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Practical spirituality for a complicated world.
This week's column is a collection of several recent emails, plus my response to them. I found these topics to be interesting and worthy of inclusion in a column, but not necessarily in need of an entire column on their own. I hope you can find something of value here, today.
Dear Robert,
Thank you for your recent column answering the man who asserted that the Jews of today are cursed by God because they killed the messiah. When I read his letter printed in the "Santa Fe Reporter", I was dumbstruck that someone would believe that. I also knew you were going to write about it. You really did an admirable job in answering him, without being mean-spirited, in return. I also read a letter to the editor in which a woman wrote that the "Santa Fe Reporter" was completely without merit, and she mentioned you, in particular. She asked to be spared the "gay self-righteous ranting" of Robert Ransom Odom. I noticed that there were multiple letters printed which criticised the man who wrote terrible things about Jews. I noticed, as well, that not a single person wrote in to question why that woman criticised you for being gay. Why is this? I think this is totally unacceptable. Had it been any other minority group, there would've been many letters printed condemning it. Don't you agree?
Thanks for your time.
PW, Santa Fe
Dear PW,
I appreciate your taking time to write and share your thoughts on this subject. Yes, I saw that letter. She certainly had a bee in her bonnet, didn't she? I really am not concerned with what she thinks of my writing. However, I did find it odd that she included "gay" in her criticism. It doesn't bother me, personally. It disturbs me for my gay brothers and sisters, especially those who are young, and most in need of support. I don't think they deserve any more burdens to overcome. However, I don't imagine most gays are surprised by this. Even in tolerant Santa Fe, there is quite a bit of prejudice against gay people. Amongst those who see themselves as open-minded, stereotypes still abound. For example, gays are acceptable as long as they help you pick out the fabric to recover your sofa, or cut your hair, or arrange the centrepiece for your dinner party, or swish about like silly cha-cha bunnies. If we step outside those roles, and present ourselves as ranchers, attorneys, journalists, as Redneck Hindus writing about spirituality, or anything they see as out of bounds, then they feel the need to put us back in our place. When the angry woman included "gay" in her criticism, she told us more about herself than she probably realised. But, she's not alone. My mother still refuses to believe that I'm gay, because she says I "always wore cowboy hats and boots". She actually told me that the last 25 years of my life were designed solely to embarrass her. (I think that's called narcissism.) In conclusion, critics are entitled to their opinions. I write a public column. I stand apart from the crowd, and that makes me a target. But, other gays in our community, who aren't public, don't deserve to be attacked or marginalised, especially the youth. Like it or not, it's still sort of okay to express a distaste for gays....even in tolerant, liberal, rainbow-inclusive Santa Fe. Thanks for giving me a chance to point it out.
Dear Robert,
I remember that you once wrote about chemtrails. I've noticed lately that the skies have been filled with them. Why don't people notice what's going on right above their heads? It's out there, all in plain sight. They're not even trying to cover it up. What are your thoughts about this, now?
GR, Santa Fe
Dear GR,
Actually, I've written several times about chemtrails. There have been multiple scientific analyses proving that these formations contain various chemical compounds, including heavy metals and even biological agents. There is absolutely no question but that "someone" is spraying "something" in the sky. Who "they" are, and what "it" is that is being sprayed, I do not know. I have often observed a clear, blue sky, which, within the space of an hour, was transformed into a milky haze. The normal exhaust from an airplane quickly dissipates, but when they begin spraying, the trails spread out miles upon miles wide, many times in an obvious grid pattern. On the days they don't spray, the sky is blue, and jets still go overhead, with normal engine exhaust (contrails) quickly disappearing. But, for the sake of argument, let's just say that the chemtrails are normal exhaust. Don't the skies belong to all of us? Why would it be acceptable for airplanes to pollute our skies with their exhaust? When they turn a beautiful day into overcast smog, won't that have effects on the climate, the environment, and our health, even if it is just regular jet exhaust? The government tell us that chemtrails don't exist, and the authorities do have our best interests at heart, don't they? Do you want to be audited by the IRS, or have the cops pull you over and find drugs under your front seat, or have them discover kiddie porn on your computer? Well then, stop asking questions, and mind your own business. Shhh...go back to sleep.
Dear Robert,
My mother-in-law is an alcoholic. So far, she has been stopped three times for drunk driving, but all charges were dismissed. Don't ask me how or why. I feel selfish telling you this, but I can only be around her when she is drinking. When she is sober, she is a mean, horrible woman. When she drinks, she is tolerable. I've told my husband that if AA ever works for her, it might tear our family apart. I feel guilty because I'm afraid she will wind up hurting someone in an automobile accident. What would you suggest?
TC, Santa Fe
Dear TC,
Alcoholism is destructive across the board. It destroys the body, the family, careers, friendships, and often kills innocent people through drunken driving accidents. Some alcoholics are "mean drunk", some are "good time Charlies" and some keep a constant, even buzz, and you'd never guess they were drinking. Eventually, however, it catches up with everyone. If your mother-in-law is a b**ch, you'll have to get in line to join the club. My mother-in-law was not an alcoholic, but she was always difficult. Actually, she despised me almost as much as I disliked her. Bless her heart, she's gone on to her reward. But, I digress. Now, back to your concern, TC. Your family is not doing her any favour by having her DWIs dismissed. I'm assuming that's what you meant. She needs intervention. I suggest that you call Rev Phil, who has an ad on the back page of the "Reporter". He is an excellent counselor, and beneficial resource for substance abuse problems. Alcoholism is so pervasive, that its tentacles touch everyone in the family. Therefore, the entire family needs counseling and education about alcoholism. It's not just your mother-in-law who has a problem. It's your entire family. The community is also adversely affected when she drives impaired by alcohol. AA, in my opinion, is ultimately the key to your mother-in-law's recovery. I hope she will give it a chance. AA has made tools available that have saved many lives and families. Finally, there is no need for you to feel guilty. It's a waste of energy. Talk to a professional, and try to arrange some sort of intervention. My prayers and best wishes are with you all.
Today's column was a sort of buffet of topics, and fun to put together. Thanks to all of you for reading "Walk Your Talk". OM Shanti OM
To ask Robert a question, visit his Web site at www.RobertOdom.com, email desertrj@msn.com or send mail to PO Box 33, Santa Fe, NM 87504.
