[533] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: In Memoriam
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Peter Graham, Rutgers U., (908) 93)
Fri Jun 19 15:10:00 1992
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1992 10:10:43 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: "Peter Graham, Rutgers U., (908) 932-2741" <GRAHAM%ZODIAC.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
From: Peter Graham, Rutgers University
I hate to disrupt the funeral, but I think what Steve and Polly propose
about wearing armbands at ALA is insufficiently appropriate. Rather than
bemoaning the loss of a library--true enough it is regrettable--the question
is what should be done to prevent future losses.
They rightly point out that the election and the economy are responsible. The
question is how society is deciding to allocate funds. Even in this re-
cession, we remain a rich country capable of doing much. How do we make
these choices?
Shorthand: the budgets of counties like Mendocino, and the cities, have been
gutted over the past decade and a half by national policies intended to
starve local communities in the name of tax reduction. The present library
problem -- and the much more serious urban problems in general -- are a
result. If we nationally make choices not to tax ourselves and spend the
income on good social services, this is what we get; and it's not just a local
or even state tax problem.
Finally, in this shorthand, let me mention the peace dividend; it remains
more and more difficult to understand why the defense budget cannot be cut
substantially in order to deal with local and regional problems.
I won't wear a black armband at ALA. But I'm willing to support candidates and
work for organizations that will talk about using our available resources for
good social programs instead of obsolete military ones. Got a different
color armband in mind, Steve?
--Petr Graham
