It's amazingly difficult to figure out what you can believe of what you find on the Web. That's why evidence, facts, direct quotes, and reliable sources--and skepticism-- are necessary.   It's just too easy to get a misleading paraphrase--either against or in favor of a theory or person.

It seems obvious that the "list" of books proposed to be banned is bogus--sounds just like a standard list put together by a civil libertarian as a flag to be waved against the "Religious Right"--and updated, yet, to include Harry Potter. Nothing to do with Palin.

However it appears that BB's interpretation is also a whitewash of Palin's clash with the Wasilla librarian.

It appears that all sources agree Palin did ask about the possibility of removing certain books from the library. BB et al:   is asking that question--whether books can be removed from the library-- just fine with you? Even if "Anne's" story of pressure turns out to be wrong?


Caveat: I haven't figured out who "Anne" is--but her version of the events has the ring of truth--and seems to be confirmed by several other sources. Obviously, on the Web, you never know. Perhaps Ebbie or somebody else can say who "Anne" is.


But this is "Anne's version--and Anne says, among much else--lots of details of Wasilla and Palen: "I have known Sarah since 1992. Our children have attended the same schools. Her father was my child's favorite substitute teacher."

Re: books

"While Sarah was Mayor of Wasilla she tried to fire our highly respected City Librarian because the Librarian refused to consider removing from the library some books that Sarah wanted removed. City residents rallied to the defense of the City Librarian and against Palin's attempt at out-and-out censorship. so Palin backed down and withdrew her termination letter. People who fought her attempt to oust the Librarian are on her enemies list to this day."

Anne appears to be not a fan of Sarah--but basically fair.

Elsewhere in her post ( which is taken from comments to MSNBC First Read): she says, in evaluating Palen:

social conservative: mixed. Opposes gay marriage, BUT vetoed a bill that would have denied benefits to employees in same-sex relationships (said she did this because it was unconstitutional)

pro-creationism: mixed: Supports it, BUT did nothing as Governor to promote it.

pro-life: mixed. Knowingly gave birth to a Down's syndrome baby BUT declined to call a special legislative session on some pro-life legislation.

"Anne's" evenhandedness tends to support the idea that she is not a Web plant.

Obviously it's not proven that "Anne" is a reliable source--but her version sounds plausible--though it appears Palin had the right to fire anybody in government under her--they served at her pleasure.