PUERTO RICO IGNORED INTENTIONALLY?

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Puerto Rico and Las Vegas are tragedies. Of the highest order. Each approached differently by President Trump.

Trump visits Puerto Rico today. Two weeks post Maria. Trump visits Las Vegas tomorrow. Two days post the shooting.

Trump mentioned yesterday he might remain in Las Vegas more than one day.

Re Puerto Rico, Trump announced early on: “We have it under really great control.” San Juan’s Mayor Cruz contradicted him. No way, she said. Trump referred to those complaining as “politically motivated ingrates.”

A picture is worth a thousand words. Pictures and videos of Puerto Rico show the horrific damage clearly. Three million four hundred thousand American citizens suffering.

The question arises as to why help for Puerto Rico has been so slow.

J.T. Thompson wrote a Letter to the Editor which appeared in this morning’s KONK Life. Thompson’s letter responded directly to the question

I paraphrase.

Harvey headed to Texas. The White House relaxed regulations and delivered troops and resources in advance of landfall. Then assisted Texas quickly and efficiently after landfall.

A similar scenario with Florida re Irma. Relaxed regulations and delivery of troops and resources in advance of landfall. Quick and efficient assistance following landfall.

Puerto Rico was hit by category 5 hurricane Irma a week before. Then by another category 5 Maria one week later.

As Maria headed to the Caribbean, the White House did little in advance. Nine days after landfall, 3.4 million American citizens were waiting for food, fuel and drinking water.

Eleven days post landfall, San Juan’s Mayor  asked for “meaningful assistance.” Advising many could die without it.

Thompson answers the question why from a political perspective.

Texas has 38 electoral votes and supported Trump. Florida has 29 electoral votes and supported Trump. Puerto Rico has zero electoral votes and supported Clinton with its popular vote.

I do not know whether Thompson is correct. However, his position is food for thought.

As you are aware, I considered Florida’s Governor Rick Scott a terrible Governor. Till Irma. His attention to Irma and its people problems perfection. He covered all the bases getting ready and during the hurricane itself.

His attention to and anticipation of post Irma problems right on, also. One example being displaced Puerto Ricans who will be fleeing to Florida. Anticipated on an emergency basis to be in excess of 100,000.

Scott announced yesterday Florida is ready for them. The displaced Puerto Ricans will be welcomed with open arms. Every assistance will be provided them.

Scott has permitted State agencies to take extraordinary measures to assist families that will soon arrive in droves to cities like Orlando and Miami. The two cities have large populations of former Puerto Ricans. State agencies will be allowed to waive regulations.

Disaster relief centers are being opened today. Two each at Orlando and Miami airports. To welcome and offer every available resource from the State.

Scott is determined that the displaced Puerto Ricans are matched with available State resources to insure families are given the tools needed to work and provide their children with great educations.

Right on, Governor Scott! You are the man! You are welcoming people  to our shores rather than trying to keep them out. People in need.

A reminder. My podcast Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou at 9 tonight. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

WHERE WERE THE TEARS?

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An interesting comment kept popping up yesterday on Facebook. Anonymous. However, many were sharing it with their friends.

The comment was right on. I paraphrased and used it on my Facebook video later in the day. About 2 minutes worth.

I titled my video: Crocodile Tears…..Hypocrisy.

The shooting at the ball field where the Republicans were practicing was horrific and touching. I shed a few tears watching the occurrence on TV. The Republican Congressmen were my people. Americans. An attack/injury to one is an attack/injury to all.

Additionally emotional were the Republican Congressmen weeping , swelling up, choking on their words.

The Facebook comment referred to earlier tragic occurrences. Asked where were Congress’ tears for the 20 children killed at Sandy Hook, the 49 people killed in a night club, the 9 people killed at a church service.

Even more to the point, where were Congress’ tears when Gabby Giffords was shot in the head. Gabby being one of their own.

The comment an excellent observation.

Though hopeful, I do not believe this most recent tragedy will bring the two parties together. Sincere talk. Results elusive, however. I doubt the love and roses talk will last more than a few weeks. Kumbaya not for Republicans and Democrats in these times.

Decided to visit Donna and Terri yesterday afternoon. Terri had been under the weather the past few days.

Picked a perfect time to go. Dry in Key Haven. As soon as I was two blocks from Donna and Terri’s, all hell broke loose rain wise. I got soaking wet in the 20 feet from my car to their porch.

Stopped at the French Croissant next to Roostica to pick up some pastries for the sick visit. Croissant’s pastries are the best! Bare none! Expensive also. Worth it, however.

One problem. Donna has sworn off carbs. Since her heart attack, Terri avoids fats. Only Louis enjoyed a pastry. I took the rest home with me.

Ended up staying for dinner. Donna continues to be an excellent cook. Fine restaurant dining.

Got home around 9.

Citizens’ Voice carried an interesting comment this morning: “Key West is a traffic jam.” Truer words cannot be written.

Accidents happen even on the high seas. The one in Tokyo harbor this week. There was another naval one in 1942 in waters off Key West.

The US Navy had mined the waters to the northwest of Key West. The steamship Bosiljka was on its way from New Orleans to Key West. It accidently sailed into the minefield. The Bosiljka was sunk.

Hitler was a master liar. He believed in the Big Lie. The bigger the lie, the more who would believe it.

Joseph Goebbels believed his Fuhrer’s words. He repeated the thought in his form and style. Orally and in writing. “If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it.”

Yesterday’s talk shows had one of Trump’s new attorneys on. His message: Trump is not under investigation.

The Hitler/Goebbels approach at work.

My home town is Utica. Central New York located.

A small village to the west is Frankfurt. Less than 10 miles away. I cannot recall the population. I would guess around 5,000, if that many.

As far back as I can recall, there was a sign on the highway where cars  entered Frankfurt. The sign: Frankfurt…..Watch Us Grow.

The sign is still there. Never replaced. Worn by the more than 70 years of its existence.

Frankfurt never grew.

Frankfurt achieved notoriety this past saturday. Made the news big time. Illegal bird fighting. Chickens primarily.

A barn on farm land. A bird fighting ring inside. Fights going on. Close to 40 spectators.

Police had been investigating. They raided the place. Forty two persons arrested. Fifty five birds captured. Sixty eight thousand dollars seized.

There was another barn on the property. The barn was used as a game bird breeding and training facility. One hundred eighty more birds were captured.  And last but not least, 100 grams of heroin.

Frankfurt finally made it!

I doubt most of the residents were pleased by the gaming. Assuming they knew. Frankfurt is small town America. People provincial. Honest, good folk.

It’s still raining.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

DON AND CHRIS ENGAGED

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Finally, Don and Chris are engaged. It only took 11 years for Don to bend a knee and ask…..Will you marry me? With a 2.5 carat engagement ring in hand.

Chris burst out crying and exclaimed…..Yes!

Chris should not have been so quick to accept. I would have made Don sweat a while for making Chris wait 11 years.

The couple happy. The wedding next year in Key West.

I met Don and Chris several years ago at the Chart Room. They visit Key West 3-4 times a year. Don is part owner of a South Korea company. He spends the better part of the year in South Korea. Chris travels for her employer. Marketing. Most recently in Germany.

Home is Syracuse.

Larry and Peggy…..I am proud of your son for finally doing the right thing. Chris is a wonderful person. Devoted to your Don. Don equally wonderful and devoted to Chris.

The perfect couple.

Don and Chris joined me at Aqua last night. Tom Luna and Heather Mae performing.

We parted company after Aqua. Don wanted to watch a football game. I wanted to go to bed. Stopped at Roostica on the way home for lemoncello wings.

Big night for the kids! Christmas tree lighting and Santa Claus at Bayview Park last night. Santa arrived on a fire truck, horn blaring all the way.

My podcast show this evening. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

A different show tonight. My plan is to discuss one topic. A topic which the media fails to give proper attention. Actions taking place which bring shame to our Nation.

Standing Rock, North Dakota. Native Americans, a pipeline, and excessive police activity.

An interesting, fast moving, informative show. Again, join me.

Syracuse/Wisconsin tonight in basketball. Wisconsin a 6 point favorite.

My show interferes with watching. Game at 7. I will get in the first half and probably last 5 minutes. It will be the first time this season I will see Syracuse play.

Installment 25 of my rendition of the Key West Rotary history by Wright Langley. Today, years 1986-88.

Tomorrow, the final installment. Will center around Key West Rotary’s 75th anniversary.

Rotary’s budget in its infant years beginning in 1915 had to be a pittance. Not that way by the time 1986 came around. The projected income budget for the year was $68,415.

Rotary’s 1988 Annual Report noted the Club had 100 members.

Major accomplishments for the year included raising funds for Polio Plus, sponsoring Key West’s only Fourth of July fireworks (a tradition which began in 1979), sponsoring the Sunrise Rotary Club, continued the annual $4,000 scholarship, and established the Key West Rotary Foundation.

Tomorrow, Rotary’s 75th anniversary.

Enjoy your day!