I whole-heartedly agree with the column by Cynthia Parkhill encouraging people to read banned books. It is important to read a controversial book yourself and not rely on the opinions, critique or summaries of others who might have a bias against it.
It is also wise to see if it is being quoted in context and its supporters are being represented fairly. Our rights to read and speak about such things came at a great price.
I know of a book that men such as Voltaire and Thomas Paine tried to destroy from coming into the common man”s hands.
Throughout history men and women so much as owning this book have had their property seized and their lives ended.
Even nowadays it is illegal in 52 countries, is prohibited from being translated in Burma and confiscated at the airport in Saudi Arabia.
In our great state of California reading this book out loud at the DMV will get you arrested and studying it in your livingroom with friends will get you a $300 fine.
It is all but banned from the public school and even quoting parts of it at a graduation ceremony or in academic circles will result in hard-earned honors and recognition being taken away. It is commonly misquoted by its enemies and believed to be the cause of many evil and cruel acts.
Don”t believe me? Try putting it on your desk at work or reading it in a public place or place it next to you next time you go out and see what responses you get from others. What”s the book? The Bible.
Stacey Salvadori
Hidden Valley Lake
