7/2/2020

Friend DJT,

            I just found out that it is the Spirit of America Showcase at the WH today. In past years I have been able to learn something about the companies who are bringing their products. It’s always fun to look up Broomcorn Johnny’s from IN & Faribault Woolen Mill from MN. I can’t find that info this year because everybody is writing about your proposed fireworks display at Mt. Rushmore and how you won’t sign the latest National Defense Authorization Act. I miss the days when the Spirit of America Showcase was in the news.

            As your friend, I encourage you to reconsider the fireworks display. According to Cheryl Schreier, former superintendent of the Memorial from 2010 to 2019 the drought in the area coupled with the on-going pine beetle infestation makes the fire risk high. Ponderosa pines smell great because of their resin which is quite flammable. I don’t want you to go up in flames. Of course, there’s also the issue of CV, but you know all about that.

            You might also want to think twice about your stance on the names of the military bases. I just looked up Braxton Bragg today. You might have admired his argumentative personality but I’m sure you wouldn’t be impressed with his performance in Nov. 1863 where his troops lost their fights on Lookout Mt & Missionary Ridge. Ulysses S. Grant was the winner who freed the Union soldiers who had been under siege & running out of food in Chattanooga, a major railroad junction. The chamber of commerce in Fayetteville chose Bragg’s name for the WWI camp built on its outskirts in 1918, because he was the only Confederate General born in NC. We really don’t need to keep his name alive. Reading Chad Williams’ opinion piece in the WP today will help you understand why you removing the names of Confederates from our bases matters.

            HYITL,