12/29/2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            As we approach the new year, do you have any resolutions? Do you have any habits that you would like to change? Are you getting enough sleep? Eating right? Being sufficiently active? Bonding with loved ones? Are you a Jun Zi?

            In case you don’t know, Confucius philosophized about the Jun Zi – translated as the “superior man.” While I am troubled by the hierarchical thinking of that term, I find the underlying principles compelling. A Jun Zi speaks less & does more, always helps others in need, & has the courage to acknowledge & improve upon one’s mistakes.

            Speaking of mistakes, I understand that you feel like dropping out of the campaign was a mistake. We will never know if that’s the case, but isn’t that a bit arrogant to think you would have won? I suspect that Jun Zis don’t have regrets, so perhaps best to say less & do more in your last few weeks in office.

            As you think of things to do, perhaps you can provide some guidance to Ahmed al-Sharaa on how to help those devastated by the atrocities of the Assad regime. The CSM suggests that step 1 in the healing process is for the difficult truth to be told. The Syrians could use some DNA experts to identify corpses so families can find out what happened to their loved ones. Could we send some of our people on that mission?

            Today’s Hexagram, 46, suggests that small changes can accumulate into great things, so let’s think about a small change related to Burma &/or the Rohingya. Perhaps add a few more refugee spots for the Rohingya or send some additional $$ to the UN for their efforts in Cox Bazaar.

            Another small thing would be to fix your website or tell me that the “contact the WH” function has been permanently eliminated. I’d like to be ready for Jan 20, 2025.

            BYBS,