Another update:
The Good Professor wrote:I've discovered, by the way, that it's being said elsewhere that one of the (characteristically) evil things that I've done on this thread -- have I ever done a good thing in the minds of my hyperhostile critics, or ever, in any action whatever, failed to disgrace myself? -- is not only to boast about the superiority of Mormons to non-Mormons but, because I'm such an über-Mormon zealot, to attempt to blame the fire on infidels outside the Church.
This is ridiculous.
As a matter of fact, the person who inadvertently started the fire by tipping over the candle -- a contract-violating scented candle that may or may not (I don't know) have been lit by the same person who accidentally tipped it over -- is a member of the Church, though not a member of my ward. (The person is single but older, and, thus, as a few others do for language- and/or age-related reasons, does not attend my relatively young singles ward but, instead, goes to another. I had never met this person until last night.)
I don't blame this person, who is feeling horrible, embarrassed, and guilty, and all of whose possessions were destroyed. It was an accident, though a careless one on at least two fronts. I certainly don't blame the fire on non-Mormon infidels. (I don't think in those terms.)
Needless to say, my Malevolent Stalker is making as much out of this as he can over on his ex-Mormon and largely atheist home board. Every day, to the satisfaction of his weirdly obsessive and deeply hostile mind, brings stunning new evidence of my arrogance and my unbelievable depravity. I wish him joy of it.
I do, however, think that it was marvelous to see how effectively the organization of the Church kicked in on this one. The elders quorum presidency and the Relief Society presidency worked very well together, my counselor (whom I had sent as my representative until I could get there) was on top of everything, all was organized and efficient, we had new lodging arranged before most people had even arrived back at the complex from church services, food was provided, and longer-term food- and other needs were and are being assessed in a quite methodical manner. And members as well as infidels . . . er, I mean non-members . . . were cared for without distinction.
Are Mormons the only people with benevolent inclinations? Obviously not. Are Mormons exceptionally well-organized for quick, efficient action in cases like this? I think the answer is "Obviously, yes," and that this incident illustrated that fact.
And the gleefully appalled reaction of my Malevolent Stalker illustrates the awesome power of personal and ideological malice to warp and distort.
I know, I know. I shouldn't care, but I confess that I find it disgusting.
"The awesome power of personal and ideological malice to warp and distort"? What, is he finally (honestly) stating what goes on at FARMS?
In any case, I'm glad to see that he'd clarified his initial statement, thus removing insinuation that it was an "inactive" or "never-Mo" who started the fire.