NOT AN ORDINARY DAY

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I spent all of my yesterday into the early evening completing research and writing this week’s KONK Life column. Did not finish till 7 in the evening. Unusual to have taken so long.

It was the subject matter. The plight of the Afro-American in today’s society. Not boring. I approached the problem from a different perspective. I specifically addressed three situations. World War I’s Gene Bullard, World War II’s  Josephine Baker, and the recent Charleston killings.

I have discovered over the years that the writing of an article in the first instance does not take much effort. Once research is completed, the first draft goes quickly. It is the rewrites that take time. The devil is in the details.

I generally do three rewrites. To me, it is polishing the material. Words and phrases corrected/changed. Much like apples when sold in years gone by. They were purchased dirty at the fruit counter. Today, they come to us polished. Then, needed some buffing.

Writing involves a lot of buffing.

The unusual amount of time yesterday kept me from Father’s Day dinner with Lisa and the family. Dinner was set for six. I telephoned Lisa at 5:30 to tell her I needed at least another hour and a half to complete my column. It was already several hours late to the publisher. I told her the earliest I could make it was 8. I still had to shower.

Lisa said the meal was ready. It would be cold by the time I arrived. She said she would feed the family and save some food for me. I knew I would be exhausted by 8. I said…..Love you…..will not be stopping by. She understood.

My ankles came into the picture. I sat at the desk all day. By 7, they were swollen. Water filled. As if I had been on a long flight to Europe. It was water pill time when I went to bed. This morning, normal ankles. Helped by three nocturnal bathroom visits.

Caught the end of the U.S. Open. The last three holes some of the most exciting golf ever.

There was a house fire on Ramrod Key yesterday. Ramrod is two keys above me. All of 2 miles.

A mother and her two youngest died. Sad!

Fire fighting is a bit different in the Keys. There are few fire hydrants. The reason simple. The Keys are at water level. Ocean water sometimes 6-12 inches below ground level. Difficult to lay pipes.

There are a few fire hydrants near U.S. 1. The one for Key Haven is almost a mile from my home.

Fire fighters draw water from the ocean to fight fires. They have it down to a science. Works effectively. Hoses are dropped in the water and sucked into the hoses. Most homes have water available to them. Either from being on the ocean or on a canal.

Another police brutality situation the past few days. Owasso, Oklahoma. Involved a police officer from the Nowata Police Department. Shotgun butting of the person to be arrested while in his truck. After he had been tasered. Then again six blows to the head while the tased man was on his stomach on the ground.

All recorded on a camera. Interestingly, a camera set in the back window of one of the police cars.

The officer has been suspended.

Have to move! Anti-gravity treadmill later this morning.

Enjoy your day!

GENETICALLY MODIFIED MOTHS, NOT MOSQUITOES

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Oxitec continues to push forward. Arrogantly.

The fight is ongoing in the Florida keys re Oxitec experimenting with genetically modified mosquitoes. A specific key has been targeted. My key. Key Haven.

The people are against it. Local government and Oxitec in support. One step left in the approval process. Ok from the federal government. I fear it will be forthcoming.

Mosquitoes are not the only problem Oxitec seeks to cure with genetically modified organisms. The most recent, a genetically modified moth. A diamond back moth. Sounds like a snake.

Oxitec with the moths in upstate New York last September. Oxitec without local approvals experimented in Geneva, NY. Oxitec did have federal approval. The U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Now several months later, Governor Cuomo and his staff have become aware. Cornell University President Skorton has become aware. The people in the Geneva area have become aware. All pissed off big time!

The only fan of genetically modified mosquitoes and moths is the U.S. government. They treat Oxitec as they have treated Monsanto. An open door!

The mosquito experimentation an example of government secrecy. Similar to the Iran pact being negotiated and the Asian pact. Keep the people unaware. Secrecy the order of the day.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Then to the Cuban Coffee Queen for a Cuban buttered toast and Cuban coffee. Read the newspapers. Stayed a couple of hours. Cuban Coffee Queen is outside. Pleasant surroundings.

Last night, Jenna time! Does my heart good to be with her. I a few days from 80. She recently 28. And lovely!

Drinks first at the Square 1 bar. Then across the way to Origami for sushi. A good night.

It had been a while since I was last at Square 1. Mandy still manager. Very personable. A hug and kiss for me. David bartending.

Jenna is host of a TV talk show. She also manages the local television station. A talent. I fear her talent is outgrowing Key West and she will have to move on to further her career.

After dinner, I walked Jenna home. She now lives at the corner of Duval and Truman. The walk short.

Forty years ago today, the movie Jaws debuted. The book came first. A big seller. The movie which followed, also.

I had read the book, was anxious to see the movie. My family and I were vacationing in Hyannis on Cape Cod. My former wife and one of my daughters joined me in seeing the movie. My other three were not interested.

The movie was scary! No question about it! When the big fish opened its mouth and came at a victim, chills did run up and down my spine.

Went to our beach front rental after the movie and to bed. In the middle of the night, the shark had me by the throat! I woke with a yell and start! A nightmare. Scared the hell out of me!

Jaws bothers me. The rerun advertising describes the movie as having come out 40 years ago. My recollection is yesterday. How time flies!

I feel compelled to comment further re the nine blacks killed while in church in Charleston. An act of white supremacy. Slavery was banned via the Civil War more than a 150 years ago. The Confederacy died with it. Confederate ideology not, however.

Things have gotten worse in the six years Obama has been President. Not his fault. The fault of those whites who cannot stand the thought of a black man in power.

The same people are aware that the United States is tanning. Even now, more than half our population is of color. A number of years down the road, people of color will be running the country. Establishment whites cannot accept the thought.

Black people have been treated poorly for so long in the United States. I have been suggesting for several months that a future conflict will not be police against black. It will be black against white. At some point, the oppressed say stop! Enough! Their opposition will be forceful.

Shakespeare’s Henry VI mentions the worm turns. I fear it applies to Black America.

Enjoy your day!

NAPOLEON, HEMORRHOIDS, OPIUM AND WATERLOO

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On this day in 1815, the Battle of Waterloo was fought. Napoleon was defeated. His prominence ended.

Most historians credit the English and allied forces under the Duke Wellington for having defeated him. Others give credit to the Prussian army which entered the fray later in the day when the winner was yet to be decided.

Napoleon was a military genius. Not at Waterloo, however. Why? Why did he lose?  Did something other than the battle itself contribute to his defeat?

Napoleon suffered from hemorrhoids. They were bothering him big time the night before the battle. He was also suffering that evening from a bladder infection. He took a dose of opium to relieve the pain and help him sleep.

Napoleon slept well. He woke late. He had difficulty mounting his horse. He had to be helped. He did not arrive at the battlefield till around one o’clock in the afternoon. By that time the forces against him had made strategic moves and were in a better place to counter Napoleon’s moves.

Napoleon had the habit of riding around a battlefield while the fighting was going on. Personal reconnaissance. He could not that day. The hemorrhoids.

The pain/discomfort was intense. Napoleon took more opium.

The battle was a close one till late in the day. Whether the English or Prussians, the battle was won by the allied forces late in the day.

Historians rarely comment on Napoleon’s physical condition and medication on  the day of the battle. Nor the effect the pain and opium had on him.

In his incapacitated condition, Napoleon was defeated later in the day. I suspect he would have not lost were it not for the hemorrhoids and opium.

My yesterday began at Body Owners on Stock Island. The anti-gravity treadmill.

Then to my heart doctor, Dr. McIvor. To get the results of all the tests I had taken the past few days. A relief! Everything is ok. Nothing has changed. I have two aortic valve problems and was concerned there might be a problem with one of them.

While there, he complimented me on how thin I was. Was I still dieting? No, I was exercising. I explained the anti-gravity treadmill to him. I was singing to the choir. He has purchased one for his expanded offices. Soon his patients with bad hearts will be able to exercise without stress.

I am turned on by the treadmill. It made me feel better that he was going to use it with certain of his patients. Those who needed to exercise.  Starting slowly. I do not go slow, however. I move!

Last night, the Chart Room. Sheila and Emily holding court. And Liverpool Mike. I refer to him as Liverpool Mike because that is from whence he comes. Liverpool, England.

Mike recalled me from last year. Embarrassingly, I did not recall him.

Mike vacations once a year in Key West. This trip for two weeks.

He is a hospitality consultant. Arranges new restaurants and bars.

I mentioned to him last week’s KONK Life article re Portugal and drugs. I told him my research indicated that Great Britain was considering legalizing all drugs as Portugal had done. No way, he said. The big fight at the moment is reducing marijuana use from a felony to a misdemeanor. There is no talk of legalization.

I am sure Mike and I will share a drink or two together again during his visit.

Peter, aka Captain Peter, aka British Peter, is visiting from his present home in Oregon. Good to see him! Peter is special.

Che is under the weather. Peter is considering extending his visit to help Che get back on his feet.

One human family!

Word on the street is that Backspace closed. I mentioned Backspace several blogs ago. I went for dinner. Was not impressed. It appears I was correct.

There is a new Starbucks on the corner of Front and Duval. I love coffee houses! I went to give it a look.

The coffee aroma hits you as you walk in the door. Pleasantly. Adds to your desire to have a cup. The place is beautifully done. One negative. No table and chairs. It’s a buy and carry out.

It will succeed never the less. The new Starbucks will be patronized primarily by tourists. It’s location in the middle of heavy tourist activity.

Dinner at Hot Tin Roof. Quiet. Off season obvious. Had dinner at the bar. Diana normally a table waitress. Last night behind the bar. A lovely and charming person.

Jenna telephoned me yesterday. Let’s go out friday night. I said yes, of course.

Enjoy your day!

 

I FELL ASLEEP

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My blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou was scheduled for 9 last night. I was set to go at 8:30. I cannot connect with the internet radio station via computer and telephone till 8:45. Fifteen minutes to kill.

I sat down to watch a few minutes of an old movie.

The next thing I recall is the telephone ringing. It was Anna from Novara, Italy. Three in the morning her time. She could not sleep. Decided to listen to the show live.

Her call woke me. Where are you?….. what happened?…..she asked. I looked at the clock. It was 9:03. Holy shit! I moved fast. Did in two minutes what normally takes ten minutes to connect with blog talk radio. I went on air 5-6 minutes late.

At the end of the show, I explained why I was late. I fell asleep! I figured why not share. I am human. Falling asleep at the wrong time a human experience.

Do not think it strange that Anna telephoned me from Italy. Her cell phone has international usage.

The show, though perhaps hurried, went well. I discussed the McKinney, Texas situation. Added another Texas police problem that got buried because of McKinney. Austin, Texas.

A bystander was across the street from a demonstration watching. He started videoing the demonstration and how the police were handling it. A mounted police officer saw him. Mounted on horse, the police officer rode across the street, bumped the bystander, caused him to drop his cell phone. When the bystander went to pick it up, the officer maced him and the phone.

Not surprising. We have to remember that police officers today consider citizens the enemy. How far we have come!

This morning’s Key West Citizen History Section makes mention of Sally Rand. A popular fan dancer for many years. A controversial figure.

I met her once in 1964 at a cocktail party at Grossinger’s in the Catskills. We engaged in a 10 minute uninterrupted conversation.

The History Section mentioned the IRS grabbing Rand’s Key West properties for back taxes. I recalled she once owned a Key West home. Located at 916 Eisenhower Drive.

I googled Rand to update my knowledge concerning her. The fourth item on the first page was SALLY RAND – KEY WEST LOU. I forgot I had mentioned her in a blog I did January 14, 2015.

The two New York escapees, Dannemora Prison. The media have been hyping the escape, telling us how afraid the residents in upstate New York are. I thought it was just that. Hype. I telephoned some of my Utica and upstate New York friends. Not hype. Everyone genuinely concerned.

Dannemora is a town of about 5,000. Located 25 miles from the Canadian border. You do not know cold till you have wintered there. Dannemora sits in the Adirondack Mountains.

It is 135 miles as the crow flies from Utica to Dannemora. Note, as the crow flies. Actual driving takes 200 miles on winding two lane State and County roads. I know. Several major clients had problems in the Dannemora/Plattsburg area. A difficult drive, especially in winter.

Though I have not a specific recollection, I am sure some of my firm attorneys had depositions inside Dannemora Prison itself.

The prison is 170 years old. First time for an escape. One of the jail’s prominent guests for a time was Lucky Luciano.

I have to move fast. I do the anti-gravity treadmill this morning. I promise not to fall asleep between now and then.

Enjoy your day!

HAVE YOU NO SHAME?

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I had a 9 o’clock appointment with my heart doctor this morning. I did not recall why. Was on time. Turned out the appointment was for fasting blood work and an echo test. I did not fast. Had breakfast. Have to go back thursday to do what was supposed to be done today.

I am keenly aware that as I grow older, I see doctors more often. Very much so. It does not bother me. If you have  a car and take care of it, the car will provide many more miles. I see doctors frequently because I want those miles.

Today is the anniversary of the 1954 McCarthy hearings. Senator Joe McCarthy  was a combination of today’s Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton. Meaner, however. A thug in the clothing of a gentleman.

McCarthy was chairman of some sub committee. He got the committee involved in searching out Communists. Many lives destroyed in the process.

Joseph Welch was an able Boston attorney representing the Army at the hearings. McCarthy berated a witness represented by Welch. Badly. Welch looked up and said…..Senator, have you no shame?

It was downhill for Mc Carthy after that.

I have a clear recollection of having watched the event life on TV. My first year in college had concluded . I was home. An exciting moment.

Cupboard was bare again. Shopped at Publix. Always a pleasure. Ran into several friends.

Last night, it was Hogfish for dinner. I went early. The place was next to empty. I had the whole bar to myself. Ate hogfish. What else!

In between everything, worked on tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine, my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. I always say…..my time. The reason is some listeners live in other time zones. Every time zone in the United States. Italy, Thailand and South Africa also.

Topics tonight include how Portugal is beating the drug problem, why I think the Asian pact is not good for the United States, the 15 year old girl in McKinney, Texas improperly roused by a cop who lost it, Bush 2 working the speaking circuit to the tune of $10 million – in most instances paid for by corporate America, a police officer in Austin who went after a bystander who was videoing police activity and literally abused the bystander for videoing the event, and more.

Watched a great old movie yesterday. Night and Day starring Cary Grant and Alexis Smith. Outstanding music and lyrics by  Cole Porter. His life story. The producers took much liberty in telling Porter’s story. Not factual. Not the way it was.

I did not care. It was entertaining and occasionally brought a tear to my eye.

Key West Pride starts tomorrow and runs through sunday. Many events. All entertaining. A parade, street fair, film festival, drag shows, etc.

Enjoy your day!

 

TODAY A MEMORABLE ONE

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June 6 is already historically a day to remember. On this day in 1944, the Allied troops landed in Normandy. The invasion of the European continent was under way!

Thousands of brave men died that day. We will never forget.

Today could become a second reason remember the day. The Belmont. Should American Pharoah win. The first Triple Crown winner in years.

The Belmont is a happy event. Should American Pharoah win, another reason for this day to be registered in the annals of history.

American Pharoah’s victory will also give American people a boost in pride. Something sorely needed.

Years ago, I was privileged to attend two Belmonts. A client had a private box at the finish line. The races and partying not to be forgotten.

Today is the 39th Annual Swim Around Key West. One hundred seventy hearty folk will swim around the island of Key West. A 12.5 mile course. The leader of the pack a 65 year old local. God bless him!

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I hope it does what I expect. Gets me in better shape to climb the mountains and stairs of Greece and Italy.

Then to Publix. I buy groceries in small amounts. I sometimes think I do it just to get out of the house. Actually, the reason is I like my fruits and vegetables fresh. Especially the bananas which seem to ripen too much in 2 or 3 days.

I consistently comment that the national media does not share all the news with us. Called selective reporting.

There was a police gun shooting on August 11 last year. I became aware for the first time today. How many of you were aware?

The place Salt Lake City. Twenty year old Dillon Taylor was walking in front of a 7-11. He was wearing a tee shirt and sloppy baggy pants. He was listening to the earphones he had on.

A police officer showed up several feet behind him and shouted stop. Dillon did not hear him apparently. The ear phones. It appears that at some point Dillon did hear the officer. He turned around. As he did so, he began to pull his pants up. The officer thought he was reaching for a gun and shot him twice.

Dillon died within minutes. There was no gun.

All this was recorded. The police officer was wearing a body camera.

The video of Dillon down dying/dead one of the worst I have ever seen. Blood everywhere. Like a victim of war.

In less than three months, the local District Attorney issued a statement in effect acquitting the police officer. No grand jury presentation. The District Attorney said the shooting was justified not because Dillon Taylor posed an actual threat, but because the police officer reasonably perceived a threat.

The system continues to fail us. The Justice system is broke. The media fail us likewise. Selective picking of the news is not proper. We are entitled to know all of it.

Enjoy your day! Enjoy the Belmont!

JUDY BLUME

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Key west has had Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and other famous writers. The run continues. One of today’s is Judy Blume.

Judy Blume is a young vibrant 77 year old. Two days ago, she published her most recent book In The Unlikely Event. Her 29 published novels have sold 86 million copies world wide.

Judy is also known as the Fairy Godmother of Puberty. Early in her career, she wrote books for young girls . Regarding topics young ladies confront. Menstrual periods, sex, religion, etc.

Her early books on sex related subjects were banned in some quarters. The thought was too much knowledge for young girls/ladies.

Respected and loved. Another Key West luminary.

My yesterday started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Still not up to speed. Going cautiously. Tomorrow, I will blow it out.

Then to the Cuban Coffee Queen. Cuban cheese toast and coffee. Spent about two hours. Reading the newspapers and watching people come and go.

Bocce party tonight! At Don’s Place.

Fourteen teams comprise the thursday bocce league. Five of those teams have combined to have an additional competition. Sort of side bet. Those are the money games.

We won this season! Don’s Place. It has been four years since we last won.

The party is fun. There are trophies for everything. Even one for the most obnoxious (for want of a better term). It is known as the Larry Smith Award. I won it once. Though I do not consider myself obnoxious. Not even close. I think they wanted to give me something and the award was the only one left.

Don’s Bean Bag Throwing Tournament was last saturday. I keep referring to Key West as the place where adults come and become children again. Two sixty year olds won the contest. Don and David.

Life can be difficult. It has its moments. An event happened in Syracuse this week evidencing it.

A couple, 41 and 36, were having sex. They mistakenly used industrial glue instead of lubricant. Stuck together! Emergency people called. The couple were delivered to the hospital joined and bare ass.

An embarrassing moment!

I keep waiting for a story about the man who took Viagra and had a problem after four hours. Does it really happen?

Enjoy your day!

STACY

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An exceptional evening last night! I met Stacy!

Stacy found me. She has been a loyal blog reader for years. A frequent Key West visitor, our paths did not cross till last night. At the Chart Room, of course.

Stacy was with her husband Steve and friends Sue and Ron.

Stacy and Steve live in Erie, Pennsylvania. Parents of two. Steve is in IT with GE. Stacy a stay at home Mom. Parents of two.

I do not mean to lessen the pleasure of meeting Sue. Sue also a blog follower. However, it was Sue who went out of her way to be sure I knew Stacy was the one who really wanted to meet me.

Sue and Ron live in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Ron is in marketing. Sue a stay at home Mom like Stacy.

I was impressed that Stacy and Sue were stay at home Moms. And proud of it! A dying breed today.

We had a good time. Especially the ladies and I.

Along the way the discussion centered on  my book The World Upside Down. I chastised Stacy for not having read it. She promised she would order a copy.

My book led to a book Stacy helped author. Laura’s Gem. My recollection is Stacy wrote the last three chapters. The book was a joint effort. Several ladies involved.

May I be fortunate to meet up with Stacy and Sue and husbands on their next visit.

Sheila, Frankie and Jean Thornton at the bar.

Jean suggested we have dinner together. I begged off. She was into Hot Tin Roof and I not. I was not sure at the time we talked where I would eat.

I missed dining with a celebrity! This morning’s Key West Citizen front page has a major article on Jean. Key West’s Golden Girl. The story of Jean diving with Mel Fisher some 20 years ago and discovering a 21 link gold chain, a silver coin and an emerald.

Jean’s life changed. The Indiana school teacher quit her job. Soon she and husband Joe bought a second home in Key West. Jean is here 6 plus months a year. Joe much less. He still works for a living and travels often.

Jean leaves today. She will return July 8. I can’t wait to have dinner with her. A celebrity! (Though true, said in a joking fashion. Love Jean and always enjoy being in her company.)

Dinner was the outside bar at La Te Da. Monday night. I was alone with the newspaper. Duck the meal. Always outstanding!

My morning began on the anti-gravity treadmill. A wonderful invention! I never tire when on it. I feel like I could walk forever. As soon as I finish, I am dead! It takes me several hours to recover. I spend the time in bed.

I visited T.J. Maxx. I was not impressed.

Today is Ho Chi Minh’s birthday. He died in 1969. He was Vietnam’s leader during the Vietnam War.

Minh was initially our friend. He fought with our troops in Asian jungles during World War II.

Following the War, he made a personal request to Truman to support he and his followers in their fight for freedom from France. Truman declined. He said Minh and his people were of the wrong political party. They were Communists.

Sixty thousand dead Americans could have been avoided had some sort of relationship been possible.

My blog talk radio show tonight at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. Join me for a fast moving half hour of interesting topics. Many eye opening.

Tonight’s list includes Iraq and what are we doing there?, Obama yesterday advising certain military equipment would no longer be shared with local police departments, my concern–what about the equipment already in their hands?, Australia raining spiders, IRS employees who do not pay their taxes, and more.

Enjoy your day!

 

T.J. MAXX COMES TO KEY WEST

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I really enjoyed a slow day yesterday. Started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Next Lee Nails for a manicure and pedicure by Tammy. Then home. Never left home the rest of the day.

Watched some TV and read in the afternoon.

I subscribe to a World War II magazine. World War II History. I was 5-10 years old at the time of the war. It remains etched in my mind. The war definitely had an impact on me.

I enjoy reading stories of the various World War II battles. Yesterday, it was a tank fight on Makin, a daring attack on Guadalcanal, insights into the Nuremberg trails, and the Hitler/Stalin pact.

My plan was to stop at Don’s Place at 6 and move on from there. Never made it. Came 5 and getting ready time and I thought…..I’m tired…..why not stay home. I stayed home.

Not the best of ideas. I fell asleep early. Woke at 2 and could not get back to sleep.

The stone crab season ends tomorrow. The season may be described as bad and good. The take this year was 3,000 pounds less.  However the net profit estimated at $11 million. Most of the crabs were larger. The big ones bringing a higher price.

I love stone crabs! The restaurant cost this season prohibitive. The cost generally $10 per stone crab. Medium/large sized.

Sunday will be a big day for Key West. T.J. Maxx opens its first store in the keys at 8 am. I am excited. The natives are excited. The store is in the Sears Shopping Plaza.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my Miami trip and stop at a Walmart. I bought some shorts and tee shirts. Dirt cheap!

Several people not familiar with Key West wrote and asked how could I shop at a Walmart. Wasn’t I ashamed?…..I had to be embarrassed telling people I even shopped at Walmart.

Key Westers and frequent visitors know that the dress code in Key West is simple. Shorts and tee shirts. Suits, jackets, expensive sport shirts, have no place.

I have $5,000 custom made suits hanging in my closet. For 10 years. In addition to custom made shirts that cost me $340-$560. Ties? Yes, I use to have them custom made also at $160 per. I even have a custom made tuxedo that cost me $6,000. All purchased during and for my other life in New York.

I have never worn any of them since living in Key West!

I am thrilled we now will have a T.J. Maxx and soon a Walmart on Rockland Key. For me and the rest of my Key West neighbors.

My KONK Life column this week is Banks Hurt People. They do! The column has been linked to my two Facebook sites. Key West Lou and Louis Petrone. Enjoy, if time permits.

Bocce tonight. The last night of the season. We are on the bubble re the play offs. If we win all 3 games, we will make it. Lose one and I do not know.

The Amtrak accident is a disgrace in more ways than one. First because safety equipment available for railroads was not installed. The other the arrogance and ignorance of the western Congressmen who appeared on TV yesterday.

A House Committee was voting on railroad funding. The vote had been scheduled prior to the accident. The Committee voted party line to cut Amtrak’s budget $251 million knowing the accident had occurred.

The same thing initially happened when New Jersey needed hurricane assistance after Sandy.

The next time a western State has a crisis and comes to Congress hat in hand looking for money, they should be permitted to look and nothing else. Give them the same consideration they give the east.

Another observation is that Congress, whether Democrat or Republican, continue failing to vote monies for infrastructure. Our bridges are going to start collapsing, roads are in terrible shape, our schools with structural cracks and leaking roofs.

Congress fails to recognize that infrastructure monies create jobs. Look what Eisenhower did. He knew the Korean vets would be coming home and needed jobs. He created the jobs at the same time building the first national highway system. Prior to Eisenhower, we had no national highway system.

Enjoy your day!