3/20/2023

JRB,

            Thanks for hosting the cast of Ted Lasso today. I love that show. Ted experiences his mental health issue much differently than my husband does, so I don’t find it illuminating on that front. I just love Ted’s cheerful, generous spirit.

I’m waiting until the end of the NCAA tournament to watch the new season. Speaking of which, I’m bummed that the Jayhawks lost. I picked them to win. Who did you pick?

            Did you see E.J. Dionne Jr.’s piece in today’s WP where he points out that you are neither FDR nor Clinton, because “historical analogies can be instructive, but they’re also vexed.” He goes on to explain why your recent moves of refusing to defend the DC Council, toughening your stance on immigration & approving the AK oil drilling all make sense & do not represent “a wholesale change” in your presidency. I got a kick out of his closing thought that “a new Biden” is a “self-refuting phrase.”

            How delightful to read that you are celebrating Nowruz today! I never heard of it ‘til I saw it on your calendar. It makes so much sense that Persians begin the New Year at spring equinox. I’m not so sure about jumping over fires but love the special meal with 7 symbolic offerings starting with the letter “S.” My favorite is Serkeh, vinegar representing the patience & wisdom that aging brings. You know all about that.

Nowruz coincides with Ramadan this year which will put a damper on things, as will the unrest that arose after the death of Mahsa Amini in Sept. It’s unfortunate that some folks are feeling too upset to celebrate.

            Please look at the CSM’s article “A bottom-up approach to authentic peace” which notes efforts to develop new peace metrics which look at how common citizens experience life in their home & neighborhoods. That would be a good starting point in Burma. Please give it some consideration. Having some measure of peace there before sending a new Ambassador would be prudent.

            BYBS,