Latest on Sarah Palin and book ban
Here's an update on the debate over whether Sarah Palin tried to censor books while mayor of Wasilla, Alaska. Responding to media calls, the local paper has posted a 1996 article about the issue.
I've read it twice -- even between the lines -- and still can't find a clear cut answer. But I do see room for concern.
According to the Frontiersman article, Palin said she was just getting acquainted with town administrators and had no particular books in mind when she questioned the library director. “Many issues were discussed, both rhetorical and realistic in nature,” Palin said.
Mary Ellen Emmons clearly was concerned, though. She reminded Palin that Wasilla had a book challenge policy in place, the article said. “But it seemed clear to me that wasn't really what she was talking about anyhow,” Emmons added. “I just hope it doesn't come up again.”
Apparently, it never did.
Comments
Issues about censorship (including what is and what isn't appropriate in libraries) were on peoples' minds a lot back in 1996.
Recall that President Clinton signed Communications Decency Act (Telecommunications Act of 1996, Section 502, 47 U.S.C. Section 223[a].) in February of that year, banning the communication of "obscene or indecent" material via the Internet to anyone under 18 years of age. The ACLU sued, and the law was partially overturned by the Supreme Court in 1997.
Thus, it's hardly a surprise that at that time censorship was one of “Many issues ... discussed, both rhetorical and realistic in nature.” Lawsuits aren't cheap.
Anyway, as someone noted on another blog, who would mind if the Pratt refused to carry, say, the complete writings of David Duke? Would that be censorship, or common sense?
Posted by: jamie hunt | September 11, 2008 9:49 AM