Key West Lou / DECEMBER 7, 1941

December 7, 1941, a “day that will live in infamy” in the words of Franklin Roosevelt. Japan executed a sneak attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor. Just before 8 in the morning. Japan threw 353 aircraft from six carriers into the surprise. Americans killed numbered 2,393, 1,178 wounded.

It took the U.S. four years and thousands of American lives to come back and defeat the Japanese. Every island taken back by the U.S. involved a long and strenuous effort. Japan’s soldiers were known to fight to the bitter end.

Only one issue I wish to briefly explore this morning. The wisdom of the U.S. dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Estimated 200,000 Japanese were killed as a result.

Many have been critical over the years of Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs to end the war. I am not one of them. It was deserving. Pearl Harbor alone justified their use. Additionally it was clear that to defeat Japan, the U.S. would have to fight for every inch of Japan’s soil. The Japanese were known to fight hard, long and to the bitter end. It was estimated 200,000 American military would be lost in taking Japan.

All things considered, Truman made the correct decision. In a few days, he ended the war and saved American lives. Too bad so many Japanese lives were lost in so doing. However war being what it is, better enemy lives than American ones.

So over the years and even to today, I believe Truman made the correct decision.

Pete Hegseth still in their swinging. Claims Trump supports him. We shall see. Much going on in the background.

Several names have been suggested to replace Hegseth. One prominently is Florida Governor DeSantis. His choice makes sense to me. Not because he is ultimately qualified. Obviously better than Hegseth. However, his Florida Governor track record leaves much to be desired. He would make a better Secretary of Defense than Segseth, but not by much.

Why do I think DeSantis will end up with Trump’s blessing? It’s all in the family!

Laura Trump is Donald Trump’s eldest son Eric’s wife. She wants to be a U.S. Senator from Florida.

Rubio is a certainty to be approved for Secretary of State. That leaves his Senate seat vacant. DeSantis will have to appoint someone to replace him. He appoints Laura, following which Trump appoints DeSantis Secretary of Defense.

Everyone happy, except for Hegseth of course. I’m not sure it is quite “legal.” Will not make any difference. Trump will be President and can do whatever he wants.

Prohibition was a failure. The result of a bunch of do good no drinkers. A minority. Caused all kinds of problems in the U.S. for years. Crime a biggie.

In December 1933, Prohibition ended. The 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, thereby repealing the 18th Amendment.

Live and learn. Crayola crayons trademarked its “scent.”

Crayola was born in 1902. First sold in 1903. Scent not an issue till the 1990’s.In 1994, Crayola added a scent to its product. Crayola decided to trademark the scent in 2018. Took 6 years to do so. A long time to obtain a trademark. Whatever, the trademark was finally granted this year.

I look forward to playing with one of my great grandchildren and smelling a Crayola. It will be a new experience!

Another live and learn. Key West has a number of allegedly haunted facilities. No economic benefit is derived by living in one.

China has a different approach. China maintains a “Registry of Haunted Apartments.” Those willing to live in one with a sinister history receive a 30 percent discount.

In October, a shipment of 22 tons of cheese were stolen in London. It is thought the cheese ended up in Russia where there is a sanctions-busting black market in luxury food.

It’s coming! Soon to be everywhere! Robot waiters.

Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo is staffed by robot waiters remotely controlled by workers with disabilities working from their homes.

Did you ever notice when looking at photos of 1960-70 sporting events that each has a blue haze in the background. A haze that is absent in modern photos. It’s because everyone was smoking in the arena!

I close with Syracuse basketball.

Syracuse plays Notre Dame today at Notre Dame. The game begins at noon.

Neither team has distinguished itself thus far this season. Either could win. This is the first ACC game for both this season,

I plan on watching the game at Brady’s Irish Pub. Basketball is a two hour affair whereas football four. I will sit in the back room in a regular chair where a private TV is located to watch. I cannot yet handle a bar stool.

Enjoy your day!

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