Dear Abby:

I keep receiving racist e-mails from my "Uncle Fred". Before 2008, Uncle Fred had no idea what the national debt was. Now, he's an expert about the GDP, international currencies and growing watermelons at the White House.

My e-mail address was on a cc list that contained dozens of names inside and outside my family. What is the etiquette for telling Uncle Fred to exclude me from future distributions? Would a simple handwritten note do? Or can I beat them to death with a Bible?

Sincerely,
About to Go Postal

______________

Dear Postal:

For most people, the Internet has caused a Darwinian improvement in our brains' Bullshit Detection Zone. However, older relatives have resisted this evolution. They will believe anything that is put into writing. Now you know why grandma gave your inheritance to a Nigerian diplomat! Have pity. Those racist e-mails are just a call for help. Uncle Fred needs you now, more than ever. Instead of being angry, ask Uncle Fred to gather the following information: (a) the source/author of the original e-mail, (b) the evidence for the claims being made in the e-mail, and (c) whether the evidence supports the claims. This may shock Uncle Fred into a mental state called "Critical Thinking".

Sincerely,
Abby

P.S. If that doesn't work, leave some flaming dog poop on his welcome mat, ring the bell and run.