Texas: Laughing Stock of the South; Laughing Stock of the USA

A little weather visited the State of Texas last week. It was a little Arctic blast. It made Texans feel cold. Cold like they've only heard about. The state was totally unprepared. The idiots in Austin, the capitol city, scurried about pointing fingers. Gov. Babbitt said it was the 'Greenies' who made this happen by promoting wind and solar power. Are you kidding me? Where do they find these people? This is something a kindergartener would say to his teacher who accused him of writiong on the wall. Who, me? Senator Ted Cruz took off for a Mexican vacation-to keep warm. He was found out and is now the subject of intense scrutiny ny the media, and voters, too. The power grid failed miserably across the state. Scores died of various conditions brought on by the lack of electricity and natural gas. Transmission pipes failed; power lines collapsed, pipes burst, watwer pumps failed. For days on end. The unregulated market went berserk as those still with power saw bills soar to 5 figures, plus. Ha, ha. Remember when they said California was out of control? Hmmm. Poor Texans: subject to abuse by those they had only recently abused. Be careful what you wish for in Texas.

Andrew Johnson vs. Donald J. Trump

We now know that Trump and Andrew Johnson have something in common: both were sitting presidents and both were impeached, and both were found not guilty. What else can be said about the two men who were president of these United States? Donald Trump was elected despite losing the popular vote to Hilary Clinton. He won in the electoral college vote. President Johnson was never elected president. He succeeded the assassinated Abraham Lincoln within a month of the end of the Civil War. Lincoln was the standard bearer of the fledgling Republican Party which had been formed only about 5 years before the election of 1860, won by Lincoln over the Southern Democratic candidate, John C. Breckenridge. Lincoln had selected Johnson because he was a Southerner and Lincoln needed some support from the south to ensure a chance to succeed. Johnson was at the time an attractive choice for Vice President. He was well known, he could speak on many subjects, and did not display any sympathy for the rising rebellion and its backers. As a result of the assassination of Lincoln, Johnson served almost a full 4 year term in the role of president. There was no vice president during his term. The line of succession went to Congress. The main issue of Johnson's administration was Reconstruction. Lincoln left an incomplete plan for Reconstruction. Very little had been drafted formally. Lincoln had addressed the issues among staff, including general U.S. Grant. Lieutenant General of the Army. Grant was a firm believer and strong supporter of Lincoln's policies. Grant was known as a lenient general when it came to terms of surrender: he did not want to humiliate the Southern soldier who had to return to a devastated countryside, wrecked cities, and industrial capacity reduced almost to zero. On the other hand, Johnson shed his disguise as a supporter of Lincoln's policies and it became obvious in a short time that he supported the Southern plantation class as it tried to recover from the effects of war and emancipation. Without going into the various details of the reconstreuction effort by the administration of Johnson, it did not take long before things in the south began to turn ugly: murder and mayhem hounded freedmen wherever they tried to exert their new rights as citizens enjoying equal rights for the first time of their lives. The South was carved into military districts controlled by a Union general appointed by Grant. Soon, pleas for more help came rolling into Washington, and Johnson did little to assist the Army in maintaining order. Trump in his way, began his tenure stirring up supporters by saying his win was subject to disorder among the electorate and the vote count. He claimed he had won by a wider ,argin than the record indicated. He thus, questioned the same results that elected him. This revealed his attitude toward states, especilly those governed by Democrats. For the next 4 years, the American citizenry has witnessed the most bizarre behavior that ever eminated from the White House. No matter the subject, Trump did his best to put his own spin on his "facts" that were generally, bald faced lies that came from no one knows where. Trump was impeached the first time in 2019, and the 2nd time in 2020, after he lost his bid for reelection to Joe Biden. He stirred a crowd of followers in a demonstration near the Capitol to visit that august building to 'correct' the vote that removed him from office. Trump was found not guilty by the Senate in a decision rendered after he left the White House on January 20, 2021. He landed in Florida at Mar-a Lago hotel to wait results. Andrew Johnson was also found not guilty aon a variety of charges related to his alleged violation of the Act of Office Tenure after he attempted to appoint his own man as Secretary of War. His record is worth examining given his very partisan support for the South as he remembered it after Lincoln's death. He appeared as if the South had hand chosen a successor who would guarantee the return of the "Old South" and the condition of slavery. Reconstruction would continue for almost 12 years before being abandoned after Grant left office. We live with the results of that period today.

Tahoma Market Visit Day:Feb. 15, 2021.

The Mayor made an unofficial visit(as a customer) to make a few purchases and to check out the layout after almost 2 years of renovations. It was a sight to behold: very fresh looking from top to bottom(floor to ceiling). Everywhere one looked one saw an innovation. The sandwich area is still along the east wall, now the space is extended/opened to accommodate the pizza oven and prep area. on the higway side wall are the reefer boxes. The product aisles run east/west and are easier to negotiate with wide spaces on both ends. Where the old checkout counters were located one finds attractive beverage shelving, well stocked with white and brown spirits of all types. The wine selections are opposite on the east wall with what at first glance appears to be a good mix of labels. The check out area is a granite-topped counter, in a box arrangement, wide open for easy access from all directions, a job well done by the designer. Staff was experienced and helpful, as managers helped to answer questions and deal with deliveries as they arrived. It appears that a new era has begun in Tahoma. For a nod to the past, a well used cutting board-topped table inuse in 1943 has been reconditioned and placed along the north wall. The old video room has been closed off. Upstairs are offices and admin areas. The Mayor took pics but still hasn't figured out how to upload onto the blog(Google tech issues?).

Tahoma Market: OPEN, Finally.

After a couple of years of construction delays, ownerships issues, and permit delays, the commercial heart of Tahoma has re-opened. Locals can now buy a quart of milk, a pound of butter and a loaf of freah bread without the drive to Homewood/Obexers, or Tahoe City (10 mi.). This option is critical in winter when conditions on Highway 89 are often treacherous at best as ice and snow cover the roadway. More than one Tahoman has cancelled a trip north for fear of sliding into the Lake or worse. The Mayor, hisself, hit a patch of ice next to eagle Rock and totaled his pickup. It was not a good day. I recall noting a smashed in garage door next to the roadway, wondering what could have happened? Ice, or snow, or ice and snow, or sleet. All contribute to dangerous driving. I digress. Known as PDQ for years, Tahoma Market is now just Tahoma Market. The inside is newly revamped: lighting is better; the layout is better(see pics on website. In addition to their signature sandwiches, the market has a pizza oven in house. Yes, West Shore Pizza will not like the competition, but hey, that's business. Winter is not the busiest time-skiers generally eat out. However, the Covis-19 pndemic has changed that custom to eat in only. Maybe a coffee to go, but no sit down. So, Tahoma market will take advantage of the situation. West Shore Pizza has been struggling for a year now, and it appears that several more months will pass before restaurants can safely reopen. Owner of West Shore, Mr. Sweeney, has already had to close a nearby outlet-no customers. Liz at "Where We Met Coffee", opens occasionally, depending on timing of holiday traffic, etc. It has been a tough go now for the West Shore for almost a year. The good times will return asoon, and Tahoma market will be there waiting.

Trump Impeachment Trial Begins

Former President Trump, worst ever president of the USA, will have a trial in the Senate to determine culpability in the insurrection that took place on January 6th of this year. The Orange-haired Idiot, now hiding in Florida, will not testify as a witness in his own defense. Democratic Senators and a few Republicans, will decide the fate of the nasty old misogynist. Banned from Twitter(no more ridiculous tweets from the buffoon) Trump cannot attempt to thwart efforts to legally impeach him and ban him from ever holding office again. It is unlikely that he will be convicted because of the spineless republicans are only concerned with holding office as opposed to serving the United States. Day 2 of the trial started a couple of hours ago in the Senate chambers. Stay tuned.

Jimmie Lai: Bail Denied

Hong Kong activist Jimmie Lai, has been ordered back to jail in Hong Kong after an Appeal Court judge denied his appeal to remain free while his case is pending. Jimmie Lai, a supporter of democracy in Hong Kong, was charged with violating newly imposed laws against protests and protesters in Hong Kong by the Communist government in Beijing. He had traveled to Washington, DC, in 2019 and discussed the situation in Hong KOng while students protested te moves by Beijing to arrest democracy activists and journalists who spoke out against the policies meant to silence protests against these same laws. Citizens were concerned when certain individuals were taken fron HK to China and held for a year or more without any charges filed against them. HK leader Carrie Lam was under considerable pressure to support all Beijing's actions against protesters. She in turn, supported the pro- Beijing laws. Jimmie Lai spoke out against her and Beijing. And now he's in prison. How long in prison? NObody knows, least of all, Jimmie.

El Dorado County: Very High Risk for Covid -19

Recently published statistics indicate that El Dorado county residents are at high risk for Covid-19 infections. This assussment is based on the rate of infection among the local population. Since the najority of the county's population resides "down the hill", Lake Tahoe residents might believe they are relatively safe. However, that is not the case. Traffic patterns identified by cell phone tracking data indicate there is quite a bit of mixing among all residents. Folks go west and return to Tahoe with more frequency than early in the pandemic. Yes, winter driving restricts movement during a snow storm, but when roads are clear and the storm is passed, traffic resumes to more normal patterns. The bottom line: maintain social distancing; eliminate unnecessary trips outside the home unless work related; avoid crowds and inside gatherings; wear your mask whenever outside; wash your hands frequently. Vaccinations continue to be given within the county. More residents are being added to the total everyday. Sign up now. Check in with El Dorado County health for an appointment. Pay attention, and assist those household members who are not connected to the internet.

Italian President Calls For the Expert

Italian President Sergio Matarella, has called for the expert on EU and Italy: Mario Draghi, former chairman of the EU Central Bank, to attempt a formation of an acceptable coalition in Parliament that can stand the test of time. It is possible he is the one who has respect across the political spectrum in Italy. He is recognized as a experienced in politics at the cabinet level in Brussels with EU leaders and representatives, and with various leaders of Italy's numerous parties including the League, the PD or Democrats, and many small, independents. The pandemic has caused havoc within the country. In addition to a shocking number od deaths related to the Covid virus, the consequent shut downs of many sectors of the economy, and a shutdown of travel to the country, has turned the economy upside down. It is expected to contract over 4% this year. Combine that with high unemployment, and you have a recipe for a long slowdown. Italy has been slow to vaccinate its citizens.

Aleksei Navalny, Russyan Dissident, sentenced to 2 years in Prison for Parole Violation

Mad Vlad Putin, Dictator for Life in the world's largest country, has seen to it that the young man who has been on a mission for years to expose Putin as a kleptomaniac and ruthless dictator, was arrested and sentenced to 3 1/2 more years in prison after returning from Berlin. He had been in hospital since last August after being poisoned by FSB agents who followed him to Siberia and gave him Novichuk, a deadly nerve agent created in military labs in MOscova. His supporters and other opposition group members have been demonstrating against his imprisonment for the last 2 weeks, despite sub-zero winter temperatures, and repeated attempts by police to halt demonstrations on his behalf. New President Joe Biden, has made it his position that he not only supports Aleksei Navalny, but also the human rights issues that are clearly being abused in Russya by Putin. More sanctions are sure to follow against a regime that is already suffering the consequences of international moves(Ukraine invasion, Syrian intervention, and election intrusion in US, and cyber attacks against US government departments and corporate entities). Putin is a lot like defeated ex-president Trump, the TV host who abused an entire nation for 4 long years. He needs the limelight to keep his ego tuned up and tuned in. He has run the country into the ground and it seems that a continuation of his efforts could lead to a day of reckoning in the near future. We'll see.

El Dorado County and Covid-19

So, it is 2021, February to be exact. The snow has stopped falling, but the virus remains active and of primary concern among locals on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, California's premier outdoor recreation location. The CDC has labelled El Dorado County at "Very High Risk". This designation depends on the number of new cases per 100,000 population. In Tahoma/Homewood, the Mayor knows that few numbers live here. Yes, we experience an influx of visitors on weekends and holidays and various 'ski weeks' from schools across the state. Most of El Do county's residents live on the western slope or 'down the hill', adjacent to US Highway 50(aka The Loneliest Highway in America,in Nevada). Those citizens are the workers who work in Sacramento and up and down the Sacramento Valley. Some do visit the Tahoe Basin, but certainly would not claim residency here. So, exposure is more prevalent in west county, but Lake Tahoe residents are not without threat, due to continuous mingling with interlopers from the Bay Area, Reno, and as far away as L.A., San Diego, Oregon, and Washington State. One's response to all the above should be: 1) continued observation of all recommended precautions 2) staying up with legitimate advice from government sources 3) getting vaccinated as soon as one's age cohort is opened 4) protecting senior family members from exposure 5) limiting trips from home /work 6) observing social distancing 7) avoiding crowds wherever they may be found The guidelines to be followed are now almost universally recognized, but not universally followed. The virus is here to stay and one's personal response(s) make a big difference in transmission rates. It is the Mayor's position that we can make a difference locally by wearing a mask whenever we leave our residence; whenever we encounter strangers or family that does not live in our residence. Simple, really. Keep awareness at a high level, and we will make a difference.