Malicious and cowardly anonymity rebutted (again), version 8.1 ...

Today, NA Confidential offers a brief refresher course on an important topic that bears reconsideration from time to time, both for the benefit of longtime visitors and those who are new to the neighborhood.

Malicious and cowardly anonymity rebutted, version 8.1

Apparently refreshed and reinvigorated by her startling petulance in storming from the room during Monday’s city council meeting, the proprietor of New Albany’s spitwad blogyard has set out today to inspire her dozen or so disgruntled readers to even greater heights of anti-social abusiveness by “reiterating our purpose, and restating our goals.”

Unsurprisingly, anonymity remains a vital component of a platform that the administrator insists contains no political content.

Everyone also has the right to NOT put themselves, their jobs, or their families, in any kind of harms way, due to their viewpoint or opinions on issues discussed.

We will continue to allow anonymity, with all its inherent difficulties, because we are dedicated to giving EVERYONE a voice. We have made this policy clear from the get-go, and we will maintain this policy despite the hostility and frustration it generates from other bloggers. Names don't matter, opinions do.

As was the case when this issue first arose in May, NA Confidential chooses to rebut SOLNA’s abhorrent “anonymity clause” with the words of an American soldier, which appeared in the letters section of Stars and Stripes (Pacific edition; July 22-28, 2001).

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Anonymity is cowardly

In reply to the July 18 letter “Benefits of anonymity,” I must strongly disagree with the characterization of Stars and Stripes’ policy on anonymous letters as cowardly.

Anonymity, on the other hand, is essentially a cowardly way to get one’s point across without having to actually put anything at risk. Honor and courage dictate that any just cause is worthy of risking something of value.

How effective would the “95 Theses” have been if Martin Luther had nailed them up signed “Anonymous?” And how about an anonymous “Declaration of Independence?” Abraham Lincoln could have written an anonymous “Emancipation Proclamation,” and maybe spared his own life at the hands of bigots.

When you truly feel that you are right, even about small matters, don’t be too cowardly to put your name on it.

Anonymity is too often a shield for lies and exaggerations, and is widely recognized as such. As an American and a Marine, I am happy to have a forum that will print the voice of dissent, as long as it is not skulking in the shadows.

The letter writer has sadly mistaken “freedom of speech” for “freedom from accountability.” The Stars and Stripes policy only censors those who are looking to whine without repercussion or who have no stomach for defending what they believe is right. People who will not identify themselves, censor themselves. They can pity themselves anonymously too, I don’t want to hear it.

Please don’t complain “out of respect … for those who serve today.” That’s me. I can complain for myself, and I’ll sign my name to it when I do.

Jerry M. Milton … Camp Foster, Okinawa

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In short, if you continue to feel it’s fair and proper to wear a hood while savaging your political enemies, don’t complain to NA Confidential.

Tell it to the MARINES.

While we're on the subject, here is NA Confidential's comments policy.

NA Confidential welcomes reader comments, but we do not sanction anonymity in the comments section.

Pen names are acceptable, but the primary blog administrator must know your identity. It will be kept confidential if you so desire.

We insist upon this solely to lessen the frequency of malicious and cowardly anonymity, both of which plague certain other blogs hereabouts, and have risen to a fever pitch of irresponsibility in the past few months. Here we have rules, and intend to enforce them; anonymity will result in deletion.

You may e-mail the New Albanian at the address given in the profile section.

Thanks for reading, and please consider becoming a part of the community here.

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Here, in no particular order, are several previous NA Confidential articles that pertain to the cowardice of anonymity.

"Cowardice coupled with ignorance, topped off with a threatening tone" -- Ms. Ali, we know exactly what you mean.

"Sending someone an e-mail message where you accuse them of whatever and then not sign the e-mail – well, that seems a bit cowardly … cowardice is a characteristic that is particularly annoying to me. Cowardice coupled with ignorance, topped off with a threatening tone is more than I’m willing to tolerate."

Porcine opinion polls, or revisiting the silk purse -- and identifying its likely source.

Such uneasiness is the ideal breeding ground for opinion, which mutates into dark rumor and dire conspiracy with unfathomable speed, especially when abetted by the pandering of the politician seeking a vote, or the philandering of a mock academic in search of an audience, or even the good intentions of a neighbor with an axe to grind that might date back to before you were born.

Roger and Laura discuss free speech and accountability

Thus, given that I am a small business owner, as is Randy Smith and Rick Carmickle (among others), and dependent on the good will of customers for my livelihood, exactly how is it that I’m not risking something or putting something at stake when I venture an opinion and attach my name to it?

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Mock academic?

How interesting ...