Sarah Palins Banned Books
By II2aTee
@II2aTee (2559)
United States
September 9, 2008 9:53am CST
It’s the responsibility of all Americans both Democrat and Republican alike to sift through the lies being pushed out by BOTH parties, and expose the truth.
Even if that means shooting across the deck.
This morning I recreived and e-mail from a liberal bookshop in my area. They are holding an event called “Palins Banned Books”. It seems the latest rumor flying around about Sarah Palin is that she tried to have a lengthy list of books removed from the shelves of Wasilla Public Library in Alaska after taking the Office of Mayor.
This laundry list includes such titles as:
[i]A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Blubber by Judy Blume
Carrie by Stephen King
Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
[/i]
These are just a few titles on the supposed list. Please feel free to PM me and I will supply you with the list in its entirety.
Now, I am no Sarah Palin fan. Her ultra-conservative views and religious right background sends up many red flags. So of course my first reaction to this information was anger… many conservative republicans before her have tried to have books banned. Banning books is in my opinion the greatest threat to freedom of speech.
But then I thought about it a bit more. I know that Sarah Palin became Mayor of Wasilla in 1992. Interestingly enough, the Harry Potter books were not released in the United States until 1997.
How could Ms. Palin try to remove a book from the shelves that had not even been published yet??
That is only one of the inconsistencies on this list.
Further investigations revealed that the librarians of Wasilla Public Library could not produce and documentation that any books were removed oh Palins order, nor was there any proof that she had tried.
This list of Banned books is a mirror of the same list that has existed in our nations history for decades. Although I doubt Ms. Palin agrees with the messages of some of these book (and I HIGHLY doubt she has read a majority of them), saying that she tried to get these books banned is dirty politics in a Presidential campaign that is no stranger to smear… from either front.
As a Democrat, as a die hard Obama supporter, and as an American, it is important for me to reveal this falsehood against Sarah Palin – even though her views and opinions make me sick. I think she is the exact OPPOSITE of what American woman need. But as far as her trying to get books banned from libraries in Alaska… that is a downright lie.
6 people like this
21 responses
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
9 Sep 08
Absolute OUTRIGHT myth.
She did ask about it years ago. but thats as far as it ever went. The librarian was not fired contrary to some other myths floating around. She resigned 3 years later but is on vacation right now and is unreachable for comment.
It's amazing the leangth the supporters will go to for candidates. Most times, it's not the candidates doing the mudslinging and lieing, it's the supporters.
thanks for this pre-emptive post, It was a matter of time before somone in here posted the rumor as truth.
2 people like this
@Alexx08 (93)
• Germany
9 Sep 08
The list is very entertaining to read but like you I have my doubts whether it's true. And what's wrong with Arthur Miller and Mark Twain by the way.
My guess is it's just another direct mail. Kind of weird what rumors will come up in the course of an election year. I'm not a fan of Sarah Palin and her views either but i don't support a mud fight. I have always been a supporter of clean campaigns.
2 people like this
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
9 Sep 08
I have questions about this "Banned Book List" too. Many classic American authors appear on this list and no one seems to know why they are even there.
Just because a book has contradictory views to a certain group of people does not merit its removal from public shelves. The free echange of ideas is an integral part of a free society, and it will be a dark day for American history if someone in power is able to dictate what information we can and cannot have access to.
I hope my example will inspire some Republicans to stand up against many of the lies being perpetuated about Senator Obama, even if they do not agree with his views.
1 person likes this
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
9 Sep 08
Many classic American authors appear on this list and no one seems to know why they are even there.
but if you look at any definate genuine banned book lists you'll see TONS of wonderful classic authors works on them....its sick and twisted in my opinion..
as for this list being true...well I doubt it. I dont follow politics becuse they bore the hell out of me and I'm not big on the childish mudslinging sandbox bullshyt BUT because politics are so loaded with that very tactic particularly during the elections I figure thats what this is all about....
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
10 Sep 08
I'm very proud to see a fellow Democrat speak up for what's right and true. So I guess there's a left-wing version of the dirty e-mail campaign against Obama, but not nearly as dirty. Some of those on the loony right would think it was great if she did try to ban all those books! Hey wouldn't it be like a double bonus if your honesty actually ended up costing her some votes...lol!
Annie
1 person likes this
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
11 Sep 08
Right on, Tee!! In independant study, my gay son is perfectly entitled to take out the bible and read as he sees fit. A teacher, however, cannot say that he has to. It sickens me that people think that Christians or any other faith cannot express that faith in school in their free time. It's all propoganda and lies.
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Kids are perfectly within thier rights carrying bibles in their backpacks. They are even allowed to pray during free time if they wish. Heck, what is stopping them from praying while they are sitting at their desk?
It's when the teachers impose thier views of religion on the students where parents get up in arms. If you want your kids to have a religiouys education - send them to church school or Catholic school or anything like that. If you want them to have a well rounded education, public schools are ideal. But public school are funded by the public... therefore banning any books because of anyones religious views is highly illogical.
1 person likes this
@morethanamolehill (1586)
• United States
10 Sep 08
annie, if a librarian doesn't want to order a book they don't. It's not called "banning" but the result is the same. Librarians and Library Directors are Professional censors. School administrators too, You only study the books they prescribe. If you don't believe me, try taking a Bible into a classroom.
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
10 Sep 08
I haven't heard this one until now.
I think banning any book is wrong. I'm glad to see that even though you may not support the candidate you are a big enough person to point out the lies. Sadly, A lot of people aren't. Anything to help their "side". That is part of what I don't like about politics in general.
I have read almost all of the books that you have supplied in this discussion. Most of them I read at school.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
10 Sep 08
Hmmm Tee..you brought out a great discussion for everyone to think about..seems this is just a lie spreading around to make her look even worse than she is!
When I heard that Hillary wasn't going to be Obama's VP I knew McCain would have one and sure enough..this is such a circus its not funny..and as much as it would have been nice to see a woman VP, it sure isn't her we need..but for anyone to be adding banned books to her problems instead of going after what we already know about her, then they really are desparate to get rid of her..
Huggs Hun
2 people like this
@dark4eyes (161)
• United States
9 Sep 08
Turns out that list is a HOAX/Urban Legend. Check Snopes.com for details.
Much as I hate to defend the Barbie Doll, it's about as true as all the Obama's a Muslim lies.
1 person likes this
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
9 Sep 08
Bush is EVIL and we need his ilk OUT of the white house and OUT of control.
I doubt there are many people left in America who do not agree with this statement. However, from what I know about McCain, I actually trust him more than Bush though. He seems like a candidate who would genuinly reach agross party lines, where Bush refused.
Palin however does not strike me as that type. Untill she came along I would have been comfortable with the elction results no matter what. But now that her radical conservative ideals are on the ballot it only gives me more reason to campaing for an Oboma victory.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
9 Sep 08
The list is a hoax but there were events that took place in the area of book banning. Palin did discuss it with the librarian and attempted to fire her for not cooperating with her in her efforts.
1 person likes this
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
9 Sep 08
this list contains books that many different and opposing groups have tried to ban. My feeling is someone got a list and is trying to blame her for it. It would not surprise me to find a similar list being attributed to Senator Obama or one of his strong supports. It is what the extremes at both ends try to do because if it is on the Internet it is fact. I appreciate the Balance in your post and declaring your position up front. Good post.
1 person likes this
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
9 Sep 08
I couldn't agree with you more. I'm also a Democrat and no fan of Ms Palin. I'm now supporting Obama but was a supporter of Hillary Clinton until the end. Frankly, the thought of a Pistol packing, helmet haired former pageant contestant getting closer to the White House than Mrs. Clinton could this time around is a very disturbing one but still no excuse for this sort of thing.
The way I see it, Sarah will eventually give us plenty to work with if we give her some space. Spreading lies only dilutes the impact of the nasty truths when they surface.
Is there a banned book list on the face of the earth (even an imaginary one) that doesn't include Mark Twain? That man was a helluva writer. LOL
1 person likes this
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Frankly, the thought of a Pistol packing, helmet haired former pageant contestant getting closer to the White House than Mrs. Clinton could this time around is a very disturbing one
I nearly jumped out of my chair to give you a standing ovation! Very nicely put... I think you are my new favorite person!
I think we have had enough of "helmet haired, pistol packing" Vice Presidents, thank you very much. The only thing Palin has on Cheney is that she won a beauty pageant... and Cheney probably could have won too if payed off the judges.
I was also a Hilldog supporter. She had my vote, and my donations. But something happened. It was Obama's speach on race relations in America... the one in which he renounced his pastors hateful remarks. He really struck a chord in my heart. After watching that speech, I turned to my partner and said "THAT man needs to be the next President."
I still ADORE Hillary though. Luckily, I live in New York so we still get to keep her as our Senator. I respect her, I trust her, and I back her 110%. I hope to see her back in the race for 2012, but untill then Obama and Biden are a much better filler than Palin and McCant.
@irishidid (8688)
• United States
10 Sep 08
People, please check your facts! This has already been proven to be false.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
9 Sep 08
The list, of course, is an exaggeration but Palin did ask the librarian about the porcedure for banning books that did not adhere to her religious beliefs and attempted to fire her for not cooperationg. It was only in response to community outrage that Mary Ellen Emmons kept her job. I see no reason for the Anchorage Daily News to have made up the following accounts that I turned up.
[b]From the January 31, 1997 edition of Anchorage Daily News:
Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin fired the city's police chief and the library director without warning Thursday, accusing them of not fully supporting her efforts to govern. Irl Stambaugh and Mary Ellen Emmons said letters signed by Palin were dropped on their desks Thursday afternoon telling them their jobs were over as of Feb. 13 and that they no longer needed to report to work.
Emmons has been the city's library director for seven years. Stambaugh has headed the police department since it was created in 1993. Before that, he served 22 years with the Anchorage Police Department rising to the rank of captain before retiring.
Community anger over Palin's attempt to fire the librarian was apparently intense, forcing Palin to reverse her decision.
From the The Anchorage Daily News on February 1, 1997:
City librarian Mary Ellen Emmons will stay, but Police Chief Irl Stambaugh is on his own, Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin announced Friday.
The decision came one day after letters signed by Palin were dropped on Stambaugh's and Emmon's desks, telling them their jobs were over as of Feb. 13.[/b]
1 person likes this
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
9 Sep 08
Very interesting, and chilling if true. However, none of the above mentioned librarians have been able to produce documentation, or the supposed letters signed by Palin as evidence of these claims. When I see the letters, then I will accept it as truth... but untill then I need to give her the benifit of the doubt that it is an untruth.
I want to believe that she really did try to get these books banned. I dont trust her. I dont trust republicans. I certainly dont trust conservatives; the icon group of people who try to force their views of "morality" on the general public. If these allegations are ever revealed as truth, I will be grab my torch and pitchfork and join the other Americans who will rightfully hunt her down in the name of freedom of speach and Americas brave history of fighting oppression.
But untill then, we need to be fair.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
9 Sep 08
The Anchorage Daily News published to news articles, one on January 31, 1997 and the other on February 1, 1997, reporting the situation. I have no reason to doubt this newspaper's account and don't need to see the actual 12 year old letters in order to believe them. This wasn't a liberal blog or some website, it was a major Alaska newspaper. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, too, and didn't believe the book banning stories either, until I took the time to research the information and found a reliable source.
1 person likes this
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Snopes http://www.snopes.com/politics/palin/bannedbooks.asp says this is not true. They also have the supposed entire list of banned books. And, the Potter books are there, and as you said, they weren't even published back then. Urban Legends also has the list and says it is false. http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/sarahpalin/a/banned_books.htm She did ask the librarian once what she would say if she were asked to remove certain books,but none were ever removed.
1 person likes this
@prinzess1515 (1341)
• United States
10 Sep 08
That list have been floating around schools in the U.S. for a long time. I think there is just a group of people trying to get those books banned.
1 person likes this
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
11 Sep 08
There is zero excuse for book banning. If I do not think that a title is age approrpriate for my children, I'll not let my kids read the book. Judy Bloome has some great books for kids and early adolescents. They are books that kids SHOULD read. Jsut so that they can know that they are not alone in th world.
On the other hand, I love the fact that you showed both sides. I have so often accused people of listening to propoganda. As a result, when I site something from a left wing organization, I will search for the truth from a mainstream media. Very well done. Having said that, however, I despise her social and cultural views from her own lips and I will not vote for her. I wn't vote for obama either. I looking for the best third party candidate.
Thanks tee for another great discussion
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Hi Tea,
Most of those books should be banned. It would be better if our children did not read most of them.
As for her being a Christian, that is a HUGE PLUS for me! I pray that she becomes the next Vice President! She is wonderful..IMO!
God bless.
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Hey T,
I can't force anyone to give their lives to Christ, but I can be a witness for Him! I do know that our nation (and world) needs the Lord so very desperately and more and more people need to realize that.
God bless and have a great day!
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
10 Sep 08
BIG Surprise there!
I welcome your reasoning for having these books banned. It wouldnt have anything to do with you trying to force your religious views on the general public, would it?
Naaaaaa... what am I thinking? We know your too good for that :)
1 person likes this
@morethanamolehill (1586)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Man This story just sinks lower and lower.
"I know that Sarah Palin became Mayor of Wasilla in 1992. Interestingly enough, the Harry Potter books were not released in the United States until 1997. How could Ms. Palin try to remove a book from the shelves that had not even been published yet??"
Let see, because it's a made up bull sh!t story. But hey we knew That already let's just publish it anyway Just in case it's true. Let's see if Palin can prove it's not true. That's the liberal way.
But keep it up, it's working.
"Keep the Change Obama"
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
10 Sep 08
I see at least one Republican out there is unable to reach across party lines. That's a page right out of Sarah Palins book if I ever saw one.
Thats ok, hopefully one day that book will be banned.
This discussion could have been considered an olive branch... but leave it to the radical right to twist it into billy club.
I accept your apology in advance. See you in November!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
10 Sep 08
Sarah palin in my books is an idiot, she has bannedsomne of
the best books ever written . I detest book banners as they aere usually narrowed minded bigots of little virtue except in their own swelled heads. just goes to show i am right to vote
for Obama and Joe biden. If that is a lie good, I hate to see
books banned and book banners too. We need more laws like that like we need holes in our heads. lol.
@prinzess1515 (1341)
• United States
16 Sep 08
That is false. Got to snopes.com and see that its just a myth. Don't spread rumors that are not true around.
@platinum601 (276)
• United States
9 Sep 08
Why would she bann books like that? Whatever. I think its sad that she did this because there was no need in doing so. If ths is true Obama should use this against her and not allow her to get up.
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
9 Sep 08
You should read the thread before posting. It's a myth. He said that in his initial post. All she did as mayor was to ask what the policy was if books were to be banned. All libraries typically have a policy for such requests although most public libraries oppose bannings. It sounds like her and the librarian got into a tiff over it and she was going to fire the librarian but changed her mind. No books were banned and the librarian was not fired.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
9 Sep 08
That all sounds very reasonable taskr but why would Palin in turn attempt to fire this librarian, followed by retracting her termination after the public reacted with outrage according to the articles from the Anchorage Daily News I provided above?
1 person likes this
