Consider the Source - The Price of Anonymity

An interesting Associated Press article, written by Jocelyn Noveck, appeared in the Wednesday edition of the Bangor Daily News. The story provides “yet another example of how the Internet –and the anonymity it affords – has given a public stage to people’s basest thoughts…".

One of the most precious of our freedoms –- expression-- has always assumed the identity of the individual to be known. So it is obviously a cheap shot for someone to anonymously attack the reputation or character of another. It is the very reason that editors require signed letters as the primary condition for placement on the opinion page.

Here at votersofmsad46 we welcome anonymous comments, and have previously explained why. It is fair to expect differences of opinion when it comes to issues such as we explore.

But how can you seriously consider cowardly comments as part of any discussion. The “unknown comic” wore a paper-bag over his/her head to conceal his/her identity. Usually, people want to be credited with valuable or useful ideas.

It must be just as true that useless or baseless comments must be made from under a bag.