Now Accepting Anonymous Submissions
I’ve have spoken to several fans of our blog who are interested in writing but are concerned about retribution from those whose kingdoms are under siege. Understandable, as our writers and their families have received vague threats, angry phone calls, curious texts and even some unexpected personal visits by the subjects of our discontent.
Well fear not, Friends. Head over to the Contact page, write down your thoughts, give yourself a clever pseudonym and click Submit. We’ll post your story and nobody will be able to identify you.
Anonymous political speech has a long and proud history in our nation. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers under pseudonyms like “Publius” … not that we would dare compare ourselves to such great patriots. Nevertheless, our pursuit of a government accountable to the people does echo the words and spirit of our founding fathers.
As the Supreme Court has recognized, the anonymity of the Internet gives democracy a burst of power not seen since the rise of the printing press:
Protections for anonymous speech are vital to democratic discourse. Allowing dissenters to shield their identities frees them to express critical, minority views . . . Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority. . . . It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights, and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation . . . at the hand of an intolerant society.
McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission (1995)
And to those who disregard ideas expressed anonymously:
The merits of a good thought stand on their own, no matter who said it or why it was said. Accepting an idea based on who it came from is nothing more than idolatry, and rejection on that basis is mere bigotry.
So join us in using this new medium to speak out against those who have abused our trust, wasted our resources and taken what does not belong to them for so many years.
WOW.
Talk about taking it HEAD ON.
While the wanna-be’s at Meg County and LOC are restricting comments and tracking posters. You guys are opening it all up.
Further evidence that the FFFF is the real deal and the others are just cogs in the machine. Eriching themselves along the way.
Don’t hesitate, lob one in Tony Serra!
And you will honor the annonymity of commentors as well?
I am well aware of the bullying that can occur when an unpopular thought is shared. There have been many times I have been persuaded by thoughtful discourse on FFFF, and often by an anonymous poster/commentator. I look forward to hearing from them.
Thanks in advance,
Greg
The Sup. Ct. decision sadly acknowledges the monsters in our midst who favor threats or violence over persuasion. Thanks FFFF for reminding us to be careful when exercising our right to free speech
Unlike my friend Greg, I am not well aware of the bullying that can occur as a result of posting or commenting on this blog. I don’t post anonymously and while not as prolific as most, I would say that I’m as assertive as many and I’ve never been remotely threatened. Please don’t be overly concerned by Admin’s good efforts to characterize the possible. Junior, you can rest assured that those who run this blog will protect the anonymity of commenter’s.
Oddly Chris, I have never had an issue posting here. FFFF has been, and I’m sure FFFF will continue to be, a place for the reasonable exchange of ideas regarding Fullerton’s future as well as issues that may have an adverse effect on us. Travis is a HUGE part of that exchange as are many others here.
I am excited to see what gets posted!
Chris,
I appreciate that – although many know my identity.
Another blog, who shall remain nameless (OJB) has no problem revealing online identities when it suits their political or vindictive purposes.
I have no proble with a blog that censors clearly out-of-bounds comments.
Tardif get over yourself already. You out yourself on a regular basis you troll.
Travis, see you have the same lack of credibility that Tony Bushala does.
What would Alexander Hamilton say?
What would John Jay say?
What would John Adams, I mean, Shawn Nelson, say? Well, that’s a stupid question, we know what the man with no moral compass would say.
Get back to the donut shop, Flatfoot.
What are you blabbering about?
You’re anonymous. Nobody knows who you are. Get over it.
I blow hard.
Your personal life is no one’s business.