12/5/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Mist, Pink sky, orange leaves, a train’s whistle – I marvel at this morning’s tranquil scene with the awareness that so many on this planet are waking up to destruction & chaos. Facing this incongruence, embracing the paradox continues to occupy my imagination & challenge my soul. I suspect it plagues you, too.

            Your buddy, James Taylor (JVT), feels it, as well & may sing about it this evening at your fund-raising concert. The G described the themes in his songs as “the precarity of our emotional lives, happiness as something to be treasured & the natural world’s capacity for renewal.” JVT claims he doesn’t want to politicize his art or expect his audience to align themselves to his political opinion. I wish he would, because my brother-in-law, Mark, loves him & plays his songs on his guitar. Mark also supports 45. JVT might be able to convince him to change his mind. In any case, please give JVT my regards & thank him for being open about his internal struggles.

            Are you ready to face more pro-Palestinian protesters in Boston today? According to the WP they are popping up at every appearance you make. WP claims “the most powerful influence of the protests will be on the morale of those charged with fixing the problem,” so best to have a listening session with your staff to see how they are feeling about the situation.

            As usual I am requesting you give some attention to the news from Burma. Today’s Asia Times reports that, in its desperation, the junta is using its “4 cuts” strategy in Mon State where they are cutting off food sources, funds, information & recruits, much like the Israelis have done to the people of Gaza. It has deliberately destroyed food stocks & medical relief supplies. Between 40 and 50 villages in Mon state have eerily become ghost towns since Nov 17. The article concludes, “The people of Myanmar are standing together. It is about time the international community stood with them.” Amen!

BYBS,

RCA