anonymity garners no respect

So as many people working in San Francisco know, an internet-based group called Anonymous called for a protest on BART's Civic Center Station today because of the BART's decision to cut cellular service last week in order to head off another demonstration. The original demonstrations were in response to the fatal shooting of an armed and inebriated homeless man wandering the same station.

Of course, this wasn't the best incident for BART, especially since it practically followed on the heels of the verdict on the Oscar Grant-Johannes Mehserle case. And no, it wasn't the greatest idea to cut cellular reception last week. But it's a little sad that a demonstration for free speech attracts more supporters than a demonstration/memorial for a human being.

Of course the site hacking and the subsequent protest did plenty to spread Anonymous's message, whatever they claim it to be. It also worked well to turn many moderates away from their cause as passwords and names were published and people were stranded until nearly 8 o'clock tonight.

And the Guy Fawkes masks? I honestly believe that if you have something to say, you shouldn't hide your face or who you are. What sort of retaliation are you so afraid of that you need to hide your identity? There may have been a lapse in judgement when cellular service was cut but by no means are we near a closed-off military dictatorship. Also, ripping a mask from the iconic film V for Vendetta really takes away from the originality and seriousness of Anonymous.

the game-changing movie
image from movieposter.com

the uninspiring copycats: Anonymous in San Francisco.
How original.
from bigcellshop.com