4/14/2023

My dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Did you know that being underestimated is your political superpower? At least that’s what Eugene Robinson opines in the WP. Newt Gingrich elaborates, “We dislike Biden so much, we pettily focus on his speaking difficulties, sometimes strange behavior, clear lapses of memory, & other personal flaws. Our aversion to him …makes us underestimate him.” I wonder if the GOP will take this to heart. Time will tell

            I loved seeing the photo of you holding Baby Margot at the Dáil yesterday. While it is doubtful, she comprehended any of what you had to say, I hope that the vibe of your message to the Irish politicians penetrated her soul & she will become a peace maker.

            I look forward to hearing more about the Mayo Roscommon Hospice facility you are visiting today. I’m sure the folks in the Knock area are grateful that they now have a place for their loved ones to spend their last days in a palliative setting away from the hustle & bustle of a hospital where their families can express their love & start to process their loss. It was kind of you to support their fund-raising efforts.

            Today should have been a happy day in Burma. It’s Thingyan, when folks celebrate the New Year by throwing water at strangers on the street. Instead, most are mourning the massacre in Kanbalu. Myanmar Now quoted a Yangon 23-year-old as saying, “the holiday itself is dead….The essence of Thingyan is being able to celebrate freely with friends and strangers alike, & that is no longer possible…Most of us don’t even feel like having fun. This is not the time to have fun.”

            When you rang the peace bell yesterday, I wish you had said a word about Burma & the other places in the world suffering from war. They ALL need our attention.

            BYBS,