Former Fresno political leader blasts library book review plan as cronyism | Opinion

Of course, parents matter! And grandparents too, I might add. When our children were young, we selected books for them to read and encouraged in them a love of reading that has continued to this day. So, when I heard about the proposal to have a government-appointed political committee decide what books children can have access to, my ears perked up.

I also perked up because when I was growing up, the Pixley Public Library was a lifesaver and a second home to me. I know I would not be where I am without full access to those wonderful books that opened my eyes to the wonders and mysteries around us.

Later in life, as a grandparent, some of my most enjoyable moments are going to the Downtown Library with my grandchildren to let them explore the children’s section and the vast number and variety of books, seemingly on every subject. Or I sometimes take them to a used bookstore to see what we can find.

I want my grandchildren to have full access to what the librarians have to offer. I trust the librarians’ professional judgment as to what is age-appropriate, much more than untrained lay people with possible political or other agendas.

And, if I believe something is not appropriate, usually because it is too hard or too easy, then as a parent or guardian that is my decision. I don’t want the choice to be made by a handpicked bunch of political cronies.

So yes, I do believe that parents matter. What I don’t believe are career politicians who want to score political points, eager to use buzzwords that say one thing but do another. Parents can and should monitor what their children read, just as they should monitor their use of electronic devices, social media and television. That is the job of parents and guardians, and not the job of a self-selected committee reflecting the political views of board members’ most vocal constituents.

I trust the librarians who work in our county libraries, much more so than a group of zealots out to push their political agenda. I am for parents’ rights, but I am also for the rights of children to fully open their eyes to the world around them by having full access to the materials in our public library system.

As a parent and grandparent. I pray that my children and grandchildren will be surrounded by laughter and warmth and friendship throughout their lives. I pray they find a life partner to stand by their side and that complements them and fulfills them. And I pray they find a community to belong to, where they can be who they are, and if they are not sure, a place where they can find out. That includes our public libraries.

As a parent and grandparent, I respect your choices on how you want to bring up your family as much as I ask you to respect mine. I agree that parents matter. I also agree that parents, not government, are best suited to raise their children. That is why, as a parent and grandparent, I oppose this initiative to restrict access to our public libraries.

If Supervisor Brandau was honest, he would call this initiative, “Politicians Matter” and not “Parents Matter.”