Enough distraction: Let’s get back to business
EDITOR:
It’s time to put an end to the never-ending circus surrounding our county libraries and refocus our energy on the real issues at hand.
For far too long, a vocal minority has been stirring up trouble, accusing our county employees of insidious intentions, namely, exposing children to pornography. This baseless claim has wreaked havoc on our community, wasting precious time and resources with endless public commentary and the intrusion of hate-filled outside groups.
The culmination of this is the audacious booth at the Anderson County Fair, draped in the noble cause of “protecting the children.”
We all know the truth, though — it’s nothing more than a political ploy, disguised as a community concern. Their hollow denial of political party funding only adds insult to injury.
Now, let’s set the record straight with some undeniable facts. Our county libraries already have a robust process in place to handle challenges to specific books — a process that works.
Even our own Anderson County sheriff, Russell Barker, investigated the books that raised concerns from the outside group. His conclusion? They do not cross any lines of obscenity. Yet, he followed protocol and lodged a challenge, fully satisfied with the outcome as both a parent and an upholder of the law.
In the face of these unwarranted accusations, our county’s law director, Jay Yeager, has made it crystal clear that the targeted books do not violate any obscenity laws.
However, he has gone one step further by recommending an update to the library board’s policies. This suggestion involves implementing an “expressed consent” form for parents to sign, placing the responsibility squarely on their shoulders. This solution addresses every concern these groups have raised about library books.
Now, it’s time to ask a crucial question: Will these self-proclaimed defenders of children be satisfied? After countless responses from the county, the library board, and the dedicated librarians, can we finally get back to the business of our community?
Or is it evident that their true motive is to wage a destructive culture war, hindering progress, harassing our county employees and librarians, all while turning Anderson County into a reluctant poster child for a manufactured issue?
Enough is enough. Our community is tired of being held hostage by a misguided few who prioritize division over unity and false narratives over truth. Let us reclaim our time, our energy, and our community. Anderson County deserves better.
It’s time to send a resounding message that we are moving forward, leaving behind the distractions, and reclaiming our focus on the real challenges that we as a community face.
In solidarity,
Chase Lindsey
Oak Ridge
