The title is, word for word, what I was told last night by a fellow townsman at the meeting of our Volunteer Fire Department.

The reason? Because I persist in attempting to bring refugees from Hurricane Katrina into our home. And because those refugees happen to have more pigment in their skin than I do (this is NOT an assumption, it is what I've been told, repeatedly).

Not one word was offered in my defense. When I looked at a friend, who knew better, she looked at her hands and said nothing.

When I spoke with the local hypocri...err, minister who supposedly runs a charity to help the poor, he called me a fool for trying to bring refugees into our home.

But, you see, I can't NOT do something. Even if I weren't motivated by the words of my faith (Matthew 25, anyone?), I would be motivated by simple humanity to try to help these people. But if I have ANY faith in Christ AT ALL, I know that I CANNOT, as an obedient Christian, turn away a stranger in need. What I will have to face when I stand before my maker will be FAR WORSE than any stones or bricks these people could throw at me.

I know, for the first time in my life, what it means to be right, and yet completely alone in what I am trying to do. The family that started trying to take in refugees threw their hands up and said that if someone wants their help, they're going to have to contact THEM. The fire department, after allocating $1000 for Christmas lights, could not pony up a dime for Hurricane victims (nor even, sadly, for the innumerable volunteer fire departments that have been working to HELP these victims).

In the weeks and months to come, I may need your help. I am still determined to do what I can, and not be swayed by these bullies. But years of experience have shown me that these sorts of bullies run like cockroaches from the light when their actions are exposed. They know what they are doing is wrong, and won't defend it when publicity exposes their actions.

The majority of the people in this town are compassionate, giving people. It is only a few that have come forward to threaten us if we help someone else in need. But those few hold a LOT of influence over the majority, who will not act to prevent their actions.

Please pray for us, or send good vibes. It's gonna be a LONG winter.