Interesting how nations make war against each other, kill and maim by the thousands, and years later are the best of friends.
Germany and Japan examples.
Further back in history, Great Britain. We fought the Revolution and War of 1812 against the British.
During the War of 1812, the British did a terrible thing. They burned down the White House. On this date in 1814.
Most believe the burning destruction of the White House and other federal buildings was unnecessary. Normally, yes. However the circumstances were not normal. Earlier, U.S. forces had invaded Canada and burned down a number of important British buildings.
Called retribution.
Done, accompanied with an insult.
President James Madison was aware the British would successfully invade Washington. Easily. So easy that the British marched into Washington with no opposition.
Washington’s fate had been decided a day or two before. At the Battle of Bladensburg in Maryland. The U.S. was soundly defeated. Even President Madison fought on the front lines. The first and last commander in chief to actually do so as President.
Washington had to be abandoned. Dolly Madison almost did not make it. Some historians claim she insisted on waiting till a portrait of George Washington could safely be taken down and secured.
The insult did not merely consist of burning down the White House. It included top British generals dining in the White House the evening before.
Brit glory lasted only two days. On August 26, American forces attacked and the British left Washington running with their tails between their legs.
Lunch at 5 Guys yesterday. Craved a big juicy cholesterol filled cheeseburger.
Dinner with Donna in the evening. No Terri. Terri is in New Jersey visiting theater friends. She and Donna meet this weekend in Tampa. Terri begins heavy testing monday to determine if her body qualifies for total bone marrow replacement.
We dined at the bar at Antonia’s. It feels good after all these years to have returned.
TK bartending.
The three of us old timers as far as Key West is concerned. I have been visiting or owned for 26 years. TK and Donna longer. Our discussions centered on Key West. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Confederate statues got into the conversation. I spoke about Mallory Square. TK the Clinton Square statue.
Someone at the bar mentioned white slavery in the U.S. Never heard of it. Partly indentured servants. Most Irish brought over in huge numbers. Etc.
Did a little researching this morning. An interesting subject. I am going to devote my live video on Facebook this afternoon to the subject.
Whites suffered. Rooted from their families, beaten, killed. Not in comparable numbers to blacks. Suffered never the less.
Hurricane Andrew hit Homestead this date in 1992. Total devastation. Homestead wiped out.
I drove through Homestead three weeks later on my way to Key West. The elevated highway still standing. What I saw I would not have believed had I not seen it with my own eyes.
Andrew was a 5. Wiped everything out! Down to the ground! Only an occasional wall left standing.
Tears ran down my cheeks.
Tropical storm Harvey is moving towards Texas. Expected to hit land early saturday morning. Some concern. It is expected to hit as a hurricane. Possibly as high as a 3.
Key West has been buried in rain the past two days. More expected through a week from tomorrow. Could be a spill off from Harvey.
We have read frequently that the Trump’s are bankrupting the Secret Service. An agent’s salary is capped. There are 130 agents protecting the Trump family. Many agents have already exceeded the cap. They are not being paid for heavy overtime. Cannot be without House approval.
What I share, you already know. What you may not know is that many agents are complaining that Trump and family are not treating the agents properly. The agents claim they are being treated like servants.
Bocce season begins tonight. I doubt there will be play. The courts are already soaked. There will be more rain today.
Don will call to advise if the team is playing.
Have to hustle. Haircut time.
Enjoy your day!