The mirror principle so aptly applies to the ALA's actions. Those who see themselves as the purveyors of information often delight in the control of that information and how even the slightest influences can reap large changes when multiplied across a large nation.

School texts, curriculum are fought over by teachers because of the knowledge on how it will influence future generations. Control of the minds of the young is an incredibly powerful tool with which to keep oneself or ones views in vogue.

Libraries too, filter and control the information available to the masses by selecting what to keep on the shelves and what to eliminate. If one is so inclined I daresay you can tell much more about the politics of your local library/librarians by a careful observation of what books they discard into the booksale section over a few months than by looking at what is currently on the shelves.

Everyone is human. Folks around lots of information have a high frequency of being involved and charged politically. Exposure to enough information will do that to you. In many instances folks with this information exposure form concrete views and their emotional interpretation of this data can't help but develop an agenda to counter perceived injustices, right wrongs, etc.

The ALA is very much falling into this category and becomes subserviant to the agenda. Likewise folks like Ashcroft irk them - because he acts as a mirror reflection of their own game - information control.

Mention this to any of the ALA leadership and you'll get irate or blank responses. The mirror principle is an advanced therapy tool that is for folks who are ready and able to accept their own prejudices and emotions.

Very few folks are ready.

Everyone always envisions themselves as the good guy - and so the mirror principle is extremely unpopular. Heck, I don't like to use it on myself - but am forced to by the default knowledge that it is true.

It even forces me to confront my motivations for posting on any topic. It can help keep me out of trouble while being da-- annoying to boot.

;-)

SDAI-Tech1