3/4/2025

My Dear Friend & POTUS, DJT,

            Do you ever wish life were easier? Wouldn’t it be nice if everything went your way? No pain. No heartache. No pesky people making annoying suggestions. When indulge in that kind of thinking, I remind myself of the 1st Noble Truth, “there is suffering,” & I get on with things & follow George Fox’s advice to “walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one.” I’d love to see you do the same especially when speaking to Congress tonight.

 I apologize that I’m not going to watch. The tele-drama you so effectively craft is too much for me. So rather than watch you do your thing tonight, I will be enjoying a Mardis Gras dinner with my friends & neighbors.

            Partying with my gang will distract me from the fact that my investments have tanked. As I approach retirement, it’s not a happy feeling to know that the recent gains in the stock market have disappeared. The retailers have done the worst. That does not bode well. Are you sure these tariffs are a good idea?

            I’m sure you are aware that the price of soybeans & corn is down, too, since China won’t be buying those commodities. Our farmer friends will be upset about that & the last thing they want is a government handout. They like to plow, plant & harvest, rather than sitting around waiting for a check. Pleasing your voters in the heartland is another reason to reconsider the tariffs.

            Speaking of international business, CC Wei seems like a sweet man! I’m surprised to see that his visit to the WH yesterday prompted controversy & confusion in Taiwan since the deal you announced for  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to build a fab in AZ has been in the works for over a year. Do you think that having a facility in the US will diminish Taiwan’s “silicon shield”? As you know, the Taiwanese are feeling vulnerable these days as they watch us turn our backs on the Ukraine. Please reassure them.

            News from Reuters about Burma indicates that “the Wa authorities have now said they are ready to accept applications for mining & processing licences at (the) Man Maw (tin mine.)” Is this a promising development? Do you think Bao Youxiang can be trusted to act in the best interest of his people? Perhaps you could give him a call & find out what he’s up to.

            BYBS,