8/3/2022

JRB,

            I am going to write this letter as fast as I can because I spent my writing time talking to my bro. We were debriefing our experiences spending time with our mom. We feel lucky to have her but find it difficult to be in her company. She has a sharp, critical mind which no longer has the softening force of the frontal cortex of her brain to filter out the meaner things that occur to her. She occasionally admits this & told my bro that she is a “crazy old woman.” The good news is that, at age 88, she can take care of herself, does not take any medications & has more energy than most of us. For that we are grateful!

            I am excited that today is the 1st day of my class with the student teachers where I will introduce them to the joy of teaching math. As children discover what author Alec Wilkinson calls, “The Divine Language” in his latest book about “Learning Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus at the Edge of Old Age,” they get excited which can be a bonding experience for teacher & student. It’s magical!

            My thoughts regarding your POTUS duties include the following:

1)    DOJ Reproductive Rights Task Force: to monitor and evaluate state and local actions that infringe on federal protections relating to the provision or pursuit of reproductive care…

I WISH WE DIDN’T NEED SUCH A THING, BUT I AM GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR SETTING IT UP.

2)    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen – give him a call & support his decision to lead ASEAN to reconsider their Myanmar peace if its military rulers execute more prisoners. As you know, he’s prone to side with the Chinese, who have been supportive of the junta, so it’s a big deal that he’s making statements against them. He could use your encouragement.

Gotta go,

BYBS,