The 2006 Harris Poll revealed that 20% of the respondents distrust real estate agents. Often times, this distrust stems from a cannibalization of the profession by shortsighted representatives searching to make money without having to work for it. Occasionally, a particular display of ignorance will cause the animosity to grow. As defenders of our industry, we must act quickly and decisively to eliminate injustices to protect ourselves and to protect our profession. Sometimes, as citizens, we must act to protect humanity. 
An agent asked how to handle a situation where he stumbled across a competing agent's derogatory comments about a minority group on MySpace. In addition to bashing people who aren't like her, the author advertises herself and the brokerage she works for on her page.
By converting her ignorant thoughts into written words, she has committed an offense against
The targeted group,
- Her broker,
- Agents in her office, and
- The real restate profession as a whole (including you and I).
My simple command of the English language prevents me from expressing the disgust that I feel toward this unknown writer. Discrimination arises solely from ignorance. For her to associate my self, my friends, and my profession with her ignorance is an assault on things that I hold dear.
So, my answer to this blogger and to all others who encounter similar situations is as follows,
You must send her writings to her Broker. The Broker deserves the opportunity to protect his/her agency by dismissing the agent.
You must forward her comments to her fellow agents. They too need to disassociate themselves from the writer. They too deserve an opportunity to protect the integrity and reputation that they have built for themselves.
You must submit the writings to the ethics board. These posts cannot be allowed to be perceived as a reflection of Realtors. As it is, 20% of people distrust real estate agents. This is a perception (equals reality) that only we can change. Taking action here is a step towards changing perception. Inaction is the equivalent of adding your name to the post.
As I offered in my comments on the post, if my demands make you uncomfortable, send me the information and I'll take care of the problem. My name is at stake here as well. And my name, as Andrew Lenza so eloquently wrote, is
"a name my children are going to borrow and pass along to my grandchildren like my dead relatives did before them. See, you don't own your name. You're borrowing it. You do own your actions, though."
I leave with a call to action for all who read this. Regardless of the characteristics that separate us, our unifying responsibility is to leave this world better than we found it. My children and yours deserve the opportunity to play, to grow, to learn, and to live in a world free from the sins of their fathers. So, make the right choice and take action where you see injustices.
Erik - I agreed with you except the 2nd item - why is it anyone's 'duty' to pass along her misguided and ignorant opinions to other agents so they can what - ostrasize her as well. Perhaps this person's opinions come from a long line of ignorance and it is a call for help??????? Judge not, lest ye be judged...help those that seem uncertain how to help themselves!