12/2/2024

Dec 2, 2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            How was the AIDS quilt event? Reuters says you & Jill got teary hearing Jeanne White-Ginder talk about her son, Ryan. I remember seeing him on TV in the ‘80s as he showed the world what AIDs looked like. Thanks for keeping our memories of him alive.

            How is Angola? I noticed they have an interim ambassador. I hope he’s up to the task of hosting you & getting the protocols straight. I am oblivious to the nuances of who sits where, who goes first & whether to bow, nod or hug. All I know about proper etiquette is to have a strong handshake & look the person in the eye. I’m sure you will do fine with President Joao Lourenco. I look forward to learning more about the Kwanza Corridor & why it deserves designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

            How is Hunter? It must be challenging for both of you to navigate his situation. It’s too bad you insisted you wouldn’t pardon him, because now you look like a hypocrite. He’s fortunate you are willing to weather the Fox News critique on his behalf.

            As long as you are pardoning folk, I encourage you to entertain the recommendation of the 67 Reps who requested you address the extreme use of incarceration in our country by pardoning a large # of folks in prison. They noted, “researchers estimate the total annual cost to taxpayers (of mass incarceration) is $182 billion, more than double the Department of Education’s entire budget. If you just pardon a few, consider Leonard Peltier, who has served 29 years for his participation in a shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He’s 79. Let him go.

            Let’s keep imagining how places like Syria, Sudan & Burma, where citizens are killing each other, will be able to find forgiveness when the shooting ends. Some argue we have to go through hate, hurt & healing before true forgiveness can happen. I’m not sure how many people have the patience & energy for that.

            BYBS,