12/4/2024

JRB,

            Can I write this letter in 8 minutes? Let’s see.

            Unfortunately, most of today’s news about you has to do with Hunter’s pardon. I don’t have to tell you, that decision is not going over well. Even my gov, Gavin Newsome is speaking out against it. NBC News says you have been “Trumpified.” I am withholding judgment as I think you were in a Sophie’s Choice situation.

            Fortunately, you are in Angola, far from the madding crowd so you can ignore the haters & can focus on trains.

            SPoW, I am all about trains right now, reading my uncle’s book, Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869, makes me appreciate what a major feat it was to construct a route over the Sierra during the Civil War. Connecting Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean is the 21st Century version of that & will be built just in time to transport cobalt, copper & other critical minerals used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices & clean energy technologies. I hope that Africa does not get the short end of the stick in this Lobito corridor venture.

My train binge is fueled by my new commute & the sounds of the Polar Express. It carries its load of families to visit Santa a mile from my condo. The CA State Railroad Museum uses its antique cars to create a magical adventure & is raking in the bucks. Brilliant!

            Of course, Burma has its own history with trains. I mentioned in a previous letter the “Death Railway” built during WWII. It’s associated with atrocities & prisoners of war. I’ll have to research this & get back to you with the details. For the time being, please continue to investigate ways we can support the citizens of Burma, especially the children.

            Please express sympathies to the family of Gaza Soup Kitchen Chef Mahmoud Almadhoun who the Israelis just killed with a drone. They think he was targeted for his work. WINTA!

            BYBS (19 minutes)