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September 4, 2008 at 10:41:27
Sarah Palin: Small Mind In A Big Little Town by Judy Swindler Page 1 of 3 page(s) |
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Vice-Presidential candidate,Sarah Palin, former mayor of the small town of Wasilla, Alaska, may have waited as little as eleven days after after assuming office before precipitously firing Mary Ellen Emmons, Director of the Wasilla Public Library, over Ms. Emmon's steadfast refusal to ban books. In 1996, Palin first ran for the Office of Mayor of Wasilla. According to articles in the Alaskan newspaper, The Frontiersman, Mayor Palin asked the director of the town's free public library if she "could live with censorship of library books." Palin was not specific about which books, what topics or passages would be questionable in nature. Rindi White reports in today's edition of the Anchorage Daily News that in December of 1996, "Emmons told her hometown newspaper, the Frontiersman, that Palin three times asked her -- starting before she was sworn in -- about possibly removing objectionable books from the library if the need arose." White goes on to further state that "Emmons told the Frontiersman she flatly refused to consider any kind of censorship." In response to the firing of Emmons, the well respected former Wasilla mayor, John Stein, told local newspapers that Palin felt some voters thought the library held inappropriate books and "asked the library how she could go about banning books," Stein further stated the head librarian, Emmons, was "aghast" at Palin's question.
"The librarian, who resisted mayoral censorship, was fired shortly after Palin took office." [CBS News]
Several of the conversations between Palin and Emmons took place within a new and very radical political environment for the small town of Wasilla, one wherein Palin, during her very first days in office, asserted her newfound authority by instituting a mandate requiring all department heads obtain her direct permission before talking with any reporter on any subject at any time.
"She put a gag order on those people, something that you'd expect to find in the big city, not here." [The Frontiersman]
A visit to the Wasilla Public Library website reveals that the current "hottest" library book in town is "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer, one in a series of books about how Bella, a young sweet mortal, and Edward, the handsome teenage vampire, deals with their ongoing emotional struggle between desire to remain chaste and instinctive 'blood lust'.
Meyer's highly popular non-explicit story line on this unusual couple is now complete and although Bella and Edward remain virgins until their marriage in the final installment, some parents find her books quite controversial and most unsuitable for teenage readers.
Further search through the library website gives us more clues as to the quality of this small town library. An avid reader in Wasilla would find themselves among a goodly assortment of books and the ability to request even more from state library sources. There is a variety of fiction on hand appealing to the young, including Harry Potter fans, as well as many works by writers popular with adults. Wasilla Public library contains a decent reference section and their political offerings present a variety of views, even including a small number of Ann Coulter books. The Catcher In The Rye has survived ban in Wasilla to this day.
There is a small, but well selected, number of sex education books for adults and those designed for parents to teach their children about sex from the early years on, even several books on the topic of gay and lesbian sexuality. Books suitable by most standards can be found for teenage readers regarding bodily changes, self-esteem, chastity and even responsible sex. All books on sex, of course, are located in the Adults Only Section, including what is most likely Wasilla's only copy of the ancient Kama Sutra.
A review of the Wasilla Public Library policy section tells us they will not release member information to "any agency of local, state or federal government except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of federal, state or local law relating to criminal, civil or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power."
This little library takes the privacy of Wasilla's citizens seriously as they will resist even a subpoena for information "until such time as proper showing of good cause has been made in court of competent jurisdiction."
The Wasilla library affirms "the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected materials," the "right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their own children’s use of all library materials and resources" and further affirms their willingness to help parents develop guidelines to protect their children on the Internet.
Finding lengthy and detailed positions in all library policy areas, it was puzzling to discover the current Materials Selection Policy states only that the method for selecting library materials is "in the process of being revised and finalized." It is just as puzzling what Sarah Palin found objectionable in the town's public library or why she could not articulate to Emmons exactly what she found offensive and why.
Anne Kilkenny, a resident of Wasilla, who has known Palin for many years, was troubled enough by the firing of Mary Ellen Emmons, that she told her own story of Sarah Palin. Per Kilkenny, Palin brought up the idea of banning some of the library books during a City Council meeting in October of 1996. Per Rindi White, the conversation Kilkenny witnessed between Palin and Emmons went as follows:
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| 19 comments |
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This is important news
Comment from Ratings: Banning books fits right in with the closed-minds of the fundamentalists. Soon they will ban science and burn books. This is important and deserves wider recognition. by martinweiss (41 articles, 6 quicklinks, 13 diaries, 503 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 12:46:42 PM  (0+)
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Reply: Question For Sarah Palin
What is the difference between the banning of books by Adolph Hitler, the Ayatollah Khomeni or the Taliban and a politician who takes an oath to defend the Constitution of our United States? I doubt Palin can answer but my son could when he was six years old. At bedtime one night, I noticed his rather large grownup library book full of science pictures he had hauled into bed with him had been written in, so we had a discussion about respect for books, which naturally led to a long discussion of Hitler banning and burning books within three months of taking power. I will never forget my little boy hugging this huge over sized book containing so many words he could not even understand yet tight to his chest and saying "Don't worry mom, they'll never take my books away from me." I still get tears in my eyes when I think about it, but I smile when I realize he kept his word. Sarah Palin will never understand the answer to this question. by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 1:32:31 PM (0+)
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old school
By "old school Conservative" I presume you actually believe in conserving something? How rare. Thank you for your excellent work on this matter. Sorry to say I'm surprised, but then, worst suspicions confirmed. In this increasingly global, information-based world, how can anyone justify banning books? by martinweiss (41 articles, 6 quicklinks, 13 diaries, 503 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 12:57:17 PM (0+)
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Reply: Better We Ban The Politicians
heh.. don't confuse me with old or what passes for conservatism today ; ) It boggles the mind.. and worries me for my country the mindset of this woman. What does burning or banning a book accomplish other than deny freedom of expression and self-knowledge while providing power to the those who would burn or ban through a mandate of enforced ignorance? by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 1:08:52 PM (0+)
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To the teens of Wasilla:
Grab one of the library's many copies of the King James Bible and turn to "Song of Solomon". It is a jucy sex filled rant, including: "Your two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.". The more modern translations are even better: Hurry however! When Sarah discovers this, that book will be TOAST! by Greg Purcell (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 47 comments) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 1:21:51 PM (0+)
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Reply: X-Rated BIble Passages
Thee, Thou, You, Ye... doesn't matter, it's still hot and not even one of the more explicit passages from the bible. If Palin wants to involve the teachings of her fundamentalist church and her Pastor Kalnins with government, she needs to immediately pass a state law ensuring all Christian bibles are delegated to the Adults Only Section in all public libraries. by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 1:49:27 PM (0+)
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God Palin reminds me of...
Comment from Ratings: Leona Helmsley!! Another Queen of Nasty. by Amanda Lang (23 articles, 14528 quicklinks, 442 diaries, 731 comments [17 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 4:11:40 PM (0+)
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Reply: McNasty Reign - Not Your Average Camelot
"Let them eat government cheeze!" by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 10:45:31 PM (0+)
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Palin: Soldier of God with the Devil's Agenda
Appealing and effective, Sarah Palin is deadly. She stole Obama's thunder last Friday, replacing that day's post-speech news bump with the announcement of her candidacy. In contrast, her speech last night dominates much of today's news. Hidden more deeply from public view, however, are the religious beliefs that drive her. Her sarcasm with a smile is devastatingly effective. Not backing down, she goes in for the kill. It is the quality of an adroit cult member (clean, nice looking, wholesome appearance, smart, with an ambition focused by perceived marching orders from god) that scares me the most: smiling, Sarah could gut you with a knife while saying that you will be better off because you are going to go to heaven when she's done. Doing you a favor, she implements her belief in god's plan for man. From Palin's persepctive, as against God's Will, the gutee's position can only be meaningless, irrelevant. Even though Obama's pastor has been big game, the media is unlikely to give equal treatment to Palin by confronting her with her religious beliefs. To forego exploration of Palin's religious pedigree is inappropriate. It would deprive the public of vital information regarding her values and decision-making process. Without providing the accurate context for Sarah Palin's smilingly relentless aggression, it is easy to mistake her plucky demeanor and smooth presentation as that of a champion instead of the western jihadist she appears to be. Palin may be a soldier of god, but with the devil's agenda. If that's the case, as with all unbelievers, god's champion will make us chumps. by Ford Greene (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 at 1:38:52 AM (0+)
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Reply: The Real Sarah Palin
heh.. You must be from Alaska, most down here in the lower 48 haven't figured her out yet. by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 at 3:04:50 AM (0+)
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Reply: Librarians Against Palin
Librarian Lucy's September 4th post at Librarians Against Palin site: "worked in Alaskan libraries for 20 years and can assure you that the story about Mary Ellen Emmons is true. After Palin was elected she did her darndest to work with her but the pressure to censor materials got to be too much and Mary Ellen resigned and moved across the state where she rebuilt her life and continues to work in a library. She is reluctant to bring up that part of her past. We all wish she would make a statement to the press, but you forget that Palin is still our Governor and she is one mean, small minded woman and we may need her support for our libraries in the future. There is SB119 waiting for funding right now, which would provide matching funds for new library construction and $$$ for our school libraries, for instance. Once you cross Ms. Sarah, she keeps you on her list for life." by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 at 7:06:09 PM (0+)
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Reply: Third Time's A Charm
http: www .librariansagainstpalin.wordpress.com by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 at 7:53:31 PM (0+)
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Some facts please
Which books did Mayor Palin want banned? Which ones were actually banned? Where is the evidence that this happened? Before or after the letter was sent to department heads was Emmons singled out for dismissal? Who is Kilkenny? Is she a Democrat or Republican? I did not see that in the article. Does she have an axe to grind against Mayor Palin and if so why wasn't that and her relation to Mayor Palin disclosed? Aren't most libraries and librarians (public and school) subject to pressure by various groups to include or exclude certain materials from their collections on an ongoing basis? As a mayor, from what I read about the incident, wasn't Sarah Palin, on behalf of her constituents, just asking the librarian whether books could be banned and not actually telling her to do so? This article gives a fuller explanation of the situation. by Mad Jayhawk (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 652 comments [56 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Saturday, Sep 6, 2008 at 1:08:27 AM (0+)
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Alaska libraries "sacred"
Comment from Ratings: I am a former Alaskan, and was a librarian while there. The library system in Alaska is VERY important in a state where communities are often isolated, and winters are long. I was appalled when I discovered that Palin tried to ban books. For librarians, book banning is the cardinal sin. by Sally Davis (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Saturday, Sep 6, 2008 at 12:28:24 PM (0+)
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Reply: Appalled
We were kinda appalled down here in the lower 48 as well by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Sunday, Sep 7, 2008 at 5:49:45 AM (0+)
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Author did not answer my questions
Comment from Ratings: I asked some relevant questions about whether books were actually banned and about Kilkenny, a Democratic operative who is anti-Palin, who was not identified as such while being quoted as an authority. They were not answered. I can only assume that the author knows what the truth is and is refusing to respond to my queries. This article has all the appearance of being just another hit-job. As such it is worthless and does not add to any meaningful, intelligent discussion of the issues and people in this election. by Mad Jayhawk (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 652 comments [56 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Sunday, Sep 7, 2008 at 1:03:15 AM (0+)
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Reply: Sorry For The Delay
Jayhawk, Sorry that I did not get back to your post more quickly, have been working on other. To try to answer your questions in an orderly fashion have listed them below: 1. Which books did Mayor Palin want banned? 2. Which ones were actually banned? 3. Where is the evidence that this happened? 4. Before or after the letter was sent to department heads was Emmons singled out for dismissal? Date Sarah Palin took office as mayor of Wasilla in October 14, 1996 October 14, 1996 was the first City Council meeting Mayor Palin chaired Per Kilkenny, Mary Ellen Emmons (now Baker) was pressured during a City Council meeting, but I have no information as to which meeting. Per the Office of Mayor Kelly, "Mary Ellen Baker (Emmons), Library Director was not asked to terminate employment by Mayor Palin" Until Mrs. Baker speaks out, we will not know the full story here. So far she has been reluctant to do so. 5. Who is Kilkenny? 6. Is she a Democrat or Republican? 7. Does she have an axe to grind against Mayor Palin and if so why wasn't that and her relation to Mayor Palin disclosed? 8. Aren't most libraries and librarians (public and school) subject to pressure by various groups to include or exclude certain materials from their collections on an ongoing basis? As a City Councilwoman previous to her new job as mayor, she would have been aware of library policy and setup. If you want more information about the process for book selection, I suggest asking the librarians over at one the Librarians Against Sarah Palin websites. They should be able to help with your info request. 9. As a mayor, from what I read about the incident, wasn't Sarah Palin, on behalf of her constituents, just asking the librarian whether books could be banned and not actually telling her to do so? 10. Comment from Ratings: I asked some relevant questions about whether books were actually banned and about Kilkenny, a Democratic operative who is anti-Palin, who was not identified as such while being quoted as an authority. They were not answered. I can only assume that the author knows what the truth is and is refusing to respond to my queries. 11. This article has all the appearance of being just another hit-job. As such it is worthless and does not add to any meaningful, intelligent discussion of the issues and people in this election. A. Hit-job? I have to admit it was very difficult to try to be objective as possible under the circumstances as I found Mayor Palin's own hit-jobs against many of our Constitutional freedoms highly offensive. I am sorry if I could not answer your questions as fully as you may wish. Thank you for your comments and questoins. Again, I apologize for the delay in answering your post and for any typos as I won't take time to spellcheck this even though Mavis Beacon currently has a contract for a hit-job out on me. Judy by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Sunday, Sep 7, 2008 at 7:34:59 AM (0+)
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Please, advise...
by Brooke Babineau (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 9 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 2:12:59 PM (0+)
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Reply: Book Banning
Brooke, I would suggest forwarding a copy to the Wasilla Assembly of God, seems these are the ones who were pushing Palin to push Emmons to ban. by Judy Swindler (19 articles, 1 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 79 comments) on Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 7:25:09 PM (0+)
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