5/31/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            As I endeavor to maintain a positive mindset, 1st thing in the AM I listen to a song which then sticks in my head to lift my spirits at random moments throughout the day. Today’s is U2’s, Beautiful Day. You should try it.

            Speaking of being uplifted, last night I went to our UCD Equity Summit, Lift as We Climb. Poetry, music & a lecture by Gloria Ladson Billings inspired me to build community among diverse people by emphasizing love. I wish you had been there.

            The latest on Burma from the BBC is “the NUG has offered to pay $500,000 (£405,000) to regime pilots or sailors who defect with a military aeroplane or navy vessel, but so far no-one has done this.” Defector, Capt Zay Thu Aung who helped prepare Naypyidaw's airport for the arrival of advanced fighter jets from Russia is now providing intelligence to NUG which would be helpful if they could get a plane. I would prefer a more peaceful approach but would be happy to see 1 less plane in their fleet.

            I encountered two folks in my meander through the news this AM, AL Sen. Tommy Tuberville (THT) & your budget guru, Shalanda Young (SDY). THT disturbs me. SDY brings me hope. Should I be alarmed that a football coach is holding up military appointments because he doesn’t want the military providing transpo for personnel to get abortions? Should I be excited that SDY has “encyclopedic knowledge” of the budget” & commands respect & trust from Republicans? It seems that both of these folks are excellent networkers who know how to make people feel “seen.” I’m not convinced that THT has a moral compass. What about SDY?

            As you visit CO today, don’t get too carried away by the Space Force gizmos you will encounter. Remember that WINTA! You might also consider that the computer scientists are warning about the “risk of “extinction from AI”, which could come from AI weapons system running amok. Please look into it!

            BYBS,