Atlantic staff writer Mark Leibovich writes with tongue twisting humor. His article re the Republican Presidential primary debate this evening was published this morning. Its title: A Parade of Listless Vessels. 

The “listless vessels” are those most certainly to be watching. Trump’s MAGA followers.

Trump has already declared he will not appear. Leibovich makes reference to most of the 8 who will as “self neutered.” They who lack the brass balls to confront Trump. He labels them “impotent.”

An additional touch of Leibovich’s humor: “Would anyone watch a Mike Tyson fight if Iron Mike wasn’t actually fighting? Or The Sopranos, if Tony skipped the show for a therapy session (with Tucker Carlson)?” 

Being a political junkie, I will be watching however. The debate, not Tucker Carlson.

The Florida Keys failed a recent U.S. 1 traffic study. This was the second time U.S. 1 fell below acceptable Monroe County standards.

I read the front page Keys Citizen article several times. Quite frankly, somewhat beyond my comprehension. I found it hard to grasp. “Carrying capacity” threw me. I even Googled the term and read portions of it. 

Here is what I think. If I am wrong in any part, blame me not.

Appears to have something to do with speeds. Overall speeds have dropped below 45 mph to a new median speed of 44.7 mph. Seems pretty technical that the whole problem centers around .3 of a mph. Webster’s dictionary defines carrying capacity as the total amount that something can hold or carry. Sort of a help.

The problem caused by the .3 is that it could result in a prohibition on new commercial development. Such includes apartments and condominiums of which we need many. Private homes not prohibited.

The rating suggests the Keys are at “buildout.” At or above capacity.

A question arose in my mind. Do speed limits have anything to do with it? The U.S. 1 speed limits are ridiculous. Anywhere from 35-45-55 mph. That’s why it takes roughly 4 hours to drive Key West to Miami, a distance of 140 miles. If so, the problem is easily correctable. Adjust the speed limits upward a bit.

Confusing.

If anyone has a handle on the problem better than I, please comment and explain.

King George III was not always correct. He did hit it right on however when on this day in 1775 he proclaimed the American colonials were in a state of “open and avowed rebellion.”

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice carried a relevant comment to Key West’s medical care situation: “My husband and I are elderly and feel a sense of panic at what seems to be diminishing access to healthcare here. And forget about the specialists. Why is Key West denied the Baptist healthcare quality available to the other Keys? Has Baptist tried to buy out the local hospital when developing a presence in the Keys?”

Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker published an excellent piece this morning: As Paradise Burned, DeSantis Fiddled With Climate-Change Education. She wrote: “While the world watched in horror as Maui burned, Florida educators were busy adopting a new climate-change curriculum that minimized teaching about the dangers of global warming and distorts scientific information.”

An amusing line in Parker’s article: “It’s clear by now that DeSantis is Trumpier than Trump. Think of him as a modern Don Quixote: He’ll teach Florida’s children to hate windmills and love fossil fuels.”

Happy Hour at The Grand yesterday with Cindy and Steve Thompson. Mussels in a red spicey sauce. With soft bread for dunking.

Delicious!

Enjoy your day!

The movie Oppenheimer absolutely outstanding! See it if you can.

I went to the movies yesterday afternoon for the first time since pre-COVID. Steve, Cindy, Ellen and Louis. At the Tropic Cinema. There were 5 of us watching the movie. Our four and one other. Made me wonder how the theater made money.

Oppenheimer is a bit long. The movie’s only negative. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. A low grade tension. One of the factors that made the film good.

The movie is the story of the making of the atomic bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The background things one does not necessarily know. The personalities, political pulling, professional pressures, etc. Loved it!

Oppenheimer is an Academy Award winner. Best film! Its star Cillian Murphy deserves Best Actor. Matt Damon plays General Groves. A different role for him. Best Supporting Actor without question.

My age a factor in enjoying the film a bit more perhaps than others. I am 88. I was 10 years old when the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A few weeks short of entering the fifth grade. I recalled those days distinctly and shared them with my friends afterwards at dinner.

There was no TV back in 1945. It was the radio and newspapers. Magazines sometime. What I knew immediately at the time was from the newspapers, radio and listening to the adults around me talking.

My friends were knowledgeable also. Basil McHarris and Guy Cristallo. It has been years since I’ve seen or talked with them. Don’t know if they are still alive. I have a distinct recollection of sitting on Basil’s porch and my grandfather’s also talking with them about the bomb. Our conversations were knowledgeable. One hundred thousand dead, nothing would grow for hundred years, etc. These were the facts publicized at the time.

Since I am older than everyone it seems these days, when I shared the recollection/information with my friends afterwards at dinner they were surprised.

It was an early dinner at The Grand. August a good deal. Half price all day for locals on everything. Booze and food.

I had a good time…..the movie followed by good friends over a good meal.

The cornerstone of the First National Bank building at the corner of Duval and Front Streets was laid this day in 1905. The building retains all its natural glory even today. A beautiful edifice!

Japan annexed Korea in 1910. Korea remained under Japanese control till the conclusion of World War II. Japan maltreated the Koreans during all those years. Such is why it took till last week and their “let’s be friends” meeting at Camp David where Presidnet Biden brought Japan and South Korea together.

“Dog Day Afternoon” is a terrific movie starring Dustin Hoffman. The 1975 film was inspired by an actual 1972 attempted bank robbery in which 2 men took 7 employees hostage at a Chase Manhattan branch in Brooklyn. The robbery a botched job. The movie a comedic representation of the robbery.

Amazing how abortion backfired on Republicans. They finally won on the issue with the Supreme Court’s decision last year which was adverse to Roe v. Wade.

Republican joy followed. Not for long, however. Women and young of America joined in opposition to the decision.

The Republicans blew it! As they seem to be blowing most things these days.

I disagree with the title of the editorial in today’s Key Citizen: Middle Ground Is Where To Look For Climate Solution. Some things are beyond compromise. More than a “political” solution is required. All out war to correct and resolve climate issues is needed.

The problem is world wide. The U.S. alone correcting its policies is not enough if China continues as it has, for example.

 One even more disastrous outcome is inevitable. One no one speaks of. Maui hurting today. South California and adjoining states, also. How long can the federal government keep helping? How long can insurance companies continue paying claims?

Money does not grow on trees!

A lack of money will be the final “disastrous” outcome of climate change if nations do not take the bull by the horns and do something about it.

Book banning is beyond me. Those who support and promote it manifest a basic ignorance. Literature still remains the basic instrument for children to learn. If they uncover a dirty word or two, or a sex act, or whatever, so what? All part of life. They are going to pick up on it at some point no matter how hard the suppression is to “protect” them.

These banning nuts forget their children have cell phones and TV available to them. There is more than one way for them to be exposed to that which a parent might wish to protect them.

Then there are those parents, perhaps a better than thou mother, who brings the boy friend to her bed at night when she thinks her children are asleep. They can hear her moans and groans through the walls.

I became addicted to reading at an early age. Did not necessarily understand all I read. Nevertheless, struggled through many books.

My parents purchased a new home in 1941. Over the course of the first year, they also bought a new living room and dining room. The dining room set came with a china. We were not affluent. We had no “china.” My parents instead filled the china with odd glass pieces and books. Many books.

One a set of John Steinbeck novels.

I began reading them in 1943. I was all of 7-8 years old. I used to sit in a large easy chair in the living room. The Steinbeck novel in my hands. Next to me in the chair, a 3 inch thick red Webster’s dictionary. I had to look up many words as I read along. It was a whole new world to me!

I recall getting through several Steinbeck novels during those early years. The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men among them. The dictionary pages became soiled from constant use.

Not only were many words strange to me, things were also. Early on, sex was still not in my focus.

My love for reading continues to this day. I continue learning. Not all words are familiar to me. Several times a day, I find myself going on the internet to see what a word means.

My “reading life” has been a joy. The “bad things” I might have read did not hurt me. All part of the learning process. Again I must state how I cannot understand this desire to ban. Simply stated, books are good and healthy. A touch of trash here and there is not going to hurt a young one’s mind or character in the long run.

Enjoy your day!

The fears of climate scientists are here. Their dire predictions coming true. On a too frequent basis.

Maui and Southern California the most recent.

California has been hit with a double whammy. The anticipated flooding in Southern California now a fact. Plus a surprise 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Ojai, California sunday afternoon.

Rain that already fell estimated as a “year’s worth” in 24 hours. Flooding catastrophic and life threatening.

Global warming caused weather events have become too much and too frequent. What next? Hurricanes keep threatening the Keys. Supposedly bad times ahead. Soon. All we can do is hope not. Hurricane winds are fickle. They deviate. Key Westers know that from experience.

Barbie’s run as the #1 box office movie has ended after 4 weeks. Replaced by the new movie Blue Beetle.

Mortgage rates have hit 7.31 percent. The highest in 21 years. On top of which median home sale prices are trending upward. Something I cannot understand. If interest rates are astronomically high, people will not be buying homes. Ergo, house prices should fall. So far, they have not.

The former President in home hospice and the former first lady into dementia.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter are entering their “final chapter” together reported their grandson Josh saturday. They “are still holding hands…..it’s just amazing.”

Josh added, “They’ve experienced everything you can together. I think the beautiful thing is that they are still together.” Last month, the Carters celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.

Trump is being given kid glove treatment in his arrest proceedings. Makes the justice system appear unequal. I can see a former Presidnet getting some leeway/indulgence. However, not one such as Trump who has abused our Nation and its democracy in every sense. He deserves no special attention.

Another great golf weekend! Viktor Hoveland won the BMW Championship. Made 7 birdies on the back 9 in his final round. Shot a 28. Set a new course record of 61. Took home $3.6 million for his exceptional win.

I’m going to the movies this afternoon to see Oppenheimer at the Tropic Cinema.

Enjoy your day!

Doctoring has become different in recent years. Doctor visits rarely result in a face to face encounter with the doctor. Instead,  patients are examined, etc. by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Professionally trained, but not an M.D.

A primary reason is there are fewer doctors in many areas. Interestingly, most medical offices charge doctor rates even though the patient is not seen by a doctor.

The quality of care an issue. The present day system seems to work well in primary care situations. However, the jury is still out re specialty care.

An interesting article in USA TODAY exploring the problem titled “Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner or a Doctor: What Patients Should Know.” The article by Adrianna Rodriguez. I recommend it.

Yesterday’s Citizens’ Voice raised a sensitive local issue as to physicians leaving Key West: “I think we need an investigation as to why doctors are leaving the Key West area.”

I lost 2 cardiac specialists in one year. One by death, the other by retirement. My understanding is there are only 4 remaining cardiologists in Key West. Some primary care physicians have left also.

Why? At my age, I am especially concerned. Thank God for Dr. John Norris and his concierge program. I feel secure in his hands as my primary care giver.

I do not know the answers. I sense as many others do the problem. It requires attention.

DeSantis inspired and motivated school boards on the move. A most recent “gem” is one involving Orange County. The school board requires parental approval for nicknames. Part of its anti-trans policy.

The rain began last night. Came down heavy during the night. Sun shining brightly this morning. More rain is expected today. All part of one of the tropical storms moving past Key West on its way to a Mexican landfall.

Today is National Radio Day. Observed annually in honor of radio’s power to connect, delight and inform. So it is said.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Truman Avenue was dedicated 119 years ago. On this day in 1904.

If Trump keeps his mouth going 24/7, he will leave judges no choice but to hold him in contempt. Even worse, much of what he has already said will convict him in a court room of certain crimes charged. His mouth helping to bring him down.

Trump has opted to miss the first Republican debate. For 2 reasons. Both valid from my perspective.

First, he is way ahead in the primary polls. Why help the opposition to maybe “get him.” Second, he’s afraid of Chris Christie. Christie would “cut his balls off.”

Bess Levin in an 8/15 Vanity Fair article nailed Trump again. Titled: “Just Say That the Election Was Corrupt, and Leave the Rest To Me.” It references Levin’s belief that Trump is “beyond f–ked” in Georgia. The opening line of her article says it all: “The ex-Presidnet operated like a Mafia boss, and thanks to a new racketeering  charge, may go down like one too.”

South California soon to be hit with a rare hurricane. The anticipated hurricane down to a Category 1. Heavy rain in a short period of time the anticipated problem rather than the wind itself. The thrust of the storm expected to hit today. Named Hilary.

DeSantis’ reboot or rebirth candidacy more like his “last stand.” One in which he is not doing well.

Sad. Lolita the orca has died at the Miami Sea Aquarium after a half century in captivity. Lolita got sick and was dead 2 days later. Doctors treating her said it was the result of a renal condition. She was 57.

Lolita’s “beautiful spirit” made thousands happy over the years.

Hemingway’s words, whether in a novel or merely a statement made in passing, always contain a tinge of awe. Like: “I rewrote the ending to Farewell to Arms, the last page of it, 39 times before I was satisfied.”

Enjoy your Sunday!

The Chart Room was my bar, my place. I spent at least 5  nights a week there for 20 years. Generally from 5 pm to 8 pm.

COVID changed things for me. First, I feared becoming infected and spent the first 342 days inside. Only left home for a doctor visit or hospital test. Thereafter, only left the house a few times. When I did, I discovered my Chart Room had changed. So much so that in the past year, I have only been there two times.

The people were different. The locals I knew for years were no more. They had either left because of COVID or for economic reasons. A new breed of locals replaced them. Persons who bought during COVID or soon thereafter. Different from previous locals. The new group were know it alls. Difficult for me to warm up to. I’m not being snobbish. Merely stating a fact. One confirmed by the few locals remaining from the pre-COVID days.

Then there were the tourists. Horrible says it all. A different breed also. I can’t explain it. 

As a result, I stay away from the Chart Room. No fun anymore.

I have visited the Thai Island downstairs bar twice in two weeks. A winner! My new Chart Room! A locals place. People who have lived in Key West for years. The warmth and friendliness that once permeated the Chart Room can be felt. And the food served is terrific.

Last night an example. Met Steve at the bar. We were waiting for Cindy and her friend Ellen to return from boating. They go out on Ellen’s boat almost everyday.

Steve and I sat at the bar chatting for about an hour before the ladies arrived. Looking out the window in front of us on the dock where people watered their boats down. A worthy sight. Yesterday, one boat in particular. Two lovely ladies clad in what I would describe as less than bikinis. Good for a man’s heart and soul!

I will return to them shortly.

Suddenly a shout “Louis!” came from the end of the bar. It was Lori. Lori who I have not seen in at least 15 years.

I played bocce thursday nights for many years with Don’s Team. Lori played on another team on thursday nights. Lori used to wander the courts talking with everyone. Brought joy to each of her meetings. She was a “ball buster” at heart. Would tell you to your face she was one.

She was no different last night. Telling people on occasion what a “ball breaker” she was.

I went over to her and we hugged. She looked terrific! No change in the many years I had not seen her. It happened to be her birthday, also. Fifty years! Did not look it.  Youthful in appearance and attitude. 

I noticed that most who came in knew her and went over to talk with her.

Now for the two bikini ladies mentioned earlier. God was good! They sat next to me. Two extremely lovely women.

The one closest, Raquel. The other April. 

We talked. Especially, Raquel and I.

She had laid her baseball cap on the bar. It was labeled Fish ‘N Chicks & Nauti Buoys. Cool name. Her business. She has a fleet of boats. Takes people and families out for sunning, fishing, diving, etc. Clothing optional. Male and female captains available.

I have had the same cap for 10 years. Don’t ask why I neve bought a new one. Asked her if I could have one of hers. She ended up going to her car and getting me not only a cap, but also a tee shirt labeled with her business also.

I came out a winner. Good company, a new cap and a new tee shirt.

She told me a bit of her background. I may have the relationships screwed up. My recollection is Tim Oosterhout was her uncle. He was a prominent Key Wester when I first arrived 30 years ago. In fact, he went out of his way to introduce me to people. He owned the Casa Antigua, an old hotel on Simonton. She told me her mother now lives there and in addition to the boating business, Raquel takes care of the Casa Antigua.

She mentioned Hemingway. I told her I knew the story. When Hemingway first arrived in Key West in 1928, he and his then wife Pauline stayed at the Casa Antigua. Its name was the Trev-Mor Hotel. One of Key West’s first hotels. Hemingway had ordered a new Ford from the local Ford dealer whose business name was Trev-Mor Motors and was located on the first floor of the hotel. The car was several weeks late and the Hemingways continued to stay in the hotel till it arrived.

I have always thought Hemingway might not have settled in Key West for 10 year had the car been available when he arrived. The time he spent waiting for it was the time he discovered the wonders of Key West.

I ran into an old friend thursday at Roostica. I stopped in for lunch. Their Italian food is great. Especially their meat sauce. I enjoyed sausage buried in sauce, roasted peppers and onions. With a slice of thick Italian bread to dunk in the sauce as I ate.

Anyhow, as I walked in there sat Howard Livingston.

We both arrived in Key West about the same time some 30 years ago. Met at the Mangoes bar. Hit it off! Close friends for years. Then drifted as some relationships do. For no particular reason. He became busy as a singer, I with other things.

It was good to see him. We embraced mumbling I miss you tidbits, etc. When we first met, Howard was working at a plant in Chicago that made parts for diesel engines. He subsequently bought the place. Made it even bigger and more successful. Sold it. When he sold it, I recall him telling me he was going to take a million dollars of the profit he made and put it into becoming a successful professional singer. His dream. Love him, he succeeded!

We have been warned for two days to beware. Heavy rain beginning today and into tomorrow. From a tropical storm which will be moving over or near Key West. There was a day in 1926, in fact today’s date in 1926, when 8.09 inches of rain fell on Key West in 2 hours. 

I doubt the deluge we will face will be anything close.

Enjoy your day!

A different approach prohibiting Trump from becoming President again made the print this past week. It took form in an article in The Hill which reviewed a recent law review article involving disqualification in holding public office.

My blog today covers both The Hill article and law review article. The Hill presentation so well done that most of my blog is a plagarization of it. 

The Hill published the article yesterday. Titled: The Constitution Bars Trump From Holding Public Office Ever Again. Its author in an Opinion piece by Donald K. Sherman relied strongly on a law review article published in the University of Pennsylvania Law review, vol. 172, 8/14/23, titled: The Sweep and Force of Section Three.. It was authored by two law professors: William Baude of the University of Chicago and Michael Stokes Paulsen of the University of St. Thomas. Both are members of the conservative Federalist Society, which gives credence to the law review article.

A law review is a scholarly law journal that focuses on legal issues. A type of legal periodical. Each article deeply researched. A law review also provides a scholarly analysis of emerging concepts involving various topics. Lengthy, comprehensive subjects are generally written by law professors, judges and legal practitioners. Short articles, commonly referred to as “notes” or “comments,” by top law students.

In The Sweep and Force of Section Three, the two law Professors claim Trump is already Constitutionally forbidden from serving in public office because of Section Three of the 14th Amendment. The Section is known as the Disqualification Clause. The Disqualification Clause bars from office any government officer who takes an oath to defend the Constitution and then engages in or aids an insurrection against the United States. A disability only a two thirds majority of both houses of Congress can act to remove.

As Professors Baude and Paulsen note, “Section Three requires no prior criminal law conviction, for treason or any other defined crime as a prerequisite for its disqualification to apply.”

Which means Trump is already disqualified without a guilty verdict forthcoming in any of the pending cases against him.

The provision is  “self-executing without the need for additional action by Congress.” The Professors note that Section Three “can and should be enforced by every official, state or federal, who judges qualifications.”

The Professors further indicate that “the free speech principles of the 1st Amendment are superseded by Section Three.”

I’d like to hear what some other respected Constitutional scholars think about the application of the Disqualification Clause, including former Federal Judge and respected scholar J. Michael Luttig.

I find the Disqualification concept interesting. Whether applicable is for legal theorists with capacities far beyond mine.

Enjoy your day!

Boog Powell is 82 today. Happy birthday Boog!

One of professional baseball’s greats! Spent most of his career with the Baltimore Orioles playing first base where he helped win 4 American League pennants and 2 World Series championships. His 17 year career found him posting a .266 batting average, 339 home runs, and 1187 RBI’s. He was the American League Most Valuable Player in 1970. He hit 3 home runs in a game 3 times.

Boog moved to Key West with his family when he was 15. Still lives in Key West. His home in Key Haven. Graduated Key West High School in 1959. Led his high school team to two State Championships in 1958 and 1959.

He got the nickname “Boog” from his father. In the South, kids who often got into mischief were called “buggers.” Pronounced “boogers.”  His Dad shortened it to Boog.

I met Boog only one time. A good 25-30 years ago. I played golf. Was the worst. A 35 handicap. Someone asked me to join a group that teed off at sunrise mornings. Getting up that early did not turn me on. But, I went.

Everyone plays for money in Key West. Handicaps apply. Met Boog. He was in charge of things. He viewed me with great skepticism when I told him my handicap was 35. I told him I would live up to my handicap when he saw me play. I got my strokes!

I never played better than I did that day! I played like Boog must have when he hit 3 home runs in one game. I outshot everyone. Won probably $20.

Embarrassing!

Boog was upset. Made me feel like I had conned everyone. Made me assure him I would return the next day to give the guys a chance to win their money back.

I did not return. I would have been glad to lose to them. It was just too early for me to get up two consecutive days in a row.

I have never seen Boog since, even though I lived two blocks from him in Key Haven for 23 years. No reason, we just never ran into each other.

Boog, I wish you well on your 82nd birthday. I just turned 88. It doesn’t get any easier. Just take each day and enjoy. God has rewarded you with a long life for all the joy and happiness you brought to so many baseball fans and for the good guy you have always been.

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County urges residents to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and spend time in air conditioning. As to clothes, loose fitting, light colored and wear a hat.

The light colored clothing interesting. Makes sense. My entire life has been wear white or light where the sun is concerned. Yet the many times I have been to Greece, one of the things that made me wonder was the color of the clothing Greek island people wore in the heat of summer. Black. Yes, black. Men and women alike.

I asked several people why as I was curious. Totally contrary to what Americans believe. The explanation had something to do with black absorbing heat from the body as well as the sun. Add to it island winds and time had taught the Greeks that black was the better choice.

Modern day science has also established that darker colors absorb UV rays thereby protecting a person’s skin.

COVID is on the upswing. Some people have returned to mask wearing. States on the rise fastest are Mississippi and Louisiana.

Florida is experiencing the upswing also. Somewhere between 20-40 percent.

However, there is no sign we are heading for anything big. Nevertheless, the upswing is there. Exercise caution.

Winn-Dixie to become Aldi. Aldi is buying Winn-Dixie stores in the Keys and southern U.S.

Dengue fever on the rise. Mosquito caused. Thank God we have a mosquito control board in the lower Keys. One which does an effective job.

So far the whole Florida Keys have reported 10 cases this year. Though the number is small, it is of concern since all of last year there were only 2 cases reported.

Global warming is attributed as the cause of dengue record highs this year world wide. The year 2022 found 4.2 million cases. A record historical high.

A rule to relieve stress: Rule #1 is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule #2 is, it’s all small stuff.

Have to hustle. A haircut at noon.

Enjoy your day!

The Key Coral Reefs require another “massive sexual orgy” in order to overcome the death throes they are presently suffering due to the unusually hot water temperatures.

The Key reefs are dying. There was a time when they experienced annual mass spawnings. In an effort to attract tourists in 1995, the spawnings were described as a “massive sexual orgy.” 

The federal courthouse in Key West on the corner of Simonton and Caroline streets is a magnificent structure. Construction on the building began this day in 1931.

Rudy Giuliani is out of his mind! He is on the attack in the Trump cases. Attacking the prosecution.

He’s nuts! He should be working hard to make a deal for himself. One where he will be testifying against Trump. It’s called cooperation. Otherwise, Giuliani will be facing a long time in jail. His conduct over the years lying for Trump may cause a deal he might make to require some jail time. Better than the long term he will face if he opts to try any cases where he is named as a defendant.

Could be there have been negotiations and an offer has been made to Giuliani. One which he might have found insufficient from his perspective. Such might be the reason why he continues his support of Trump.

It’s every man for himself at this point.

Giuliani was once a great attorney and public figure. He lost his way over the years. Time to find it again. I’m unaware whether they sell hair dye in jail commissaries. 

Will Trump show up for next week’s debate? The question of the moment. 

Interesting.

If he does, Christie will destroy him.

It is impossible for the Georgia case to be tried before the 2024 election as the case is presently structured. Too many defendants. Nineteen makes for a long trial. RICO cases take a long time to try besides. My guess is it will take at least 1-2 months to try the case.

Clarence Thomas has been on the wrong side ethically since he was sworn in. He failed to see what his sudden favor with billionaires represented. He accepted the trips, etc. with glee. His wife a cohort.

He is a disgrace to the position he holds. He has tarnished the honor of the robe he wears.

Time for him to go. It is also time for the Supreme Court to be governed with a code of conduct to assure another Thomas situation does not occur.

There are a number of sicknesses permeating our society. One involves the bald faced lies spread by conspiracy theorists. The most recent and most dastardly is that the U.S. government used lasers to start the Maui wildfires. On purpose!

The reason: The government wants to turn Maui into a “smart island.” I’m waiting for them to claim Biden was fiddling as Maui burned as Nero purportedly fiddled while Rome burned.

Even worse, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are spreading the claims. Millions have read them. Without any warning that the representations being made are entirely false.

Trump fears the unindicted co-conspirators in the January 6 case will turn on him to save themselves.

They should. Some will. Their call is clear. Testify to the truth against Trump or get convicted and go to jail. Trump is not entitled to “loyalty” in this circumstance.

Insanity grows. Carrying with it dangers not normally contemplated.

Most recent example of MAGA craziness is the MAGA hysteria about bombing Mexico. Why? To stop the flow of fentanyl from Mexican drug cartels. Securing our borders a secondary concern.

DeSantis is on the bandwagon. He recently declared he’s prepared to authorize drone strikes as well as blockading Mexican ports. War on a friendly neighbor? We need DeSantis as our Presidnet with the same certainty we need to blow a hole in our heads.

Happy hour last night with Steve Thompson at The Grand. 

The past 3 weeks, tuesday night happy hour has been packed. Last night, three of us. Steve, Louis and Ed. Even Matt not there. He’s in Cancun vacationing with his partner. Met Jerry who was filling in as bartender.

Still a good time. I enjoy my conversations with Steve. He is an oracle of knowledge when it comes to old Key West.

Key West was dead. No question the town has reverted to pre-COVID days. I like it. Peace and quiet needed on occasion. I was able to park on Duval in front of The Grand. Driving down Duval afterwards on the way home, I passed by La Trattoria. It was 7 o’clock. I could see through the window the bar was next to empty. Summer time Key West!

Enjoy your day!

Finally, Georgia indicts Trump!

A 98 page indictment listing 19 defendants and 41 criminal counts. The charge racketeering. 

Trump’s own mouth convicts him. A telephone call the world has heard numerous times.

Trump now faces indictment in 4 different jurisdictions. Impossible for him to come up a winner.

Each criminal case a nail in the coffin. Makes me wonder how those who support him for the Republican nomination can continue to do so.

A bit of Key West history. This day in 1924 construction began on the La Concha Hotel.

David Wolkowsky, the father of modern Key West, purchased this day in 1978 the Kress Building on the corner of Duval and Fleming Streets for $210,000. The Kress Building for years was home to Fast Buck Freddie’s on the first floor and Wolkowky’s penthouse on the roof. In between on the second floor were Jimmy Buffett’s and the Monroe County Sheriff’s offices.

Today Fast Buck Freddie’s has been replaced with a CVS. How things change!

The Woodstock Music Festival opened in Bethel, N.Y. this day in 1969. Key West’s Larry Smith and Christine Cordone were there!

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville basks in his prolonged 15 minutes. Doing damage to the nation he swore to protect. He continues his “one vote” anti-abortion policy which blocks a Senate vote on a bill to confirm military promotions. Previously, a pro forma vote.

His position is nationally unpopular. Nevertheless, Tuberville continues his hard headed adamancy. 

As a result, the Army, Navy and Marines are without confirmed leaders.

The man is an asshole!

Today a Catholic feast day. The Assumption of Mary. A dogma of faith for Catholics. Jesus’ Mother ascended into Heaven, never having died as mortals do.

Assumption is a holy day of obligation for Catholics requiring Mass attendance.

Florida has many strange laws. Weird. Especially under DeSantis.

One DeSantis is not responsible for is a Florida law that makes it illegal to sing when you’re in your swimsuit.

Manicure yesterday with Tammy. The slow summer season impacting her business. Me and few other customers. Normal, however. That’s the way it is this time of year.

Tonight The Grand with Steve and Cindy Thompson.

Enjoy your day!

It was the Iowa Fair this weekend. No other candidate attracted as many supporters as Donald Trump. Like flies to flypaper!

Trump has come far since 2016. He has made a significant number of Americans as bad as himself.

Our country is in trouble if Trump wins next year. The United States will be no more.

Our path will be defined. Clear. The U.S. will be as Germany was in the 1930’s under Hitler and Japan under Tojo. What finally happened to Germany and Japan some 12 years later will happen to the U.S. It will be Germany and Japan’s 1945 for us.

So wise up, my friends. Vote Democrat in 2024. Tell your friends to do so also. We do not want to be what could be the inevitable.

Maui is a tragedy. The number of dead has reached 96. It will grow and be significantly more. The number of persons unaccounted for is in the thousands.

We MUST address climate change! More so than we have been doing. And convince the rest of the world to join with us in the task.

God is good. So is Oprah Winfrey. Oprah is already on the front lines in Maui helping.

She owns a part time home and 2,000 acres on Maui.

Oprah calls the disaster “overwhelming.”

She arrived on Maui thursday and could be seen handing out supplies at a relief station. Her purpose in going to Maui was to see first hand and determine her strategy to help. The handing out of supplies was merely a minor additional assist.

Oprah also went “to Walmart and Costco and got pillows, shampoo, diapers, sheets and pillowcases.”

Oprah is known for her generosity. It is expected her hands on help will be bolstered with large dollar contributions.

Jeff Bezos and Clint Eastwood also own homes on Maui and are helping.

The long awaited Georgia indictments may be the most interesting of all. It “will name” names and hopefully indict some “big shots” involved. Names that may surprise some of us. 

America wants to know who they are!

Great golf again! The final round of the Fed Ex St. Jude Tournament. Lucas Glover, the old man at 43, won for the second week in a row. This time in a playoff.

Glover was drenched in sweat at the end. Dunking his hands on the last few holes in the ice laden water cooler at each tee.

Glover’s hard work worth it in more than just the victory. He took home $3.6 million for first place.

Diana Nyad has an Opinion piece in this morning’s New York Times: What It’s Like to Swim in an Ocean That’s 100 Degrees.

Key West’s well known friend wrote: “Ten years ago, I swam from Cuba to Florida. I couldn’t make that swim today.” The reason obvious. The water too hot. In addition however, in such hot water the body heat Nyad, or anyone else, would generate would quickly lead to overheating and fatigue. Hyperthermia would conquer even the strongest of wills.

Enjoy your day!