[Publib] RE: COSWL on Alito--Reality Check

[James Casey]

There was a time when I would have agreed with Christine's message.
That was then.  Now it IS "crunch time" when it comes to Library issues.

Our values are under attack on every front -- privacy rights, fair use,
intellectual freedom, our budgets, media diversity, access to
information, 
funding for research, academic freedom, etc..  Given the nature of the
attackers, negotiation and moderation don't carry much weight.  Fighting
back and total surrender seem to be our only options.  

James B. Casey -- My own views.  ALA Council Member







-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Christine Hage
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 11:30 AM
To: kgs at bluehighways.com; PUBLIB
Subject: [Publib] RE: COSWL on Alito--Reality Check

I agree with what Karen said about the need for people to express their
concerns through their ALA vote.  Last year I ran for president of ALA
and clearly stated that I felt we needed to focus on the mission of ALA
and on library matters.  No one else will fight on behalf of libraries
and when we dilute our resources by focusing on non library issues we
weaken ourselves when it comes to crunch time.

I'm not saying that issues like the Alito appointment, torture in Iraq,
etc. aren't important.  I just don't believe they just are ALA issues.
This is the type of issue on which we should take personal action.