Letters to the POTUS

Oct 28

Oct 28 10/28/2023

…Did you see the compelling demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial yesterday of the shabbat table with empty chairs? The families of the hostages do not want us to forget that their loved ones are in Gaza in tunnels vulnerable to whatever attack Bibi may order….

Oct 27

Oct 27 10/27/2023

…Ned Temko, has hope for the Mid-East. He emphasizes that the situation is complex with “both sides feel(ing) immensely vulnerable, immensely uncertain, & immensely angry.”…

Oct 26

Oct 26 10/26/2023

…Did you have fun with the Aussies at the WH last night? According to the G, you had quite the group including a rap star, an Indigenous voice process co-designer & a body positivity activist. WOW! …

Oct 25

Oct 25 10/25/2023

It’s too bad that the B-52s won’t get to share their music with PM Anthony Albanese at your state dinner tonight. I understand Jill’s hesitation in having them play, but having friends over is a time for fun. Don’t you think?…

Oct 24

Oct 24 10/24/2023

…I am also curious about the Synod at the Vatican. It seems that they are arguing about “a “static” understanding & a “dynamic” understanding of tradition & the best way of “keeping the mystery of Christ.” I understand that the two Chinese Bishops returned home without completing the synod process….

Oct 23

Oct 23 10/23/2023

…you risk “blowing apart (your) own efforts to combat the climate crisis” & endanger climate goals by allowing LPG terminals in LA….

Oct 22

Oct 22 10/22/2023

…I was reassured to read in today’s NYT that some folks in Israel & Gaza continue to believe in peace, despite “paroxysms of outrage by the cacophony of social media.”…

Oct 21

Oct 21 10/21/2023

…How did things go with EU folks, Charles & Ursula (UvdL), at the WH yesterday? Unfortunately, your meeting didn’t get much press. I was happy to hear you talking about “standing together.”…

Oct 20

Oct 20 10/20/2023

…an image from my childhood of Fred Flintstone with a little Fred on each shoulder, one with horns & the other with wings keeps coming to mind. I worry that Bibi is that little horned character on your shoulder whispering in your ear, begging for weapons….

Oct 19

Oct 19 10/19/2023

…Today I find myself embracing Octavia Butler’s, Earthseed, explained in this set of verses: THE ONLY LASTING TRUTH IS CHANGE. GOD IS CHANGE….

Oct 18

Oct 18 10/18/2023

…I regret that your other meeting was canceled & that throughout the Arab world there’s “mounting public revulsion at the spiraling Palestinian death toll” because of the 500 people killed in the bombing of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza….

Oct 17

Oct 17 10/17/2023

…When you talk to Bibi, you can educate him about Jesus’ idea captured in Matthew 5, “[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”….

Oct 16

Oct 16 10/16/2023

…I assume the IDF will shoot anyone with a gun, but how about a 15-year-old in an abaya? Will they be disciplined enough to wait to see what that person does when they are told to put their hands up?….

Oct 15

Oct 15 10/15/2023

…Danielle Allen’s piece in the WP today elaborated on the notion of “enlightenment.” She didn’t call it that, but she did discuss the importance of “turning toward the light.”…

Oct 14

Oct 14 10/14/2023

I was sorry to see that your stumble in Philly yesterday made the headlines at Fox & the Daily Mail. I thought you handled it quite gracefully….