Pop Quiz: Name at least one individual who signed the Declaration of Independence.
If you answered John Hancock, congratulations: you are in the majority.
John Hancock’s famous signature has been immortalized over time, becoming synonymous with integrity, courage and conviction.
When taking on the world’s most powerful army and navy; when telling a temperamental king to stuff it . . . well, that takes courage. The Declaration signers risked more than their reputation or the loss of some friends when declaring their independence. They put themselves at odds with those who had the power to imprison them, ruin their businesses and families and yes, risked their very lives by their willingness to stand up and be counted.
John Hancock’s name is the most visible signature on the Declaration. Its presence and boldness are unmistakable. It was signed by a man with no regrets and no fear of the consequences. It was dashing and principled, and thus it has become legendary.
But in today’s world of social media news distribution and opinion commentary, too many people prefer to protect their privacy by using monikers or posting their comments anonymously.
I can understand the reluctance to publicly stand behind your opinions, but I guarantee you that no one will name an insurance company ANONYMOUS.
Look, honey…there’s the ANONYMOUS skyscraper!
There’s been a lot of talk lately about what should or should not be confidential information; and newspapers large and small are constantly wrestling with ways to maintain a vivid online presence with reader interaction without being hijacked by anonymous posters who refuse to stand in the daylight and own their opinions.
A few days ago, I was contacted by the Lewiston Sun Journal because I applied for permission to post online commentary on that newspaper’s website. I was required to fill out a form with my name, address, e-mail and a phone number for authentication. Thus, if I feel like commenting on a Sun Journal story, the whole world will know who I am.
Being required to stand up and own what you say gives most people pause. You can’t be such a tough guy if other readers can quickly determine who you are.
I applaud and encourage rigorous, spirited debate on all public policy issues. Every debate is enhanced by multiple points of view, but if you don’t have the guts to sign your name, sit down, shut up and go back to watching Captain Kirk for a few more hours.
And finally, if you are completely gutless and must resort to sending anonymous letters, here are a few helpful hints from a writing professional:
1.) Buy a dictionary and use it;
2.) Double-check your grammar and punctuation;
3.) Do not lie, especially if you are pretending to be a “professional” writer and planning to correspond with other professional writers;
4.) If you are writing online, learn to use hyperlinks;
5.) Do yourself a favor: invest in a copy of The Elements of Style
Failure to follow these tips will guarantee that your scribbling will soon be widely circulated as the best joke of the day.
LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 