6/30/2021

JRB,

            We have a bit of positive news from Myanmar today. The junta is releasing 700 people from the Insein Prison. While a few thousand remain incarcerated for protesting the coup, this release is a step in the right direction. The other Burmese news from Global Witness’ report that jade revenue is Min Aung Hlaing’s slush fund is less encouraging. Please tell folks to avoid buying jade.

            It looks like you enjoyed your visit to La Crosse. What did you think of Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes? Did you know that he comes from the “most incarcerated zipcode in the country?” He’s revving up to run against Ron Johnson for Senator. Do you think he’s got a chance?

While I loved seeing the photo of you at The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor, you should have gone to Culvers to get frozen custard. That’s what most folks in WI prefer. I am jealous that you can enjoy a double dip!

            Thanks for mentioning the PFAs that are contaminated the drinking water in the area. I’m sure the La Crosse fire dept. regrets testing their extinguishing foam at the airport. If everyone in French Island makes a claim, it’ll cost the city $39.3 million. I’m sure they would prefer to use that $$ to buy more of those hybrid buses you admired at the transit station. Perhaps your EPA guy will talk more about PFAs at today’s press conference.

            Barry Alvarez, who is retiring from his stint as Chair of Athletics at UW, eclipsed you on the front page of the WI St Journal today. Your La Crosse visit was buried near the bottom of the page. Riding a bike on the Great River State Trail might have been more newsworthy than your visit to the ice cream place. Consider a more exciting photo op for your next trip.

            BYBS,