In 2004 ALA Council gave us the Torture Resolution, about which I said:
There is no excuse for this resolution. As librarians we can debate many issues that affect our profession and I am always willing to do so. This act is indefensible and those who voted for it did so in a nihilistic fashion. Not looking to enhance our work but to forward their own personal agendas these individuals threw mud on our profession and on the only nation that provides them with the almost unlimited freedoms they cry so much about.
At the 2005 Annual Conference in Chicago, ALA Council gave us the Resolution on Iraq which you can read below. They even voted for it in greater numbers then the one in 2004. But not only is this another act of selfishness on the part of the politically motivated (because this has absolutely nothing to do with libraries, wishful thinking about increased funding aside); it is also an act of extreme stupidity and shows complete ignorance about world issues. That ALA sent this resolution to Congress and the President is a complete embarrassment to our entire profession and not just members of ALA.
If you know any of these people feel free to ask them (nicely) what they had in mind when giving a 'yes' vote to this act of foolishness. I've linked their individual emails where available. Also please make note of Councilors who are representing their state organizations. Contrary to what some think those Councilors carry a greater burden on issues like this. There are librarians who might belong to their state organization but not ALA and may not appreciate this kind of childishness. And it is my impression that the state organizations help pay for the Councilors travel expenses to go to ALA so the burden is definitely higher. And same as last year, if any of you on this list would like to try to defend your actions please email me and I will post at the bottom without any comments from myself and without comments from anyone else on the main site (feedback page is open to anything).
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Resolution
on the Connection WHEREAS, The justifications for the invasion of Iraq have proven to be completely unfounded; and WHEREAS, The war already has taken the lives of more than 100,000 Iraqis and more than 1700 U.S. soldiers; and WHEREAS, These numbers will continue to mount as long as the U.S. remains in Iraq; and WHEREAS, During the current occupation, many of Iraq's cultural treasures, including libraries, archives, manuscripts, and artifacts, have been destroyed, lost, or stolen; and WHEREAS, As long as U.S. forces remain in Iraq, the inevitable escalation of fighting threatens further destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage; and WHEREAS, The U.S. is spending billions of dollars every month for the occupation; and WHEREAS, Even a small fraction of these resources would be more than sufficient for rebuilding and greatly enhancing the libraries and educational institutions of both Iraq and the U.S.; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the American Library Association calls for the withdrawal from Iraq of all U.S. military forces, and the return of full sovereignty to the people of Iraq; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the American Library Association urges the United States government to subsequently shift its budgetary priorities from the occupation of Iraq to improved support for vital domestic programs, including United States libraries; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the American Library Association calls upon the United States government to provide material assistance through the United Nations for the reconstruction of Iraq, including its museums, libraries, schools, and other cultural resources; and, be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution be sent to all members of Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the President of the United States, and the press. Adopted
by the Council of the American Library Association |
Those Who Voted Yes
01. AGUINAGA, Jose A. |