8/3/2021

Aug 3,

My Dear Friends & POTUS, JRB,

            Please express my condolences when you meet with the Latino leaders today to mark the 2nd Anniversary of the Cielo Vista Walmart shooting in El Paso. It’s so discouraging that even after that incident, the TX legislature passed HB 1927 which allows anyone over 21 to carry a gun without a permit or training. Anyone can just show up, buy a weapon & put it in their pocket. As long as we are going to sell guns as if they were candy, we could at least warn the buyer that they are more likely to use it on themselves or their loved ones than they are to shoot at a “criminal.” We could ask them if they have plans to use the gun & contact the proper authorities if need be.

            I hope that the healing garden that is opening in El Paso today will have the desired effect of providing victims, their families & the community a place to meditate & renew their faith in humanity. It has 23 cypress trees to represent those who were killed. Rep. Veronica Escobar reminds us that we need to continue to fight the “xenophobic racist rhetoric (that) feeds hatred.” I suggest we counteract every utterance of hatred with 10 statements of kindness.

            On a different matter, fingers crossed that the ASEAN folk heed Sec of State Blinken’s request to step up their efforts to resolve the turmoil in Burma. A special envoy might be able to persuade the generals to change their ways.

            Peace be with you (PBWY),