3/10/2025

My Dear Friend & POTUS, DJT,

            How was your weekend? Play any golf? I did some gardening, went to the MA Symposium, worshipped with my Friends & worked on my taxes. I did not eat sugar or watch fictional TV. I gave those things up for Lent. As a lifelong addict, abstaining from TV dramas & comedies stretches my self-discipline. Do you ever stretch your self-discipline?

            SoW, did you design your tariffs as a vehicle to force Americans to discipline themselves to buy less? Recent news indicates that the supply of things, especially toys & electronic devices will go down, so prices will go up. That’s because 80% of our toys come from China, half of which are priced below $20. I’m sorry that our children will have to go without, but happy for the environment.

            In googling around for more info about toys, I found that many are dangerous for our little ones because they come into the country under the de minimis exemption & are not subject to our safety regs. I’m grateful that you tried to get rid of the de minimis exemption in Feb. It’s too bad that you back tracked on that due to logistical issues. Please try again, but this time give yourself plenty of time so everyone can adjust & we won’t have a crisis on our hands.

            Regarding Burma, please alert Gen Min Aung Hlaing (MAH) that you do not support his election scheme. Analysts quoted in the G warn that a vote will exacerbate the violence that already plagues the country. They worry that the military will try to eliminate the opposition, which will make them retaliate. We both know WINTA so please remind MAH of that.

            I hope your meeting with the CEOs of tech firms goes well today. I’m curious to see what they have to say about tariffs. I doubt they are fans.

            BYBS,