Take a look at HTML::Parser it already does what you want to do. You'll be better off if you don't reinvent this very complicated wheel.

If you really want to do a parser for academic reason I would recommend at least using Parse::RecDescent written by TheDamian this will get you though the tags correctly.

Else you might just be looking for a text based browser like lynx it will run on *nix and M$ Win

As for your post you can use <code> </code> tags to get you spacing and wrapping correct. I also lets other monks DL your code. There are several resources on Perlmonks that can help you out such as turnstep's home node.
Enjoy Perlmonks

UPDATE: as crazyinsomniac pointed out I would be remiss if I did not point out that some searches could have helped out finding some similar nodes like:
  • parsing HTML
  • Dump Text from HTML
    Search is your friend :)
    Some other nodes to read On asking for help and How to ReadTheFineManual

    grep
    grep> cd pub
    grep> more beer

    In reply to Re: how to force HTML to display as text by grep
    in thread how to force HTML to display as text by Summers_Azin_pr0n

    Title:
    Use:  <p> text here (a paragraph) </p>
    and:  <code> code here </code>
    to format your post, it's "PerlMonks-approved HTML":


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