(Stone Soup via GoComics.com)
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For those of us who will not be able to share our Thankgiving with our loved ones, and for those of us who wish our loved ones were maybe just a little more loveable… could be worse:
DEAR MISS MANNERS: How does one socialize politely with one’s in-laws when they are involved in activities that I find immoral and are, at times, illegal?
I try to steer the conversation away from the illicit activities by asking questions about my husband’s childhood, inquiring after their health, asking to hear about the latest antics of their pets, etc. Invariably, the talk turns toward my father-in-law’s “business.” He was serving a jail term related to this work when I met my husband and has now shifted his business offshore.
Even if the work is not illegal in that country (and I have my doubts), it is still illegal in the United States. It is immoral in that he is taking advantage of a highly vulnerable group of people by endangering their health in order to make money.
He appears to believe in his work, saying that the federal government “misunderstands” him.
Should I take the viewpoint that this man is mentally ill, simply respond with a noncommittal “I see,” and continue to change the subject? Mention gently that since his work has caused my husband so much pain, I’d rather not discuss it?…
… Worry loudly about NSA datamining and the ever-expanding use of ‘information drones’?… (okay, just me)…
What’s on the agenda for another day of pre-holiday chaos?
Wednesday Morning Open Thread: Happy FamiliesPost + Comments (52)