Palin the book censor

[symbiosis 0]

It's ok to test a librarian's "loyalty" to an elected administrator? How come? That there stinks to me but then what do I know? Maybe it's perfectly normal to only be surrounded by 'yes' men.

And what way would a librarian NOT be loyal ... unless, of course, it meant not being willing to carry out your censorship agenda.

... perhaps Palin should have checked out a book on logic.

[jundp 191]

The main problem I have with those who propose book bannings is that in many many cases, the people have never even READ the book(s) in question.

That was sort of OT though, because I was just making a general statement. Lo siento.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The main problem I have with those who propose book bannings is that in many many cases, the people have never even READ the book(s) in question.

That was sort of OT though, because I was just making a general statement. Lo siento.

That's frequently the case.... I thought Hillary demeaned herself pretty well with that brief moral crusade she went on about the interactive sex scenes in Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. Esp. given that the feature was redundant code that was never implemented in the finished game but could basically be hacked and made available - and that the game was already given the highest age rating for a videogame.

Edited September 11, 2008 by Paul Daniels

[no name 1]

It's ok to test a librarian's "loyalty" to an elected administrator? How come? That there stinks to me but then what do I know? Maybe it's perfectly normal to only be surrounded by 'yes' men.

Dunno, but if you read that article, she did it to all her employees. I have no idea if it's the norm?

[metta 0]

but I think there's a difference between censorship because of public safety, like the how to carry assassination book that you mention, or censorship because a certain religious group thinks it's against their beliefs..

I know there are several books that teach you how to make bombs from materials found at home... but IMO the book 'Pastor, I'm gay' doesn't represent such a threat to public safety as a molotov cocktail handbook

it's just weird to ask something like that if you're not planning to do so..

besides.. IMO censorship is never good under any circumstance, specially public libraries..

I think these news articles are written from a certain position though pretending to be objective.

It seems obvious to me that she got her political base in the PTA comprised especially of like-minded moms (read evangelist and born-agains). So once in position as mayor, she'd get suggestions/ demands from her base. So it is conceivable that she asked the librarian what if scenarios.

But do note that she as mayor did not make a move to ban books. So that is an example of an executive decision she took. Executives always have to look at the what ifs and then decide to implement or not to implement a certain line of action.

I am a very big believer in the 1st Amendment. Even then I remember coming to a realization that my belief in first amendment has limits. For example when the Tim Mcveigh bombing took place I learned that he was an avid fan of the guy who wrote a book on :"How To carry out assassinations." It was then that my belief in the first amendment was challenged and that's where i'd draw the line. I came to realize that when it comes to freedom of expression i no longer remain a purist.

That was my dilemma. I don't even want to acknowledge that i would accept censorship on any level.Once you accept censorship, you are on common ground with your opposition on at least one level. The only difference is on your choice of what is to be censored.

It was also a surprise to me to discover sometime ago that Germany still bans Mein Kempf.

So, I mention this issue not in support of banning books but to highlight the irony of one who abhors book banning finding himself on philosophical common ground with book banners.

Firing a librarian could be for any reason. One could only speculate. Once a person is appointed or elected into an execitive position, it is his or her prerogative to hire or fire. So, you really can't fault her for that. Had she ordered a ban on books however, that would be a very different issue.

[pedroh 21]

yea I agree.. if you censor one thing, why not censor the other... but then.. why not use logic to define what's tolerable.. although, it surely stands against the 'complete freedom' of the 1st ammendment..

again.. not allowing books about how to kill people or make a bomb is one thing, compared to a book about wizards, or homosexuality

[jom 4]

Anything new?

[jundp 191]

This is the part that gets me:

Obviously the issue of censorship is a library question... you ask a library director that type of question,” Palin said

Why would you "rhetorically" ask about book banning? Especially at a time when the librarian is trying to revise the Challenged Book process? It just sounds like an odd rhetorical question for a public official to be asking, especially one running for mayor.

[Peikko 1,575]

Yes, it does. However, far be it for us to question the actions of 'superwoman'!

[jundp 191]

Interesting election. We have Messiah and the old man vs. Old Man and Superwoman.

[Peikko 1,575]

I meant of course

WONDERWOMAN!

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

The libs are so desperate! Geez look at you people! Fckin pathetic bunch. The Barack laweyer drop in Alaska to dig up shite on Palin under the guise of change? LMAO!

Obama has rev. Wright, Bill Ayres, Rezco! Pull your heads outta Baracks ####### and get real! You gotta love a bad investment.

You all might start getting therapy appointments for novembers big dissappointment!

I hear Canada nice in november

[Marilyn. 340]

The libs are so desperate! Geez look at you people! Fckin pathetic bunch. The Barack laweyer drop in Alaska to dig up shite on Palin under the guise of change? LMAO!

Obama has rev. Wright, Bill Ayres, Rezco! Pull your heads outta Baracks ####### and get real! You gotta love a bad investment.

You all might start getting therapy appointments for novembers big dissappointment!

I hear Canada nice in november

you guys accuse some of the Obama followers of blindly following him without questioning anything he does or says.. ... but some of you guys are doing the same thing.. you are blindly following McCain and whenever someone questions him or Palin you call them desperate.. sheesh....

Edited September 12, 2008 by *Marilyn*

[jundp 191]

The libs are so desperate! Geez look at you people! Fckin pathetic bunch. The Barack laweyer drop in Alaska to dig up shite on Palin under the guise of change? LMAO!

Obama has rev. Wright, Bill Ayres, Rezco! Pull your heads outta Baracks ####### and get real! You gotta love a bad investment.

You all might start getting therapy appointments for novembers big dissappointment!

I hear Canada nice in november

What?

I'm an equal opportunity hater

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

The libs are so desperate! Geez look at you people! Fckin pathetic bunch. The Barack laweyer drop in Alaska to dig up shite on Palin under the guise of change? LMAO!

Obama has rev. Wright, Bill Ayres, Rezco! Pull your heads outta Baracks ####### and get real! You gotta love a bad investment.

You all might start getting therapy appointments for novembers big dissappointment!

I hear Canada nice in november

you guys accuse some of the Obama followers of blindly following him without questioning anything he does or says.. ... but some of you guys are doing the same thing.. you are blindly following McCain and whenever someone questions him or Palin you call them desperate.. sheesh....

If you knew what you were talkin about youd be dangerous!