4/17/2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Cheap Chinese steel? Is that such a bad thing? Apparently, they have too much & are trying to get rid of it. Why not buy some?

            I know that the members of the United Steelworkers Union want high tariffs on the stuff coming into the US via Mexico, but according to Foreign Affairs, the tariffs that 45 put on foreign steel in 2018 cost $3 billion annually. Cutting off trade inflames animosity. Can’t you think of a better way to make the steelworkers happy?

            Did you enjoy your visit to Scranton yesterday? How was the Raddison? The anchors at WNEP16 were hoping you were watching them this AM when they showed you visiting 2446 North Washington Avenue. Who were those kids that joined you? I’m sure it was music to your ears to hear the folks in Electric City saying, “we love Joe.”

            Have you spoken with Nemat Shafik(NS), Pres. of Columbia University about how best to handle Rep. Elise Stefanik at the Committee on Education & the Workforce hearing today? I’m afraid NS is between a rock & a hard place. If she defends the right of students & faculty to express unpopular, controversial views, she’ll be accused of being an antisemite. If she emphasizes protecting students from harm, she’ll be accused of squelching free speech. Either way the anti-intellectual crew is going to relish making her squirm. I will hold her in the Light & hope she has the grace to speak truth to power.

            What are your thoughts on Aung Sun Suu Kyi’s transfer from Insein prison to house arrest? As you know the junta always releases some prisoners in celebration of the New Year, so this may just be a publicity stunt. I do hope that she is more comfortable & that all of the political prisoners in Burma get some relief from the excessive heat.

            I hope that the violence in Burma dies down so next year Thingyan will once again be celebrated with crowds in the street squirting water at passersby. That looks like fun.

            BYBS,