Join the ALA?

A final comment before I call an end to my day's writings.

I would like to support a statement by a fellow blogger. Greg McClay, of SHUSH, encouraging moderates, conservatives and liberterians alike to join the ALA. This might seem a strange endorsement considering the issues Greg has with the association. But believe me, his reasoning is sound. If only liberals join the ALA, it will forever remain a liberal organization. However, if the rest of librarians - those who actually use a degree of logic and clear thinking in their decision making - join, they might actually see the association change for the better. It is at least a thought to consider as we librarians wonder whether or not to write a check to an association that fails to share our viewpoints or, in some cases, fails to look out for our well being.

I once had a similar discussion with a fellow educator about joining the National Education Association. My co-worker refused to join because 0f the NEA's open hostility to the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution. My comment at the time was: "And that will always be NEA's stance on gun rights unless people like you and I join."

I doubt that he joined. But I still believe my argument was valid.

By the way, I am a Life Member of the NRA.