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| 11/15/2009 | Email this article • Print this article | Will the real Michael Lazarou please stand up?
I'm not quite sure how to begin this next column. In fact I really didn't want to write about what I'm about to write about.
But to protect my name and identity I have not other choice but to write about something other than important issues.
Unfortunately I am forced to waste space to discuss a certain matter not only with regards to myself but all who dare to criticize under their true identity. Before we begin I want to apologize to all my loyal readers for dragging you into this nonsensical form of deception.
But those who believe protecting their identity and namesake will understand.
It was brought to my attention (more than once) of a local blog site (Flippin' Amsterdam) receiving replies from a person identifying himself (or herself) as "Michael Lazorro."
As you can see the spelling of the name and its pronunciation is somewhat similar to that of my own name. Now the first name I'll accept as being common.
However it's the last name which has made me wonder with disbelief that a real person by the name of "Michael Lazorro" exists among our local bloggers.
Not only is this person responding under the name "Lazorro" but also ending their remarks with my tag line "Until next time - hold that thought."
Now call me suspicious but throughout my years of living in Amsterdam I have yet to discover a person or family listed under the last name "Lazorro."
I've always considered my last name to be unique. It is not a common name but one which carries pride of historical Greek heritage.
Of course with a unique name always comes the mispronounced version of it.
I'll admit at times it can be funny hearing my last name pronounced as if I was someone else.
But distorting a name by way of a child-like approach to express an opinion is puzzling.
What bothers me most is not what this person is saying on the blog but what he or she is doing which I see as mimicking a name that truly exists.
So will the real Michael Lazarou or should I say "Lazorro" please stand up?
Well, I'm actually sitting down which means if you can't see me standing then I must be an imposter writing this column.
Doesn't it sort of fit the description of an anonymous blogger?
Those unfamiliar or not interested in blog sites might not want to continue reading my column and return to your daily chores which are probably more important. However if you're interested in knowing what effects a blog could have on a person then I would encourage you to follow me through this maze of trying to understand why people act the way they do.
First, we must ask ourselves the importance of an anonymous blog followed by what's in a name.
Well for some, a blog is like a game of billboards where you can advertise and create your own identity while adding all your favorite toppings.
Another way of looking at it is having a free for all of expressions and ideas under a different identity. I like the idea of free speech but it's the unknown identity that scares me.
Actually blog sites are not as fashionable these days. Now we have other forms of Internet communication such as "Facebook" and "Twitter."
If you were to ask me the difference I would have to answer by saying "ask the younger generation."
I wonder what this "Lazorro" character would look like on Facebook?
I hope he's good looking. Well, at least on Facebook there's a face with an identity.
This totally different form of communication has only helped to further my belief that we're now losing the art of face to face "honest dialogue."
In trying to figure out who is saying what on an anonymous blog is certainly a challenge. However on occasion, one gets captured.
I would like to refer you back to one in particular whereas an identity was discovered. Does the name "shadycat" sound familiar?
This individual was exposed but never admitted posting derogatory comments on her never admitted blog site.
Do you remember what I said about the affects a blog could have on a person?
Well in this case not only did it affect a person but also a political party. This person just so happened to hold the Democratic Party chairmanship.
Do you think that blog had any effect on a county supervisor considering the possibility of switching parties?
Could it be that blog created a Democratic Party in disarray?
We may never find the answer. My only suggestion is to try and come up with some fictitious name on a blog and just maybe the truth will be found.
In fact the story on how a group of Montgomery County Democrats wanting to oust the Democratic chairwoman has even reached our congressman.
During an interview on local radio when asked of his knowledge or awareness of the controversy his reply was one of being oblivious to the matter.
Instead he sidestepped the issue by focusing on moving past the issue.
Now I find it strange that a congressman would not be interested in a part of his district that helped him get elected.
I also find it strange that a past assistant to him in the state Assembly is not keeping him informed of what is happening.
I think our Congressman needs a reality check in that party politics lives on - even after the elections.
So what do you think?
Did an anonymous blog cause all this or was it an imposter under a clamshell blowing their weenie whistle crying foul.
Until next time - hold that thought.
Amsterdam resident Michael Lazarou is a regular columnist for the Recorder.
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