7/19/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            It’s a national holiday in Burma. On July 19, 1947, General Aung San, was shot along with 5 other Burmese leaders. If the junta hadn’t gone amok in 2021, his daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK), would be visiting the Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon to commemorate his sacrifice in forging a path to independence from Britain. Since he was both ASSK’s dad & the head of the Tatmadaw, it’s a complicated holiday for the people. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

            The American Jewish community has its own ambivalence in commemorating the birth of Israel 75 years ago. It’s too bad that Bibi launched the judicial overhaul, making people doubt the future of democracy in their homeland. Some find it hard to celebrate Israel under his leadership.

I respect Reps Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Rashida Tlaib (RHT) for boycotting Pres. Herzog (IH)’s remarks today.  RHT explained that she is “in solidarity with the Palestinian people & all those who have been harmed by Israel’s apartheid government.”  

These complicated situations remind me that deep relationships require forbearance. Since none of us are perfect, we have to find ways to express our disappointments & misgivings, while appreciating the beauty & strength in our loved ones. I hope you were able to do that in your conversation with IH yesterday.

The end of the Black Sea Grain Initiative has me thinking about my dad today. He’d be stoked because the commodity markets are going nuts. Like a close football game, an unpredictable market got his heart pumping. His competitive juices would flow & he’d go for a “win.” I, on the other hand, am concerned that this disruption will make matters worse for the poorest people. Please do all you can to share our agricultural wealth with them.

Have fun at your Congressional picnic today.

BYBS,

RCA