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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

ObamaCare Pushing Librarians Out of Work; What Goes Around Comes Around

As a direct result of ObamaCare, librarians in Brevard County, FL, may be losing their hours:
  • "Brevard County to Cut Back Hours for Some Part-Time Employees," by Bob Opsahl and Melonie Holt, WFTV 9, 23 July 2013 (hyperlink omitted):
    Brevard County has over 300 part-time workers, many of whom are in the library and parks systems.

    While officials don't necessarily want to reduce hours for those employees, they'll be forced to unless the county wants to pay for full-time health benefits.




Librarians had been ordered by the American Library Association [ALA] to push ObamaCare, that is until it cut back on the severity of its message to make it appear optional after librarian push back, as only I reported, and the self-arrogated censorship police voluntarily agreed to suppress President Obama's speech to #ALA2013 and the video has not yet been made available:



ObamaCare is a larger invasion of privacy than the National Security Agency [NSA] scandal:

Although ObamaCare is a worse invader of privacy than the NSA, ALA is exhorting people to oppose NSA on privacy grounds:
  • "Ask Your Representative to Vote YES on Amash Amendment," by Action Alert, American Library Association, 23 July 2013:
    On Wednesday, July 24, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the Defense Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2397).

    Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI) has introduced an amendment to the bill that would stop funding for the NSA's warrantless surveillance programs.

    Please ask your Representative to vote YES on the Amash amendment.  This amendment is a strong vote against the NSA's warrantless surveillance programs and bulk metadata collection.

    Click "Call Now" for calling information and talking points.
  • "Act Now: Support the Amash Amendment to Stop Funding NSA Surveillance," by Jazzy Wright, American Library Association, 23 July 2013.
  • "Act Now: Support the Amash Amendment to Stop Funding NSA Surveillance," by Choose Privacy Week, American Library Association, 23 July 2013.   [In full disclosure, Choose Privacy Week has a single major donor who paid for and enabled the work the ALA does to give the impression ALA cares about privacy while promoting Open Society Institute messages the public would not otherwise accept.  That person is George Soros.  See "Know the ALA" for details.  The Choose Privacy Week site is basically a wholly owned subsidiary of the Open Society Institute, though it is not promoted as such.]
  • "FTRF, ALA Join Efforts to Protect Privacy and Increase Transparency Around Surveillance," by American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, OIF Blog, 18 July 2013.

As to Brevard County, its library already bowed down to the ALA's demand to allow pornography into its public libraries:

Now it is bowing to the ALA again, this time on ObamaCare:

So librarian hours are being shrunk by ObamaCare, the so-named Affordable Care Act.  Not for Brevard County librarians it's not affordable.  They supported ALA's porn push and more recently ALA's ObamaCare push, and now they may lose work and medical benefits as a direct result.  Sad to say, but what goes around comes around.



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Thursday, July 18, 2013

US DOJ Indicts Public Library Child Porn Viewer: US v. Wiggins

Another public library, another child porn viewer.  This time at the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library, Parkersburg, WV:



The library filters the Internet but turns off the filters upon request: "If a site is blocked by the internet filter, then the patron may come to the Reference Librarian to override at the Librarian's discretion."  Remember, the law allows librarians to refuse to unblock porn per Bradburn v. NCRL.  So it is possible the library itself may have been partly responsible for the crime, depending on the circumstances.  However, the facts as reported are too thin to understand much at all.

Let's see how well turning off filters upon request works:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2013

WOOD CO. MAN INDICTED BY A FEDERAL GRAND JURY FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSE

Matthew Wiggins allegedly viewed images of child pornography during public library visit


CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Wood County man was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston for a child pornography offense. Matthew John Wiggins, 40, of Parkersburg, W.Va., was charged with access with intent to view child pornography.  The single-count indictment alleges that on January 17, 2013, Wiggins viewed images of child pornography from a computer that was located inside of the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library.

Wiggins faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison because of his previous conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for possession of child pornography.

The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.

The indictment was brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin's ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

Note: The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Click here to view a copy of the indictment.

SOURCE of the above:



UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA 
CHARLESTON GRAND JURY 2012 
JULY 16, 2013 SESSION 

FILED
JUL 16 2013
TERESA L. DEPPNER, CLERK
U.S. District Court
Southern District of West Virginia


CRIMINAL NO.   6:13-cr-00183  
                           18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B) 
                        18 U.S.C. § 2252A(b)(2) 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

v.

MATTHEW JOHN WIGGINS


I N D I C T M E N T 

 The Grand Jury Charges: 

      1.   On or about January 17, 2013, at or near Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia, and within the Southern District of West Virginia, defendant MATTHEW JOHN WIGGINS did knowingly access with intent to view material, that is, computer graphic image files, containing images of child pornography, as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256(8)(A), that involved prepubescent minors and which had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by any means, including by computer. 
     2.   At the time defendant MATTHEW JOHN WIGGINS possessed child pornography, he had a prior federal conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, that is, Possession of Child Pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B). 

      In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252A(a)(5)(B) and 2252A (b)(2).
FORFEITURE 

      In accordance with Section 2253(a) of Title 18 of the United States Code, and Rule 32.2(a) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and premised on the conviction of defendant MATTHEW JOHN WIGGINS of a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2251 et seq., as set forth in this indictment, the defendant shall forfeit to the United States any visual depictions and any books, magazines, periodicals, films, videotapes, and other matter which contains such visual depictions, which were produced, transported, mailed, shipped, or received in connection with the violations set forth in this indictment, any real and personal property constituting or traceable to gross profits or other proceeds obtained from the violations set forth in this indictment, and any real and personal property used or intended to be used to commit or to promote the commission of the violations set forth in this indictment, including, but not limited to: 

      •   One Western Digital 250GB HDD, serial number WMAVZED46509. 

                                     R. BOOTH GOODWIN II
                                    United States Attorney

                                            /s/

                                By:  _________________________
                                    LISA G. JOHNSTON
                                    Assistant United States Attorney

SOURCE of the above:

  • "US v. Wiggins," Crim. No. 6:13-cr-00183, US DOJ, SDWV, 16 July 2013.


Shout out to the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the Parkersburg Police Department, and the US DOJ United States Attorney and Assistant United States Attorney, SD W.Va.

As usual, the American Library Association will provide no assistance, I predict, as its policies may have been part of the problem, both with respect to the library's filtering policy and with respect to the library's policy on destruction of Internet usage data.  For example, see:





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Thursday, July 11, 2013

Councilman Ron Nirenberg Wants CIPA Filtering in the San Antonio Public Library

Councilman Ron Nirenberg wants CIPA filtering in the San Antonio Public Library.  Bravo!  What an excellent example for other governmental leaders.  See:

For a discussion of the issues facing governments, everyone should read the following as it applies to any city and saves me from repeating it here:

By the way, I saw one of the news reports say filtering opponents claim porn is viewed only 1% of the time.  That is simply false:



Specifically as to SAPL, here is older information on the porn problem at the library:
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentAs a Christian I am appalled at you granting permission to your Library for children to view, use, read, see pornographic material.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentAs a Christian, and someone who is trying to influence the lives of younger Americans, I find it appalling that you would allow pornography in libraries. Please do something to stop this. If you don't then maybe your children, or grandchildren will be looking at this. Do you really want them to do that? I sincerely hope not.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentAs a very concerned citizen and taxpayer in San Antonio, I am writing to ask you to do all in your power to secure the technology available that will block the accessibility to pornography through the library's computer Internet.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentAs an ex-San Antontioan I was appalled to find that the young people of San Antonio School would have access to pornography in the school libraries. My children were educated in Olmos, Nimitz, and Robert E Lee and were well ahead of the children in the school district we came into in Vermont/New Hampshire and pornography was not a part of the education in SAT. Pornography will not help, but only hinder the minds of your young people in SAT. Remember that as civic leader of a great city the responsibility for leadership calls for leadership by example. SET A HIGHER STANDARD. Please.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentCan you please get that porno off the Internet. It is against God and all He represents.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentDuring you campaign for mayor, I sensed that you were a man with strong moral values. Please confirm my belief in you by using your influence to get the access to pornography out of our Public Library. It is an offense to sell porno material to minors in stores, and I feel that the library is equally guilty by providing access to this kind of material. I do not want my tax dollars spent for such trash!! For the welfare of our city's young people, please put an end to this atrocity.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentFirst of all, congratulations on being elected our new mayor. I am writing you to find out what type of action plan you have to stop the free access to Adult sites on the internet at the public library. I have two small children (and a third on the way), and will not allow them to go to the public library lest they accidentally see an explicit pornographic picture. The city has regulations to prevent minors from seeing this type of trash in stores or at theaters, so why should it not be regulated at the public library? There are definitely pictures on the internet that violate the 'obscenity' laws currently in place. I believe in freedom, and I believe in decency. Please help us protect our children, and email me with your response.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentHoward, it isn't wise to allow children access to pornography in any situation where the influence of your office or personal moral leadership is concerned. There are programs available to place in your library computers that would prevent their access to this sickening material. I am absolutely certain you would not approve of young children or grandchildren in your own family reading and viewing obscene material. Please take whatever action within the power of your office to see that this problem is corrected quickly and positively.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am a San Antonio and a Pastor of a major Internet Ministry. As such I always have been proud to represent San Antonio as a wonderful place to raise a family and a great place for children. Recently Mr. Peak, I have been amazed at the "do nothing" approach that our city has had over the issue of pornography on the Internet at our libraries. If a child tried to purchase pornography at a local ice house, he could not. If he tried to buy liquor, he would be denied, cigarettes, the same. Yet Mr. Mayor he can go to our library and access the raunchiest trash on the Internet. It must cease now!
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am appalled at what has been happening at our City Library. I am, of course, speaking about the pornography being accessed through the Internet by minors. But what concerns me even more is the attitude and position taken by the City Library! A spokesman for the Library who says "most parents do not want a third party intervening on their behalf"? Does that mean we do not have the right to enforce any rules governing the Library because that would be a third party intervening on their behalf? That just doesn't make sense.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am concerned about our children (and adults, for that matter) having access to pornography via our city library internet.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am horrified to hear that children are able to access internet pornography on the internet in San Antonio Public Libraries. You are the Mayor of the wonderful city of San Antonio. You can do something about it, and I encourage you to take a stand against this.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am strongly opposed to pornography being available to minors at the public library. Failing to do everything in our power to prevent access to the pornography is failing to live up to our responsibilities as citizens, parents, and adults. I expect you to take action to restrict the access to pornography at the public library.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am utterly appalled to learn that the San Antonio library system is allowing children to access pornography over the internet. You are putting responsible parents in the position of having to deny their children the use of the library facilities in so doing. There is no justification for this position at all. Adults who wish to access pornography over the internet can buy their own computers and do so from their homes. There is no need for the public library to subsidize this type of activity for adults, and in so doing to ruin the library experience for kids. Furthermore, it should be easy enough to set age limits for access to certain machines and to put internet nanny software on machines kids have access to. I hope these suggestions are helpful.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am writing in regard to the recent news that children have access to pornography over the internet in every library in San Antonio. It is my understanding that not only are children allowed access to it, but in many cases is in open view for all other children in the library to see (in spite of the protective screens). I also understand it is against the law to tell the person at the computer that what they are viewing is inappropriate. I strongly protest your policy of allowing this kind of material in our libraries.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am writing to request your action relating to the Library/Internet issue. Although your office purports very few calls have been received, I respectfully submit to you that the inaction and irresponsibility of your constituents is no excuse for your own ambivalence. You are in the position of leadership and are therefore in the best position to respond for the good of our community. My husband and I both voted for you. You were our councilman and your position on such issues as the art allocation led us to believe your standards most closely resembled our own. With all due respect, Mr. Mayor, please don't hide behind the proverbial "polls" doctrine that implies the leader is no longer accountable when the community is too slovenly to speak up.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am writing to you because I recently heard on KSLR, a Christian Radio Station, that you are not and will not do anything to stop our minor children from viewing pornography on the internet. I personally could not and would not want to be responsible for allowing our minors to view such trash.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI am writing to you concerning the pornography that is available to minors on the San Antonio Library Internet. Since it is illegal for minors to purchase pornography at stores, I believe it should be restricted from their access at the public library. We have certain restrictions in what is allowed in billboard, magazine, and television advertisements. Our tax-payer funded library should have the same.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXAdult Accessing PornographyI am writing you in reference to a recent visit to the McCreless Library on 8-6-97. At the time of my visit, I needed to use the reference computer to locate a book for my college class, as I passed the terminal that houses Internet capabilities at a glance I noticed that the man of approximate age of 55 was viewing pornographic material. I am writing you to inform you, as a paying customer of your library system living in Wilson county I purchase my library privileges, I do not advocate the availability of this type of material. It's one thing to consider the censorship of the written word but a person has to make a decision to read such material. In no way, did I consent to that material and I was exposed to it. I am very grateful that on this rare occasion I did not have my 13-year old son with me.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI cannot believe that YOU would allow youngsters access to internet pornography! That is APPALLING! As a Christian, an Concerned American citizen, I think this needs to be addressed and stopped! One does not feel safe sending one's child to the library anymore!! Absolutely disgraceful!
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI object to my taxpayer money being used by the San Antonio library system to make pornography available to minors.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI object to the availability of pornography to minors on the internet at our city's libraries.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI think I have a good compromise to the "porn on the internet" problem. As a librarian myself (at a research library in town), I understand the need to provide information. However, as a parent, I object to my children having unlimited access to pornography. Even my teenage daughter couldn't believe that the library ( a place of learning) would provide her with something that is illegal for her to purchase.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXChild Accessing PornographyI think usage of Internet-ready computers should be monitored. Many times I have waited an unnecessary amount of time to perform research on the web, only because there are teenagers (high-school age & younger) downloading pornographic web pages or homeless people ( I know because they have the same clothes on everyday & smell BADLY) spending their days in chat rooms, engaging in silly social conversations! The library has become a day-care center.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI want you to know how I feel about pornography being freely available in my public libraries through unrestricted Internet access. Freely available to anyone of any age. Typically, the younger people are the more computer literate and are more likely to find all there is to find on the Internet. These are the same people who are the most vulnerable to pornography's damaging effects. Just as I never want our libraries to ever have Penthouse or Hustler available in the stacks, I don't want pornography available on the library's computer terminals.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI was shocked to hear yesterday that our libraries are allowing teens to access pornographic material on the internet. In the past, I have always thought of the library as a wonderful place for our young people to go and read and see the wealth of wonderful books available. I could hardly believe that the library would allow teens to access such filth on their computers.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI would like to address the issue of pornography on the Internet which is being made available to the children of our community at the local library. I vehemently oppose my tax dollars being used to make pornography available to anyone much less the impressionable youth of San Antonio. It is my hope that you as mayor of this city will do all in your power to put a stop to this practice as soon as possible. I would also like you to make your position known on this issue so that I may better determine whether or not to vote for you in future elections.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentI, as a Christian, am disturbed at the thought that you would have nothing to say about letting children access Pornography on the Internet in libraries. Studies show that cities with strip clubs and porno shops have a higher rate of rape and sexual assault. Please do something for our, and your children, and the people (mostly woman) of your city.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentIt has been brought to my attention that the local library is now allowing access to the internet to the local teens and children in the area. I am appalled that this would be allowed. On the internet are many sites which contain crude pornography. Please, please reconsider allowing the children access to such sites. The world is disintegrating as it is. Do you want to say you played a part in that by turning your back on this?
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentIt has come to my attention that your public library system allegedly allows children to access pornography on the Internet. I cannot believe that this is true, but, if it is, I want to express my objection to such a policy. I know that I am not a resident of San Antonio, but pornography adversely affects all communities. We all pay a high price and its effects can be felt nationwide. Please look into this matter. I thank you for your time in reading this e-mail.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentIt is my understanding that children have access to pornography through the Library Internet provision in the San Antonio library. I want to register my objection as a Christian, a parent, and a United States citizen. I am sure you can exercise your influence to halt this condition, and appeal to you to do so.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentJust a quick note to let you know that my family and I do not feel that pornography has a place in a public library.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentJust a short note to let you know that I strongly disagree with the city library and city counsel to let public viewing of pornography in our library system.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentJust wanted to let you know that I do know how to "program my VCR" and I also have a library card and have used the computers at the library! Why is it that you and Ms. Garcia feel that those who oppose children having access to pornography on the internet in the library must be uneducated and computer illiterate? I also [gasp!] am a registered nurse and own a home computer! Regardless, I still feel that it is wrong for children [who cannot go into an X-rated video store or to the corner 7-11 to rent or purchase porn legally] to punch a few buttons on the computer at the library in our city and see things they shouldn't! Many parents are not aware that this pornography is available to their children at the library. It seems by your comments in your column that you and Ms. Garcia feel that parents are not intellectual enough to decide what is best for their children.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentMr. Mayor PLEASE do not allow our children to watch pornography on the internet at the library. You are their only hope of stopping an addiction that could last a lifetime God Bless you and may he cause you to grow in great power.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXAdult Exposing Children to PornograMy 16 year old daughter was using the computer for school research and a man at the next computer was watching pornographic pictures and how to purchase obscene sex toys. I am appalled that the library would give people access to this type of program. This programming should be blocked so others aren't exposed to this filth.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentPlease, be responsible enough to story the permission of smut at our San Antonio Public Library. I have children, but will never permit them in a library without an adult. This is sad!!!
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentPlease, please do not allow my children or anyone else's children to have access to pornography on the internet. I want to go on record as being completely against this scourge in society, which pornography is! I feel you should use the software available to block pornography.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentThe fact that there is software out there to block the pornography, then why don't we utilize it? Since when do children need to have pornography in order to do their school work and other projects?
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentThe internet is not a constitutional right. I use it daily for resource, for business, for entertainment. However, I have restricted my family from being able to access porn sites. If I can do that for my family, so can you and should you for underage minors. If I opened up my home for the neighborhood kids to come and find pornographic sites on my computer, then I would be arrested for the contributing to the delinquency of minors. I would not be hailed as a First Amendment protectionist, and I have news, nor are you seen in that light either.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentThe San Antonio library system is permitting children, any age, to access pornography on the internet at the libraries. Our Mayor Howard Peak seems to be silent on this and we, (Christians) need help. PLEASE, send a brief email to Mayor Howard Peak at (mayor@ci.sat.tx.us) and let him know, as a Christian, you are appalled!!!!!
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentThere must be limits set for public access on the internet, especially when involving the use by children. To say a minor can not buy cigarettes or tobacco products. Then allow them to see and read playboy, penthouse, hustler or other publications. Just does not make sense. There must be some control to keep faith with parents who trust the public officials to show sound judgement in looking out for their children.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXChild Accessing PornographyThere was a time when the Public Library was a place that commanded respect, if not a sense of reverent awe. After all, it housed the vast treasury of human knowledge, the combined works of the best and the brightest of our species. It was, in a sense, sacred. Sure, it also contained books that were mediocre, and even some downright duds. But the Library, by and large, has traditionally been a place for lofty endeavors like learning, exploration, and personal enrichment. The building up of culture and civilization. Imagine the blow to my (apparently archaic) sensibilities when, upon a recent visit to the downtown Central Library, a still new edifice in our city which should merit the wonder and respect of all great libraries. I discovered that many of our "lost generation" of youth are whiling away their time in these great Corridors of Knowledge, but specifically, in the dark corners of obscenity-infested, quasi-illiterate Internet "chat rooms," which are accessible on the Library's public computer ter
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentWe are writing to you to express our utter disbelief that you, as an adult, cannot protect our children from harmful, sexually explicit information on the internet at the San Antonio Public Library.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentWith all due respect, please do something about the pornography being easily accessed by kids in Public Libraries. I as a Christian, am very appalled by the whole thing. There has to be some kind of block, or STRICT supervision, but I know that won't be enough.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXComplaint / No IncidentYep, you are under the gun politically, but take the hit and pull the plug on pornography at the library. If it is allowed (and I do not endorse it), make sure it is limited to those of legal age. If my child went to the library and was permitted to watch that stuff, and came home and began to act out any of what was seen, I would bring a law-suit of a sizeable amount to get your attention. Perhaps this is what is needed. If you do not have the courage to do the right thing, the best next approach is for someone to bring an action against the city and make them pay for the destruction of our children.
San Antonio Public LibrarySan AntonioTXChild Accessing PornographyYou need to monitor patron's usage of Net access computers! I'm tired of teenagers spending four hours in chat rooms or downloading pornographic pages while I need to research something.



NOTE ADDED 25 OCTOBER 2013:

THE LIBRARY HAS ADDED CIPA INTERNET FILTERS!!!




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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Full Frontal Nudity Coming to a Public Library Near You; Why I Oppose Tom Wheeler, President Obama's Nominee to Chair the Federal Communications Commission

Photo Credit Chris James / Flickr, h/t Associations Now
Full frontal nudity is coming to broadcast TV if Tom Wheeler, President Obama's nominee to chair the Federal Communications Commission [FCC], is confirmed by the US Senate.  A vote for Tom Wheeler is a vote for full frontal nudity on TV right during family hour.  Inevitably, that will make its way into public libraries despite libraries traditionally blocking out or not selecting such material.

Once it gets into libraries, the American Library Association [ALA] will do everything in its power to force local public libraries to ignore local law and policy to allow the full frontal nudity.  Indeed:



I oppose Tom Wheeler for the FCC chair to prevent full frontal nudity from breaking into broadcast TV so that I can attempt to keep the ALA from pushing it into libraries in the first place.  Nothing will be "fleeting."  It will be shown again and again and again—in public libraries—in full view of children.  Like in:



So now you know why I signed the letter to oppose the nomination of Tom Wheeler for FCC chair.

Here is news that does not name me but that covers the letter I signed:

Below is the text of the letter I signed (graphic and hyperlinks added by me) (click here for original):


July 9, 2013

Dear Senator,

Tom Wheeler
Photo Credit Getty Images, h/t Newsmax
We are writing to ask that you oppose Tom Wheeler, President Obama's nominee to chair the Federal Communications Commission, unless he agrees to lead a vigorous effort to enforce the federal decency law, 18 U. S. C. 1464, which prohibits indecency and profanity on broadcast TV and on radio.

Mr. Wheeler was given the opportunity to take a stand on decency enforcement during his nomination hearing but instead sidestepped the issue.  Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) asked Mr. Wheeler, "Where would you take the broadcast decency policy?"  In response, Mr. Wheeler's recognized that indecency is a problem, referencing concern for his grandchildren, but did not discuss enforcement. Mr. Wheeler can't just say there is a problem; he needs to say how he will use his enforcement authority as FCC chairman to fix it.

The American public has a right to decency at home. No network or shock jock has any right to invade that sacred space with indecent programming. Yet, the immediate past chairman of the FCC, Julius Genachowski, refused to bring even one enforcement action on indecency during his four years in office.

The FCC is the guardian of decency on broadcast TV and radio. The next FCC chair needs to show leadership on the issue and enforce the law, which he is free to do after the U. S. Supreme Court decision in FCC V. Fox of last June. It is time for the Commission to do its job and ensure the public airwaves are not filled with nudity and profanity.

There is no question that broadcast decency is a critical issue with the American public. More than 100,000 people submitted comments recently to the FCC in opposition to a proposed weakening of decency enforcement standards.  Only the networks and a handful of their supporters were for the proposal.

The American people have had enough.  We will be patient no longer.  We will not sit by while the public airwaves are filled with pornographic images and profane speech.

Senator, you have an opportunity to clarify Mr. Wheeler's views on the enforcement of the Federal decency law before the U. S. Senate votes on his confirmation and we ask you to do so now.

Sincerely,

L. Brent Bozell III, President
Media Research Center

Patrick A. Trueman, President
Morality in Media

Tim Winter, President
Parents Television Council

Tim Wildmon, President
American Family Association

Mat Staver, Chairman
Liberty Counsel Action

Tom North
Decent TV

Frank Cannon, President
American Principles Project

Larry Jacobs, Managing Director
World Congress of Families

Don Feder
Don Feder Associates

David Barton
WallBuilders

Penny Young Nance, President, CEO
Concerned Women for America

Jan Garbett, President
Women for Decency

Chuck Hurley, Vice-President & Chief Counsel
The Family Leader

Cathi Herrod, President
Center for Arizona Policy

Tom Shields, Chairman
Coalition for Marriage and Family

Mike McManus, President
Marriage Savers

Rick Schatz, CEO
pureHope

Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council

Phyllis Schlafly, President
Eagle Forum

Dr. Josh D. McDowell. Author, Speaker.
CEO Josh McDowell Ministries

Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director
Morality in Media

Dr. Ted Baehr, Chairman
Christian Film & Television Commission

Tom Minnery, Senior Vice President
Focus on the Family

Morton Blackwell, Chairman
The Weyrich Lunch

Michael P. Farris, Chancellor
Patrick Henry College

Phil Burress, President
Citizens for Community Values Action

John D. Foubert, Ph.D., National President
One in Four

Jim Backlin
Christian Coalition of America

David Caton, President
Florida Family Association, Inc

David E. Smith, Executive Director
Illinois Family Institute

Janice Shaw Crouse, Ph.D., Director and Senior Fellow
The Beverly LaHaye Institute
Concerned Women for America

Phillip Cosby, State Director
American Family Assoc. of KS & MO

Gene Mills, President
Louisiana Family Forum

Joe Ortwerth
Missouri Family Policy Council

Kris Mineau, President
Massachusetts Family Institute

Bill Johnson, President
American Decency Association

Dan Kleinman, Library Watchdog
SafeLibraries

Robert Kammer, President
Maryland Coalition Against Pornography

Judith Gelernter Reisman, Ph.D., Visiting Professor of Law
Liberty School of Law

John Helmberger, CEO
Minnesota Family Council

David Fowler, President,
Family Action of Tennessee, Inc

Rev. Jason J. McGuire, President
New Yorker's Family Research Foundation

C. Preston Noell III, President
Tradition, Family, Property, Inc.

Tiffany Leeper, President, Girls Against Porn & Human Trafficking
Chief Liberation Officer
The Gentlemen's Posse

Diane Gramley, President

American Family Association of Pennsylvania

Kent Ostrander, Executive Director
The Family Foundation (KY)

Karen Testerman
First Principles New Hampshire

Patrick E. Mangan, Executive Director
Citizens for Community Values of Indiana

Micah Clark, Executive Director
American Family Association of Indiana

Pamela Atkinson, Chair
Utah Coalition Against Pornography

 Tony Nassif, President & Founder

Preventing Abuse Foundation

Gary Glenn, President
American Family Association of Michigan

Monica Boyer
Kosciusko Silent NO More

John Stemberger, President
Florida Family Policy Council

Sharon Slater, President
Family Watch International

Rita G. Covelle, President
Morality in Media of Massachusetts

Jeffrey J. Ford MS, LMFT
UCAP Board Member

Jill Geigle, President
Arizona Family Council

Carol Soelberg, President
United Families International

Jill C. Manning, Ph.D., LMFT
Family Therapist & Researcher

Michael Geer, President
Pennsylvania Family Institute

Julaine K. Appling, President
Wisconsin Family Council

Janet M. LaRue, Esq.
Jan LaRue & Associates

Maurine Proctor, Editor-in-chief
Meridian Magazine

Daniel Weiss, President
The Brushfires Foundation

Elaine Silodor Berk, Co-director
JONAH

Arthur Goldberg, Co-director
JONAH

William J. Murray, Chairman
Religious Freedom Coalition

Ann Redding, President,
Christian Action League of Minnesota

Derek A. McCoy, President
Maryland Family Alliance


NOTE ADDED 16 JULY 2013:





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Friday, July 5, 2013

Librarians Refuse ALA Obamacare Push; Wanted: Video of President Obama Speech at ALA Conference; Lenny Kravitz's Message for Librarians

President Obama still from video
displayed at ALA conference,
photo credit ALA.
Wanted:  video of President Obama telling librarians to promote Obamacare.  Somebody must have recorded that video on an iPhone or something.  Please send me the recording for publication in the interests of equal access and free speech.

Despite the American Library Association's [ALA] support for equal access and free speech, ALA agreed to allow the President to make a video statement to hundreds of librarians at the annual ALA convention, then to never display nor distribute it ever again.  Some librarians bristle at this and related ALA problems with mishandling the message; it seems Lenny Kravitz also recorded a message for such librarians, as explained below.


Libraries and Communities Are Refusing to Follow ALA Diktat on Obamacare

And indeed, some libraries have already announced they will not follow ALA diktat: "we have to be careful that we do not push people either way."

Local governments are balking too, and he means the ALA: "In addition - the Board of County Commissioners should decide - not the National Library Association - they were not elected to represent Brevard residents."


Reported Nowhere Else: Behind-the-Scenes Talk About the ALA Obamacare Push

With coverage only SafeLibraries can provide, here is a revealing behind-the-scenes conversation amongst librarians about the new Obamacare directive to librarians and ALA's responses.  Librarians from across the USA are not at all happy.  Watch how the ALA "Press Officer" is forced to changed her message to add that libraries need not take part in ALA's efforts to assist in the promotion of Obamacare:
Just to be clear, the "partnership" between IMLS and the Center for Medicare Services was created only so that the government agency could provide informational resources specifically tailored to libraries—libraries are not forced into a commitment or obligation of any kind.  ALA is only providing information to help libraries prepare to answer questions that their patrons may have.  ALA is providing resources on the health law so that libraries can fulfill their mission to make information available to their patrons.  We are working with the agency to provide free resources so that librarians would not be caught off guard by patron questions.  Again, we are only providing information.
My favorite quote: "ALA doesn't speak for all libraries, but the politicians believe they do."  There are other money quotes as well.  Speaking of the "digital divide," ALA says, "The session was recorded and will be available for sale soon."  So much for free speech and equal access!

And now, read the inside truth for yourselves, in chronological order, followed by links to many related stories and more:

NEBRASKA LIBRARIAN
2 JUL 2013 1:37 PM

I wanted to attend the ALA session (http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2013/06/libraries-health-insurance-preparing-october-1) “Libraries & Health Insurance: Preparing for October 1,” from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, but I had a conflict.  Since this effort provides a great opportunity for libraries—and maybe a bit of a challenge for our communication efforts—I'm hoping that someone on this list attended the session and would be willing to share the information?  We really want to get out ahead on this one and as you can see (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/apnewsbreak-librarians-help-health-law), people are already talking about whether this is an appropriate role for libraries, etc.  Please share with this list if you have any information, marketing materials, etc….thanks
ILLINOIS LIBRARIAN
2 JUL 2013 2:50 PM

I second [NEBRASKA LIBRARIAN]'s request.  We're already getting calls from local media about what we're going to be doing, as a result of the ALA news release, and don't have a plan in place yet.  Illinois is one of the states that will be expanding Medicaid, but we don't know yet what the insurance exchanges will look like or what kind of assistance we'll be providing, beyond computer access.  Anyone who has dealt with the public knows the process is going to be more complicated than that.

In my opinion only, ALA jumped the gun by releasing a blanket statement before libraries had the pieces in place - or had a chance to see whatever this training is going to be.
NEW HAMPSHIRE LIBRARIAN
2 JUL 2013 2:53 PM

I read the other day that Obama administration officials were meeting with state librarians on this. Although the article didn't specify, I suspected they were meeting at ALA over the weekend.  Perhaps state librarians will be distributing more information?
ALA PRESS OFFICER JAZZY WRIGHT
2 JUL 2013 3:14 PM

Hello everyone,

I want to apologize for the confusion.  The partnership between IMLS and the Center for Medicaid Services means that both groups will work in the next coming months to prepare librarians for the number of patrons who will need help enrolling in the Affordable Care Act.  ALA is only providing resources on the health law so that libraries can fulfill their mission to make information available to their patrons.

Many of you have attended the ALA Conference “Libraries and Health Insurance: Preparing for Oct 1” on Sunday.  The session was recorded and will be available for sale soon.  We're sending updates to all of our ALA Washington Office subscribers: http://capwiz.com/ala/mlm/signup/  You can also get Washington Office news at www.districtdispatch.org.

Additionally, IMLS announced that they will work with Webjunction to host online educational seminars about the new health enrollment requirements (see this press release http://www.imls.gov/imls_and_centers_for_medicare_and_medicaid_services_to_partner_with_libraries.aspx).

Warm regards,

Jazzy Wright
Press Officer
American Library Association, Washington Office
KANSAS LIBRARIAN
2 JUL 2013 3:43 PM

I believe that since ALA made this decision to be a part of this initiative on behalf of the public libraries in the U.S – without our knowledge or consent- that this conference should be available for download to libraries WITHOUT cost.—At the very least ALA members should be able to have access without cost.

I understand the value that libraries can contribute to this process and look forward to being able to offer this assistance to my community.  However, there will be considerable expense in staff training and staff hours of assistance to the public.  We need to have all the resources we can in preparing for this initiative.
NEW YORK LIBRARIAN
2 JUL 2013 9:36 PM

For those of us who were able to attend ALA and have already paid, I would hope we are not going to be charged for this as you note below.  In fact I do not think any library should be charged for something as important as this piece of information.  At a time when we are in survival mode and needing to justify to those who are controlling our budgets, that libraries still are relevant, this could be the perfect tool to do so.  I think it would also strengthen ALA's position in general and the value of being a member that you can provide us with critical information our communities need.  Those with dwindling staff do not have time to do some of this, but your assistance in putting our best foot forward in our communities would be a great help.  This topic will be getting tremendous attention in the press and will affect many Americans.  We should be out front at the leaders and source of information.

Please do not charge!
ALABAMA LIBRARIAN
2 JUL 2013 10:10 PM

IMO

One of the prime issues is that no press release should have been sent out until all state agencies had an opportunity to discuss this with its libraries.  We are now in a situation of appearing uninformed (which most of us are) and out of touch.  As we argue that libraries and librarians are relevant in this age of information over load this PR puts us in the "clueless" column.

My husband saw the news story this evening.  I haven't even returned home and had a chance to talk to my staff yet about the little information I have.
WISCONSIN LIBRARIAN
3 JUL 2013 1:09 PM

I highly doubt that ALA will provide this for free.  And certainly not free to non-members.  ALA doesn't speak for all libraries, but the politicians believe they do.  Our library will certainly help people find their way with this.  However, ALA is brokering these partnerships, committing us to additional programs but NOT fighting for financial aid to do them.
ALA PRESS OFFICER JAZZY WRIGHT
3 JUL 2013 2:10 PM

Hello,

Thank you all for expressing your concerns.  Resources on the Affordable Care Act will be provided by OCLC’s Webjunction at no cost to members and non-members (everyone).  IMLS has awarded $286,104 to OCLC to support the effort—learn more about the grant to Webjunction: http://www.oclc.org/en-US/news/releases/2013/201337dublin.html.

We are working with every government agency to look for resources that can prepare libraries for the health enrollment changes to come.  Look for an update from the ALA Washington Office with more information soon.  And again, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give me at a call at (202) 628-8410, ext. 8208.

Warm regards,

Jazzy Wright
Press Officer
American Library Association, Washington Office
ALA PRESS OFFICER JAZZY WRIGHT
3 JUL 2013 2:25 PM

Hello [KANSAS LIBRARIAN],

Thank you for expressing your concerns.  Resources on the Affordable Care Act will be provided by OCLC’s Webjunction at no cost to members and non-members (everyone).  IMLS has awarded $286,104 to OCLC to support the effort—learn more about the grant to Webjunction: http://www.oclc.org/en-US/news/releases/2013/201337dublin.html.

Just to be clear, the “partnership” between IMLS and the Center for Medicare Services was created only so that the government agency could provide informational resources specifically tailored to libraries—libraries are not forced into a commitment or obligation of any kind.  ALA is only providing information to help libraries prepare to answer questions that their patrons may have.  ALA is providing resources on the health law so that libraries can fulfill their mission to make information available to their patrons.  We are working with the agency to provide free resources so that librarians would not be caught off guard by patron questions.  Again, we are only providing information.

We are working with every government agency to look for resources that can prepare libraries for the health enrollment changes to come.  Look for an update from the ALA Washington Office with more information soon.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me at a call at (202) 628-8410, ext. 8208.

Warm regards,

Jazzy Wright
Press Officer
American Library Association, Washington Office
SOUTH CAROLINA LIBRARIAN IN RESPONSE TO ALABAMA LIBRARIAN
3 JUL 2013 8:04 PM

Amen to that.

[In response to ALABAMA LIBRARIAN who said, "One of the prime issues is that no press release should have been sent out until all state agencies had an opportunity to discuss this with its libraries.  We are now in a situation of appearing uninformed (which most of us are) and out of touch.  As we argue that libraries and librarians are relevant in this age of information over load this PR puts us in the 'clueless' column."]


Stories Related to ALA's Obamacare Push

For stories related to this issue, see, in reverse chronological order:
  • "Local Libraries To Help Feds in ObamaCare Outreach," by Charles Parker, Brevard Times, 4 July 2013:
    Thompson said this in an email exchange with District 5 County Commissioner Andy Anderson, after the question was raised by Brevard Times.

    Anderson has asked to “review the plan for dissemination and materials. I may need to discuss with board if the information is accurate or just political propaganda.

    “In addition - the Board of County Commissioners should decide - not the National Library Association - they were not elected to represent Brevard residents.
  • "White House Vetoes Public Seeing Obama's Thanks to Librarians," by Gabriella Morrongiello, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2013.
  • "No ObamaCare Partnership at MontCo Public Libraries, MCLINC Says; The Montgomery County Library and Information Network Consortium Will Not Set Aside Computers for Heath [sic] Care Sign-Ups, According to Library Leadership," by Brittany Tressler, Hatboro-Horsham Patch, 3 July 0213:
    According to a Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library representative, the Montgomery County Library and Information Network Consortium will not participate in the new partnership between the American Library Association and the White House, which will promote ObamaCare.

    During a recent municipal presentation, Perkiomen Township Commissioner Richard Kratz questioned Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Executive Director Kathleen Arnold-Yerger about the recently announced campaign, in which 17,000 U.S. libraries will help to spread the word about the new health care law, and will give the public access to computers to sign up.

    Arnold-Yerger said she was “shocked” when she heard about the partnership.

    “I thought, ‘Gee, they think libraries are going to put the few computers that we have aside for people to sign up for health care?’ ” Arnold-Yerger said.

    According to the Obama administration, libraries are a great place to learn about the new healthcare system before its October kick-off, when Americans can start shopping for insurance online.

    "Libraries are a tremendous resource for people in their communities," U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services spokeswoman Julie Bataille said, according to Fox News. "They're already a destination many individuals go to when they're seeking out information and understanding on a variety of issues."

    However, library employees have to be very careful when it comes to asking questions from customers, according Arnold-Yerger.

    “When people come in with health questions and legal questions, we, as a profession, have to be very careful has [sic] we respond to them,” Arnold-Yerger said. “We will send them to the law library, to medical sites, but we have to be careful that we do not push people either way.”
  • "Abilene Public Library Could Become a Helpful Source for Obamacare Sign Ups," by Tiffany Walden, Abilene Reporter-News, 3 July 2013:
    Ricki Brown, Abilene chief librarian, remained unsure Wednesday on how involved APL will be in a federal program to assist residents with Obamacare sign ups.
  • "Librarians to the Health Care/Insurance Literacy Rescue," by Ann Treacy, The Twin Cities Daily Planet, 3 July 2013:
    I think it's a great idea – but the last time I checked many libraries had a 30-minue time limit on computers, which is often enforced strictly because of the waiting list to use computers.  Also many libraries are closed on Sundays and other odd hours.  To really position the libraries and librarians to support the effort, I think it might be time to invest in computers, broadband and hours for the libraries!
  • "Administration Seeks Help From Librarians, NFL to Promote ObamaCare," by Jim Angle, Fox News, 2 July 2013.
  • "The Latest Addition to the Obamacare Army:  Libraries," by Becket Adams, The Blaze, 2 July 2013:
    Let's recap things: Despite a lack of funding, public libraries are being asked to deploy their resources to help educate and enroll people in the president's health care law – and this may actually be a violation of the Library Bill of Rights.

    Yep.
  • "IMLS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Partner with Libraries," by Mamie Bittner, US Institute of Library and Museum Services, 1 July 2013:
    Chicago, IL— During the annual meeting of the American Library Association, The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), together with representatives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), met with library representatives on Sunday, June 30, to hear more about what librarians can do to get ready to respond to patron requests for assistance in navigating new health insurance options in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

    "We applaud the CMS for recognizing the role that libraries play in connecting patrons with government agencies," said Maureen Sullivan, president of the American Library Association.  "Our libraries look forward to guiding Americans navigate through the new health marketplace."
  • "Obamacare Outreach Recruits Libraries," by Jeffrey Young, The Huffington Post, 1 July 2013.
  • "The Sellout: American Libraries to Promote Obamacare," by Lindsey Grudnicki, National Review Online, 1 July 2013 (hyperlinks in original):
    So the public library – the institution whose foundational principles are the preservation of intellectual freedom and the unbiased promotion of learning – will become politicized to advance the Obama administration’s agenda.

    This agreement between the ALA and the Department of Health and Human Services violates the so-called “Library Bill of Rights,” which declares that “libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues” and that “materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” The partnership essentially dictates that librarians blindly lead those seeking healthcare to the welfare fountain and encourage them to drink – no matter the consequences, and no matter the myriad of concerns raised about the program. “All points of view” about the Affordable Care Act will not be represented; the proscribed materials (HealthCare.gov, marketplace.cms.gov, etc.) will clearly not offer true “health care literacy.”

    As if the corruption of the library’s time-honored purpose is not enough, the institution won’t even receive a reward for its self-betrayal. Susan Hildreth, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, has stated that “there are no federal funds to support this program.” As libraries already face devastating budget cuts and declines in funding, the initiative to serve as Obamacare’s cheerleader in communities could spell disaster. In addition to spending money to train librarians in their new capacity as healthcare experts, the alliance could alienate patrons who disapprove of the healthcare legislation and cause them to reconsider much-needed donations to their local library as it converts into something like “Obamacare Enrollment Station #1234.”
  • "The Prescription for Finding Healthcare Information," by George M. Eberhart, American Libraries, 1 July 2013:
    Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Susan Hildreth emphasized that “there are no federal funds to support this program,” which could be a hardship for libraries that are already overwhelmed by shrinking budgets and increased use.  She encouraged libraries to seek partnerships with other health organizations in their communities and set aside at least one or two public-access computers for the exclusive use of healthcare seekers.
  • "Council I Supports Whistleblower Edward Snowden," by Laurie D. Borman, American Libraries, 30 June 2013:
    A special video presentation by President Barack Obama encouraging librarians to help disseminate information about new health care insurance options under the Affordable Care Act opened the Council I session.
  • "White House Recruits Librarians to Promote ObamaCare," by Fox News and The Associated Press, Fox News, 30 June 2013:
    It was hard enough to learn the Dewey Decimal System. Now they've got to learn the health care law?

    In the escalating campaign to promote ObamaCare, the nation's librarians are about to become the Obama administration's latest recruits.
  • "Librarians Being Recruited to Push Obamacare," by Greg Richter, Newsmax, 30 Jun 2013.
  • "Librarian Foot Soldiers Enlisted to Help With Obamacare Enrollment," by Associated Press, The Washington Times, 29 June 2013.
  • "Newest Foot Soldiers for ObamaCare: Librarians," by AllahPundit, Hot Air, 29 June 2013:
    Exit question: If government workers of any and every stripe are really just a free-floating labor force for the feds, ready to be enlisted for whatever policy priority the ruling administration has in mind, how come librarians and mailmen haven’t been coopted to coordinate jobs programs for the unemployed?
  • "Pres. Obama to Send #ala2013 Video Thank You," by Beverly Goldberg, American Libraries, 28 June 2013.
  • "Breaking News: President Obama to Reveal Message to ALA Conference," by Jazzy Wright, American Library Association, 27 June 2013.
  • "'Libraries & Health Insurance: Preparing for October 1'," by Jazzy Wright, American Library Association, 17 June 2013.
  • "Libraries & Health Insurance: Preparing for October 1," by Unnamed, American Library Association, undated (circa 17 June 2013):
    Is your library prepared to deal with the rush of patrons who will need help filling out Affordable Care Act health form applications this year?  In October, library patrons will stream into libraries to learn about new insurance requirements and options available.  Libraries will need to know about the resources that will help library patrons.  Learn how to serve patrons on the new health program in this new session.  Speakers include Jackie Garner Medicaid consortium administrator; Susan Hildreth, director of Institute of Museum and Library Services; Ruth Holst, associate director at the National Network of Library of Medicine Greater Midwest Regional Medical Library at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Kendra Morgan, senior program manager, OCLC Webjunction.
  • "Anything Goes for America if Seattle Public Library Director Susan Hildreth's Nomination is Confirmed for the Institute of Museum and Library Services," by Dan Kleinman, SafeLibraries, 26 November 2010.
  • "Fear of Socialism," by Leonard Kniffel, American Libraries, 23 October 2009.
  • "ALA Council Supports Universal Healthcare," by Unnamed, American Libraries, undated (cached by Google 9 June 2013):
    With healthcare costs eating up chunks of shrinking library budgets across the country, the ALA Council during its last meeting in Chicago overwhelmingly passed a resolution supporting affordable, universal healthcare, including the option of a single-payer healthcare program. This is essentially a reaffirmation of a resolution adopted by ALA in June 2006. ALA policy states that "ALA recognizes the importance of comprehensive healthcare for all Americans and its impact on libraries and their users." ALA joined the Universal Health Care Action Network in 2005 and the following year endorsed "expanded Medicare for all," calling for a single-payer, universal healthcare program. Citing the rising cost of providing health insurance and the burden it places on state and local governments, the Council noted that it has become increasingly difficult for them to adequately fund libraries and schools. The Council document notes that 46 million people in the United States have no health insurance. "Without good health, humankind cannot truly exercise intellectual freedom and civic engagement.

Lenny Kravitz's Message to Librarians?

All this reminds me of a Lenny Kravitz song librarians must be thinking to themselves:



"What The Fuck Are We Saying"

Will we ever understand?
Or is the fate of man at hands ?
Will we live or shall we die?
How will we ever know if we never try?

The government's the devil's hands
It's a lie and it's a scam
They wind us up, put us down, and watch us go
And if you close your eyes
There's a big surprise

What the fuck are we saying?
Do we feel what we dream about?
We've got to keep on praying
And one day we'll see the light

I've been lost in the name of love
And we kill our brothers daily in the name of God
We'd better chill before we take on some tribulation
And if we realized
Then we'd make a little love now sing

What the fuck are we saying?
Do we believe what we read about?
We've got to keep on praying
And one day we'll see the light
And one day we'll see the light
And one day we'll see the light
And one day we'll see the light

What the fuck are we saying?
Do we believe what we dream about?
We've got to keep on praying
And one day we'll see the light
And one day we'll see the light
And one day we'll see the light
And one day we'll see the light


ALA Is Experienced At Pushing Libraries to Promote Political Agenda

By the way, ALA was already using all American libraries as distribution points for "news" from someone who gives ALA millions to promote his own anti-American propaganda while hiding behind a pretty librarian's face:

NOTE ADDED 11 JULY 2013:

NOTE ADDED 13 JULY 2013:
  • "Libraries and the Affordable Care Act; ALA President Barbara Stripling Releases a Statement on Libraries and the Affordable Care Act," by Mariam Pera, American Libraries, 12 July 2013:
    "Decisions about how libraries will respond to inquiries about the ACA will be made by local libraries. As always, libraries do not promote specific programs or points of view, but provide the public with balanced, unbiased access to information."
  • "Dallas Librarians Study Up On Health Law," by Lauren Silverman, Texas News, 12 July 2013 (hyperlinks in original) (Note the included attractive photo is from Shutterstock, so it is not from the library, not news, and it has nothing to do with the photo's caption):
    At the annual American Library Association conference, on June 26th, President Obama challenged librarians to be on the front line of providing information about the Affordable Care Act. Up to 17,000 U.S. libraries will be part of the effort -- including Dallas Public Library.

    Jasmine Africawala, Dallas Public Library's Community Engagement Administrator, attended the conference.  She says in September, staff will "be trained on what the Affordable Care Act means and also how to guide customers to the resources they need to sign up for health care on the exchange."
  • "State Gears Up for Obamacare with Health Exchange; Assistants Help People Navigate Options of Private Coverage Plans," by Claire Hughes, Times Union (Albany, NY), 11 July 2013:
    Librarians are anticipating a rush among community residents looking for help applying for insurance through the exchange, said Jeremy Johannesen, executive director of the New York Library Association.  But libraries are not expecting money for the efforts.

    "There's a lot of instances where the libraries are called upon to serve as the information office for different government activities, and there typically isn't financial support for that role," he said.
AND LOOK, LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO STOP LIBRARIANS FROM PUSHING OBAMACARE:
  • "Librarians to Assist with Implementation of Obamacare in Idaho," by Dustin Hurst, Idaho Reporter, 8 July 2013:
    They understand the Dewey Decimal system, so why not a massive health care overhaul?
    ....
    The Idaho Library Association is partnering with Blue Cross of Idaho to hold trainings for librarians who might have their own questions about how to assist Idahoans. The association trained 22 librarians two weeks ago and plans to train another 22 this week.

    Blue Cross will provide educational materials to libraries, including fliers and bookmarks. Later this year the association plans to hold a health literacy week for libraries statewide.

    Not everyone is thrilled that librarians are hitting the frontlines on Obama’s behalf.

    State Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, pushed a bill in Idaho’s 2011 legislative session that would have essentially banned what the state’s librarians are planning. The measure, which fell victim to Gov. Butch Otter’s veto stamp, would have prevented any public workers from implementing any parts of Obamacare.

    Barbieri told IdahoReporter.com Monday that he’s troubled that the librarians are taking up the health reform mantel. “Any time we use public resources for private gain, that should be a cause for concern,” Barbieri warned.

    Barbieri’s miffed that Blue Cross of Idaho, which stands to gain from development of the exchange marketplace and other facets of the reform law, is asking librarians to stand in the trenches, calling it “disconcerting.”

    Josh Jordan, corporate communication specialist with Blue Cross of Idaho, told IdahoReporter.com Monday that his organization simply wants an efficient avenue for informing as many Gem State residents as possible about Obamacare provisions.

    “We reached out to the ILA because, with branches all over the state, libraries can reach a broad spectrum of residents across Idaho and serve as a resource to the community—providing educational resources about the ACA and access to computers to access more information and the exchange,” Jordan wrote in an email.

    He promised that the materials Blue Cross will soon deliver to Idaho libraries aren’t pushing the carrier’s products and services. Yother said the agreement is merely a public service and not a maneuver to rally around specific politicians, policies or health carriers.

    “For us, it’s not about politics,” Yother said. “It’s not about choosing one side or the other.”

NOTE ADDED 19 JULY 2013:

Here's ALA attempting to clarify its marching orders that I revealed above were being made and remade on the fly as a result of librarians questioning/doubting the ALA's diktat:



Here's a library marching to ALA orders:

"We're kind of at the mercy of the federal government," Kingery said.

Now I see I have been part of the news on this issue:

NOTE ADDED 23 JULY 2013:

REMARKABLE!!:

NOTE ADDED 5 AUGUST 2013:

Of interest, only one person showed up at a public library for an ObamaCare event "convened by the president's foot soldiers," OFA, and that alone apparently made it newsworthy.  Just look at the picture of that sad showing:
  • "Poor Attendance at Obamacare Event in Virginia," by Kyle Cheney, Politico, 4 August 2013:
    CENTREVILLE, Va. — A race to define Obamacare to the masses began today between the stacks at the Centreville Library. ....  Dozens of communities around the country hosted pro-Obamacare events, convened by the president's foot soldiers at Organizing for Action.  The series is the first salvo in what is fixing to be a month of high-stakes health care spin.  .... 
Lynn Duvall was the sole volunteer at the Centreville OFA event.
Photo credit: M.Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO



at 1 comment: