8/23/2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            My clear plastic patch on my left eye makes me feel like a pirate. I wear it to speed healing from my cataract surgery. The procedure was quick & the only pain came from needles for the IV. The miracle of modern medicine strikes again.

            Have you had cataract surgery? I assume so. The only thing I could learn about your eyes from my Google search was the time, in 2019, when a blood vessel popped in your eye during a climate change town hall on CNN. Apparently, the subconjunctival hemorrhages you experienced  happen to folks who take blood thinners & aren’t cause for concern. I hope your eyes aren’t giving you any troubles today.

            Speaking of climate change, I noticed that KDH didn’t say much about it in her speech last night. Mother Jones points out that many Americans are not aware of your administration’s record on climate, which they say includes some “huge wins” including investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, lead pipe removal & land protections. TJW also failed to mention his left “climate-related wins, like signing a law last year requiring his state to reach 100 percent renewable-fueled electricity by 2040.” Young voters care about the climate & perhaps KDH should adopt Rep Maxwell Frost’s (FL), proclamation that “fighting the climate crisis is patriotic”.

            As a poetry fan you must have been ecstatic to see Amanda Gordan spitting her verse on Wed night. Did you have a favorite line? I had a couple, specifically, “while we all love freedom, it is love that frees us all,” & “our kingdom come has just begun.” Her regal dress punctuated the power of the moment, leaving an indelible impression.

            Speaking of poets, Maung Saingka, commander of the Bamar People’s Liberation Army, is back in the news again. DW reports that he “is bringing together diverse ethnic groups into the fight against Myanmar's junta” with his inclusive approach & commitment to promoting empathy & resilience.

            BYBS,