There are just a handful – very few – people to whom I refuse to speak. Sometimes it’s because their behavior has been criminal. No point in mincing words, but I prefer not to speak to criminals. They all get cut off at some point in time.

Like the couple that stole $30 from my purse here at this AirBnB while I was distracted, then asked to borrow $30 from me. No point in causing a scene, so I’ll cut them off later, and play nice for now. I actually did loan them $40 because I only had $20s on me, since they’d stolen a $20 and two $5s moments prior, knowing they’d either return the same two $20s the next day, or keep those, too. Undeserved charity to two lazy people who complain about the state of the world while watching TV and smoking cigarettes. God forbid they look for a job! Grifters… They returned the two $20s thinking I trust them now. I don’t.

Point being, those who are eventually cut off from my little bubble of existence are cut off for good reason – mostly.

There are a few – just a few – who are cut off simply due to their association with criminals. They themselves haven’t done anything wrong; but, their relation to criminals, whether convicted or not, is a risk I’d prefer to cut from my world. It’s a shame, because I liked them, but… they’re not my family.

As I am not married, my family is very small, consisting only of my two children, their spouses, and any children that may come forth. My mother was taken by criminals in 1962. My father, Mr. Miller, died naturally at the age of 89. Anyone not fitting that description is not my family, though they claim otherwise.

Let me be clear… kidnapping is a crime. So is murder, blackmail, theft, rape, assault, and harassment. In fact, all of those crimes are felonies in the scope of my situation, up to and including the woman with the pregnant rat under her coat. It didn’t take long for it to make its presence known. Rat poison killed it before it was able to give birth – and long before it could damage my property. That’s felony harassment. Shame on you, lady.

In fact, shame on all of you pushy people who just don’t want to get the message. Guilt by association – sorry, but that’s just the way it is. With billions of people in the world, I’d think you could replace me with someone of equal charm and greater interest in being your friend.

Think about it… what on earth would we talk about? I have no interest in a conversation with you, no interest in your life or your opinions. I have no interest in working with you artistically or otherwise, so what is it that you want with me? Trying to make me believe God is angry with me for… for what? Not joining your sister’s church or any other church? Being omnitheistic? Reading Tarot cards? Believing in magic (aka prayer)?

God isn’t angry with me. He might be angry with you, but I know he’s not angry with me. I keep his Commandments – even beyond the first ten. So, what else do you want to talk about? Why I’m not married?

I seriously doubt you have, in your circle of friends, a man I would find attractive. We’re not birds of a feather, and I don’t like you. So, even if he were attractive, his association with you is immediately disqualifying. It’s not hate, it’s dislike – big difference. I don’t hate you. If you want the truth, I feel nauseated around you. I don’t know why.

I am offended by your sister’s demand that I join her church via those two faux religious zealots in Central California. Oh, you thought I didn’t know… I’ve known all along about that association, D. I am even more offended by your cousin’s repeated demand that I marry that son of a politician so that she could get rich. Human trafficking is a felony crime with no statute of limitations.

Worse yet, I am offended by your other cousin – the politically connected one – who blackmailed me in the 1990s. She’ll deny it, of course. She was the first to be cut off. Her two oldest sisters followed. The one sweet sister was just a measure of safety. I’m sure she’s innocent, but… let’s face it… you people are not my family. Plain and simple. It’s time for you to accept that fact.

It’s also time for you to leave me alone before the next ill-advised thing you do proves your association to this harassment I’ve been experiencing. I’m very busy, and would prefer not to have to sue the estates of your father and uncle. Money has never motivated me toward an action. I have enough talent to make plenty of money by putting my time and energy toward other, more productive endeavors. But, if it gets to the point that I am 100% certain of your involvement, I will have no choice. And I will consider the entire process a huge waste of my time and energy, even if I win – which I will, since I never fight battles I can’t win.

I could say all those things to your face(s), but what’s the point in trying to speak when I know it will evolve into a shouting match – with your side doing all the shouting? You know… that very ordinary weapon used by all sociopaths – whomever shouts the loudest wins… That’s why I will only fight in a courtroom.

What’s there to talk about? Oh, we have A LOT to talk about, and I think it would take up too much of the time I have left on this planet. But, if you really want to talk about it, we will do so in the presence of a federal court judge. Otherwise, I just really have no interest in your life, your world, or your people.

I will leave you with one last thought… People often make decisions based upon personal bias – especially when they have too little data to make a truly informed decision. The outcome of those decisions can be either good or bad, depending simply upon luck. So, you can make a bad decision for whatever reason – Machiavellian or not – or a good decision. And, while you may believe you’ve made a good decision, it may actually be a bad one. This is something all executives know is part of their job.

There are four possible outcomes: bad decision + bad luck, bad decision + good luck, good decision + bad luck, and good decision + good luck. So, what is luck? In my opinion, that’s where God comes into play. Thus, ask yourself… have I done anything to offend God? Key word is “I”. The answer can be found by reading your Bible with an open heart and open mind. For example… the 9th commandment goes way beyond that one line, well into so much as thinking about being fraudulent. Suffice it to say that the Bible and Machiavelli’s “the Prince” contain some very opposing strategies, both of which can accomplish the same earthly goal. It’s all a matter of allegiance – and whose luck you really want: God’s? Or Machiavelli’s?