KEY WEST LOU / GORBACHEV DENIED STATE FUNERAL

I wrote of Mikhail Gorbachev’s death 2 days ago. My comments included Gorbachev was highly respected everywhere, except in Russia: “Gorbachev achieved hero status worldwide, except for Russia where he was despised and continued to be so till his death yesterday.”

Several responded questioning the correctness of the statement.

It was announced yesterday that Putin had denied Gorbachev a state funeral and further stated he would be staying away from any services.

Putin continues to add to his credentials as being an extremely despicable person. In this instance, I refer to a Russian based Putin critic. Ravil Maganov. Sixty seven, he died this week. He fell from a sixth floor hospital window in Moscow.

His death provides Putin with one less critic.

The Russian government says “suicide.” People who knew Maganov say “no way.”

Maganov was the Chief Executive of the private Russian oil giant Lukoil. He was an openly harsh critic of the Ukrainian war.

Trump continues his autocratic undemocratic anti-American statements. Yes, all of those adjectives. His more recent is that he would issue full pardons and a government apology to rioters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Contingent on his running and winning the 2024 Presidential election.

President Biden delivered a forceful speech in Philadelphia last night. His words clearly indicating the political battle was one for the soul of the Nation.  His words were consistent with recent comments he has made. The gloves are off. A bare knuckle fight.

He spoke of the “extremism that threatens the very foundation of our Republic…..As I stand here tonight, equality and democracy are under assault. We do ourselves no favor to pretend otherwise…..MAGA Republicans are destroying American democracy.”

September 2 and no hurricane yet. Highly unusual. I bite my tongue as I make the statement. I fear calling the bad gods down upon us.

There is what could be the first hurricane forming out in the Atlantic. Danielle is presently a tropical storm. Scientists say it will become the season’s first hurricane. However, it will turn northeast even before coming close to land. Danielle will be no threat.

September 2 is significant in the history of hurricanes. One of the worst struck the Keys in 1935. The Hurricane of 1935. Hurricanes had no names back then.

The hurricane passed over Long Key and Lower Matecumbe Key. It was a Category 5. A big one! Two hundred miles per hour. Tides 18-20 feet high. Nearly 400 killed.

College football returns! First games yesterday.

Syracuse opens against Louisville at 8 pm saturday at Louisville. Supposed to be a close game.

A very few years ago, Syracuse’s star quarterback was Tony DeVito. He did not do well. From starter to benchwarmer.

He transferred to Illinois. DeVito now Illinois’ star quarterback. First game was thursday. Illinois beat Wyoming 38-6. DeVito made 27 of 37 passes attempted for 192 yards.

I wish DeVito well. For no other reason than he is finally proving he has the talent and ability to be successful. May he continue to have more Wyoming games.

Enjoy your day!

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