As you know I have always blogged anonymously. I originally began blogging anonymously as a way to safeguard my job and my professional reputation. On my blog I choose to let a side of myself out that I do not show my students or my colleagues. Also, I address some sensitive issues in a not so sensitive way. I knew some would take offense at the way I discuss a certain Religion of Peace, but never thought of the long-term consequences of it. In the beginning I expected no one would care about what I had to say. I was wrong.
As a result of the broadening of the audience I have received a number of death threats to me and my family. Hence, the need for me to stay anonymous has transcended my original goal. It is now a safety issue. Up until now I have not taken any of these threats that seriously. For the most part I still think that I'm pretty low on the hit list for Islamic extremists so I'm not terribly worried. But I am a little worried.
In recent days the number of people coming to this blog by doing searches for "Rusty Shackleford" has increased exponentially. I suppose that most of these searches have nothing to do with those death threats. But for safety's sake I must act as if it were otherwise.
Many of you, my friends I have made through this blog, know my real identity. Some of you I told. Others figured it out on your own. I'm sure none of you will go blabbing this information and would never intentionally let the cat out of the bag. Friends just don't do that. But friends do sometimes let information out on accident. Sometimes they do not see the harm in telling someone else, perhaps to someone who has no connection to the blogosphere.
I guess what I'm asking, no begging, from all the people that know me is to please not pass along that information. PLEASE.
Again, I am not in a state of paranoia yet. I sleep well at night. I don't suspect that I am being stalked. However, as a Boy Scout I was taught to be prepared. Muslim extremists have killed those that have criticized their religion in the past, therefore it is not outside the realm of possibilities that they would do so again. It's a one-in-a-million chance that any one would actually act on those threats. But was it Harry or Lloyd who said, "One-in-a-million. So you're saying there's still a chance?"
I appreciate your cooperation.
One final thought for my fellow bloggers. There was a time when I left comments at many blogs. I am no longer able to do that. Rest assured, I do read many of your blogs on a semi-regular basis. Don't take the drastic reduction in my comments the wrong way. I just don't have as much time as I once did on top of the security concerns. Plus, most of my blog surfing is done through bloglines, which I highly recommend.
If you wish to get in touch with me or want me to plug a post just e-mail me at my g-mail account. You can find it on the left sidebar of my webpage. I can't promise I will respond to all the plug requests, but I do respond to every personal e-mail I get.
Thanks again for all of you who come by on a regular basis despite the stupid "remember personal info" problem, despite my aloofness at times, and not responding to all the comments. And a special thanks to all of you who know the real Rusty and haven't let the cat out of the bag. Thanks again.
1
my lips are sealed even if they know nada.
cindy
Posted by: firstbrokenangel at November 18, 2004 02:58 PM (D39Vm)
2
The war of ideas really is part of the greater war.
Posted by: Jane at November 18, 2004 03:06 PM (ywZa8)
3
Geez, it's not like you're Bill O'Reilly or Rush Limbaugh!! That is terrible! My heart jumped when I heard this. Almost thought you were going to totally shut down the whole website.
Keep the faith, Rust. It's only a blog, right? They can't "get you".
xo
Posted by: Laura at November 18, 2004 03:10 PM (ptOpl)
4
I hope you have alerted the local law enforcement people. The welfare queen that put out a call for Bush's assination a month ago was tracked down in two days. Obviously they wont put the same effort into your threats but they can tell you how to trace the threats and determine if it is the same people or different person each time.
Rod Stanton
Cerritos
Posted by: Rod Stanton at November 18, 2004 03:10 PM (a2hGw)
5
I just finished recommending to some Jewish friends that they should arm themselves. I've been putting it off myself because of young children in the house, but soon the larger safety threat will overshadow that one.
If you haven't already gotten one, get a gun.
Find out the laws in your state. And make prominent mention of it on your blog. Scum who make those kinds of threats are cowards. Use it against them. .
I'll pray for your protection
Posted by: papijoe at November 18, 2004 03:11 PM (Z3abf)
6
Rusty,
F*CK 'EM ALL!!!!!!!
You keep fighting the good fight. Our Marines and soldiers are doing their part to win the war on terror and so are you.
We WILL distroy these morons one day. Until that day we ALL need to do our part and this is yours.
Good work buddy!!!!!!!
John
Posted by: John at November 18, 2004 03:12 PM (PLZRQ)
7
Death threats suck don't they?
Posted by: Chris Short at November 18, 2004 03:26 PM (fSJ3F)
8
Don't know it, but if you need someone at your six, give a yell.
Posted by: Laughing Wolf at November 18, 2004 03:31 PM (LndZx)
9
Thanks peeps. Again, I don't take the threats all that serious. As long as I'm anonymous nothing to worry about.
Posted by: Rusty Shackleford at November 18, 2004 03:51 PM (JQjhA)
10
sorry about the news. love the sight. keep up th efight. it's great to be a f*cking american. god bless
Posted by: d martel at November 18, 2004 03:58 PM (5S3Uw)
11
Right Rusty, how can they find you? Screw em.
Posted by: Laura at November 18, 2004 04:18 PM (ptOpl)
12
You ever think they make the threat, so you run and report it to the police, so they can track you down via the report??? Fuck 'em.
Posted by: Princess Kimberley at November 18, 2004 04:23 PM (0xMIM)
13
Oh shit! I never thought of that. Good point, PK.
Posted by: Laura at November 18, 2004 04:31 PM (ptOpl)
14
There are lots of places to report such things, Rusty. Lots of work going on on the internet to track THEM down. I've been under threat, being Jewish and all. Take care and do what you have to do.
Posted by: bj at November 18, 2004 04:34 PM (hYF9j)
15
What is right is not generally accepted, nor what is generally accepted is correct.
Forge forward Rusty, 75% of the world population could only hope to have as healthy a political / social freedom argument's as found here.
The winner always is the person who stands strong and sturdy in the face of change, not cower before it ... Let Freedom Ring!
Salamander
Posted by: Salamander at November 18, 2004 04:42 PM (D4mP3)
16
You're doing a great job Rusty, keep it up.
Posted by: Dale Gribble at November 18, 2004 05:55 PM (vX/LE)
17
Sorry to hear you've been threatened. But keep doing what you're doing...it's always good work.
Posted by: Jeremy at November 18, 2004 06:02 PM (/U19w)
18
I don't often agree with you but I care passionately that you are allowed to continue to voice your opinion without someone threatening to kill you. Keep blogging as the world needs these debates to stop one side from taking over the world without defence.
Oh, and hopefully the people who have threatened you are just mindless dicks from some shitty university with nothing better to do.
Posted by: Matt Bing at November 18, 2004 06:08 PM (6M7nL)
19
Most of the threats come out of Europe (one from Australia), but all seem to be from Muslims. Ironically enough, the last one came from the Netherlands.
Posted by: Rusty at November 18, 2004 06:17 PM (JQjhA)
20
PS-which means I'm not terribly worried.
Posted by: Rusty at November 18, 2004 06:19 PM (JQjhA)
21
Don't worry, Pete. Mum's the word on your secret identity as Spider Man.
Posted by: ccwbass at November 18, 2004 06:44 PM (ezi5f)
22
I respect that Rusty, all joking aside.
Posted by: Gordon at November 18, 2004 06:46 PM (dEFhD)
23
Are you sure they're Muslims, Rust? Funny coincidence that they would be from the UK and Australia. A few bloggers from those countries have been giving us prob's all along.
Posted by: Laura at November 18, 2004 07:10 PM (ptOpl)
24
Hang in there. Might does not make right, but might that is right is nigh on invincible. As long as the threats come from overseas there is not too much worry. It is worrisome though, especially with a family and knowing the bastards don't care about any body. It is a complement to your effectiveness in your blog. In some way or other they are being hurt or they wouldn't threaten. I agree, if you can arm yourself, do so and let it be known. This is one of the reasons for the Second Amendment. As Americans we are rarely loved, but respect and fear are good substitutes in world politics. We will prevail.
Posted by: Bill at November 18, 2004 09:50 PM (ScOBm)
25
If your up there Superman....
Posted by: Delboy at November 18, 2004 09:57 PM (FalJ3)
26
This is all nonsense -- are we really supposed to believe you have "friends"? What losers those dudes must be.
Oh, wait ...
Posted by: Leopold Stotch at November 18, 2004 11:04 PM (EPrME)
27
I wonder if that is why allahpundit has quit blogging. Maybe he is getting the same thing.
Posted by: bill at November 19, 2004 01:02 AM (VNPtA)
28
Sorry to hear that Rusty. I do feel that given recent events overseas that it is a factor that must be given weight and consideration. I have no doubt that the desire exists --even here in our borders-- to carry out such actions.
That said, I do blog under my given name, and comment under it as well. Feel free to transmit any sort of threat you wish in my direction, you peaceful worshipers of a dead god, I will be happy to receive them.
Brian Holbrook
www.goldfalcon.org
Posted by: Brian Holbrook at November 19, 2004 01:24 AM (T9be8)
29
Is that post saying the contact lens industry is behind the threats? hehe
You and your family are in our prayers.
Glad to see you are not quitting because of it.
Posted by: Kari Holtz at November 19, 2004 06:51 AM (r+tvq)
30
They are only threats mate. Fuck them. Its like when you were back at school, and the bullies used to say 'i'll get you, I know were you live etc etc blah blah'. Fuck them Rusty.
Keep up the good work.
Posted by: karl at November 19, 2004 07:06 AM (PM/BC)
31
Make sure that you publish all of the death threats for us. We need the laughs.
Just remember, the punks that make the threats 99% of the time don't have the balls to even begin to carry them out.
Simply put, fuck em and feed em fish heads.
Posted by: Dick at November 19, 2004 07:11 AM (hu9UN)
32
RUSTY: When you posted your message to sit down to eat with those you didn't know I said is this man crazy? Even thought of volunteering some of my young ex-marine buddies to go with you. GLAD TO SEE YOU RETHOUGHT THE ISSUE.
Posted by: greyrooster at November 19, 2004 09:47 AM (RspqC)
33
Boudreauxswife <--- Is not really married to boudreaux... Send ALL death threats via 1-800-FUCK YOU ... How was that Rusty... Terrorist tactic 101 Make threat, create Terrior..
Posted by: Andrea at November 19, 2004 09:50 AM (+7VNs)
34
RUSTY: Please post the threatening E-mails word for word. You have hundreds of supporters who have the time and will to match them with posters on this blog. Then all of us can see their cowardly true colors. People write the same, use the same words and phases. Post the E-mails. This is important. Not neccessarily for your protection but to ID some of these jerks.
Posted by: greyrooster at November 19, 2004 09:58 AM (RspqC)
35
Can you get a CCW based on the threat? One thing repeatedly stated by incarcerated felons is that they're MUCH more afraid of meeting an armed homeowner than an armed cop. Cops play by rules.
Also cops are indemnified against actually having to DO something/anything, and tend to come in after it's all over to begin their investigation and report-writing.
Of course terror-psychopaths are deranged - but if they don't know you're packin' you have the drop on them, especially if they're from a country where gun-control prevents it and they haven't much familiarity.
Practice and train, 2nd Amendment and all that.
Peace -- through superior firepower.
Posted by: -keith in mtn. view at November 19, 2004 10:26 AM (04TFv)
36
Rusty:
Here I've been thinking you were from the intellectual branch of the Farkel and Doody families. No?
I certainly won't tell. I mean, I haven't even told our co-blogger (although I'm sure he knows), and I'm not even sure I know myself, though I must've told myself at some point...
For what it's worth, lots of people who post things a great deal less complimentary about Islam than you aren't anonymous. I'm not, nor is Proteus or Armed Liberal or Charles Johnson or lots of folks. Also, I'm pretty confident no one is going to pull a "Theo" on me, because I carry a 9mm when I'm on my bike. And I do head shots
very well, so I don't even worry about "stopping power."
And for those bloggers reading who don't happen to live in a "shall issue" state, there's a fantastic upside to this. Take any threatening emails that you receive with you when you apply for the concealed carry permit. Good way to roll right past all those gun grabber constraints.
Heh.
Posted by: Demosophist at November 19, 2004 01:08 PM (OtR16)
37
Yeah, I'll go in with an e-mail to 'Rusty' and say, "hey, give me a CCW." "But you're name's not Rusty?"
Anyway, I don't want to overdo this. Again, I'm not terribly worried, just a little.
Many of you might know the Commissar. Probably about 10 months ago so leftist decided they would "out" him. I just don't want the same thing happening to me.
So,thanks all for the advice. Mums the word!!
Posted by: Rusty at November 19, 2004 04:35 PM (JQjhA)
38
I guess, to be fair, I should have stated that I don't need threatening emails for a concealed carry permit. My 1911 travels with me, the spouse is similarly armed. I spent nearly a decade in the 82nd Airborne division before being medically discharged...on 26 August 2001. Please, please, choose me for your martyrdom needs.
Posted by: Brian Holbrook (AKA GoldFalcon) at November 20, 2004 05:07 AM (T9be8)
39
You know Rusty most cowards only speak and hide on here through fake words and names,,,,,,,,,,,,,let them use their real name and who they really are, otherwise, you should expect this kind of crap from some of these people who don't always get their way on the blog, especially those opposing the war it self. They can get nasty.
Ironically, remember I asked you to remove my first to listings, I was in fear that someone could track my family down and kill us as my husband is serving in the army in Iraq now. I am much braver now, not afraid to shoot anything wearing a rag, don't worry but always be on your guard nevertheless,
this is america, freedom of speech, let the rag head terrorist keep hiding and using that one coward skill to keep terrorizing what few are left to terrorize.......they know they are running all over Iraq like a cock roach pit just found behind a refrigerator that which was fallujah......well we are the raid can.........and we can always go back to walmart and buy more,,,sure it may not kill them all but it will keep them from nesting behind the refrigerator in our own home!!!
personally I would be more worried about my own neighbor loosing it, than this cowards who only work in groups by the way. Have to have someone leading them....KING COCKROACH
hope you track down the emails or destinations,,,we will give them some emails or postings to ponder on themselves!!!!
Hang in there Rusty,,,,,,thanks again for the therapy!!!
Posted by: madarmywife at November 20, 2004 01:40 PM (llyRQ)
40
MADARMYWIFE: I remember the post you referred to. Felt so bad that there was nothing I could do.
Posted by: greyrooster at November 20, 2004 07:38 PM (ydtpC)
41
Thanks rooster,
Have been missing you in the blogs, bad timing I suppose...just spent some time in Margarets blog....how is your son
Posted by: madarmywife at November 20, 2004 11:36 PM (rLlU1)
42
Here in the Left-Lizadroid Bay Area of Nor.Californ, a threatening email, phone-calls, or even a cross burned on my front lawn would likely be insufficient for me to get a CCW. Don't let this happen to you guys elsewhere.
Posted by: -keith in mtn. view at November 22, 2004 12:41 PM (04TFv)
43
MADARMYWIFE: Haven't heard from him in a week. Last call everything was fine. Said he hasn't lost a man. One wounded jumping off tank and breaking ankle. He may still be in Fallujah. Then again, maybe not!!!!!!. Thx for asking.
Posted by: greyrooster at November 22, 2004 04:55 PM (BFaxF)
44
MADARMYWIFE: If you watched the news today it wasn't hard to figure where Scott & Company went. Sometimes we don't tell them we're coming.
Posted by: greyrooster at November 23, 2004 08:41 PM (RluOl)
45
Godspeed, Scott and Paul.
;-)
Posted by: Laura at November 23, 2004 09:48 PM (ptOpl)
46
Even though I don't agree with you in a lot of your ideas. Especially the ones about France (being French). The reason why I come on your site is to get a different point of view and confront my ideas. Keep on the good work dude and fuck the cowards who threaten you. We need people with balls like you to show us the real face of events...
Posted by: federico at November 24, 2004 12:56 AM (dNXmc)
47
Rusty - if you get one death threat, just let me know and I will finance a lawyer to go after that person's sorry ass - and you can post his name, apology and repentence right here on your blog and have him eat shit in humiliation.
Just let me know if you need me.
Posted by: Jaymar at June 04, 2005 05:31 AM (nGZO6)
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