Anonymity is a coward’s way

In the 36-plus years that he has been writing columns, the Ole Seagull has always tried to be “transparent” and avoid the cloak of “anonymity.” The reason for that is simple: transparency and anonymity are opposites, two very different things that contradict each other.

Transparency involves accountability, openness, making information freely available and easily identifiable as to its source. As to the Ole Seagull being a source, he has made very clear on more than one occasion he is “but an Ole Seagull walking after the horse in the parade picking at the droppings.”

“If that’s the case, Seagull, why should anyone take what you have to say at face-value?” “They shouldn’t! The only value to an Ole Seagull’s opinion is to the extent it causes the reader to think about an issue enough to do what is necessary to form their own opinion on the issue and react accordingly.”

Anonymity conceals one’s identity. Well-known American author, blogger, speaker and entrepreneur, Michael Hyatt, pretty well sums up the Ole Seagull’s view on anonymity when he said, “Anonymous comments are the refuge of cowards.”

“But Seagull, aren’t there situations such as “whistle blowers,” etc. where anonymity is necessary to protect an individual?” “Absolutely, but those situations are few and, to an Ole Seagull, pretty clear.” 

If he had a $1 for every time someone has said, “You ought to do a column or article on this,” but decline to be a source, his retirement would be in a lot better financial shape. “But Seagull, you develop stories and columns based on information received from sources that want anonymity.” That’s true, but only after his independent research and due diligence verifies the information. At that point, the article or column stands independently, not the source, anonymous or not.

The primary example of anonymity and cowardice is on the internet when people make posts either under a false name or anonymously. They have no accountability for what they say or the impact of their comments on others. To an Ole Seagull that’s a perfect illustration of Hyatt’s quote, “Anonymous comments are the refuge of cowards.” If you don’t have enough guts to put your name and reputation with it, then keep your mouth shut!

Another example, although not as obvious, is when those in government or public positions of trust claim “transparency” and hide behind the “Sunshine Law” routinely. “Doesn’t the Sunshine law require confidentiality?” “Not in its majority.”

The current Sunshine Law Pamphlet, April 7, 2025, from Missouri’s Attorney General, says, “Generally speaking, all public meetings and public records of public governmental bodies must be open and available to the public, and all public votes shall be recorded. However, in limited circumstances, public meetings and public records retained by public governmental bodies may BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE closed.