1/3/2022

My dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            A snowy Mon in DC!  What fun!

Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations 5 to 10 inches - until 4PM today

            I hope the weather doesn’t interfere with your meeting about the meat processing industry. Will you be talking at all about plant-based protein, like the Beyond Burger. Processing that doesn’t involve slaughter or butchering. Less meat could be part of your CCC program & you could start setting an example in the WH. How about Meatless Mon & Fri? You could appease the meat industry by saying you are doing it for religious reasons.

            You might have noticed that your 2 mentions in the NYT today were both about tribal affairs. One article points out the tension between the fed role between upholding moral obligation & insuring tribal sovereignty. Apparently, the Nooksack Tribe is “disenrolling” 306 members. The tribal government claims they are descendants of a Canadian tribal band so do not have the line of kinship necessary to be true members of the clan. The “victims” claim their rivals want their houses which have become quite valuable. Quite a sticky wicket & unclear what your role should be. Please consult with D. Haaland & proceed with caution.

            The other story is about mining rights & tribal practices. As you well know, making batteries to store solar & wind energy will require various minerals, many of which are found on or near tribal lands. As the article says, “Extracting the fuels of the future is a process that is often far from clean.” So, tribes, like the Nez Perce in Idaho, are fighting mining companies.

            When you see Ag Sec Tom Vilsack today, please discuss this matter with him. Another sticky wicket as we have to choose between protecting the environment for the sake of our indigenous citizens & advancing the technology needed to CCC. Another sticky wicket.

            Please join me in holding the people of Myanmar in the Light as they endure the suffering brought on by their own military. May they feel the presence of God & find some comfort & joy in the presence of their loved ones.

            BYBS,