KEY WEST LOU / 364 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS

Only 364 days till Christmas. It will be here tomorrow for those who are elderly. I find as I have gotten older the years speed by with increased frequency. Everything has become just yesterday.

Such is life.

Christmas 1862 in Key West. Henry Hornbeck, stationed with the Pennsylvania 47th, wrote: “Went to Catholic Church, it was a grand sight the Church being decorated with Spruce and with Coconut leaves, and a great number of lights burning…..The day here is celebrated like the 4th of July in the North, firing Squibs, etc.”

On Christmas Day 1952, Key Wester and musician Edward Weech surprised everyone at the V.F.W. Hall by playing a Christmas night saxophone solo. Weech had suffered service injuries to both hands in the Korean War, and it was thought he would never be able to play music again.

A man of extreme holiday sensitivity. Donald Trump. In his Christmas message on Truth Social he called various people he views as “looking to destroy” the Nation to “rot in Hell.” Included were Joe Biden, special prosecutor Jack Smith and a large number of political opponents. Also certain world leaders and those in favor of electric cars.

Trump’s closing words were repetitious. He described all named as “looking to destroy our once great USA, MAY THEY ROT IN HELL, AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Discusses Trump’s quick move to remove U.S. troops from Syria claiming “We won!” I did not look fondly on his actions at the time.

Pope Francis spoke words yesterday similar to those President Eisenhower spoke as he left the White House: “Beware of the military industrial complex.” Pope Francis delivered his thoughts as part of his Christmas address wherein he blasted the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” claiming the weapons industry fuel wars. Francis appeal was part of his cry for peace in the world, especially between Israel and the Palestinians.

Francis’ words: “How can we speak of peace, when arms production, sales and trade are on the rise?” His words are consistent with those he has uttered in the past. The weapons industry are “merchants of death.”

The world has spoken before. Francis, then and now. Yet the words fall on deaf ears Words spoken for naught. Though inspiring, I doubt they will change the situation.

America continues to discover the danger House Speaker Mike Johnson brings to the Nation. He is being described as the “fresh face of Christofascism in America.”

Harry S Truman was one of our great Presidents. Suddenly thrust into the Presidency with the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, he immediately became a global leader at an extraordinary time in human history. He performed well.

On this day in 1972 at the age of 88, he died.

I had “three connections” with Truman. One as a young 8th grader. One while being seated directly next to him on his right at a luncheon when a senior in law school. Finally, involving a “color photo” of the man.

History will never forget him!

“White Christmas.” Performed by Bing Crosby this day in 1941 for the first time.

The Florida Statistical Abstract for 1975 was issued this day in 1975. It showed that in 1974, Monroe County had the highest cost of living of any county in Florida. I assume the same is true today. If not, damn close!

Citizens’ Voice this morning: “The Empire State Building was built in just 12 months and 40 days and completed in 1931. In the Keys, two miles of roadway or any street project takes at least two years with every major development in technology and manpower available. What is wrong with this picture?”

Happy Hour at 4 today at The Grand Cafe. I look forward to it. It will represent a return to normalcy.

Enjoy your day!

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