Porthole

Tolerate intolerance?

Robert, "Yep. I try to get along with everyone, but as the saying goes, I don't have to, and will not, tolerate intolerance."

My problem? Being willing to lose friends, associates, family... But I'm tired of "pleasing people" as Charlie pointed out.

I need to figure out how to approach German Lutherans (a group I grew up with) and German Catholics (ditto) and Evangelical Christians (like the ones in Kansas/Oklahoma) before the election because their racist and homophobic underwear is showing and I'm tired of looking at the stains. "Go to the laundromat" would go over their head. And yes, I know that that's a generalization, but I've kept my mouth shut far too often as people unintentionally (and maybe intentionally) have deeply wounded me. Time to speak out. However, even pointing out the systemic racism/homophobia/sexism preached every Sunday in their churches may be considered a personal attack. Robert said it best (and succinctly), "Yep. I try to get along with everyone, but as the saying goes, I don't have to, and will not, tolerate intolerance."

Just read a blog by Cinn I commented: "I've felt judged and misjudged by religious people, certain branches of Christianity in particular. Perhaps it's better to be damned by them then become like them and damn others." Blog entry: "Invalid Entry" .

AQI: still awful at 174. The light easterlies do not seem to be clearing the smoke out. I'm a bit better with the windows closed but I'm still aware in the back of my throat. This will be Day 5 of not stepping outside.

Hurricane news: Sally is still soaking the Southeast and Cassilda has strengthened to 60 mph as she aims for Greece. We wait for Wilford to form.

I wrote a 24 syllable something. Actually turned it upside down and around to make it positive and to not offend.

Very late. Read Jim entry and became sidetracked in trying to figure out where to travel. Serbia and Kosovo are open! Unfortunately my favorite hostel in Belgrade is closed. Oda in Pristina is open though and so is Apartment Centar in Novi Pazar. I stayed there last September 16th.

So I need to think about this.

AQI 168 and steady. Saturday? Rain possible at 60%. 18 degrees at 1 p.m. The temps are still suppressed under that awful smoke haze. AQI 494 in Sisters, Oregon. Met someone from there once. Costa Rica? How the mind plays games.

Cassilda (Iones) approaching Greece. Winds at 70 mph. Teddy being a bear. Folks at disqus concerned about BoC (Bay of Campache) 90L wondering whether it will become Wilfred. No one seems to want a W storm in the Gulf. After Wilma... (2005).

I think this qualifies for "Blogging Circle of Friends " , "Have you made a doozy of a mistake lately? I think without mistakes we're missing some very important vistas. Do you agree or disagree? How did you resolve the issue?"

I forgot to pay rent. Worried about mind-slippage. Not worried about my landlord; he won't say anything; I've been good for 12 years. But, it is a tad embarrassing. I wrote a check and put it in the box by the office at 2 a.m.

Are mistakes okay; do they teach me something? Context is important. I was homeless once; missing rent could prove fatal; but, I know my landlord Kirk is a great guy. The slippage... that's important but it's not a promising insight. No harm done... this time.

I have a craving for bread. But I'm not someone to risk my health for a sandwich. Saturday seems a long long ways away. That may be the only day when the smoke abates.

I did not win the 24 syllables! There were 10 of us. If I win once or twice a month I feel blessed. Ned won with this tidbit "Channeling Power" . I really liked it and how she used 'plenary'. It's a snapshot most of us can relate to. She doesn't have it set on 'comment' So I mention it here.

Y'all should join us if you get a chance. The next one is due by Friday midnight; the word is 'limpid'. "Invalid Item" 

After reading and commenting "Invalid Entry"  by Cinn and "This one's about the Rez Juke catch-up (9 of 9)."  by Fivesixer I just might sign up for

FORUM

Resurrection Jukebox  (E) A yearly blogging challenge featuring cover songs and/or dead artists! Runs every October. #2009876 by Jeff

this Oktober. Y'all be warned... I not dead... ...yet.

Got second place for my free verse poem "Pie and whisky (27 line free verse)"  written two years ago:

And for "Black Eyed Peas Media Prompt"

For "Space Blog" :

"Probe "  by Jatog the Green reminds me of Poe ... with a Parrot . "Space Blog"  asks us to comment on "The Beginning". Out of context that could mean anything. Here it's ominous. Why? Because of the poe-ish poetic form, the images and that bird. What does that parrot know? But an alien probe could be a blessing as well. Vomit (implied by nausea) can cleanse. Without an ending we are left with our own imagination. And that provides the hope or horror.

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