7/1/2023

JRB,

Today’s ask: Scold MO Gov Mike Parsons for lifting the stay of execution Marcellus Williams who could be innocent.

            On this 1st day of the 2nd ½ of 2023, my resolution is to stop using artificial sweetener. According to the Weisman Institute, “consumption of artificial sweeteners may affect the microbiome in ways that causes glucose intolerance,” so I am NOT sweetening my tea. Are you changing any of your habits?

            While I understand your disappointment at recent decisions made by the SCOTUS, let’s not despair. As the WP Editorial Board (WPEB) points out the debt relief idea was a mistake because “$140 billion of the benefit would accrue to relatively well-educated, mostly White students from affluent family backgrounds.” Don’t you agree with the WPEB that higher ed has gotten too expensive & we need “structural reforms for financing higher education?” Most BIPOC kids go to community college so please continue to devote your attention to those institutions.

            Regarding the Affirmative Action decision, it’s going to have some consequences that white folks might not like. CA has been dealing with race blind admissions for the past 27 years & the % of white kids in college has gone down while the % of Asian kids has gone way up. At UCD 44% of our students are Asian & only 3.5% are Black. 8.4% identify as mixed race. The campus feels diverse, but does not reflect the demographics of CA. We’ve got college opportunity programs to address this issue, but we have a long way to go.        

            As we celebrate our independence from King George 3, let’s promote creative rebellious actions like the Boston Tea Party rather than the 1st shots at Lexington & Concord. Let’s also remember all those people around the world who are oppressed by their governments. According to Mizzima, the revolution in Sagaing, Karenni, Chin, Kayin, Mon, Taninthayi & Magwe regions of Burma is gaining momentum. Let’s encourage peaceful protest.

            BYBS,