Anonymous speech is essential to a Free Society. I really do not care what anyone has to say, it is my duty as a citizen to be educated to figure out what is true or not.
Now I’m being as serious as a heart attack.
Do you think those putting up anti-government posters in Iran, should be “held accountable for what they say”? I’m sure you would agree with me in saying of course not.
In certain circumstances, yes anonymity can be necessary, but end of day it cannot be an excuse for lawlessness, harassment, criminal behavior, stalking, intimidation, and just plain boorish and uncivilized behavior or discourse. And consider that the situation in Iran and entirely different than in the US. We have a stable, legit government, constitutional rights, and a civilized environment where no one fears for their life if they are to speak their mind. When’s the last time someone was executed for speaking up? Jailed? That’s the point of our criticism of California’s ridiculous and unconstitutional law. Hiding behind anonymity undermines the basic argument that the law is wrong and unnecessary. The line in the sand is different here than in Iran.