Key West Lou / CHILD SUICIDES AN INTERNATIONAL EPIDEMIC

Child suicides have reached epidemic proportions. World wide. The cause the restrictions imposed because of COVID-19.

England appears to be studying the subject the most at this time. English physician David Greenhorn was interviewed by the Associated Press.

Dr. Greenhorn believes the epidemic is going unrecognized. Child suicide attempts have gone from a couple per week pre-pandemic to several a day.

As young as 8 year olds.

Dr. Greenhorn believes a year is a long time for a change in a child’s life pattern. Children get fed up. They are unable to see an end to the restrictions.

Dr. Greenhorn said with those 15 years and under, suicide attempts have gone from 20 per month to more than double that number. He also said, “We’re very surprised by the intensity of the desire to die among children 12-13 years old.”

His study revealed “children of 9” have “a genuine wish to end their lives.”

I am unaware as to the degree the matter is under consideration in the U.S. The problem cannot be an isolated one. Adds to the positivity of getting the kids back in school at this time.

Last week I appeared on Guy deBoer’s early morning talk show. The issue was children being held at the border more than 72 hours in violation of law. Biden has been trying to down play the problem as his people work hard on finding a solution. He has not held a press conference addressing the issue. Though it was advised last week that he would be holding one next week.

A concern has developed. The number of children is in the thousands.

The children must be taken care of. On the other hand, their immigrant contrast with that of my grandfather’s is eye opening. How could one generation of child immigrants land on American shores and take care of themselves without significant governmental assistance?

My grandfather’s name was Louis. I am named after him.

He arrived from Italy around 1900. He was 12 years old. A bastard in Italy. Knew neither his mother or father. Grew up on the streets of Naples.

He lost his papers. Immigrants wore papers which hung around their necks. Official type papers. My grandfathers were lost on the way over.

When he arrived at Ellis Island, it was discovered he had scarlet fever. The government had a hospital on Ellis Island to care, among other things, for those who arrived with contagious diseases. The reason humanitarian on the surface. The real reason in my grandfather’s case was the government wanted no one with a contagious disease to enter the country. Understandable.

My grandfather was in the Ellis Island Hospital 3 months. Then released.

Released to where and what? He could neither read nor write in Italian or English. He had little monies on him. He was aware of no relatives in the U.S.

I don’t know how, I don’t know why, but he made to Utica, N.Y. Two hundred forty miles north of New York City.

There he lived the rest of his life. Taught himself to read and write English. His penmanship beautiful. I always wished I could write as he did. Never did.

Utica was a cloth goods town. Primarily cotton. My grandfather worked in the largest Utica factory his entire life. He ultimately became supervisor of a large floor of workers. Which meant he went to work in a suit and tie. Less I forget, a vest also. Always wore s hat. Even while working.

He purchased a 6 family home. Married twice. His first wife died. He had 8 children between them.

He almost died in the flu epidemic of 1918-1919. A religious story for another time.

With no help. he achieved a degree of success. Never became a millionaire or anywhere close. However got along.

Why did my grandfather succeed with little help and much more is required to assist those coming across the southern border today? Maybe we try to provide too much assistance. I don’t know.

What I do know is my grandfather was not the only one coming into the U.S. in 1900. The Italians came in droves. As did the Irish before them. Most made a good life for themselves without all the immigration problems confronting the U.S. today.

Two days in one week of massive shootings in the U.S. Eight in Atlanta Asian massage parlors, 10 in a Boulder supermarket.

I watched a Senate Committee yesterday discuss the subject. The usual ranting and raving from both sides.

The problem is a very old one in the U.S. What I heard yesterday was the same I have been hearing the past 20 years.

I do not know if the problem will ever be solved.

George Segal died yesterday. An actor. He was 87 years old.

He played serious and humorous parts.

He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. He played Alfred “Pope” Solomon on the Goldbergs.

His movie performance I enjoyed the most was the 1973 movie Blume in Love. All his artistic talents were required for the job. A sensitive portrayal of a man whose wacky wife leaves him and he chases her all over the world seeking reconciliation. Finally achieved yeas later.

May he rest in peace.

Iceland had a surprise last weed. There is a volcano located about 20 miles from Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik. It had been dormant for 6,000 years. It exploded last week.

Relatively small, it was not a danger to the capital or any surrounding towns. However it spewed flames, lava and smoke for several days. The lava flows extended 1,600 feet.

You never know when!

Big weekend coming up for Syracuse. The Sweet Sixteen. The sportscasters have begun with their predictions. Sixteen teams will be involved. I suspect Syracuse will not move seed wise. Probably seeded 10 or 11.

No one believes in Syracuse. My faith however has been renewed. Go ‘Cuse!

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night.I enjoyed doing the show. Covered everything that could be fit into one half hour.

Enjoyed myself.

Enjoy your day!

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