My thoughts and prayers go out for the families and fellow workers of the five FBI agents who were shot today, two of which died, while serving a warrant in south Florida. Per the NY Times, they are the first FBI agents killed in the line of duty since 2008. The man being investigated in the case, which the authorities said involved violent crimes against children, had barricaded himself inside the complex and was found dead. A law enforcement official said it appeared that the man had killed himself before agents were able to arrest him. Christopher A. Wray, the F.B.I. director, identified the two agents who were killed as Special Agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger..“Every day, F.B.I. special agents put themselves in harm’s way to keep the American people safe,” Mr. Wray said in a statement. “Special Agent Alfin and Special Agent Schwartzenberger exemplified heroism today in defense of their country. The F.B.I. will always honor their ultimate sacrifice and will be forever grateful for their bravery.” Ms. Schwartzenberger, 43, was a mother of two from Colorado and had been with the F.B.I. since 2005. Mr. Alfin, 36, was a father of one from New York and had been a special agent since 2009. Let this be a reminder that our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. Take the time to thank them for what they do.
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Pete Buttigieg as transportation secretary, the first openly gay person to take a Cabinet post, tasked with advancing President Joe Biden’s ambitious agenda of rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure (which is a major function of government) and fighting climate change. He has pledged to quickly get to work promoting safety and restoring consumer trust in America’s transportation networks as airlines, buses, city subway systems and Amtrak reel from plummeting ridership in the coronavirus pandemic.
The Spartan’s mens basketball team gave the 8th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes all they could handle today. Even though the Spartans lost, they looked like the team that went 6-0 to start the season and were ranked number 4. The last month has been extremely hard for the Spartans as they suffered through a 20 day covid pause and have subsequently lost 3 games in a row as they try to work off the rust. Let this be a lesson for the Michigan fans out there, as Michigan is in the mist of a covid pause that will also last 20 days. Expect Michigan to have a whole bunch of rust.
Today I met up with a long time friend, Rich Kerns, to play some golf here in south Alabama. I coached Rich in baseball whle we both lived in River Rouge in the early 70s. Rich, who is one of the best natural athletes I have ever coached, received a baseball scholarship to play at South Alabama under coach Eddie Stankey, the former Chicago White Sox manager, and former teammate of Jackie Robinson when Robinson first started playing with the Brookly Dodgers. Rich has stayed in the Mobile area since his college days. Rich and I have been getting together every year Leah and I have been coming down to Gulf Shores. In normal years, we also have dinner with our wives. Not sure it is going to happen this year. Getting together with Rich is something I always look forward to happening each year.
Stay safe. Wear your mask. Social distance. Wash your hands regularly. Schedule your vaccine.
Quote of the Day: “Loony lies and conspiracy theories are cancer for the Republican Party and our country. Somebody who’s suggested that perhaps no airplane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, that horrifying school shootings were pre-staged, and that the Clintons crashed JFK Jr.’s airplane is not living in reality. This has nothing to do with the challenges facing American families or the robust debates on substance that can strengthen our party.” Senator Mitch McConnell’s comments about first year Rebublican representative Majorie Taylor Greene, although he did not use her name.
Orchid of the Day: Punxsutawney Phil for being as accurate as the most highly paid weatherperson.
Onion of the Day: To the Cass County Republican Party for censoring long time Republican Congressman Fred Upton because he voted in favor of former President Trump’s articles of impeachment.