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| The Unknown Comic from The Gong Show |
Even in the fourth century B.C., Plato touched upon the subject of anonymity and morality in his parable of the ring of Gyges. That mythical ring gave its owner the power of invisibility, and Plato observed that even a habitually just man who possessed such a ring would become a thief, knowing that he couldn’t be caught. Morality, Plato argues, comes from full disclosure; without accountability for our actions we would all behave unjustly.
Psychological research has proven again and again that anonymity increases unethical behavior.
ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM has grown considerably during 2010.
One goal of this site was to give everyone in Liberty a voice and for Liberty residents to see all of "our news" from the perspective of a normal citizen rather than some dumbed-down ten sentence description of a local event.
I've been blogging for almost 15 years, I've always enjoyed reader input.
Over the years, through thousands of comments on my writing, I've discovered a similar pattern to Plato's parable. People will hide behind anonymity.
In every case, a person making hateful comments has something to hide.
Those that choose to be silent that are being discussed ALSO have something to hide.
Those that disagree with these comments have something to hide.
Three anonymous posters, of whom I know their actual identity, have been very vocally trashing me, my wife, and my family ... one even going as far as threatening me by a mailed letter.
So ... I have a new policy in the new year ... things are the exact same ... you can still make an anonymous comment whenever and where ever you please on this site ... but if I feel I know your identity and you make a hateful comment about any topic or person ... I will post your comment with your identity, your IP address, your mailing address, and any details I have about you.
Tactful comments get tactful results and quick resolution. Let's make 2011 the year we resolve to share information and debate openly and keeping The Golden Rule in mind.
In the coming days ... I will be making it easier to make comments and offer a "commenting contest".
4 COMMENTS / Make your own:
I am in FULL AGREEMENT with your new "anonymous " comments...if you have enough courage to think it, make sure you have backbone enough to stand behind it. I have always been outspoken and have always stood behind everything I have said. I have always been a strong voiced person and have no plans of changing. I have verbally advertised atlibertytosay because I believe that Liberty has been ran in a hush-hush manner for too long. Its time for the citizens of Liberty to dust themselves off and get involved. If there is something you don't like......CHANGE IT!!! I appreciate what you do, Russ, sad that there are some spineless individuals who have tried and FAILED to silence you!! Anytime you ever need help, I will do my very best to help you out!!
Thanks Katie!
I agree with Katie, if you have the backbone to say then have the backbone to sign it
Aw, but it's so much more fun to throw out the insults and accusations anonymously, and then stand back and watch the chaos you've created!
Seriously, I've seen people do that too many times and it seems to ALWAYS come back and bite them in the boottocks...then it's not so much fun anymore.
I think you've made a good decision.
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