I think I may have caused a little misunderstanding with my post on the librarians from yesterday. I started up a response in the comments and after I noticed I was on the fifth paragraph, I decided I had better just put up a post on it. So let me clear things up for ya.

Greg writes: "I'm confused. I'm not a big fan of the ALA, but it's a different story with librarians. Why would you use the actions of the oft-confused ALA to insult hard-working librarians nationwide? Librarians (and teachers) do unbelievable work and make difficult sacrifices for their communities despite the unions/organizations, despite ridiculously low pay, and despite the potentially dangerous users. And why would anyone even consider letting a child go into a library (or anywhere else for that matter) alone?"

I really don't consider what I wrote as an insult. At least not a horribly graphic one. But, if some want to take what I wrote as an insult, that is their right.

One thing I think some folks forget about groups like the ALA is that you have to pay dues for membership. And if one does not want to be confused with the officials at the top of the group one should A. work to boot the bastards out B. vote with your feet and don't join C. get enough other people to vote with their feet D. create a new organization E. combine options B, C and D.

Yes, educational professionals do make sacrifices going into their chosen professions, and for that they should be commended. But the key phrase in that sentence is 'chosen profession'. You don't accidentally become a librarian or a teacher. From what I understand, it takes at least 4 years of schooling to enter either profession. So claiming ignorance of the benefits or atmosphere is truly bizarre. And bitching about it afterwards won't get much play here.

I am currently getting set up to begin schooling in the field of forensics. Ballisitcs to be specific. For the past 6 months, I have spoken with people in the field. I have met with people from state, county, and city departments to ask them what I will be expected to know, which schools to attend, what classes I will need to take and what the job is like. Proper planning. I would hate to pay for 4 years of school just to learn that I didn't like the job.

When the University of Washington starts up again this fall, you will find that I will be posting stories on the teachers assistants whining about how long their hours are and how little they get paid. If you want to know my opinion on that subject ahead of time, click the *more* button.

And as for letting children go to a library (or anywhere else for that matter) alone, there was a time not too long ago when this was a common occurance. I know that there are too many social circumstances that have contributed to this not being common anymore to deal with here, but I would wager money that the folks who politically side with groups like the ALA and the various teachers unions were the ones who enacted the laws leading to such.

Something to this effect was posted by me on a BBS at the UW when this subject came up last year.

You know what, that's too fucking bad! If you don't like the job, find another one. What, you say you have worthless skills that are no good in the real world (English/Philosophy/African American Studies/History Major), that is too fucking bad as well. You should have thought of that ahead of time. Go cry somewhere else.

The only thing you will accomplish by getting you pay raised is your and my tuition fees raised. What, did you forget that the money had to come from somewhere. Oh yeah, you're a college student with no real world experience. Sorry to have to break it to you, but it doesn't just well up from the ground.