"I don't see why there should not be a way to know who is publishing data on the Internet. In almost all other forms of communication, there is some accountability for the origination of information."
...in every other form of communication, the phrase "get a warrant" comes to mind.
Except on the internet where we require the information to be public so that anyone and their dog can view it without a warrant.
This last statement is entirely untrue. WHOIS provides information as to the PUBLISHER (such as one would find on the masthead of a newspaper). This is, ought to be, and should remain, public information. You still need to "get a warrant" (or a rubber hose) as you so quaintly put it to ascertain the origination of the information published. --- The fact that there's a Highway to Hell but only a Stairway to Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic volume.