[Publib] Re: Censorship--Christopher Bowen

[Matthew Simon-pre-DESIGN Planning Associates]

I applaud Christopher Bowen for his lucid and cogent remarks about censorship.  Unfortunately,  Mr. Bowen, I am afraid we have a bit of a generational issue here.  Both of us, (along with  leaders like John Berry, Mitch Freeman, David Cohen, Zoia Horn and Elliott and Eleanor Goldstein)  were children who cut our teeth during and learned the energetic, compassionate liberalism (as opposed to the Rovian sound bite) practiced in the era between Roosevelt and Nixon. I believe we have a moral imperative to stand up to those who would undermine or entirely do away with our Constitutional guarantees in the name of "security" or "family values" or whatever is currently floating the media's boat.  Sadly, we are now witnessing a period in which fear of job loss, social opprobrium, or mindless compliance to stupid orders is also eroding our sense of who we are as a nation and as a profession.

The Library Schools should be explaining that getting fired (and I speak from experience) defending the law and the rights of our patrons to use whatever information they want or need, is not the worst thing that can happen to you.  You may not be able to afford that shiny new electronic gadget for a while, but in the eyes of many you will be a true hero.

Matthew Simon