11/12/2023

Friend, JRB,

So sorry that FOX & the Daily News have headlines about you being “confused” & “disoriented” at the wreath laying yesterday. My take was you got caught up in the grief of lost soldiers, especially Beau, & forgot the protocol of where to go next so asked the officer. Don’t let the haters get you down!

            Please call to thank Teaneck High School students, Liora Pelavin, & Rawda Elbatrawish. Today’s WP featured them for starting interfaith educational conversations to promote a healing & understanding dialogue. As a Jew & Arab their collaboration is remarkable! Their town is torn apart right now & they are taking action. Yeah!

            I am wondering what would happen if we went back to the city states. Without nations “protecting” their boundaries, people would be free to move where they want. They’d be free of the fear of war. They’d be able to talk to their leaders. Costa Rica, Iceland & 10 other countries manage without militaries because they are small. So, let’s shrink our governments so we can stop wasting our $$ on this war business & invest in stopping the planet from overheating. That’s my fantasy for the day.

            Immigration is on my mind because the KCS featured an article about 2 DACA artists painting murals all over town, including the new airport. They explore themes of identity & displacement, & take out their frustrations about being in limbo by painting. Please continue to work on the DACA situation so they have some relief.

Their story reminded me of an idea my colleagues & I concocted to work with veteran teachers to incorporate art & awe into STEM disciplines to help students deal with the challenges of post-pandemic life during a climate crisis. What do you think?

            Yesterday, one of my Yangon Friends posited that truth & power do not blend well. What say you to that proposition? He cited Bibi as an example. I would add Min Aung Hlaing to his list. How about you? How are you doing in the truth department?

            BYBS,