Libraries did not meet public needs

Published 9:00 pm Monday, August 13, 2001

I disagree that the libraries “successfully balanced” internet needs, as argued by the Aug. 8 editorial, “Libraries successfully balanced Internet needs.” Library board members totally disregarded what the majority asked for, which was to filter out all pornography and to protect all children, not just the ones who follow the rules or have attentive parents. They totally disregarded a large segment of our youth population who may not have adequate parenting, and are at risk of neglect and abuse. They did not address the fact that they would be creating a lure for child molesters to come into the library and print out pornography, subject others to it and solicit children, or of pedophiles illegally accessing and/or distributing child pornography.

All they did was to follow through with their original plan when faced with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, and to use our money and government money to do what they wanted. I am surprised that you are not facing this issue squarely. This is not a matter of free speech. Adults have plenty of access to pornographic materials outside the library. This is a matter of protecting the integrity of education and the children who use the public library. Doesn’t anyone watch the news and see what pornographers and child pornographers have in store for our children and families? Why is the American Library Association pandering to them?

No, this was not balancing our needs. This was the balancing of their needs to try to maintain public support while using our money to supply perverts with pornography. They used their trump card of “free speech” to try and make us feel intelligent about doing it.

Freeland