Bitter Fruit

-
Man, some people are just bitter and mean on social media.

It's scary, actually.

And I suppose that people can just go on there and troll news stories and just jump all over other people without fear of being called on it.

I'm not talking the hit and run and joking around stuff that my friends and I are famous for. I'm talking the real mean crap.

Here in Buffalo Jim Kelly is fighting cancer. His family has decided to take that fight and make it public, and while some may wonder about the motives of why they'd wage their battle in such a public forum, I sort of take it at face value.

They are looking for prayer.

They also know that Jim is a public figure and rather than let his condition be reported by others, they have taken the lead, and I also believe that they are illuminating the cancer story for all those other people who suffer.

I truly believe that those are their motives. Their love is front and center and they are letting others know that they will face the battle in such a manner. They turned their son's illness and death into a positive and they are once more leading the way.

But on social media, every single time there's a photo published, the comment section is all about some real negative crap.

In fact, it's so bitter and mean that it really makes you wonder about the world.

But those aren't the only places either.

You can post something like:

"This cold weather is driving me nuts!"

And someone will jump down your throat:

"That's what you get for believing Al Gore and the rest of the crazy bastards who tried to shove global warming down our throats, you commie bastard!"

It really has become that volatile out there, folks.

And I sort of don't get it.

I enjoy a whole lot about social media. I'm talking with and joking with a lot of people who I haven't seen in years. Every once in awhile I'll get in a sports discussion with a writer from the local newspaper or even playful banter with Suck Sux or O's fans.

All in good fun.

Even a healthy debate is okay from time to time.

Until it gets bitter and mean.

"Why do we have to hear about HIS cancer? What about everyone else out there? He gets what he had coming to him!!!!"

Seriously?

Do people really feel like that?

Man, that's some bitter fruit.

Comments

John said…
I think YOU are a "bitter fruit" (how's that for mean?)
09 April, 2014
Cliff Fazzolari said…
That's funny...cause you're being mean as you troll through. Isn't it ironic?
10 April, 2014
John said…
Glad you caught that irony.
10 April, 2014
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more