The internet has had a freeing effect on humanity. It allows the average person access to more information faster than kings and presidents of old. It is a platform for everyone from Charlie Sheen to protesters in Egypt to express themselves.
The internet is also unforgiving. The teenage girl who decides to make a few hundred bucks posing unclad in front of a camera may find that image googled during a job interview. The intemperate e-mail sent in anger will find itself forwarded to thousands. And if you choose to make threats, don’t think you will be able to hide behind an assumed name. A great example of this took place on St. Patrick’s day last.
During the late unpleasantness in Wisconsin, blogger Ann Althouse (who lives in the area) and her husband Lawrence Meade provided invaluable coverage, interviewing protesters and providing video that showed what was actually happening. It allowed millions to bypass the MSM who choose to whitewash the protests and their aftermath.
Opponents of Governor Walker, unable to filter Ann’s coverage were unhappy. One in particular, incensed at the videos, posted a threatening outburst so profane it was an effort to find a usable piece:
Ann quickly linked to the anonymous rant at 1:43 p.m. It drew 531 comments. It was linked by Instapundit at 4:53 p.m. At 6:39 p.m . Robert Stacy McCain went to work with more than ten updates and links to bloggers who were able to trace the author of the threats , a fellow named Jim Shankman, to the point where by 9 p.m.
Elapsed time from the initial link from Althouse to the exposure of this person’s identity: Under 8 hours, a single shift at work.
Ignoring the unrealistic nature of his self-pitying reaction (take another look at the tirade he unleashed and try to reconcile it with the paragraph above), let’s consider that even if he avoids prosecution for the threats he made, he will now be publicly associated with an attempt to suppress and intimidate free speech. This has already started as Investors Business Daily has reported on the story.
The internet empowered Mr. Shankman’s ability to speak, but it does not restrain him from speaking intemperately if he choose to do so, nor does it protect him from the consequences of those words forever associated with him.
This lesson is important to all. The internet is forever. It empowers both the wise and the foolish. Make sure that you are not among the foolish before you hit the post or the send button.
Update: Dan Riehl conducted an interview with the individual in question, and Ann Althouse’s reaction is one of pity rather than anger. The phrase “unemployed google” seems quite fitting in light of these developments.
