Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married this day in 1946. They were 21 and 18 respectively.

Now 77 years later, both are still alive and married. An All American couple.

Unfortunately, our former Presidnet has been in his death bed for several months awaiting the inevitable.

A black man who is a disgrace to his race: Clarence Thomas. He continues to prove it with his Supreme Court opinions and life off the bench. His most recent dagger in the heart of equality his concurring opinion in the university admissions case where Thomas explained the Court was colorblind. Intentionally so, intimating that color was no longer a problem in the U.S.

Me thinks the man has experienced too much “good white living.” He deceives himself.

In 1959, the movie Operation Petticoat was filmed in Key West. A World War II submarine/comedy film starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. While Grant was in Key West, he purchased four Mario Sanchez wood carvings.

Three years later, Grant made That Touch of Mink movie with Doris Day. The four Sanchez wood carvings were featured in the movie.

A small world.

On this day in 1865, four people were hanged in Washington, D.C. for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. One was Mary Suratt. She was the first woman to be executed by the federal government.

The Middle Ages were weird and cruel. A dark period in history. The religious fanaticism of the Catholic Church and whacky medicine two primary reasons.

It has been raining a lot lately. Weather completely screwed up. Fortunate we do not live in the Middle Ages. Bad weather was blamed on the “witches.” Thousands were burned at the stake and otherwise executed for it.

We live in mentally screwy times. Will some group decide “witches” to blame for the inclement weather and renew burning at the stakes? Never say no. Recent history reveals whacky things can happen. A warning to be vigilant. Vote! Don’t let the nuts take over our government.

Experts are revising earlier forecasts. Now calling for an active hurricane season. Blame low record warm Atlantic waters.

The unusually hot Atlantic waters are being described as a powder keg that won’t take much for a storm to tap into. The hot waters being described as fuel.

The Happy Birthdays have not stopped. Still coming in this morning. Emails remain heavy, several telephone calls.

One of yesterday’s calls was from my friend Theos in Greece. He was calling from Corfu where he was visiting one of his children.

There were additional birthday greetings from Greece, South Africa, Italy and Thailand. Amazing! The most of course were from the U.S.A.

I thank each of you. It is nice to be remembered. As one gets older, a person begins to think he has very few friends. At my age, most have died or moved away.

Thanks again.

Enjoy your day!

I’m 88 years old today. Amazing!

I should not be. My father made it to 98. His father 94. His sister Mary 102. If I have my father’s genes, I’m ok. Interestingly, my physical problems were his. The aortic valve problem and parathyroid tumors. Runs in the family. Lisa was recently diagnosed with a parathyroid problem.

I view getting old like an automobile. After a while, the car begins developing problems. The older the car, the more serious the problem. Which amounts to no problem. The car goes into the garage, problem diagnosed and fixed. My hope is they can continue diagnosing and most importantly fixing whatever develops with my body.

My head is good. I still think with the same sharpness I had 30, 40, 50 years ago in the courtroom. It’s the body that fails me.

I may have celebrated my birthday yesterday. Inadvertently. Started the day with blood work at the hospital at 8. Then pancakes at Harpoon Harry’s. Laid around the rest of the day doing nothing. Loved it!

Decided to go out for dinner. Brady’s.

The bartender mentioned she was going to Ireland shortly for a one month visit. Her Dad’s birthday. He is going to be 92. I told her my birthday was tomorrow (today) and I would be 88.

She bought my dinner! How nice. Fought me when I left a tip. Refused to take it. I told her nicely I would be insulted if she refused. Settled the issue.

Chatted with Brian who was sitting next to me at the bar. He’s a chef at Mangoes. Also, Ric. Robert and Ally’s Santa Claus for many years.

How will I celebrate my 88th? Hair appointment at noon. Then lunch with Julia at Hogfish. Followed by nothing the rest of the day.

A Celebration of Life for the special Toni Tarracino has been scheduled. It will be at Captain Tony’s July 17 at 11 am. Everyone come to pay homage to one of the sweetest persons we all knew and loved.

I watched the fireworks on TV tuesday night. New York City’s were spectacular! One mile long. One thousand feet up. Colors galore. In the forefront, the Statue of Liberty all lit up.

Scientists claim July 4 was the hottest day ever! The hottest day in 125,000 years! Not healthy!

Experts blame the situation on the burning of oil, gas and coal. The burning releases “greenhouse” gases.

Many odd ball events have come to make up a part of the July 4th celebration. One is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City.

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut won his 16th title. Impressive! He consumed 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Amounts to one every 10 seconds.

Beat his closest competitor by 13 hot dogs.

Stomach ache afterwards?

Word is Trump is souring on Kari Lake as his VP running mate. She is a “spotlight hound.” Trump will not tolerate anyone who tries to or outdoes him when it comes to public exposure.

Discrimination in Key West this day in 1946.

Key West police forcibly removed two colored girls from a Greyhound bus for refusing to take seats at the back of the vehicle. The two were taken to the police station, where the police chief explained to them that Florida law required people of color to take seats at the rear of a public conveyance.

Not the time yet for a Rosa Parks!

On Twitter this morning: “What the fuck is wrong with Americans who aren’t on board with free healthcare. I’m Canadian and I don’t care that I pay extra taxes so a little boy in Alberta can have open heart surgery, or an elderly man in Nova Scotia can get the heart medication he desperately needs. It’s called taking care of your people. I’m glad to pay so that people can have a good quality of life. IT’S CALLED BEING A DECENT FUCKING HUMAN BEING.”

I agree.

Enjoy your day!

Happy birthday U.S.A.!

Two days ago, I wrote the Declaration of Independence was actually approved by the Continental Congress July 2 rather than July 4. July 4 came into play because it was the day the Declaration of Independence was printed. The error stuck and so we celebrate Independence on July 4th.

Another historical error involves the signing. Most historians disagree that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4. Nor was it signed on July 2. Historians claim it was signed almost a month after its adoption July 2. It was signed on August 2.

Apparently record keeping in 1776 was not as precise as it is today. The important thing is we won the war.

The major July 4th event tonight. Fireworks! At Knight Pier. Visible from most parts of Key West and up U.S.1.

One of the best evenings watching fireworks for me occurred some 20 years ago. Jenna Stauffer and I watched fireworks together from my Key Haven home. Two lounge chairs by the pool next to the ocean. A bottle of Dom Perignon. Fireworks clearly visible 2 miles away.

A perfect evening.

Banks can be a pain in the ass. Generally are.

Many Monroe County School District employee checks are bouncing because one of the School District’s banks could not handle payroll check deposits. Centennial is the bank involved. Centennial won the right to service the School District through a competitive bidding process.

The School District’s payroll deposit is normally $ 1.0 million. June 30 paychecks totaled $3.0 million. June 30 is the end of the School District’s fiscal year so deposits were larger. The School District had a $2.5 million line of credit. It was raised during the day to $3.5 million.

Centennial was unable to post the deposit to all School District employee accounts. It was too much for the bank to handle. Employees had written checks to pay their bills assuming and relying on the automatic bank deposits having been made. Checks bounced.

The School District was not aware of the problem. Centennial did not cover the “assumed” deposits. The bank did later in the day when posting was complete. Too late however to prevent checks from bouncing.

The School District should have been aware there would be a problem. Centennial should have warned the School District beforehand. More importantly, Centennial should have covered employee checks having full knowledge that they already had in hand sufficient funds from the School District’s deposit to do so. Fault appears to lie with Centennial for not doing so. An account as large as the School District’s is entitled to better consideration and attention under the circumstances.

The Keys Citizen makes it appear fault lie with the School District. School District representatives were apologizing and explaining all over the place. I see fault with the bank.

A question on Facebook this morning. The question: When is a retiree’s bedtime? Answer: Two hours after falling asleep on the couch.

So true.

Enjoy the holiday!

I published my first book in 2013. It was titled The World Upside Down. It consisted of a compilation of blogs I had written in the several years before. Those that I thought were of special interest.

Thomas Jefferson’s genius has always been given credit for the purchase and cheap price at which it was purchased of the Louisiana Territory. Historically incorrect. Jefferson favored the purchase because it would double the size of the United States. The availability for sale and cheap cheap purchase price were an accident of fate. Mosquitoes were the reason it sold so cheaply.

The chapter in The World Upside Down follows.

MOSQUITOES FORCE SALE OF LOUISIANA TERRITORY

Historically mosquitoes have impacted man and his decisions.

We who live in Key West are familiar with the mosquito problem. Was it not for local laws creating a Mosquito Control Board a number of years ago, Key West would not have developed as it did. Discomfort and disease would have run rampant.

The local Mosquito Control Board is funded with tax dollars. It sprays by air and land. Planes and trucks are utilized. Property inspections are also made of all properties on a periodic basis. The purpose is to determine whether pools of water exist where mosquito eggs might breed.

The local Mosquito Control Board runs from Key West to just short of Sugarloaf.

Several months ago a newspaper article appeared claiming there were 1,000 cases of dengue fever in the lower keys. A reporting error. The writer had not properly researched the article before writing it. There were only 5 cases.

Dengue fever and yellow fever are the worst of the illnesses that mosquitoes can spread.

This brings us back to the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was 1802. France had huge land holdings in North America.

He sent an army to New Orleans to open the port for additional shipping and French colonization. New Orleans and Louisiana were part of France’s holdings at the time. The army was under the command of Napoleon’s brother in law, General Leclerc.

Napoleon told his brother in law to stop first in Haiti, which France also owned. A slave rebellion was proving bothersome to Napoleon. He instructed General Leclerc to put down the Haitian rebellion and then go onto New Orleans.

The French Army was powerful. Too powerful for the Haitians. The rebellion was put down in quick order.

However, the French lost 70,000 troops. They died. Including his brother in law, General Leclerc.

The cause was yellow fever. Brought on by the mosquitoes in Haiti.

Napoleon’s orders were swift. Get out of Haiti! Forget about New Orleans! Return home immediately!

Napoleon decided he wanted nothing to do with the new world. He entered into negotiations with the United States to sell the new country the Louisiana Territory.

The price was a clear indication of how desperate Napoleon was to remove France from the new world. Three cents an acre! Eight hundred twenty eight thousand acres for $15 million!

A bargain!

All because of those pesky mosquitoes!

My motivation in sharing the mosquitoes background to the Louisiana Purchase today is the recent news that dengue fever cases had occurred in Florida and Texas. The number few. Four in Florida and one in Texas. The Florida four were not in Monroe County.

Enjoy your day!

July 2 is the actual birth day of the United States. John Adams proof thereof.

On July 3, Adams wrote his wife stating: “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”

The reason people believe it was July 4 is because the first printing of the Declaration of Independence took place two days after the Continental Congress voted to declare independence. Ergo, it is by accident we celebrate July 4 as Independence Day rather than July 2.

Rabbi Barry Silver has asked the Palm beach County School Board to ban the Bible. He is relying on Gov. DeSantis’ position that the school system should not be used to “indoctrinate” children. Silver is opposed to a number of things in the Bible.

A rabbi wanting to ban the Bible does not set right with me. His Jewish people have confronted and fought anti-Semitism forever. Does not make sense to me how he can be anti-Bible. Leaves me confused.

Bess Levin’s 6/29 Vanity Fair article is titled: “Trump, Who Has The Mind Of A Child, Still Thinks The Classified Documents He Got Indicted For Keeping Belong To Him.”

Trump so believes and wants his attorneys to get them back for him.

On this day 1938, the grand opening of the new Overseas Highway was held on the Bahia Honda Bridge. The new highway used some of the old railroad bridges. The purpose of the new highway was to eliminate auto ferries.

There was a ferry landing which operated between Lower Matecumbe and No Name Key between 1928 and 1938. 

Enjoy your Sunday!

Ernest Hemingway spent 9 years in Key West. Did some of his best writing at his residence.

If you have not, you must visit and tour his home on Whitehead Street.

Hemingway wrote mornings. The rest of his day was spent drinking, fishing and partying.

His home on Whitehead consisted of two buildings. One the house itself. The other a carriage house. The two were were separate, not physically connected.

Hemingway preferred privacy and quiet when writing. His arrangement for such was unique. His “writing room” was the second floor of the carriage house. Access was sealed off from the first floor. Only one way to gain entry. From a window on the second floor of his home to a window or door on the second floor of the carriage house. He used a board which he would slide between the two means of access and walk across. Then draw the board into the carriage house with him.

He was undisturbed. He left the same way he had gained access.

The second floor of the carriage house was referred to as his “writing studio.”

Hemingway did some of his best work there. His carriage house works included To Have and Have Not, The Old Man and The Sea, and Islands In the Stream.

Key West will fill up for the July 4th holiday. Many exciting events. Two not to be missed. The fireworks and Key Lime Festival.

The fireworks will take place at 9 pm in the evening on July 4th at the Edward B. White Bridge. Guaranteed exciting. Can be seen from most parts of Key West and U.S. 1.

It is strange that key limes have become an integral part of the weekend. This will be the fourth Annual Key Lime Festival. Strange I say because though the pie itself is Key West famous, limes are no longer grown in Key West.

The best part of the Key Lime Festival is the Key Lime Eating Championship. It will be held at 1:30 pm on the 4th at the Southernmost Beach Café. Participants are required to hold their hands behind their backs and dive face first into a 9 inch pie. The first to finish wins.

A messy champion!

I did a Happy Hour earlier this week at The Grand. Terrific! The whole regular menu is half price, as are the drinks.

Prices are reasonable to begin with which makes Happy Hour an extra special treat. The food excellent. Atmosphere soothing.

A place to try. I recommend it.

Elections matter. I repeat myself. I wrote it yesterday when when I titled the blog “Voting Counts.”

The Supreme court repeated itself also yesterday. Screwed up. Went too far in two decisions. The Court shot down Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan and came up with a freedom of speech decision which adversely affects LGBTQ persons.

The day before it was an anti-affirmative action decision. Last year the Court killed Roe v. Wade.

An observation. For decades, not just years, Republicans cried Democratic judges were “legislating” with their decisions. Republicans wanted judges who could stick to the letter of the law and not legislate. Policy was for Congress to determine. Not judges.

What is happening now with recent decisions by the 6-3 Republican majority, the Court is legislating. Made possible by 3 appointments. All by Trump. Their decisions destroying precedent are LEGISLATING. Plain and simple. They are determining policy. Making decisions contrary to the thinking and acceptance of a majority of Americans.

The Court’s composition has to change. Time for Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett and Roberts to go. Thomas and Alito first.

Florida’s permitless carry gun law goes into effect today. Thank you DeSantis!

Gun owners excited. 

Non carrying citizens beware. You could be more susceptible to getting shot. Piss no one off!

Moms for Liberty not what it sounds like. Actually a white supremacist pro-Nazi leaning group. Might be described as female Proud Boys.

Trump and DeSantis courting their support big time. Says it all!

Geraldo Rivera and FOX News broke up. After 20 years.

Rivera turns 80 next week.

Rivera has not been a perfect FOX fit. More progressive leaning. The “marriage” finally ran its course. Philosophical differences led to personal differences.

Trump does not look good. Each time he appears on TV, he looks more tired and beaten. His fire and zest gone. Things appear to be catching up with him. No wonder. His plate is full, the burden he carries too much for any person.

Continue enjoying the holiday!

Voting counts. No question about it. Were it not for more votes for the Democratic candidate, Trump would not have been elected. Had he failed, Roe v. Wade and affirmative action would both still be law. So if you do not like what is happening, vote Biden. Tell your friends to do so also and why. Three members of the Supreme Court who voted anti Roe v. Wade and affirmative action were appointed by Trump.

Simple.

The Supreme Court did it again yesterday. Overturned 50 years of precedent re affirmative action. Killed affirmative action with regard to college admissions.

 Justice Katanji Brown’s scorching dissent in one of the cases speaks out forcefully and dramatically re the wrong perpetrated by the majority: “With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces ‘colorblindness for all’ by legal fiat. But deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life.”

Jackson compared the Court’s majority members to ostriches sticking their necks in the sand adding “no one benefits from ignorance. Although formal race-linked legal barriers are gone, race still matters to the lived experiences of all Americans in unnumberable ways, and today’s ruling makes it worse, not better.” Continuing that the majority’s perspective in proceeding “ostrichlike” from the hope that “preventing consideration of race will end racism” is nothing more than the majority proceeding in vain.

Justice Thomas voted with the majority. Affirmative action resulted in his admission to Yale Law School. He would never have been accepted without it.

Thomas wrote a concurring opinion in effect claiming his Yale Law degree was of no value to him following graduation.

Let me say to the man: You would never have made it to the Supreme Court and achieved earlier legal success without it. Cut the bullshit!

Biden talks about correcting the Supreme Court problem, but does nothing. The longer today’s Supreme Court continues as constituted, the more destructive of American values it will be.

Biden must do something. I suspect he will do nothing till after reelected when hopefully he will have Democratic House and Senate majorities. 

Biden a Presidnet I highly respect. My message to him is fail us not!

The heat’s effect was obvious yesterday.

I was getting a manicure. A middle aged woman walked in. She was beat up and moaning because of the heat. 

It was obvious at Hogfish while I was having lunch. No air conditioning, of course. I was ok. Just came in from my air conditioned car. Things were different with Julia at the bar. She was showing stress. I asked her if the heat was getting to her. She said yes. To help, she had a special bag of ice in her back pocket. Whatever it takes.

Other female staff were evidencing the heat’s effect also.

Hot is hot!

There was a time when Key West was the largest and richest city in Florida. In 1890, the population was just short of 18,800.

Key West’s riches were achieved from wrecking and salvaging ships that crashed on the reefs and shallow waters offshore. Locals made their fortunes by auctioning off or reselling the salvaged cargoes.

Things changed rapidly for Key West, however. By 1928 when Hemingway arrived, Key West was run down and impoverished. Corey showed some photos the other night of Key West when Hemingway arrived. The town was comprised of run down shacks. Amazing that Hemingway sensed a flavor to the community and opted to remain.

Enjoy the long holiday weekend!

Yesterday was one of the best days I have had in a long time. Two events marked the day.

My first involved a visit with Dr. John Norris. He is my primary care physician. 

I had thought my monday heart doctor visit would be the end of three months of endless heart tests. It was not. Instead another step added to the process. A consultation with a Cleveland Clinic doctor. Realization hit. I am heading for bad stuff.

I contacted Dr. Norris. We had two lengthy telephone chats and then an hour long office visit yesterday.

I left feeling a hell of a lot better. I may be heading for some big time surgery, but felt confident. The surgery not a fact yet.

The problem is my heart stops beating for a second or two. Not good. Dr. Norris took the time with charts to explain what was happening and what two surgeries done simultaneously would look like. A pacemaker and aortic valve replacement.

I left feeling a hell of a lot better than when I had arrived. Knowledge is a wonderful thing. At least in my case. Has always been. 

I will be 88 next week. What must be, will be. 

Still hope I can avoid the surgery. Easier to handle another pill.

I have had my share of problems in my lifetime. Many doctors. Norris is the finest diagnostician that has treated me. His practice now a concierge one. Worth every dollar.

Left with a smile and confidence factor. Neither of which I had when I entered his office.

Decided to treat myself to lunch. Harpoon Harry’s for the wednesday turkey special.

Napped a bit in the afternoon. Then at 6 to the Key West Library to hear son-in-law Corey Malcom’s presentation of a history of Monroe County for 200 years.

A brilliant well organized interesting lecture.

I was a history major so things historic in nature excite me. Especially when well prepared and informative.

A good crowd of locals in attendance. A large number of them elderly women. I have been looking for a contemporary for years to no avail. Obviously looking in the wrong places. Must attend more lectures.

Met Russ. He came up afterwards to thank me for my blog. Said he reads it daily. Made me feel good. His wife hugged me. I have chatted with her off and on for years. My frail mind fails me at the moment, not my body. I cannot recall her name for which I apologize.

Corey’s work left me feeling good. Decided to treat myself to dinner. La Trattoria. Unfortunately, I could not find a parking place close enough. My walking has been a bit more limited the past couple of weeks so I must park very close.

Decided to go to Brady’s. A parking lot attached.

The bar maid has become a friend. A Ukraine sitting next to me became a new one. Even blew myself to a gin. It had been a while. Between Norris and Corey, I felt good and wanted to continue the feeling. Topped it off with lasagna.

Home in bed and asleep by 10. Slept soundly. Unusual for me. Woke at 6.

Overall, turned out to be an unusually good day. Hopefully, there will be more.

During my professional career, I made it a habit of knowing “my enemy.” Lawyers and parties on the other side of a lawsuit. Considered it vital to winning. Writing this blog, I do likewise. I occasionally watch FOX and listen to far right talk shows on the car radio.

FOX is bad enough. The radio commentators the worst. Vile and sick. Hard to believe the garbage they vent regarding Biden. Makes Trump look like a saint. Even worse, 30 percent of registered Republicans believe it.

A quiet day ahead. A manicure at noon. Followed by lunch at Hogfish. Then a restful day and evening at home reading, watching an old movie or two on TV and napping.

I have written several times over the years re Social Security. Wrote again yesterday. For whatever reason, rarely do I receive comments re the issue. Does no one care?

Enjoy your day!

Ten years ago in 2013, I wrote about the theft of Social Security. Theft by our government itself. Since I have written re the issue several more times describing the theft as rape and looting. This blog a reminder.

The numbers today are different. Increased. The $17 trillion overall U.S. indebtedness in 2013 now $32 trillion. The $2.7 trillion owed Social Security 10 years ago significantly more today. Factually, China no longer the U.S.’ second greatest creditor. China has been replaced by India.

The 2013 article:

The U.S. Government has stolen significant monies from the Social Security Trust Fund. Legally, of course.

The theft of Social Security is not understood by many. Even elected officials whose business it is to understand a federal
program as large as Social Security. Congress persons have standard talking points which are not true. They erroneously
represent to the American public that Social Security cannot support itself, that Social Security is broke, that Social Security
benefits must be cut, etc.

These Congress persons either know not that of which they speak, or are intentionally misrepresenting the facts.

You will find this column interesting. Guaranteed.

The United States is in debt to the tune of $17 trillion dollars. Who is the biggest creditor of the United States? To whom does
the United States owe the most money?

If you believe China, you are wrong. The largest creditor of the United States, the entity the U.S. Government owes the most
money to, is Social Security. Specifically, its Trust Fund. $2.7 trillion dollars and going up each day. The second biggest creditor is
China. The United States borrows money from China sometimes on a daily basis. The United States owes China $1.3 trillion.
Japan is close behind at $1.1 trillion.

The United States owes Social Security more than twice what it owes China. And more than its combined debt obligations to
China and Japan.

Surprising. Shocking.

Social Security is not broken. It has worked well for 78 years. The United States government is broken. Government has been
grabbing money from Social Security for years, has never paid a penny back, and from what I can determine, has no plan to pay
any money back. It has been made to appear that Social Security is a noose around the neck of the United States economy. The
people have been told that Social Security benefits must be cut so the economy may survive! What bunk!

Lets look at the pertinent facts.

Social Security comes out of every Americans pay check. An employer contribution added to it. The Government pays not one
penny of the monies deposited in the Social Security Trust Fund.

The amount a person pays into the Trust Fund over the course of a working life time is substantially more than the benefit
derived. A worker pays into the Fund generally for 40-50 years. The monthly Social Security check received by the senior citizen
is peanuts in comparison.

Social Security has in every year of its existence taken in more than it has paid out. There is always a surplus.

The monies Social Security pays out include Old Age Retirement Benefits (the monthly check), Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, and SSI. All out of the Trust Fund. A surplus left over each year besides. Amazing! A terrific
program Franklin Roosevelt put in place!

One problem exists. There should be a hell of a balance in the Social Security Trust Fund. Revenues annually are more than
what is expended. There is no money in the Trust Fund, however. The Government has taken it all. Continues to do so. And
never pays a penny back.

In the early 1990s, President Bill Clinton and Speaker Newt Gingrich needed to balance the budget. They came up with the
genius plan to invade the Social Security Trust Fund. Most of the dollars represented surplus funds. Why leave all those
dollars sitting around unused.

Clinton and Gingrich decided they would “borrow” the surplus monies. In return, the United States would give the Trust Fund
what were termed “special service non-marketable U.S. Government bonds.”

What were these bonds? Nothing. They were non-marketable. They could not be used as collateral for a bank loan. No sane
person would buy them. The bonds were nothing more than IOUs.

Good for use as toilet paper in an out house.

A scam.

It was thought that if and when things turned adverse for Social Security, the Government would redeem these bonds. In effect,
pay back Social Security. After all, the commitment of the United States and Congress is to meet the country’s obligations.

The Government’s ability to pay depends on its power to tax and/or borrow. Congress reflects neither past nor present desire
to pay. The Government refrains from even discussing these IOUs and their payment.

Where did all this surplus money go? How did certain Presidents and Congress spend the money. Basically, in three areas.

First, to make up for the reduced taxes on the rich. Thank you Bush 2. Second, two unpaid wars. Thank you again Bush 2.
Obama receives some credit also for not yet successfully ending the wars. Finally, other government programs that needed to
be funded and for which there might not be sufficient funding without invading the Social Security Trust Fund.

The process again is simple. Surplus Trust funds are borrowed by the United States. An IOU is given to purportedly secure
repayment. The money goes into the nation’s general fund to help pay for the tax cuts, wars, etc.

Certain economic experts have suggested a simple 30 year program to repay the IOUs would correct the problem and pay off
the $2.7 trillion still growing debt.

The real problem is no one cares about paying back. The Government took our monies and spent it like a bunch of college guys
out on a night on the town.

Social Security and Medicare should not be touched in any fashion. Other than to perhaps increase benefits. Another plan
might be for the Government to stop immediately removing funds from the Trust Fund. The surpluses would build up rapidly.

This sad scenario makes one wonder whether the Government even cares about the 99 per cent. It appears to me that all our
elected officials are concerned with are their images and friends. Not for anything or anyone else.

Make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

It seems to be working.

Visited with the heart doctor yesterday to get the results of 3 months of tests. The report is I am in good shape for a man of my age. Going to be 88 in 9 days. BUT. It’s that G.D. BUT that always comes into play.

The bottom line is my aortic valve stenosis has gotten worse. Now described as moderate to serious. May be heading for a valve replacement. Not yet, however. The other BUT problem is my heart stopped twice while I was wearing a monitor. Once for 2.5 seconds, the other for 1 second. May be heading for a pacemaker. A consultation being scheduled with a Cleveland Clinic expert on heart electricity.

It never ends. As long as remedial may be done assuring I do not end, so be it.

I have an endoscopy scheduled for next month to stretch my throat. It has been delayed to be sure I could undergo the procedure.

I feel sorry for those who only have Medicare. I have been retired since 71 years old. The AARP supplement covers everything else. Thank God I can afford it. I have reached the point where I am convinced medicine is a right. Socialized medicine the key. The opportunty to continue living should be available to everyone.

I stopped at Harpoon Harry’s for lunch after the doctor visit. Enjoyed pancakes. Delicious. Something I rarely partake of.

As I was leaving, it began to rain. Made it to the car in time. Poured like hell as I drove home.

Love the heavy rain summer brings. For a stupid reason. It washes the car. I’m laughing at the moment, but it’s true. My car will be bright and shiny when I get into it today.

No matter the final result with Russia, Putin has been diminished in power. His grip decidedly weakened.

Prigozhin will die in the near future. Putin’s reputation cannot handle the embarrassment he perpetrated.

The people of Moscow interviewed on TV are properly relieved. They do not want a war of blood shed on their streets. Can’t blame them. However, it means they will accept Putin regardless of what he does.

I have listened the past few days to Russian experts and their opinions. A few believe that the Russian people believe Putin’s reasons for invading Ukraine. Putin’s most powerful force seems to be his use of propaganda.

The United States a lucky nation.

On this day in 1829, James Smithson established the Smithsonian Institution.

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington is like nothing you would believe. And free. Available to adults and children alike.

It’s source an unbelievable story of generosity. In Genoa, Italy on 6/27/1829, English scientist James Smithson died after a long illness. He left behind a will with a peculiar footnote. In the event that his only nephew died without any heirs, Smithson decreed the whole estate would go to the “Unite States of America, to fund at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

Today, 19 museums, 9 research centers throughout the U.S. and world, and the national museum.

My recommendation, take the children and grandchildren to Washington for a week and do the Smithsonian! You will all love it!

Today in 1939, a most famous Gone With the Wind scene was filmed. Clark Gable’s: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

Censors permitted the “damn” to remain, but fined producer David O. Selznick $5,000 for including the curse.

Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 B.C.

The Roman emperor Augustus condemned the scene of the crime a locus sceleratus, a cursed place. Historians lost track of the area in the centuries that followed.

It was rediscovered in the early 20th century. The site is known as the Sacred Area of Lanzo di Argentina. Now, for the first time, it’s officially open to visitors.

I’d love to see it! If I make another European trip, Rome will be on the agenda.

I’m going out tonight. To celebrate my “good health.” I’m not complaining about it, though it may seem so. It is the many tests and doctor visits.

Steve Thompson called. Wants me to join he and Cindy for Happy Hour at The Grand at 4. Why not!

Enjoy your day!