This is a sad, frustrating and inspirational story out of La Crosse, Wisconsin.  Tuesday, WKBT News 8 This Morning, anchor Jennifer Livingston responded to an email she received on Friday, written by a man, with the subject line “Community Responsibility.”

The email, in part, read:

“It’s unusual that I see your morning show, but I did so for a very short time today. I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn’t improved for many years. Surely you don’t consider yourself a suitable example for this community’s young people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I leave you this note hoping that you’ll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

In her on-air response:

“The truth is: you could call me fat. And yes, even obese, on a doctor’s chart. But to the person who wrote me that letter: Do you think I don’t know that? That your cruel words are pointing out something that I don’t see? You don’t know me. You are not a friend of mine. You are not a part of my family and you have admitted that you don’t watch the show. So you know nothing about me but what you see on the outside… And I am much more than a number on a scale.”

Here’s a look at the complete video:

Here’s the thing.  I LOVE her.  I get her – hell, I am her.  And you know, it’s all fun and games to sit here and critique the people on the Red Carpet’s during awards shows.  But they are celebrities, who are literally spending thousands of dollars to parade in front of the world for publicity.  But to go out of your way to send an email to a television station calling someone fat?  Something, sir, is missing from your life.

I work at a television station.  For the past 15 years of my life I have witnessed this behavior over and over again.

Some of the viewer comments I’ve seen are just unnecessary.  I’m so very impressed that this reporter not only faced her bully, but also that the station allowed it.  It’s about time the news industry rise up and challenge the these “viewers” who hide behind fake email addresses and screen names.

The problem is far deeper and wider.  At least Jen ( in this video) is fighting back.  I’ve known many who, in the words of similar criticism, have gone the opposite way.  Constant dieting, plastic surgery and puking in the bathroom.  So does that mean that the size 2 girl throwing up in the bathroom is a better “role model” for the community?  Give me a break.

This story makes me very angry, very sad for the future and very proud that someone is fighting back.