9/25/2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            I hope you get this letter in time to call my friend, Prof Cary Trexler (CJT), to get his impressions on Vietnam. Since 2004, CJT has been trying to help them create an Agricultural Education System so they can transition away from farming rice to growing other crops & has some insights into the challenges of working with communists.

            CJT can give you advice for navigating your conversation with President To Lam (TL). He needs all the help he can get to meet his goals of enhancing his workforce to become technologically proficient, resolving electricity shortages, curbing corruption & speeding up government policies. He’s got to use “bamboo diplomacy” to keep XJ & VVP happy in addition to whoever the next POTUS may be. Tricky!

            I read your UNGA address & saw many of your favorite phrases including “inflection point” & “relentless diplomacy.” I especially liked your observations that, “even from the horrors of war, there’s a way forward. Things can get better.”

            I was not satisfied by your comment, “U.S. military power must be our tool of last resort, not our first, & it should not be used as an answer to every problem we see around the world.” As you know, I would much prefer to hear WINTA! “I was also disappointed that you did not include Burma or the Rohingya in your list of people & places that need the attention of the UN to restore peace & human dignity.

            I hope you enjoy your evening at the Met. Go see their exhibit Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet & see if it calms your mind. The artist behind it is intrigued by knowing what the mind is thinking. Perhaps you can invite TL & see what his mind thinks of it.

            BYBS,