12/16/2025

My Dear Friend & POTUS, DJT, 

To change things up, I’m starting with my ask for Burma.  

Please follow the lead of ASEAN, the UN, the WHO & others in condemning the junta’s bombing of the Mrauk-U hospital. Article 18 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 explicitly states that medical units, including hospitals & mobile medical facilities, may in no circumstances be attacked.  

The editors of the Irrawaddy point out that you are overly focused on the border conflict between Cambodia & Thailand & overlooking the fact that China has “increased its support for the Myanmar military regime, to ensure stability for its economic and strategic interests. I know you want to limit XJ’s power & influence, so get busy working on bringing peace to Burma. 

Speaking of being busy, the G points out that the construction of the Arc is not the best use of Vince Haley’s time. They note that Americans want you to improve the economy rather than build a monument.  I am inclined to agree. 

I hope your Hanukkah reception today is joyous. Perhaps it’s a good time for you to practice the self-restraint I mentioned yesterday. According to Dharma Wisdom, this involves letting go of being self-righteous & giving up being on always being the star of the show. You’ll have to resist the urge to vilify the misguided Syrian family who shot the folks in Sydney. Instead you can focus on the heroic act of Ahmed al-Ahmed who tackled & disarmed one of the shooters. You can also reiterate the message shared by Temple Beth Sholom to “let us choose Jewish joy, communal strength, & courageous hope” &  repeat what Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Congregation said about not letting fear win & “instead lean into our Jewishness & practice our tradition proudly.” 

The news regarding the Ukraine ceasefire talks seems promising. Getting VVP to back off before Christmas would be such a gift to the world! WINTA!! 

BYBS,