To the editor:

When I peruse through the bigotry and homophobia that appears here, I am reminded of two things: 1. I need to remember to take my blood pressure medication. 2. I should go back to my religious text of The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster” and be reminded of the wise words of the Great Pirate Mosey. I find that his “I’d Really Rather You Didn’t” condiments center me. For those in need of this gospel reminder, let me share them with you.

Condiment #2. “I’d Really Rather You Didn’t Use My Existence As A Means To Oppress, Subjugate, Punish, Eviscerate, And/Or, You Know, Be Mean To Others.” This is a good reminder to me that spaghetti scripture should not be used to put others in their place or to make others feel inferior. I want to share wisdom, not pain.

Condiment #3. “I’d Really Rather You Didn’t Judge People For The Way They Look, Or How They Dress, Or The Way They Talk, Or, Well, Just Play Nice, Okay? Oh, And Get This Through You Thick Heads: Woman=Person, Man=Person. Samey-Samey. One is Not Better Than The Other”. I do need to remember that a person shouldn’t be judged by outward appearances or by actions that do not affect my everyday life. People should be judged on their words and actions. If, for example, they use their words to condemn and spread hatred, then I can totally judge their character.

Condiment Number 5: “I’d Really Rather You Didn’t Challenge The Bigoted, Misogynist, Hateful Ideas Of Others On An Empty Stomach. Eat, Then Go After The (Jerks)”. It is important we recognize the structures that keep people down and attack those that need protection. Also, we should do so after we have been fed…and have had our blood pressure medication.

William Skar

New Ulm