March 18, 2013Dear Sir,I am prepared to go on record for being opposed to the elimination of anonymous letters being published. I feel very privileged to have a number of my letters published in your paper and consider my view in this matter of some insight that may be useful. As people would know I sign my name to my opinions, but it would in my view abridge democracy and the free flow of thought by demanding everyone sign their names to letters to The Royal Gazette.There are the normal rules and conventions placed upon those wishing anonymity in letters submitted to the paper and this is right and can be tweaked and tightened, but it is not necessary to out everyone for having an opinion that is not personal, but highly contentious. Unlike the electronic media, the printed media enjoys far more checks and balances to prevent abuse. There are citizens that have very strong views on principle whose voices will be gagged by having to be named. Non-personal opinions that are not hateful and inflammatory or racially toxic but highly controversial should be allowed and encouraged.Vile and incendiary letters should never be tolerated for sure. Mr Acting Editor, I have heard vitriolic and sarcastic barbs traded on the floor of the House for years, so you see there is enough blame to go around.The people’s right to freedom of speech should be sacrosanct and free from reprisal, intimidation and vindictiveness. Politicians and their parties are fair game in a robust democracy. Fair and clean comment in an intensely political environment that does not posit the unlawful or accuse wrongfully should be embraced.We should not have to pay a price for having an unpopular opinion that may or may not have merit and the right to express it should not be silenced by those who disagree. The offending letter recently should not be the lightening rod for eliminating anonymous contributions to your paper. Radio callers do not identify themselves on talk shows by name daily, neither are they required to by the host before giving opinions.On occasion I will want to be anonymous for reasons considered wise and prudent in a small community. Guest workers have opinions and fear reprisal to speak publicly. Their feelings and impressions while working in Bermuda should be heard anonymously for inclusion in the way forward, subject the to the normal parameters.WAYNE B SCOTT