[RavenSong]

Lorraine, there are a lot of mean people in this world...this woman sounds pretty twisted in her anger. I think the hard economic times are bringing out the worst in some people, and we're hearing the backlash, i.e., the hatred of illegal immigrants, the intolerance for the disabled and elderly, and an increase in racism.

If I had been in your friend's shoes, I think I would have said something to the effect of "I don't agree with you, and I'm offended by your vicious attitude." My mother often goes off into tirades about racial groups and impoverished people. I used to just ignore her, but I finally got fed up about 10 years ago. Nowadays when she says something negative about other people, I tell her that I'm ending our phone call because I will not subject myself to her racism and bigotry.

Oh, you must be so angry and hurt. I know I would be absolutely furious if I were in your shoes. I don't know what the answer is...I wish I did. I don't know if it would help or not to confront this ignorant, hateful woman. One thing that has helped me deal with obnoxious people in my life is to pray for them. I don't know why it works, but it does...