They’re Baaaaaack: Anonymous Flame Thrower(s) Continue To Dictate The Discussion on Cenla Antics (And Guess Who They’re Mad At?)
On Tuesday, I responded to a question on Cenla Antics. Will I be “endorsing” a candidate for mayor on the blog? It’s a good question. This blog receives about 300-450 unique visitors per day, most of whom are genuinely interested in local politics and many of whom use this blog as a vehicle for expressing their own opinions on the issues.
I’ve met or spoken with all of the candidates (thus far) at one time or another, and I’m still undecided. But unlike most people my age in Alexandria, I plan on voting in the mayoral election, and once I’ve made up my mind, I won’t mind telling people who I plan on voting for (and the reasons behind my decision). As always, if readers disagree with me, they can explain why right here on the blog.
Anyway, someone became really offended that I would have the audacity to “endorse” a candidate. Who the hell do I think I am, after all, to use the word “endorsement?” I’m just a punk.
I’m not offended by this person’s decision to write an open letter of attack against me, but I’m a little disappointed by his style. It’s the same old stuff about my father and my last name with a few words rearranged here and there and a handful of new adjectives. There are many other ways to make fun of me, and I’d hate for this person’s rhetorical potency to be diminished by repetition.
This anonymous person has also argued that my presence in the discussion about the future of our community should not be acknowledged because I somehow represent a continuation of the way things have been going here for the past twenty years. (It’s worth noting that I am 24 years old).
So here it is, a letter to the anonymous flame thrower. For your amusement and enjoyment.
Dear Anonymous Person Who Claims He’s “Nobody,”
I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank you for all of the free publicity. Your hyperbolic words of hatred continue to generate interest in my blog and my opinions, regardless of your intentions. No doubt, the publicity you’ve given me is an unintended consequence of your efforts at discrediting me.
If you’re truly interested in discrediting my opinions and silencing my voice in this discussion, then you may want to consider changing your strategy. First, in order for people to understand your argument, they have to know exactly what you’re arguing. The best way for you to clarify and hone your argument is by dropping the off-topic attacks on my family. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advising you to do this because I’m offended; by now, I’m used to this tactic. It’s simply uneffective, and if the point is to once and for all tell the “truth” about my “attitude,” you’ll have to reference specific, topical statements that illustrate my “attitude.” Also, the argument about my family is faulty, because it places you in a rhetorically untenable position. You can’t argue that I don’t matter because my family doesn’t matter (or whatever it is you’re attempting to prove with your shots at my father), because any attention toward my family may also be considered a recognition, on your part, that they do, in fact, matter. Again, it’s unintended publicity that underscores precisely what you’re attempting to argue against.
Second, on a related note, I suggest that you actually read my blog, not because I think you’ll change your opinion on me, but because you need to better familiarize yourself with my statements on the issues. There is a reason bloggers like WeSawThat defend me against your attacks: They read my blog, and they know what I’ve actually said. Your main problem, it seems to me, is that you’ve decided to conflate my opinions with your perception of the reigning paradigm of the upper class. Unfortunately, the foundation of this argument is not based on any statements I’ve made on the issues; it’s based on a perception you’ve formed about who I am and what family I come from. It’s a tautological argument. Refocus.
Third, if you intend on having people take your comments about my naivete and ignorance seriously, you should eliminate the ridiculous junior high school remarks on the male anatomy.
Once again, I appreciate the publicity. Best of luck to you.
Sincerely,
Lamar
CenLamar 
Boy Lamar when you get started you don’t slow down do you.I bet “Anonymous” is still scratching his head and flipping tru the dictionary trying to figure out what you said in your second note when you said Quote”Your main problem it seems to me,is that you’ve decided to conflate my opinions with your perception of the reigning paradigm of the upper class” I couldn’t have said it any better myself.
Lamar – When you consider who you are going to support for mayor, please pay attention to who your mom is supporting. She’s a very smart lady.
Yes she is. I know that she also hasn’t quite made up her mind, though I think she is leaning toward someone in particular. Remember, we’re still a couple of months away. A lot can change.
Lamar,
i don’t know you personally, but I commend you.. I spent 21 years in the US Army so you can tell us what you believe.. I applaud you and your convictions.. Hang in there brother.. Hatred is a terrible way to live all your life whoever he is..
Sorry Lamar. I saw her on Tuesday. I just assumed that’s where her support was.
Where did you see her? Because she wasn’t at the Delores Brewer function. I don’t even think she even knew about it until I mentioned it to her a few minutes ago.
And by the way, anonymous, I really appreciate your encouragement. You need thick skin to run a blog in Cenla.
Well, I was in a crowd of people (there were a lot of people there) and thought I saw her near the front. I started to go say hello, but then got distracted by things that needed to be done. She had sunglasses on, so maybe I was mistaken. If it wasn’t her, she has a twin.
Scarlett, you probably saw one of her sisters. It wouldn’t surprise me.
In other news, that guy is back on Cenla Antics. Apparently, he’s “responded” to my letter by deflecting all criticism back to me. Go figure.
Here’s my favorite part:
“My reasons for saying this? I have been at social events with the lad. When forced to present his ideas, in a real time conversation, he comes across as just another airhead college kid.”
I’m sorry. I know I should take some distance from this guy, but I just can’t help it.
Social events??? With me??? Huh??? That’s hilarious.
See, gosh . . . I am totally convinced that a good amount of these “bloggers” are pawns for candidates like Delores. People hired out to surf and see what others are saying about their employer. It pains me to think that some of the nasty things that have been said are from those very people; pawns. Although if I was running for mayor I’d have the same kind of people working for me, BUT! they would be closely monitored by me and reprimanded for any ill will towards ANYONE. And I do mean anyone.
Maybe these candidates need heed the free advice I’m dishin’ out. As a young voter, it’s not hard to lose my vote and/or respect. Ask certain candidate who left only a $6 tip.
Also, a funny thing was brought to my attention yesterday evening: google delores brewer. See what comes up and you’ll see how importatnt Lamar’s blog really is when it comes to making or breaking these candidates.
Re: the $6 tip … what did the meal cost? How long did it take. Did you give good service?
I object to the attitude that just because someone works at a nice restaurant, they deserve a nice tip. I generally give 15-18% minimum (rule of thumb: take the tax and double it) but I’ll give more for excellent service. And sometimes less for poor service.
$172 and some odd change was the bill. The food was excellent and service was even better. His out-of-town geust raved about us. They were probably there a total of 3 hours enjoying themselves and when he handed me the cash tip, he seemed proud of his generosity.
This is my own personal opinion and my lack of disclosing the candidate’s name is so that others can form their own personal opinion.
The reason I even mention it is to make the point that my vote is not set in stone and I’m still making up my mind.
“I object to the attitude that just because someone works at a nice restaurant, they deserve a nice tip.”
You are absolutely correct and I too follow that same rule of thumb.
$172??? How many were eating? Does it trouble you to take food to 8 more than it does to two? Personally I think a $6 tip is damn generous for a meal. I’ll tell you the same as teachers are told for complaining about their chosen profession, if you don’t like it, get out of the profession. If you want to work for great tips, be a bellboy at the Double Tree Hotel in Houston.