5/16/2022

My Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Thank you for representing the country with grace & dignity at the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service yesterday. I agree with your assessment that we are fortunate to have 1st responders whose instinct & training leads them to run toward an emergency rather than away from one. I hope that the culture of police departments continues to improve so we can avoid the abuse of the power that comes with the responsibility of being a peace officer. According to “Mapping Police Violence” “the majority of the 1,100 killings by police in 2021 could have been prevented & specific policies and practices might prevent police killings in the future.” Let’s keep working on that!

            Speaking of abuse of power, it was sobering to read Scot Marciel’s analysis of the situation in Burma. You will recall that he was US ambassador to Myanmar for DJT. He says, “the culture of brutality and impunity is so deeply ingrained that I don’t think you can reason with these generals. I think Myanmar does need a military, but a dramatically reformed military that will be answerable to the civilian government and that, over many years, will adopt a very different culture and will respect human rights instead of waging war on the people.” He doesn’t think there is much that ASEAN can do & he doesn’t think talking to the generals will do any good. He indicates that the US is accepting Burmese refugees. I hope you can expedite that & continue to support the Thai government is providing humanitarian assistance. Wouldn’t it be great if Burma abolished their army as Costa Rica did in 1949.

            I hope your visit with Greece PM, Kyriakos Mitsotaski, goes well today. I am intrigued that he is receiving an honorary degree from Boston College. I assume he is being recognized for reviving the Greek economy & his work on climate change. I’ll stay tuned to see what you, two, talk about.

I don’t think sending soldiers to Somalia is a good idea. WINTA!!!

BYBS,