Recall the book and then movie Barbarians at the Gate. Yesterday, I saw demagogues at the gate: Four Republican Senators sitting in judgment on Judge Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.

Undisciplined animals. Lacking even in basic courtesies. Kill their thrust. Putins unloading on the Ukraine.

On monday, the Republican side assured the hearing would not be a “circus.” On tuesday, the “clown car” rolled in as preliminary questioning began. The demagogues doubled down.

Judge Jackson met the “enemy” from morning to mid evening. She accorded herself well.

The demagogues were Senators Graham,Cruz, Cotton and Hawley.

Their conduct was not helpful to the purpose of the hearing nor to the needs of the United States. They should find another job better suited to their ruthless demeaning attacks. Perhaps as military advisors to Putin.

One Republican Senator impressed me. Senator Sasse. Not an attorney. Nevertheless, he came prepared. He had researched in detail the issues that concerned him.

The exchange between he and Judge Jackson was as two persons  engaged in a pleasant conversation concerning issues they both understood well.

We need more Sasses in the U.S. Senate.

Graham and Cruz’s times in the Senate have passed. They no longer are of value to the country.

Cotton and Hawley are young Turks. Raring to go! Take on all comers! Correctness of their positions immaterial. Attack and destroy their motivations. The Senate can do without their kind.

Discouraging news from the White House. The White House reported yesterday that the U.S. has depleted funds to purchase further vaccines and provide them free to certain members of the public.

The money is available. Congress has it tied up in failing to approve the budget item. Fifteen billion dollars is required.

The $15 billion to pay for second booster shots for those 65 and older. Also to pay the cost of first shots for those under 5 years of age.

All politics. Can’t blame the Republicans alone. Not when some Democrats are blind to the public’s needs.

This day in 2010 will be recorded as one of the most important in U.S. history. On this day, Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act.

Today noteworthy because of words spoken by Patrick Henry before the Virginia Provincial Convention in 1775: “Give me liberty or give me death!”

Kelenskyy 247 years later.

Two local restaurants recently sold. Shanna Key and Boondocks.

Shanna Key was purchased by local bartender Scottie Jahn and his business partner Joe Donagher. Some remodeling being done. Shanna Key will reopen as Sally O’Brien’s Irish Sports Bar.

Dollar figures not available at this time.

Boondocks. Always worth the drive up U.S. 1. Located just short of Big Pine.

Larry Gardner bought the property in 2001 for $662,500. He enlarged and improved it.

The closing took place December 28. The sales price $10 million. Purchasers Mark Vastaro and Randal Kassewitz. They have announced nothing would change. Boondocks will continue as is.

Key West will have a Catholic high school again.

The previous Catholic high school was operated by The Basilica School of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea. It closed in 1986 due to declining enrollment.

St. Mary’s advises a resurgence in demand for a Catholic high school. It will begin with grades 9 and 10 in 2023.

A significant sports day for Key West. On this day in 1924, the first six holes of the new golf course on Stock Island were opened for play.

Enjoy your day!