KEY WEST LOU / TRUMP NOT YET PRESIDENT AND CHAOS REIGNS IN WASHINGTON

I figured it would take one to two months after Trump was in office for chaos to begin. Not so. The country is already there. Trump, together with his partner Elon Musk, effectively blocked an agreed to bill to extend the budget to March 14. If such a bill is not passed by tomorrow, our government closes down.

Trump alone cannot be blamed. He has made Musk a major power and Musk exercised it to block the bill. He went on his station X and pushed for its defeat.

The key issue involved is the debt ceiling. Trump actually wanted it abolished. Then he could spend like crazy and give tax breaks to the rich. Each unpaid for. Just add it to the Nation’s bill. The Trump bill defeated yesterday “suspended the debt” some time in 2027. In effect, gave Trump an open check book during that period of time!

Other things were dropped to make way to give Trump the free financial hand he wanted. One close to my heart. Should be to yours also if you are an understanding and sensitive individual.

The originally agreed to bill provided for pediatric cancer research. Let examine cancer and American children.

Cancer is the leading cause of death for children in the U.S. to the tune of 1,800 deaths per year. The number of our kids coming down with cancer is 17,000 per year. The numbers boil down to 47 children a day becoming cancer ridden.

Why my special concern? Recall my grandson Robert. Twenty one years old today and a junior at Florida State University. He was born with cancer of the liver. The cancer was larger than the liver itself. He was rushed to Miami Children’s Hospital. Pediatric cancer one of their specialties. He had two major cancer surgeries the first 8 days of his life. He was followed by the Hospital on a frequent basis for the next 15 years.

Children’s Hospital 21 years ago saved Robert’s life. Think how much more advanced they are today. Think how much more advanced they would be if the government funds removed from the Republican bill were left in and passed. The numbers I shared with you earlier would dramatically reduce over the years.

Understand that by suspending the debt limit for two years, Trump would have had the opportunity to provide massive tax cuts for the rich. At the expense of the middle class. At the worst, at the expense of our children.

Even more non-understandable, note how an unelected non-answerable to anyone contributed to this mess. Musk! Politically he is a nothing, except a close friend and contributor to Trump who will benefit greatly by Trump’ Presidency. His pocketbook will grow!

A Republican House Representative who did not vote for the Trump/Musk bill said: “Republicans are stuck on stupid!”

There was an illustration spread all over the internet yesterday. It had Musk acting as a puppeteer pulling the strings on a puppet who unquestionably was Trump.

Trump will not be happy. Musk is making Trump look like his Vice-President with Musk being the President.

Strasbourg, France is a storybook destination this time of the year. The city is called the “Christmas Capital of the World” with story book architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and one of the best holiday markets in Europe. A Santa Claus haven!

I close with Syracuse’s basketball game tomorrow. My team plays Maryland at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn at noon.

Probably a Maryland win. Maryland 9-2 thus far this season. Syracuse 5-5.

Hope springs eternal with me, however. I will be at Brady’s Irish Pub watching the game.

Enjoy your day!

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