This country has a long, and revered history of anonymous political commentary, beginning with Thomas Paine, the author of the widely read pamphlet, Common Sense (1776), which advocated for America’s independence from Great Britain, and The American Crisis (1776–1783), a pro-revolutionary pamphlet series.
Our founding fathers also utilized the ability to anonymously make political commentary in the creation of our country. The greatest example of this is The Federalist Papers.
The Federalist Papers are comprised of 85 articles advocating the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and were originally published between October 1787 and August 1788. They were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, using the pseudonym "Publius," in order to preserve anonymity and to ensure that the ideas were considered on their own merit, separate from the authors of the ideas. These papers are still today a primary source for interpretation of the Constitution, being that they outline both the philosophy and the motivation for the system of government being proposed.
Another excellent, and more recent example of anonymity in political commentary, is a book written by a Bush administration official/whistleblower, Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror. The author is now known as Michael Scheuer, a CIA veteran with 22 years service, who ran the Counterterrorist Center's bin Laden station from 1996 to 1999.
There are many possible reasons for wishing to remain anonymous when publishing political commentary. One may wish to be anonymous in order to avoid family problems, or to avoid issues with their employer, or to avoid retribution by political figures, or even to avoid being found by an abusive ex-spouse. All are legitimate reasons, and it is a choice that is available to each of us who writes or speaks out.
10 comments:
Once again, another well-reasoned, thoughtful blog post. And I loved Imperial Hubris. Matter of fact, I accidentally ordered it twice. I was initially disappointed the Mr. Scheuer came out publicly as I felt it had more impact with an anonymous author on the inside. But then I realized it actually had more impact due to his creds.
This excerpt from Inspire Political Discourse just seems so appropriate for Peoria. Anonymous bloggers continue to be beat up for being a part of the dialogue.
I agree that there are perfectly legitimate reasons to blog anonymously. However, do you agree that anonymity is at times misused; e.g., when an anonymous commenter criticizes someone else for hiding his/her identity, or when an anonymous commenter makes vitriolic personal attacks on someone?
I do agree that anonymity is at times misused. However, it is always wrong to make vitriolic personal attacks on someone anonymous or otherwise.
Very nice site you have here. I'm glad you invited me to check it out.
I will keep returning.
I hope you will keep track of my work and comment on my site, too.
On this post let me just say, the brave sign their names to what they write.
IMO if it is your job, good for your business and you have the approval of the "establishment" that makes it all the more easier to be "brave". (Wow, the freedomom that must come from that.) As a black woman, blogging in Peoria unfortunately, I do not feel I am affored that same freedom.
Just curious, do bloggers who give their name, approve of "annonymous bloggers" who blog consistently under the same name"?
I like this site. Keep up the good work. With that said, let me add, "Oh boy, now you got me started."
Writing is my job, yes, and that does bring a certain level of freedom. But, that does not always make things easier. And, I do not feel I have the "establishment" on my side. The freedom I enjoy comes with a price.
I've been demoted in the past from editor to reporter for failing to change my editorial stance on some issues by my employer at that time. I have been arrested for doing my job and was threatened by the Texas Attorney General with arrest if I wrote a story (I wrote it anyway). I have had to fight off a supoena while being threatened with arrest for refusing to turn over my notes in a murder trial. I have been the victim of a battery by gang members. I had my life and my family threatened by Neo-Nazi's. I have been spat on, and swore at in a public meeting and the list goes on. In addition, stories I have done have caused advertisers to drop their advertising. Stories I have done have caused carriers to drop their routes. I have been denounced from local pulpits.
I do not have a problem with anonymous bloggers or posters. There can be legitimate reasons for being anonymous. But, there is nothing easy about being a visible target. Let me ask this: If your circumstances change would not an African-American woman blogging with her name attached not give this blog even more power because you are more visible? I'm truly interested in your thoughts.
Dewayne you make a good argument for being annonymous. :)I did not intend to offend you.
Actually my name is attached to this blog - many people know it. My circumstances are fine and I am quite visible in the community, I just have never been the kind of person running around trying to tell every person in the room my name.
I was not offended at all. If I left that impression I am sorry. I'm just passionate sometimes about what I write.
I think you are doing a great job here.
I don't have a problem with anonymous bloggers or commenters.
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