Online Commenting: What's in a Name?

I have always been a fan of the "newspaper." My grandfather would collect his daily papers each day, in English and Italian. He would spread them all out on the counter in our family store and we would check out all the news of the day. Discussion and opinions were always encouraged and that would also include many of the customers who were in and out our doors all day long. People were proud to have their opinions heard and it was a comfort to sit and chat with our neighbors in our community.

Online publications are where I go now to get my news and information. I like my computer and all that brings to me for the most part. One thing I am bothered about lately is the anonymous posting/commenting on many of our local sites. It seems that once that "alias" is in place, people will say just about anything about everything in a very disturbing way. Many times it becomes bullying.  Without a name or a face behind the words it becomes a dangerous and slippery slope as posters take great liberties with their new found anonymity. Would they choose the same words with their name attached? I doubt it.

I have heard many pros and cons on this topic. I am leaning towards the side of too many "cons." Is this what we teach our children? Bullying is a hot topic at the moment. The media tells us that "bullying kills" and to "ban bullies." But everytime I read an article online anywhere, the ugly "Anonymous" pops in for a word. I have posted under a user-name myself. It never made me feel too good. Newspapers will not print an anonymous letter. Should the online press start to ask for the same? What happened to "owning your words" and standing up for your opinions in an honest fashion? I await your reply and respect your opinion and your name.