I have to stop reading the comment section on CBC.ca news stories.

In general, there's five parts ignorance and poor rhetoric for every one part insightful and informed comment. Maybe me thinking the CBC attracted a higher-brow sort was just a comforting illusion held by the intellectual bourgeoisie. That's OK. I can let that go. Lord knows other misconceptions of its species have slipped away over the years.

But it's the news stories pertaining to Newfoundland and Labrador --- and particularly the reader comments that follow --- that really have me ready to throw in the proverbial towel.

There are altogether too many comments that out-and-out REVEL in any hint of misfortune befalling the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. These folk want us to fail. Not only that, they want us to suffer. Even when they call us a crowd of welfare bums and equalization leeches, they want us kept poor and miserable (cognitive dissonance doesn't seem to trouble this sort of person).

It's shocking how common it is on there. I'm talking multiple instances for every news article.

Some of the commentators take a distinct anti-Danny Williams tone, as if the sins of one must be paid for by the 508,000-odd souls he governs --- or maybe we're being punished for having the audacity to approve of him. In either case, this schadenfreude is disturbing. I hated Mike Harris and Ralph Klein, but I never wished ill on the people of Ontario or Alberta.

EDIT: Based on a comment, I want to make sure the preceding paragraph isn't misread. Danny Williams is not exempt from criticism, clearly. I don't want to conflate the man with the province he was elected to lead. My point was, certain CBC commentators have done just that. They seem to justify their glee at the prospect of economic hardship for the province with their antipathy for the Premier. I find that kind of schadenfreude disturbing. END EDIT

Other commentators go for the tried and true ethnic stereotype route. Substitute "Polacks" for "Newfs" or "Newfies" and you've got 1950's America. Try "Mexicans" and it updates the look. I'm sure most of these people consider themselves multicultural, open-minded, tolerant sorts. Do they, then, lack all self-awareness when they call "Newfs" stupid, lazy, and worthless?

This "AUGH! NO MORE!" blog entry was sparked by a story and comments I read today. It isn't the most virulent example, but it is the handiest to link.

NFLD's economy might shrink up to 3% next year. Comments include:

• Good ol Danny boy will lay blame on the Federal Conservatives to get a handout . All the Newfs will come to Ontario, work their 900 hours, then go home and collect EI the rest of the year Problem solved!
• To all the newfies who are trumpeting how good their economy is, are you ready to give up your welfare/equalization cheques? Seems odd that Ontario should have to keep funding your welfare cheques.

And then they'll take offense when a Newfoundlander expresses any form of nationalist sentiment . . . I'd put money on it.

Listen, guys, it's really hard to feel a part of a country that shows such open hatred and disdain for you.

I realize these are a noisy minority, but still. I almost wrote a small noisy minority, but my experiences in the rest of Canada makes me fear a milder, more passive form of disdain is common. Not held by a majority (I'd say most are apathetic and ignorant when it comes to NFLD, which is better than active dislike), but still common.

It leaves a sour taste in one's mouth and a sick flutter of anxiety in one's chest.