Hello everyone...

I have been meaning to send somthing similar to this letter/post to my parents but I have decided to post it here instead in order to get a more varied and diverse array of opinions. Please discuss it among yourselves as you feel comfortable to do so.

Perhaps my subject line should be more appropriately phrased: "would you take someone you knew only from conversing with them on the internet for months or years (but someone you had never actually met in person) into your home...even for a short time?".

I know many of you would take a beautiful child or stranded puppy, kitten, bird or other animal in, right?. But how about a hungry, homeless human begging on thier hands and knees for a hot meal and/or a warm bed to sleep in...for even a few nights?. I'm just trying to gauge the "pulse" of humanity here in our society as it currently exists.

If your answer is no, it would be totally understandable because animals don't require the same level of commitment or pose a same-species "competative" threat or challenge that us humans do. Elk fight elk. Dogs fight other dogs. Humans fight (and go to war with) other humans. Since "opposites attract rather than repel", most humans would not think about getting into a fight with their family dog, horse or cat but rather, would be MUCH more inclined to protect them. However, many people, if sufficiently provoked, would be much more likely to attack a fellow human, than a cute little kitten. Go figure.

I have a strong zoologly background and have worked in many zoos, raised exotic animals and have a class 3 wildlife permit in the state of Florida which grants me the right to keep exotic pets (penguins, tigers, flamingos, etc). Not a "brag" but a fact (and I studied and worked hard for years to reach that point and happen to be rather proud of it)

Anyway, I want to talk about Texas. Many people in Texas offered UNCONDITIONAL HELP AND ASSISTANCE after the first N.O. hurricane hit and left thousands dead or homeless (I've been to Texas both as a lowly "bum" and as a "citizen" and I can vouch for the fact that NO state can beat Texas when it comes to hospitality, caring and compassion. Take it from a person who has been to Texas MANY times. These people are God's gift to the world and I mean that sincerly folks. During my travels, I spent a great deal of time in every state except the far eastern ones and Texas is unbelievable when it comes to taking care of their fellow man or woman and they don't care if your a millionaire or a bum!. If you don't believe me, just go there yourself (broke and destitute) and you will get treated like a KING OR QUEEN!!. I even had a guy get ANGRY at a Bible convention one time because I politley refused his gift and he shoved a 50 dollar bill in my shirt pocket leaving me with the words "you ain't robbing ME of no blessing!!". I greatfully accepted, thanked him profusely and wnet to a table wher ethey sold preacher tapes and bought a BUNCH of them. No, I'm not preaching religion, I'm just telling the TRUTH about what I spent this kind, Texan gentleman's hard-earned money on!. As much as I LOVE every single soul on this board, noone will EVER take me away from my LORD JESUS but I beg you, please don't let this detract from my original, humanitarian, question regarding ones willingness to take another into their home.

Despite issues like paranoia and fear, most people are actually kind and decent (I know because I spent 15 years hitchiking across N. America, Canada and Mexico) and it's the few "bad apples" that give the good people in our society a bad name.

A lot of us in these forums feel comfortable sharing our various experiences in life but would be unwilling to provide a "deeper" level of help if it cost us money, privacy or if we felt threatened in some way (perfectly understandable though). Taking an internet freind into your home is much different than taking a long-time highschool or college buddy we've know for years in for a few weeks.

Well, I guess that's it for now. So would any of you take me in if I came calling?. Would you help a fellow human in need?. I know that talking about religion is a risk here but I have been to plenty oif Christian/Islamic/Hindu forums and ALL of them have offered me a place to stay, food, a place for my animals and whatever else I needed and all within a just a few short posts.

I will respect your rules here but I will NEVER stop being a Christian or trying to convert precious unbelievers even if it means a ban. I have a mandate from Christ and that must come first evern though I love all of you so much and want only the very best for each and every one of you.

Sorry, I'll have to to finish this honest locked/banned post later. At least I was HONEST. I amrisking a LOT of reputation as well as the longstanding relationship/friendship I have with Dr. John and Ozzie by posting some of this material. In all fairness, I would only ask that they sensor any offending portions of this post rather than deleting it in it's entiery. I have simply spoken my mind and been as honest as I believe I can possably be.

I will edit later...

- Warm regards GreyGoose,