8/8/2022

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Today the US embassy in Rangoon is warning of “anti-military movements and increased attacks around the city, due to it being the 34th anniversary of the August 8, 1988, pro-democracy protest movement.” 8888, as it is known to the locals, started as a student protest & grew into a nationwide protest against military rule. Soldiers opened fire on the demonstrators and hundreds of unarmed marchers were killed. The killings continued for a week, but still the demonstrators continued to flood the streets. It showed the tenacity of the people & the brutality of the military.

Brave activists are out in the streets today. Some peacefully, others not. Please stay in touch with Ambassador Vajda about the situation there. 

            I hope your visit to KY today brings some solace to residents. The Kentuckers have had more than their fair share of natural disasters with the tornadoes in Dec & now the flood. This on top of the racial strife brought about by the killing of Breonna Taylor & subsequent trials of the police who invaded her apt.

I suspect that you heard that folks are still so upset that when AG Daniel Cameron (DC) tried to speak at the Fancy Farm event yesterday he was drowned out by shouts of “Breewayy.” DC is 1 of many GOPers who have signed up to run against Gov. Beshear in 2023. Will stay tuned to see what happens in that race.

            Did you read Charles Blow’s piece about you in the WP? After acknowledging that the press tends to hype things, he calls the past month, “stellar” & suggests, “the administration must seize this moment, and not be shy about shouting about its wins.” That’s excellent advice, I hope you’ll take it.

            BYBS,