If You Can't Say Something Nice...

"For twenty-three years I've been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!" -- Auntie Em; Wizard of Oz

If you cannot say something nice, then say nothing at all. My mother used that phrase quite often and I know from experience that it is excellent advice. I have been thinking about that phrase a lot during the past few weeks.

I recently received a certified letter asking (demanding) me to retract my 10 May, 2009 blog post.

The individual who sent the request is not happy with the way I depicted my experience.

My narrative is representative of my experience. And I was not the only one who felt bullied and ill-treated that night. Other pilgrims who shared accommodations with me that night were equally angered and bitter about their experiences. Several times in the next few weeks I would cross paths with two fellow pilgrims (one a Canadian minister and the other a grieving woman from the USA) and listen as they vented and raged about their experience.

I truly believe the hostess was totally oblivious to how uncomfortable she was making here boarders feel (though when you make people weep, that is usually a clue that one has pushed the limits of civility.)

Part of me is inclined to simply remove my earlier comments. Let it go. Take the high road. Do not get down on her level. Consider her intentions.

I guess I could tone down my comments a bit or even rescind them, but the more I think about it the more manipulated I feel.

Sigh.

I am still struggling with this.

Despite it all, I am grateful I stopped there. The museum is beautiful. And I learned a few things about human nature.