Setting the Record Straight--Part 1
The NOW blogs initially had no comment section for interaction by blog readers. The comment feature was added later. NOW’s current blogging program does not allow us bloggers to edit or delete comments. Anyone objecting to a posted comment should contact the NOW editor.
Some particularly nasty, incendiary, and possibly libelous comments against Paul Gallagher were posted anonymously on my previous blog. Since the most objectionable seem to have disappeared, I suspect the editor removed those after someone (perhaps Gallagher) protested.
I’ve been the target of plenty of personal attacks. For example, after I mentioned that I am a Christian and nurse, a commenter opted to post several comments mocking me about it.
New Berlin School Board member Matt Thomas was the first New Berlin NOW blogger. Not long afterward, I became a NOW blogger. Thomas could have used his blog to communicate positive things about the school district. Instead, he often used his blog to criticize and malign constituents.
Speaking of attacking constituents, School Board members Thomas and Keith Heun misled people and tried to smear me via New Berlin NOW. On Thomas’ blog, Keith Heun even misrepresented a lawsuit which had been brought against the School District, and the subsequent settlement agreement. After I posted a comment on my blog about having consulted lawyers who’d advised the disinformation and attacks against me were libelous and actionable, Keith Heun quickly posted a retraction on Thomas’ blog. Thomas abruptly deleted his past blog posts and comments posted on them. He soon ended his blog.
During consultation with attorneys, I was asked if my community’s officials often attacked or otherwise tried to intimidate constituents who raised concerns, because it could be construed as a civil rights violation—an attempt to retain power by quashing dissent. I suppose that holds true whether a public official makes his/her attacks openly or anonymously.
An anonymous commenter could be anyone, including an elected official or government employee.
Some persons apparently believe they can maliciously attack citizens anonymously and lie without consequences. But in the event of legal action or court order, they could be quite mistaken.