Arlene: <While I find much of what you say below to be lovely, worth embracing, I have a hard time "buying" it.> Dear Arlene and Nicole and the ocean, Don't 'buy it' that's capitalist talk. Epitomised by Madeleine Albright's statement. "The price is worth it for 500,000. We give it for the sake of life. No one 'follows' anyone. We all learn to liberate in openness. Opening the shackles is a democratic process. True love is the catalyst. I love Nicole for her claws - valuable claws. What I said of Nicole was true - narcissistic and all I said it for a clear reason of reconciliation. When I say 'I love you' that is not just compassionate but passionately affectionate. Tough love does not mean bowing down to hubris of race, class, or sexist sentimentality. You cannot love truly without healing the corners. Arlene, get Nicole to send you the letter I wept for her, as I frequently do when faced with the immense irony of reconciling love in danger. It is endless catharsis. Then you will better understand the things I said. In truth. love again, Chris.
