The Library: a bastion of free speech and thought

By MYRTLE OSNER

You can feel the passion behind Vanessa Czopek's words when she speaks about our library system. She is the head librarian for the Stanislaus County system.

At a recent League of Women Voters meeting, she covered library outreach services through the 13 library branches in our county. While "Virtual Reference" has just come online, books are still the bedrock of all libraries; last year’s circulation was two million. That doesn't count the wealth of other services: children's story hours, literacy classes, videos, computer access, special collections, and on and on.

More troubling to her and all of us is the USA Patriot Act (and its possible successor, Patriot Act II). Ms. Czopek spent most of her time detailing what its effects will be.

The Act gives "unchecked authority and sweeping unconstitutional powers" to domestic and international law enforcement. Just by claiming an investigation is related to terrorism, the FBI may get a search warrant to seize records of ANY person. No suspicion of criminal activity is required; no probable cause need be shown.

Most frightening of all, the target person cannot be notified that he or she is under investigation. This has a chilling effect on citizens' right to read when government agents can spy on their reading habits. Our right to privacy is being invaded. Our  right to privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech and free thought.

"All kinds of Americans are now waking up to the fact that the Patriot Act gives the government the right to put American citizens in prison indefinitely, without knowing the charges against them, without access to an attorney, without the right to confront their accusers, without trial."

A stream of protest has come from the American Library Association (ALA). Before the Patriot Act, library records were sacrosanct.

"The courts have recognized there was a direct relationship between freedom of speech, privacy rights, and your reading records," says Emily Sheketoff of the ALA. Senator Russ Feingold says, "Many people are suddenly realizing that these powers can be used to monitor THEM."

Several states have passed resolutions urging Congress to fix violations of civil liberties in the Patriot Act: Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont, Oregon, and more to come.

Vanessa Czopek quoted John F. Kennedy: "Let our patriotism be reflected in the creation of confidence rather than crusades of suspicion."

Children’s Internet Protection Act

Vanessa also explained that internet filtering in public libraries is now a requirement for libraries to receive federal funds. The new law requires filtering software to block obscene or pornographic images in all computers (including staff). Here's the rub: Filtering software companies refuse to disclose what sites they are blocking. Hate sites are NOT BLOCKED. But we do know that filtering blocks a significant amount of constitutionally protected speech.

Stanislaus County filters computers in the children's department, and children under 12 may not use the internet without a parent or guardian present.

Library Funding

Stanislaus County was the first county in the state to pass the one-eighth cent sates tax exclusively for libraries, and it brought our library system back from (almost) the grave. It was a model for much of the state. We're waiting to see if the state makes guaranteed library funding part of the mandated local responsibility. If not, the five-year "sunset" provision in our county will have to be voted on again in 2005. The League has a strong position supporting full funding for libraries of excellent quality.

City election choices coming November 4: Myrtle's bytes

By MYRTLE OSNER

I often say that local elections are the most important elections you'll ever vote in. It's here that you can make an impact on your daily life. So pay attention to what the candidates say, and ask questions.

An unusually large number of people have filed for election to City Council and Mayor of Modesto. Also crucial are the choices for Modesto School Board. The direction the School Board will take in the future is shaped by who is elected.

Unfortunately, the League of Women Voters forums will be over when this paper comes out. The forums held on Sept. 25, 29 and Oct. l will be rebroadcast on Cable Channel 8 (see below).

There are also six ballot measures. A short explanation of each:

• Measure H asks if the Board of Supervisors should direct urban growth into incorporated cities. Up till now the Sups has voted for a lot of growth outside city borders (Salida is not incorporated, yet is growing exponentially.) It's anybody's guess whether the Board will accept Modesto voters' advice on what they should do outside Modesto’s borders. Advisory votes are just that: the powers-that-be don't have to follow them, though a strong vote is always a way to send a message.

• Measure I would change the runoff date for Council elections from December to March, giving more time to certify an election if no one polls a majority. A much better solution, in my opinion, is Instant runoff Voting, but that's not on the ballot.

• Measure K amends the city charter to put a two-term limit (8 years) on Mayor and Councilmembers. The disadvantage is that a really good person would have to step down even if we really wanted to keep him/her. League of Women Voters opinion: We already have term limits:  they are called elections. Term limits are unnecessary.

• Measure L is an advisory vote on extending sewers and annexing the districts called Empire North and Johansen (east of Claus Rd and crossing the RR tracks.) It is argued that this is the next logical area in which Modesto should grow because we will run out of building space within a few years.

• Measure M, an advisory vote on extending sewers and annexing 80 acres called Kiernan-Carver Planning District, surrounded on three sides by city. Sewer extensions are nearby.

Measures L and M are here because Modesto requires that Planning districts must seek an advisory vote before sewer lines can be extended. This has acted as a slowing mechanism and has stopped "leapfrogging" out into the county. Areas annexed must be "contiguous" (next door to city borders). It can be argued that this provision, passed by the voters some years ago, has helped keep Modesto more compact.

Finally, Measure N is an advisory vote on whether to provide sewers to the Shackelford area, a condition that must be met before it can be annexed. This area, south of the Tuolumne River, is getting an upgrade desperately needed for years. Most of it was built as an aftermath of the dust bowl days before any standards were in force. Before it can be annexed, the city requires that the upgrading be completed, although that is up to the Board of Supervisors, since it is in the County at this time.

Forum Replay Dates: 

• Modesto City Council, September 25th: Replay Dates: Fri., September 26th, 7 pm; Sat., September 27th, 7 pm; Mon., September 29th @ 3 pm

• Modesto Board of Education, September 29th: Replay Dates: Wed., October 1st, 3 pm; Fri., October 3rd, 7 pm.

• Modesto Mayor, October 1st. Replay Dates: Sat., October 4th, 7 pm; Mon., October 6th @ 3 pm.

More election coverage:  Two elections this fall challenge voters  

Connections Fundraiser a success!

While attendance was down, enthusiasm was up, so contributions were up as well. The Auction brought in $3,021.00. Donations brought in $400.00. Our Grand total: $3421.00, the best ever!Thank you to all who donated and purchased items!

Unsung Heroes: Peace Essay Contest 2004
By INDIRA CLARK

Sometimes countries go to war in an attempt to bring peace by military means. Yet throughout history, many people have worked for peace and justice through nonviolent and non-military means. Some, like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Teresa, have made it into history books; however, other peacemakers are often the unacknowledged heroes of history.

The 2004 Peace Essay Contest challenges Stanislaus County students to find and bring recognition to one of these lesser known heroes. Find these people in one's own family, neighborhood, community, or in places all over the globe. They may have lived in the past or might be living today. They may have used pens, music, shovels, diplomacy, or a variety of other common or unusual tools to build peace.

The 18th annual Peace Essay Contest, sponsored by the Modesto Peace/Life Center, is open to students in grades 5-12. See the contest topic, rules and details online or contact the Center at 529-5750 or peaceessay@juno.com for a flyer. Deadline is December 5, 2003.

Last year's contest drew nearly 1000 entries. The Harvest Supper, a contest fundraiser, will be held on Saturday, October 25th at the First United Methodist Church of Modesto. To volunteer for the Harvest Supper or with the contest: 529-5750.

Peace Essay Contest Committee 2004: Margaret Barker, Indira Clark, Pam Franklin, Elaine Gorman, Suzanne Meyer, Deborah Roberts, and Sandy Sample.