Montana County Library Steps Up for ACLU Freedom Files After State Library Folds Under Pressure (2/23/2006)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: media@aclu.org
ACLU Applauds Library for “Standing Up for Intellectual Freedom” HELENA, MT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana announced today
that the Lewis and Clark Library will be the site for the screening and
discussion of “Beyond the Patriot Act,” which is part of The ACLU Freedom Files,
a documentary series airing nationwide on Court TV. The announcement comes after
a decision yesterday by the Montana State Library to cancel the program.
“Libraries have been at the center of the Patriot Act debate over unwarranted
searches of their records and computers by the federal government,” said Scott
Crichton, ACLU of Montana Executive Director. “We applaud the Lewis and Clark
Library for recognizing the need for an open dialogue on the most critical civil
liberties issues of the day. The Patriot Act has fueled a climate of fear that
unfortunately appears to have clouded the vision of those at the state library
who originally organized the screening.”
“Librarians understand that every book tells a story,” Crichton continued.
“They defend and discuss books that some would ban. Likewise, every film also
tells a story. ‘Beyond the Patriot Act’ shows how this sweeping and misguided
law affects ordinary Americans. The federal government has had four years to
make its case. Now it’s time for the people to hear the other side of the
debate.”
Crichton added that the state library’s decision to cancel the screening is
yet another example of the government’s attempts to silence dissent.
“The America the ACLU defends does not stifle debate, engage in searches
without judicial review, hold prisoners without due process, or participate in
torture. The America that the ACLU works to preserve values all three branches
of government and the checks and balances they provide in keeping our democracy
democratic,” Crichton said.
The public is welcome to attend the screening and discussion at 4:00 p.m.,
Friday, February 24, at the Lewis and Clark Public Library, 120 S. Last Chance
Gulch, Helena, MT.
For more information go to www.aclumontana.org
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