[Note: I apologize in advance for the three four f-bombs contained within this post]

Do you follow the Harrisburg PennLive forum?

I do.

You see, I’ve begun to write about the social dichotomy of the PennLive message forums in the past, but normally about half way through the post, I always think to myself, “What’s the fuckin’ point?”.

I normally then close the window and open a different, wholesome message board and community forum where valid, credible and insightful ideas and commentary are offered.

However, most often when a topic or subject expands into heated discussion, the PennLive forum winds up with two distinct pools of people:

There are the humble citizens- the people in your neighborhood- who don’t use fictitious names, who are blatant yet respectful and blunt about their ideas and opinions. These people are attending City Council meetings every week and organize neighborhood watches and write about valid, relevant and informative topics in a variety of media- print, internet news and, yes, believe it or not, bloggers distribute a boatload of important information every single day.

And then there are the anonymous, cowardly, vain, seemingly narrow-sighted and self-serving individuals- many of whom work for the very companies that are profiteering from the pilfering of taxpayers hard earned tax monies – who insist on bashing, condemning, threatening, belittling, insulting, and attempting to discredit those of us who are steadfast in remedying a multitude of situations which were not created by the majority of the citizens and should not penalize the good, hard working, honest people of this City.

Yet someone like the fool who carries the handle “CANMan” feels superior and elite enough to spout ignorant, hateful and deceitful diatribes like these: (The following are postings copied-and-pasted directly from the Harrisburg PennLive forum)

6/18/08: There’s a reason police carry guns and not cameras. Danell is always good for a laugh. (In response to a thread which Darnell Williams is discussing different ways the community can assist in curbing the out of control crime in Harrisburg)

6/17/08: Oh, I didn’t realize you have no skills and no money. Sucks to be you. Redevelopment is a risky business. (In response to Joshua Midlin again offering ideas and discussion about efficient, effective and affordable ways for the community to better itself)

5/13/08: Stop being so bitter at people who are smarter and more successful than you are. (In response to forum poster HbgBlackLady who was engaged in discussion regarding home ownership and incentives in Uptown Harrisburg)

5/19/08: they[sic] don’t respond because they can’t make it through your letters. You really sound like a mental case. (Adding his valuable two cents to Jason Smiths valid and reasonable campaign against the Bodies exhibit at Whitaker)

5/24/08: another piece of art that I hate 5 minutes after I get it home. Oh and to get some Camp Curtain ribs! Wooohoo! (That’s what CANMan had to say in response to Terry Pinder’s discussion about Arts Fest)

And here’s my fucking favorite. CANMan even dissed me. This guy has offered zero to the community and is what we refer to as a troll, someone who has drank so much of the Kool Aid, he’s pissing in a cup and drinking it all over again.

Here’s what CANMan had to say to me – in response to my thoughts about the proposed development of the next super-corpo-office-tower on 2nd Street where the Tom Sawyer Diner currently stands:

The last time I commented on someones skills or money was way back when some chucklehead who never built a thing in his life was pissing on the 210 N 2nd Street tower saying that he “wasn’t impressed” and that the developer should put in retail. Oh yeah, that was you! Tee-hee!

Lemme esplain. When someone who has no idea what it takes to be a developer dumps on someone else’s effort, I simply point out that the people dumping on the work of others, don’t have the skills or financial resources to do better. They(you) should either do their(your) own development the way they(you) would like it done, or shut up and stick to internet blogging. I mean seriously, who’s the douche here? (you)

I live in CAN [Capital Area Neigborhoods] but have nothing to do with the CAN organization. [Capital Area Neighbors organization] Blog away cool guy!

Phew.

Okay, take a second there and catch your breath.

You see, here’s the point. It’s the year two thousand and fucking eight. People communicate fantastic ideas over the internet. Awe-inspiring movements by progressive people occur every single day on this here internet.

And people in a community can genuinely come together and make a difference.

But only if they’re honest with eachother.

In all forms of communication.

So essentially, people like Mr CANMan- who hide behind fictitious names and are so ashamed, embarrassed and fearful of the ramifications of the crimes their people have been perpetrating on good, hardworking citizens of a relatively small community feel the need to behave like bullies in the schoolyard- or in the lunchroom- against the good people who diligently attempt to make a difference.

Really what I’m trying to say, though, is this: CANMan- shut your fucking mouth and get back to work until you have something valid to say.

Either that or when you grow the balls to show your face or lose the anonymity.

CANMan and CARTMan: Separated at birth?