1/9/2022

MDFP, JRB,

            My hike was terrific. Beautiful weather, ideal conditions & excellent company. Getting out in nature is 1 of the best medicines for what ails you. Are you spending some time outside at Camp David today?         

            Speaking of the restorative beauty of nature, please do what you can to restore Myanmar to stability so the world can visit there to see its fabulous landscape. During my Yangon Friends Meeting, someone screen shared pictures Chaungtha Beach in Burma. In my dream world I could travel there without releasing CO2 & without the worry of war or CV. Let’s make this dream a reality!

            How was your day yesterday? How was Harry Reid (HMR)’s funeral? It was covered in all of my newspapers. I love how you summarized his life in your sentiment, “all Searchlight, no spotlight,” playing with the double entendre of his hometown. He sounded like my paternal grandpa, “blunt,” “terse,” “laconic,” “irascible.” My favorite commentary about him was former POTUS OHB’s observation that he “never heard Harry speak of politics as if it was some unbending battle between good and evil.”

            I just learned that HR served as the leader of NV’s Gaming commission and is known for getting rid of the mob from the casino business compromising his personal beliefs to represent the people of his state. I wonder how far he would have gone in making this kind of concession.

It seems that his political brilliance was in understanding the power in controlling the agenda. As Senate Majority Leader he got to decide what would be discussed in the chamber & could exclude or delay issues. This enabled him to prevent debates about gambling & in so doing protected the economic interests of NV. Did you ever discuss this tactic with him?

            My condolences to you in your grief on his passing.

            BYBS,