“So this is Friday, Lucy.”
“Yeah, I know that.”
“Time for you to chase me.”
“Well, start running.”
“Count to three before you come after me.”
“Given my age, you will be in St. Louis before I catch you, but here goes.”
Friday is on us before we know it. Wait a minute. We know it. What I meant to say is Friday is here already. This has been a fast week for sure. I really don’t know why. Oh well, we’ll take it, right?
Not much going on here. The school boards across the state are still asking themselves what to do about the kids coming back to school. Our governor has signed an executive order forbidding mask and vaccination mandates. Those people outside of Texas have a difficult time understanding that move. Some inside Texas have the same problem, especially those who have fled the tyranny of other state governments. (I guess they came here for reasons other than the freedom to live without big brother watching.) The governor’s action is best explained by the Texas ideal of personal freedom, which is freedom above all else, even if it kills you. Here is the flag from the Battle of Gonzolas, the first battle of the Texas revolution. The Texans were told to give the cannon back to the Mexican army. The flag was the response. Maybe that explains the Texas love for freedom. 
So what is going on is a lot of handwringing by school boards and county judges. Here in my county, our judge has the guts to go ahead and mandate masks in all schools, public and private. Then, of course, there will be a lawsuit challenging the governor’s right to issue the non-mask order. There will also be a lawsuit brought by the state against our county for defying the order. While all this kerfuffle is going on, at least the kids and teachers will be safer.
I was dumbfounded by the news that Laredo, Texas, is putting untested migrants on busses and shipping them to Austin and Houston. As the mayor of Larado, they have no facilities to handle the numbers expected to test positive. Once tested, the city would be responsible for taking care of them, and they have no facilities to do so. I’m not sure the mayor understands that we only have three ICU beds left in our five-county. Before we get too upset with Lerado, we have to remember that the Department of Homeland Security is dumping untested immigrants on the city of Laredo and who knows where else.
The situation on the Texas border is approaching a major disaster. The sad thing is that the American public is not hearing anything about the situation other than the propaganda point that these immigrants are fleeing dire circumstances and need help. These people aren’t really getting help. They are being transported and then dumped. I hope everyone is happy with a gagged media once all the border crossers are placed quietly inside American cities. It is estimated that at a minimum of 1% of those crossing the border are infected with Covid. So if you look at the YTD apprehensions of over one million. It is reasonable to believe 10,000 are positive for the virus. Sure the 10,000 are not all in the same place simultaneously, but it is worrisome when someone decides, without even asking, to dump migrants in a city. It is almost laughable that no testing is being done by the Feds or locals with the excuse that they can’t handle taking care of positive cases, so no one gets tested. A case of head in the sand at best.
Well, that’s enough of a discussion about the human tragedy here in Texas. Today’s JohnKu discusses when something is not our problem. I hope you all have a terrific weekend.
Tragedy by John W. Howell © 2021
Tragedy seems vague,
When it happens far from home . . .
It still requires help.
Fiction Favorites 
Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you, Michael. 😊
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Sounds like you have something very unrest in your state, right now. Best wishes, John! Be well and stay save. xx Michael
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Unrest is a good word, Michael. Thanks.
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Not really sure what to say. I was reading up on the border stuff after a few friends started going on about terrorists coming through. Just seems like a mess, but also one that various media sources are trotting out to distract from other stories. Honestly, I think we’re also at a point where things that are happening at state level aren’t reaching the national stage. For example, I never see the news talk about the California wildfires and only knew because of a friend sending me pictures of the smoke. Looks like current events only spread far and wide if politicians and the opinion side of the news can capitalize on it.
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The state of our news reporting is dismal. There doesn’t seem to be reporting that is objective anymore. We hear about California fires in the context of sending firefighters there to help but that’s about it. Thanks, Charles.
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We’re in quite the state of distress here in Florida as well, with availability of ICU beds rapidly dwindling and a governor dead set on blocking local school administrators and officials from issuing mask mandates or other safety measures. Everyone has ‘retreated to their corner’ and it seems all they are doing is talking past one another instead of working together to find reasonable solutions. I despair for our country, I really do…
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I agree with you, Lori. Despair is a good description. Thank you.
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Sad and scary times, John. I love your haiku. Have a good weekend, everyone 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. Have a good weekend as well. 😁
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What part of epidemiology don’t these people understand? I think the whole country’s just gone mad.
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I have to agree. Leadership is non-existant. Thanks.
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You’re welcome, John. Common sense and human decency seem in very short supply as well.
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That too, Liz. Thanks. 😊
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The best I can offer, John is a wish that you and yours stay safe. I wish I knew how you could do that and still have some semblance of living the good life. Maybe Lucy and Twiggy have the right idea – more play.
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I think Lucy and Twiggy are a good example for sure. Thanks, Dan. I have no answers either. 🙄
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From what we in UK are hearing, the major Bible Thumpers and State Governors are at serious odds with the scientific advice – I hope they’ve made their peace with their maker (and got their excuses ready) 🤔
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As someone once said, “There’s going to be hell to pay.” I just hope not too many people die before that happens. Thanks, Chris. 😟
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Scary times, John. Tyler had two ICU beds (among three hospitals) yesterday. Terrible situation.
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It amazes me that no one seems to grasp the danger of the current mess. The cost of the political bickering is going to be huge. Thanks, Joan. Stay safe.
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It’s been the job of our media for decades now to only report that which will get the best ratings and sales – as long as it agrees with the owner of that particular media source. We need more whistle blowers to stand up and give us the truth!
Some people (like my other-half, only believe that which is said on CNN – can you believe it?!! ugh
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So true, GP.
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😊
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Sad, but all too true, Jill.
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Communist News Network has been a burr under my saddle for years. I feel your pain. 🙁
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Thanks, John. Wish I could make a joke out of it, but it’s too big a burr!! 😖
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Understood.
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There are only two possible explanations for the federal government bussing Covid-positive illegal immigrants into the interior of the U.S. Either the officials are stupid, or it’s intentional. I don’t believe they’re stupid. Making U.S. citizens live with restrictions which are set aside for non-citizens is one of the nastiest bits of governmental behavior I’ve seen.
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I would wish those who elected these people would wake up and start complaining. I don’t believe anyone cast a vote thinking they would have to live with the danger of infection as a result of government policies.
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What’s happening at our border, in our cities and the public schools is frightening. The way our state, local and federal government are dealing with these problems is a disgrace. I wish more people could realize what’s happening. Look at Venezuela…that could very well be our future.
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We elected Venezuela-like politicians. Time to call them out.
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Some are quite radical and seem to be anti-American.
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Oh my, yes. Quite a few.
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So it would appear with the lack of faith in science and medicine that there is a movement a foot to change the state motto. From “freedom above all else, even if it kills you” to “freedom above all else, even above stupidity, even if it kills you”. Somehow eventually even the slow ones will object when it is their kids filling up the overflowing ICUs. One of the ICU nurses in MS commented that the mortality rate and being the one to hold their hands as they pass is too much. We are going to have a new affliction. ICUPTSD. And they will put up a sign on the door to ER ‘please precede to the freezer trucks out back…’ And yes the MS hospital systems are about 5 days away from total failure. And the governor is busy out of state…
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Your points are well taken. I can understand why folks behave the way they do but don’t agree. We need to mask up and get vaccinated. All the hospitals in large cities are in the same dire condition. Thanks for the comment.
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Profound JohnKu today. When are you publishing these in a collection?
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Hahaha. I would have to find them first, Lynne. Thanks for the compliment. 😁
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Our KY governor just put a mask mandate into effect this week for public and private schools and some parents are fighting back. I don’t get it. Numbers are rising and kids are getting sick – seems like common sense to me.
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I agree. I can’t see the harm in kids who aren’t eligible for shots to wear masks. Thanks, Teri
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Well, dear John, you ask great questions and present a sad reality. Given that it is a proven fact that thousands of COVID-infected people are welcomed across our borders, what ultimately is the goal of our current administration? We all need to ask lots of questions and stay close to our hearts. We’re in for quite a ride. God bless us all. 💗
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Since there are 11 million illegals currently in the US I would say the objective is to get everyone legal so they can vote for the Democratic party. Letting more in just adds to the total. There is nothing humanitarian about exposing citizens to a higher risk of COVID. What I really don’t understand is that people who voted for these rascals aren’t yelling their heads off. I think the liberal media is mum on this issue so there is very little information out there. Of course, Fox News is on it like a cold sweat but who can believe them either. This whole relocation system is a Federal program and someone should put a stop to it.
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I’d vote for you any day!! 😁
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Too bad I’m not running for anything. I’d vote for me too.
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John is too smart to run for office! 🙂
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Hahaha. Thanks, Jill.
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Good gawd, John. That is a ridiculous, scary, nonsensical situation. I don’t even know what to say about this. Texas and Florida are off-the-charts nuts…
I still wish you a happy Friday, my friend.
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Please add US Government to your nuts list. They are the ones transporting infected illegals around the country.
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Oh, it’s at the top, my friend! Crazy. And yet, they keep the borders closed to us Canadians forcing me to flly 😉
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Well I can’t explain the goings on of the Feds.
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This be true. We, the little people are not in on things.
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I don’t think too many are in on things for that matter.
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True story.
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😊
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The reason no one knows about this is that the national media refuses to cover it, because they are covering up for the current Washington administration. The only way one does hear about it is if they read the Wall Street Journal, the Epoch Times or listen to Fox. I read that 20% of the hundreds of thousands of migrants coming in – over 200K last month alone – have Covid. Lovely. I don’t have a problem with the masked mandate except for kids – too many negatives with their effects. But teachers, yes! And they should be vaccinated. Hopefully, there will be a safe vaccine for the kids soon.
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I agree, Noelle. Thanks. 😁
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Crazy times right now. News is only looking for the sensational or something to push an agenda. I don’t see it ending any time soon, or ending well.
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Not ending well is what concerns me. Thank you, Craig.
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My only response is, “What a mess!” From top to bottom and sideways – it’s a holy hell mess. My grandchildren are returning to school. It’s all disturbing. Our governor is a lunatic and on his way out, I predict.
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I agree. Abbott has overstayed his period of expertise. Thanks, Jan
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I hear more news through the writing community. I do news hop when I’m up to it to try to get a fuller picture. I am worried for the kids and glad at least one of my grandkids could be vaccinated. Our area is having a large outbreak. I would think all the smoke coming from our state would get noticed. Theres a new fire everyday here. May common sense and empathy wake up in the leaders and masses soon. Happy Friday the 13th.
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Thank you, Denise. Happy Friday to you.
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I’m not up on US politics, but weren’t the borders closed to Mexican immigrants? You’d think if they are going to keep the Canadian border shut down for Covid, they’d do the same on the other end- geesh!
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When Biden was elected and took office he made it clear that immigrants would be welcome. They all rushed in.
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What a nightmare, John. Have a good weekend.
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Thank you, Guy. You as well
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What a mess, John. Our government has had decades to come up with a strong, workable, and humane immigration policy, and our politicians just won’t do it, and it doesn’t matter who’s in charge. Even when one party controls all three branches, they don’t do it. Sigh. Anything would be better than chaos.
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Well, we have chaos now. So, I agree, anything would be better.
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More of the same, and we can’t afford more of the same. But it seems as if both sides are intent on keeping it this way, with no end in sight. Or maybe that’s wrong. Maybe the end IS in sight.
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I think there is an end in sight too. Won’t be a pretty picture,
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No it won’t.
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Stay safe, John!
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You as well, Deborah.
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Happy Fri-Yay (despite it now being Saturday). The immigration situation is incomprehensible with few solutions to make it better. We can only hope the damage done to date is not made exponentially worse.
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I think it will get worse as more and more infected folks flood the borders. (sadly)
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And it’s not like we don’t already have our share of folks on this side of the border. 😢
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The Twiggy Resort is welcoming Friday! Hurrah! Be it so & some juicy barbeque sausages! 😊😊😊
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Very juicy sausages with delicious potato salad.
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😁😁😁
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Actually, your JohnKu is brilliant. What a disaster is happening in Texas. The press should be held accountable, as they are often the source of the problem. I really miss Walter Cronkite. He must be rolling over in his grave at today’s press. Joe Friday said it best, “Just the facts ma’am.”
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Yeah, Walter would be pretty disappointed. Thanks, Jennie.
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Yup! You’re welcome, John.
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😁
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What a mess this all is. Stay safe, John.
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Yes it is.
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