Post-Christmas Gratitude

Hope you had a fine Christmas. I certainly did—got more presents than I deserved; more expensive than I gave. However, I consider the finest gift I received to be the one from Mr. Snowden. Especially in view of the grief having given it is likely to cause him.

 He is now living in asylum in Russia because Putin sees him as a nice way to vex us. With only a year visa, if he runs afoul of Vlad. . . Well, look at what happened to Khodorkovsky. Ed Snowden may spend his life running, if he can find a place to go.

Sad, that a hefty portion of the American population not only doesn't seem grateful but doesn't even seem to realize what a gift it is. Can't predict what will prompt young people who will post any inanity in public to finally conclude that privacy (the place where we entertain our doubts about ourselves) is essential. Is it because Millenniums have no doubts?

At any rate, this is what I wrote him, while he was still living in Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow:

Dear Mr. Snowden,

Because I am an old Boomer who has frequently criticized younger generations for general (& particular) gutlessness, I feel duty-bound to write and tell you how much I admire you for what you have done.

 The use of any/all means to accomplish an end without regard to the consequences is the primary characteristic of a powerful state, but not the exclusive property of the U.S. Though Barack conned me into believing he wouldn’t subscribe to it vis-à-vis Gitmo.  It’s easy to fool an old fool-idealist!

I’d send you some money if I had any, but other than a bowl of borscht, what can you buy in the Moscow Airport? I’d advise staying out of the duty-free, it’s nothing but items of conspicuous consumption. Anyway they'll arrest you in there.  Hit the Russkies up for some Stoly and caviar. 

Keep a critical eye peeled if you get out of the airport!