8/19/2022

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Sorry to miss our letter yesterday. I was busy buying 40 donuts for Mr G’s 31st Bday. When I presented them to him, he asked his 5th graders if he should eat them all himself. One of the kids started teasing him about all of the other junk food he consumes. His pedagogical magic is to create an atmosphere of joy & camaraderie which he had already accomplished after just one week of school. I am so blessed to get to participate in this community from time to time.

            We need more teachers like him. He’s a bilingual Mexican immigrant who was raised by his grandma. He is enthusiastic about sports & science & wants to become a school leader. I would be happy to introduce you to him.

            The upbeat spirit in his room was quashed by a Lock Down drill which involved crouching under desks in silence & then assembling on the blacktop. Everyone took it seriously. We didn’t discuss why we had to do it, nor did we dwell on the details of how we might avoid harm should our space be violated. The ominous shadow of violence hung over us all, a grim reminder of the reality of a world with too many guns.

            Speaking of which, I’m sure you’ve been informed that in addition to purchasing weapons, the Burma junta is also procuring discounted oil from Russia. As you well know, I am deeply concerned about the situation there & will keep reminding you to make it a priority.

            On a happier note, if you want to get a smile today, you could read 1 of the following:

1)    NYT article about 12-year-old farmer, Brayden Nadeau, who has a veggie stand in Minot, ME.

2)    Paul Krugman’s piece in the NYT about how you’re doing

3)    The top story in G about the seal who got into a NZ house through the cat door

            BYBS,