Library Scrooge & Free Speech

By on November 19th, 2009

Democracy Is Better Without Free SpeechRead an article that showed up on a list I am today about a Mr. Xinos, an attorney in a town in Illinois. Apparently the town has just recently cut some funding to the library resulting in a some jobs being cut at the library. According to the article, after a couple of speakers, one of which was a child, Mr. Xinos had some really less than things to say and further suggested that the entire library be closed.

You can read the article, just as did, in the Daily Herald. In summation though, apparently three jobs at the local library have been cut. A town council meeting on the subject was held, where several people spoke in favor of restoring the funding or ensuring funding be continued. Speakers included at least one child. After the twelve-year-old child spoke, Mr. Xinos said somethings that brought the child to tears and indicated later that he was happy to have done that. His words were to the effect that she and her parents should pay for the library staff positions if they so wanted them and even suggested a total closure of the library. Apparently this is not the first time Mr. Xinos has offended or just been plain rude. While he supposedly grew up in a poor family in Chicago, he has blatantly stated that having poor people in his own neighborhood is less than desirable.

Facts are facts, and it can not be denied that Mr. Xinos is a bit rude and certainly has forgotten his own background. I am sure in fact, that at some point he used public or school libraries during his climb through education to obtaining the credentials to be a lawyer himself. I do think that, while his delivery is perhaps a bit crude, that he may, unfortunately have some valid points in what he has to say. I admit that I love libraries (and am very thankful for al the librarians that have helped me out over the years) and would sorely miss my usage of such. However if the downturn in the economy has resulted in an inability to keep the staff at the current levels, perhaps a pay cut is in order. Or if not that, an increase in taxes to support it at the current levels may be that alternative – which would ultimately be the matter of the folks patronizing the library.

That all be said I want to explore something else. On the discussion list that this came up on today, several people were slamming Mr. Xinos and even suggesting a total avoidance of the town until he is shut up. The very notion of that just kills me. After all, despite how rude and even in error, Mr. Xinos or anyone else for that matter has a right to express his opinion on the matter. While, I do think his comments, that seemed to be directed to a child were perhaps out of line and he should have exercised a bit more tact – at some point one has to consider the risk of such as a parent if you bring a child into something like the town debate on it.

So my bottom line and the reason of this post is to remind so many that seem to forget a fundamental thing in our country. Even if you don’t agree with someone and think what they are saying is just mean, they do have the right to speak. Given the nature of folks that I would think be in support of library I would especially think this to be true, however it seems that so many seem to forget those kinds of things. After all, if we censor Mr. Xinos from speaking his peace on the matter of the library who is to say the next censor does not start decided what books are valid to be had and not had in the library itself? I especially think a reminder of these right is so needed in today’s America – where we tend to only want to listen to those that agree with us and think if they do not they must be out of line.

** – image from Joel Pett, one of the great political cartoonists


Categorized under: Books, Frustrations, Issues, Life, National Politics, Thankful.
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  • Cicilia

    Okay, I do agree with you that everyone should have the right to free speech no matter what they are saying. We cannot forget that or let that lapse in society. However, as such, people are also free to tell him that he was wrong. Personally I’m a complete bibliophile and have always haunted libraries, so I will admit to some bias here. On the other hand, though, it’s damn hard to keep free speech in mind when the library with the books about it is closed. Personally I think he was a complete ass about the whole thing and, from the tone of the article, it sounds like this is a regular thing for him. So while I agree that he has the right to say whatever he wishes, I also think it’s perfectly acceptable to tell him that he’s an ass who needs to remember just how he got where he is today. Personally, I would have been hard pressed not to tell him to shut the hell up until he could have a civil tongue. After all, there’s free speech and then there’s just beating up on people and I think people need to learn that the latter of the two is not acceptable behavior. Just my two cents.

  • http://www.mephistos.com/ rcornish

    I am mostly in agreement with your thoughts, though I will still say while I totally disagree with his method and his approach and even his thoughts in some regards – I will still protect his right to say his part vehemently. The thing I think that is being missed here is the discussion that I was following where someone blatantly called for his censure on the matter and was followed by several seconds to such a notion. Thanks for the comment by the way, very nice!

  • Cicilia

    Ahh…okay, that all makes more sense then. Yeah, I agree with you that he shouldn’t be censured even if he is an ass. Just someone still needs to tell him that his behavior isn’t acceptable but he does still have the right to make himself look like a complete schmuck. So I agree with you on that point.