1/12/2025

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Wow! Can you believe that your presidency is almost over? I can’t. It’s cliché, but I’ll say it anyway, it seems like just yesterday that Amanda Gorman, dressed in her mustard yellow coat, was spitting about climbing a hill. I know that you regret your time in the WH is coming to an end, but I encourage you to look forward & embrace your next steps.

            As we know from 39’s experience, a former POTUS can make a great contribution. The AP provided a list of possibilities for you including planning your presidential library or going into show business. I suggest that you do as the I Ching suggests & go with the flow by “mastering the art of letting go.” Take advantage of openings that intrigue you. Be willing to take risks. Don’t worry about what others might think. Be your own best friend.

            Of course, I will be leaving my paid employment soon, too, & will need to follow this advice.

            My possibilities include

1)    Becoming an activist – in this vein, yesterday, I attended a Call to Action sponsored by Resist NorCal, where I learned about the 3-way fight & the importance of mutual aid & how to avoid getting arrested at a protest.

2)    Working in schools – being with children brings me joy

3)    Becoming a lobbyist – I am impressed with my colleagues in teacher education & how they are organizing. I hope to learn from them.

4)    Clerking DFM – my F(f)riend & I will be teaming up to provide leadership to our meeting.

5)    Supporting UCD’s SOE – I’m not sure how to do this one as it might not be in line with “letting go.”

Do you have any thoughts on prioritizing this list?

            On a different subject, did you see the photos of the Chinese actor, Wang Xing, who was just rescued from a scam center in Burma? His expression & emaciated appearance reminded me of the images I saw at the WWII museum of prisoners at the end of the war – both those found in the concentration camps & POWs, a haunted look in the eye, like that of a beaten, neglected dog, who has endured an excess of violence & hunger.

XJ & Paethongtarn Shinawatra would like their citizens to believe the scam center problem has been fixed that no one is being abducted of from Thailand anymore. Clearly that is not the case. Please do what you can to remind the world that the situation in Burma is dire.

            BYBS.

            RCA

 PS – I continue to wonder what happened to the “contact the POTUS” option at whitehouse.gov/contact. Please advise. Thanks!