Without the anonymity of commenting on Civil Beat, I would not participate in its discourse. The internet is a force with the power to connect irrational, criminal, and potentially violent people to me in ways that may not allow me to protect myself or the people I love. For me, anonymity is a shield that gives me the confidence to participate in a public forum.

Though I understand that the risk is relatively small, not having that shield would be enough to silence me and my opinions. Silence from what I have seen breeds resentment, and never more than I have seen it than in this election cycle.

With real names and anonymity there are benefits and drawbacks; I believe there are situations where both have merit. Please keep in mind that with either system, you empower one group by disempowering another.