Key West Lou / WHAT I WAS DOING WHEN 9/11 OCCURRED

The practice of law is a business also. Once a year I would bring together at one meeting the bankers, CPA’s, pension people, health program operatives, and one or two others who at the moment might have something of value to share.

I knew where we stood. Each in his own field knew where we stood. However, I was of the opinion that such a meeting provided something others might not have been aware of.

Something that would be beneficial to my operation if known to the others.

The meeting was scheduled for the morning of 9/11/2001.

I knew going into the meeting how good the firm was doing. It was our best year thus far. Cash flow excellent.

During the meeting, a telephone call was put through that was reportedly “important.” A client. He said know you’re busy, turn on the TV.

My private lounge was next to my office. I went in and turned on the TV. Immediately told everyone else to come in.

Tower One was burning.

A sad day for America. A shocking one, also. Who would dare to do this to the U.S.?

Later that day, my Congressman Sherry Boehlert telephoned. His message, “The world has changed.” I did not anticipate at the moment how much it would.

There was a personal impact to the firm. The firm customarily represented corporations. Big ones outside of Utica. National and international. The nature of our work.

They all stopped paying their legal fees. Everyone!

Which meant that within a week, the well ran dry. We did not receive anther payment check for 4 months. Our clients were holding on to their money, not knowing what was to happen next.

A smart business move on their part. Poor for us that were doing legal work for them. The cases received prior to 9/11 had to be continued. The courts wait for no attorney to be paid. Our clients depended on us to continue protecting their interests. They continued sending new work.

It took about 9 months for cash flow to return to normal. In the meantime, I still had overhead. Especially payroll. I used some personal funds and then had the bank finance the delays in payment.

You might wonder why I would have us work for nothing for a period of time. The reason simple. Over the years, I had assembled a number of excellent clients. Big time work. Significant fees. I was not going to lose one of them. I was confident at some point everything would return to normal.

I watched the 9/11 ceremonies for a while this morning. Sad! Twenty years has not lessened the pain of survivors and the families of those who did not survive.

Larry Elder is Donald Trump in disguise.

He has launched a voter fraud website. Ahead of the recall election!

He and Trump are birds of a feather. Elder is following the standard set by Trump re voter fraud claims.

Joke of jokes. Elder has named the website: The Integrity Board.

GOP governors continue to reject vaccine mandates. The governors are speaking in volume that they will not respect any rules, laws, orders which Biden announced would be coming.

I find their positions amusing. Note that as Trump is diminishing in popularity, so too will the governors. Voters will leave them in droves.

Everyone, person or organization, has someone they are required to answer to. Except one. The courts. They have a useless system of governing themselves with which most lack familiarity. They govern themselves.

Judges after a passage of time become power crazy. Yes, there are appellate courts. However, they too are becoming out of control. As the Supreme Court is. Who as a practical matter oversees the Supreme Court?

The court system has changed. A detailed review is called for.

DeSantis’ ban on school mask mandates recently came before a Leon County Judge. He ordered the immediate lifting on DeSantis’ ban on school mask mandates until an appeal could be heard. This would include also whether school board members would be paid.

The Judge’s decision rang out in words of wisdom: “We are not in normal times. We are in a pandemic. We have children that cannot be protected by vaccination. Children are at risk and they provide at least some protection by masking.”

An appellate court has overruled the thrust of the County Judge’s decision. At least temporarily. One judge of that court ordered a return to DeSantis’ decision until the full appellate court hears and rules on the case.

When? Next week?A month? Six months? The children are already back in school. In the meantime, more children will be infected and die.

An underlying problem is also rising to the surface. My mention of the courts again. They are increasingly judging on the side of politics over public health. The present Supreme Court ruling in the Texas abortion law case an example.

A bit of Key West updating.

A comment in this morning’s Citizens’ Voice: “Key West is suffering from over tourism.” No question about it.

Fantasy Fest cancellations continue

First the parade and street fair. Now Goombay, the Zombie Bike Ride, the Headdress Ball, and Pet Masquerade.

Hanging out there awaiting decision is the Local’s Parade. A fun time event. Costume garbed thousands walk the streets of Key West. Crowded together. Drinking.

A popular event. One of the most famous and loved.

Should be canceled! No screwing around. From a virus infection perspective, just as bad as the parade itself.

An example of the less and less factor in governmental truth involves former Florida Governor and now U.S. Senator Rick Scott. It was reported this week that when he was Governor, he forbade state employees from saying or writing “climate change” or “global warming.”

Now comes this summer. Hurricanes, floods and fires.

Someone should ask his position on climate change and global warming today.

Truth in government is becoming a lost virtue. No, it has become.

Why is Donald Trump announcing/commenting at the Evander Holyfield v. Vitor Belfort fight tonight?

Two answers. First, he needs the money. Second, evidencing he lacks empathy for 9/11.

Another question. Holyfield is 58 years old. Does he need the money too?

Enjoy your day!

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