Name Withheld

A recent VOP submission criticized the annoying practice of using “Name withheld” rather than take ownership of a letter. A friend of mine won't read anything by “Name withheld.” I sometimes feel short-changed with an unsigned letter. Here are some reasons why I think people withhold their names: they are overly modest, ashamed of their writing ability, self conscious about their feelings, afraid of compromising their privacy--or the letter itself is full of lies.

After doing a little research, it turns out that, whatever their motive, they have every right to withhold their name and the Kenosha News, though in the minority, is on the right side of history with its policy of printing unsigned letters. My source is Bill Reader, formerly a lecturer of journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. According to Reader, “... unsigned letters were a tradition reaching back to pre-Revolutionary newspapers...” “The New York Times published its first unsigned letter in 1851.” Even though, by 1995, 84% of newspapers had 'must sign' rules, Reader feels that such restrictions “... actually violate the traditions of American journalism, do not support the spirit of the First Amendment in the eyes of the law...” He suggests that to be a true forum of public opinion, newspapers should welcome all views, including those of people who, for whatever reason, feel most vulnerable, thus, choosing to remain anonymous.

For instance, my next letter will be about how the Town of Somers has been over charging me on my sewer bill. Of course, I intend to sign it: “Name withheld.” Have you ever tried to unplug a clogged sewer line?


Terry Tynan

339 Sheridan Rd.
262-939-2303
terrytynan@att.net