Prosperity has it ups and downs. Key West knew great success in the mid 1800’s. Key West at the time was the wealthiest city per capita in the United States.

The Great Depression beginning in 1929 took its toll. By the time 1934 arrived, the entire country was in the depths of the Great Depression. Key West went bankrupt. Eighty five percent of its people were on relief.

Roosevelt had formed the WPA. His intent was that public funds be utilized to bring America out of the doldrums of financial disaster.

Key West owes much to Julius Stone. He was the Florida Administrator of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. He traveled to Key West to assess the situation.

Stone concluded that the only remedy was tourism. He envisioned  rehabilitation and beautification as the first step. Make Key West an attraction as a tourist resort.

His thought was to bring artists to Key West from other areas. They were Public Workers Art Project artists. They did paintings and murals. Tourist brochures and postcards were created. An art gallery established for sales. Art and craft classes were made available.

A choral society and dramatic organization were established. A week long festival created. The choral and dramatic groups produced Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance.

Stone’s efforts were successful. The winter season of 1934-35 brought 35,000-40,000 vacationers to Key west.

Key West was on the road again! Success!

The WPA took over from the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. The WPA continued to operate the program into the 1940’s.

Tourism took a beating following its first successful season. The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 responsible. Bridges and the railroad wiped out. Access to Key West became difficult.

A highway was completed in 1938 which connected Key West to the mainland. Tourism flourished for a number of years.

Much of the Depression Art created exists to this day. Two of William Hoffman’s large murals are on the walls of the new City Hall’s Commission Chambers. Gallery on the Greene offers some of the works for sale.

Noteworthy artists from the first batch to arrive included Stanley Wood, Avery Johnson, and Alfred Crimi. Later came Walton Blodget, Marion Crawford-Parker, and Townsend Morgan.

Hard times would fall upon Key West after the Navy left sometime in the late 1940’s. Key West was in a state of economic despair til the mid 1960’s when David Wolkowsky returned and created a new successful Key West. His story has been told many times in earlier blogs.

In a certain respect, what is presently transpiring between the U.S. and Iran reminds me of another time in history.

It was June 28, 1914. Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated. All historians agree it was the spark that began World War I.

A July Ultimatum dated July 28 drew the battle lines. Within 2 days, sides taken. All European nations were involved on one side or the other, except for Italy. World War I had begun.

The war was an unintended result of an intended act. The Archduke’s assassination the intended act. World War I the unintended result.

What is presently transpiring today between the U.S. and Iran could result in an Archduke/World war I situation. Trump keeps pushing a war. He may not intend one. Though in this instance I suspect he does as it will be considered a major occurrence benefiting Trump’s good friends Saudi Arabia and Israel. Both who have sought the destruction of Iran for years.

Big tree from little acorns grow. The back and forth between Iran and the U.S. involve minor happenings. Till now. Who knows what will happen next. Any small episode could result in war.  A war between the U.S. and Iran would immediately result in Saudi Arabia and Israel siding with the U.S. Other Middle East nations will choose sides. Russia and China will back Iran. The beginning of World War III.

Most Americans have to be appalled by the up front news concerning the 330 children detained at a border station. Disgusting, deplorable. Unamerican. Yet Trump and his cohorts do not seem to care.

The children ages 0+ to 17 had no toothpaste, soap, clean clothes, showers, and medical care. No beds resulting in children sleeping on concrete floors. No blankets, either. Some children living in the detention center as long as 9 months. Eating the same food every day. No deviation. Eight and 10 year olds caring for infants 1-4. Flu and lice going untreated.

OBSCENE!

Trump’s excuse is that there is no money. No money because the Democrats in the House won’t vote the funds. A lame excuse.

Trump transfers funds from one account to another for the wall and other things. Why not transfer funds to care for the migrant children detained?

Something else bothers me. Does the fact that the children are Latinos have anything to do with it?

Because of the public outcry the past 3 days, 300 of the 330 children have been transferred to another detention center.

I almost forgot. There is a 2 year old girl. She cries constantly wanting to be held. Even during the night. The older girls (5-10) take turns holding her.

There is a Hell for those who treat the least of us as these children have been.

Teddy Roosevelt responsible for many sayings/quotations popular even to today. Like Maxwell Coffee…..”Good to the last drop.”

M blog has a Comment section. Do I get comments! Some rough. That’s life. My readers cover the spectrum of events from one end to the other.

Very often they conflict/argue with each other.

Some share their names. Others a home made funny one. Many are signed Anonymous.

Anonymous does not mean they are ashamed of what they write. They merely prefer not to have their name bandied about. Understandable.

The names are numbered regardless of how signed.

There is Anonymous 23.227.194.203. A solid citizen. Reflected in comments submitted. Number 23 etc. responded to something with a quote by Teddy Roosevelt concerning Patriotism: “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President or any other public official save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him in so far as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth – whether about the President or about anyone else – save in the rare cases where this would make known to the enemy information of military value which would otherwise be unknown to him.”

Another night in. Intended to go to Dueling Bartenders. Never made it.

Donna e-mailed me that she was at Aqua and where was I. Terri was singing. Apologized and told her I loved my bed more than Teri at the moment. She understood.

Terri is out their singing several nights a week. Amazing! Only 2 weeks ago a heart attack.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A fast moving half hour. I rant and rave. A lot to rant and rave about this past week. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

“He roars like a tiger but usually acts like a scaredy cat.”

So Washington columnist Max Borst wrote on June 23. His column concerned Trump and Iran. Specifically re Trump’s backing off at the last minute from a retaliatory military strike against Iran for the shooting down of an American drone.

Sort of…..He talked the talk, but did not walk the walk.

Borst in an earlier April column commented following Trump’s failure to close down the Mexican border: “Trump is the master of empty threats. The pontiff of broken promises. The bard of bluster, bluff and BS.”

The descriptions apt. I share them with you only to describe the “man” Donald Trump. I express no thoughts as to whether the decisions he made were correct.

I read what the other side prints, what is said. Though I may  not agree. My philosophy to know the opposition.

Which brings me to Michael Snyder. I have referred to him in the past. Commented  concerning his writings. Even though our writing is diametrically opposite. I respect Snyder and his mode of expression. Generally as far as it goes. He is a strong conservative. A Christian evangelist.

In the past few days, Snyder wrote about Hezbollah. The world wide terrorist group sponsored by Iran and Syria. A group that regards terrorism as a useful tool for advancing a revolutionary agenda. Hezbollah believes it has a religious duty to conduct a “global jihad.”

The organization is bigger, better equipped, better organized, and potentially more dangerous than any other terrorist group.

Snyder claims Hezbollah operates in more places than merely outside the U.S. He suggests they are in the U.S. Organized and ready to go. They operate via “cells.” Much like the Communists of years ago. They are well armed and ready for military operations in the U.S.

The question arises as to why have we not heard more of Hezbollah, its presence in the U.S., and what they will likely do in the event of a U.S./Iran conflict.

The enemy is more than just at the gate. They live among us. We know not who they are.

I was out of the house  yesterday. To grocery shop at Publix. Seems to be my major activity lately. I am still going slow. I want nothing to screw up my recovery.

John McCain a war hero. No one except Trump would deny the fact. Five and a half years a prisoner of war. Grievously tortured.

Key West has a similar war hero. Not as well known as McCain. However as much a hero. Floyd Thompson. Colonel Floyd Thompson.

Thompson became a Key West resident following his discharge from the service. He died a Key West resident.

Thompson was captured early in the Vietnam War. Broke his back when the plane he was a passenger in was shot down. The Vietnamese kept him captive for more than 8 years. Actually, 10 days short of 9 years.

He rarely saw another American. He once went 5 years in isolation, seeing only his captors. As with McCain, he was brutally treated. His unfortunate distinction, he was the longest held prisoner of the Vietnamese War.

On this day in 1988, Thompson received from President Reagan the Prisoner of War Medal.

The sixth annual Key West Mystery Fest will be held this weekend. At the Studios of Key West and other landmark locations.

The Mystery Fest has become a gathering for South Florida mystery writers, aspiring authors, and non-writing mystery buffs.

Mystery writing and love novels are the two most popular and best selling works. When I decided to try my hand at book writing several years ago with The World Upside Down, my publisher pushed me to write a mystery or love novel. What I had written would not sell he said. He was correct. I don’t think I sold 100 copies.

I tried my hand at mystery writing. Could not get into it. Not my cup of tea. My mind was such I could not think effectively to qualify as a mystery writer.

Gave writing a love novel a shot. My publisher said throw a bit of sex in. I found I was inadequate at love and sex writing. Amazing!

I envy those who write mystery novels. It requires a rare talent which obviously I did not have.

I’m good at hurricanes. Irma and Me was well received and sold significantly better.

Out tonight? On the road? We shall see. I would enjoy getting back to Dueling Bartenders.

Enjoy your day!

Must be my recent health problem combined with being 83 years old cause me to think a bit. About my life in general and the lives of others in my age bracket and condition.

The thought…..Tomorrow is too late. Now is the moment. Do what you want at this time. Assuming of course that such is feasible. Too many people think about doing this or that and never get around to it.

I am not complaining. I have had a god life, success, traveled, etc.

One does not achieve everything desired. I came close however and cannot complain.

My admonition is for those who can and don’t. You want to do something and can, do it now! Tomorrow is too late!

Yesterday did with an afternoon visit from Sloan. We accomplished a few things. Sloan is one of he finest people I have ever met. Concerned, caring, competent.

Last night was the outside bar at La Te Da. First time in a while I have been there.

Mary was to meet me for dinner. I arrived an hour before her. My entire time at La Te Da was 2 1/2 hours.

I have been doing La Te Da for 30 years and several owners. A more frequent visitor in my earlier days. Always a fun place.

One of the bartenders was a lovely woman. Never got her name. Probably in her 60’s. Stunning! Thin! High cheek bones!

I was concerned how she kept so thin. She said it was easy. She is Norwegian and Norwegians look that way.

Enjoyed dinner with Mary.

No alcohol or cigarettes for 5-6 weeks. Last night the worst! Everyone at the bar drinking and smoking. Came close to capitulating before Mary arrived.

I am still treating myself like an old lady. Took Mary home immediately after dinner. I was in bed by 8:30.

The pancreatitis the problem. Doctor says I no longer have pancreatitis. Then why do somethings bother me? He says the pancreatitis screwed up my stomach and body and it will take time for everything to settle down.

I wish it would hurry up!

The humidity has been thick the past few weeks. Comparable to when it was 10 below in Utica during the winter. Each an extreme.

Friday the FDA approved a female Viagra.

There has been such a pill called Addyi for 3 years. The pill had to be taken every day, even if not needed. The new enhancer is a shot in the stomach or hip. Only required when sex is shortly contemplated.

The shot boosts a woman’s sex drive for several hours.

A bit of interesting history. France surrendered to Germany on June 22, 1940. An armistice was signed 3 days later.

Hitler decided to see his newly conquered Paris. The next morning at 5:30, he flew to Paris. Took with him his architect Albert Speer.

Hitler remained in Paris only 3 hours before returning to Berlin. He saw only those monuments, etc. that he wanted. The one he spent the most time at was the tomb of Napoleon. Napoleon always Hitler’s hero.

While in Paris, there was no fanfare, no parades. Few even knew he was there.

He told Speer while in Paris that he wanted Speer to drop everything and complete building the new modern Berlin that Hitler wanted. Speer did so and rapidly. What he designed and had constructed from 1940 on was totally bombed out of existence by 1945.

Hitler never returned to Paris. Some believe it was his way of showing distaste for the city. It was just outside Paris that Germany signed the Armistice with the allies in 1918. Hitler considered that Armistice an insult to the German people.

Syracuse has new football uniforms. Great! What a 10-3 season will do for a team.The old ones were newly designed in 2014. Stunk! Drab orange. Saw pics of the news ones. Bright and exciting.

Apparently not everyone in Washington is aware that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are the best of friends. It was announced Thursday that the U.S. added Saudi Arabia to its human trafficking blacklist.

I close with 2 items re Trump.

The first involves Iran and the story that he tells how he called off the military raid at the last minute because of lives that would be lost. He also indicated he wanted to sit down with Iran and talk. Iran of course said no way.

We were not told the whole truth when we were told that the attack had been called off. We were left to think everything was as is and no further aggravating moves had been made or were to be made by Trump.

We were not told. The very same day Trump called off the planes, he authorized a cyber attack on Iranian computer systems that operated Iran’s missile control systems and spy network.

Over the weekend, warmonger supreme John Bolton was videoed in Israel following a conference with Netanyahu. The men were standing together. Bolton made it clear the U.S. was not done with Iran. More would be coming.

Trump’s people described the cyber attack as retaliatory for the U.S. drone shot down.

In the background lurks the tank missile attacks. I am concerned.  Why is the U.S. involved in the tank missile attacks? The tankers were not U.S. ones. They were Norwegian and Japanese.

I have a feeling Trump and associates are looking for a reason to join Saudi Arabia and Israel in a war against Iran. Which suggests that everything Trump has done with Iran has in large part been done to satisfy Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Today was the day ICE was to begin its raid on illegal aliens to arrest and throw them out of the U.S. Trump said the number would be in the millions. It got whittled down as of Friday to 10,000 for the time being.

Trump announced last night that the raids would not take place for 2 weeks. His excuse was Nancy Pelosi had telephoned him and asked him to hold off so Congress could see if they could get out an acceptable plan that would stop the raids.

Trump appears to have talked with a forked tongue again.

This morning’s news reported Trump called off the raids for 2 weeks for other reasons.

One was that the news media had found out specifically where the raids would be and were prepared to print them. The other that ICE had reported to Trump that it had no place to hold those who would be apprehended. ICE also said the plan was moving too fast. There had been no time to work details out.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It came close. War. First the babble back and forth. Then threats bringing the parties to the edge of war. Finally, war. The sounds of war first in Iran. Then spreading through all the Middle East.

Iran is a proud and ancient civilization. Tough to the bone. Capitulation not part of its make up.

Trump bares the major responsibility for the present Iranian situation. He cancelled the agreement which put off Iran’s nuclear search for 15 years. Then began talking tough in his peculiar bombastic fashion to Iran. Trump continued imposing harsh sanctions. The final blow his efforts to stop Iran’s oil sales.

War came close. Trump blinked and avoided war for the moment. He permitted Iran to out fox the U.S. He knew not his enemy.

Speaking as a purported man of peace and a humanitarian, Trump pulled back the air and naval strike. He said, “Planes were in the air and ships positioned.” Followed by a we were “cocked and loaded.”

Bravado! He saved the world!

He bullshitted only himself.

I question whether our planes were even in the air. Trump seemed to be backing off on that point. His most recent statements indicate the planes might not have yet taken off.

The whole scenario typical Trump. Create an emergency situation. Then take it back at the last minute and come out of the event claiming a false success. One surprise for Trump this time. Iran has backbone and would not back down.

A significant issue in the U.S. treatment of Iran has been Saudi Arabia and Israel. Each wants to take over Iran. They realize the help of the U.S. is required to accomplish it. So they constantly suck up to Trump.

Iran does not want war. However a nation can only be pushed so far. Humiliation especially hurtful. Iran had no choice in whatever it did to bring its problems to a head.

The episode is not yet over.

I was at the Chart Room friday night. What a crowd! Loud and noisy. Having fun.

This is the off season. Hotel rates and restaurant prices are reduced. Many drive in from Florida and Georgia to enjoy long weekends.

Mary came in. I suggested we go to dinner. The noise was getting to me.

We dined on the outside deck at Pier 1.  The food continues to be outstanding. I enjoyed a good sized piece of tuna merely seared on the outside.

Dropped Mary off afterwards and went home. I was in bed by 9. Tired!!!

I mentioned in my last blog that Bria Ansara would be singing at Bourbon Street’s outside bar tuesday nights. I was wrong. Lynda Frechette emailed me from her summer home up north that she had talked with Bria. Bria was in New Hampshire at her mother’s and planned on spending the summer there.

KONK Life’s E-Blast ran a photo of Howard Lanin and his band recently with a comment that it was taken in June 1938. Lanin and his band were performing at the Casa Marina.

Howard was known as the “King of Society Dance Music.”

A USA article noted: “For generations of the rich and famous, a society party isn’t a successful party unless (Howard) Lanin is there with his back to the tuxedoed crowd.”

One of Howard’s brothers was Lester Lanin. He too was a band leader of renown. Many a time I danced to Lester Lanin and his orchestra.

It was during my college years. The more affluent female colleges for their special dances brought Lester Lanin in to play. I was fortunate to be invited by the ladies to these dances. Great dancing music. Lovely ladies. Many formal.

I did not own a tuxedo and could not afford to rent one. Nor could many of my class mates at Manhattan College. Manhattan was a poor boy’s school.

The problem easily solved. We would wear our Air Force ROTC uniforms with a black bow tie added. Passed inspection!

Corsages an economic problem also. We would take turns riding the subway to Times Square. A 45 minute ride each way. Whoever went bought orchid corsages from a street peddler for like 50 cents a piece and brought them back to school

Those were the days!

The politicos are playing Gotcha! I refer to the recent situation with Biden. Concededly not the best use of words by a politician. However enough is enough. Stop making a big deal out of it. The man has been a civil rights leader his entire career.

I was particularly disappointed with the several primary candidates who jumped on his back. Some still doing so. They should be admonished not to speak ill of a Democratic opponent. Especially in a questionable situation. To do otherwise will guarantee Trump’s reelection.

Recall Reagan’s words: “Never speak ill of a fellow Republican.”

I mentioned a few days ago that Venezuela’s inflation rate was at 130,000 percent. Imagine how many 1 bolivar bills are required to equate to $1. Probably 3-4 large paper bags.

Maduro is trying to alleviate the situation. Also to make himself look good in the process. Venezuela’s central bank has issued new banknotes to cope with the raging inflation. The bank has had printed 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 bolivar notes.

One 50,000 bolivar note is equal to $8 American money.

John Whitehead is a political writer of note. His most recent book: “The Jackboots Are Coming: Mass Arrests, Power Grabs, and the Politics of Fear.”

In a recent article, Whitehead wrote of the 3 “can’ts” that affect a people’s lives. Words of wisdom: “…..you can’t claim to live in a constitutional republic if you allow the government to act like a police state…..you can’t claim to value freedom if you allow the government to act like a dictatorship…..you can’t expect to have your rights respected if you allow the government to treat whomever it pleases with disrespect and an utter disregard for the rule of law.”

Enjoy your day!

I have written about the best of the best. Today, the worst of the worst. Noting however that there are many occurrences which command the designation.

A baby boy was taken from his mother at the border when he was 4 months old. He recently was returned to his mother. At the time of return, he was 18 months old.

He cannot walk or speak.

Many of those involved with border decisions have children or grandchildren. From Trump down to ICE, the Border Patrol, and independent contractors, how would they feel if such happened to one of theirs.

Kept my commitment to myself last night. Went out!

Like being reborn.

Started at the Chart Room. Tammy bartending. A personality.

Met Mary at the bar. She drank wine and I diet Pepsi. She smoked and I watched. The conversation was good, however.

Mary and I went to La Trattoria for dinner. Carrie bartending. Another woman with a great personality.

Dink was holding court at his usual corner of the bar.

Mary wanted to go to Bourbon Street to hear Bria Ansara sing. I opted out. As much as I enjoy Bria, I felt good at this point of the evening and did not want to spoil it by staying up later. So Mary headed for Bourbon Street and I to my car.

Mary emailed me this morning that Bria did not sing. She is now scheduled for tuesday night’s at the outside bar. Jeff Stone was singing inside last night.

I felt terrific when I got home. A nice feeling! A good night’s sleep followed.

I may try going out tonight. Actually will. This is a take care of Louis day. A haircut early afternoon and a manicure at 5. Then to the Chart Room. From there, I know not where.

Only in Key West. The third annual Key Lime Pie Drop takes place July 6 at the Lighthouse across from the Hemingway House on Whitehead.

July 6 my birthday, also. Perhaps I will attend to watch the drop.

Participants require a degree of engineering skill.  A 5 inch in diameter key lime pie is dropped from the top of the lighthouse. The purpose to make it hit the ground and not explode on impact.

Participants are encouraged to make some sort of container or device which will keep the pie intact when it hits the ground. The reason some degree of engineering skill helps.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes.

The U. S. purportedly does not pay ransom to regain an American citizen being detained by a foreign nation or group. Such does not extend to municipalities at the moment. Doubt that it ever will. One life is one life. A city’s records another story.

Riviera Beach is a city 80 miles north of Miami. A hacker got access to Riviera Beach’s computer. An employee accidentally hit on a malicious email key providing the hacker with access. Riviera Beach was denied entry.

Riviera Beach has agreed to pay the hacker 65 Bitcoins to “hopefully” gain access to the data encrypted by the hacker. Sixty five Bitcoins is equivalent to $600,000 American money.

An insurance company is paying the 65 Bitcoins/$600,000 on behalf of Riviera City.

Will the payment encourage others to hack municipal systems? Probably so.

I mentioned 2 days ago that Facebook was getting into the money business. Via cryptocurrency. It expects to be ready with the system in 2020.

Instead of U.S. dollars, crypto dollars would be used. Facebook has in excess of 200 million daily users. A customer list! Additionally, several major companies have agreed to join Facebook in the venture.

Congress overnight grabbed onto what Zuckerberg intends to do. Both Houses went crazy. The House and Senate immediately scheduled hearings.

I find the speed with which each reacted amusing. The U.S. has all kinds of problems that Washington fails to work on. Comes a new financial system and they go nuts. I am particularly impressed by the Senate’s speed. They fail to do anything since the House went Democratic.

I view the Congressional hearings and the speed at which they were scheduled nothing more than political grandstanding. My admonition to Congress: Beware how you handle the matter. At a time when Trump is encouraging corporations to return to the U.S., Zuckerberg may say “up yours” and move his operation to Europe.

Venezuela is in the news again. It is reported Trump has lost patience and interest in invading Venezuela. He is frustrated. He believes John Bolton and his Director of Latin American Policy “got played.” Maduro’s purported successor Juan Guaido did not stand a snowball’s chance in hell of ousting Maduro.

Trump now will have to call for the return of the 3,500 soldiers, the military equipment, and the stealth planes he sent to Columbia in preparation for an invasion that will not occur.

Enjoy your day!

Kermit Key Lime Pie sits on the corner across from Conch Republic. Carpenter the owner has stood out side on the sidewalk in front of the store for 27 years. Clothe in lime colored chef attire including a chef’s cap. Always holding a key lime pie in his hand, encouraging people to enter his store.

He is a mainstay in Key West. An icon. Everyone knows him and his store.

Someone complained he was blocking the sidewalk. After 27 years! Codes served a citation or order prohibiting him from standing outside any more.

Carpenter told his story on Facebook. Many of his friends wrote in support of his being permitted to continue doing what he had done for 27 years. Some who were aware contacted their City Commissioners expressing their feelings.

His “eviction” did not last long. Assistant City Manager Greg Veliz reversed the citation/order.

Justice was done!

If you have never visited  Key West Lime Pie, do so. The store has a feeling of intimacy. Many tasteful goodies are sold besides key lime pie. Most items for sale are available for a free taste treat. Can’t beat that.

The highlight of my day yesterday was a call from Jean Thornton. She is home in Birmingham at the moment. Hearing from Jean makes for a happy day!

Jean will return to Key West for 2 weeks in the middle of July. She and Joe will be spending the month of August touring Europe. Good for them!

The United States, Europe and Asia are experiencing a measles epidemic. The U.S. has in excess of 1,000 cases reported. The Philippines over 33,000 with 400 of that number dead.

Measles today, yellow fever yesterday.

On this day in 1865, the vessel Adventure put into Key West. Yellow fever was aboard. Four of the crew sick.

They were taken to the Marine Hospital. The disease spread to U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Key West. Three hundred thirty one additional cases of yellow fever. Seventy one died.

I could not find the numbers for the Key West population itself.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the 27 year old newly elected Democratic Congress person from New York City. She has garnered public attention from day one. She calls them as she sees them. No timid individual is she.

I view her as a breath of fresh air.

She complained the other day that the detention centers along the southwest border where children are held are “exactly” like concentration camps.

ICE and other officials involved with the centers denied the charge.

It is time for the public to know the truth. The press and public officials are denied entry to the detention centers. Open the doors! Let the press and government people in to see. Then the public will know who speaks truth.

Trump tells us his administration is transparent. Prove it in this instance.

I spoke yesterday of Trump’s ordering ICE to begin locating and taking into custody aliens illegally in the U.S. I thought Trump mentioned 1 million of them. I was incorrect. The number he keeps mentioning is “in the millions.”

I wrote yesterday that ICE was not equipped nor had the resources to accomplish the “1 million” million task. No preparation for such a major undertaking.

I was correct.

This morning’s news reports ICE was caught by surprise. The President never made them aware. ICE indicated they do not have the resources for such an undertaking.

Trump shooting from the hip again. Not consulting with his hands on people to determine if his plan was feasible.

Staying with Trump for a moment. His plan tossing of the U.S. agreement with Iran is showing it was not the wisest course to take. Trump now finds himself cornered. He has been blowing hot air at Iran. As have Pompeo and Bolton.

Trump is at the put up or shut up stage. He has let go the winds of war. Iran says in effect come on, we’ll take you on.

The solution from Trump’s perspective is for Iran to agree to not making nuclear weapons. The nuclear portion was the primary reason Trump dumped the Iranian agreement.

Trump is cornered. No war if Iran agrees not to test for or make nuclear weapons.

The next couple of weeks will tell if war is to occur.

Trump did something again without thinking and set the U.S. on a course to war.

He looks like an ass. He is probably the only one who does not know it.

Recall a month ago, Trump was going to invade Venezuela for humanitarian reasons. He sent 3,500 troops, equipment and stealth planes to the Columbia border with Venezuela. Ready to go!

The humanitarian comment was not the real reason. Trump wanted Venezuela’s oil.

Nothing happened.

In the meantime, Russia sent troops to Venezuela. Boots on the ground in Venezuela. Also, planes. China reported it was supporting whatever Russia did.

Putin wants the oil, also.

After releasing the winds of war for a few days, Trump never proceeded with his plan for the invasion.

I wrote the reason why there was no invasion was that Trump had learned that the U.S.’s super dooper stealth planes were of no value. Venezuela had a new radar and missile system that in effect made the stealth planes visible. It was claimed the missile system would destroy 85 percent of the stealth planes the first time they flew over.

I suggested at the time that China probably developed the new anti-stealth radar system. China is way ahead of the U.S. in military readiness contrary to what Trump tells us.

We heard nothing about the fallibility of the stealth planes.

Yesterday, China announced it had developed a new radar system that made stealth planes ineffective.

I promised myself to go out tonight. I have not been out since last wednesday or thursday. Have not shaved in that interval also. Look like a bum!

Enjoy your day!

I am tired of being sick.

Re my head, everything done yesterday in one day. Saw Dr. Norris. Needed cat scans. Got them. He called later in the afternoon. Negative.

Back of head still sore. Neck more than sore. Hurts.

Dr. Norris says all related to the fall. Will pass with time.

Thank all of you who e-mailed or called. Your concern appreciated.

One telephone call was from an old friend, Marty Leshaw. I have not seen Marty in years. He was a court stenographer in Key West for a number of years. We met at the Chart Room, became friends, and had dinner together most nights for several years.

Argued. Full time. Marty ultra-conservative. You are aware I am liberal. Must be true that opposites attract.

We talked about Che, Jean Thornton, British Peter, Vino’s new place in Hollywood. A restaurant and attached full bar. Marty said the bar the most beautiful he has ever seen. And he has seen a few!

Marty’s permanent home is Fort Lauderdale. A magnificent one on the inter-coastol. Now 81. His health good.

Yesterday was a bit nerve wrecking for me. The last thing I wanted was a brain bleed and the surgery necessary to relieve the pressure. By late afternoon after I had been made aware of the results, read some e-mails, talked to several on the phone, there  was only one thing I wanted. A drink! No, I did not do it.

Stayed in again last night. The day had exhausted me.

A couple of days ago, I wrote about two new massage parlors. Dancing Finger Massages. Preparatory to writing the blog, I googled Massage Parlors Key west.

One site came up said there were 30 Asian massage parlors in Key West. I only knew of 2. Hard to believe 30.

Skipped down the list and noted none with Asian massages in the title.

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice has an interesting comment by a local: “What’s up with all the new massage parlors?…..Are we trying to attract more NFL team owners?”

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou tonight. Nine o’clock. Join me. I love ranting and raving about my likes and dislikes. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Some years back, I wrote a weekly column for KONK Life. One had to do with Napoleon, his defeat at Waterloo, and the reasons therefore.

Napoleon and Waterloo came to mind this morning. I noted it was on this day in 1815 that Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo.

Two reasons are given for Napoleon’s defeat. The simplest it had rained and Napoleon did not want to move his troops into battle until the ground dried.

The other is the one I support. My research Far more interesting and plausible.

The other. Napoleon had hemorrhoids. Painful. The night before the battle, his doctors overdosed him with a painkiller. The painkiller caused him to wake later than normal. His army did not go into battle without him.

Napoleon did not get to the battlefield til around 1. When he woke and before leaving for the battlefield, his doctors gave him more of the painkiller.

The painkiller was laudanum. The wonder drug of the day for pain. Laudanum was a tincture of opium containing morphine and codeine.

Napoleon had difficulty sitting on his horse. The hemorrhoids.

Napoleon would have begun the battle much earlier as such was his custom. He watched the battle from a hilltop. If he saw the enemy moving in another direction or more troops joining the opposition, he would ride over and advise his men.

Had Napoleon begun the battle in the early morning as was his custom, he would have won the battle. The opposition did not have sufficient men to successfully oppose him.

Additional troops were on their way to join the opposition. They did not arrive till late afternoon.

Because of the hemorrhoids, Napoleon was not riding around on his horse to observe troops that might be coming from another direction.

The battle turned because of the fresh troops. Within 2-3 hours, Napoleon was defeated.

In my research, I came across a Sears Catalog ad for laudanum. Apparently pharmaceutical houses in the early 1800’s were not pigs in their pricing. One ounce of Laudanum was 8 cents, 2 ounces 15 cents, 4 ounces 25 cents.

Trump sends troops everywhere and anywhere. I doubt he considers the cost involved each time he wants to scare a nation or group.

It was announced yesterday that he had ordered 1,000 additional troops to the Mideast to what he and his henchmen considered a possible war with Iran. A war that if it comes will have been fault of Trump, Pompeo and Bolton.

Several weeks ago, the U.S. was going to invade Venezuela. A Trump brilliant idea. He ordered 3,500 troops to the Columbia/Venezuela. No war. U.S. troops never crossed the border. Expensive though to transport 3,500 troops and equipment to the Venezuelan border.

Money, money, money. Money that could be spent building new roads and everything else which is needed internally by the U.S.

Another Trump announcement yesterday. Next week ICE is going after 1 million people living in the U.S. illegally. ICE’s focus will be on those who have been issued final deportation orders by federal judges, but remain at large.

Many have had children while living illegally in the U.S. All born on our shores are automatically citizens. Trump says they are going back also.

An example of his respect for law.

One million an impressive number, but a hopeless task from my point of view. Records will be skimpy, ICE will have to trace them. Such will take time. ICE will not have enough manpower to do the job. More ICE personnel will be added.

Cost again. Foolish cost.

Additionally, I fear ICE. Especially  when for whatever reason their numbers are expanded. If things go bad for Trump in the election or elsewhere, I fear ICE as a body will stand with Trump against citizens of the United States.

Facebook is getting bigger. They plan on issuing their own currency/money in 2020.

Cryptocurrency. The money will be called Libra. It will be a global digital currency.

A smart idea. Whether it will fly I do not know. What I am aware of is that Facebook has 2 billion users world wide. A good base to start from.

A group has been formed that has agreed to participate. Impressive. Uber, Lyst, Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal amongst others.

Enjoy your day!

Short blog today.

Docotor visit and a test. related to my fall saturday night where I came down on the back of my head. My head bounced twice before coming to rest.

I take a blood thinner. Could be a problem. Headache remains. My carotids are swollen and sensitive to touch. Like a swollen gland.

Oh, me!

I am beginning to feel like Joe Btfsplk. You have to be on the old side to remember him. A comic strip character from another day. The comic strip Li’l Abner. Li’s Abner, Daisy Mae and Dogpatch.

A black cloud over Joe’s head. Indicated Joe was a jinx. Bad luck to himself and anyone around him.

I am beginning to think a book may be in order. Titled, Being 83.

Hope my medical concerns are without foundation.

Two people close to me and known to many of you are finally in good health. My lesbian wives Terri and Donna.

Terri had a heart attack 10 days ago. Blockage in one vessel 99 percent. She sang yesterday morning at Hard Rock Cafe. Donna 2 weeks ago was in the hospital with pneumonia. Back to work last week.

They called yesterday to wish me a Happy Father’s Day. Heard from Lisa and family. They warm my heart.

Glued again yesterday to the TV set. Till 10 in the evening. The U.S. Open. Great golf!

Gary Woodland won by 2 strokes. He is 35. Won only 3 times previously. Winning the Open changes his life immediately. Endorsements alone in the multi-million range.

Pompeo, Bolton and Trump remind me of the old Christian song Onward Christian Soldiers. They will not give up on Iran. Especially Pompeo.

Pompeo was on TV yesterday continuing to complain Iran was responsible re the tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman. In spite of sound proof the day before that it was not Iran.

Germany and Japan are so distrusting of U.S. foreign policy that they asked Pompeo for “stronger evidence” than that provided.

Two sayings come to mind re Pompeo and the tankers. One, put your money where your mouth is. Even better, put up or shut up!

Enjoy your day!

It happened again last night.

I was watching the U.S. Open in the living room seated in a wing back. It was 10 o’clock and the tournament had ended for the day. I got up to go upstairs to bed. Took one step to my right and went down.

I got dizzy. Fell strangely. My feet went out from me and up. My head went down. I fell backwards!

The back of my head hit the tile floor first. Bounced twice. Somehow my knees must have been involved and my right hip.

Everything still hurts this morning. Especially the back of my head.

The falling problem occurred last week also. I was shaving and turned around to get a hand towel. Fortunately, the bathroom is narrow and I was able to bounce between the walls and stay up.

Dizziness occurs before I fall.

Dr. Norris says it is my blood pressure medication and perhaps some others. I take 11 pills a day. The key to not falling is to stand for a moment before taking a step. Problem is I don’t always remember to do so.

The alternative is to stop taking my blood pressure meds. A no no.

A major problem with falling is getting up. When your younger, your body is agile and you are able to immediately raise yourself up. At my age, it is next to impossible. Takes every bit of energy I have.

Last night, it took about 15 minutes before I was able to stand.

I started falling about 8 years ago. Did physiotherapy for 6 months to learn how to walk again. Good! The key is to watch where you are walking and hold on when going up and down stairs. The rehab people trained me to do so. Sounds easier than it really was. I was also taught how to get up. A big deal! It worked for a few years. Not so good now.

Physicians attribute old age falling to the side effects of drugs and medicines, a weaker sense of balance, declining eyesight, and a loss of flexibility in hips and ankles.

This blog generally deals with Key West and national politics. Perhaps I should add a third consideration. Senior citizen health. If you are there already, you will understand and appreciate. If not yet old enough, better to learn early and be prepared.

Sticking with health for a moment, a Mini Health Fair is going to be held in Key West on Saturday June 22. At the Gato Building on Simonton.

It is sponsored by the Florida State Department of Health and Monroe County.

The significance: All service and items provided are free. Those who are without insurance should definitely attend. Services to be provided include vaccines for hepatitis A and B, HPV, tetanus, pertussis, flu, and more.

There will also be blood glucose screenings, blood pressure screenings, HIV testing, WIC, family planing, and tobacco cessation information.

The U.S. Open. Every year I become more and more impressed with the play of the young professionals. Their abilities exceed those of the golf giants of yesteryear.

The younger pros putt better. Long puts. They chip better. They hit longer.

Yesterday, chips off the green were falling into the holes. Never saw anything like it. Putts of 20-40 feet dropping. Wow! Drives over 300 yards. Some as much as 350 yards.

Excellent golf. Thrilling.

Goodness prevails on occasion. Orange County, Florida, was recently a site demonstrating old fashioned good hearted charity. Involving thousands of people.

Sam Rodriguez is a young lady. Sam is her name. Twenty years old. She is one of 6 children.  The oldest.

In the past 5 years, both of the family’s parents died of cancer. Sam’s 5 brothers and sisters 5-17 years old.

Sam has taken charge of her brothers and sisters. She is caring for and supporting them.

Not an easy task. Parents left a large family, but no money.

Last week, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reached out to certain persons and asked them to help buy Sam a new car. They did. A Nissan Versa. A big help!

Sam’s situation was put on GoFundMe. Money is coming in through that venue also. Contributors in the thousands.

On this day in 1858, Abraham Lincoln was Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate to represent Illinois. He lost a close election. Mattered not. Two years later, he was elected President.

During the Senatorial campaign, Lincoln was debating his opponent in Springfield. The country was being torn by slavery and states’ rights. Lincoln in the debate paraphrased the New Testament’s Matthew 12:22-28: A house divided against itself cannot stand.

Prophetic words.

We are once again a house divided. The foundation is rotting. Maybe already gone. What lies ahead? Can we save our Nation?

Trump recently tweeted: “The failing New York Times did a story that the United States is substantially increasing cyber attacks on Russia…..a virtual attack.” Followed by: “Anything goes with our Corrupt News Media today. They will do, or say, whatever it takes, with not even the slightest thought of consequence!  These are true cowards and without doubt, The Enemy of the People!”

He also referred to the New York Times’ article as treasonous.

Trump must be defeated in 2020. For the good of the Nation, for the good of its people. He is a man who wants to be President/leader forever. A true despot. If he succeeds, the following probable consequences: (1) Jails overcrowded with political prisoners, (2) many of whom are charged with treason, and (3) executions will be up, in numbers neither experienced nor thought possible in the United States.

Enjoy your Sunday!