[10791] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
If you care about libraries--VOTE!
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Karen G. Schneider)
Tue Nov 5 20:22:23 1996
Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 16:25:26 -0600 (CST)
From: "Karen G. Schneider" <kgs@bluehighways.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
U.S. librarians, this is a reminder to say it is our duty as librarians to
get out and VOTE. Many of you know this anyway, but some folks may have
forgotten the very close relationship between libraries and the electorate.
Public libraries exist to a great extent because elected officials at the
local level agree to allocate money for their support. Other sources of
funding include the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), formerly
the LSCA (see ALA Washington's website for more
info--http://www.alawash.org/). Your elected officials also pass votes
related to intellectual freedom and services to the underserved.
It is absolutely crucial that you vote in tomorrow's election! If you can,
help someone else get to the polls, or take an hour after work to hand out
campaign literature for the candidate of your choice. Set the example, and
enable participation. Let your staff know YOU are voting and be sure to
give staff plenty of time to vote. Gently encourage unregistered staff to
register as soon as possible and participate in the next election. Make
voting a habit in your library!
Please do not stay away from the polls because you think your candidate is
"in the bag" or because you don't like the choices. Elections get decided
by individual votes--including YOURS. And if you don't like your party's
choices, vote for the best possible choice and tell yourself that next time
you are getting involved earlier in the electoral process to help select
the candidates that will end up on the November ballot.
I believe you can be patriotic without serving in the armed forces, but
those of us who have served our country, particularly in duty overseas (I
was stationed at 4 overseas bases), appreciate the right to vote on a very
powerful level. We in the United States are very privileged. We are so
fortunate that we often forget the RIGHT to vote is also a RESPONSIBILITY
to vote, so that we can preserve the democratic process. If you can't
motivate yourself on any other level, get yourself to the polls on behalf
of the many men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving your
right to vote.
See you at the polls!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Karen G. Schneider * kgs@bluehighways.com * schneider.karen@epamail.epa.gov
Author, The Internet Access Cookbook (e-mail Neal-Schuman@icm.com)
Director, US EPA Region 2 Library * Cybrarian * Columnist, American Libraries
Visit our library at our new URL: http://www.epa.gov/Region2/library/
These opinions strictly mine!
