As the world burns Nero Fiddled

August 28, 2019

Today in Austin it will be 100 with a low of 75.  The average is 94/73

We are 240 days into the year, 125 days until next year. 

 “The world's a forest, in which all lose their way; though by a different path each goes astray.” – George Villiers, 1^st Duke of Buckingham (8/28/1592 – 8/23/1628)

Kano Motonbu (8/28/1476 – 11/5/1559)

   

            Was a Japanese painter. He was a member of the Kanō school of painting. Through his political connections, patronage, organization, and influence he was able to make the Kanō school into what it is today. The system was responsible for the training of a great majority of painters throughout the Edo period (1603–1868). After his death, he was referred to as Kohōgen (古法眼).

FEMA

FEMA will transfer more than $155 million to ICE to pay for a massive increase in detention beds and temporary courts at the US border.  As we approach hurricane season I am not sure this transfer of money is the right idea.  Tropical Storm Dorian is about to hit Puerto Rico (Yes we are responsible for that US territory).  Maria did so much damage 2 years ago and the administration, which touts $91 Billion in aid – Not true BTW), has not done nearly enough to help that territory to recover.  If you look at the administrations response to Harvey and compare it to Maria you can see that the current administration only cares about its own voters.  What happened to a President who cared about all US citizens?

Amazon – Still talking about the Jungle

Brazil president Jair Bolsonaaro said Brazil will not accept the $22 million in aid to fight the fires unless Macron (PM of France) apoligizes for his “insults”.  Anyone else think about Nero fiddling while Rome burns?

Pax Britannia

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked Queen Elizabeth II today to suspend Parliament.  This move could force a hard Brexit to happen as the suspension would last until October 14^th and would stop any legislative move from occurring prior to the October 31^st hard exit.  The immediate response was the pound dropping from $1.23 to $1.2196.  Rough times ahead for the UK with nationalist wanting the hard exit, but really not looking down the road at the impact.  Hard border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland.  The possible return of the “Troubles”.  The lack of trade agreements with anyone.  I am hopeful that something will happen to resolve this issue, but it appears that Brexit is going to happen come hell or high water.

Trump Tweets

            “And by the way, I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to Puerto Rico!” – DT.  Wow, the ego…I miss the days of a proper President.  Could his narcissism be any greater? By the way Harvey aid to the states from the Federal government is over $125 Billion and to Puerto Rico…$11.2 Billion.  Yeah the best thing ever.

Empty Chair

            If you believe in climate change or don’t believe you should at least show up to the meeting of the G-7 on climate change to state your view.  I guess this is an example of letting the adults do the work.

The Sum Up

            The A/C repair team is supposed to come today.  Between the hours of 11 and 4 with a 30 minute warning.  In the meantime I am working and trying not to miss the heads up call.  Please let them fix it correctly this time.  It is freaking hot in Austin Texas.  Speaking of Austin Texas, the University of Texas kickoff is 3 days away!!

     That’s all for today sports fans.