Dear Karma Cleanser:
I live in a small, conservative town a little more than an hour outside the city. The politics here are probably laughable when compared to what goes on in the big city. But I think it is a microcosm of the political system at large. The guy who is mayor got the job because of his wife’s money. He’s also an idiot who couldn’t boil water without someone there to help him.
When I complain to my own spouse about the city’s corrupt governance, she always shrugs and tells me to run for office myself. I’d do that, except I have a few things in my past that I’m not proud of. No felonies or anything that severe, but let’s just say I’ve been through the “weeds” in my day. I worry that the leftover bad karma from my wild youth would spoil my chances at seizing a seat on the city government. Who’s right, me or my wife?
Green Party
A would-be politician who asks the press for advice? The Karma Cleanser is flattered — just don’t expect us to someday pull a Judy Miller and go to jail for the sake of your anonymity. Anyway, we think your Campaign Karma’s probably nothing to fret over. If those pesky coke rumors didn’t spoil Dubya’s bid for Emperor, we don’t see why a little chronic would keep you from conquering Mayberry.
Dear Karma Cleanser:
My dry cleaning is handled by small and run-down-looking laundry near my neighborhood. The woman who works the front desk does not speak much English but she is very friendly. I can tell by her expression and the way she presents herself that she’s always exhausted, and I can guess by the condition of the shop that she is overworked. There’s only ever one or two other employees there, both men, and I get the impression they are the shop owners and she’s just the hired help.
Although I give her a generous tip every time I pick up my clothes, I fear that I am doing more harm than good by giving this operation my business at all. If the laundry really is a sweat-shop, which is what it looks like, is my karma compromised by being a repeat customer?
Pressed for Answers
You may be correct in your suspicions that the woman’s working conditions aren’t exactly cushy. But then again, such is the sad reality of many minimum-wage gigs out there. You’re engaging in a little more guesswork here than is probably healthy. If the cleaner’s really that bad, take your unmentionables elsewhere. We suspect your shop girl friend would miss the tips, though.
Dear Karma Cleanser:
The letter from “Smell It Coming” — the fellow whose wife had left him for a bigger house — reminded me of my own situation. I don’t know if it’s bad karma or bad timing, but I keep attracting the wrong types of men. I was in a relationship with someone for three years. We lived together and he was doting and dedicated to me. I was bored after the first year but stayed around because of the security. By the time I did end it, he was destroyed by my decision. I told him I had to live in a bigger apartment and have more space to myself. He didn’t speak to me again.
Now, almost a year later, there have been a number of “flings” but nothing serious. One man has developed an attachment to me, and although I do like his style, he comes across as far too needy. He told me on the phone recently, “I miss you,” and I almost laughed. I don’t want to break his heart but is there no easy way to tell these men that I’m not shopping for a ring right now?
Miss You Not
On the Karma Cleanser’s fridge hangs a photocopy our wise friend Jim gave us many years ago. It’s a poem called “Desiderata,” which was a common pass-around in the hippy clique he ran with out West. There’s a line in the poem that fits your plight: “Especially do not feign affection, neither be cynical about love.” Until you learn to be honest with these suitors about your real wants, and learn to leave the door open to the possibility of happiness, men like Mr. I Miss You will continue to cramp your living space.
Been bad? karmacleanser@gmail.com.
This article appears in Aug 3-9, 2005.
