Letter - Incognito attacks are easier

To the editor:

I empathize with what Jerry Haberer is saying in his letter, “Will it ever end?” I suppose part of the problem could be inexperience so maybe some clemency could be in order. Early in my Internet Forum experience, I had to learn to be careful about my choice of words. One forgets that with the lack of visual expression and voice inflection, the written word can easily be taken out of context. What is meant to be a playful jab could easily be interpreted as a direct attack.

I suspect however that a more likely cause of the problem is those that are posting these offensive attacks can post their comments without revealing their identity. It’s easy to be abusive and inconsiderate when one can do it incognito. How often do people say things behind someone’s back they wouldn’t dream of saying to their face? I doubt I’m too far out on a limb to suggest that if the writers’ identities were public most would be a little more respectful and considerate of other’s opinions. Unfortunately there will always be a few with the civility of a baboon and it wouldn’t matter anyway.

What’s really ironic and laughable is how these same individuals probably make the most noise when it comes to freedom of speech. Perhaps they should practice what they preach. The freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution are only protected until we use them to infringe on the freedoms of others. As for me, I indulge their immature comments about as much as a wood tick.

Bob Thielen

Osakis, MN

Tags: bob thielen, opinion, letters, thielen