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In a message dated 4/13/02 7:24:28 AM, rumpleteasermom@... writes:

<< Our libraries here are a source for videos,
music cd's and tapes, cd-rom programs >>

We have to go downtown for those things--the branch libraries (there are
about ten of them, and that's cool--we have one 1/4 mile away). My
complaint is with people's obsessions with "book learning," and that the text
added "libraries" (I think) for that reason.

Here's the original text:
CERTIFICATE OF EMPOWERMENT

As bearer of this certificate you are no longer required to depend on the
advice of experts. You may step back and view the entire world-not just your
home, neighborhood or town, but the whole Earth-as a learning experience, a
laboratory containing languages (and native speakers thereof), plants,
animals, history, geology, weather (real live weather, in the sky, not in a
book), music, art , mathematics, physics, engineering, foods, human dynamics,
and ideas without end. Although collections of these treasures have been
located in museums for your convenience, they are to be found everywhere
else, too.

This authorizes you to experiment; to trust and enjoy your kids; to rejoice
when your children surpass you in skill, knowledge or wisdom; to make
mistakes, and to say "I don't know." Furthermore, you may allow your children
to experience boredom without taking full responsibility for finding them
something to do.

Henceforth you shall neither be required nor expected to finish everything
you start. Projects, books, experiments and plans may be diked up again at
any time in the future (or never).

You may reclaim control of your family's daily life, and take what steps you
feel necessary to protect your children from physical, emotional or social
harm.

You have leave to think your own thoughts, and to encourage your children to
think theirs.

Each person who reads and understands this is authorized to extend these
privileges to others, by reproducing and distributing this certificate or by
creating another of his/her own design. Those who don't feel the need to
obtain approval to experiment, to think, or to do things they've never seen
others do are exempt, as they didn't need permission in the first place.


Sandra Dodd


------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was originally a single-use thing, designed for distribution in a certain
workshop. But it was fun and well received, so I've always given them away
when I do workshops. And sure enough, there's permission to change it. But
that one single change seemed to me to show a lack of faith in real-world
learning.

They put " Although collections of these treasures have been located in
libraries and museums for your convenience, they are to be found everywhere
else, too."

LIBRARIES FIRST, even before museums.
But still said it was written by me.

So for me, it's a (minor) problem because people who learn to use the whole
world will certainly consider libraries to be a part of that, but those who
stay library-dependent might not venture far beyond. School seems to
consider the public library PLENTY of "enrichment" and resource.

Sandra

Tia Leschke

>
>We have to go downtown for those things--the branch libraries (there are
>about ten of them, and that's cool--we have one 1/4 mile away). My
>complaint is with people's obsessions with "book learning," and that the text
>added "libraries" (I think) for that reason.

Actually, the addition was my suggestion. I was looking for an example
that most people would associate with academics, since the other two
examples were of things that most people wouldn't associate with
academics. I was looking for a balance. I'd be just as happy with museums
or Shakespeare or . . . .

I certainly understand the problem with obsessing about book learning,
though it took my son to teach it to me. <G>
Tia

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island