To come out or not come out?

[Scaramouche]

No, not like that but in may be similar…

I am afraid of using my real name in posting cynical and radical rants against those in power. I’d like to blog and write articles. I want to make a difference and effect change in the world through sharing my unique perspective and views. I think we are living in times where this may be a perilous occupation. Why? Well the reasons are myriad. I have been thinking through the pro’s and cons on this:

On one hand, I admire the Will Pitt’s of the world, and the retiring barkeep who once told me they were going to become a professional shit-disturber by writing all the politicians and newspapers they could. I admire their courage.

On the other hand, I admire the fact that nobody knows who is behind MediaWhores.com. This strikes me as the grand tradition of the pamphleteers that inspired the American Revolution.

On the other hand, dissent is being herded into “First Amendment” zones and names are being collected. DARPA is finding ways to track the Internet and names are being collected.

On the other hand, I like the notion that my ideas cpould give birth and may convince like-minded individuals to seek common cause with me. I must confess this is what I would call the Wiggin fallacy/theory, after the idea put up by David Brin in the novel, “Ender’s Game.” In a bifurcated way Demosthenes and Burke tore up the nets. And they swayed public opinion.

On the other hand, I’m not some Uber Kind in a sci-fi story and most people don’t get their info or opinions from the “nets.” At least not yet…

I’m running out hands here folks… Need some feedback…

[mikehiggins]

1. Dude, if they want to find you

they'll find you. The idea of "internet anonomynity(sp?)" is a joke unless you are some kind of 2600 type hacker, and even then they will find you if they want you. It'll just take longer.

The key is, who cares? There are so many voices out there, so many blogs, clogs and frogs, that there is little reason to go after any of them in particular.

The Man doesn't care because he doesn't have to.

So use your own name. The worse that can happen is some clown trying to send you a virus or something like that.

Come out and join the fun. The hardest part is getting someone to listen to you in the first place.

mike higgins
www.michaelhiggins.net

[Scaramouche]

2. Why make it easier to be a target...

I think you're right on one hand.

On the other is it cowaedice???

Love your cat by the the way...

on edit: took out the pic of you and your cat. Irresponsible of me...

[BlackVelvetElvis]

3. Perspective

The signers of the Declaration of Independance signed their names knowing they could be put to death for treason. Yet, they did it anyway.
Different world but at the same time, they stood up for what they believed in/against tyranny.
Really, are we really all that different?

[Scaramouche]

4. That is so very true... When they signed the declaration...

Hang together and all that...

Prior to that there was quite a few infuriating, to the British at least, anonymous writers agitating disobedience...

Some overt and some covert. Printing presses and the internet share some similarities in that vocifereious opion are sometimes covert and sometimes overt...

I'm not talkin about a revolution now, oh yeah...

[DuctapeFatwa]

5. First thing to consider: your family

The regime has seized families of some who have opposed it, that we know of, and according to the infallible Cockroach in the Kitchen rule, untold numbers that we don't know of.

In one case that we do know of, they have seized and have been "interrogating" the 7 and 9 year old sons of one man, whom they have also seized.

That is your worst case scenario, but even the "lesser" possible consequences for your family members are not good. They could have some workplace impact, anything from passed over for promotion etc, to let go for an unrelated reason.

What is your housing situation? If there is a condo or neighborhood association, what actions could they take that could affect your family?

If there are people who depend on you for food, shelter, etc, what arrangements have you made for their care in the event that you are unable to provide for them?