I'd like to see Joe Offer or Max respond to this. Please indulge me in reading the following scenario:

1.        Fact: The US government proposes to monitor the Internet for communications of terrorists or their sympathizers.

2.        Fact: A number of posters on Mudcat voive views which are extremely critical of the government, and which could be construed as being sympathetic to terrorists.

3.        Fact: As Joe has said, he, Max, and certain others know the identity of "anonymous" posters and/or the computers their posts originate from.

Suppose that Homeland Security agents come across Mudcat and decide to take an interest in the folks who voice extremist opinions. Suppose they knock on Joe's or Max's door (or just break the door down without knocking), perhaps wielding a search warrant, and demand disclosure of the posters' identities. Suppose they threaten Joe or Max with arrest and prosecution if they don't comply.

Given the current climate and mindset in Washington, this is not a far-fetched scenario.

What would you do Joe? Max? And further, what can be done to protect posters' identities before such a thing happens?

Cheers,
Michael

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Sorry for the slow response, Michael. I was at the seashore for three days.
I have to say we don't expect to hear from the FBI. I'm a retired Federal investigator, and they know that I know where we can tell them to stuff it. Unless you're seriously paranoid, you should have no reason to worry.
If you ARE seriously paranoid, I can't help you.
But heck, my bosses knew well that I am a pacifist, and I survived for 25 years as an investigator with a top-secret clearance. Besides, I have never seen anything posted here that would be of any interest to the FBI.
-Joe Offer-