Wow. The erudite members of the ALA call for withdrawal, eh? I know that I'm impressed by their decision. /s I wonder what equally important and weighty decisions they've made lately in regard to their expressed area of expertise-- LIBRARIES.
Prepare to be dazzled by the knowledge of the ALA:
Resolution on the Connection between the Iraq War and Libraries
Whereas, the justifications for the invasion of Iraq have proven to be
completely unfounded; and
Whereas, the war already has taken the lives of more than 100,000 Iraqis and
more than 1700 U.S. soldiers; and
Whereas, these numbers will continue to mount as long as the U.S. remains in
Iraq; and
Whereas, during the current occupation, many of Iraq's cultural treasures,
including libraries, archives, manuscripts, and artifacts, have been
destroyed, lost, or stolen; and
Whereas, as long as U.S. forces remain in Iraq, the inevitable escalation of
fighting threatens further destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage; and
Whereas, the U.S. is spending billions of dollars every month for the
occupation; and
Whereas, even a small fraction of these resources would be more than
sufficient for rebuilding and greatly enhancing the libraries and educational
institutions of both Iraq and the US; therefore, be it
Resolved that the American Library Association calls for the withdrawal from
Iraq of all U.S. military forces, and the return of full sovereignty to the
people of Iraq.
Resolved that the American Library Association urges the United States
government to subsequently shift its budgetary priorities from the occupation
of Iraq to improved support for vital domestic programs, including U.S.
libraries.
Resolved that the American Library Association calls upon the United States
government to provide material assistance through the United Nations for the
reconstruction of Iraq, including its museums, libraries, schools, and other
cultural resources.
Resolved that this resolution be sent to all members of Congress, the
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the President of the United
States, and the press.
Related ALA policies:
18.4 Resolution on Libraries and Cultural Resources in Iraq (June 25, 2003)
53.7 Destruction of Libraries
53.8 Libraries: an American Value
Additional precedent: ALA Resolution on the Southeast Asia Conflict (1971)
Mover: Tom Twiss; Seconder: Mary Sue Brown
Approved by ALA Council, June 29, 2005