRA. Especially at the present time. U.S. Senators cow tow to the NRA. Afraid of the NRA’s power.

The Gun Violence Archive indicates there have been more mass shootings this year to date than any previous one. Mass shootings defined as at least 4 deaths, excluding the shooter.

Mitch McConnell continues his downward trend. He loses respect daily from all corners. Including some of his Republican supporters. He bears responsibility for El Paso and Dayton almost as much as Trump. He has refused to move any House passed bills reforming gun control to the Senate floor for a vote. His right as Majority Leader. Not correct as a human being.

“Moscow Mitch” McConnell pulled another beauty this past weekend.

A photo surfaced on social media. The photo appeared soon after the El Paso shootings. Actually, the same day.

The photo was of Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. The new young Democratic firebrand. The photo contained a large cut out of Ocasio-Cortez.

The Congresswoman was surrounded by a number of young men. They were wearing tee shirts labeled “Team Mitch Shirts.” The photo showed them choking her. It was also reported there were other photos showing them groping and kissing the cut out. The Congresswoman had criticized McConnell following the El Paso shooting for sitting on the gun reform bill for 5 months. It is suspected the photo was deliberately released because of that.

Neither McConnell nor any of his staff rejected or spoke against the photo.

The choking, etc. of the cut out was not enough. A further campaign item came out the same day. A tweet.

McConnell bears the nick name Grim Reaper also. A self imposed one. He is proud of it.

A Kentucky Catholic fundraising event the Fancy farm Picnic had a replica of a cemetery erected at the site of the fundraiser. A Tombstone like one.

The tombstones were labeled. One for Amy McGrath, his Democratic opponent in the 2020 Senatorial race. Another for Judge Merrick Garland, the Obama Supreme Court nominee who McConnell refused to submit for approval to a Senate Committee for more than a year.  Another was labeled Socialism, another Green New Deal.

Apparently McConnell enjoys running tombstone photos. Over 600 during his career. His favorite is of tombstones labeled Health Care, Campaign Finance Reform, Coal Miners, and Middle Class.

Disgusting! A U.S. Senator. He should be ashamed.

The Philippines are in the midst of a dengue epidemic. Dengue the Mosquito borne disease capable of causing death. In the first 6 months of this year, more than 146,000 new cases. A 98 percent increase from the same period last year. Six hundred twenty two have died.

Key West and the lower Florida Keys would be similarly afflicted each year were it not for the attention paid the problem. The lower Keys have an elected Mosquito Control Board. Helicopters, trucks, etc. Spray frequently. Examine the area around every home looking for pools of water that could breed mosquitoes.

One of the reasons for the increase in the Philippines has to do with the new dengue vaccination. Dengvaxis. Many parents opposed it. Feared their children would die. Their children not vaccinated. Many came down with dengue fever.

Statistics deny the vaccination problem. In 2016-17, 800,000 were vaccinated. Only 14 children died. No proof ever developed that the vaccination caused the 14 deaths.

The market dropped yesterday. Thank you, Donald Trump. Will rise a bit today. Yesterday dropped 767 points. The fall due to Trump’s announcement he was going to increase tariffs on China and China’s response. China’s response was to devalue the yuan. Such negates for China at the impact of the 25 percent tariff increase.

Never forget Trump’s words during the campaign: I like tariff wars!…..I understand tariff wars!…..I win tariff wars!

Trump has a ton of money already for the 2020 campaign. Big business is filling his coiffures.

Trump uses Facebook frequently to post ads. Since January, he has posted ads with the word “invasion” more than 2,000 times. Since March, the word “immigration” to the tune of $1.25 million.

Trump rarely knows what he is doing. He announced he is hitting Venezuela and its government officials with a full embargo.

A joke!

Trump must realize Russia and China are covering Vcnezuela’s ass.

Trump claims he has imposed the embargo to get Maduro out of office. For humanitarian reasons. The humanitarian reasons do not fly. Trump wants Venezuela’s oil, as do Russia and China. That is what it is all about!

It is not only U.S. cities that are having a public toilet problem. Homeless are defecating and urinating big time on the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Now, London. The problem has become an international one. London has posted signs: “Welcome to London. Do not shit in the street.”

National Farmers Market Week is upon us. August 4-10.

Key West has a new Farmers Market at the Truman Waterfront. Every thursday 10-2.

A national celebration will be held this thursday at Key West’s new Farmers Market.

On this day in 1945, an American bomber dropped the first atomic bomb ever. On Hiroshima. It was 8:16 in the morning. Eighty thousand killed immediately or almost immediately. Thirty five thousand injured. Another 60,000 would be dead by the end of the year as a result of fall out.

The U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki 3 days later.

Many have criticized Truman for his decision. I do not. The 2 bombs dropped on Japan were evidence to the world that a bomb of such magnitude was now available and could wipe out cities and nations.

Even though many nations have nuclear capability today, they are reluctant to use such knowing that retaliation of the same sort would be swift. Destruction beyond even that of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Neither side would win.

Electric lights or gas lights? That was the choice facing John Horr in 1892. Horr was the Collector of Customs at the new Custom House erected in Key West.

Horr opted for electric lights. He feared odors from the gas lights could cost loss of life.

An extensive Morning Stew today. Hope you found it informative.

Tonight my blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. Lots of good stuff to talk about this week. Listen to me rant and rave. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

I waited till after Trump’s address to the Nation this morning re the 2 massacre type shootings which occurred over the weekend before writing. His address obviously important.

Reminded me of Shakespeare’s full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. One problem however. In addition to “nothing,” there was no “sound and fury.” Merely the President reading a speech that said most of the right things. Things that never will be followed during Trump’s administration.

Some brief observations.

The speech was to include gun control and immigration reform. Stupid to join the 2 together. Separate issues to be dealt with separately. My recollection is “immigration” was mentioned only once. At the beginning of the address. Trump will never cease attempting by any means to build the wall that Mexico was going to pay for.

Trump denounced racism, hatred and white supremacists. His words hollow. We all know he is a racist and bigot. He hates so many people. White supremacists…..the first time he has spoken negatively of them in any fashion.

All 3 will be gone from his mind within a week. Typical of Trump, what he said today will no longer count tomorrow.

It warmed my heart to hear him say he had “directed” this and that to be done. Generally new things. Most if not all have disappeared already. The man speaks with forked tongue.

I considered most of what Trump said to be typical Trump bullshit. He says one thing and does another.

Dare I be accused of criticizing without recommending, my solution is simple. Many things must be done at one time. No nickel diming. Ban outright certain guns, certain types of ammunition, initiate background checks.

Trump was aware he was treading dangerous ground this morning. Would his words stand up to questioning? Trump and his staff must have thought not. No questions were taken from the press.

Skipping to the shootings themselves, both embodied unusual circumstances.

The Dayton shooting found the culprit Donald Betts shooting and killing his 22 year old sister Megan Betts.

El Paso found a mother protecting her 2 month old baby and the father/husband trying to protect both. The parents died. The 2 month old survived.

The mother Jordan Anchondo was carrying her 2 month old son. She dropped on him to protect him. Being shot and killed in the process. Her son suffered some bone fractures as a result.

The husband Andre Anchondo dropped on both to protect them. He was shot and killed.

Sunday Trump was quoted as having said, “Hate has no place in our country and we’re going to take care of it.” What a joke! The man is deep with hatred.

Now to some Key West happenings.

I have been making smoothies for lunch this past week. Bought a new blender. Generally throw in a 15 gram protein drink, banana, a berry and some other fruit. Makes a couple of glasses. Delicious and satisfying.

What becomes dirty must be washed. I was washing out the blender yesterday noon to make a new smoothie. Filled the blender about 1/3 with water. Tossed in a few drops of some liquid dish washing soap. Turned on the blender.

Disasterville! I forgot to put the top on. Sudsy dishwater all over Louis, the cupboard, floor, toaster, etc. A mess!

I would like to blame it on old age. Not so. Simply a stupid mistake.

The Chart Room first last night. The last time I was at the Chart Room was the same night I was last out. Monday.

John bartending. About a dozen people, including Mary. An hour later, Louis and Mary.

Mary and I went over to La Trattoria for dinner. Tiffany bartending.

The USS Billings was commissioned saturday in Key West. An honor. Second such commissioning. The last the USS Spruance in 2011.

More than 1,500 people attending. Among them the Mayor of Billings, Montana, after whom the ship is named. His speech great and humorous. The Billings Mayor pointed out that 2,637.6 miles separated Billings and Key West. Yet we are one.

The humidity continues to be heavy. Don’t see anyone running. Inhaling while merely walking an effort. And this is only the beginning of August. The worst month September is yet to come.

Key West summers remind me of Utica winters. Exactly opposite, however. Utica located in upstate New York. Cold! Zero, 10, 20 below not uncommon. Inhale and your lungs freeze!

As much as I don’t like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, his wife recently was responsible for a good deed done Key West. His wife is Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation.

It was announced this past week that the Key West International Airport would be receiving from the federal government $9.3 million. To be used to rehabilitate a taxiway and taxiway lighting.

Thank you Secretary Chao!

We close with one of Key West’s most famous houses of ill repute. Mom’s Tea House.

Mom was active as a Madam in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The Naval base large. Sailors her primary customers. She operated 3 whore houses, each at a different time. Two in Key West, 1 on Stock Island.

The Navy got her closed down all 3 times. The Navy was anti sexual diseases and considered prostitution not consistent with the laws of God.

Mom’s third and last place of work was her establishment on Stock Island. The government finally closed that one down in 1953.

Wylk’s Bar was located on Maloney. Behind and off to the side of the bar was Mom’s Tea House. A white painted conch cottage. A huge front porch. The ladies sat on the porch dressed appropriately to induce business. As Wylk’s customers left the bar, they saw the ladies and walked over to enjoy what they were offering.

Enjoy your day!

America has become a shooting gallery. Citizens shooting citizens. Who would have believed 50 years ago it could happen.

I am motivated to write re the gun issue this morning because of the El Paso and Dayton shootings which occurred in the past 24 hours.

Why has the U.S. become a maniacal society when it comes to citizens killing each other? The reasons many. Cause and effect unending.

I share my thoughts.

• Gun manufacturers.
• The NRA.
• The Republican Party. Elected and party officials having neither the desire nor guts to stand up to gun manufacturers and the NRA. They have been bought body and soul.
• Lobbyists. Those hired by gun manufacturers and the NRA. Powerful. Loaded with money. Threaten Republican legislators easily with…..If you don’t cooperate/dance to our tune, you will be primaried in the next election.
• A conservative Supreme Court for many years. Even worse in coming years. Two bad decisions. The right to bear arms and corporations having the right to give unlimited amounts of money to political campaigns.
• An NRA that has bought “experts” to tell the American people that the gun problem is primarily caused by persons having mental difficulties. Repeated so much over the years that many believe the lie today.
• The rise of nationalism.
• A President who stands with those who want to bear arms in a manner and degree not before seen in any President.

All contributing to the carnage.

When a person plays with dynamite, such person should be careful. Could blow up in one’s face.

I refer now to the tariff wars being experienced. The brain child of Donald Trump. A game that could quickly end in a world war.

One of China’s largest companies is Huawei. Employs 320,000 people.

Huawei big in i-phones and electronic equipment world wide.

Huawei needs Android updates for its phones. Out of business without. One of the tariff war’s fallouts is that Google is prohibited by the U.S. from doing business with China.

Trump and China President Xi discussed the matter several months ago while negotiating the tariff situation as a whole. To evidence the cooperative spirit of the U.S., Trump granted a temporary ban on the no Google sales to Huawei. A reprieve. The reprieve expires later this month.

Could literally put Huawei out of business. At the very least hurt it dramatically, along with China’s economy.

I read this morning a comment by Trump to the effect he does not care.

What will China’s next step be? Could very well be the start of World War III.

Turn things around. Suppose China took steps to hurt Amazon big time. Place Amazon in a position where it might have to go out of business. Note that Amazon employs 556.000.

The U.S. could not, would not, stand for it. So it may be with China.

Time is of the essence. The end of the month is around the corner.

Going to be interesting how this works out, if it does.

Henry David Thoreau. His time at Walden Pond. Most Americans read Walden in high school or college.

It was on this day in 1854 that Thoreau published Walden.

The book was a recounting of Thoreau’s time at Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. He lived there 2 years and 2 months. Simply. In a home 10′ x 15′ which he built himself. He grew his food in his garden.

The home was located on a 62 acre pond.

Thoreau’s closest neighbor was Ralph Waldo Emerson who lived one mile away.

Thoreau’s intent was to explore mentally his views on nature, politics and philosophy.

The book’s first publishing was 5,000 volumes. Sold only 300 the first year. Took 5 years to sell the whole 5,000.

Today continues as it has for many years as a best seller. One reason being it is required reading in many American class rooms today.

We all know the story of Custer and the Sioux Indians when Custer and his 200 plus men were wiped out by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse led Sioux. The time the Indians won. There was a time 3 years earlier when Custer defeated the Sioux, however. At a time when the Sioux were led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.

It was August 4, 1873. Custer and the 7th Army were protecting a railroad survey party. A relatively easy task. No one bothered anyone. Neither soldiers nor Indians.

Custer was taking an afternoon nap. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse for whatever reason attacked Custer’s camp. Custer woke and mounted an effective defense. The skirmish was brief. The Indians withdrew. Only 1 soldier and 1 Indian killed.

Three years later, the Battle of Little Big Horn. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse on one side. Custer on the other.

We have learned several variations as to why Custer lost the battle. The true one little known.

Custer’s greatest fear was the Indians would turn and run before he could attack and defeat them as had occurred 3 years earlier. Custer wanted a victory over the Indians. So he rushed into the battle without proper reconnaissance. One item knowing the size of the Indian force. Thousands.

Custer and his 200 plus men were annihilated.

Key West loves dogs! Seems like every other household has a pet dog. Dogs permitted everywhere in Key West. All bars and most restaurants. Even super markets and retail stores.

There is a national organization called Better Citizens for Pets. Made up of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Marc Pet Care.

Recently, Key West received the group’s “Small City” award. A $10,000 grant. The purpose of the grant “to keep furrys off the streets and out of shelters by offering pet wellness services for free or at a reduced cost for income-qualified pet owners.”

Key West dog owners be proud!

Enjoy your Sunday!