If you are interested in critical race theory or are not up to date on how it is doing, feel free to go to the following link for as the latest and greatest activities. https://www.city-journal.org/christopher-rufo-on-woke-education

After conquering most of North America, the United States was filled with success and energy.  The expansion of the economic power of the United States was viewed with awe by the Europeans and dynamic politicians, such as Theodore Roosevelt, while Henry Cabot Lodge believed that it was the destiny of the United States to carry on into what is now called the “third world” to bring Christianity, modernity and progress to the inhabitants of those regions.  Our soul was pure (unlike the Europeans who only sought to exploit those foreign lands) and we were sure that we would be welcomed with open arms as saviors. At least that was the theory.

Our crack climate Czar, John Kerry recently met with China’s Vice Premier, Han Zheng who welcomed the U.S. back into that hugely successful (?) Paris climate agreement. In his remarks, the Vice Premier said, “China welcomes the U.S. return to the Paris agreement and expects the U.S. side to uphold the agreement.”. I bet he does! China does not have to reduce emissions until at least 2030 (as they are a poor “developing” nation) and is in the process of expanding their coal-fired capacity by 300% over the prior year. They have enough coal power in development to supply all of Germany. Meanwhile, the carbon emissions of the U.S. in 2019 were the lowest since 1992 and their lowest per capita since 1950? Why? In large part due to the drilling for natural gas and our energy from shale. But, of course, the new Administration is trying to limit natural gas production. You can certainly say one thing for our trade negotiators; they do not appear to be the sharpest knives in the drawer. (Figures from WSJ, 4/20/21, pp A16)

Prince Philip was known for coming out with quips and remarks that could be very funny or very offensive. Here are a few of his “best” ones:

• 1995 Scotland: He asked a driving instructor, “How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?”
• 2002 Queensland, Australia: He as an Aboriginal businessman, “Do you still throw spears at each other?”
• Future astronaut: When a 13-year-old boy mentioned that he wanted to go into space, Philip said, “You’re too fat to be an astronaut.”
• 2003 Nigeria: Meeting the President of Nigeria who was in traditional robes, Philip said, “You look like you’re ready for bed.”
• Princess Anne: Philip said, “If it doesn’t fart or eat hay, she isn’t interested.”
• Elton John: While performing at a Royal Variety Command Performance, in 2001, he was heard to say, “I wish he’d turn the microphone off.”
• Source: NY Post, 4/10/2021, pp 5

Many years ago I went on a tour of Plantation houses outside of New Orleans. I loved the large windows that you could raise and walk out onto the spacious porch; it must have been wonderful to have such an open feeling. I was disabused of my ideas however, for the tour guide pointed out that such windows were invented in order to avoid the tax on doors. You see, every permanent door in a house was taxed, so in order to save money the architects simply eliminated doors to the outside by replacing them with huge windows that one could raise and walk through. The same was true in the bedrooms for there were no closets; instead, armoires were used; no permanent door, no tax.

Romeo and Julieta offers two good cigars in their standard 1875 blend. The first one is a 5×50 “Bully” and the second in this review is the 6×50 Exhibicion #3.

The Bully is a good cigar while on a walk or on the golf course. I would let it sit in the humidor for a week or two in order to enhance the smoke. It will last about 35-40 minutes and has a even burn with a fairly good grey ash.

The Exhibicion #3 offers a cooler smoke due to the extra inch in length. If you want an even cooler smoke, try the 6×60 Magnum. The Exhibicion is a “sitting” cigar that I enjoy a bit more and one I can enjoy with a good whiskey or scotch.

All three will run in the $6.50-$7,50 range through the mail although from time to time I do stock up on the Bully when they are fun on special for as little as $3.40-4.50. Interestingly, a box of the Magnum will fun a bit less per cigar probably due to the 60 gauge which is not as popular.

These are good everyday cigars, consistent, smooth burning but can be hot if not property cured.

This book provides case studies of some of the major minds which shaped the modern world. These individuals were driving forces in literature, politics, economics and morals, not by the force of their expertise, but rather by their self belief that they had found secrets about mankind that no one else had found in thousands of years. Their egos were sufficient that they never bothered to ask, like Nietzsche, “if no God, then what?” for their answer was that they had become god, capable of constructing laws and rules for others. Each of them created their own universe at which they were the steady light, and despite their lack of morals, ability to lie outrageously, often lie around in their own filth and not pay back borrowed money, they found followers who hung on their every utterance.

Ever since the introduction of the “Great Society”, the Federal government has grown in size and power, spent tens of trillions of dollars and achieved negative results, and claimed that the reason for the failure was that they had not spent enough money. This article points out some very simple facts and should make us all question the centralization of power in Washington D.C.. The politicians love spending your money and the government and NGOs enjoy receiving your money; are you happy with how it is spent? There can be no denying that the course our government is on is destructive to families and to the economy. https://www.wsj.com/articles/spending-blowout-imposes-costs-beyond-the-enormous-price-tag-11618246279?mod=opinion_lead_pos8

In World War One, the Italian and Hapsburg forces fought a grueling war in the Southern Alps of Northern Italy.  Fighting was year-round, with the troops having to charge and fight in deep snow and across raging rivers with few chances for leave or rest.  The battles continued for nearly three years and cost both sides about 500,000 killed and many more maimed for life.  In the end, the battles were in vain for the Italians, as at the Paris peace talks in 1919, the French and British reneged on their pledges which enticed the Italians to enter the war.  The American President, Wilson stood aside and felt that to honor the pledges would be to disgrace his 14 Point Program.

This excellent little book (which was the basis for the Italian film, Many Wars Ago), at points seems to be an Italian version of Catch-22; was the author concocting examples of military idiocy or was the Italian army really that poorly led and equipped?  Unfortunately, those parts which seem to be the most absurd are likely completely accurate.  The idea that one would create suits of armor for infantrymen and then have them walk toward the enemy lines in full daylight and expect the bullets to bounce off the armor is simply crazy to anyone who has any experience with firearms.  Yet, that is exactly what one general did to his men, not once, but twice. But, as the General said, they died for Italy.

The author served in the Sassari Brigade during the war and was decorated for valor several times.  The Brigade was drawn from the peasants of Sardinia and was noted for its bravery.  After the war, Lussu was involved in anti-Fascist politics and was briefly held in the prison on the island of Lipari for shooting a Blackshirt.  In 1929, he escaped and lived in Paris, Switzerland, fought against Franco in Spain and returned to Italy in 1943 to join the partisans. He served as a cabinet minister from 1945-47 and in 1945 this book was published in Italy, where it has never gone out of print.

This is a fine read, written by an intelligent observer of mankind who was respected by his troops. It shows the futility of the war and the honest feelings of the men who had little to gain from the war.  An excellent read.

There is a term for a woman or man who sells out their virtue or ideals for money; it starts with the letter W. What do we call government which offers programs which are counter to the best values of society in the quest for money? Do we apply the same word? As adults we recognize that the family unit and those boring middle class values (hard work, deferred gratification, saving, thrift, etc.) are the very core of a successful, growing society. We must wonder why so many government policies run directly counter to those values we attempt to pass onto the next generation. If government policies undermine the very values that create a stable society, then what does the government actually stand for in our lives? Is government now a counter weight to stability, order, security? Is government by its never ending quest for money beginning to represent and promote the worse of human vices? Where will the downward spiral end? The link will take you to a thoughtful article that should make us stop and question the changing role of government. https://www.city-journal.org/marijuana-legalization-new-york