7/4/2022

HAPPY 4th of July, My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            I just read your hopeful tweets about the strength of the idea that all people are created equal. I was surprised to read similar sentiments being shared by China’s Foreign Minister (FM) Wang Yi on his visit to Burma. He talked about the “process of democratic transformation” & ensuring “the rights and interests of people at the grass-roots level.” WOW!

As you probably know, he’s in the central city of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with some other FMs of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation group at a meeting held under the theme “Solidarity for Peace and Prosperity.” They are talking about the river that they all share. China has built a bunch of dams which are killing fish, so they’ve got a big diplomatic lift on their hands.

            Speaking of big diplomatic lifts, are you sure you want to visit MBS? It’s going to be awkward, since you called him a “pariah” during your campaign. JK’s fiancé, Hatice Cengiz will not let us forget what MBS did & is suing him in US courts right now. Might be best to steer clear for the time being.

            Have you read, “What to the slave is the 4th of July?” Frederick Douglas (FD)’ 1852 oratory to the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society? Fellow Dartmouth alumna, Annette Gordon-Reed, retweeted Eddie S. Glaude Jr.’s suggestion that we all take a minute to do so & I’m glad I did. Among the many profound statements was the declaration, “No nation can now shut itself up from the surrounding world, and trot round in the same old path of its fathers without interference… Intelligence is penetrating the darkest corners of the globe… The iron shoe, and crippled foot of China must be seen, in contrast with nature.” So, prescient!!!

FD had faith that the Light would set us free. I celebrate that assertion. I’m sure you do, too.

            BYBS,