4/18/2026

April 18, 2026

My Dear Friend & POTUS, DJT,

Did you see the news that former Pres Win Myint was one of 4300 released from prison in Burma? Pundits warn this is the usual junta theater. One said MAH was engaging in “character laundering” trying to make himself look merciful. Another labeled it “a cosmetic gesture, carefully calibrated to win diplomatic credit while entrenching military rule.” We still don’t know where Aung San Suu Kyi is, & we DO know that the majority of the citizens of Burma would prefer her to be in charge. Please do not be fooled by MAH’s attempt to legitimize his rule.

OoM, Chuck Bell at StromTeam4 says it’s going to be in the 80s in DC this weekend. I hope you use this opportunity for some forest bathing or at least a stroll through the U.S. National Arboretum to see the azaleas. AI says, “The collection on Mount Hamilton is actively blooming, with varieties ranging from red to white.”

As you will recall extensive research on Shinrin-Yoku, AKA forest bathing, has measurable positive physiological effects such as lowering blood pressure, increasing the # of cancer fighting cells in the blood & lowering the concentration of cortisol. Scientists have determined that the mechanism for this is not only the calming effect of being in nature, but also the chemical effects of the gases being emitted by the trees. Given the roller coaster you’ve been on with the opening & closing of the Hormuz Strait & the price of oil, you could use this kind of therapy.

I can attest to its effectiveness. I was still feeling weak & groggy yesterday but decided to go for a walk anyway. I made my way to an undeveloped stretch of land near the confluence of the American & Sacto Rivers. The white fluff from the Cottonwood floated through the air. The spiny seed balls of the sycamore trees dotted the ground. Bright, shiny new oak leaves shimmered in the sun. The trees enveloped me in their phytoncides & I was energized. 

So leave behind your worries about what you should do to get out of the mess you’re in. Let go of your obsession with Pope Leo. Release yourself from your efforts to convince your followers that gas prices really aren’t that high. Go for a walk in the trees. Being on the golf course will enable you to inhale some of the beneficial gases the trees emit, but being in a true forest will give you better access those beneficial chemicals.

BYBS,