Comments on: Freedom to Read – Individual Rights vs. Government Control

By: Caribousmom

Caribousmom — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:16:30 +0000

Ann: I approach much in the media with some skepticism – but this story rang true to me based on what I’ve been learning about Palin. And you are right – freedom is NOT free, we must always keep a watchful eye out for those in our society who want to degrade our freedoms!

By: ann

ann — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:25:13 +0000

Well
Most of us are skeptical about anything written
or seen on political issues. I am so glad to see that you expressed your views here. I know little about Sarah Palin and am happy to learn more. I confess that my views are not my own but a result of what I have seen and heard. Freedom is not free and I am keeping an open mind at this time.

By: Caribousmom

Caribousmom — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:25:59 +0000

Typ0: Thank you – it is near and dear to me too (as you can see!) and I get rabid thinking someone is threatening my right to read what I want to.

Samantha: I couldn’t agree more – I always see an OPPORTUNITY in reading a book that makes me uncomfortable or questions my beliefs…that opens the door for dialogue and perhaps understanding even if you don’t ultimately agree with the author.

Verbatim: *nods* When I see someone wanting to use their power to impede others freedoms, it makes me sit up and take notice.

By: verbatim

verbatim — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:06:16 +0000

The advocacy of banning books should be a red flag to anyone concerned with preserving diverse opinion in our government and society. Such diversity makes us a more creative, progressive society. It also happens to make for better government (see Abraham Lincoln). As far as I’m concerned once a politican suggests banning books that’s all I need to know — they gotta go! Thanks for raising the issue, Wendy.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:40:13 +0000

Banning books is such a hot topic issue with me as well. I’m glad that you helped to inform others who IMO needed to hear this information. And personally I would rather read controversial books together so that we would have the chance to talk about the issue on hand.

By: Typ0

Typ0 — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:22:53 +0000

Banned Books Week is a something that is very near and dear to my heart. I had not read that article about Palin previously and am aghast. Great post, Wendy!

By: Caribousmom

Caribousmom — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:17:46 +0000

I agree, Jill – ultimately it is up to parents to do the monitoring. I am always interested in parents who want to ban books in libraries – I would think some of the “difficult” or controversial literature out there would be an excellent springboard for discussion with one’s children. But, even if a parent doesn’t want their kid to read something, preventing OTHER people from reading it is not the solution, in my opinion! Thanks for commenting

By: Jill

Jill — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:06:26 +0000

I have always felt it’s a parents’ job to monitor what children read. And as adults, we should be able to read what we want, when we want it.

This is a concerning viewpoint of our potential VP. I hope voters in our country take the time to make informed decisions about our candidates and vote this November.

By: Caribousmom

Caribousmom — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:42:22 +0000

Thank you to everyone who is weighing in on the topic.

Dana: Glad to see you! I’ve been wondering where you have been these days! Thanks for the link which provides information on the other side of the issue. I don’t really care about which books she asked about removing (I actually had not seen that list before) – I don’t support removing ANY books from public libraries It is hard to get both sides of an issue in an election year which is unfettered by hype because both sides will naturally want the issue presented in the way which supports their choice of candidate.

By: Dana

Dana — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:18:45 +0000

FWIW–an intersting list. Numvers 30-33 address the issue.
And no, I’m dont know which why i am voting yet, but I am very very skeptical of media hype from BOTH sides of the platform
http://explorations.chasrmartin.com/2008/09/06/palin-rumors/