12/18/21
MDF&P, JRB,
I am holding you in the Light on this 49th anniversary of the crash that killed Neila & Naomi. I hope you got some solace from your visit to their graves.
The Jan, 2021 Buffalo News had a lovely tribute to Neilia. In it I discovered that she was remembered by her middle-school English students as having joy & empathy. Did she have some amusing tales for you from her moments with adolescents in the classroom? Back in the ‘80s, my friends used to love hearing me talk about my struggles to get 13-year-olds to concentrate on math instead of flirting with their latest love interest. A frequent question was, “how is Alexis Lerch doing?” I’m happy to know that you spent time with one who knows how to bring out the best in jr high kids.
Speaking of honoring those who have passed, how did the Medal of Honor event go the other day? It’s mind-boggling how a guy like Alwyn Cashe (ACC) wasn’t awarded the medal right away. Someone who repeatedly goes into a burning vehicle to save his men should be recognized. I was surprised to learn that he was the first Black medal winner since 9/11. Why did Lt. Gen. Gary Brito (also Black) have to fight for 15 years to get ACC the recognition he deserved. WP’s editorial board notes this “strains credulity.” Please look into it.
I also ask that you explore giving Burmese journalist, Ko Aung Kyaw, asylum in the US. You can read about his plight in yesterday’s NYT. The quick version is he was brutally tortured while imprisoned, released from Myeik prison in Oct & fled with his wife & 2-year-old to Thailand. Democracies protect journalists’ rights to tell the truth so let’s get busy doing that!
Finally, I love your energetic, Sec of Energy, Jennifer Granholm. The Sac Bee featured a video of her visit to a battery “farm” at SMUD. She was joking with trainees about the $70/hour pay they would receive for climbing utility poles.
I have to get going to the PO – how long do you think the line is going to be today????
BYBS,
