This responds to some of the fears parents have concerning children researching a school project and being led to a porn site accidentally. Let Parents Do Their Job Sal also brings up the point that filtering is not guaranteed to protect children from ever encountering an offensive graphic or offensive words. Let parents know the connection at the library is filter-free and leave it up to them to decide how much supervision their children need. One thing worth pointing out in Senator McCain's bill is how careful he and the co-authors were to ensure that they weren't abridging the freedom of speech. Supporters of the bill argue that it doesn't directly force schools or libraries to use filters.
Libraries are in the business of providing information to the public.
Schools are in the business of providing an education to the public. For many, libraries and schools are the only affordable source of information. Placing such restrictions on these tools unfairly discriminates against the poor, and takes one of our century's most wide-reaching sources of information and education right out of their hands. Senator McCain can end his busy day by heading home to his nicely appointed townhouse and log in and surf to his heart's content. Young Natalie Rodriguez of Guadalupe, Arizona, who already must make do with inadequate educational tools, is being penalized by a man who seems to really, truly mean well, but who is placing Natalie's education into his political vise.