A desire for privacy does not imply shameful secrets; Moglen argues, again and again, that without anonymity in discourse, free speech is impossible, and hence also democracy. The right to speak the truth to power does not shield the speaker from the consequences of doing so; only comparable power or anonymity can do that.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of privacy and anonymity in maintaining free speech and democracy. It suggests that the desire for privacy does not necessarily imply hiding shameful secrets, but rather serves as a means to protect individuals who wish to freely express their opinions, particularly when confronting those in power. The quote asserts that without anonymity in discourse, free speech becomes challenging or even impossible, as individuals may fear the repercussions of speaking truth to power. It suggests that comparable power or anonymity are necessary to shield speakers from the potential consequences of their words.

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