6/3/2021

June 3, 2021

My dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

What are you giving Jill for her birthday? Taking a few hours to be with her at the beach is a gift in itself. It’s too bad that it might be cloudy today.

My class went fine last night. The student who shared the WSJ article seems to be uncomfortable with the critical stance that scholars tend to have. Her expertise is in resolving conflict, & she uses Gottman’s idea the causes of strife are Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness & Stonewalling.

I hope you avoid all of these in your relationship with Jill, as well as in your conversations with SMC as you try to hammer out this infrastructure bill. The WP says that the WH has had 530 phone calls & meetings about it & that PPMB has been flying everywhere to drum up support. I hope he gets lots of attention in Memphis today. The folks there are eager to get their bridge fixed.

I hope you make some progress on Police Reform. The KCPD is embroiled in a scandal right now. The police reports of the death of Malcolm Johnson (MJ) in March 2021 don’t align with the surveillance video that has just been released. It’s hard to imagine how MJ could be shot twice in the head during a tussle. Some fear it was an execution. The KC Star is asking for transparency. It’s all heart wrenching.

On a lighter note – I am jealous that you will soon go to Windsor Castle to visit with QE2. I wonder how she is doing since her husband died. I’m sure your visit will cheer her up.

Please continue to pray for Myanmar.

BYBS,

RCA

PS – I understand that Israel is asking for $$ to replenish military supplies. Please don’t give it to them.