Anonymous cowards

George French, retired editorial page editor of the Telegram and Gazette, noted that the staff would verify the identity of each writer before printing the writer's letter to the editor. These policies ensure that a) that the paper can keep a measure of decorum in the public discussion and b) that writers are accountable for their words.
By comparison, online comments have no verification policy.

While the comments submission form does require a valid email address, the name that appears on the comments page doesn't have to be the author's name.
Now, there are lots of places on the Internet where privacy and security must be preserved. Where you've been and what you've done is none of my business and

so on. But, if you're going to write something that you want others to read and take seriously, have the courage to own it.
Recently, Google was forced to reveal identity of an offensive blogger. I'm completely comfortable with having the courts intervene, but, as with the Swiss bank accounts,well, as Bob Dylan said, to live outside the law, you must be honest.
If you're gonna say stuff, own your stuff.