1/15/2026

My Dear Friend & POTUS, DJT,

Have you met Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK)? If so, I’d love to know what kind of vibe you got from her. I suspect she’s got the bearing of Queen Nzinga Mbande (QNB). You’ll remember that QNB led the Ambundu Kingdoms of Ndongo in their resistance to the Portuguese in the 1600s showing brilliance at defusing political crises. QNB had the unique ability to develop alliances among feuding tribes, which ASSK also demonstrated upon her release from prison in 2010. 

A story in the BBC suggested ASSK “is probably still needed if the country (BURMA) is to chart a path out of its current deadlock.” I encourage you to use your diplomatic channels to make a deal with MAH to release her to see if she can ameliorate the situation there.

As I speculate about QNB’s extraordinary qualities, I wonder what other women in the world today might have some of them. Maybe Ursula von der Leyen or Christine Lagarde? 

Today, I am especially interested in María Corina Machado MCM). Please keep your eye out for the energy you get from her & let me know about the dynamic between the two of you. She may have more power than you are giving her credit for. The situation in Venezuela parallels the one in Burma & she bears some resemblance to ASSK in needing to navigate a big army ready to wage war on its citizens.

I don’t have the answer to how to convince guys with guns that they’d be better off in a democracy, but that’s the challenge. MCM may be up to it.

It troubles me that for the first time in my life, I find myself imagining that something like what is going on in Venezuela & Burma could happen here with the federal government using physical force to control citizens. I comfort myself with your commitment to being a peace maker & hope to hear some narrative about non-violence.

God is change. 

This too shall pass. 

Now, now, now.

These mantras are getting me through the day. I encourage you to give them a try.

BYBS,