Shooting the Messenger

 We witnessed an example of "shooting the messenger" yesterday.

Trump fires statistics chief after soft jobs report

The firing yesterday of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner is a classic example of shooting the messenger, but portends a more sinister and potentially devastating situation for our nation. 

What happens if, as Project 2025 describes, the federal workforce becomes staffed with people who are loyal to the president over supporting the Constitution? Will we be able to believe anything published by the government? That is my concern. When facts are no longer facts but become twisted to make the president happy while managing reality, the United States will become no better than a banana republic.

It is also clear that businessmen do not make good presidents. The idea that people can be fired because you don't like what they are telling you, if it is based in fact, is not good government. Period! Bad news is just as important as good news.

Trump said something the other day about the declining value of the dollar (down 10 percent since he took office)* that made no sense. 

"Well, you know, I'm a person that likes a strong dollar, but a weak dollar makes you a hell of a lot more money," Trump said in a media Q&A. (Newsweek)

If the dollar is worth less, then he has less economic power at the end of the day. Am I missing something here?

If the dollar is worth less then things like oil and imports cost more dollars and We the People certainly are not earning more. I know that my income has not increased by 10 percent this year. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 *Note: The article says that the dollar is down 11 percent since the first of the year, but made the point that Trump was not president for the all of that time. I had heard it was down 10 percent since he took office, but I cannot find where I heard that. So, I went with 10 percent. 

Fully Assembled

Fully Assembled Lumin Grill and Stand
Tequesta, FL
July 31, 2025

Happy August!

 The dedicated grill stand arrived two days early. The matching stand was not supposed to arrive until today, but it showed up late-Wednesday and I assembled it yesterday. Yes, there was some assembly required. I actually despised the assembly directions, it was drawings which at times made no sense. But, Chris and I struggled through them and successfully assembled the stand, without injury, and mated it to the grill. 

Last evening, I prepared our second meal, salmon, on the new grill! Mmmm. I'm still learning temperature control, but the salmon was cooked to perfection. 

I found that the Weber Lumin grill cleans much easier than other grills I have owned. The salmon did not create a mess because I cooked it in aluminum foil, but the remains from the steak the other night were easily cleaned. That was way cool. 

In biking news, I finished the month 10 miles short of 300 miles. A good month, but it would have been nice to cross the 300 mile mark for the 5th time since I have been riding. I started out August with a brisk 1.48 mile walk with Chris and Finn. 

OK, now onto August!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Post Hump Day

Aperol Spritz
Lucky Shuck, Jupiter, FL
July 30, 2025

 Wow, what a day yesterday turned out to be.

I have already written about the early morning activity--but wait, there's more. 

Chris and I checked out a new place for Happy Hour. We went to Lucky Shuck to enjoy their Wednesday Happy Hour Special: $1 oysters and $1 wings!

It has been a long time since I enjoyed a dozen oysters and did not feel guilty! I also enjoyed an Aperol Spritz, which is one of my favorite cruise ship drinks. 

It should be noted that Chris does not enjoy oysters, but she did devour a few wings. 

The restaurant sits along the ICW next to a marina and so there is a lot of activity, but with the heat last evening we stayed inside at the bar and I had my back to the water. No matter, there was plenty to enjoy. And in a really freaky coincidence, Chris and I met and chatted with two people from my actual hometown. We compared friends from the past for a short while. It was even weirder because even though I tell people I'm from a small city situated at the southern end of one of the Finger Lakes, I'm truly from a small town without a post office or a traffic light. We went into the city for everything, including school.

Well, today is Friday-eve AND the last day of my favorite month of the year. Tomorrow begins the slide into the end of the year. I can already tell that the days are getting shorter.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

How Early Did You Say?

Sunrise on the Pines
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
July 30, 2025

 Some days start way too early. 

Today, for instance, was one of those days. 

Chris and I were up at 4:45 AM for an early morning routine medical procedure. The good news is that we were done by about 8 AM, the bad news was that we didn't get much sleep the night before. Which is why I just woke from a much needed nap after delivering Finn to the groomer. 

I got to sit around, waiting, for two hours and not sleep as I was the dedicated driver. I walked outside about sunrise to get warm, because the A/C was on max at the office, and took a quick image. I could tell it was cold in the waiting. area because my glasses fogged over as soon as I stepped outside, but the 78 degree high humidity morning was, dare I say, refreshing. I thawed out.

But, Chris got through it and so did I. 

We have the rest of the day ahead, well when Finn is finished getting groomed. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

First Off the New Grill

First off the New Grill
Tequesta, FL
July 28, 2025

 My new Lumin grill is up and running. I cooked our first dinner on it last evening. It was a simple menu--steak and squash. We also had a very nice tossed salad, which, of course, was not grilled followed by Moose Tracks ice cream. It should be noted that Chris and I usually split the steak because neither of us can eat a whole steak anymore, especially a T-bone. The squash dish was supposed to be zucchini and squash, but the zucchini went bad before we could cook it. Sometimes vegetables linger in our refrigerator a bit too long.

I worked through my new grill concerns, for instance what temperature does the dial setting equate to? That was fun--I was a bit worried, but the grill really turns out the heat. I had burned off the grates earlier in the day and the grill made it to 550 degrees. The instructions said it could go over 600, but I really didn't want to see if it could make it there since I do not expect to grill anything at that temperature. 

I am very happy, so far. The real test will come later this week when I expect to smoke a rack of ribs! There is actually a setting on the dial for smoking. 

More to follow. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - July 28, 2025

 

1. It has arrived. The 5th and final Monday of July is here and there are only 22 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. It looks as if the Orioles are going to be sellers before the July 31 MLB Trading Deadline. They effectively played themselves out of playoff contention since the All Star Break by going 5-6 (.454). They are currently 11 games under .500 standing at 47-58 (.447). There are 57 games remaining and the O's need to win 37 of them to reach the expected 84 wins necessary to lock down a Wild Card Playoff spot. That means they need to play .649 (37-20) baseball. I don't see that happening. But, still l hope!

Crossing the Loxahatchee River on my Bike
Tequesta, FL
July 27, 2025

3. I got out a bit earlier yesterday to ride and rode almost 22 miles around Tequesta and Jupiter. Being Sunday morning the traffic was light and the roads open. Being early, I had hoped it would be cooler, but alas, it was not. I enjoyed the ride and saw multiple tortoises along my trek. 

4. I read the speech the our Vice President gave on July 5, 2025, at the Claremont Institute in which he makes some very concerning statements. First off, he believes that America as a creedal nation. That is a scary notion because it is clear that America was not intended to be creedal--there is no religious creed that is to be followed. But even more concerning was the statement: So I believe one of the most pressing problems for us to face as statesmen is to redefine the meaning of American citizenship in the 21st century. This, apparently, is becoming a new way that citizens can be deprived of their rights. As I read further in the transcript, he lays out a number ideals that citizens must meet and he also clearly denigrates those of alternate or atheistic religious beliefs. 

(Transcript: JD Vance’s Speech At The Claremont Institute’s Statesmanship Award Event)

5. This Day in History. July 28, 1868: Following its ratification by the necessary three-quarters of U.S. states, the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States—including formerly enslaved people—is officially adopted into the U.S. Constitution. Secretary of State William Seward issues a proclamation certifying the amendment.

Two years after the Civil War, the Reconstruction Acts of 1867 divided the South into five military districts, where new state governments, based on universal manhood suffrage, were to be established. Thus began the period known as Radical Reconstruction, which saw the 14th Amendment, which had been passed by Congress in 1866, ratified in July 1868. The amendment resolved pre-Civil War questions of African American citizenship by stating that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States…are citizens of the United States and of the state in which they reside.” The amendment then reaffirmed the privileges and rights of all citizens, and granted all these citizens the “equal protection of the laws.”

Europe reacts with mix of relief and concern to US trade deal - Reuters

US, China to launch new talks on tariff truce extension, easing path for Trump-Xi meeting - Reuters

Thai, Cambodian leaders agree to ceasefire after five days of battle - Reuters

Russia at the gates: How Ukraine defended a strategic city for months - Reuters

Israel announces daily pauses in Gaza fighting as aid airdrops begin - Reuters

Justice Department drops cases against LA protesters after officers caught making false claims - The Guardian

Muscovites’ travel plans disrupted as Ukraine targets airspace with drones - The Guardian

Trump embraced Australia's harshest immigration policies. But there's one key difference. - MSNBC

Former anchor fears 'the end' of CBS as Paramount merger sparks liberal panic - FoxNews

Programming Note: Due to travel, Monday Musings will not be published next week, August 4th; unless, of course, plans change.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Escape from Grill Hell

My New Weber Lumin Grill
Tequesta, FL
July 27, 2025

 My time in griller hell has ended. My new electric grill arrived yesterday. 

Since the Condo Association requires me to use an electric grill, I decided to get a very nice and versatile unit and chose the Weber Lumin, in yellow. Since I can't have a full size grill, I decided to go for versatility and add some color to the situation. In addition to the standard red and black, the Lumin comes in four additional colors. I chose the yellow! Orange was not one of the additional colors or I would have chosen that one. 

The Lumin comes with the usual grates, but also a pan for either water for steaming or for wood chips for warming. The instructions provide methods for High-Heat Searing, Steaming, Smoke Infusion, Food Warming, and Grill from Frozen. The size of the inserts and grates appears to facilitate easy clean-up, but I'm not sure as I haven't cooked anything yet. 

So, I have been redeemed from griller hell and am now in a sort of purgatory awaiting today's arrival of a heat insulating pad to arrive to protect the wooden table I have it sitting on. The Lumen's matching stand is not currently available and I will acquire that as soon as I can so that I can return the wooden table to its previous location in the house. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Worse than Animals

Trump at Alligator Alcatraz
Somewhere in Florida
July 1, 2025

 It seems that we have becoming desensitized to the inhumane treatment that undocumented immigrants and citizens are receiving at the hands of law enforcement and ICE. 

I read an article in The Guardian this morning which is more than concerning. In addition to the obvious inhumane treatment by law enforcement, I was concerned about the mention of a bounty and the cavalier suggestion that some of them may be killed in the process of arrest. 

Video footage of the incident captured by Laynez-Ambrosio, an 18-year-old US citizen, appears to show a group of officers in tactical gear working together to violently detain the three men*, two of whom are undocumented. They appear to use a stun gun on one man, put another in a chokehold and can be heard telling Laynez-Ambrosio: “You’ve got no rights here. You’re a migo, brother.” Afterward, agents can be heard bragging and making light of the arrests, calling the stun gun use “funny” and quipping: “You can smell that … $30,000 bonus.”

In the video, Laynez-Ambrosio can be heard repeatedly telling his friend, in Spanish, to not resist. “I wasn’t really worried about myself because I knew I was going to get out of the situation,” he said. “But I was worried about him. I could speak up for him but not fight back, because I would’ve made the situation worse.”

Laynez-Ambrosio can also be heard telling officers: “I was born and raised right here.” Still, he was pushed to the ground and says that an officer aimed a stun gun at him. He was subsequently arrested and held in a cell at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) station for six hours.

Audio in the video catches the unidentified officers debriefing and appearing to make light of the stun gun use. “You’re funny, bro,” one officer can be overheard saying to another, followed by laughter.

Another officer says, “They’re starting to resist more now,” to which an officer replies: “We’re going to end up shooting some of them.”

Later in the footage, the officers move on to general celebration – “Goddamn! Woo! Nice!” – and talk of the potential bonus they’ll be getting: “Just remember, you can smell that [inaudible] $30,000 bonus.”  (The Guardian)

Furthermore, the conditions where people are being detained are abhorrent. The administration has quickly moved to make the U.S. worse than authoritarian regimes. Responsible reporting on the conditions at Alligator Alcatraz continue to mention lack of water, food, protection from mosquitoes, and insufficient access to showers and sanitation facilities.

I believe the Humane Society would file charges against pet owners who did these things to their pets. Yet, we have become complicit with the inhumane treatment of those being prepared for deportation. I hate to remind us all, but everyone on U.S. soil has the rights granted in The Constitution, specifically, their 4th Amendment rights. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Finding Friday

Sidewalk Home
Tequesta, Fl
July 25, 2025

 Being on the cusp of the weekend again is amazing. It has been a busy week, even though I have not ridden since Tuesday. I'm not sure that I needed two days off. 

Watching the Republican Party implode over the Epstein files has been refreshing. It is weird that some try to blame the Democrats for the problem, but it is a self-inflected wound where many of the Cabinet-level leaders made promises to release the files before they wound up in their positions. It is almost funny if it weren't so tragic. 

I enjoyed a just short of 18-mile ride this morning. The wind from the East was tough, but I had a good time and crossed over 200 miles for the month. That is the most miles ridden in a month since I rode over 300 miles for the Cancer Society during October last year. 

And so, since it is Friday, Chris and I will be heading out to get some supplies for the weekend. That will be the big trip of the day, although we are looking forward to dinner tonight. We hope to try a new, as yet undecided, restaurant.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Whispering Angel - Wine Tasting

 Chris and I attended a wine tasting recently of Whispering Angel, a rosé from France. It was held at the Jupiter Grill and we went with friends. 

Whispering Angel is a rosé wine from the Côtes de Provence AOC in Provence, France. It is produced by Chateau d'Esclans, which is majority owned by LVMH. It is credited with reviving interest in rosé wine. It is priced expensively for a rosé to create the perception of a premium product. (Wikipedia)

Dishwasher After and Before
Whispering Angel Plastic Glasses

The venue was nicely prepared, but I believe they underestimated the crowd even though tickets were purchased in advance. Our tasting included two glasses (yes, 5 oz pours) of Whispering Angel and a discussion of the history of the wine and winemaker.

There were a few nice gifts including some plastic wine glasses with the name Whispering Angel on them. Fortunately, we tasted from very nice glasses and not the plastic beach/pool give aways. As it turned out, the plastic glasses were not dishwasher safe. They are for show and not use.

The wine was tasting very nicely and it was paired with a couple of enjoyable munchies. Whispering Angel used to be Chris' favorite rosé, but due to its popularity the price has risen to a premium price point. Despite the price, it remains a very enjoyable wine and is suitable for many meals. It is especially nice here in Florida as it  helps to beat the oppressive heat.

I recommend trying Whispering Angel if you haven to done so. Be careful of the price. I have seen it in stores recently ranging from $18 (Costco) to $25 (Publix). 

I applaud the Jupiter Grill for this inaugural tasting event and am looking forward to future offerings.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Griller Hell!

Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
July 22, 2025

 Tuesday is, of course, Tiki Tuesday and last evening was no exception. We sojourned to Tiki52 for Happy Hour and were greeted by bright sunny skies as Chris and I arrived. What is not evident in the image are the gray skies behind us which cut short our evening as a rainstorm moved in about an hour after we arrived. But, we had a great time until the rain began. We were actually very lucky because we arrived at our car just as the first raindrops started falling. We brought our Happy Hour wings home to enjoy--which we did sitting on our veranda watching the rain.

In disturbing news, I am in griller hell! Yup. My electric grill died. I have owned it for one-year and just over one month. The warranty expired at one year. I will not be purchasing another Char Broil grill. This is the second one that died prematurely. We went to Home Depot to look for a new grill, but they did not have any electric grills on the floor. I found that incredible. 

Always something it seems. Why, you might inquire, do I use an electric grill? Simple--gas or wood grills are not allowed in our Condo community. I have learned how to grill effectively on an electric grill. And we grill three to four times per week!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crashing into another Week

View on the Ride
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
July 21, 2025

 My trusty and somewhat faithful dog, Finn, is relaxing in his bed near me this morning as I begin to think about the day. 

We had quite an ending to yesterday as we had the vents, all 17 of them, in the house cleaned. That process did not start until almost 6 PM and lasted until just after 8 PM. Coupled with my HOA Board Meeting, we did not have dinner until late--too late! 

The highlight of my morning was a 17-mile plus ride through Tequesta. It was my usual route, but I enjoy heading down the streets and seeing the changes. 

It was a beautiful day for biking and I am headed out early this morning to beat the heat. Yes, we have been having heat stress temperatures in the 105-110 degree range by midday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - July 21, 2025

 

1. It is Monday again! Yup. It is the 3rd Monday of July with only one Monday remaining in the month and 23 remaining in the year. 

2. Where do you stand on the President? Here is a summary of Trump's approval ratings:

Those numbers break down by policy like this: Gallup polls show that only 35% of Americans approve of Trump’s immigration policy with 62% opposed. A new poll out from CBS News/ YouGov today shows that support for Trump’s deportations has dropped ten points from the start of his term, from 59% to 49%. Fifty-eight percent of Americans oppose the administration’s use of detention facilities. The numbers in a CNN/SSRS poll released today are even more negative for the administration: 59% of Americans oppose deporting undocumented immigrants without a criminal record while only 23% support such deportations, and 57% are opposed to building new detention facilities while only 26% support such a plan. (Letters from an American)

Skink
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

3. I have one more image from the Reptile Supershow that I could not publish yesterday. I did consider, briefly, this skink! But only briefly. He almost fits into his allotted space. 

4. According to recent draft budget documents, President Trump appears set to freeze the pay of civilian federal workers in 2026. The news came from a passback, essentially the Office of Management and Budget’s response to individual budget submissions from agencies. A copy of one agency’s passback says the document’s funding levels “reflect a pay freeze for civilian employees in calendar year 2026.” (Trumpfile)

5. Apparently the Orioles have decided to pack in the rest of the season. They opened the post-All Star Game portion of the season by losing 2 of 3 games. They are 5-5 for their last 10 games and that is not good enough to make the post season. The Orioles have returned to 10 games under .500. It is estimated that to have a reasonable chance at a Wild Card Playoff spot requires 84 wins. That means the Orioles must to win 40 of their remaining 64 games (.625).

6. This Day in History. The First Battle of Bull Run (a/k/a Manassas). On July 21, 1861, in the first major land battle of the Civil War, a large Union force under General Irvin McDowell is routed at the First Battle of Bull Run by a Confederate army under General Pierre G.T. Beauregard.

Three months after the Civil War erupted at Fort Sumter, Union military command still believed that the Confederacy could be crushed quickly and with little loss of life. In July, this overconfidence led to a premature offensive into northern Virginia by General McDowell. Searching out the Confederate forces, McDowell led 34,000 troops—mostly inexperienced and poorly trained militiamen—toward the railroad junction of Manassas, located just 30 miles from Washington, D.C. Alerted to the Union advance, General Beauregard massed some 20,000 troops there and was soon joined by General Joseph Johnston, who brought some 9,000 more troops by railroad.

On the trade war frontlines, a US guitar string maker refines its strategy - Reuters

Israel sends tanks into Gaza's Deir Al-Balah, raising concerns among hostages' families - Reuters

At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus - Reuters

Major Ukrainian drone attacks sow chaos at Moscow's airports - Reuters

Trump threatens Washington stadium deal unless NFL team readopts Redskins name - Reuters

Hegseth ousts Naval Academy’s first female superintendent, adding to pattern - MSNBC

Tulsi Gabbard reveals 'historic' intelligence plot allegedly targeting President Trump - FoxNews

Harvard and Trump to face off in court today: Here’s a timeline of how the fight escalated - The Washington Post

Trump’s tariffs could upend U.S. trade with E.U., a global export power - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Exotic Plants and Reptiles

Chris with a Python
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

 We did something very different yesterday. You might have guessed from the banner; Chris and I attended a Reptile & Exotic Plant Supershow. We had no idea! I have never seen so many lizards, snakes, tortoises, and a few other animals in one place even in a zoo.

Eyelash Gecko in Chris' Hands
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

Chris really enjoyed the whole scene. She held a gecko, petter a snake or three, and even met and stroked a skunk!

We had a good time walking arounds and enjoying how the crowds, made up of a lot of boys with their families, were fascinated in the reptiles. The plant part of the show was interesting, but not nearly as fascinating as the replies. And there were a lot of lizards and snakes! And there were snakes of all kinds. 

I did not think the prices were too terrible, if someone really wanted a reptile or snake as a pet. Of course, there are a lot of extras required to keep a snake or reptile alive and writing of alive, that seems to mean live food. 

Chris and the Skunk
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

We wandered around for a while enjoying the displays and the animals. For our amusement there was also a sloth and a joey prepared for a hands-on experience. 

Chameleon
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

As for the skunk--he was a sad case but had landed in a good place. His first owners overfed him and kept him in a small enclosure. He developed hip problems and can barely walk. His current life, though, is as a therapy animal and he is very soft! And cuddly, but we could not pick him up. He definitely enjoyed the attention.

Just for completeness, there was a tropical fish section of the show and there was a pig was in attendance as another exotic pet. Also, not all of the animals were constrained. There was one exhibit with chameleons in potted plants. They were colorful. 

OK, so we had fun. It was something we had never done and it was definitely worth the price of admission!

And for those of you wondering, yes, there was a lot of hand sanitizer available. Some of the exhibitors wanted people to sanitize their hands before handling the animals--to protect the animals!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Meditating on the Beach

Blowing Rocks Beach, Jupiter Island
July 18, 2025

 I headed off to the beach yesterday afternoon to enjoy the 105 degree stress index heat and commune with the ocean. 

I would like to say it was a religious experience, but the hot sun beat down on my back while I was trying to enjoy to somewhat cooler ocean breeze and the waves. 

Alone on a popular Florida beach! That in itself was a miracle because just a couple hundred yards away on the other side of the island the ICW beaches were jam-packed with boaters and beach goers. The oceanside of the island provided a solitary experience. All the while I was there only two joggers joined me briefly. 

I would like to have remained longer, but I had forgotten to bring a beach chair. My stay was then, necessarily short because I did not want to take a lot of the beach with me into the car when I departed.

Reconnected, I departed and drove home to enjoy the evening.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

*ICW - Intracoastal Waterway

First 20-miler of the Month

Crossing the Southwest Fork of the Loxahatchee
Jupiter, FL
July 18, 2025

 I just completed a 22-mile ride. It was my first over-20 mile ride of the month. Even in the heat and humidity, it felt good and I checked out some side streets that I have not ever ridden. 

It seems that I am more and more crossing the A1A Bridge linking Tequesta and Jupiter as sell as the new US-1 bridge. But, the Loxahatchee River surrounds almost everywhere I ride, except when I go due south over the US-1 bridge.  

Today's Bike Route
Jupiter and Tequesta, FL
July 18, 2025

Because I toured many smaller streets, it took a bit longer than usual to complete the ride. 

Before the ride was complete, I crossed some portion of the Loxahatchee River six times. That is a personal, although dubious, record for a single ride. 

I don't see the need to complete many 20-plus miler rides as they take me away from Chris and the house for too long. The weather also gets very uncomfortable the closer to noon as I am completing them. Today's ride took just under two hours, and when I write just under I mean by less than a minute. It was the first day in a few weeks where I did not feel that I was trying to beat the rainclouds home. 

Well, I will have to see what else today brings. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Backsies

Finnegan on my Chair
Tequesta, FL
July 16, 2025

 Finn actually did not care that I called backsies. He jumped into my chair and proceeded to make it his, despite my protestations. 

Well, he is a dog, after all. 

I had only stood to get some water before resuming my computer work, but since Chris was in sitting in char next to mine, Finn decided to take my now empty chair for his own. That I called backsies did not matter. 

It had been a long day. I had canceled our boat reservation based upon the advice of the marina because of expected weather--that put a big hole in our day. 

I managed a short 12-mile bike ride in-between the storm clouds, but that was pretty much the extent of my outdoors activity. 

Another stormy day is on tap, sadly. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It Must Stop

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
July 15, 2025

 I am, frankly, tired of hearing the nonsense and lies being spewed by the administration to justify their positions. Often they do not even address the actual question, but respond with a quick answer that usually includes something about hating democrats and how democrats hate America. 

That must stop!

Democrats, as a group, do not hate America. I believe as a group democrats love America more than republicans--it is just that democrats have a different vision for the country than the republicans. I believe the democrats' vision is more inclusive and accepting of the diverse nature that is the United States.  

The vilification of groups, nationalities, ethnicities, or genders is definitely NOT American! We must be an inclusive society. The idea that we can return to a "melting post" from our "salad" is misdirected. 

It is OK to have differing visions for America; it is not OK to vilify the opposition. Diversity of thought and beliefs makes the country stronger. 

Let's work together to make our country better!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Gully Washer

 And so Tuesday has arrived. 

At least it will is Tiki Tuesday! That should be fun, if the incessant rains can hold up for a day or so. 

Yesterday was pretty much a washout. It rained, off and on, all day. There was more than one gully washer. I was weathered out of my morning bike ride and with the exception of an hour or so, the entire day was dreary and wet. Ugh.  

Today, it seems, we will enjoy a short respite this morning and then by about 1:30 PM the rains will arrive. The image is the projected rain/thunderstorm situation at 1:33 PM. 

Chris and I have busy mornings planned and it seems as if we should just consider hunkering down for the afternoon. I am hoping that the weather clears by Happy Hour so that we can enjoy Tiki52. If not, we may have to frequent another watering hole. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - July 14, 2025

 Happy Bastille Day!

Vive la France

Bastille Day Celebrations
Paris, France

1. Welcome to the second Monday of July. Today is also my second favorite foreign holiday: Bastille Day. There are 24 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. It has been an exciting and busy week in the rearview and Chris and I are anticipating a continuation this week. The weather may even be conducive for a boating adventure!

3. Fumbling the Ball. On July 5, the day after the Texas floods hit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received 3,027 calls from survivors and answered 3,018 of them, about 99.7%, according to Maxine Joselow of the New York Times. But that day, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem did not renew the contracts for four call center companies that answered those calls. The staff at the centers were fired. The next day, July 6, FEMA received 2,363 calls and answered 846, or about 35.8%. On Monday, July 7, FEMA received 16,419 calls and answered 2,613, around 15.9%. (Letters from an American)

4. The Orioles stumbled into the All Star break by losing their last two games and managing only 1 run. They have improved to 9 games under .500, but the other day they were a competitive 7 games under. Hopefully the break will allow the team to rest and heal. The second half push is about to get underway and it's serious. 

5. There is a lot of swirl in Washington right now over the Epstein files and tape. Maybe there isn't a Deep State? You know, if they are alleging it, they're doing it. Notice how when things get too close for comfort, there is a massive redirection in the churn? Last week we were into immigration and the 4th amendment. Now it is Epstein! Keep the swirl going. Oh yes, and blame Democrats for everything. If Democrats were as nefarious as they allege, then how did Trump get elected? 

6. Tom Homan, the Border Czar, demonstrated a total unfamiliarity with the law when he said: "People need to understand ICE officers and Border Patrol don't need probable cause to walk up to somebody, briefly detain them, and question them ... based on their physical appearance." (MSNBC) If the leaders don't understand the Constitution and the law, how can their agents be expected to abide by the law? If you think ICE is not being developed as a secret police, look again.

7. Today in History. July 14, 1789. The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799, during which revolutionaries overthrew the monarchy of the Ancien Régime, ruled by King Louis XVI. Government efforts at reform had failed. When Louis XVI convened the Estates‑General in 1789, the Third Estate (or class of common people) broke away to form the National Assembly and called for a new constitution. 

The full-scale revolt began in July 1789 with a surge of popular unrest when Parisians stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority. This event led to the abolition of feudal privileges and sparked uprisings across the country. The newly formed National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, enshrining the principles of liberty, equality, and legal protection under the law.

Initial moderate attempts at governance gave way to fragile tensions and violence, setting the stage for a period known as the Reign of Terror. Led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, tens of thousands were executed as suspected enemies of the revolution.

After Robespierre's fall in 1794, political infighting, corruption, and continued warfare eroded the new government’s authority. In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte seized control in a coup, ending the revolutionary era.

Two-thirds of the DOJ unit defending Trump policies in court have quit - Reuters

Tariffs latest: EU trade ministers meeting to discuss new US 30% rate - Reuters

Trump to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, US envoy visits Kyiv - Reuters

Israeli missile hits Gaza children collecting water, IDF blames malfunction - Reuters

The White House's latest partisan accusation is inflammatory nonsense - MSNBC

White House border czar suggests ICE can detain people based on ‘physical appearance’ - MSNBC

Trump gets mixed reception at soccer final, a test run for the World Cup - The Washington Post

EU warns that its trade with the US could be effectively wiped out if Trump follows through on his threat - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL