Did Library Journal say IL Gov supports Internet Filtering?

I'm sure most of you saw the article in Library Journal, July 28, 2005 about Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signing a law banning the sale or rental of adult-oriented video games to minors.

Did you happen to notice the name Kathy Valente in the article?
The article states that Valente discussed the lack of state mandated internet filtering in public libraries, and the article states ...

Blagojevich said he was unaware of library policies on children's Internet access and told Valente he "would help." [LJ 7-28-05]

Video games now, internet next?

If this didn't make you gasp--maybe you need a little more background information.

If you need an introduction, Kathy Valente was the leader of Citizens for Community Values in the late 1990s-early 2000s.
The small but outspoken group succeeded in persuading the Village of Lansing, IL to pass a resolution requiring all public school and all public library computers to have filtered internet access.

Not a filter that may be shut off if an adult patron requests ... filtered no matter what. Can't access that resource you need because it's inadvertently blocked by the filter? Sorry!

ALL our terminals are filtered. We currently do not offer wi-fi, but when we do... guess what... that's nice you brought your own laptop, but (if/when we add wi-fi) when you connect to our internet connection it will be filtered.

A google search for Kathy Valente's name also brings up several articles...

Spend a little time to get familiar with her conservative views, and ask yourself...

If she's bending the Governor's ear... are the anti-censorship, diverse, liberal residents of Illinois also being heard?

Do you want to see state-mandated internet filtering in your library?

SPEAK UP NOW!


Some more links with further info:

Filtered Internet

Projects Ms. Valente's been involved in.