4/28/2024

4/28/24

Congratulations!

Last night was a WIN! Your jokes, “I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old,” & 45’s “stormy weather,” made headlines.

Was Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Portland, OR, there? He’s the bow tie guy & got written up today in the NYT because he’s retiring after 28 years in Congress. As the leader of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, he’s convinced that you could ignite young voters by campaigning on legalizing MJ.

Please consult with him about the Farm Bill. He’s worried that “we’re subsidizing a diet that makes Americans sick.” He says, “we simply pay too much to the wrong people, to grow the wrong foods the wrong way, in the wrong places.” 70% of subsidy payments go to just 10% of farms. That needs to change.

Please also talk to him about cycling! He founded Bike the Caucus in 1996 & rides all over the Capitol. He says, “Burning calories instead of fossil fuel is good for the environment, but it’s also good for the soul.” Maybe you should go on a ride around DC with him to commemorate his service to our country.

Now that I know my Rep, Mike Thompson, is taking over as co-chair of the Bike Caucus, I will be emailing him frequently about the topic. I’m excited to see that e-bikes have a tax incentive. I hope to see continued investments in bike infrastructure.

What are your thoughts on Burma? The BBC ran a piece today on how complicated the dynamics in Karen state are, especially when it comes to Shwe Kokko, the Las Vegas of Burma. It’s run by Saw Chit Thu who sounds worse than any mafia boss. He’s got a “well-paid & well-equipped private army of several thousand fighters, which since 2010 have been operating as a border guard force.” He is not to be trusted & keeps changing allegiances.

Seven different armed brigades operate in Karen state & each has its own agenda. They need to get on the same page. Perhaps empowering the women there will help cut through some of the macho BS. WINTA!

BYBS,

RCA