Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President,

I can't stop thinking of the images that I saw of Honduran migrants in The New York Times as they were deported to Mexico--not told where they were being taken by border officials, not given any warning until they were already across the bridge (at least according to their reports.)  And I guess I'm ...angry, and frustrated--one that you couldn't offer asylum to people of Honduras who have nowhere else to go after hurricanes devastated their homes.  We should have known this was coming, Sir.  And you have the power to do something about it.  These people deserve to be treated as human beings, and if that means we need more help there, then we find a way to fund it; we make that happen.  I'm not saying to grant asylum to everyone, but those countries hit by hurricanes last year--one after the other?  We should be helping them--not sending them away.

We've done our part in making South America what it is today, too, Sir, and as many South American people will tell you, most of it isn't good.  We need to work more closely with them, though; and if we can't work with their governments, we should be offering those that want to leave them some hope for a better life here.  Turning them away, even during (and perhaps especially during,) a pandemic is heartless.  The message of "go home" doesn't seem to be resonating too well right now, either.  But I hope you'll get a chance to clarify that on March 25th.  It's just...seeing images like the one below and knowing there are thousands more like that--wondering if, someday, it might be me having to make such a trek to a new land, I want to be treated fairly, not taken places without being told where I'm going and given over to the authorities of some other country.

Photographs by Daniel Berehulak

I just feel like we could be doing more here, Sir.  And I get it; we're still dealing with the pandemic.  We're still trying to make it through our own emergencies, but that doesn't mean the rest of the world stops needing our help.  I just hope you'll keep that in mind moving forward.

I am heartened by everything you're doing for the people of America with the difficulties of the pandemic still on-going, and I felt grateful to see your Nowruz celebration, and your statement against racial hatred--your willingness to work with leaders from the American Asian and Pacific Islander communities.  I imagine after your predecessor's treatment of them, it must have been nice to feel heard and seen--to be believed.  It won't end the hatred, but at least there's a spotlight on it, now--someone saying that it isn't right and won't be tolerated.

I loved the phone call you had this week with Jocelyn.  Those are heartening moments, and you're getting better at them.  I guess it's hard to make a phone call seem as real as a face-to-face interaction, but I am still glad to see them from week to week.

The thing about marijuana....  I understand the reasoning for it, but you also have the power to deal with that, as well.  With so many states making it legal, maybe it's time to put in the money and research needed to make it legal at a federal level, much like we've done with alcohol.  I can't imagine the people who lost their jobs are very happy, but marijuana use is illegal federally right now, and security clearance concerns need to be taken seriously--especially these days.  But again, I think it's time we looked at changing those FDA regulations, Sir.

Easter's in two weeks, but I can't say I'm looking forward to it right now.  There was some bad COVID news that hit close to home for me this week, and since I don't have the luxury of going and helping out there (still no vaccine available for me yet.), my emotions have been all over the place.  Anger.  Resignation.  Frustration.  Grief.  Worry.  Anxiety.  You name it; I've probably felt it.  It meant a lot to hear you reminding people to keep masking up, washing hands, social distancing, and all the rest.  The worst part is, even if I could get there, being legally blind leaves me unable to actually help them in any meaningful way, either.  And I have to say, that last really kills me the most--knowing that someone important to me is in need, and knowing, as well, that trying to do something to help may cause more trouble than doing nothing at all.  It's agonizing to feel powerless, Mr. President.  But I'm sure you know that better than most.

I feel like you've been somewhat defensive of late, Sir--curt with your answers in some cases without explanations as to why.  I read your recent remarks after Marine One landed, and it felt like you were rushed or hurried, or worse still, that you weren't interested in really talking and answering questions.  And I guess I get it.  You're probably tired a lot--exhausted more like.  But please remember not all of us out here are against you, Sir.  Help us to understand what's going on.  Remember that the reporters aren't always the ones whose questions your answers are reaching; remember that there are people out here wishing and hoping for the best for you and your administration.

I don't know what to say at this point with regard to Russia and China; I feel like they don't care about us any longer--bulls in a china shop wanting to plow ahead regardless of the consequences.  I guess just keep doing your best out there and remember that we do still have allies who share our desire to see people free from oppression and able to make choices for themselves through government systems that don't seek to dominate, rule, and subjugate them.  And as for Iran, as I said last week, I think we need to consider something new besides sanctions.  Also, I think we should end the sanctions that came into being and work with them on creating a new deal--but I'd prefer if those deals were also made with Congressional approval; that way they can't just be changed on a whim.

Ah well...it's late.  I'm tired, and it's been a long week.  I did have a good St. Paddy's Day, though, and I loved seeing the fountain at your house changed to green for it.  We went out for my birthday on Wednesday, a small, careful celebration with family and one friend.  And let me just say how wonderful it was to be out with people again.  I'll be glad when I can do that again without worrying.  We were talking today about that July 4th comment you made, and I think many of us are longing for it with all our hearts--getting to be out in the world with other people celebrating again, the fireworks, the laughter, the hugs...most of all, the hugs.  But, we'll get there when we get there, I guess, and in the meantime we'll keep doing what we can to make sure everyone stays safe.

There are still a lot of hills to climb yet, Mr. President, but we can be lights in the darkness, too.  I hope you'll consider some of the suggestions I made.  I was thinking, maybe we can create a better border experience, too--instead of walls, halls.  Instead of cells, rooms.  Anyway...I look forward to your press conference on the 25th.  Remember that you're not alone and that people need to be told the complex things because the media is always going to try to make sound bites out of you.  But the people who care are going to listen to more than just those moments.

And with that, I bid you good night, Mr. President.  Try to get some rest, and I'll talk to you again next week.

Until then,....

~~ Jenni

P. S.  How are the doggos?  We miss them!