From the front page of today’s Wall Street Journal. Focus Turns to Palin Record by Jim Carleton, Michael M. Phillips, Elizabeth Williamson & Laura Meckler
[Gov. Palin] floated the idea of pulling books she considered offensive from a local library.
While of course, WE know this, what’s interesting is that this is not a quote from a community member, but this is presented as fact, on the front page of a right-leaning newspaper.
HOWEVER – Book-banning is NOT a right/left issue. Books are banned for for being perceived as racist, or to remove religion from schools (ie, Huck Finn, The Bible), as well as for ‘obscenity’ and sexuality (ie. Lolita, And Tango Makes Three)
Libraries allow people to make their own decisions. By having a wide spectrum of ideas and perspectives, Libraries fight ignorance and mitigate extremism.
It still is interesting, though, that a conservative paper would publish that the Republican VP candidate has suggested banning books.
September 6, 2008 at 2:46 am
It doesn’t surprise me in the least that a right-wing publication would talk about Palin wanting to ban books. I think right-wingers embrace this and are generally very much in favor of throwing any piece of writing they disapprove of in a big bon fire. Right-wingers often complain that the Bible is banned in public schools but the fact is that Bibles are usually available in public school libraries – the Bible simply isn’t taught as fact in public school classes. Right-wingers usually support a double-standard. They don’t want any books they disagree with made available in libraries or schools but complain about censorship of the publications they do like – a complain which is usually unfounded. Palin is a hero for this crowd. Would not surprise me if they’re getting ready lists to send to Palin of objectionable books they would like banned if she become VP.
September 6, 2008 at 8:23 am
In some conservative circles, banning books their group finds objectionable is considered an act of faith. You get points in those circles for speaking up or taking action about this. Palin was expressing this viewpoint, whether because of personal belief or because it was a good way to garner votes. That’s exactly why John McCain put her on his ticket – she appeals to the right-wing of the Republican party, to the people who consider him too liberal.
September 6, 2008 at 10:26 am
Where first you burn books, next you burn people.
September 6, 2008 at 3:35 pm
OF the countless blog replies I have ever read, yours is the most clear and concise, the most objective and dispassionate. You said it all!
September 6, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Thanks so much for your genuinely truthful information. Many of us are looking for truth, facts and perspective as we face these next month.
All the best…
September 6, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Thanks so much for your genuinely truthful information. Many of us are looking for truth, facts and perspective as we face these next months.
All the best…
September 6, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Most readers like ancient lore, don’t you?
http://faqnews.wordpress.com/2008/09/04/obama-%E2%80%9Cchildren-are-off-limits%E2%80%9D-biden-mythical-creatures-are-not/
September 6, 2008 at 8:24 pm
This is a thought for anyone in Wasilla who has an interest in the censorship issue. You might want to check whether Gov. Palin ever approached one of the local school boards about banning books.
Because teachers and school administrators are often gun shy, a parent’s fight to have a book banned often succeeds.
I have personal experience fighting against the banning of “Brave New World” and “Stranger in a Strange Land” at what was supposed to be a science oriented High School in Texas.
There are usually records of this kind of action, but it would take someone on the ground in Wasilla to dig it out.
Anyone there eager to be an investigative reporter?
September 8, 2008 at 5:08 pm
It is a shame that Mrs. Palin is thrust at the electorate so unexpectantly that the media and the voters must now scurry about like little hamsters to find out something about this woman who could be elected Vice president in less than sixty days! Everything I hear, see and read from the conservative side is slanted and untrustworthy. I’m not at all certain about what I hear, see and read from the left either. This nation is in a very difficult place right now, and in my view most of us don’t even realize it!
October 10, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Obama and Biden are bad news for future library patrons because they support the killing of babies (even if they survive the abortion)! Obama has voted against “Born Alive” bills.
Vote pro-life… vote Palin
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