Reply #13: Not a good idea. [View All]

[okasha]

Several months ago, I wrote an LTTE to a regional paper criticising Bush. About a week later, I got a response in the mail from another reader with a typical Bush-can-do-no-wrong bent. Since the paper publishes full names and cities, but not mailing addresses, I figure the guy traced my home address through my website.

It felt remarkably like being stalked. It also felt rather threatening, even though no threats were made, the language was quite civil, and the writer gave a name and return address that were presumably his own. Be aware that, despite your disclaimers, your letter will probably have a similar effect on its recipient, especially if you send it anonymously.
But perhaps that's the effect you want.

If it isn't, then another LTTE, or a series of them, will no doubt be read by the original writer and several thousand other people. Or you could try for an op-ed. Which approach do you think would be more productive?