9/3/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Are you watching the US Open this weekend? US players are doing well, especially Frances Tiafoe & Coco Gauff. Tennis’ combination of athletic ability & mental discipline makes it uniquely entertaining. I find it amazing that Carlos Alcaraz has the presence of mind to hit the perfect drop shot after pounding forehands & backhands to the baseline. The kid is only 20 & has nerves of steel.

            It looks like your visit to FL yesterday went well. I’m glad that Sen. Rick Scott was there to greet you & express gratitude for the efforts of the federal government to assist with dealing with Hurricane Idalia.

            I understand that you want more $$ for FEMA. Why not divert some of the defense budget to them? I would be so much happier seeing my hard-earned tax dollars going to help my neighbors than to profit the military industrial complex.

            I was saddened to hear about the passing of former NM governor, Bill Richardson. His abilities as a hostage negotiator will be sorely missed. I think he truly understood George Fox’s assertion that you can’t kill the Devil with a gun or a sword & tried to see the humanity in everyone, even leaders doing the most atrocious things.

            Please read Ashley South’s piece, “Towards a new federal Burma: Conflict, complexity & climate change” in today’s Mizzima where he says, “post-coup Myanmar is experiencing a ‘federating moment’ unprecedented since independence.”   It may give you some creative ideas of engaging local communities in Burma to protect their people & their environment.

            BYBS,

            RCA