I realize that any discussion of issues with regard to Vice Presidential nominee Palin is deeply sexist in nature, which is why she's appropriately refused to take any questions or have any on-the-record conversations with reporters in the almost two weeks since she was named. As a result, we're forced to infer her position on the issues of the day based upon her past actions. Doing so, naturally, only points to my deep aversion to women in positions of power, but that's just the kind of guy I am.
ABC news has done some deeply anti-feminist reporting on the topic of this alleged book-banning incident that occured while Palin was the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska during the mid-90s.
Here's what's been acknowledged by the McCain campaign, or is on the public record:
- Sarah Palin's church at the time she was mayor, The Assembly of God of Wasilla, Alaska, was actively working to have several pro-gay themed books removed from bookstores and the public library in Wasilla. Palin was an active member of the large congregation, and they were actively involved in her campaign as mayor.
- Palin inquired of the chief librarian, on at least two occasions, once at a city council meeting, about having books removed from the library. The librarian responded that all books were acquired appropriately, and that she would refuse any requests to ban books from the library. Palin's supporters in Alaska respond that the inquiries were "rhetorical" in nature.
- Within two weeks of these inquiries, the librarian was fired, though she was quickly reinstated after dissent from the local community.
- The reporter covering the story at the time recalls that two of the books mentioned by Palin were the gay-themed Pastor, I Am Gay, by local Wasilla clergyman Howard Betts, and Go Ask Alice, about living with a gay sibling.
Palin's take on all of this isn't really known. It's clear to me that she at least wanted books removed from the library, and quite possibly went a further step by removing the woman who blocked her efforts. The bit about "rhetorically" asking about banning books just doesn't make sense. Add to the mix that the influential church that helped her get elected just happened to want some of the same books banned, and I'm not sure that the defense has a very good case.
Comments