4/13/2023

JRB,

            All Blacks? Black & Tan? I can see how you got them confused.  I hope the headline in the Times is incorrect when it says your gaffe spoiled your charm offensive.

            Did you see the piece in today’s WP, “How Bono helped bring peace to Northern Ireland?” The article explains that he invited Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble & nationalist leader John Hume to a U2 concert in 1998 as the voters in Northern Ireland were making their minds up about the GFA. The political rivals shook hands on stage. Then Bono got between them raising their arms in victory making for an “iconic photo.” After the concert, the kids went home & told their parents to vote yes. Bono’s efforts helped “intensify the mood… & sent a message that the referendum was about political unity more than political prisoners.” Now I can see why Jill invited Bono to the STOU this year.

            Anyone who contributes to peace intrigues me, so I looked him up & found that he advocated for Aung Sun Suu Kyi when she was being held prisoner. He even wrote a song for her. His admiration turned to disgust when she failed to denounce the junta’s campaign against the Rohingya in 2017.

            I’m sure he is disturbed about the latest atrocity committed by Min Aung Hlaing (MAH). One article indicates that the death toll is at 135 & ASEAN has condemned the attack stating, “all forms of violence must end immediately, particularly the use of force against civilians.” Please thank them for speaking up.

            As we advocate for peace in Burma, Ukraine, Syria & other war-torn places, let’s recognize that peace requires healing & acknowledgement of humanity on both sides of the conflict. While MAH & VVP are guilty of terrible atrocities, we need to find a way to forgive them so we can move forward.

Loving our enemies isn’t easy, but it is necessary.

            Safe travels,