7/10/2026
My Dear Friend & POTUS, DJT,
I’m sorry that I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to write for a week. I’m traveling in what Calvin Coolidge called “the Brave Little State” of Vermont. I learned about that from the conductor of the VT Symphony Orchestra which performed a rousing concert on July 5 on the lawns of the Trapp Family Lodge.
My favorite piece was Liberty Fanfare which was accompanied by a reading of Emma Lazarus poem. Everyone cheered when they heard, ”Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” It was so inspiring to share that moment with hundreds of Americans.
It’s too bad that your big moment on July 4 was affected by the lightening storm. I appreciated that you put a positive spin on the interruption & felt it was “in its own way, more beautiful.”
I only have a few more minutes before my activities begin. I’m at what Quakers call “The Gathering” with 750 Friends on the campus of University of Vermont. Where every day is packed with activities & everyone is curious to learn about one another’s meetings, passion projects & spiritual endeavors. We were all roused to fight for justice by Bryan Stephenson’s plenary last night.
I have two thoughts/suggestions before closing.
The “Special Envoy for American Landowners” position you are spotlighting at John Rich’ (JR)s swearing in ceremony today needs a new name. When I read the name it reminded me of the days when only landowners could vote & made me wonder if you wanted to go back to that time. Since JR’s new office is supposed to be about “advocating for landowners facing pressure related to large-scale solar & wind development” you might call it “farmer & rancher advocate” instead. BTW, are you sure a country western singer has the proper qualification to lead an office that’s supposed to help folks solve complex land-use issues?
Do what you can to stop bombing everywhere in the world!! Cease attacking Iran. Tell MAH to stop blowing up towns. Urge militants in places like Greece to eschew violence as their means to achieve political change. WINTA
I’ve got to go to do psychocalesthenics with a gentle 80-year old soul, named Tony.
BYBS,
