It's always good to hear from you, wolfsong, but it would be better to hear from you in a more optimistic tone. The post I injected into this thread to which you're reacting was by no means something intended to convince you or anyone else that people are bad. The vast majority of people, in my sincere view, are good. Are kind. Are loving and companionable.

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean that a minority of jerks (I could use other terms) can't try to ruin the party for other people. Their existence, which dates from the year zero and will continue forever, is not at all something you should permit to rain on your parade. By no means do you have to let their being destroy your faith in human goodness. But to insist that EVERYONE be good and humane, or you will turn desperado yourself, is just silly.

With the most basic techniques of self-protection these nasties need not pose the slightest danger to you or to your state of mind, or that of anyone near and dear to you. First, understand that the people of whom I'm talking exist, for you, only on the internet. Second, know that you're insulated from them by several layers of self-help: your screen name, your password, their lack of knowledge of where you are, etc. Third, keep in mind that if you were actually physically facing them they would in all probability NOT have the courage to say or do in person the kinds of things they try to do on the web. The web makes it easy for cowards and sadists to try their luck against decent people, but they can't succeed unless you let them.

Even a bad dream is more real than they are. Don't let these idiots affect your realistic views of humanity. "Realistic," I say. No one of us is entitled as an adult to keep thinking that ALL people are nice. Most people, yes. And you can pick and choose your friends and acquaintances. So you really don't ever have to "lie in a heap on the floor" or "be a rebel without a soul." Take care!