INSULT…..TRUMP FAILS TO LOWER FLAG SECOND DAY

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John McCain an American hero for the ages. His name will be long remembered. Similar to Senate greats of another day such as Daniel Webster and Henry Clay.

Another comparable figure in American history is Teddy Roosevelt. Both possessing that commanding go for it attitude. Both honest to the bone. Though McCain never became President, Roosevelt never was a Senator. The two can be equated, never the less.

Marc Anthony said following Julius Caesar’s death…..”The evil that men do lives after them; / The good is oft interred with their bones.”

Such will not be the case with McCain. He was too good. His shortcomings of no consequence. A man for the ages.

There is one however who apparently sees evil in McCain, has disdain for him. Donald Trump. Amusing on the one hand since Trump is no John McCain. Could never be. His evil diametrically opposite to McCain’s good.

In spite of personal feelings, people generally respect the dead. Not Trump in the case of John McCain. An outstanding example in the three days since McCain’s death is the President’s refusal to fly the American flag over the White House at half mast. Lowering of the flag a way of showing respect for a particular deceased.

There are rules/traditions governing flag lowering at such a time. Note again the lowering is a posthumous mark of respect.

Flags are normally lowered by Presidential Proclamation. With a noted exception. A Senator who dies in office. The flag lowering automatic at such time. The President’s approval not required. The flags are lowered from the Senator’s date of death till burial.

McCain will not be buried for several days.

The White House flag was lowered the day he died. It has not been lowered since. The pettiness of Trump. His disrespect obvious.

Sunday brunch yesterday at Hard Rock Cafe. Terri performing along with Larry Baeder. A smash! Hard Rock became packed as time progressed.

Blue Macaw with Mary last night. Paul and Ron back from Europe. Paul was My Man in Europe re the public urinals. Doug showed up. He is a tour guide at the Hemingway House. Mary is similarly employed. She is a tour guide at the Little White House.

Tuesday is election day. I voted early. Vote if you have not already.

I want to express my personal support for Mary Lou Hoover. She is a candidate for District 5 Commissioner. A better person does not exist. She has been involved in community efforts her entire life. She will make good things happen if she is permitted to sit on the Key West Commission.

I did not vote for Mary Lou. Amusing. I could not. I do not live in her district. No problem. I can still unequivocally recommend her to you.

Another Trump observation. In addition to the one where he insults McCain’s memory. Trump has the usually strong American dollar on the path to devaluation. If such occurs, recession inevitable.

The American dollar is strong and used in most world transactions. Sixty percent of global reserves and 80 percent of global payments are in dollars. Such gives the U.S. control over imports and exports. It also makes it possible for the U.S. to force countries into submission by the use of sanctions.

Oil transactions utilize the dollar. Referred to as petro-dollars.

Trump initiated the tariff wars. More countries will suffer. Russia suffering from sanctions, although Trump and Putin are buddies.

China is the U.S.’s major competing opponent. China wants to be top dog economically.

The world is sick of Trump’s tariff wars and the nervousness it is causing to the world wide economy. Russia has been goosing the rest of the world to abandon the dollar. Russia announced yesterday it was the direction it will be following. China, Iran and Venezuela are in bed with Russia.

China wants the yuan to be number one re oil transactions. The petro-yuan. Russia, Iran and Venezuela support the move. Pakistan recently jumped on board after Trump did some nasty thing to Pakistan a month ago.

The bottom line is that Trump is destroying our economy. Wars can be fought without guns. Economically one way. Another we have learned only too well is cyber war.

The U.S. is losing in both. Will apples being sold on street corners return?

Wake up America! Trump is hurting, no, destroying us.

Enjoy your day!

JOHN McCAIN…..A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

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John McCain died yesterday. A true American hero. A man for the ages. A person to be emulated. He will forever be remembered.

We need more John McCain’s.

David Wolkowsky’s 99th birthday party! As expected, over the top. Champagne flowed. David and champagne go together.

A wonderful man. An American hero in his own right. His successes in Key West and Philadelphia speak for themselves.

As I raised my glass to David, I thought…..Next year! Hope you make 100 my friend!

I was invited to Donna and Terri’s for dinner. Was running early. Stopped at the Blue Macaw first for a drink. There was Terri at the bar sipping a ginger ale. Donna and Terri live across the street from Blue Macaw.

I joined Terri. Enjoyed a drink. Following which she took my right elbow and we went home.

We talked about one of Blue Macaw’s bartenders. A tiny lovely young blond lady. Montana her name.

People in Key West work hard. As most others in the U.S. do today. Montana has two jobs. Her daytime job begins at 7 in the morning. Not sure what it is. I admire how hard she works. The Macaw bar is huge. She moves around it swiftly.

Dinner delicious! What else! Donna cooked. A gourmet chef in disguise. Meat loaf! Like Mom used to make. Outstanding!

Bear coming along. Stitches come out Friday. I still hate what they had done to him. Neutered.

I am moving my ass this morning. Terri sings at 10 at Hard Rock Cafe. She and Larry Baeder entertain together 10-12. Stop over for brunch and enjoy the duo.

I early voted this week. Did not recognize any of the State wide candidates, except for Gwen Graham. Gwen is running in the Democratic primary for Governor.

One of the reasons I did not know the candidates is that the Key West Citizen rarely mentions the State races.

I received this morning via e-mail a copy of the August 23 edition of Florida Politics. There was a big pic of Gwen and a story involving her and Big Pine.

Gwen, her parents, sisters and children were in Big Pine last Sunday. Working with Brian Vest’s Conch Republic Marine Army to clean up debris yet remaining from Irma. Yes, almost a year later much cleanup and repair work yet remains.

Gwen’s team had contacted Vest to ask what they could do. He said come on down and help. The candidate and her family came. The pic showed Gwen in shorts and a t-shirt in the water with gloves on pulling debris out of the water. Sweating like a pig as the saying goes. She was working!

The title of the article was Gwen Graham Gets Hands On During Cleaning Up Day In The Keys.

I make mention for 3 reasons.

First, I support Gwen’s candidacy.

Second, I and my fellow Key residents appreciate Gwen paying attention to the Keys. We are generally the forgotten relative.

Third, the Key West Citizen made no mention of Gwen’s visit. For shame! In fact, very very little of any of the State races have been reported on thus far.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID

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David Wolkowsky, a distinguished American, Philadelphia redeveloper, and father of modern Key West, enjoys a birthday today. His 99th!

Happy birthday, David!

I will be with David this evening for a small private party. It will be a fun time. Even at 99, David knows how to throw a party.

David and Truman Capote were friends. Ironically, Capote died this day in 1894.

David and Capote met just after David constructed the Pier House Resort Motel at the Gulf end of Duval sometime in the late 1960’s. Capote wanted to stay at David’s Motel. Insisted on seeing the rooms first. Settled into one.

Afterwards David invited Capote to his trailer on the grounds for a drink. David was living in a 45 foot, 2 bedroom, double wide trailer 10 feet from the water’s edge. Capote said he wanted to stay in the trailer. David was reluctant. Capote eventually won out. David moved into a suite in the Motel.

Capote spent the season. Wrote Answered Prayers during the stay.

David and Capote became friends during the time. Later, David built a private home on Ballast Key. Miles out in the ocean. He entertained many world luminaries there. Always served champagne, hot dogs and potato chips. One of his guests was Capote.

I am sure I will enjoy my  time this evening. I want David to know I look forward to doing it again next year!

Friday nights generally find me out and about. Not last night. I was at home sitting in a comfortable chair, engrossed in a book, enjoying a couple of drinks.

Affordable housing is a major Key West problem. I sense our political leaders do not really understand the problem. They recognize the need. However are blind to what “affordability” constitutes.

Yesterday’s Citizens’ Voice in the Key West Citizen made the point…..” Affordable housing one bedroom and efficiency apartments income criteria starting at $50,000 per year? What planet are you on? $50,000 per year is $25 per hour. I doubt many make.”

When I screw up, it’s royal! Gwen Graham is a Democratic candidate for Florida Governor. Never met her. Did not know she was running. She has spent little if anything in advertising in the Key West area.

Dorothy Downs has homes in Key West and Miami. She is good friends with the Grahams. She recommended I vote for Gwen.

I thought Gwen was former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham’s wife. Saw Gwen’s picture. Young appearing. I thought the Governor had a second wife or a trophy one.

Did I blow it! Gwen is the Governor’s daughter! His long time wife Adele alive and proud as her husband is that Gwen is making the race.

I voted for Gwen yesterday based on Dorothy’s recommendation. I read this morning the race is a close one.

I wrote following voting that I had voted for the former Governor’s wife. A faux paux for which I apologize.

John McCain is an American hero that long will be recalled in our history. He is in his last days.

Typical of Trump, he was not kind to McCain before and is not now that McCain is taking his last breaths.

Our children and children’s children should be taught about McCain. A special person everyone admires and can learn from.

This past week has had to have been the worst of Trump’s Presidency. He got hit from all sides. Deservedly so. I view the week as the beginning of impeachment. Not there yet time wise. Guaranteed it is coming, however.

The President speaks of loyalty. All the time. Demands loyalty from those around him. Loyalty a primary concern. This week Trump learns what ever loyalty he thought he had was false.

Loyalty is based on respect, also. Few if any respect Trump. His “loyal” friends are turning on him every which way.

I viewed Trump’s visit to North Korea as a waste of time. I wrote and spoke of my feelings. I thought Trump ill equipped for such a meeting. I further thought Kim had bullshitted him. Especially re denuclearization.

Trump announcing a successful visit re denuclearization reminded me of Neville Chamberlain when he returned from Munich in September 1938. He was waving a signed agreement. Signed by Hitler as well as himself. Chamberlain cried out, “Peace in our time.”

It was reported yesterday that whatever the “agreement” was is not proceeding as Trump thought it would. Pompeo’s visit to Kim next week was cancelled by Trump.

I woke this morning to another piece of Trump news. He apparently had a meretricious relationship with his housekeeper and fathered an illegitimate child.

The Trump Tower door man was aware. He was required in 2015 to sign an agreement not to disclose the knowledge for which he subsequently received $30,000. The deal was run through American Media Inc. who released him recently from the non-disclosure agreement thereby permitting the news to come out.

Enjoy your day!

DOLLEY MADISON ALMOST CAPTURED BY BRITISH SAVING WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE A COPY OF WASHINGTON’S PORTRAIT

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Dolley Madison became one of America’s most famous First Wives this day in 1814. The War of 1812 already 2 years old. The British close to taking Washington. President Madison had left to fight the approaching British Army.

He told Dolley to get out soon. She was getting some things together. The last object she decided to take was the portrait of George Washington. No way was she going to leave it to be defaced by the British.

Dolley lost time taking the portrait down. The frame was screwed to the wall. Finally, she cut the canvas out and rolled it up to be taken.

The British at the time a breath away. Dolley was able to escape, however.

The next night, the British dined in the White House using the White House’s silver and china. Then, they burned the White House down.

Dolley forever remembered for her bravery in saving Washington’s portrait.

It was only later that discovered that the portrait was not the original by Gilbert Stuart. It was merely a copy.

Made no difference. Dolley had made her mark in history.

A unique experience last night. Dinner at La Trattoria with Mary. A new friend.

Mary had invited me to dinner. Told me at the time she would be paying. I said, no. She said, yes. A generational thing. Mary is younger than me generation wise. My generation, the man always pays. Hers, it makes no difference.

She wanted to make the point. I let her. Enjoyed her company and a good meal.

Cheated. Not with Mary. With the meal. I celebrated my hitting 200 pounds. Ordered lasagna. Gained a pound. Worth it.

Mary and I then headed to Blue Macaw for a drink. I was tired. It was past 9. Mary still alive and raring to go. I begged off and left her. No problem. She understood. A generational thing.

The bartender at La Trattoria an old acquaintance. She was the one who came around the bar and gave me the Heimlich the night I was choking. Bonded forever.

Today, a haircut at noon with Lori. Then a walk of about 50 feet to Sandy’s Cafe for lunch.

Tonight, the Chart Room. Several nights since I have been there.

The weatherman at it again. Predicts thunder storms tonight. Describes it as “light up the night.” Correct. Dogs and humans will be startled. Lightening at the ocean comes right through the blinds. Lights up the room!

My man in Europe. Paul Harding. On a three week vacation with his partner Ron. Harding has been advising me on European public urinals.

He was in Amsterdam yesterday. Outdoor public urinals commonplace. Normally constructed because men pee in the streets. I still cannot understand such activity.

In any event, Amsterdam built the public urinals to save lives, not to kill bad odor. Turns out in the 3 years prior to the public urinals being constructed, 51 men died in Amsterdam canals. They fell in the water while peeing and drowned.

One of the jurors in the Manafort trial has spoken out. Paula Duncan. She said re the 10 charges that resulted in a hung jury, there was only one hold out. Eleven were for guilty.

Manafort should swiftly move his ass to Mueller and cooperate. He has yet another trial. He will never get out of jail otherwise.

Juror Duncan an interesting person. A Trump supporter. Did not affect her judgment. Plans on voting for him again in 2020. Wears a red MAGA hat. It was in the back seat of her car while she was playing juror.

Duncan advised the deliberations were heated and emotional on occasion. Tears shed by some.

Saudi Arabia is seeking the death penalty for a woman activist. Her name Israa al-Ghomgham. Everything secretive. She may already be on trial before a terrorist court.

One of the charges involves violent behavior. She demonstrated for the right of women to drive, the cessation by the Sunnis of preventing the free practice of religion, and more opportunity for work and education for women.

Israa a Shiite Muslim activist. Religion plays into this also.

Trump a good friend of the Saudis. He should intervene on Israa’s behalf. He won’t. He was quick to say the U.S. would invade Venezuela. In the past 24 hours, he has denounced the black government of South Africa. A female life not as important as oil and racism.

Pete Rose. One of baseball’s greats. He was banned from baseball this day in 1989 for life for betting on baseball. Never bet on his team to lose, only to win.

It has now been 29 years. We are a forgiving people. Time for the ban to be lifted. Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame! Lets do it before he dies.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

TRUMP’S BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK

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Bad day yesterday for Tump. He took a double hit. A jury convicting Manafort and Cohen pleading guilty. A day where the fury of hell befell the President.

Manafort faced 18 counts. A federal jury convicted him of 8. The remaining 10 resulting in a hung jury.

I have a few thoughts re the trial.

The prosecution did a poor job. The defense attorneys an excellent job.

You have to experience the federal government on the other side of a case. The government has the power, money, time and top attorneys representing the U.S. Difficult to defend against. The government should have had a clean sweep. Eighteen convictions. Sixteen at the worse.

The defense attorneys have to be complimented. They did a top notch job. With little to work with. It is reported the defense’s cross examination of Rick Gates was outstanding.

The government will probably drop the 10 counts where there was no unanimous decision.

Manafort not done. He has another trial next month. This one involved to a significant degree with Russian connections.

Manafort would be smart to make a deal. Flip on the President. Trump would have done so already were he in Manafort’s shoes.

It was a double header for Trump.  Mighty Casey struck out. Cohen pled to 8 counts. In 2 of the counts, he indicated he was directed by Trump.

I would not say Cohen has flipped. He wants too. However apparently Mueller is not budging. Yet. In a federal criminal case, the best option where there are multiple defendants is to get to the prosecutor first and make a deal. Become the government’s witness.

Cohen may have waited too long. Mueller probably does not need his testimony at this stage to impeach the President. Or, Mueller may be making Cohen sweat a little before accepting his willingness to be a witness.

The deal, if any, makes me suspicious. Cohen pled guilty. Without reservation. His plea agreement does not contain a cooperation clause.

After pleading, Cohen allocuted. Spelled out in detail the crimes as he committed them and with who. Allocution is normally done at the time of sentencing. Cohen is not scheduled to be sentenced till December.

My gut feeling is Mueller has turned his back on Cohen. Cohen waited too long. Cohen now wants to play ball. Time will tell if Mueller will let him on the team.

Another unusual aspect involves money. Cohen’s attorney Lanny Davis announced on Morning Joe this morning that Cohen needs financial help. An account has been opened on GoFundMe. A further indication that there is no deal yet with Mueller. Cohen needs money to defend, not cooperate.

The world has not heard from Trump in any significant degree regarding yesterday’s results. Not normal for him. He retaliates. Brutally. He deflects. Changes the news issue to another.

It would be something like Erik Prince taking over the U.S. war in Afghanistan with contractor soldiers and all our military persons coming home. A bad deal for the U.S. Trump is excited by the concept, however.

Irma hit on September 10. The one year anniversary around the corner. Many Irma problems remain. One is food. There are still those without work, homes, etc. who cannot put food on the table.

The American Red Cross announced a $200,000 grant to Star of the Sea Foundation. The Foundation is non-profit and has been providing food to those still recovering.

The money was much needed. The Foundation a good place for it. Besides having heart, the Foundation as a practical matter has 20 sites throughout Monroe County for food distribution.

Before humans, the Keys belonged to animals, fish, mammals, and most type living creature. Man came and crocodiles as a group moved elsewhere. Back now. The crocodile has been seen with increasing frequency in recent years. This last time with a degree of humor.

A photo appeared in the South Florida Sun Sentinel. A crocodile floating on a yellow noodle in a canal near Key Largo.

Crocodiles are learning man’s habits. Perhaps one day, the crocs will take over and Earth will be the Planet of the Crocodiles.

On this day in 1992, Hurricane Andrew hit the Bahamas. A category 4. Two days later, Florida City, Kendall and Homestead. Now a category 5.

In Homestead, Andrew uprooted every tree, destroyed 90 percent of the homes, and completely demolished the Homestead Air Base.

I drove through Homestead 3 weeks after Andrew. Neither before nor since have I seen such destruction. Homestead was as if an atomic bomb had been dropped on it. Nothing left standing.

Trump went to Washington promising to clean the swamp. He has failed. He and his continue to contribute to scandals of every nature.

Last week, Representative Chris Collins, a New York Republican, was charged with insider trading. He has announced he will not run again. Collins was the first House member to support Trump.

The second House member to announce support for Trump was California Republican Duncan Hunter. It was announced yesterday he and his wife had been indicted for misusing $250,000 in campaign funds. The funds were taken to pay personal expenses. Like luxury vacations, kids’ lunches, dental bills, golf course clothes. Lavish spending. The couple were living way beyond their means.

The swamp is filling up. Trump and members of his personal family may cause it to overflow.

An interesting evening ahead. Dinner with a new found friend. Mary. At La Trattoria.

Enjoy your day!

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND…..ALL THE TIME

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What I begin with this morning has nothing to do with the title. The news for me is so exciting. Worthy of sharing.

The scale this morning reads 200 pounds!

I was 257 last summer when I decided to cut back. Nothing stringent. Smaller portions, less drinking and no bread. By November, I was down to 245.

For several years, I was tired all the time. Even at 245. Went to Miami for a heart catheterization. My fourth. Doctor said your heart no different today than 3 years ago when last done.

Why am I tired all the time? I was pushing for an answer. He gave it to me. Right between the eyes: Lose 40 or 50 pounds!

The next day was November 27. I got into serious dieting. Atkins. A low carb diet.

The numbers say it all. I have lost since last summer 57 pounds total. The Atkins diet responsible for 45 pounds of it.

I am into the diet. Not stopping yet. May stay on it forever. Not difficult. We shall see.

Oh, I have not been constantly tired since 225 pounds.

What goes around, comes around. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

True.

Harvey Weinstein got buried by the MeToo movement. Deservedly so.

Asia Argento is an Italian actress of some success. She has won two Italian Oscars. She became deeply involved in #MeToo. Helped bring down Weinstein.

Turns out Asia had skeleton in her closet. What follows occurred when Asia was 37 and a Jimmy Bennet 17.

Bennet now 22. He played in a couple of Asia’s films as a child actor. A mother-son relationship developed. Went beyond such a relationship, however.

It was announced yesterday that Asia sexually assaulted Bennet when he was 17 in a hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, California. Oral sex and intercourse. They also took pictures. One of the two of them naked on a bed together.

Bennet never complained formally till recently. He claimed the one time bed situation affected him mentally. In the five years prior to the incident, he earned $2.7 million. In the five years since, he has only earned an average of $60,000 a year.

Asia paid Bennet $380,000. She also got the bare ass picture of the two as part of the settlement.

Non-disclosure clauses in matters of this nature are not legal in California. Ergo, the scenario is now in the news. The New York Times released it yesterday.

Asia a pedophile. An imperfect woman who relished in bringing down Weinstein and others as part of the #MeToo Movement.

Some things have a way of coming back to haunt a person.

Terri is home! No heart attack. Nothing found wrong. God bless!

Tom Luna and Rick Dery were spectacular last night at Dueling Bartenders. Liz, Josefina and Mary there. Chatted with Sheila and Linda. Met Karen and talked with her a while.

Then to Blue Macaw for something light to eat.

Mary at the bar. I chastised her for not returning my call sunday. I wanted her to join me for a drink.

I was wrong. She had responded. She texted me. I do not do text.

Whatever.

We are having dinner together wednesday at La Trattoria.

Remember the Virginia Beach ladies I met last week. They were supposed to join me at Dueling Bartenders last night. Even got an e-mail sunday from Gillian saying they would be meeting me monday night.

The ladies never showed. Such is life. They leave Key West today to return home. I am confident they had a hell of a time!

Return to Key West ladies!

Iguanas are a pain! No one likes them. They eat your flowers, defecate in your pool, etc. They are here to stay, however. Too many now. Steps should have been taken years ago to get rid of them.

First there were geckos. Then iguanas. Geckos are ok. They eat bugs.

A new member of the group is now running around Key West. Lizards. This morning’s Key West Citizen in the Citizens’ Voice column reported a reader’s comment re the lizards: “The curly lizards have entered the graveyard; geckos couldn’t stop their advance and the iguanas are beside themselves.”

The Key West weatherman continues to have a sense of humor. He has a comment following every report.

Today, showers and sunny. He added, “A mix and match day.”

Tonight, thunderstorms. He added, “Late night music.”

I came across a list of quotes by women 50 and older. Number 1 was by Meryl Streep: “You can’t get spoiled if you do your own ironing.”

An oracle of wisdom.

BOB not writing today. Out late last night and had one drink too many. Hopefully, tomorrow.

Today is tuesday. Means my podcast show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. I enjoy ranting and raving. Fun stuff, serious matters. www.blogtalkrado.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

BOB…..M & M’s THE KEY TO GOVERNMENT CONTROL

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BOB’s back! Last chapter. Titled: Not A Shot Fired.

BOB’s concern back in 1997 the same as the concern of many today. Government has to change. People deserve better.

The question is how to accomplish it.

Violence not the way. BOB’s suggestion “diversion.” Whatever that means. Will take a bit to analyze the concept.

Voting the key. However, candidates must be controlled. They must obey the will of whoever. Not sure yet what whoever is. Additional analysis required.

BOB says forget a third party candidate. Never works. BOB says of third party candidates, “Nothing more than a fart in the wind.”

BOB asked Bob Smith what he thought. Deep thinking Bob said, “M & M’s.”

“Chocolate candy?” BOB exclaimed. “Have you totally lost it? You’re to take over the entire government with chocolate candy?”

Bob responded, “Calm yourself. It’s the money and the media stupid.”

That is how far we go today. It will take several more writings to tie M & M’s, money and the media together. Plus some other Bob Smith sage thoughts.

Understand as we go through the last chapter that Bob considered government officials assholes.

Yesterday, a lazy sunday for me. Did nothing. Watched some golf and old Judy Garland movies.

Went out about 6. To the Rum Bar. Lauri bartending. George and Art, Ingrid, and a former Syracuse law professor and his wife who worked administration at Syracuse. They left and Donna and Terri came in. Donna and Terri had earlier been to 801. Terri sang karaoke.

We had a drink together. Terri in good spirits. She reminded me to pick her up at 1 today to take her to the eye Doctor.

The ladies wanted to have dinner. I was not that hungry. They were. I opted out. Told them I was going to stop at Sandy’s Cafe on the way home for a Cuban sandwich. They went I don’t know where.

Terri e-mailed me very late last night. She had just left the hospital. They were getting ready for bed at 10:30 when Terri complained of chest and back pain. She wanted to be taken to the hospital.

Terri had a heart attack 3 years ago. Prior to the onset of her cancer problems.

Donna reports no heart attack. Kept Teri overnight for precautionary reasons. Terri was resting well when Donna left.

I am waiting for Donna’s morning hospital report.

Tonight, Dueling Bartenders at Aqua. My two Virginia lovelies that I met last week e-mailed and said they would see me there tonight.

Gillian and Rozalyn. I cannot wait to hear the exploits of their Key West week. The girls intended to raise hell. Gillian was anxious to go topless at Garden of Eden.

Giuliani kept saying on Meet the Press yesterday that “truth isn’t truth.” I read somewhere this morning that after Trump was jailed, Giuliani could visit him and say to Trump “prison isn’t prison.”

Note, I do not expect Trump to go to prison. Impeached, yes. Jailed, no.

We don’t send former Presidents to prison. Though Trump keeps suggesting his Presidential opponent Hillary Clinton should be jailed.

Entitlement to rights can be taken a step too far. Not every one claiming rights is entitled to them. I refer specifically to prisoners. People in jail.

They are somehow organized and on the move. A Nationwide Prison Strike is scheduled to begin August 21 and end September 9. Seventeen prisons involved.

The prisoners consider themselves slaves. For example, they work for next to no wages. On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner led an uprising of slaves. Ergo, the August 21 starting date.

September 9 has significance in prison history. September 9 will be the 47th anniversary of the Attica prison rebellion.

During the strike, the prisoners will refuse to perform any type labor, they will engage in sit-ins and hunger strikes, and demand major reforms.

Ten demands. Included being paid the prevailing wage in their State or territory.

Prison type slavery, being required to work for nothing or next to nothing, is part of the 13th Amendment. The Amendment allows for “slavery or involuntary servitude…..as a punishment for crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.”

Other demands include access to rehabilitation programs and an end to “death by incarceration.” Death by incarceration a life sentence without possibility of parole.

The prisoners wish to be “valued.”

Enjoy your day!

PUBLIC URINALS WORLDWIDE

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I wrote 3 days ago that Paris and Berlin were into public urinals. Open street public urinals. Paris for men. Berlin co-ed. Berlin’s uniqueness that women would be required to pee standing up.

Yesterday, I mentioned that CNN had picked up on the Paris public urinals and titled their news report Qui Qui. An excellent take on a French word.

This morning, I woke to an e-mail from Paul Harding. Paul and Ron are Blue Macaw friends who are on a European trek. They are following my blog while away.

Paul and Ron were in Sitges, Spain yesterday. Paul wrote that outdoor public urinals for men were common place in Sitges. Even sent me a photo of one next to a park bench.

Steges is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Commonly referred to as the St. Tropez of Spain. Property prices approaching those of the most expensive European cities.

Paris, Berlin, Steges. Anywhere else? Yes. The Netherlands, UK, Philippines, Sweden, India and Portugal.

We never knew.

The public urinals primarily for men. Seems they have a habit of peeing in the street. Could not understand why. Some communities install the urinals outside near bars. Seems men have a need to go when they leave, having forgotten to unload before leaving.

Co-ed public urinals where ever situated had a common denominator. Women standing while peeing.

What is the world coming to?

Last night enjoyable.

Made a sick call first. To Donna and Terri’s. Bear was neutered Wednesday.

Poor Bear! Fortunately, doped up. I walked in to find Bear lying down and Donna holding a bag of ice to the area where his prized male possessions formerly existed.

The three of us then walked across the street to Blue Macaw. Terri was to sing with Larry Baeder. The combination was terrific.

Terri and Larry are performing at Hard Rock Cafe’s Sunday brunch this morning from 10-12.

Spent a lot of time at the Blue Macaw. Chatted with Mary quite a while. An intelligent woman. A tour guide at The Little White House, an economist by education.

John showed up. His night off from the Chart Room. Joe and Andrea Phillips at the bar, also.

I woke as the sun was coming up this morning. I was downstairs making tea. Looked outside the glass doors to the walled in area in the back of the house. The white concrete walls, the brick floor and blue pool were all pink. Looked up to the sky, white clouds covered in pink.

Reminded me of an old saying. Suggesting rain heavy at some point today.

The dity most of us learned when young…..Red sky at night, / sailor’s delight. / Red sky at morning, /  sailors take warning.

Seems Jesus first memorialized the saying. Matthew 16:2B-3 wherein Jesus says, “When it is evening, you say, it will be fair weather, for the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.”

Even Shakespeare got into the act. In Venus and Adonis, he wrote, “Like a red morn that ever yet betokened, / Wreck to the seaman, tempest to the field, / Sorrow to the shepherds, woe unto the birds, / Gusts and foul flows to herdsmen and to herds.”

Trump tells us Putin is our friend. Friends don’t screw each other. Putin periodically does something adverse to the U.S. Trump turns the other cheek.

The tariff war between China and the U.S. is initially hurting China more than the U.S. Soybeans an issue. China uses tons of soybeans. The U.S. exports more soybeans to China than any other country. A massive soybean shortage would lead to political and social upheavals across China.

Putin has extended a helping hand to China. He has offered China the use of 2.5 million acres of arable Russian land. To grow soybeans to meet the large scale demand for the product.

I wrote and spoke recently what I perceive as Netanyahu’s development into an authoritarian figure. He and Trump birds of a feather.

Netanyahu has been leading Israel into wars in different places. He continues to wage war on Palestinian civilians living under Israeli occupation.

The U.N. says enough. Stop!

U.N. Secretary  General Antonio Guterres issued a report Friday recommending U.N. deployment of military and/or civilian persons to protect the Palestinian civilians.

Security Council approval is required. U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley says the U.S. will veto any such plan.

There was time the world would expect such vetoes from Russia. Now the U.S. is acquiring the tinge of the bad guy by vetoing measures that make sense.

Not sense to Trump, however. He and Netanyahu are buddies. Both freely elected. Now authoritarian. Reaching for the next level of despotism. Dictatorship of some sort.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

HE WHO STEALS MY GOOD NAME…..

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A Shakespearean quote fits perfectly into the American society of today. Concerns Trump and his attempts at destroying reputations of good and honorable persons. The passage from Othello: “Good name in man and woman….. / Is the immediate jewel of…..souls / Who steals my purse steals trash….. / But he that filches from me my good name / Robs me of that which not enriches him, / And makes me poor indeed.”

He who steals my good name…..

John Brennan a distinguished American. Headed the CIA, served under six Presidents. Trump in a moment of retaliatory pettiness stripped him of his security clearance.

Thirteen retired military and intelligence persons all signed a letter in support of Brennan.

Brennan in an MSNBC interview said Trump was “drunk on power.”

The New York Times this morning suggested in so many words Trump was not a king.

The President is out of hand. He is overly impressed with himself. An authoritarian figure envisioning that which he is not. However, that which he hopes to become.

Trump has said he will strip many other persons of security clearance. Suggested it was a punishment. He was in effect keeping a list and knew who they were.

Crazy!!! Nixonian!!!

The French have a term “les majeste.” Means it is a crime to criticize the monarch, tantamount to treason. Trump is not a monarch. He does not serve by divine right. He was elected by the people to be their President. Period.

He can be criticized and it is not a crime to do so.

Chart Room first last night. John bartending. Quiet.

Did meet a doctor at the bar. One of the rowdy ones from the night before. All from the Youngstown area. All grew up together. Celebrating someone’s 40th birthday.

They all live in the same area today. Socialize together. Their children go to the same schools, etc.

Nice. The good doctor a nice guy, also. In spite of the night before.

Met also a gent from North Carolina. Enjoying life, as he put it. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer near his left eye. He has had surgery, radiation and chemo.

The cancer has returned. He feels chipper. He and his wife intend to enjoy.

The cancer has left him without the sense of taste. Also, he has next to no vision in the left eye.

Blue Macaw next for a bite to eat.

Met a terrific couple.. Amanda and Kip. Sixtyish. Married now 3 years. They are at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park working as volunteers. They live in a 46 foot hauler of some sort on the grounds of Fort Zach. Enjoying their time at the beach.

Terri White sings tonight and tomorrow morning.

This evening at Blue Macaw with Larry Baeder. Tomorrow morning for Brunch at Hard Rock Cafe 10-12.

I plan on being with my lesbian wives Donna and Terri at both events.

So many wonderful people in Key West! So many good friends! I am lucky in my old age.

One is Mary Lou Hoover. Reminds me of Cole Porter’s….She’s the tops, she’s the Mona Lisa.

Mary Lou has decided to be a politician in her mid years. She is running for City Commissioner in Key West’s District 5. If you are qualified to vote, vote for Mary Lou!

The other day, I wrote of public urinals for men on the streets of Paris. Men stand up to a box on a poll and in front of God, the world and passer-byes pee.

I woke about 5 this morning. Turned on TV to CNN. There it was. The Paris urinal story. Titled appropriately…..Qui Qui.

Church and state are like water and oil. They do not mix.

Many have forgotten the separation of church and state in this country that served us so well for many years. Trouble rises because of the forgetfulness.

The Arkansas State Capitol. A major fight several years ago. One faction of State government wanted to erect a statue of the Ten Commandments on State Capitol property. The group succeeded.

Now comes the members of the Satanic Temple.  They delivered and placed an 8.5 foot of Baphomet on Capitol grounds. Baphomet with two adoring children at his side.

Baphomet is a goat headed winged creature. A Sabbatical Goat. His followers devil worshipers.

The Satanic Temple members take the position that what is good for the goose is good for the gander. If a statue of the Ten Commandments can stand, so too the statue of Baphomet.

Called freedom of religion. In conflict with separation of church and state. The problem would not have arisen had some religious zealots not insisted on the Christian statue. They and Arizona government forgot there is more than one religion in this country.

The rich get richer and the poor poorer.

Continues to be true.

The Economic Policy Institute issued a report. CEO’s receive higher compensation than employees each and every year. Employee salaries rarely change.

Numbers tell the story. Ratios of CEO salaries and workers compensation from 1965-2017. In 1965, the ratio was 20-1. In 1989, 58-1. In 2017, 312-1.

Wow! Are the workers of America getting screwed! The ratio  of 312-1 beyond belief. We are aware, however. One of the things that has to change. The 99 percent are entitled to live better also. Not as much as CEO’s. But better than they do today.

Enjoy your day!