8/24/2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

Is today the last day of your vacation? Did you do some forest bathing, biking or swimming? According to Noozhawk.com, you have not been spotted, but Jill & a few family members visited The Book Loft in Solvang, where Jill signed a copy of “Willow the White House Cat” & purchased a copy of Tana French’s new book, “The Hunter.” The staff at the bookstore were thrilled by the visit.

Speaking of books, what are you reading these days? I’m reading several books about the “mind’s eye” for edification. I have learned that we all think in images & this ability remains underdeveloped because school emphasizes facility with words. If we used our right brain more, we’d be better off. When we shut off the chatter of our talking brains & tune into our senses, the world becomes a whole new place. Meditating can do this, but so can other activities. Give it a try!

I hear that you promised $150 million in military assistance to VOZ. I’m disappointed that we continue to fuel the war by providing weapons, but relieved that the dollar amount is so low. I wish the Ukraine were celebrating their Independence Day with events, parades & concerts showing their rich cultural heritage & national identity, rather than invading Russia.

Please take a look at Khin Oo’s piece in the Irrawaddy where he writes about ending the conflict in Burma. He asks for the following.

Negotiated settlement/dialogue: the pressure to come to the table must be applied to the Myanmar military

Humanitarian assistance: The international community should explore ways to build mechanisms & channels to deliver humanitarian assistance more effectively.

Support for Myanmar’s rebirth as new country

The UN can’t get aid into Burma. See what you can do about this.

BYBS,