Eugene Robinson in the February 6th Washington Post had an excellent Opinion piece titled: “These Republicans Should Be Ashamed of Themselves.” 

He wrote, “As President Donald Trump tramples the Constitution, vandalizes the federal government and trashes our vital international alliances, the reaction from leading Republicans is: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. They should be ashamed of themselves, because they know better. Ultimately, we all pay the price for their cowardice…..GOP senators are afraid that doing what is right for the country – rejecting Trump’s unacceptable choices – will be very wrong for their own political careers.”

Walt Disney gave us Mickey Mouse. He also gave us Pinocchio. Disney’s second feature length movie “Pinocchio” premiered this day in 1940. Another Pinocchio has joined us in recent years. Donald Trump. Heavy is the nose he bears.

Panama. Rubio visited. Trump’s administration says Panama agreed to drop canal fees for the U.S. Panama’s President said the State Department’s declaration that tolls for the U.S. had been eliminated was a “falsehood.” Described the State Department’s actions as “intolerable.”

When Trump began his tirade re Panama, he said U.S. canal fees were high, overcharging, etc. Panama’s President said incorrect. Less than $10 million a year. Amounts to 10 cents on a $40 coffee maker.

Why does Trump lie/exaggerate re costs? He has a staff of millions to do his research and advise him accurately. Shooting from the hip is no way to run a government.

Things that occurred on this day February 7 over the years.

On this day in 1839, Henry Clay declared in the Senate, “I would rather be right than be President.”

John L. Sullivan was the last bare knuckle champion. On this day in 1882, he knocked out Mississippi’s Paddy Ryan in a Heavyweight Boxing Championship match.

Vanderbilt University claims it played in the first organized intercollegiate basketball game at the Nashville YMCA Gymnasium. Vanderbilt beat YMCA 9-3. The game was played February 7, 1893.

My father played basketball when he was young. His school team would travel around Central New York playing in an organized league. When he was older, married and my father, he still played and occasionally would take me with him. The scores were dramatically low even in those days. Both teams generally scoring less than 10 points. Amazing!

Joe Di Maggio became the first $100,000 a year baseball player when he signed a new contract with the New York Yankees this day in 1949.

The Maastricht Treaty was signed this day in 1992 by 12 European countries. The Treaty created the European Union.

Recent California fires not uncommon. Brush fires in Victoria in 2009 left 173 dead in the worst natural disaster in Australian history.

Measles a major problem worldwide in 2019. Resulted in a significantly high number of cases in Europe. The number 82,596. The number tripling from the year before. The Philippines also had problems. The Philippines suffered 1,813 cases and 26 deaths.

Today is National Wear Red Day. Sponsored by the American Heart Association to zero attention in on women’s heart problems. Heart disease is the leading cause of women’s deaths. Beats all types of cancer deaths combined.

Syracuse basketball again tomorrow. Syracuse meets Boston College at the Dome. In the afternoon at 3:15. I am going to try to get Fred Klein and Reiley McDonald to join me at Brady’s Irish Pub. Both Syracuse grads.

Fred is a retired New York labor lawyer. A distinguished practitioner with a significant following. He and his wife snowbirds three months a year in Key West where they purchased a second home several years ago.

A friend.

Fred writes a once a week blog. Short. Sometimes only one sentence. Regardless of length, powerful. Makes a point. His blog publishes on friday on www.gothamnetworking.com. Check it out. You will enjoy.

I had dinner with Fred and Reiley wednesday night. First time I have seen Fred in more than a year. My heart problems got in the way. He now has a beard. Looks good in it. The beard past the itching stage. About one inch thick. Well groomed. With his white hair, he looks terrific!

The beard has gone to his head. Properly stated, however. He is considering letting it grow further and entering the Hemingway Look-a-Like Contest this summer. Hope he does. It will return him to Key West so I can share more time with him this year. It will also be amusing to watch Fred run ahead of the bulls with 125 other Look-a-Likes. Unfortunately, no matter how good Fred looks and how accurately he resembles Hemingway, he won’t win this summer or for several years. I have learned in my time that it takes roughly 10 years to win. Those voting must get to know you, etc. Nevertheless, it is fun to return each year and participate.

So, go with it my friend! Think of the fun we will all have!

Enjoy your day!

Just like that! Overnight! Pain, hunger, fear and death in Africa. Why? Trump and Musk funding cuts.

Friends take care of friends. Supposedly so. The U.S. has for years with many countries. Certain African ones a perfect example. Everywhere we helped, we made made friends for the U.S. We performed goods acts requiring tons of money to help those in need. Desperate need. Simple things like ventilators for babies and HIV medication for those who would die without.

It was doing God’s will God’s way.

Trump and Musk disagreed. From their perspective, it is groups and countries taking advantage of the U.S. So with the swipe of a pen funding to the desperately needy was cut off.

In Africa, soup kitchens can no longer feed the hungry. Required medical cures are not available to keep mothers and fathers and their children alive. Life is valuable. People are valuable. The U.S. abandoned them swiftly and without warning. Nothing to be proud of.

Millions of lives have been placed at risk.

American funded programs literally died overnight.

Makes me wonder if Trump and Musk have any medications they must take daily to avoid serious illness or death to themselves. I take 15 pills a day. They are one of the reasons I am still alive at 89. One was prescribed because of my heart surgeries. I have been told it must be religiously taken everyday. If I were to go without, my life expectancy would be no more than three weeks.

How many Africans now have similar problems?

Thousands of “stop work orders” went out to employers and contractors for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Washington’s main vehicle for global aid. The directive cease and desist!

USAID is simply the world’s biggest such donor. Provides food, health care and clean water for millions.

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, is the one primarily responsible for what is happening. Trump a mere step behind for permitting him to do what is being done. Musk who has so much has taken away the little so many have had. Sufficient however to keep those millions healthy and alive. Many will die in short order. Very short order. Many, in days.

Musk is proud he is doing USAID in. He boasted on monday that USAID is a “radical left political pay off” and “a criminal organization.” Musk further said it was “time for it to die.”

How did he come to know so much in so little time? He is full of shit. It is nothing more than part of Trump’s “cut, cut, cut” program. They care not for the poor and needy? Screw ’em!

Strangely, USAID has been one of the few Washington programs that annually receives bipartisan support.

In Sudan alone, 8 million face immediate starvation. Let Donald and Elon go a few days without food and see how they feel.

The adverse consequences of failed funding is immediate. In addition to millions dying because of lack of food, numerous will suffer and die from failure to receive HIV medication. Others will meet swift deaths for numerous other reasons. Like babies removed immediately from needed ventilators.

USAID has been in force since George W. Bush. The reason why it already has saved millions of lives. Without the program, it is estimated some 20 million will die forthwith.

In Kenya, a mother of 3 could only get a 30 day supply of life saving pills. Normally she received them 90 at a time. She asked, “If I die, who will take care of my children?”

She rolled the 30 day supply of pills in her hand and said, “I have another month of life.”

Trump claims his goal is to make America great again. What a joke! His every recent move has made America weaker.

Sixty percent of Canada’s crude oil is shipped to the U.S. annually. Canadians are no fools. They know they must cover their asses. If the threatened tariff war Trump promised occurs in 30 days, Canada is reported to already be making preparations to ship its crude oil to Asian nations. Such will cause havoc for the U.S. companies who buy Canadian crude oil on a regular basis.

Thank you, Donald.

Chicken Asian flu now infecting cows in Nevada. Strange, but is occurring. What next?

The egg problem is affecting more than super market purchases. Waffle House has had to raise the price of their meals because of increased egg costs.

Syracuse, my Syracuse! The bad basketball season continues. Second year in a row.

Syracuse’s most recent loss was to Duke. Duke defeated Syracuse 83-54. Worthy of mention is Duke is ranked #2 in the country. Nevertheless, Syracuse is playing horribly. Again, second season in a row. This one worse than the last. Will Jim Boeheim glory days ever return?

Syracuse needs better coaching. I said before Autry got the #1 coaching job that he should not have it. He has proved me correct thus far.

Apparently, Syracuse needs to recruit better players also. One college basketball analyst said Syracuse is not putting enough money into the program to attract better players.

The disgrace of it all. ALL referring to college sports generally. Paying players top dollars to change schools will be the death knell for college sports. 

What is happening in Key West?

Water quality monitoring is in the news. Water quality a common everyday problem. Key West water is horrible! Taste wise the worst! I have not drunk faucet water in years. I buy tons of bottled water. Twenty four bottles at a time. Ever wonder why Publix has so much water for sale and displays it big time? It’s a seller!

In all my Key West years, I have never seen the water improve. Key West government fails its citizens in this regard.

The Key West City Commission held two votes on the subject of water quality monitoring tuesday. Shameful the issue remains a problem. We deserve better.

The recent snow accumulation in North Florida a wonder. A first for many.

Robert and Ally are at Florida State in Tallahassee. Both enjoyed the snow. Several inches of it. A first for both.

Robert made a snowman. Both slid down hills on I don’t know what. Neither had appropriate clothes. Got soaking wet. Both want the snow to fall again! Loved it!

The snow record was 9.8 inches. Fell in Milton in northern Florida.

The new Square Grouper Restaurant is going over well. Accepted by most who have attended.  Can’t wait to try it out. Loved the one at Summerland Key.

Thirteen Key West High School students will be in Cooperstown, N.Y. for a week in June to participate in a baseball tournament. 

I grew up and practiced law in Utica, N.Y. Forty miles from Cooperstown. Visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame became a regular thing. Watching the annual induction ceremonies also. Part of our Upstate New York life.

Cooperstown a wonderful community. A perfect vacation spot for adults and families alike. Quiet and picturesque. Different from Key West. Each has its own attractions. Cooperstown not a place where visitors bar hop. Nothing wrong with bar hopping. I did my share in Key West. To each his own at a particular time.

I close with last night. One of the most enjoyable experienced by me since my heat attack and multiple heart surgeries a year ago. I have become somewhat of a recluse. Last night was only the third time in the past year I was out to dinner at a fine dining establishment with good friends. Fred Klein and Reilly McDonald. The last time I had dinner with these two gentlemen was two years ago.

I had a ball! Enjoyed myself immensely! Thank them both for getting me out.

Both men interesting. Fred a retired New York City labor lawyer. In his low 80s. Reilly in his mid 60s and still working. Reilly has the job of jobs. He is into professional horse racing. Among other things, buys, raises and sells thoroughbreds.

A great evening! The company was what made it perfect. The meal at La Te Da added to the evening. I enjoyed the crispy duck! Crispy to perfection!

Enjoy your day!

The German people needed Hitler. Too bad he turned out to be the bad guy he was. The Versailles Treaty and World War I Allies denutted Germany. Stripped them economically and of their pride.  Hitler restored both in the 1930s. Hitler unfortunately carried everything too far.

Hitler learned a deserved lesson. Many of the free peoples of the world joined together to defeat him.

Hitler picked his enemies. Trump seems to be pissing everyone off. He is isolating the U.S. If he is successful, the U.S. will stand alone. Perhaps facing the rest of the world in a major conflict. Opposed by friend and foe alike. Trump continues to attack U.S. friends, sucks up to many of our enemies, while alienating even further others. A bright thinker he is not.

A couple of examples that Trump is moving along an erroneous path.

He threatened significant tariffs against two friends and neighbors. Mexico and Canada. His main reasons immigration and fentanyl. Mexico though trying, still has a heavy task to control both issues. Canada did not and does not. The facts speak for themselves. In 2024, Canada was responsible for .02 percent of the fentanyl entering the U.S.  Know what .02 percent amounted to? Forty three pounds. As opposed to Mexico’s 21,000 pounds.

Canada’s immigration number similarly insignificant. 

So why did Trump go after Canada? Does not make sense. Last week, he refused to return Trudeau’s call till monday. An insult to another national leader! Then the “deal” he made with Trudeau was basically things Canada was already doing. Recall also Trump’s statement last week that he would raise tariffs against Canada to 100 percent until such time as Canada was “annexed” to the U.S. Another insult to a long time friend and neighbor.

Trump played what is becoming his typical last minute move. Instead of imposing the tariffs on Canada and Mexico tuesday as he had threatened, he says he is giving them another month to get their houses in effect in order as far as he is concerned. Symbolically suggesting he, Trump, had won again and was showing mercy to an adversary.

In the meantime, Trump increases the tariff against China. Not very bright. China a formidable foe. The equal to or perhaps even stronger than the U.S. at the moment. Merely saying we are the strongest nation in the world does not make it so.

China is also the mainstay and major power in BRICS. China represents 70 percent of BRICS economy. It is fast becoming the banker of its member nations. Money talks. Not insults and bullshit. The world has begun laughing at the U.S. At a major sporting event this past weekend in Canada, the Canadians booed when the American National Anthem was played.

Musk is beginning to give me major concern. He has been given too much power by Trump in a situation where he legally has no power. Musk now has the capacity to affect all kinds of payments to the American public. Even to Social Security and Medicare. He now knows all the personal financial data of every American citizen.

Not right. Not legal. Are you aware that many of those working in or near the White House under Musk are as young as 19 years old.

The more I read about Musk, the more I suspect he may be so far right in his thinking so as to reflect Nazism. He is pushing his influence in Europe as well as the U.S. And to me, that was a Hitler salute he executed.

Some oddball items.

Do you know the world’s oldest written story? Its first written story. “Written” the key word.

It is the “Epic of Gilgamesh.” A poem. It tells the tale of King Gilgamesh, ruler of the ancient city of Urek, who battled terrible monsters.

The “writing” was published around 2200 BCE.

Beer and wine were the first alcoholic beverages. Which came first? No one knows for sure. Both developed because people enjoyed the getting high effect the two gave them.

I close with two Key West items.

A recent visitor who enjoyed Key West will not return soon: “We had a nice time in Key West, but won’t be back until the airport departures are expanded. What a zoo!”

The first Square Grouper Restaurant opened about 15 years ago in Summerland Key. An immediate hit. Great food! Great atmosphere! Later it expanded to a second site further north. This past week it opened a restaurant in Key West. On Eaton Street in the home of the old PT’s Late Night. You have to have been in Key West many years ago to recall PT’s. It will always be remembered as an integral part of early modern day Key West.

The Square Grouper totally remodeled the inside of the building. I have only seen photographs. Outstanding! Can’t wait to go. Guaranteed it will be a hit!

I finally went out last night. First time in four weeks. The Grand’s Happy Hour!

Enjoy your day!

A new topic for the blog. BRICS. First time I have mentioned it. I suspect it will be the first time many of you have even seen the name in print or know what it is. Time for all of us to know whatever we can about it and follow through with its activities.

Brics is the U.S.’s money competition world wide.

The world as we know it is divided politically into three groups for purposes of this discussion. The West, East and South. The West is the U.S. and most of Europe. The East is Russia, the Middle East, the Far East and Africa. The South is Central and South America.

Those outside the West have been pissed off for years that the U.S. controlled the West and as a result other areas of the world. Their areas.  The East and South wanted a piece of the pie. A big one.

In 2009, four nations met formally to create an organization/group to compete with the U.S. and become not as powerful as the U.S., but more powerful. The four nations Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The first letter of each nation’s name made up the title of the organization. Soon South Africa joined. S was added at the end of Bric so that the name of the group became Brics. 

The four became five. The five now ten, with many knocking on Brics’ doors to join. Brics is selective. The newest nations Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The Brics a conglomerate of East and South nations.

Progress takes time. Especially when a group wishes to become the most powerful economic political entity in the world. It has not done badly. Brics’ GDP is 35 percent. G7 which is basically the West group of which the U.S. is a member has fallen behind to 30 percent.

The new group is moving its ass! China the leader. China representing 70 percent of the wealth of the group.

It would appear that the West, of which the U.S. is the most important member, has fallen behind. Might be that the U.S. is in a phase of descendancy? Don’t know. Could be. Looks like it may be.

Why have American citizens not been made aware of what has been happening the past 20 years?

Again as heavy as my research has been the past 24 hours, nevertheless limited. Some believe our government, Democrat and Republican, did not wish to publicize what was happening. The media for some reason remained silent.

China is benefitting big time. Financing many activities in Brics nations.

Certain of Brics countries have been building railroads like crazy, Brics financing them, with China taking a large piece of the financing. U.S. banks bid, but could not compete with Brics’ numbers.

I have opened a door with this blog. Trust many of you will find it interesting and helpful. If I have erred anywhere in this blog, it is inadvertent. Bring it to my attention and I will be happy to correct.

We must know more about Brics. They seriously affect the economic well being of the West and the U.S. If more must be done at the West’s end, so be it. Do it! Lets not sit on our asses till it is too late.

Enjoy your day!

We live in strange times. No question about it.

Trump President a mere 13 days and already three economic wars declared that may have fruition. Trump announced yesterday tariff wars with Canada, Mexico and China will begin Tuesday.

Trump has also declared other tariff wars in the same 13 days. However those nations against which he directed tariff increases capitulated to the mighty U.S. and the tariff bombs never fell.

Trump attacks our friends economically. Killer economic threats tariff in nature. Friends will become foes and fight. Not all will capitulate. Expect Mexico and Canada to fight. Panama questionable. Retaliate economically first. Then militarily when Trump proceeds to use U.S. troops.

Will the economic retaliation at some point in fact turn military? Could be. Then who will be our friends, who will be our enemies? I suspect our friends will be Russia, Turkey, Iran, North Korea and China. Our enemies the friends we have today, but will have lost tomorrow. The European Nations, Canada, Mexico, and many of the American countries.

Crazy! Relationships of long standing destroyed to become friends with the worst of mankind.

Trump has already begun a war. Somalia. What the issue really was that required him to bomb Somalia this past week, I do not know. Impending doom to the U.S. not one. This past week Somalia. Some time down the line, it could be Canada, Mexico, Panama, Greenland or Denmark. Who knows?

You can’t trust a man who never backed off his representation that persons in Springfield were eating cats and dogs. Remember, enough Americans believed him to elect hm.

The tariff wars to begin Tuesday will have an immediate effect. Two weeks from now, the American people will be complaining. Many whom voted for Trump. You bought him, now suffer!!!

Grocery and oil prices will have begun shooting up. Other items, also. Again, within two weeks.

Trump does not want to be President. He wants to be King. He is well on his way. Congrats again to those of you who voted for him.

Musk now has access to the Treasury Department’s payment system. Treasury Secretary Bessent transferred the access to Musk’s group this past week. 

Covers $6 trillion in payments. Includes Social Security and Medicare. Imagine, Musk the man who views his responsibility to cut $2 trillion in his first year having Social Security and Medicare payouts knowledge accessible. Woe is we!

I have been opposed to RFK Jr. for years. Even when he was a mere lawyer and educator fighting vaccinations and environmental matters. A phony.

If Kennedy is successful in achieving the position sought, Trump will have placed the health of the Nation in the hands of a man who will make us all sick.

A touch of Key West.

Cell phones are amazing. Local and long distance calls quick and cheap.

It was 108 years ago when the first long distance connection from Key West was to Marathon. At 1:47 pm on the day in question. Later that same day, the connection was extended to Savannah.

Visit the Little White House soon for two separate events.

On February 15 at 4:30 pm, the Descendants Forum. Prominent Presidential descendants will share stories and historical perspectives re their relatives.

The next two days, February 16 and 17 at 4:30 also, Give ‘Em Hell, Harry! A dynamic one man show that celebrates Harry Truman’s unique persona. Harry Truman’s grandson Clifton Truman Daniels stars.

I close with Syracuse basketball.

Syracuse won last night! Defeated California 75-66. 

The best game Syracuse has played this season. Came out with a big lead. Played a hell of a first half. Slowed down a bit in the second half. Held on to win.

If Syracuse continues playing as it did last night, its season will conclude on a favorable note.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Yesterday was a good one for me. It may not sound so to you as I lay it out. Overall however, I was pleased.

I had a visit with physician assistant Julie at my local neurologist Dr. Schnapp’s office yesterday at noon. I had not seen her in 3 months. Dr. Schnapp has had me receiving two neurophysiotherapy sessions weekly during that time. My progress has been excellent, though I still have periodic disc and groin pain problems.

Julie and I had a beneficial 1 1/2 hours together. She knows her business. When finished, I got up from the chair I had been sitting in for 1 1/2 hours. A comfortable chair. Fell flat on my face. Went to get up and fell again.

What the hell was going on? Never fell like that before!

No one panicked, including me. Finally felt better balance wise and went home. My goal, my bed. All I wanted was to lie in bed for a few hours watching a movie on TV. My Petrone recovery period.

Came across the movie Mama Mia: Here We Go Again. It came out in 2018. I recalled having seen Mama Mia which debuted ten years earlier in 2008. Loved it! I have watched it several times since.

My selection as to what to watch was easy. I would watch the second Mama Mia film which I had never seen.

Glad I did. A terrific movie! Better than the first! Left me in tears at the end!

The second movie stars everyone from the original cast, except for its star Meryl Streep. She had died in the story before the second film and was only recalled in recollections during the film. Until the last 10-15 minutes. Then Meryl Streep appeared for real. Again she was only in everyone else’s thoughts, but you could actually see her singing and dancing.

The stars of the original cast were in the film. Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth. Cher was also in the movie, though I do not recall her being in the original.

If you wish to feel good, watch the movie! A real joy flick!

In researching, I noted there is serious talk about doing a third Mama Mia. Shades of Rambo, Rocky and the Godfather. If you have a winner going, go with it again.

A bit of Key West directly and indirectly.

A new issue affecting condo associations and HOAs. Can they ban smoking in private individual units? No law directly on point at the moment. Guaranteed there will be. Much discussion already being had.

Present law only relates to “common areas.” Makes sense. Beware however. The next couple of years may see private units beginning with private balconies.

To celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary, the Blue Angels will fly in the Key West area March 29 and 30.

The Bahama Village fire on January 23 involved only one unit in the First Village Apartments. The Apartments are a public housing complex operated by the Key West Housing Authority.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The next Key West Cemetery stroll is scheduled for sunday February 23. Make a reservation. The Cemetery is worthy of a tour. The Cemetery is unique. Especially the inscriptions on many of the stones. Like, “I Told You I Was Sick.”

Hope the weather on February 9 is warm. The ocean water as well. The day is time again for the Polar Bear Plunge. Higgs Beach at noon.

Today is the day! The day Trump claims he will impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent one on China. Trump seems to get his jollies off talking and threatening tariffs. He spoke during the campaign of retribution. The U.S. will receive retributions from nations it dares to impose significant tariffs on. Did he ever think of that?

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced yesterday today was the day.

Leavitt spoke proudly of what Trump has threatened re the tariffs: “Promises made and promises kept.” Nothing to be proud of in my opinion.

She also set forth figures re illegal drugs coming into the U.S. The numbers she quoted were horrendous. Fact finding afterwards indicated the figures were 2,000 percentage points out of line.

Trump’s claim specifically is that the three countries involved are facilitating the flow of illicit fentanyl into the U.S. Again, the figures claimed were significantly erroneous.

Note again Canada and Mexico will retaliate. They will not take this Trump imposed abuse quietly. I worry Trump has not considered the repercussions properly through.

The stock market dropped 200 points immediately following Leavitt’s press conference. Not much. Wonder what monday will bring if Trump imposes the tariffs today?

Americans continue to be upset with grocery costs. A 25 percent tariff of Canada and Mexico is guaranteed to drive up grocery costs even further.

Mexico is the largest supplier of fruits and vegetables to the U.S. Canada leads in grain, meat and poultry to the U.S. Both nations play vital roles in keeping U.S. grocery shelves stocked.

It is also thought the price of gasoline could go up $ .70 a gallon.

Trump issued a statement last night that the cost of goods could go up for a brief period of time if and when he imposes the tariffs. Why didn’t he say it before yesterday? Everyone else has. 

Note my friends, Trump has yet to have been President two weeks and look at the disarray he has been initiating.

Trump continues to invite chaos. Another of his latest moves involves the FBI. His message to certain top FBI officials is to retire or be fired. The FBI, as well as other top agencies and businesses, cannot be run without experienced people at the top.

Involved re the FBI are 8 top officials and approximately 1,0000 subordinate employees. All basically having been involved in the January 6 investigations.

Trump is also going directly after Senator Chuck Schumer. Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin sent a “letter of inquiry” to Senator Schumer re a statement he made at a March 2020 rally that Supreme Court Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh would “pay the price” for a vote they made involving abortion rights.

Gun usage was expanded this past week. The law in the U.S. since 1968 has been that guns could not be sold to 18-20 year olds.

The conservative Fifth U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the banning unconstitutional, a violation of the Second Amendment.

Interestingly, the basis for the Fifth Circuit decision is the Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association vs. Baren decided in 2022 where gun rights were expanded in other areas. Guess who the “genius” was who wrote that decision? Justice Clarence Thomas. Honest Clarence!

Highly respected newscaster Chuck Todd is leaving NBC after 18 years. Nine of which were moderating NBC’s Sunday Meet the Press.

Enjoy your day!

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 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!

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 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!