SIT AT ATTENTION OR DIE

Posted on by

 

Trump is enamoured with authoritarian figures. He especially admires people who permit their leaders to enjoy absolute power.

Simply stated, means that Trump when he speaks does not know what he is talking about.

A perfect example is his new found relationship with Kim Jong Un.

Trump said he wants “my people” to “sit up at attention” as they do in North Korea when Kim speaks.

If Trump knew anything about recent North Korean history, he would be aware that they do so because they fear death.

Two 2016 episodes are proof.

A deputy premier for education was executed by a firing squad for exhibiting “disrespectful posture” in a meeting. A general fell asleep in a meeting. He was executed with an anti-aircraft gun.

Kim randomly executes anyone in his way. Before Trump’s visit, three generals. Last year, a half brother by chemical poisoning at a Malaysian airport. An uncle he had killed with anti-aircraft machine guns following which the body was incinerated with flamethrowers.

Nice guy!

Trump loves dictators. I suspect because he wants to be one. He forgets he was elected to represent the people, not the people to represent him.

Authoritarian figures are sick dogs. Go to bed with a dog who has fleas and you wake up with fleas. Trump does not see this. He does not care. He wants to be one of them.

Here is what being one of them means if Kim is a man you admire.

Rule by fear. Kim has concentration/detention camps. Holding more than 120,000 at any given time. Most are political enemies. Some economic, others for retraining.

No trial. Arrested and sent away. Not just the accused. The accused’s entire family Covering three generations. Yours, the elders behind you and the young ones next in line. Kim believes arrest one member of a family and the rest remember and will do you harm. So he automatically arrests three generations at one time.

Camp numbers remain the same because those sent do not live long. Kim starves them. Death keeps the numbers at a maintainable level. In addition to starvation, torture, disease, arbitrary brutality, and execution.

Kim needs money first and foremost for weapons and luxuries. Luxuries for North Korea’s ruling elite. Not to feed the Korean people, in or out of jail.

There are many camps. Only one experiments on human subjects. Pregnancies a problem. Even in a concentration camp, people find ways to mate. Kim’s solution abortion. Done by shooting a hypodermic needle filled with gasoline into a woman’s stomach.

Children educated from day one to have absolute obedience to Kim. They turn into cult figures. They are also taught to hate the official enemies of North Korea: The U.S. and Japan.

Christianity is considered a serious threat. Practice of any Christian religion forbidden. Caught reading a Bible results in instantaneous execution.

Trump is a bad guy in his own right. Look at the discourse he has created. In only 1.5 years. His own party is afraid to speak up against him.

Trump has another 2.5 years in office. How much more damage will he do?

My greatest fear is that there will be no Presidential election in 2020. You may think me crazy. However consider the wrongs he has wrought so far.

In recent days, Trump has said how nice it was that Kim is a leader for life. No election. China’s Xi was recently elected President for life. Putin wins in Russia continuously, forgetting that Putin kills or jails his opposition.

Trump wants to be them.

JEAN THORNTON RETURNS

Posted on by

Jean Thornton is back! Following a one month European trip with husband Joe.

Jean in Key West for three weeks. Joe back home in Birmingham working.

Ran into Jean last night at the Chart Room. She got in the day before. Took her four days to fly from Birmingham to Key West. Alberto to blame. She made it to Atlanta the first time only to return to Birmingham.

The European trip was grand. They saw everything. Interestingly, never tired.

Jean is the best! She was my hostess for 12 days when I was escaping Irma. She took in 7 evacuees and 3 dogs from Key West.

Jean is Key West famous. She is referred to as the Key West Golden Girl. Some years ago while diving with Mel Fisher, she came upon gold and emeralds. Changed her life!

Love you, Jean! Everyone in Key West does!

The Chart Room busy last night. John bartending. Sheila and Kevin at opposite ends of the bar. Dan and Stephanie came in. From Ohio. they have rented a condo in Key West for a month. We met last week. At the Chart Room, of course.

Tonight, Dan and Stephanie are having a Meet and Greet for candidate Greg Daniels in the courtyard of their residence at 619 Simonton Street. From 5:30-7:30. Drop in and say hello to Greg.

Jean introduced me to Adam. From England. A frequent Key West visitor over the years.

A quick trip to Publix following the Chart Room. Cupboard really  bare. Down to bottled water.

The Key West edition of the Florida Weekly selected Tom Luna as Bartender of the Week. The article refers to Tom as “Key West Royalty.” He is.

Tom has been a Key Wester for 30 years. Well loved by everyone. He is half of the Dueling Bartenders who perform monday nights at Aqua. The rest of the week he is tending bar at the Marker Resort.

I am always learning. Luna’s article revealed to me that Tom initially had been a ballet dancer. Trained and so educated. Performed professionally for years.

I am smiling as I type the following: It would be amusing to see Tom in tights today. He has put on a few pounds.

Alberto did do some damage to southwest Florida beaches. Alberto landed further north. However, the water was in turmoil all the way down to the Keys.

Affected on the beaches were turtle nests. Each containing many eggs. The nesting season began May 1. Some nests were washed away, others drowned in water.

Three brave guys. I refer to the three who kayaked from Cuba to Stock Island. In not the best of weather.

The three left Cuba 7:15 in the morning. An overnighter. They arrived on Stock Island 10:30 the next morning. The trip took 27 hours, 12 minutes, 30 seconds. A new record for solo rowing without stopping and resting.

The weather is getting better. Slowly. Still raining. Not as much. The sun sneaked  in a few times yesterday, but not for long. The day gray.

Weather reports tell us the sun will return for sunday and monday.

I love it when merchants check $100 and $20 bills. Too many counterfeits around. There was a time bills were not involved. Nickels were the big thing in the counterfeiting trade.

Today’s Key West Citizen’s Keys History section reported that on this day in 1890 counterfeit nickels were being passed in Key West.

The Trump/Kim Summit still on for June 12. Kim seems to be bending over backwards to make sure the Summit proceeds.

Stomach diplomacy involved.

Kim is aware of Trump’s love of the American fast burger. He wished he could have had the time to arrange for an American burger chain  to open in Pyongyang. As a “show of good will.”

Two things are certain. Without fail. Death and change.

Change upon us again. Sears announced early this morning it was closing 72 more stores. The list of stores will be posted later in the day.

The mighty fall. I can recall how unbelievable to me it was when years ago Eastern Airlines closed down. A major U.S. airline. How could it be, I thought.

The next major closing that blew me out was Montgomery Ward.

Change is the way of the world.

This week’s KONK Life is on the stands. Pick up a copy. My article this week one of the best I have written. Much research and thought into it. The column: The FBI of Today The Jews of Yesterday.

Have to hustle. A late morning haircut with Lori.

Enjoy your day!

 

GRAND GUESTHOUSE

Posted on by

Over the years, I have asked hundreds of tourists where they are staying, happy with the accommodations, etc. Rarely do I meet those owning and/or operating the hotels, motels and guest houses.

Last night at the Chart Room, I did. Mike, one of the owners of the Grand Guesthouse. A place I have heard about from many visitors. Never once a negative response. All high on the place.

Mike and his wife own and operate Grand Guesthouse. Again, met Mike last night at the Chart Room. A nice guy. Apparently taking a couple of hours off.

The Grand Guesthouse is located on the other side of  Old Town. A quiet residential area. So residential that the Grand blends in with the rest of the neighborhood. Difficult to know from the street it is a guest house. Yet it is. One with 10 rooms, a pool, parking, etc. All the amenities.

The Grand can be found in the 1100 block of Grinnell. Adults only. A ten minute walk from Duval and the Atlantic Ocean.

Prices reasonable. Accommodations beautiful.

The Chart Room was unusually busy last night. John was busy.

Two lovely ladies sitting at the opposite end of the bar from me. The Grand’s Mike in between us.

The gals from Pittsburgh. Carey and Tracey. Carey a bartender. Tracy’s job described by her as inexplicable. I left it at that.

John told me Che alive and well. His nurse Cheryl went to his apartment. Che opened the door for her. He told Cheryl he just did not feel like going out. Two months?????

Che is turning into a recluse. Bad. He is 83. I am 81 and still get out most evenings.

Three guys from London showed up. Two getting married this weekend in Key West. The Pittsburgh ladies and Mike tried to dissuade them. To no avail.

Met a contemporary. Terence. A retired police lieutenant and Superior Court Clerk from Wilmington, Delaware. Contemporaries in that he is 80 years old.

His daughter is an attorney. His son in law into a phase of software. Terence’s wife with them. The four and a granddaughter all staying at the Pier House.

Terence and his wife are the designated baby sitters. Their daughter and son in law go out evenings or sneak away part of a day. The grandparents remain with the granddaughter.

They love it!

My yesterday began with a noon manicure by Tammy.

An amazing business she and husband Rick run. People moving in and out with regularity. Chairs  constantly turning over.

A money maker! Tammy and Rick made it so.

A little grocery shopping on the way home. My cupboard always bare.

Kentucky Derby this afternoon! I have decided to watch it at Don’s Place. The festivities begin at 4. The race at 6.

On this date in 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby. His time, 1:59:40. Best time ever! Still stands!

The Kinetic Sculpture Parade at noon today on Duval. Do not miss it! You will love it! The kids will love it!

Bria Ansara involved in everything Key West. An art educator, she will be doing a pre-parade workshop for kids behind the Custom House at 10. Opening them up to the joys of working with metal.

Tomorrow night at Aqua, Bria is hosting BOY-lesque. An all male review.

Bocce continues to be a disaster. I was there thursday night when the team lost 2 of 3 games. Can’t understand the downward trend after several seasons of top notch play.

Don’s Place was beat by Not Don’s Place. The Not Don’s is Larry Smith’s team. Several years ago, Don and Larry had words over I don’t recall what. Larry changed the name of his team to Not Don’s Place to break Don’s gonads.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

PEOPLE WILL DIE

Posted on by

Yes, people will die. The healthcare bill approved by the House of Representatives yesterday is a moral outrage.

Those who voted for it should be required to walk around with MURDERER sewed onto their jackets/shirts. The Scarlet Letter’s Hester Prynne carried Adulterer for a much less serious offense.

Rather than write ad finitum re the many shortcomings of the bill, I set forth briefly some of the items that cause me concern. Grave concern.

  1. The bill provides a huge tax discount for the top 2 percent. to the detriment of those below them on the economic scale.
  2. At least 24 million who presently have coverage will lose it.
  3. Premiums will sky rocket at some point for most with pre-existing conditions. They will not be able to afford coverage.
  4. Fiscal conservatism does not mean people are permitted to die without care.
  5. The vote was taken without benefit of the report by the Congressional Budget Office.
  6. The bill is 1,800 pages. The members received it at 8 pm thursday. They voted around noon friday. They claim they read it. Bullshit!
  7. The Republican Party of today is not the Republican Party of Eisenhower. Nor Nixon. Conservatism has always been the by-line of Republicans. People valued above money, however. Today, the Party’s concerns have been politicized. The lives of citizens have become subservient to money.
  8. My outrage simply stated.
  9. Enjoy your day!

FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES…..

Posted on by

United Airlines. As far back as I can remember…..Fly The Friendly Skies With United.

No more. Screwed up their reputation big time two days ago.

Dr. David Dao a passenger. Flight not overbooked. Full, however. United needed 4 seats to transport a United crew to another city. Passengers all seated when request and offer made.

No one willing to accept the money United offered. Four passengers had to go. Dr. Dao one of them. He refused. Chinese, he thought he was being profiled.

You saw the video. Security yanked him out of his seat. His head hit the arm rest hard. Knocked him out. Head cut. Blood running out of his mouth.

Dragged off the plane.

Everyone videoing what was going on.

Stupid! Uncalled for! United not friendly!

Melania Trump in the news!

Nine months ago on August 20, 2016, a British newspaper the Daily Mail printed unkind and untrue statements about Melania. The Daily Mail is digitally available in the U.S.

Statements sordid and untrue.

Melania sued for libel. She recently settled. For $2.9 million and an apology.

I thought it was a cheap move when she sued. Some people do not believe in suing. Philosophically opposed.

I could see husband Donald in the background telling her to go for it.  Not so cheap as it turns out.

Lunched alone at Mangrove Mama’s yesterday. Bought some newspapers and drove up US 1.

Mangrove Mama’s has a flavor all its own. Old and rustic. Woodsy. A pleasant place to spend a couple of hours.

Spent some time later in the afternoon prepping for last night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

My report re female genital mutilation a bit lengthy. Sad and revealing.

I do not understand the City of Key West. i refer to the Mayor, City Commission and others involved in the operation of Key West.

A never before problem has arisen. I sometimes think they create problems for the sake of doing so. The problem has to do with what a City employee may say if questioned by a reporter.

The dialogue by many concerned as reported confusing. Certain however is that transparency will ultimately take a hit.

Even in Key West, the people’s right to know is being diminished.

Politicians are prone to making stupid statements. the latest is Secretary of State Tillerson’s re the Ukraine at the G7 Conference in Europe. Tillerson asked his fellow attendees why American taxpayers should care about Ukraine.

An oil company CEO should not be Secretary of State.

The last 24 hours have found Trump being lauded for his missile bombing of Syria and his tough handling of world problems. Especially calling to task world despots.

I think Trump is doing wrong. He is challenging certain world leaders to war. Bringing us to the brink of war. The U.S.’s public statements about Putin and Kim Jong-un the fuel that initiates wars.

Putin and Kim Jong-un crazy. Trump, also.

Not a healthy situation.

What goes around comes around. Recall during the State of the Union address in 2009 when a Congressman shouted out to an Obama statement: “You lie!”

The person in question Rep. Joe Wilson.

Wilson held a Town Meeting this past week. His constituents continuously shouted out in unison: “You lie!”

Attorney General Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions is a bigot and hater. A man whose head is still back in the 1860’s.

Note Sessions middle name is Beauregard. Sessions is so named after Confederate Civil War hero General P. C. T. Beauregard. Beauregard led the Confederates in the attack on Fort Sumter, the attack that began the Civil War.

Carsten Flemming Hansen was a 75 year old Dane. He was hospitalized with an aortic aneurysm and internal stomach bleeding problems. Non operable because of his age. He was told he had only hours or a few days to live.

Hansen asked if he could have a last request. He asked for a cigarette and a cool glass of wine. The hospital, though non smoking, accommodated him. He was taken out on the balcony to his room in a wheel chair as the sun was setting. Cigarette and wine in hand. His family with him.’

He died a few days later.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

SOME KEY WEST INFO

Posted on by

Current Key West information.

Marriott Beachside is an exciting hotel. Perhaps the most exciting in Key West. Marriott announced it is adding to its facilities. Marriott guest facilities. A marina and a boat taxi service to downtown Key West.

Melody has been a Key West fixture for more than forty years. An exemplary entertainer. A lovely voice. She is leaving Key West. Sad. She is moving to Ashville, North Carolina.

Wednesday evening Melody will be giving a good-bye performance at The Little Room Jazz Club.

The Key West Brewfest has been ongoing this week. Ends sunday. Venued at the Southernmost Beach Resort. Saturday afternoon through evening the 1400 block of Duval will be closed for street partying.

On this day in 2013, Diane Nyad completed her record swim from Cuba to Key West. One hundred ten miles. She walked out of the water at Smathers Beach to the cheers of hundreds.

The hurricane season is upon us. Hermine doing its dirty deed in northern Florida and soon along the eastern seaboard up to New York City.

There was a more devastating hurricane in 1935. This date in 1935 was Labor Day. A class 5 hurricane hit the mid keys. Four hundred killed. The Overseas Railroad wiped out never to be rebuilt.

My yesterday began with a visit to my primary care/internist physician. Dr. Jackie Lefferts has cared for me for 10 years. I received good and bad news yesterday. Your health is good, I am retiring in one month.

One of the problems of aging. At 81, I have outlived certain of my doctors or seen them retire.

Change bothers me. Most people. A doctor change especially. Dr. Lefferts and I have come to understand each other. I am not the easiest of patients. She can be a tough doctor.

I consider her an excellent diagnostician. She has helped me over the years. Discovered problems early before they might have become serious.

Early on, she told me I had a heart condition. I told her she was crazy. How could I have a heart condition? I fought her on the issue for a year before I agreed to see a heart doctor. I had a heart condition. It has slowly gotten worse. I am alive, however. Were it not for Dr. Lefferts, I might not be here today.

Drove over to Lori’s for a haircut after meeting with Dr. Lefferts. Lori recently did a three day Bahamas cruise with girl friends. Actually, a bachelorette party. Big time fun, she said. The men did a fishing trip to Islamorada.

Then lunch at the Cuban Coffee Queen. No Ruby. A new guy doing her job. A young man. From England. Only here one month so far.

My KONK Life column this week is New Face In Price Gouging And Political Influence. It appears in this morning’s E-Blast.

When 99L was in the news last week, we were told it would be named Hermine if it turned into a tropical storm. It did not as it passed near Key West. Turned out to be nothing. 99L went out into the Gulf. Then turned around and headed northeast towards northern Florida. It hit north Florida yesterday as a class 1 hurricane.

The first hurricane to hit Florida in ten years. May it be ten years before another hits.

I must make a Trump observation. There are those of you that will disagree with me.

I have written and spoke of the following for 1 1/2 years.

Trump is a bully and thug as was Hitler. Hitler made the Jews the cause of Germany’s problems. We know what happened to the Jews.

I believe the immigrants of today are the Jews of yesterday. Trump is using immigrants as Hitler did the Jews.

Some say I am obsessed with Hitler. It is not obsession. It is recognition of a fact. History repeats itself. Unless we have learned from it.

Trump seems to attract fleas. Disruptive people. Not necessarily for the common good. It was announced yesterday that David Bossie has become Deputy Campaign Manager for Trump. Bossie’s name may not be familiar to you. His organization is. He is President of Citizens United.

I spoke briefly about North Korea President Kim Jong Un on my podcast broadcast tuesday night. Merely for background purposes, I mentioned the President not only kills his people in large numbers, but also those high in government. For bullshit reasons. Summary death.

Kim Jong Jin was 63. A Vice-Premier of North Korea. Jong Jin slouched during a Parliament meeting at which Jong Un was speaking. He was executed. His slouching was considered an act of dissent under North Korean law.

This whack has nuclear weapons. Can you picture he and Trump having a dialogue? Followed by Trump misrepresenting their conversation after the meeting. As Trump did with the Mexican President re the wall.

Enjoy your day!