Banned Books: Annual event focuses spotlight on attempts at censorship

Ever since human beings developed the ability to put words on paper, there have been those who try to control just what they put in print. Or, failing that, to keep as many people from reading those thoughts and ideas as they can.

That's because the written word has power. Over the centuries words have changed lives, changed governments, changed history.

For most of us that means freedom and inspiration. But for some it creates fear-fear of upsetting the status quo or challenging longstanding and cherished beliefs.

We see books banned and burned in other countries-totalitarian regimes, for example-and we are quick to condemn. We see ourselves as people who cherish free speech and the free exchange of ideas.

But the fact is that books are regularly challenged and banned in this country and have been since before the Revolutionary War.

In most cases the folks seeking to suppress books are decent people deep down. They believe themselves to be doing something good. Maybe even doing what they consider God's will for His people.

But there is an old saying about where good intentions sometimes lead.

Libraries, schools and bookstores across the country have felt pressure from government agencies, parents, civic and religious groups and other concerned citizens to remove books from their shelves.

Sometimes they cave. Sometimes they fight. And often they are helped by fellow Americans more concerned about freedom than the perceived dangers a work presents.

These battles were more common in years gone by. But they still happen today.

And that's a shame.

This is Banned Books Week, an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read. It began Sunday and continues through Saturday. Organizers encourage Americans to fight censorship and celebrate the written word.

Those who value the First Amendment and the free exchange of ideas should recognize that there are others who do not and take a stand when books are challenged. That ensures the would-be censors can never really win.

That's because books can live forever and those who would ban them definitely do not. All of the works that have been most frequently challenged over the years are still with us, still read. And, with vigilance, they always will be.

Everyone is free to decide what to read and what not to read and what books are allowed in their own homes. We respect those personal choices.

But no one should be able to tell another what they can or cannot read. And that's what Banned Books Week is all about.

Upcoming Events