Busy morning, busy day, busy evening ahead. Ergo, a Morning Stew. Topics laid out as they appear in my notes.

Dana Millbank wrote an Opinion piece recently in the Washington Post. “Trump the best thing since sliced bread! And he invented sliced bread!”

Doris Day died at the age of 97 monday. A movie star great.

Pure innocence. Whatever part she played. Prominent in the 1950’s and 1960’s. A singer as well.

Always left the theater happy after viewing one of her films.

The 2016 Presidential race numbers interesting. I learned something new yesterday. Perhaps it will be new to you also.

Clinton won the popular vote by 3 million votes. She beat rump in California by 4,250,000 votes.

Which means she beat Trump in the rest of the nation by only 1,250,000 votes.

Which means Clinton did not whip Trump’s ass all over the U.S.

What will the DOW do today? Down 618 points yesterday. Keep up the good work, Donald!

Beware. The Trump/Pompeo/Bolton war cry re Iran does not make sense. Trump broke the treaty several months ago. Iran continued to abide by it. Now Iran has advised it will consider the pact broken by them in 60 days.

In the past 2 days, 2 Saudi Arabian oil tankers were sabotaged. Additionally, 2 Saudi oil rigs were attacked.

The Saudis blame the Iranians. They are probably correct.

My concern is that Trump and the Saudis are the very best of friends. Trump will use this as a reason/consideration for a U.S. attack on Iran.

Note also that Israel wants Iran destroyed. Which would result in Israel becoming the major military force in the Mideast. Trump and Netanyahu friends and birds of a feather. Trump would be helping Israel big time if it invaded Iran.

Trump announced 2 days ago that he considers Iran a “bad problem.” It was further announced yesterday that the U.S. was considering sending 120,000 troops to the area.

The U.S. a democracy. Many are fighting to keep it so.

Citizens of a democracy do not pursue political opponents criminally. Trump does not understand this.

Attorney General Barr announced yesterday that he had assigned the task of investigating how/who/why the Russian investigation began  following the 2016 election. Barr assigned the task to Connecticut U.S. attorney John H. Durham.

Again, criminally pursuing a political enemy a no no. Makes the U.S. look like a banana republic or dictatorship. Such an investigation is also an exceptional abuse of power.

Beware America! Wake up!

I particularly love the evening of July 4th. Sitting comfortably at home watching our Nation celebrate its birthday.

The event has been held as far back as I can recall at the Mall before the Capital. Hundreds of thousands at the event. Symphonic music, great singing, fireworks, etc. The evening revitalizes everyone’s love for America.

Trump announced yesterday he wants to change it.

Wants the celebration to be held in front of  the Lincoln Memorial. During which he will give a speech standing with the majestic Lincoln statue behind him.

A Lincoln Trump is not.

Trump’s intent a partisan political move. Strictly to stroke his ego.

Trump has “effectively taken charge” of planning for the celebration.

From my perspective, July 4 should be a time to remember what binds us as a country, not exploit what divides us.

The Korean War produced several aces. One was Captain Manuel “Pete” Fernandez. Credited with shooting down 14 MIG planes.

Fernandez was born in Key West. His parents emigrated from Spain. First settled in Cuba. Then Key West. Finally, Miami.

Last night, Dueling bartenders. Did not drink. Enjoyed the music. Chatted with Lynda and Bob Frechette. Met their visiting daughter from Chicago.

Mary there, also. We had dinner together later at La Trattoria. Sat next to Guy deBoer. Said hello to Dink.

I again did not drink and ate little.

Guy amazes me. He does the unexpected. Sometimes a bit on the wild side. He has signed up for a sailboat race across the Atlantic. Five thousand miles. Only one person per boat. A man and the sea thing. He has already paid the $5,000 entrance fee. Trip to take 5 months.

A man off courage and a little bit crazy. Probably more crazy. Five months alone on the high seas in a sailboat.

Does not turn me on. Good luck, Guy! Be sure to return.

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou tonight at 9. Join me. The show always interesting. I rant and rave about this and that. You may agree or disagree. Whatever, guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Hemingway spent 11 years in Key West (1928-1939).

An enjoyable and fruitful time. He drank, played, fished, and wrote.

His writings and those he worked on included A Farewell To Arms, Death In The Afternoon, For Whom The Bell Tolls, The Snows Of Kilimanjaro, and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.

Hemingway also drew on the Key West depression era to portray one of the locations in To Have And Have Not. His only novel with scenes that occurred in the United States.

Time well spent professionally and personally.

Hemingway is an intrinsic part of Key West history.

A place of shame exists near the Florida Keys. In Homestead. The Homestead Detention Center. Homestead is located mid way between Miami and the beginning of the Florida Keys.

It is a migrant children detention center. To many, a child prison.

Its inmates the children of migrant parents. Children 13-17 separated from their parents. Most at the southwest border. Transported by bus to Homestead.

Two thousand children presently living there. Recent enlargement permits a capacity of 3,200.

The facility is operated by Comprehensive Health Services, Inc. A subsidiary the homeland security firm and private prison operation Caliburn International.

A for profit operation. Note carefully, not a not for profit. Believed to be the only for profit child detention center housing immigrant children.

Figures not available as to cost of operations. Estimates are $500,000 a day and growing. Overall, $200-500 million a year and growing. Your tax dollars.

Everything secretive.

John Kelly, former Secretary of Homeland Security and Trump’s Chief of Staff now a member of Caliburn’s Board of Directors. Kelly was also a lobbyist for DC Capital Partners which created Caliburn in 2018.

Caliburn’s Board also includes former high ranking military persons: Anthony Zini, James Stavurdis and Kathleen Martin.

Irma hit the Keys September 10, 2017. In most areas as a category 4.

Clean up, renovation, recovery, etc. still ongoing. Almost 2 yeas later and still not complete. The problem is money. Trump promised and did not come through. Similar to his failures in Puerto Rico and the Panhandle.

The County continues to be owed millions of dollars in promised reimbursement dollars. In addition, work still need to be done.

One example are the canals. Understand each key has a series of canals. Waterways, Similar to Venice. One of the Keys’ charms.

Irma filled the canals with sediment. Boats cannot traverse. Recently sediment removal began re 10 of the canals. Two hundred twenty four will remain after the 10 completed. Problem, no money to clean them.

Note the Keys still have many areas where there is no power, water, sewage. People still living in tents. No money again.

The problem similar in the Panhandle. The people claim they have been “forgotten.”

Only the federal government can provide the necessary resources to help its people following a natural disaster. Trump promises and then fails to follow through.

Yesterday’s blog was titled Mother’s Day. A portion concerned Vice President Pence’s comments at a graduation address he made at Liberty University. He told the conservative religious/evangelicals in effect to beware. “They” are coming after you because of your faith.

News to me.

Anyhow, one of today’s comments to that blog made an interesting observation: “Pence’s copying the NRA pitch. One says that “they” are coming for your guns, the other that “they” are coming for your religion. Both are selling fear and paranoia.”

The Democratic House is seeking information and witnesses that Trump refuses to provide. Via invitation and subpoena. Both ways Trump has instructed his people not to obey.

Trump brings lawsuits to block wherever he is permitted. One involves a subpoena served on one of Trump’s accounting firms. The case has been assigned to federal Judge Amist Mehta.

These cases can take years. The Judge has said not this one! She is fast tracking it. She has scheduled a hearing for tomorrow to hopefully hear all the proof.

Good for Judge Mehta. Trump is attempting to misuse the Judicial System and she is saying no in a loud fashion.

Trump deserves his day in court. The American people deserve their day. Soon rather than several years from now.

If Justice is to prevail, some court should provide for expedited appeals. Again to move the matter swiftly and efficiently. The country deserves action again today, not years from now.

The U.S./China tariff war not a healthy event. Eventually both nations will hurt. Immediately, the U.S.

Trump appears to have messed things up with China as he has done with every other major power he has negotiated with. The man who claimed he knew how to make a deal does not.

Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister, refers to China’s position as “a reasonably firm screw you.” Appropriately said. China is digging in.

In the meantime, what do the farmers in the mid west do with their soybeans, etc. they cannot sell. And the people of the U.S. who will pay decidedly more for everything that comes from China.

Trump again wrong when he said tariff wars were good, he understood tariff wars.

Winston Churchill. Great democratic leader. A man who successfully defended England against Hitler.

An articulate speaker. One who could wind words together to give them strong meaning.

On this day in 1940, he took office as Prime Minister. Things could not have been worse for England. Hitler bombing daily. Invasion likely.

He said to Parliament his new policy would consist of nothing else than “to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime…..victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of terror, victory however long and hard the road may be.”

Enjoy your day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there. Your day! Enjoy it! Hope your families give you the attention you deserve.

I miss my mother. She has been gone 30 years. Think of her frequently.

We became closer as each of us got older. My mother was born in Italy. A tough disciplinarian. Many the spaghetti bowl broken over my head.

My fond memories came later in life. Our kitchen table talks an example. I used to stop to visit on my way home. We sat at the table. Always a bottle of Beefeaters and glass of ice on the table waiting for me.

Good conversations. This woman who only went to the 3rd grade often showered me with a pearl of wisdom.

I was under the weather till mid afternoon yesterday. Stayed in. Me, my bed and the TV set. Rested so  much I could not sleep all night. Watched one cowboy movie after another.

This morning, good so far.

Song Writers Festival this week. Locals and a ton of visitors enjoying. I only know of last night from a photo and article run on the internet.

A Saturday night block party. Duval closed to traffic from Sloppy Joe’s towards the Atlantic for several blocks. The photo showed Duval packed from one side of the street to the other all the way down Duval.

Stars sang last night. Like Brad Paisley and Arista Nashville.

I grew up taught there was a separation between state and religion. Seems to be disappearing.

Vice President Pence spoke to the graduates at Liberty University yesterday. Liberty a conservative religious school. Evangelical based.

Pence told the grads to be prepared to be ridiculed for being Christian. The “secular left” was out to get them.

Where did this bullshit come from?

He elaborated upon the “division” between Christian conservatives and liberal Christians. Especially in the areas of homosexuality and immigration.

What happened to…..We are all God’s children, love one another, etc.?”

I don’t see the division described. I see a highly elected religious fanatic of sorts fomenting division. Using religion in an attempt to separate and distort believers. Trying to solidify a political base.

The NRA. A crack in the dike.

The NRA’s Chief Executive Wayne Pierre has come under scrutiny. His voice quieted I suspect by his own organization.

Some of Pierre’s expense account items came to light this week. He is ripping the NRA’s donors off big time.

Examples include $39,000 for clothes in one day, $18,000 for a car and driver, $200,000 for air travel for one year. The air travel included 2 weeks at Christmas in the Bahamas.

The NRA a not for profit group. There’s money in not for profit. Pierre discovered it.

The U.S./China tariff war not resolved. China went home yesterday. Trump bellowing he would raise the tariffs even higher after he was elected in 2020.

China had previously said it would retaliate re the 25 percent tariff already imposed.

Retaliation to be expected. You can only defecate on a people so long. Especially a proud people such as the Chinese. Face is involved. More important than money in many instances.

Trump forgot China is considered the #2 power in the world. The U.S. #1. The evaluation means nothing in a sense. China may already be first. One only finds out when an armed conflict arises.

Two types of war involved. Economic and actual. We are presently in an economic war. Should the U.S. push China too far, actual war could occur. Missiles would fly. To our cities.

In the past 5 years, China has moved forward militarily big time. Constructed over 550 new Naval vessels. Developed islands/air fields on the water in China seas. Developed new radar and nuclear missile systems. We have not progressed as well. The winner of an armed conflict not certain.

Two new Trump goofs this past week.

The first was Giuliani’s planned trip to the Ukraine to get dirt on Biden. Called off at the last minute. The second, Trump advising it was “appropriate” for him to talk to the Department of Justice about investigating Biden.

Things are getting worse. Wake up America!

At the moment, I have a need to get out of the house. Need to smell the roses again. It will depend how I feel later in the day.

Enjoy your Sunday! Mothers, enjoy your day!

No blog yesterday. Sorry.

I was so sick I did not even have the ability to send out a No blog notice.

I was out of the house early morning for additional blood work. Then spent a miserable day and night at home.

More tests next week.

I am not concerned. Everything cause and effect. Lets find out the problem and resolve it.

I have a pad full of notes. Rather than plan where each item fits in the blog, I am taking them in the order they appear in my notes. Otherwise it would take an additional hour to do today’s blog. I am not sure how long I will last energy wise.

Grandson Robert. I am pleased for him and proud. He is on the All County Team for high school tennis players. One of the top 5. The only freshman to make the team. Key West High School also designated him Freshman Player of the Year.

He has come a long way. He was born with cancer of the liver. Two major surgeries the first 8 days of his life.

Stay with him Lord!

The Pope. Francis continues to take the bull by the horns. He issued a ground breaking law this week. It forces priests and nuns to report sexual abuse and cover ups.

Helpful? Will depend on enforcement. Time will tell.

Recall the 2016 election. Trump had his followers trained to yell out at rallies that Clinton should be jailed.

He may have discovered a new group to chant something similar. The migrants at the border.

At the recent Panama City rally, Trump asked the crowd how the migrants could be stopped…..How do we stop these people. Someone in the crowd shouted out: “Shoot them!”

I do not have to tell you. The whole border situation is out of hand. So many injustices being imposed on those seeking entry into the U.S.

Someone obtained a document via a Freedom of Information Act of comments made by a member of the Border Militia. He said, ” Why are we just apprehending them and not lining them up and shooting them…..We have to go back to Hitler days and put them all in gas chambers.”

Beware America!

A big week in Key West. The 24th annual Songwriters Festival. Music and singing in the air. Everywhere. From morning through night.

One hundred fifty performers, 30 plus shows, 5 days of solid entertainment.

Performances at bars and restaurants. Songs relatively new.

Exciting!

Wars are over straining the U.S. Actual and tariff. We only have so much to give. The ability to wage war limited.

These engagements weaken the U.S.’s fiber. Leading I fear the U.S. to an outright collapse. Do not say no. We are on a downward slide. The inevitable not tomorrow, but will come. Unless we change our philosophy and basic concept of how government should operate.

We attack other countries constantly. We are engaged in 17 plus shooting wars at the present time in one capacity or another. Sanctions on the rise. Too many countries being sanctioned. Many for bogus reasons.

The question arises as to whether we are doing more wrong than right. Is the U.S. becoming evil? If so, it could cause the U.S. to lose its power among the nations of the world. The U.S. has already lost much of the respect it once had. Among friends and enemies alike. The rate accelerated under Trump in less that 2 years..

The Army, Navy and Coast Guard have facilities in the Key West area. The Marines soon to join them. It was recently announced that the Marines will build a $6.4 million facility at Fleming Key.

Key West’s well known and respected David Sloan wrote an article for the Florida Keys Weekly which published May 10. Concerned key limes.

An informative piece.

Key limes are not native to the Keys .A Dr. Henry Perrine discovered limes in Mexico. Early 1020’s. He brought them to the lower Keys. He believed the weather and other Keys’ conditions were the only place suitable for their growing in the U.S. at the time.

He began growing them on Indian Key. His efforts continued for many years. Till Perrine was killed by Indians in an uprising.

Enjoy your day!

On this day in 1960, the FDA approved the “pill.” The birth control pill.

The pill dramatically changed sex in America. It freed women to enjoy sex without fear of pregnancy.

Married and unmarried women.

Men obviously benefited also.

It was a new world.

I am back into doctors. Tired spells again. Very tired. Began with my primary care physician Dr. Norris yesterday. A lot of blood work. Communicated with my heart doctor’s office. Dr. McIvor has a great staff. I am scheduled for a series of tests next week.

I have additional blood work to do today.

Last night an early dinner with Diana Millikan. A great mind, though we rarely agree. She thinks Trump is great.

We had dinner at the VFW on the Boulevard.

Diana leaves today for her Michigan home. Will return in July.

Busy day ahead. Haircut, the additional blood work, Laurie’s radio show 4-5:30. Then, I know not what.

Listen to Laurie’s Party Time. Station 107.5 FM, WGAY FM. She and I mix it up pretty good. Enjoy working with her.

Tuesday, Key West got hit with a huge unexpected down pour. I reported it as 1.92 inches. Today, there was an article in the Key West Citizen saying 3.14 inches.

A big difference.

Did a little digging. Rainfall is measured at 5 different spots in the Key West area. Three in Key West, 1 on Cudjoe Key, and 1 on Ramrod Key. Ergo, the varying reports.

The 1.92-3.14 difference does not surprise me. As just about every Key Wester will tell you, it can rain on one side of a street and not the other. The way it is.

Trump spoke at a political rally last night in Panama City. Panama City is in the Panhandle area devastated by Hurricane Michael.

Crowd estimates varied. The rally was held at an amphitheater. The facility holds 7,500. There were more on the lawn beyond the amphitheater seating area. Including the overflow, should be more than 7.500. Another report said almost 7,000. Another, 7,500.

They loved the President!

Surprised me. Panama City and the Panhandle have been ignored by Trump since Michael hit. The people feel “forgotten.” Federal assistance has come in at a snail’s pace.

Michael struck 7 months ago on October 7, 2018.

Trump announced he was “allowing” $448 million immediately from recovery funds to Florida communities affected by Michael. He said, “Today, I’m doing the most allowed by law to support the people of Florida…..The money is coming immediately. No games, no gimmicks, no delays, we’re just doing it.”

Good luck! I guarantee it will flow in ever so slowly. Monies that should have been there immediately following Michael.

Additionally, $448 million is a drop in the bucket. The Panhandle is a disaster area similar to Puerto Rico.

The President also spoke of Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in October 2017. Nineteen months ago.

Trump claimed last night “he” had already spent $91 billion on Puerto Rico. Suggesting no more.

He misrepresents. I did some digging again. Fifty billion represents anticipated future disbursements to Puerto Rico. Forty one million has been approved. Of the $41 billion, only $11 billion has actually been given to Puerto Rico.

U.S. and China sitting down today and tomorrow hopefully to resolve the tariff war. If the meeting fails, Trump has said he will immediately move the U.S. tariff on China from 10 percent to 25 percent. This would happen in the next 24-48 hours.

I am concerned. The talks have a better chance of failing than succeeding.

Recall when Trump was campaigning. He understood tariff wars, loved tariff wars, etc.

Typical of most things Trump attempts, he has done it again. Screwed up! He did not understand tariffs then nor does he now.

An example of what will happen if the war continues and Trump’s increase to 25 percent takes effect, U.S. consumers will face an immediate increase in the price of a vehicle of approximately $2,750. Imported cars, $3,700 dollars. Domestics, $1,900.

Good job, Donald!

Re present Washington ongoings, my continued recommendation is to get these matters before a federal judge. Hopefully, a tough one. Similar to John Sirica who was involved with Watergate. The bullshit will cease. There also has to be an accelerated appeals process. Otherwise, it could take 4-5 yeas to resolve all the problems.

Too little, too late, if so.

A key to resolution is public sentiment. The public is not yet aroused either way. The Democrats have to mobilize public sentiment. They know. They are not accomplishing it, however. People are more concerned with medical bills, salaries, etc. than a Constitutional crisis they do not quite understand.

Abraham Lincoln said it best, “Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail, without it nothing can succeed.”

Yesterday, the people of Colorado voted to legalize magic mushrooms.

Too soon. Marijuana has only recently been legalized for medical use. Not sure if approved for recreational use as yet. Whatever, lets see how the present pot legislation works out. None of us want zombies walking down the streets.

Enjoy your day!

Trump forgot Puerto Rico. He has now forgotten Florida’s Panhandle.

The people of the Panhandle shout they have been “forgotten.” Trump hears them not. Or if he does, fails to care. Months following a category 5 hurricane, many are still living as if the hurricane came through a week ago.

Money is the problem. So much money is being spent on the 17 wars the U.S. is engaged in world wide, that not enough is left to accommodate other needs.

Yet Trump keeps talking about the wonderful job he and FEMA are doing in the Panhandle. Panhandle citizens know first hand he lies.

Florida is important to Trump politically. He only won the State by 1.2 percentage points.

Trump is appearing this evening at a political rally in Panama City, Florida. Panama City in the heart of the Panhandle. Panama City still suffering from Michael.

Ballsy on the President’s part. To appear where the people are generally upset with him.

Will the rally be a true reflection of how the people of Panama City feel? I would hope so. Though I doubt it. The facility holding the rally will be packed with Trump supporters. Those who refuse to see what Trump is.

They will be bused and otherwise brought in for the rally. Can’t let the President look bad! Even though he has once again failed Americans following a natural disaster.

Last night my podcast show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Talked of many things. Stressed two.

One the Colorado school shooting yesterday. One student killed, several wounded. The two shooters students themselves.

Columbine is down the road. This year the 20th anniversary of a school shooting where 12 were killed and 1 injured.

Authorities say the shooters were “infatuated” with Columbine and motivated by that deadly shooting 20 years ago.

Will we ever learn? Will we ever correct the gun situation?

The dike is leaking for the NRA.

I hope it gives way. The sooner, the better.

The other topic involved China and the tariff war. Trump threatens to raise U.S. tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent friday if no deal is reached.

I can recall Trump during the campaign. He said…..I love tariff wars…..I know how to win tariff wars.

The tariff war with China is killing us. Ask the mid west farmers how they feel. Those who have soybeans, rice, wheat and corn they cannot sell from last year. Don’t know whether to plant this year. Banks in many instances turning them down for loans, calling in mortgages.

China was the farmers’ best customer.

Take a look at the 25 percent tariff a moment. Trump thought, I am sure, when he first started talking to the American voters that any tariff would punish China. Does not work that way. The U.S. imposes a 25 percent tariff on Chinese goods. China does not pay it. U.S. consumers do. The 25 percent is added to the cost of the goods being sold. The American companies buying the Chinese products get stuck paying it. They then add it on to the cost of the goods being sold to their American customers.

Good job, Donald!

Generally, Key West is aware a storm is on its way before it gets here. Not yesterday. An unexpected rainstorm. Big time. The deluge 1.92 inches.

Jokingly, people were swimming in the flooded intersections! I have seen such activity on occasion following a heavy rain storm.

Today, busy.

A doctor visit at 1. I have been feeling poorly lately. Tired too much. At 4, a manicure and pedicure with Tammy. The pedicure restful.

Then, I don’t know what.

The turtle nesting season is upon us. A happy occasion. The birthing of turtles.

The pregnant turtle comes onto the beach at night. Digs a shallow hole and lays her eggs. Covers them and then returns to the sea. At some point, the hatchlings will break out of their shells and sand. Then follow the moon light into the ocean.

Mama turtle and her babies must be protected during the process. The beaches are closed at 11. Those living near the beaches are asked to keep their  beach side lights off or at a minimum.

The hatchlings follow light to the sea. They sometimes assume a condo light is the moon and travel in the opposite direction. Getting run over by cars in the process.

Street lights along Smathers Beach are not on during hatching season. It was discovered the new babies saw the street lights and reacted as they sometimes do to condo lights.

The turtle nesting season is from 4/15 to 10/31.

The Washington back and forth re the Mueller Report, Russia investigation, etc. is bringing out the worse in our government officials. I direct my reflection directly at the Republicans. They need to stand up for America.

All this back and forth needs a Judge. A tough hard ass Federal one. At some point soon there will be one. I hope he is a John Sirica.

At that point, an accelerated path to the Supreme Court is required. It can be done. Whether the Supreme Court will accept an accelerated procedure remains to be seen.

The Supreme Court presently can be described as a Republican one. Occasionally they forget their political bearings and vote for the Constitution. Hopefully this will be one of those times.

Enjoy your day!

Muggy. How muggy? Very muggy? And as the song goes…..We have only just begun.

We are into the north’s mid summer at the moment. Present humidity similar to New York City in August. Key West’s extreme humidity period August and September.

Not complaining. Merely sharing.

I was walking from my car to Dueling Bartenders around 6 last night. I was feeling the humidity in the middle of a short walk. Passed Side Door. Heard “Louis!” Turned around. It was David. Let me by you a drink, he said.

Never made it to Dueling Bartenders. My Happy Hour was at Side Door.

Big time air conditioning! A relief!

Met another David. David the bartender. Erin and several others, also.

Game plan after Happy Hour was dinner somewhere and then grocery shopping. Opted to skip dinner. Went directly to Publix.

Last night represented another good evening in Key West. Quiet. Pleasant. Enjoyable.

Tonight, tonight…..My podcast show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9. I hit hard and fast. Topics many. All interesting. Some you may not agree with me re the positions I take. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Saturday’s Kentucky Derby will be with us forever. Properly so. Sports Illustrated described these post race days as a “Kentucky Derby Hangover!”

Kentucky is not the only place having a Churchill Downs. The Florida Keys does also.

There is a road named after the track. Churchill Downs. Have to look for it. Located at mile marker 104 bay side at a tiny bridge crossing a Key Largo canal.

A measles update.

Not getting better, getting worse.

All because some were not vaccinated. Exemptions permitted legally. Erroneous rumors re autism. Etc. Never again. The result dangerous. To society as a whole.

Measles is highly contagious. Can cause blindness, deafness, or brain damage. I know personally. I have a cousin who is close to my age today. When 4, came down with the measles. Deaf since. Fortunately new and more sophisticated hearing aids have given him some relief in recent years.

The numbers tell it all.

In the first 2 months of this year, 34,000 cases in Europe. Thus far this year in the U.S., 764 cases. The numbers still rising.

In my earlier life, I traveled often to Martinique. Club Meds were popular back then and we vacationed often at the one on Martinique.

Martinique a charming French island. Beautiful beaches. Bananas growing everywhere. Goats on every hill.

In the late 1800’s St. Pierre grew. This Martinique city became known as the Paris of the Caribbean.

On this day in 1902, it was wiped off the face of the earth! Mount Pelee erupted. The boiling ash swiftly buried St. Pierre. All died in that moment, except for 2.

Student loans. A campaign issue. A problem for most  who have graduated from college in the past 40 years. Pay as you go became simple for students. Certain financial institutions happy to provide students with loans. Pay when you graduate!

Too much money into the hands of the students. The drive to educate everyone went overboard. Kids were borrowing for anything and everything. Many loans made to finance foolish events.

Presently, there are 44 million students who owe $1.6 trillion.

The debt pressure is weighing heavily on the graduates. Impacting their health. Recent studies indicate a significant number have or are considering suicide as a result.

I believe we live in an era where the rich pay little or no taxes. The 1 percent.

Came across an item that surprised me. I share it with you. In 2017, the top 1 percent of California earners were responsible for more than 47 percent of the State’s income tax collections.

True or false?

I need a fact checker.

I have not had time to research the California situation. If anyone has knowledge, please share in the COMMENT section.

Enjoy your day!

Some 15 years ago, I wrote my first column for KONK Life. Sharia Law.

Though centuries old, only then had Sharia begun to receive notice in the U.S. Most U.S. citizens were of no concern. It was the religion of the Muslims. Islamic law. Based on precepts of Islam found in the Quran and Hadith. Did not affect us.

I thought differently.

Sharia Law had come up a few times in State cases. In certain instances, the judges applied Sharia Law rather than the law of the U.S. or the State in which the case was being tried.

Sharia Law was tough. Totally inconsistent with our laws. There was another consideration. My belief at the time and even today, if you wanted to live in the U.S., you live by U.S. law. If not, go home from whence you came.

Many at the time thought I was unreasonable. They were blind to the future.

Today, many Muslims reside in the U.S. Most, good citizens. Some still live their lives under Sharia Law. In the dark, a Sharia Law system exists for those who prefer such to U.S. laws.

All this a prelude to what has been happening in Brunei. Brunei is a small Muslim nation in East Asia.

In 2014, the Sharia law was codified and introduced as law at the national level. Many provisions alarming. Scary. Like those who engaged in gay sex and/or adultery were to be stoned to death.

Wow!

They stoned for various reasons back in the days of Christ and before. Recall the story of Jesus who came upon a woman about to be stoned. Christ said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

A protest cry arose immediately in 2014 in Christian countries and the U.N. Total opposition. Not in this day and age was the cry.

Pressure has been building for 5 years. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah recently announced that the law would not be enforced.

Better than nothing. Still leaves me uncomfortable. Throw it off the books so discretion cannot be claimed as a reason to use it some time in the future.

That is where the stoning punishment remains at the moment. In abeyance, in Purgatory. Not Hell.

To fully appreciate the harshness of Sharia Law, consider what happens to a thief. First offense, his right hand is amputated. Second offense, his left foot.

Brunei’s law applies to children and foreigners. Even if not Muslims.

My admonition: Don’t engage in illicit sex if visiting Brunei. The possible penalty for a few minutes pleasure not worth it.

Two other situations involving those of the Muslim faith in the news.

Today is the beginning of Ramadan. A holy Muslim time. One month long. All Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The purpose to bring worshipers closer to God.

There is another area of denial. Sex. No sex at all for one month.

Now to China.

Only 2 years ago was it discovered that China has internment camps for Muslims. Can be described as concentration camps.

It is estimated 1-2 million Muslims are so confined and subject to all kinds of abuses.

The world little complains. The media relatively silent. Sounds like what was happening in Germany in the late 1930’s and to the mid 1940’s.

The 3 Muslim stories provided for informational purposes. The world should know. More should be aware.

Yesterday began with Hot Dog Church around 5. Not many were in attendance. About 8 ladies. Included were Donna and Terri. Laurie bartending. Enjoyed a couple of drinks and then went to dinner with my lesbian wives at La Trattoria.

Tiffany bartending. Dink stopped by to say hello. A very nice guy!

Michael showed up. I have not seen him in years. He was already a Key West native when I started coming 30 years ago. I knew him from Atlantic Shores. Now gone. Today a part of the Southernmost Complex.

Atlantic Shores was a motel and beach bar. The deck holding the beach bar easily held 100 people. Most bare assed. Totally nude.

I am a voyeur by nature. Visited almost daily. However, kept my bathing suit or shorts on. A coward!

Michael was there daily in his sunday suit. Always a deep brown tan. Hair always long. An athlete’s body.

Donna knew him at Atlantic Shores back then. Though I did not know Donna at the time. She cavorted with nothing on.

When they speak of old Key West, Atlantic Shores was a part of the flavor.

While dinning at the bar, I saw what might be my future. The bar was full. An elderly couple came in around 7:30. Asked Tiffany how long for seats. She said at least an hour. There were already others waiting.

The man told Tiffany they couldn’t wait. They would take a table. “We have to be back to the nursing home by 9:30.”

Whether you like Karl Marx, agree or disagree with his political views, it cannot be denied he has been an influential figure in world history.

Marx was born May 5, 1818. He wrote the Communist Manifesto, the basis of Marxism. He was the first true Communist.

The last 2 sentences of the Communist Manifesto drove Communism for close to 2 centuries: “Workers of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains.”

Great Britain rejoices this morning! Most of the world also! Meghan Markle, an American married to Prince Harry, gave birth to a baby boy. He will be seventh in line to the throne.

Meghan delivered at home. By prearrangement. Her desire.

Tonight will find me at Dueling Bartenders. One of Key West’s best events.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Sunday!

My day began in different fashion this morning. Instead of up at 6 and at the computer to do the blog, I showered and went out for breakfast. My body was calling for a change of pace.

Shot down to Harpoon Harry’s. Sat at the bar enjoying eggs benedict when in walked David. Love David! One of Key West’s best people!

Enjoyed breakfast together. Sat drinking coffee afterwards and chatting.

Eggs benedict and David an enjoyable way to start a day.

Decided to watch the Kentucky Derby at the Chart Room. Got there around 5:30. Post time 6:50.

The race’s outcome an example of the inequities of life.

Initially, Maxim Security came in first. Two challenges were presented. Twenty two minutes later, Maximum Security was dropped to 17th. Country House who had come in second, moved up to 1st.

Country House paid $132.40 on a $2 bet. The odds were 65-1.

Maximum Security’s “wrongdoing” was unintentional. Coming around the last quarter post, Maximum Security drifted into the path of 2 other horses. Caused them to pull up slightly to avoid collision. Maximum Security’s jockey corrected the situation. However, the second or two was sufficient to move Maximum Security out of the winner’s spot.

An unintentional error resulting in months of work and money being obliterated. For #2 Country House, a just reward for similar effort.

Interestingly, Maximum Security’s drift in no way affected Country House.

It was a sad day for some/many at Churchill Downs and a glorious one for others.

One of those coming out on top was Tino Gonzales, a frequent visitor to Key West. A golfing and bocce friend for many years. Lives in Chicago. Attended the Derby.

Tino ran a picture of his “winning ticket” on Facebook. His ticket for the 65-1 winner Country House. He thanked the judges.

Watched the Derby with many friends. Some old, some new. Fun time!

After the race, ran into Jim and Debbie Maroney. Visiting from Rhode Island. Jim a loyal blog reader. Thank you, Jim!

We chatted a while.

Jim and Debbie live near Block Island. We talked long about Block Island. One of my favorite places for summer fun. Spent several summers there. Winter a no no. Cold, cold, cold!

Jim and Debbie retired state employees. Enjoying their retirement.

Jim and Debbie were with Kevin and Denise. Kevin and Denise live in Brooklyn or Brooklyn County, Connecticut. Never knew there was a Brooklyn in Connecticut.

Jim an electrician. Denise a special education administrator.

Key West’s Shoe Lady Stephanie Kapel had a great 2 days this week. She drove the Real Housewives of Orange County around town. Stephanie a lucky person! However also the best one for the job. Her personality right on!

A little politics to complete today’s blog.

An old saying. What goes around, comes around. Also, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Trump calls everyone names. Always not nice. The man has the tongue of a serpent.

Few if any counter. Joe Biden did this week.

Trump has been referring to Biden with several less than tasteful names. Biden retaliated only one time. Referred to Trump as a “clown.” It fits.

I trust Biden will very infrequently throw a name out in retaliation to Trump’s name calling attacks. Trump enjoys the mud. I am sick of a President who does. Biden should let the name calling slide off him and retaliate with the facts. Like Trump’s lies, wrongdoings, etc. More than enough available.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The world is moving fast. Sometimes too fast for me.

The newest change is using a deceased’s body as compost. Yes, turning the body into dirt and plant shrubbery, flowers, etc. with it.

Even worse, the justification is that decomposition is environmentally sound.

The Governor of Washington State has a bill on his desk awaiting his signature. Once law, it would legalize the composting of deceased humans.

Washington State has reached a point where a high percentage of bodies are cremated. Those supporting the bill point out that cremation results in carbon emissions. Composting cuts down on carbon omissions.

Even in death the option is afforded to save the environment!

Money could be involved. The cost for composition is $5,500. Comes with a guarantee that the composed remains will be used to plant a tree.

The technical name for the procedure is natural organic reduction. Sounds like basting a turkey!

The process takes a few weeks. Finally, the body turns into dirt. Soon to be used as compost.

This one bothers me! Somehow lacking in respect for the dead. Some will say cremation is the same. Never thought about it in any fashion till now.

An example of the world moving on!

Last night, a quiet one for me. Decided at the last minute to stay in. Read and watched some TV. Fell asleep early. Feel great this morning!

Kentucky Derby today! I will watch it either at the Gardens or Don’s Place.

I do not follow the horses. However a gathering to watch the race is always a cheerful event. The ladies’ hats, the mint juleps, etc.

Toppino is a highly respected name in Key West and the Florida Keys in general.

A family business involving several generations.

The business was started back in the 1930’s by Charles P. Toppino. Known to everyone as Charley.

I write about the elder Mr. Toppino because it was on this day in 1958 that he died. His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren run the business today. Actually a conglomeration of businesses. The Toppinos are into most phases of construction.

Mr. Toppino was born in Italy. He brought to the U.S. with him an unparalleled work ethic and desire to succeed. Succeed he did. If I recall correctly, it was the construction of U.S. 1 that brought Mr. Toppino to Key West. He was involved in the project.

He came, saw opportunity, and remained.

His reputation outstanding. Those running the business today the same.

A good man, a good family!

Never underestimate Trump. The man continues to amaze me.

We all know he lied when representing the Mueller Report to the people. It did not exonerate him. A good portion clearly indicates something stinks in Denmark. He will get his come up ins in due course.

Most recently, I am impressed with Trump’s audacity in telephoning Putin yesterday. A whole hour! Friends again. Probably always were.

Trump does not have anyone recording his conversations with Putin. Putin on the other hand does. Putin being a step smarter than Trump.

The two are not on the same wave length regarding what was said to each other re certain major items.

One being Venezuela.

Trump reported Putin said Russia had no interest in Venezuela. If so, why has Putin had planes and troops on the ground in Venezuela?

Russia’s response to Trump’s representation clearly indicated
Trump’s version not accurate. Putin said only the people of Venezuela can determine their future. Should be accomplished politically without outside interference.

Both men probably lying.

As I have been saying for quite a while, the bottom line is oil. Venezuela has the largest oil reserve in the world. Russia wants it. The U.S. wants it. Putin is working to once again out fox Trump.

A George Orwell quote appropriate at this juncture. Orwell wrote, “During time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”

Enjoy your day!