I was accused this week of stealing dreams and sowing seeds of hopelessness and discontent. As it was a drive-by diatribe, I did not have the opportunity to respond at the time, so ...

I did indeed indicate that (in context) we should (when asked) present reality and suggest alternatives. I have also previously stated that without Dark there is no Light, and without an understanding of hopelessness there is no hope. It is up to the individual to determine the reliability of other's opinions and (though we do) one should not allow another's view of reality to discourage or stultify. If I am asked, I will respond truthfully.

Imagine the following scenario: you are in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and it begins to snow, (which though somewhat unusual is not unheard of). After the first few normal flakes fall, suddenly most of the falling flakes are purple instead of white. Being in Baton Rouge and knowing the LSU colors (Purple and Gold) your first thought (after Geaux Tigers!) is probably along the lines of who and how? You might also think that it is a pretty cool stunt, but you probably will not think it is magic or miraculous. I suspect you will be fairly certain that there is a logical, empirical, or scientific explanation for this purple snow. Now imagine you are with a young child who has seen snow and knows it is typically white, but based on this experience proclaims this as magic snow from heaven blessing their beloved Tigers before the big game against the hated Crimson Tide. Do you let the child believe in magic, or do you explain that it is more likely a stunt? And if you let it go for the moment and hear later it was a stunt, do you explain it then? And if not, how long do you let them believe in the magic purple snow? Do you wait for them to ask? Does it make a difference if it is your child, a close or distant family member, or a friend or acquaintance's child? Does it make a difference if they ask what you think? As empirical realities pile on, most children eventually figure out Santa Claus, and though it would be nice to forever believe in Santa Claus and Purple Snow this world does not allow it.

So yes - in this context, and in the world of adults, I am a dream bandit sowing seeds of adversity in order to help others (who have asked for my help) to learn and grow. And if they continue to believe in Purple Snow, that is okay. Perhaps they know something I do not, and perhaps I will learn something from them. And we can always hope it truly will give LSU an extra edge. Geaux Tigers!