11/13/2023
JRB,
What do you make of the news about Bishop Joseph E. Strickland’s removal from his post in TX? Do you think it was due to his refusal to restrict the use of the old-style Latin Mass or his critiques of Pope Francis? Seems undemocratic to just fire him.
God is change. Have you given any more thought to that idea? I’m drawn to it intellectually because it acknowledges the miracle of life without adding a supernatural element to it. My spirit is left somewhat cold by its simplicity. No love. No redemption. No feeling. Kind of Buddhist but without the promise of Enlightenment. It helps me get through the rough moments, so I’m preaching it to those who in a tough situation.
We’re both hosting visitors today. Mine is a scholar from Taiwan. Should I ask about the election in Jan? Of the candidates, Lai Ching-te seems most inclined to maintain existing ties to us & China. Is the recent escalation of Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait Bejing’s attempt to scare the Taiwanese into voting for Wen-je?
I’m sure Jokowi (JW) has an opinion about that. When you discuss military matters with him, please do not make him choose sides. Indonesia needs all of the friends it can get.
According to AJ, JW is getting pressure to call for a cease fire in Gaza. Like Shifa, Indonesian Hospital in Northern Gaza is inoperable. JW’s constituents donated the funds to build it, so they are keeping a close eye on the situation there. I hope he convinces you that a cease fire is necessary.
Please discuss Burma with him. As chair of ASEAN, his insight will be helpful & perhaps you can get creative & figure out ways to make the 5PC work. Better yet, sneak Moe Zaw Oo into the WH to share some ideas. According to today’s NYT he’s 3 blocks away in a tiny office doing his best to keep Burma on Congress’ radar screen. His assistant, Ms. Aye Chan Mon says, “if we got a little bit of the money Ukraine gets from the U.S., then our revolution in Myanmar would succeed.”
BYBS,
