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.
We were in the same boat when posters were put up against King George. If we do not have the freedom to make anonymous speech we are toast. This is why I dispose the Federal Election Commission, they are as anti-freedom as it gets. They prosecuted someone who wrote a letter in favor of a candidate for office, and delivered it to his neighbors. People are prosecuted here for political expressions. I also despise the Federal Agents who rousted the guy who made the anti-Islam video. They are the scum of the earth. Free speech is in danger here in America. Sorry to be rambling a bit here.
To me it always boils down to, I might not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend your right to say it, and I don’t even care if I don’t know who you are.