Letters to the Editor
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Taking out the trash
In recent weeks I have been driven away from Salon.com more than a couple of times by the sudden increase in serial incivility and what appears to be a guerilla assault on rational, though partisan, discourse. It was disheartening, because I viewed Salon as one of the few places where this wasn't happening. I wrote notes to Salon and to Joan Walsh about the increasing pitch of gratuitous viciousness...while realizing that it was driving me to want to give what I was getting. Not a good place to be. Shut up, or shout back.
Thank you for listening to what I am sure are a number of people who have been experiencing this disappointment. Putting some controls in place which make it harder for those intent on disrupting dialog, rather than contributing to it, is, as Martha Stewart would say, if she gave a damn about anything deeper than the level for planting roses....a good thing.
Now, if people would just feel that what they have to say should be said under their real names. Anonymity is a cowardly shield that has a place only when society enforces reprisals and sanctions that threaten the futures of those who engage in their right to free speech and dissenting opinions....oh....right....nevermind.
Anyway, thanks for restoring some semblance of order. I respectfully sign this...with my real name.