Key West Lou / DECEMBER 7…..ROBERT DOLE

December 7. One of the worst days in American history. As President Roosevelt said, “A day that will live in infamy.”

We defeated Japan. A nation that has become one of our closest friends. Personally and competitively.

The American spirit that brought military victory then is not the same today. Changed. Something lacking. We are a different people.

Robert Dole walks with John McCain today. American heroes in the finest sense.

Known to all as Bob Dole, he died in his sleep two days ago at the age of 98.

Dole fought in Europe during World War II. A young man from Kansas, his life plan was to become a doctor. The war interrupted. He became a member of the “greatest generation.”

He was severely wounded in Italy. His recovery time years. His pain and suffering from the wounds continuing to the day he died.

Dole’s suffered a shattered shoulder, withered left arm, his fingers wrapped around an ever present pen should some thoughtless stranger try to shake his hand.

He changed his mind as to his life’s course. He decided on the law and politics.

Dole was elected four times to the Congress and four times to the Senate. He stepped down to run for President on the Republican ticket in 1996. He was defeated by Bill Clinton.

Bipartisan. Old fashioned. Never swore.

He served in the Senate when Republicans and Democrats were congenial. Shared a few drinks and a round or two of cards at the end of a day’s work.

In his later years, he was recognized as the “rational voice of the Republican Party.”

Dole and McCain. Two warriors and statesmen now together in that other world. Looking down on today’s Senate, especially the Republican side, saying, “What a bunch of asses!”

An interesting comment in today’s Citizens Voice: “After moving here the first time in 1978, it is with sadness that we are departing. What was once fun and quirky has become annoying and rude. Thanks for the awesome memories. We wish everyone well.”

I agree with the observation. I have observed the change, also. As have many who have been a part of Key West for many years.

Things were changing before the pandemic. Slowly. Of course, change is inevitable. COVID accelerated the change beyond belief, however.

We now live in a Key West vastly different even from 5 years ago.

Friends gone for various reasons. Old age and money primary reasons. Death another.

Key West is over the hill expense wise. Rent a killer. Everyday expenses just as bad. Restaurants too expensive to eat in.

There is a new breed in town. Most are buying homes to flip them. Those that remain different. I cannot put my finger on it. However sufficiently different that I care not socializing with many. I recognize my concern, my problem.

I am not a snob. Nor are the many long timers in Key West who feel as I do. For whatever reason, the new “breed” who have arrived. As stated in the Comment: “Annoying and rude.”

The change is like a train traveling rapidly down hill whose brakes are not functioning. The change cannot be stopped. Key West is swiftly becoming a new world.

A villa in Greece or Italy or moving somewhere north in Florida a diminishing possibility. Age the key factor. If I was not so old, I would have been gone by now.

“Money” keeps floating in Keys’ waters or floating up on beaches. Generally, marijuana. Over the weekend, nearly 69 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value just under $1 million.

Amanda Gorman. The 22 year old poet who thrilled the nation at Biden’s inauguration. Now 23, her career as a poet is progressing rapidly.

Gorman’s “debut” poetry collection has been published: Call Us What We Carry. Gorman has taken our country’s past and through it reveals what she thinks will correct the present place the nation finds itself in.

I have read portions. A dynamite read. A must read!

Amy Coney Barrett was Trump’s last appointment to the Supreme Court. When announced, I wrote about her several times in October. My voice loud and clear. She was a disaster in the making. She disappoints me not.

The Mississippi abortion case rawly exposes her thinking. She, a woman, believes women are “incubators.”

Her solution to abortion is adoption. Dismisses the need to have a law permitting abortions.

What concerns me is her mental state. The same state of mind exhibited by the other conservative Justices. They all think they are upholding justice with their radical thinking. Even worse, they believe their decisions require tremendous courage and they are not afraid to make them.

Spoilers all!

Recall the song Spinning Wheel? Its opening words: “What goes up must come down / Spinning wheel…..”

The reverse is true also

I am referring to the stock market.

The DOW closed up 646 points yesterday. Recently, the DOW had drops of 900 and 600 points.

The ups and downs reflect an instability in the market. Experts claim the market is merely correcting itself. What if the market drops and keeps dropping for several days. A major recession. Just like that in a matter of days.

Woe then is we.

Enjoy your day!

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]