Anonymity is an essential component of freedom of speech. In the days when Thomas Payne and pals were flaming King George III, a lot of writers used pseudonyms to keep the king's men from banging down their doors.
We are not living under the reign of King George III. I understand the analogy, but unless you believe that we're living under a general dictatorship of sorts, it doesn't apply. If, otoh, you do believe that, than the only definition of freedom of speech is "The one which doesn't get you caught and killed". Which is not what I mean when I say freedom of speech.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2004-10-26 03:36 pm (UTC)We are not living under the reign of King George III. I understand the analogy, but unless you believe that we're living under a general dictatorship of sorts, it doesn't apply. If, otoh, you do believe that, than the only definition of freedom of speech is "The one which doesn't get you caught and killed". Which is not what I mean when I say freedom of speech.
I agree, otoh, with the rest of your comments.