Sorry Lester, it’s not sensitivity.  Here’s my thinking on this issue.  When people comment anonymously they feel liberated to say things they would never dream of saying if they knew their identity would be known to all.  I believe such anonymity is cowardly. It has coarsened our public debate, undermined a serious exchange of ideas, widened the political divide and inflamed passions - which at their extreme have been expressed in sexist and racist violence.  It is not healthy.  I do not mean this to apply to you personally – I have no recollection of any ugly comments attached to your anonymous handle, so I assume you are one of those who comment in a civil tone.  But my objection is based on principle.  I have shared my views directly with Patti Epler, the editor of Civil Beat.  I know CB has agonized over whether or not to allow anonymous comments.  I don’t know the rationale for their decision to allow them, but whatever the reason, but I do not support the decision.