SRRT Resolutions 1999: Resolution on the Militarization of ALA and General Powell's Keynote Speech

Resolution on the Militarization of ALA and General Powell's Keynote Speech

Adopted at 1999 Annual Conference

Whereas, General Colin Powell has been selected as the 1999 ALA Keynote Speaker; and

Whereas, Powell, as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations at a base in Vietnam, had a key role in trying to cover up the My Lai Massacre; and

Whereas, Powell, as President Reagan's National Security Advisor, was of key importance in supporting the Contra War against the people of Nicaragua; and

Whereas, Powell, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, illegally invaded Panama and bombed thousands of civilians; and

Whereas, Powell presided over the Persian Gulf War killing thousands of civilians as well as thousands of retreating soldiers on what was called “The Highway of Death”; and

Whereas, the continuing bombing of the civilian infrastructure of Iraq and continuing sanctions have reduced a moderately affluent quality of like to poverty for most people in that country; and

Whereas, the recent bombing of the civilian infrastructure of Yugoslavia parallels the Iraq experience; and

Whereas, the United States has bombed four countries within the last year, including a crucial pharmaceutical factory in Sudan;

Therefore be it resolved, that the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association deplores the decision to hire General Powell to give the 1999 Keynote Speech; and be it further

Resolved, that the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association demands that future Keynote Speakers be associated with life-enhancing work; and be it further

Resolved, that this resolution be distributed to the ALA President, ALA Executive Board, and the library press.