"Anonymity is cowardly," and other golden oldies.

NA Confidential's mask-free policy on reader comments dates at least to 2006. Since 2009, it has been clearly posted within the right-hand column on the blog's main page.

Here and there, we're obliged to enforce the policy. As was the case when this sad issue first arose in May, 2005, NAC chooses to rebut currently voguish  invocations of an “anonymity clause” with these words, written by 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