7/2/2022

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Phew. I didn’t have to sign anything yesterday. Did you?

            I saw that you had a productive Zoom meeting with 9 Govs about ensuring women’s reproductive freedom. I was especially impressed with NM Gov. Lujan Grisham (MLLG) & her thoughts about using federal lands to provide abortion services. I’m sure you are looking into that.

MLLG did a great job on NPR explaining why she is taking the unusual measure of refusing to extradite people when their state puts out a warrant for their participation in abortion activities. She said, “how extraordinary is it that a state says they're going to prosecute their own residents and their health care providers for providing legal procedures in another state? This is the nuttiest thing and the most draconian, ineffective policies I've ever seen.”

As you probably heard, folks in NM are trying to get the Archbishop to deny MLLG communion. The same folks were shocked to see Nancy Pelosi getting communion at the Vatican on Wed. It’s discouraging to see the faithful trying to weaponize Communion.

At least some Catholic leaders recognize, “We are all sinners who depend completely on the mercy and love of God. True worthiness dictates that we are in sync with all the major teachings of the Church. Who of the faithful can claim such an ideal?” It’s a relief to know that Pope Francis believes, “Communion is not a reward for the perfect but a medicine for the sick … a remedy for the sinner.”

            When you go to Mass this weekend, please pray for the people of Burma & consider the words of Zin Mar Aung, Foreign Affairs Minister of the National Unity Government. “We have seen the international reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That reaction gives me hope…. People believe that Ukraine can and should be free. My country, its people and my friends – Zeyar Thaw and Ko Jimmy, about to be murdered – they are waiting for the world to believe that Myanmar can be free as well.”

            BYBS,