Thoughtful as always. <3. - Marianne

I enjoyed your perspective on it all. I often think about this essay of Stephen King's when it comes to banning books in schools: http://www.stephenking.com/library... - bevedog

I had not read that. Interesting, but I disagree MASSIVELY with this: "First, to the kids: There are people in your home town who have taken certain books off the shelves of your school library. Do not argue with them; do not protest; do not organize or attend rallies to have the books put back on their shelves. Don't waste your time or your energy" - laura x

Organizing is NOT a waste of time or energy. It's a useful skill, a good experience, a way to learn a lot and be involved in your community and with other people, and it should be encouraged. - laura x

Ah. That's the part I like. :) - bevedog

Why? - laura x

Because it encourages kids to think outside their school. Schools are bound to be oppressive and awful. Go to the public library instead. If it's banned there, then raise a stink. - bevedog

Schools are oppressive and awful, but challenging oppressiveness and awfulness where you find it is important. - laura x

Also: http://newrambler.net/nader... - laura x

As ever, I'm more of a pragmatist. For me, the important thing is the kid getting the book he or she wants, not the kid challenging the school board. - bevedog

I don't think I'm lacking in pragmatism--I'm interested in the kid getting the book she wants, but I'm also interested in the kid learning things about the power structure and about her own abilities to challenge it, if she so chooses. Also, not every kid has access to a public library, sadly. When I was in junior high, the only way I could get to the library was if my mother drove me. Happily, my mom thought going to the library was important and worthwhile, but I'm willing to bet not all parents do feel that way. - laura x

Yes, good point. - bevedog

Oh goody! I got a comment from Mr. Safe Libraries! - laura x

oh...he's...unique. I got into a comment argument with him once on lisnews and have avoided him ever since - Sir Shuping is just sir

He's not entirely unique. Before SafeLibraries there was David Burt. Now, I've never actually seen Dan Kleinman and David Burt in the same room, but...(OK, I've never seen either one.) - Walt Crawford

Meh. I do not respond to comments from people I disagree with. I'm into fighting, but not fighting via blog comment. - laura x

it was a mistake on my part to get into the comment thing with him...learned my lesson that day and have attempted to avoid it ever since - Sir Shuping is just sir