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The fact that some people think libraries still use "card catalogues" shows that they haven't used a library in the last 10 years. Yes, I agree, many services are now online, including the library catalog and many other library services. You can use your library card to download e-books and audio books online for free. These are NOT available freely online. They are subscription services the library pays for on your behalf. Sure, if you are a fan of Austin or any other author that is out of copyright, you can probably find it online. But if you want to read something a bit more modern (published within the last 70 years, which is still under copyright) you need a library card to get it for free. I'm not sure why the myth that everything is available online persists. It's simply not true.

Yes, many library patrons are using the computers for leisure purposes. They are using books for the same reason! Why should we discriminate? Libraries fill a digital divide that is growing between privileged people who can afford a computer & internet connection, and those who can't. They are helping people apply for jobs, promoting literacy, and helping people keep their sanity during trying times through leisure reading, DVDs, etc. Libraries are community centers extraordinaire, providing myriad services and resources. The need for them now is greater than ever.

posted 1 year, 10 months ago
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It sounds like you feel white people have a special claim to this part of the continent and the jobs here. Quite astounding. Where do white people go back to? The countries we came from or wherever else we are free to migrate to, just like all other immigrants. If we have complicated ties and backgrounds that make that difficult, so do other immigrants. We aren't special in that regard.

I grew up in an area where white people weren't the majority, so I don't share your fear of diversity and losing your white privileged status. The world has changed, and I can understand why some people are scared of change, but it's time to evolve. Migration is a natural part of human existence. People move where the resources are (including jobs) -- across city, state and national lines.

It's sad that after all your travels you don't understand the economics of immigration (and the U.S.'s huge role in creating an impetus to cross the border).

posted 1 year, 11 months ago
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Whenever economies tank, immigrants are usually the first scapegoats, because it's so much easier than looking at the real, more complicated causes of economic woes. My mother is an immigrant, and since we are white, we are protected from people making racist assumptions about who we are and where we are from. Others are not so lucky, and make easy targets. The color of their skin leads to unfounded assumptions about their legal status and hateful rhetoric.

Put the blame where it really belongs: on a system that is designed to protect the powerful and squash everyone else. While the powerless turn on each other, those at the top are laughing and getting away with huge bail-outs and cushy golden parachutes.

posted 1 year, 11 months ago
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