10/29/2023

My Dear Friend, JRB,

Have you thought about fasting? Mark Batterson, suggests “nothing fast tracks the purposes of God like fasting.” Thai forest monks eat one meal a day. Muslims’ fast at Ramadan to show their devotion to Allah. Native Americans fast for a variety of reasons including purifying oneself & seeking pity from the higher power. Research suggests that fasting could enhance cognitive functioning. Maybe we should give it a try.

We need all the brain power we can get to deal with an increasingly complex world. According to David French writing in the NYT, you know what you are doing. He likes the way you are “persever(ing) in the face of the chaos & confusion of war abroad & polarization at home.” He especially appreciates that you don’t try to “win each & every news cycle.” Congrats on getting his endorsement.

No one is endorsing Dean Phillips. Susan Herder spoke for many when she made fun of his twist on DJT’s slogan, saying, “Make America Affordable Again? Pretty rich coming from a multimillionaire.”

As usual, I draw your attention to the latest press related to Burma. A piece by A Davis in Asia Times indicates that the “widespread interpretation of a stalemated conflict… remains conceptually facile, analytically lazy & … dangerously flawed.” He notes that the EROs are more unified than ever, have “guns galore” & are building powerful alliances. He draws attention to coordinated actions among those in the K3C & those in the Brotherhood Alliance.

He predicts a “black swan event” is in Burma’s future & you should be preparing for how to help smooth the transition to federal-democratic order. Please look into it.

Do you worry about a black swan event with China? Today’s news of a Chinese fighter jet flying within 10 feet of an American B-52 bomber caught my attention. Best to open lines of communication ASAP.

Matthew Perry’s passing came as a surprise. His fight with his addiction reminded me of Hunter’s. I hope Hunter is ok.

BYBS!