"We are not a human rights organization. We are a library association." John W Berry, former ALA President and chairman of ALA's International Relations Committee.
"Castro and the Librarians", The New York Sun; January 27, 2004
Now consider:
SRRT is a unit within the American Library Association. It works to make ALA more democratic and to establish progressive priorities not only for the Association, but also for the entire profession. Concern for human and economic rights was an important element in the founding of SRRT and remains an urgent concern today. SRRT believes that libraries and librarians must recognize and help solve social problems and inequities in order to carry out their mandate to work for the common good and bolster democracy.
Social Responsibilities Round Table
Be it resolved that the SRRT/ALA condemns the use or threat of torture by the US government as a barbarous violation of human rights , intellectual freedom, and the rule of law. The ALA ,decries -- along with condemnation of the practice of torture anywhere-- the suggestion by the US government that under a 'state of emergency' in this country torture is an acceptable tool in pursuit of its goals.
On Intellectual Freedom & the Use of Torture in War or Peace
Again the question. Selective amnesia or unabashed hypocrisy? (or perhaps both)
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