The Persecution Of Dr. Anthony Fauci

At this moment Dr. Fauci is not in need of financial assistance so any third party requesting donations should not be considered. He has no pending charges and the ball is in the DOJ court if they want to charge him. Let's hope not. It is really a Republican congressional low point and their destruction of our democracy. 

This letter from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) beautifully states Dr. Fauci's contributions to science and society:

 https://asm.org/articles/policy/2026/july/asm-letter-to-senate-committee-in-support-of-fauci

Sad July 4ths

 

Independence Day. July 4, 1776. 249 years ago. We can observe and celebrate that long ago event. But how, in good conscience, can we celebrate where this July 4th finds us?
With tens of thousands of people in detention or living in fear of being snatched for deportation without due process, hundreds of thousands already torn from quiet and productive lives and deported most without due process, with military soldiers being used as storm troopers, with the Department of Homeland Security acting like a Gestapo, with the U. S Congress passing the most expensive, destructive and oppressive bill in our history, with a president using economic measures in pursuit of misguided isolationist polices which will erode and destroy our daily lives and peaceful existence and degrade our once respected and admired  world standing, with our system of checks and balances destroyed and dysfunctional, our social and health safety nets gone, with millions facing homelessness and lack of healthcare, with measures which remove protection of our land,environment, cultural and natural resources, with degradation of our educational system at every level, and with a party in power beholden only to a pliable and inattentive electorate.
Right. Happy 4th of July. Not hardly.

You cannot buy class

 Jeff Bezos can spend gazillions on his wedding but he could not buy the class, elegance and warmth of a simple garden wedding in any culture anywhere. Donald Trump can invade and try to control the Kennedy Center but he could not be there in any other way lacking achievements or grace. Social status is achieved only if it also brings respect for the course of one's life and how one spends their personal capital. It does not require wealth although if one has it and uses it well respect can follow.  A simple life lived with purpose and dedication achieves more than flamboyant ostentation or authoritarian bullying. Bezos and Trump may live in South Florida but they will never earn the status of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Maurice Ferre, Mitchell Kaplan, Mike Eidson, Micky Arison, Frank Malcolm Cunningham Sr and many more. The world may be a stage but if you only remain as an actor and never step out of your role to become a person your life is still only theater. And Bezos and Trump will never win an Oscar or an Emmy.

Words of a sociopath

 “Thank you, everybody. Have a good flight. Fly safely,” (President Donald) Trump told the press pool after railing against late night comedians who mock him, amid the uproar over ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. Then he added: “You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise I wouldn’t care.” (Huffpost Sep 19, 2025)
From the Mayo Clinic:  Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental health condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to purposely make others angry or upset and manipulate or treat others harshly or with cruel indifference. They lack remorse or do not regret their behavior.

This from the most powerful man in the world and our elected leader. What are we missing?

Half Of SNAP?

 So, our president, is willing to pay half of the SNAP monthly amount. Is that what the court ordered? And will he be eating half of what he usually eats? Is this what our nation is all about? Shouldn't I be able to go to sleep at night knowing that every citizen in our country has enough food to eat, a roof over their head and medical care? Is that only a liberal concern? Do conservatives think this is wrong or are they afraid that someone might get a crust of bread from the government that they might not fully deserve so they sanction withholding bread and services for all? We seem to be the richest nation in material assets and the poorest in caring for each other. What religious or ethical system endorses that?  Personally, I am ashamed to be a part of such a country especially when we seem to be an outlier nation in these concerns. Claiming to be the greatest nation on Earth rings hollow if this is the best we can do. 

'Can’t blame me for anything anymore': Joe Carollo

 

Good riddance. How could one person have done so much damage to our county, not just the City of Miami? A litany of destructive actions he perpetrated is not necessary. Just point to his senseless destruction of the Town Theater once a vibrant cultural hub for film festivals and community events under MDC, is currently neglected and far from its former glory, with its future uncertain.  We can only hope that the new mayor and other city, county and educational forces can restore it to the rich resource it once was as quickly as possible. 

Ending A Civilization Takes Practice

On April 7, 2026, the Miami Herald and other news outlets reported that President Donald Trump threatened to end Iranian civilization if Tehran did not meet a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” adding that while he did not want it to happen, it "probably will". And, despite the two week truce, Iran should take Trump seriously. He's doing a pretty good job ending this one.

Miami Herald Endorses Eliott Rodriguez?

The Miami Herald endorsed House District 27 Democratic candidate Eliott Rodriguez over Robin Peguero. Rodriquez told Glenna Milberg, host of WPLG-10’s This Week in South Florida, his stance regarding federal immigration enforcement.  Rodriguez stopped short of calling to entirely defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement but advocated for sweeping changes and severe budget oversight.

"We definitely need to take a very strong look at ICE," Rodriguez said questioning why the agency commands such a massive budget. "I would look at their budget very, very, very closely, and I would not — I don't want it to resemble anything of what it looks like now.”  Doesn’t this really sidestep the central issue of ICE’s mandate and actions being played out daily causing horror and fear in many of us? He focused on its budget?  Is this who we want representing us in Congress when they do not have the same disgusting and appalling reactions most of have toward ICE? Murdering and incarcerating people many without due process? If Rodriguez equivocates on this issue what will his positions be on others which Democrats, progressives, independent voters and even some Republicans see differently from conservatives?  The Miami Herald endorsed Rodriguez over Robin Peguero minimizing his fifteen years of congressional experience in Washington, D.C. and his credentials. He is a Harvard lawyer. He was Chief Of Staff for  Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD), he was Investigative Counsel for the  House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, he was a Communications Specialist for Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and he was a Staff Assistant for Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY). He was a homicide prosecutor in Miami-Dade and a federal prosecutor. Knowing how the system works in Congress is essential for being effective and achieving your goals. Eliott Rodriguez has none of this experience and none of these skills. Don’t we want an effective Representative to speak for us and achieve our goals? And someone who’s first reaction to ICE is not about their budget but about its despicable treatment of human beings? Hard to understand the Editorial Board’s choice.  

I'm back!

I have not posted here for a while but there does not seem to be anywhere to post my messages and response to what we see and feel in our world today. Not that I believe that the world is waiting for my opinion and comments but if I just sit on them it tears up my kishkas (guts). So I will post them here as a way of venting and catharsis. Cheaper than therapy. And now the the Miami Herald seems be placating the right and putting ethnicity and crowd pleasing over meritocracy they are not publishing my letters anymore so I will post them here.

Economic Suggestions In A Global Economy (8/28/20)

 Economic Suggestions In A Global Economy

1) The first world nations are built out and cannot absorbadditional economic production or activity. Any future growth will come in the economic maturation of developing nations. We have moved from a growth to a maintenance economy in the first world.  All governmental departments which have the opportunity to do so should be concerned with positioning our nation for a major role in stimulating and participating in the growth of the developing nations.. This cannot be left only to market forces but must become a conscious and planned action of our government not only as a participant but also as an educator and promoter of informed and purposeful economic activity. We must establish a positive global presence as sponsors of measures which will create consumers who favor us. This will include improving living and health conditions, assisting in establishing schools and stimulating economic and business activity at all levels. Using organizations like the Peace Corp and SCORE in some of these efforts might keep them apolitical while clearly branding them as American. This will also offer great opportunities for those who want to volunteer to rebuild our economy.Government and business must work to establish our place in second and third world economies so we can turn them into consumers with a pre-disposition to buy from us. Some would say that this is exploitation; others would say it is common sense and the way of the world. Help the emerging peoples to raise their standard of living; that is intrinsically good. If we reach out to them as friends, they will not forget.American businessmen and governmental planners must look ahead fifty years and begin now to carry the flag into developing second and third world areas so we get our share of these markets as they become purchasers of goods and services. The Department Of Commerce should be leading the way in our recovery, not Commerce. And the State Department should bereaching out to new college graduates who cannot find work and sending them overseas with the Peace Corp to work in second and third world nations, building human ties to future business relationships while helping those nations build their economic and human services infrastructure. Establishing a quality control and good businesses practices performance board would also assure that what we send abroad is of good quality and that we conduct our business professionally. Our current business reputation and performance around the world could be better. I met a foreign businessman who had to stop ordering from the U.S.A. because no orders came in right.Invest in American business and in the economic future of this nation.American businessmen must recognize the patriotism in this. And it must also become patriotic for all managers and workers to perform their jobs to the highest standards of efficiency, courtesy and consideration.

Educate American businessmen so they can participate in the global economy and create a positive reception for them globally.We must teach our entrepreneurs the fundamentals of business management and take aggressive action to position them and our nation to expand our immediate and future share of global markets.We must recognize that the business of this nation is business. Rather thanjust giving handouts we should be investing in business and governmental activity which will pay dividends in jobs, increase our share of global markets and broaden our tax base. We must become America, Inc.(remember Japan Inc.?) Our businesses are not competing with each other but rather with foreign businesses for world markets.

2) The Department Of Commerce must encourage and pay forthe formal study by anyone in business or who is thinking ofbeing in business in the fundamentals of accounting, finance,
marketing, business law, management, and economics.
Just because you come up with an idea or are already in business does notmean that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively and professional manage it. My four years studying Business Management at Washington University in St. Louis prepared was used effectively for thirty years in business. Similarly, a business curriculum should be developed by the government and offered to all high schools, colleges and universities. For those who complete the courses, tax credits could be given for their present or future businesses. Night school, weekend and online classes
could be offered. Advanced curricula for those already in business or
existing courses at colleges and universities should be made available with tuition and fees underwritten by the government. These courses would, for example, teach international finance and marketing or cost accounting, and build on the courses suggested above. The science of business is not intuitive; it must be learned. There is too much at stake to leave the practice of business to chance. We must up our game; others are.

Vote Republican...

 Vote Republican and get a chance on a free trip - out of the country.

 BARRY'S APHORISMS AND, OSTENSIBLY, PITHY THOUGHTS

After 86 years (01/18/1938) it seems to me that there are three important concerns in life:

            Your roof, your tires and your health.

 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Measure twice, cut once.

Never assume anything. It makes as ASS of U and ME.

Before you leave the house, make sure you can get back in.

Nothing happens unless one person decides it should. A camel is  a horse made by a committee.

The Fifth Commandment is the most important: 

       The Fifth Commandment, as stated in Exodus 20:12, is "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you". This commandment emphasizes the importance of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents. It's also understood as a foundation for healthy family relationships and a reflection of respect for authority in general.

If you want live like a Republican, vote Democratic.

Death Of An Icon - The Coconut Grove Playhouse as publishe May 2, 2025 in the Coconut Grove Spotlight

Death Of An Icon

      A cultural tragedy of epic proportions has been playing out in the halls of Miami-Dade County government since 2006 and is about to end with the death of a once world renowned theatrical and cultural icon. The County will destroy most of the Coconut Grove Playhouse leaving a 300 theater in place of one which had 1100 seats in the main theater and 200 seats in a cabaret theater. According to records submitted to the County in 2006 the Playhouse drew about 125,000 patrons generating 40% of the economic activity in the Grove, about $25 million in 2000. Since its closing the 

Grove has lost about $250-$350 million in income generated by the Playhouse. The County plan is for a self contained campus with its own shops and restaurants instead of filling those in the area. The County Plan to demolish all but the facade will cause the Playhouse to lose its listing on the Historical Register. In addition to the prestige for the County and the Playhouse which that brings, the Playhouse will lose any related funding or benefits. On April 7, 2021 the 11th District Court ruled the entire Playhouse building was historically designated, not just the facade.     

      The County restoration plan is not a plan for a regional theater as described by Mayor Carlos Gimenez in his letter of October 1, 2013 to the Board Of County Commissioners included by reference in its Resolution No. R-797-13 of the same date. On Page 2 the Resolution states:” Fiscal Impact/Funding Source:  Funding for the eventual capital project to re-establish a regional theater “.   A regional theater is a specific type of theater with clearly defined parameters as described in Wikipedia: “Regional theaters often produce new plays and challenging works that do not necessarily have the commercial appeal required of a Broadway production. Many regional theaters operate at least two stages: a main stage for shows requiring larger sets or cast, and one or more other stages (often studio theaters or black box theaters) for smaller, more experimental or avant-garde productions”  The County plan does none of this.

  

     The 2019 State Audit of Lease Agreement 4721  states, at 2, “The  BusinessPlan outlines an Operation Forecast and plan for Property Management and Development. This includes a preliminary operating forecast for a regional theater…”

       The Wikipedia description of a regional theater mentions musicals and Broadway bound shows; the current plan could not accommodate either, The County plan does not allow for a fully functional theater having no orchestra pit, and no wing or fly space and the stage is too small for a full performing theatrical and/or dance company. Also, it would be too small to financially support the presentation of a Broadway national touring company for which 1,000 seats would be the minimum. The County plan will not fulfill the BCC resolution requirement to  re-establish a regional theater and will not restore the historic and iconic Coconut Grove Playhouse which reopened a renovated theater on January 3, 1956 with the world premier of Samuel Becket’s Waiting For Godot. staring Bert Lahr and Tom Ewell. 

    Sadly, a fine and conforming plan for the Playhouse restoration prepared pro bono by Miami theatrical architect Richard Heisenbottle will never be built.

    For decades my wife and I were season subscribers to the Playhouse with the excellent casting and direction of Jose Ferrer and enjoying world class theater and dining on Commodore Plaza. So, come on County wrecking ball; leave us with just our memories. 

 TRUMP

Any person of color, any person who is a member of any social, ethnic, sexual or racial minority who believe that Donald J. Trump is their best choice for president cannot be watching or informed. They are not stupid, just uninformed or misinformed. One value of an education is to learn to seek and evaluate information. Education does that. So, those who, unfortunately, have not had sufficient or poor education are really in the dark and are subject false or misleading statements in general and in politics in particular.

This frequently leads to distrust of those who are educated or intellectual trapping them into their life situation. This becomes a tribal motif with peer pressure against accepting doubted sorces of information even if it could or does lead to life threatening situations such as rejecting vaccines or avoiding deceptive financial offers. The net effect for such individuals is entrapment in substandard economic and social situations. And politicians take advantage of them telling them anything to get their vote with little or no concern for their welfare. This distortion of the use of the  vote has and is leading to the failure of our democracy. 

So, Donald Trump's success could lead to end of our 248 year old democracy, which is just about how long civilizations last. I'm glad I had the benefit and pleasure of living in one for at least 86 years. Let's see how much more of my run it persists.

TRUMP PLEA DEAL - AS PUBLISHED 8/20/2023 MIAMI HEARLD

 AS PUBLISHED:

PLEA DEAL

Besieged by myriad legal charges Mr. Donald J. Trump, and his legal team must be overwhelmed. How to defend the onslaught of criminal accusations?  Could there be one "cures all" solution to this judicial quagmire?  Of course. Just plead insanity.  The evidence and the scientific support are irrefutable. At least 150 million fellow Amerian  citizens would concur, and it is only position for which his defense team could win support from them.  And Mr. Trump could be required to stay at Mar-A-Lago  until a team of mental health professionals determines it would be safe for society for him to leave; don't hold your breath, though.

AS SUBMITTED:

TRUMP’S BEST OPTION

Besieged by myriad legal charges Mr. Donald J. Trump, citizen of the United States Of America, and his legal team must be overwhelmed. How to defend the onslaught of accusations of crimes? Could there be one "cures all" solution to this judicial quagmire? You heard it here first:

Plead insanity.  The evidence and the scientific support are irrefutable. At least 150 million fellow U.S. citizens would concur. It would be the only position for which his defense team could win support from many. And Mr. Trump could be required to stay at Mar-A-LaLa until a team of mental health professionals determines it would be safe for society for him to leave; don't hold your breath.  So, from one who has absolutely no legal training, unless you count a year of business law,  but does have mental health credentials, plead insanity Mr. Trump, and save the legal expense, for which you have no budget line anyway. 

Subject: Shooting down objects just because they are there?

 LETTER TO THE EDITOR. MIAMI HERALD, PUBLISHED FEB 19, 2023

Subject: Shooting down objects just because they are there?

How can we shoot down objects about which we have no intel? Has anyone come forward and asked,

"Why did you shoot down our research object? When will you pay us to replace it plus the cost to us of the interruption of our research and communications? "How can any one be so brash and ignorant to destroy something just because a similar object was a probably a spy vehicle. There was no indication that the other two objects were a threat. And it cost us at least $500K to shoot them down, and we missed once, even more expense. Oye! Again we do things that make us the laughing stock of the world.

When will we grow up?

Barry J. White

Kendall

LIFE AFTER AFFIRMATIVE ACTION? READ AS PUBLISHED IN THE MIAMI HERALD JULY 4, 2023

AS PUBLISHED IN THE MIAMI HERALD JULY 4, 2023

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LIFE AFTER AFFIRMATIVE ACTION? READ

I grew up in a one-bed-room apartment with my parents and two brothers until I was 16. My parents had basic jobs; we never went without. My brothers and I all graduated college, all with masters and/or professional degrees. 

Why did we do so well academically?

Early reading. Of course I do not remember how it started but at age six one of my uncles brought me his Time magazines. I do remember my mom having to take reading material away from me so I would go to sleep.

Now that affirmative action is gone we will live in a world of academic meritocracy. The largest commodity we sell is knowledge. Those who want all people to do well in life  must make sure that improved educational resources and opportunities are available at all ages and to encourage parents and those who care for young children to see that they develop reading skills early.  There is no shortcut or magic to it. Read and speak to your children (constantly). Regardless of the tone of your skin you can and must do that. 

Forget the idea that you have to know someone to get somewhere. The truth is you have to prepare yourself and your children to function in world of meritocracy. It is you against yourself.  Start reading and talking to your children as soon as you can; even in the crib. The average high income  child hears about four million more words than the low income child by age four.

If you care for a child read and talk to them early. If you are someone who wants everyone to succeed work to improve day care, pre-school, library resources and early education. We are all on our own but we are never alone as long as someone cares.

Barry J. White

President

Mental Health Association

of Miami-Dade County

mhamdc.org

National Catastrophic Property Insurance Fund - Proposa

 It is time to end the expectation that, on its own, the insurance industry will solve the problem of covering catastrophic losses.  It won’t. If the basic tenant of insurance coverage is to actuarily spread risk then let’s really do it. Establish a national fund to cover such losses with a premium to be paid by every property owner as percentage of their insurance policy rate. The rate could be adjusted up or down from the norm based on historic climate or specific events in that area or industry. 

PRAY FOR THE LIVING

AS PUBLISHED IN THE MIAMI HERALD ABOUT NOV 1, 2018

PRAY FOR THE LIVING

Of course we are praying for the lost souls and their loved ones in Pittsburgh but even stronger and more fervent prayer is needed for those who see such heinous acts as justified and purposeful. A huge percentage of our citizens have lost the essence of the Scriptures they espouse adopting bigotry and hatred as tools in their defense. So our prayers must be for those lost souls  as well as for the innocent souls they have encouraged to be massacred. May the Lord help us all return to the path of brotherly love and righteousness. 

Greed Inflation?

AS PUBLISHED IN THE MIAMI HERALD NOV 2, 2022

GREED INFLATION?

How do we know if we are seeing normal inflation or some opportunistic price raises, known as  price gouging?

What is we look at a company's average profit margin from 2014 to 2019, maybe adjusted for a trend. Then compare it to the average profit margin for 2020 to 2022, Any profit over what would be expected normally could be considered excess and should be paid to the U.S. Treasury, maybe over the next three years. 

We could call it the GAP Tax, Gouging Adjustment Penalty.