GERMANY.....BIGGEST WHORE HOUSE IN EUROPE

Germany has a propensity for coming up with ideas which appear brilliant on the surface. Ideas which will benefit Germany. Ideas that  supposedly will benefit others they intend to do business with. Everyone eats!

In the final analysis, only Germany benefits. Only Germany eats.

The perfect example is the euro union which Germany was an instrumental party in conceiving and selling to fellow European nations. Each nation would be better off economically.

It did not work that way. Germany benefited/benefits big time to the detriment of other countries. Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus being prime examples.

Germany came up with another plan which was to work to the benefit of a certain group. Prostitutes.

Germany adopted a law in 2002 which legalized prostitution. A simple one page law. Its purpose was to      de-stigmatize prostitution. The ladies henceforth would be considered employees as in all other occupations. They were to have contractual rights with their pimps, the right to pension benefits and medical insurance, the right to unionize.

Prostitution was henceforth to be viewed as a voluntary occupational choice. The selling/rental of a woman's body was no longer to be considered immoral.

The world's oldest profession had come a long way. St. Augustine considered prostitution immoral and wrong. However, he viewed it as a necessary evil. Hundreds of years later, Germany gave it dignity.

What was the thinking behind the new German law? Was it really the welfare and dignity of the women involved? Or, was there more?

All of the above and perhaps more. Prostitution as a legal occupation became subject to taxation. Taxed nationally by Germany's federal government. Taxed additionally by Germany's municipalities. Pursuant to the law, the municipalities had the responsibility of overseeing the prostitution business.

Prior to the 2002 law, there were 100,00 prostitutes in Germany. Three years after its adoption, there were 200,000. Today, there are 400,000.

Competition became keen. Young ladies flocked to Germany. Easy money was in the offing.

The problem was too many got into the business. Most involuntarily, the rest by choice. Of the 400,000 present day prostitutes, 300,000 are estimated to have come from Eastern Europe. Primarily Romania and Bulgaria. Most  brought into Germany by unscrupulous pimps who had now become legitimate businessmen. Promises were made that the young ladies would have a better life. Lies, of course. They unknowingly were forced into prostitution when they arrived. Threats and beatings became commonplace to keep the women in line.

Where economics is involved, matters come down to supply and demand. Legality brought with it the tremendous influx of new ladies to the profession. As evidenced by the 400,000 prostitutes presently in Germany.

Today, there are 3,000 brothels in Germany. Five hundred in Berlin alone. It is estimated that 1.2 million men pay for sex daily.

With so many women available, competition became cut throat. Prices for sex services suffered. They dropped. Dramatically. In 2002, the charge for oral sex and intercourse was 40 euros. Fifty four dollars American money. Today, 10 euros. Thirteen dollars American money. In many instances, less than 10 euros. Whatever a lady can get.

A buyer's market.

Package deals have come into play. There is a twelve story brothel in Cologne. Every floor and every room occupied by a working girl who must be kept busy. Hi rises are common in the German brothel business. The Cologne one offers the customer all the sex and all the alcohol he wants for as long as the customer wants it. For 50 euros.  Roughly $65 American money. Another in a different city offers all the sex the customer can handle in one visit for 50 euros. These prices include multiple companions.

Germany has also become known as the discount sex capital of the world. Obviously.

Tour promoters from other countries, including the United States, offer six day packages. Business is booming. Thailand formerly had the distinction of being the sex capital. Germany has outdistanced Thailand because of it cheap prices.

Big business requires marketing to continue successfully. Brothel operators offer all sort of incentives. An afternoon discount for men 66 or older. A 20 per cent discount to the unemployed. Day passes. Rebates to golfers. Flat rates. Flat rates being the one price for all services for as long as desired described herein before.

Prostitutes have been left behind. Those whose lives were to have been enriched by the 2002 law. There are no contracts, pension or medical plans. The ladies are subjected to significantly more abuse than before.

Business is tough. Brothel operators have become tough. The girls are required to service more men per day. Whereas most used to do 10 men per day, the number is now 20 or 40, depending on the brothel involved. Unbelievable! In the infrequent times they are not working, the ladies are kept crowded in small single rooms with one bed. No toilet facility, except down the hall.

Germany and the municipalities are not suffering, however. They are getting rich tax wise.

Germany's federal government taxes a prostitute's income. Brothel operators are also taxed. A flat rate per prostitute per day. Twenty five to 30 euros. Note per day.

The municipalities also tax. Acceptable conduct in the taxing world.

All this amounts to triple taxation. Not double taxation.

The tax flow dollars are tremendous. No source could be discovered  which measured the federal government's take. However, information was available indicating the tax income of certain municipalities. Astronomical!

Not everyone is inclined to voluntarily pay taxes. Tax avoidance is a universal game at every level and profession. Bonn was concerned the street walkers were not paying. Without  a brothel operator or pimp, it was difficult to compel voluntary payment.

Bonn put in automated pay stations on the streets. Like parking meters. Each street walker is required to deposit 6 euros a night. Nine dollars American money. Police keep tabs on the ladies. They cannot be arrested for prostitution as it is legal. They can however be fined for not having their 6 euro receipt.

Bonn's cost for each meter was $11,575 American money. The number speaks for itself as to the tax dollars involved.

The Bonn street walkers are incensed. They consider the meter double taxation.

Bonn does provide a service. It has constructed large wood garages where the ladies can take their customers to do the deed in the privacy of a customer's car.

The thrust of this article is not that prostitution is legal in Germany. It is legal in other places. Nevada, Amsterdam, and Sweden for example. The thrust is to show another example of how Germany came up with a brilliant idea to help a  certain class. The help did not materialize. Never the less, Germany benefited. The class walked away empty handed. In worse condition than before.

Germany did it with the euro union. It has done it again with the prostitutes.

Please Germany, no more brilliant ideas! No ideas! You are bad news!

REFLECTIONS

The world is in turmoil. Much is happening. I want to comment on some of the events occurring. Reflect on them country by country, area by area. Starting with Egypt. Followed by Venezuela, Thailand, Washington, DC, Africa, and Greece. Ending with our beloved Florida.

Egypt is in revolt again. Demonstrations and protests ongoing. Morsi out. Monsour in. The Egyptian Army controlling events, as it has for several decades.

Mubarak was ousted last year. He had been a staunch friend of the United States for years. Even supported Israel. Did the United States support Mubarak when his government was threatened? Absolutely not.

Instead the United States turned its back on their loyal friend of many years. Hillary Clinton cried out that democracy had to be supported and Mubarak should resign. Many  Washington governmental leaders agreed. All thought it wonderful that democracy was finally coming to Egypt. After all, Mubarak was nothing but a tyrant.

At the time, I spoke out on my television/internet show the Key West Lou Legal Hour that the United States should stand with Mubarak. He was and had been our friend. His track record proved the same. 

I further stated that in Mubarak the United States knew what it had. Whoever the new leader would be, there was no certainty he would continue the Egypt-United States relationship that had existed for years.

Finally, I said why push a genuine democratic form of government on a people that might not want one. People live in different ways. Such must be respected.

Mubarak got overthrown. He is in jail awaiting the outcome of his appeal regarding his conviction on less than valid charges. Morsi was his replacement. He was a tool of the far religious right. The Muslim clergy were in actual control. Not what the people expected. The demonstrators returned. Morsi was ousted last week.

Now comes Monsour. At the time of my preparation of this column, the United States has publicly acted in quiet fashion. I assume our leaders have learned how easy it is to burn one's fingers in such a situation.

The Egyptian Army stepped into the fray last week. The Army deposed Morsi and replaced him withMonsour.

Many are unaware that for several decades, it was and is the generals who run Egypt. Egypt's leaders serve at their behest. The Army is the power behind the throne.

Now to Venezuela.

We take for granted the simple things in life. Those things we have every day and never think of being without. Venezuela has been experiencing an eye opening revelation regarding being without that which is simple. And unquestionably necessary.

Toilet paper.

Venezuela needs 125 million rolls of toilet paper a month. For some reason, in the past few months there is a shortage of toilet paper. Simply put, there ain't any! One woman complained it took her two weeks to find a roll.

Necessity generally controls events. Kimberly-Clark Corp. manufactures toilet paper. Prior to the shortage, they were manufacturing toilet paper at a facility in Venezuela. Because of the shortage, Kimberly-Clark has agreed to make a $37.1 million additional investment in Venezuela. They have agreed to build another plant.

The problem/scarcity continues. People are having to make do until the new plant rolls out the toilet paper needed.

Why didn't Kimberly-Clark build the new plant earlier? They had to foresee the shortage. They were in the business.

Something amiss here?

The Catholic Church has had and continues to have its problems in the United States and world wide. Especially regarding their priests who molested young boys. The question arises as to whether other religions have similar problems. Not necessarily pedophilia. Yet activities that do not reflect well upon a religious group.

Thailand is the place! Buddhist monks the culprits! Those generally bald headed, long robed, sandal footed, and non communicative men of their god, Buddha.

Buddhist monks are involved in what has been deemed inappropriate behavior. Such as wearing stylish aviator eyeglasses, traveling with luxury brand name bags, wearing wireless headphones to listen to music. Those are the mild things. Also included in the accusations were consuming alcohol, extorting money, driving sport cars, and having sex with women.

For shame. 

What has happened to God's/Buddha's representatives on earth?

On to Washington, DC and Africa.

The President recently made an official African trip. I think it was wonderful! Engaging with emerging African leaders has long been overdue.

The cost of the trip is not finalized. It was projected to be between $60 million and $100 million. It costs a lot of money to transport a President. Staff in the hundreds, several airplanes, secure automobiles, etc. I understand.

What I do not understand is why I and and everyone else cannot visit the White House. Specifically, take a White House tour. Sequestration has cut off the funding.

It cannot cost anywhere near what it cost for the President to visit Africa. And is just as important! Mothers, fathers, children, visitors and Louis should be able to see the house the President lives in.

What really galls my butt is Congress. The first week into sequestration, they got all excited. They were going home Friday. Sequestration had cut airline controllers. Passenger delays were projected at three hours. Congressmen did not want to wait three hours. Our a__hole leaders who cannot get anything done in a timely fashion, in a matter of hours passed a law rescinding the controller portion of sequestration. Even more galling, Obama signed it.

And I and thousands of others could not visit our taxpayer supported President's house. 

Greece. Poor Greece. I am in Greece for five weeks at the present time. I have already spent a few days in Greece's capital, Athens. I was in Athens and Greece about the same time last year.

Things have not changed. Merely gotten worse. More stores closed. More begging on the streets. More unemployment. More fathers who cannot feed their families. More young college graduates with out work.

I wandered through two major demonstrations in front of Parliament last year. 

The people were aroused. Hated Germans. Hated their political leaders.

Greeks are a simple people. Truly. Americans are miles more sophisticated. The Greeks leave government to those they elect. The people would rather work not too hard, enjoy their families, and sing and dance in their free time. They have not been involved. Till now. And still only in a protesting fashion.

Last year I pointed out that Germany had the distinction of having started World Wars I and II. I thought they might be the cause of a third World War. The war would begin in Europe. All over the euro situation. Forget the Middle East.

My present trip causes me to adjust my thinking a bit. War will not come first. Revolution will. The fathers and college students and everyone else have had it.

The pot brews. Soon perhaps to boil over.

Greece could be in the calm before the storm. Last year they were yelling and screaming and complaining. This year their dispositions are different. They are calm. They say we listened to the government. They were wrong. We have been downtrodden before. We survived. We will survive again. We will do what is necessary.

That necessary could include civil unrest. The overthrow of the government.

Germany will come second. Greeks hate Germans vehemently. They believe Germany could ease their pain. Germany refuses. That then brings to their minds.....Germans are no good. Look what they did to us in World War II.  Germany occupied Greece during World War II. Atrocities galore.

Last but not least is beloved Florida.

Pot pipes. There is a new law.

The first conviction for possession a pot pipe is a misdemeanor. The second, a felony. Jail time can be involved. 

My problem with the law is that with the second conviction, a person loses his or her right to vote. A basic right.

Governor Scott supported the bill big time. It has become popularly known as the Bong Bill.

Lets bring Walgreen into the picture.

Walgreen recently had a problem with Oxycontin pills. A big item in the illegal drug market. Supposed to be used as a pain killer. Can only be obtained with a prescription. Drug users have taken to it. It is claimed Oxycontin gives a high similar to heroin. The pills are addictive.

The pills are in high demand. Improper and/or illegal steps have been taken to make the supply available to drug users.

Somewhere along the line, Walgreen got involved. Specifically how I do not know. I am not saying Walgreen's actions were illegal. However, Walgreen recently agreed to pay a $80 million fine for its involvement.

$80 million is a drop in the bucket to Walgreen. A recent news article stated Walgreen's quarterly sales were $16.5 billion.

My problem is that the little guy gets screwed again and the big guy gets a slap on the wrist. Take the two time pipe carrying offender and take away from him the right to vote. Take a major corporation such as Walgreen and fine them. Remove none of their rights or abilities.

I consider this another too big to prosecute situation.

Both scenarios grossly unfair.

Reflect is the word. Think about these things.

DARK MOMENTS IN HUMAN HISTORY

I have just returned from the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Its proper title is the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

 

I toured the three floors of the permanent exhibit. The exhibit methodically traces the Holocaust from the rise of Hitler to those who were lucky to survive. In between were evil acts of inhumanity committed on a massive scale.

 

Six million Jews murdered.

 

There is little I did not know of the Holocaust. I am and have been a student of history all my life. One thing I did learn today makes the six million number appear even larger. If it can. In all of Europe when Hitler commenced his mass extermination, there were only nine million Jews. Hitler effectively eliminated two thirds of a people.

 

For years, I have heard ".....never forget!" One cannot.

 

What bothers me is that Hitler's intentional extermination of the Jews was not the last such occurrence.  There have been many more since the end of World War II.

 

All over the world. Places such as Armenia, Bosnia, Darfur, the Congo, Cambodia, Sudan and Iraq. It is thought by some that Syria may be ripe for mass killings.

 

There is one mass killing I would be remiss if not mentioned.  Though not since World War II. I refer specifically to the American Indian. Native Americans to use the correct terminology. Subjected to annihilation because of the United States' Manifest Destiny concept at the time..

 

There was a bit of a quirk that I had to figure out. The Jewish extermination is referred to as a holocaust. All the others mentioned, genocides. What is the difference? Is there a difference?

 

Both terms are very close In meaning. A holocaust involves fire. Perhaps the cremations following the gassing gave rise to the term. Genocide is simply mass killing in any form. From my perspective, both are the same.

 

The purpose of today's column is not merely to recite my trip to the Holocaust Museum and how terrible the Nazis were to persons of the Jewish faith. I have a broader and deeper thought to convey.

 

Six million Jews killed during World War II. Millions more in the genocides set forth earlier. I believe man likes to kill. It is inherent in his nature. Some where, some time, there will be another holocaust/genocide going on. Man's inhumanity to man prevails. It never ends.

 

I apologize if I offend some. The record is clear, however. Man keeps doing it. Killing his fellow humans on a mass scale.

 

Think back in history. Recall Roman days when Christians and others were killed in the Coliseum by lions. The only difference between now and then is that man no longer uses lions. He does it himself. 

HYPOCRISY

Do as I say, not as I do. A simple example of hypocrisy. Formally defined, a hypocrite is one who expresses zeal for those virtues which he neglects to practice.

 

My Church is guilty of hypocrisy. The Catholic Church. Specifically with regard to its positions on birth control and abortion.

 

The Catholic Church rejects contraception under any circumstances. Most recently with regard to Obamacare. The Church was opposed to Obamacare's provisions which would provide contraception coverage. Directly or indirectly. Even where Obama acceded to the Church's initial protestations and said that birth control would be paid for by the insurance company. In effect, the insurance company would provide the coverage free.

 

The Catholic Church rejected the President's solution. Instead the Church has gone to court claiming that any provision regarding contraception violated the Church's beliefs. Its religious beliefs. The court matter is in its early stages.

 

The Catholic Church uses as a primary spokesperson the United States Council of Catholic Bishops. The Council's present chairperson is Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the New York Archdiocese. The Cardinal recently was on the short list for election as Pope.

 

The Obamacare fight thus far has been limited to contraception. Abortion not an issue. It goes without saying that the Church abhors abortion.

 

A recent article by Sharon Otterman in the New York Times uncovered the factual basis warranting the hypocrisy charge. The article brought forth that the Archdiocese of New York for twelve or more years had been providing coverage to certain union medical employees for contraception. Also for voluntary pregnancy termination. A delicate way of referring to abortion.

 

Shocking! The same Archdiocese now headed by Cardinal Dolan. Who is also chairperson of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops. The organization in the forefront of the Obamacare contraception battle.

 

A Church spokesman suggested that the Archdiocese succumbed and accepted a union contract containing the contraception and abortion coverages under protest.The issue at the time was providing health care or violating the Church's religious beliefs. It was thought better to provide the coverages. It was said by the Church spokesperson that the issues of contraception and abortion would be left to the conscience of individual employees.

 

More than ten years later, the Church's position has become that the Obamacare provisions are unprecedented, intolerable, and a government intrusion on religious liberty. Where were these arguments back when the union contract was on the table? How can what passed muster years ago now become a horrible imposition on Catholicism?

 

The Archdiocese is not the only institution that has permitted contraception coverage. Fordham University is a Catholic institution. It provides contraception coverage not only for it employees, but also its students. Since 2002, New York State mandates agencies with standard commercial insurance to provide coverage for contraception services. Many Catholic agencies fall under the mandate.

 

Where was the Catholic Church when Fordham University did what they did? Where was the Catholic Church when New York State issued its mandate?

 

I have my own thoughts.

 

I believe the Catholic Church has become politically active to an extent never before experienced. The United States Council of Catholic Bishops has a budget of $26.6 million. Such a sum would better be spent feeding and sheltering the poor and homeless.

 

I suspect also that the Catholic Church has been goaded into and has become an ally of the Republican religious right. It has been reported that the Bishops became involved in the Obamacare fight only after consultation with the group.

 

I cannot get out of my head that Catholic Church hierarchy now seek the spotlight of the public pulpit. Enjoyably so from where I sit.

 

Something else sticks in my craw. What happened to free conscience? My Catholic upbringing taught me man has free conscience. God sets the rules. Man has the ability to follow the rules or not. In the exercise of free conscience.

 

Interestingly, free conscience was one of the reasons/excuses claimed for not vehemently protesting the contraception and abortion coverages to certain union employees many years ago. Provisions that remain intact to this day.

 

I still subscribe to the Church setting the rules. Then it is up to the laity to decide what rules they wish to follow. It is not the Church's role to go public as it has. Religion and government must remain separate. Salem witch hunts are a thing of the past.

 

I say to the Catholic Church.....Take care of my soul, not my laws. Leave it to me to judge issues and make judgments in the exercise of free conscience. The free conscience given to me by God.

THREE DISGRACES

Our government is dysfunctional. Especially Congress. I tell you nothing new. We are all aware.

 

From the multitudinous wrongdoings, I have selected three stories. Each is an example of the government's erroneous ways.

 

The first involves Major Nidal Hasan. The U.S. Army officer and psychiatrist who went berserk at Fort Hood in 2009. The Major was a Muslim.

 

Major Hasan for no reason and without provocation began shooting up the base. He killed 13 and wounded 30. Most U.S. Army soldiers.

 

As he was shooting, Major Hasan was shouting in Muslim, God is Great.

 

It is now 2013, four years later. Major Hasan is well and alive. He sits in jail awaiting a trial.

 

The disgrace.....Major Hasan is receiving full pay while he waits trial. $70,000 a year. So far, $278,000.

 

Two reasons are involved.

 

First, Major Hasan, who is also an American citizen, is innocent till proven guilty. Second, someone in government, whether Washington or the Army itself, has labeled the shooting workplace violence. Both situations legally mandate that Major Hasan continue to be paid.

 

There are three classifications involved when our soldiers are killed or wounded.  One is workplace violence. The other two require the incident be as a result of terrorism or combat. Whoever did the classification, decided to call it workplace violence.

 

Workplace violence carries negative affects beyond Major Hasan being paid while awaiting trial. The thirty wounded are not entitled to disability awards if their wounds warrant such. Nor are they entitled to Purple Hearts.

 

So Major Hasan sits in a cell doing nothing and gets paid $70,000 a year. Whereas, the injured are not entitled to disability benefits nor a Purple Heart.

 

All because someone high up classified the shooting as working place violence rather than one of the two other classifications.

 

Why? I am not sure the classification was an accident. It would be interesting to know who decided to go with the classification which assisted Major Hasan rather than one that would have helped those wounded. What behind the scene forces were at work?

 

The second situation involves Congress and the Affordable Care Act. The Act is popularly known as Obamacare. It has been law for approximately three years.

 

Republicans now control the House of Representatives. They keep trying to repeal Obamacare. They bring up the repeal vote with full knowledge that it will never see the light of day in the Democratic controlled Senate. And , if it did and was favorably passed, the President would never sign it into law.

 

Congress recently voted on repeal. Again. For the 37th time in three years. The same bill. With full knowledge it is going nowhere.

 

Perhaps a publicity stunt. Maybe to appease the far right. Could  be an attempt to convince the American people that they are protecting their interests by constantly beating a dead horse.

 

The scenario is outrageous for a number of reasons.

 

First, it is a waste of time and money. Once was enough. That is all it takes. There is a cost involved. Thus far, Congress has spent $1.5 million in conducting 37 votes. At a time when the United States is in desperate economic straits. The Republicans are the ones who shout cut, cut,cut, eliminate wasteful spending. They fail to do that which they preach.

 

I have an additional concern.

 

Thirty seven votes on the same thing where one would have sufficed.There are important social issues facing the United States. Like gun control, immigration, and tax reform. These issues are never brought to the floor for a vote.

 

Crazy.

 

The third disgrace involves the great American corporation Apple and its avoidance of $102 billion dollars in taxes. All perfectly proper. All legal. Off shore accounts were used.

 

Ireland is a glaring example. Apple has neither buildings nor employees in Ireland. It merely has a mailing address. Apple saves $12 billion using this gimmick.

 

All perfectly proper. All legal.

 

Apple's CEO recently appeared before a Congressional committee on the issue of tax avoidance. He was open and above board in his responses. His position a simple one. The law permits everything they do. Everything is within the law. They pay only taxes they are legally required to pay.

 

Apple's CEO is correct. Apple is without sin.

 

Who is the culprit? Simple. The Congress of the United States. Laws have been passed over the years granting big tax breaks to major corporations. Congress did the dirty deed and now is searching for a scapegoat.

 

There is none, except for themselves.

 

There are two ways we can get out of this tax avoidance situation. First, cut out all tax loopholes permitting this type activity. Second, pass a law lowering the corporate tax rate. We will lose no money. Probably take in more revenue. Without loopholes, corporate America will be paying taxes on ALL income earned. Such a scenario should provide more tax income than is being received now. It is a win win situation for corporate America and the United States.

 

I have pointed the finger at Congress and government in general. Deservedly so. Our elected representatives have become beholden to corporate America. They expect and rely on substantial contributions to their political war chests. They enjoy a trip here and there to some exotic place at corporate America's expense. Expensive dinners. And whatever else.

 

We should expect more from our elected representatives. We deserve more. Congress must dig in and do the right thing. Unfortunately, they have neither the courage nor desire to do so.

STAY OUT OF SYRIA

Syria is not where the United States wants its ground troops. We have had enough of Middle East wars. The United States is not prepared emotionally and economically for another Iraq or Afghanistan.

 

Syria's is a civil war. A religious one. Sunni versus Shia. Especially the Alawite segment of the Shia. Assad is an Alawite.

 

The war began in March 2011. Actually, it is the same war that has been fought for centuries. One religious faction against another.

 

The rebels are known as the Free Syrian Army. Extremist jihadis became involved on the side of the rebels. Now Al-Qaeda.

 

Both sides are guilty of horrific wrongdoing. No one is without sin.

 

President Assad's military beheads the opposition. Seems to be a Middle East way. The group also has no respect for the children of rebels. Their 2-11 year old's, male and female alike, are being gang raped by Assad's followers.

 

The rebels behead also.

 

Assad's men are generally beheaded when captured. Many times by rebel children. Rebel forces have young ones wield the sword.

 

Recently, a film appeared on the internet. It was all over the internet. Difficult not to view. It graphically depicted Abu Sakkor, a rebel leader, cutting the heart out of an opposition soldier and then eating it. The crowd could be heard cheering Sakkor in the background. Allahu Akbar.....God is Great!

 

Russia has recently come into the conflict big time. Not with foot shoulders. With very sophisticated anti-cruise missiles. The purpose of the missiles is to keep foreign ships away from the Syrian coast. Foreign vessels that might supply armaments to the rebels.

 

I suspect President Obama misspoke when he said if chemical weapons were being used by Assad that the United States would get involved. He may have to back off that statement. Fortunately, he is investigating thoroughly any claims that chemical weapons are being used. His caution is credible.

 

The old men in the United States Senate cry out for American involvement. We are compelled to help the rebels we are told. I say let those Senators be the first to land on Syrian soil. It is time we stop sending our young men and women to foreign shores to fight other people's battles.

 

There is a thrust to this article. It involves helping a people who behead and eat the hearts of their enemy. Not our kind of people. And if history is any teacher, some day those we help today will be our enemy and use the knowledge and weapons provided against us.

 

I must stay with the Senate's old men who cry for United States involvement. I wonder how they would feel the first time American troops are captured and beheaded. Do not say Americans will not be beheaded. They will. It is the way in the Middle East.

 

More importantly, what would the American people say?

 

Let's not get to that place. Stay out of Syria!

 

 

AVALANCHES, A TSUNAMI AND HOT WATER

That which follows is the result of global warming. Man has screwed up his planet. Greenhouse gases must be limited.

 

First, avalanches. They are on the rise. World wide. Each year more than the previous. Tons of snow flowing down a slope damaging man and his world.

 

This spring alone there have been reports of increased avalanches on the French side of Mont Blanc and in the States of Colorado and Washington.

 

Global warming is the recognized culprit. The warming causes the snow to become softer and melt sooner. The snow loses its adhesion, breaks away and flows rapidly downward.

 

We are warned that massive avalanches are growing in frequency.

 

Barbara Turnbull is an avalanche researcher at the UK's University of Nottingham. She reported in the Journal of Physical Review Letters that climate changes may be contributing to the strength of avalanches.

 

Christian Huggel of the University of Zurich wrote in the Journal of Inside Sciences that ".....warming in high mountain areas is likely destabilizing slopes."

 

Scientists generally agree that global warming causes rapid swings in temperature which in turn are responsible for the bigger and more frequent slides.

 

Next to be addressed are tsunamis. Those extremely high waves which come in swiftly from the sea and run over the land. One high wave. Generally 20-50 feet high. Killing hundreds and destroying all property in its path.

 

There has been a recent warning. The east coast is at a tsunami risk. From New Jersey up through New England.

 

Strange that there is a concern for a tsunami coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. I had always assumed it was a Pacific ocean problem. China, Japan and some Pacific islands were at risk. At its worst, maybe the west coast of the United States.

 

Not so. It is suggested the wall of speeding water will occur on the east coast.

 

Why?

 

There have recently been 15 earthquakes 170 miles east of Boston.Out in the ocean. Except for the scientific community, no one took notice or concern. The reason is that the earthquakes were well below water at the edge of the Continental Shelf. None was greater than a 4.0.

 

Apparently there is no problem with a 4.0 underwater earthquake. There would be if the quake went to 7.0. Scientists are in general agreement that an earthquake of that magnitude would be a problem.

 

A tsunami wave of gigantic proportions would rise to the surface and make its way to the east coast of the United States. Most also agree that warning time would be only 15 minutes.

 

The earthquakes and possibility of the big wave are the result of global warming.

 

Artic and Antarctic ice have been melting and shrinking for years. Glacial lakes are disappearing. The ice at the two poles and in glacial lakes have held the earth's crust firm. With less ice, the earth's crust is flexing. Above and below water. A movement so minute it cannot be felt.

 

The flexing causes earthquakes to occur. The result of shifting earth and rock formations. Mother earth shakes and an earthquake occurs.

 

Water temperature also comes into play.

 

It was recently announced that the ocean waters from North Carolina to Maine are the warmest in the 150 years they have been recorded.The warm waters reach out to the end of the Continental Shelf.

 

The warming water off the east coast is the result of what is happening in the Artic.

 

The Artic is heating at two times the rate of the rest of the planet. Ice loss is occurring rapidly.

 

The Artic affects the entire planet. It helps regulate the global climate system and influences weather patterns across much of the northern hemisphere.

 

With less ice, more water gets warmed. Solar energy makes the ocean warmer.

 

The ice lost is needed. Artic ice helps to regulate climate by reflecting sunlight back into space. As the ice diminishes, more sunlight is absorbed into what is swiftly becoming a more open ocean. The result is warm water.

 

The bottom line is frightening. The echosystem changes. At some point dramatically. Fish life is disturbed. Some will disappear and others moved around. Artic animals such as the polar bear and walrus will disappear. The warmer water combined with other global warming disruptions affects the entire planet.

 

Everything is cause and effect. Greenhouse gases contribute significantly to global warming. Unless and until the corporate world is reigned in, the path to disaster is clear.

 

I fear that what is being done to correct global warming is a mere drop in the bucket. Being critical of the United States alone, I cannot in the reasonable future envision Congress doing what is necessary to reign in the excesses of the corporate world.

 

Note that HOT is used to describe warm in the title. The reason is that we are all going to be in hot water if we do not correct the ravages of global warming.