So there is a person and he feels less than adequate for whatever reason. He joins a group of people, a posse, and the only thing they have in common is that they are cruel and generally ignorant. This posse treats others as they have been treated by people in positions of power, say their parents, peers, etc. They see media and notice how the other kids treat each other and they watch and learn. They hide behind this group, that always includes a primary bully and they do mean-spirited things so they can feel better about themselves. At times it goes too far and they do unspeakable things.

They grow up and sometimes they come to terms with this abbhorent behavior. They will be damaged more than you know. I have seen them, I know these people. Sometimes they even apologize( but don't count on it ). Most times though, they grow into complete losers. Just a waste of space here on Earth. Breathing the air, using fossil fuel, consuming and stomping around unhappy and still ignorant. If they procreate, most likely they mess up their kids too.

They exist. They were in my elementary school, junior high/middle, high school, college and a few sprinkled into post grad. They are a test to remind you that you are actually strong. You can stand alone if you have to and be cool with that. You are better than the sum of their words. You have lived through the pack mentality like a lion against the hyenas and you are fine. Now lose the online community or join one that allows you a new identity. Reinvent you but don't change you. Their behavior just made you better, it just hasn't sunk in yet.

In short, they will remain unevolved humans. A waste of time and energy. You can move on and live well, especiallly knowing that you have true friends and you will appreciate them. You will grow to love your sensitivity, which is a good thing after all. Someday, you'll be standing on at a bus stop or entering a nice restaurant and BOOM, right there, one coward will stand. He will pretend not to know you though or maybe there with be a look of shock, because his gang isn't there. You'll be looking, and more importantly, feeling fantastic, and you will smile. It will be one of the best smiles you've ever had, starting slowly at the corners of your mouth and spreading across your beautiful face until every part of you glows.

All these letters of humiliation an betrayal have me nearly in tears. With every post, I am feeling some pain and the image of each "character" is clear. I wonder if there is a way to put these all together and make one big "black comedy"? You know, something like Fargo, but about the bullies/pack/group who did someone wrong. In the past it seems this is fodder for some sci fi and superhero characters, but am thinking it belongs in a more current arena.

This is a heartbreaking thread in our history. As an example of one that was written in 1897, Thomas Mann's Tobias Mindernickel, the short story about an outcast who is taunted until nudged into his own cruelty and eventual madness. Certainly not comedy, but another approach.

Here is an idea: Cary, I'll take your class and begin writing on this topic. My images of this pain into reality. I am posting this, LW, to prove to you that this can be grist for your mill in some way. You'll find what it is, sooner or later and hey, you never know.

Poor little Robbie, kicked to the curb after outing Val and HUNDREDS of American men and women. At the time, these undercover operatives were imbedded in the enemy camp. One whisper of this news on the wind would cost them. Little Narc Robbie, hope the payoff was worth your hollow soul.

People choose their leaders and believe what they want to believe about them. I happen to believe he is a hypocrite who spun 9/11 disaster into personal gold. He did "clean up" NYC with some help of his "organized" friends. As a former New Yorker, Rudy has said a few things I agree with, for example:

"Motorists who cause gridlock are simply uncivil, Giuliani said. "When you block the intersection, you're basically saying, 'I don't care about anybody else, I just care about myself,' " the mayor said." -"Rudy's Road Rules" - Daily News 11/13/98.

What he says about his faith, I agree with too. He doesn't have my vote, but if he did, how or to whom he prays doesn't really matter.

Great stuff. Gave me chills. Took me from my computer desk into the humid wetlands next to the rubber trees. I felt ashamed to be reminded of the horror. And here we are again, in another war, and this won't be the last.

War=Undiluted evil.

P.S. If this was autobiographical, Thank you for serving this country. Many of us may be against war, but your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.

What's the big deal about boobs anyway? Babies need milk, we are mammals. Get over it.