Obama and libraries

As it deals with libraries and how politics and libraries intersect, I was only half-heartedly reluctant to post yesterday's quote from Time magazine regarding VP candidate Sarah Palin's history with public libraries. My political leanings are, to say the least, transparent, but I would like to know more about the other candidates' stance on libraries: their raison d'etre, their responsibilities, their relationship to local and national government. The first item I found in my initial search was a transcript of Obama's speech at the 2005 ALA Convention. It isn't his best rhetorically, but I think a few points are worthy of mention. See below.

If you are familiar with any of the candidates' past or present positions on library-related issues, please share them in the comments. My first inclination is to avoid these types of discussions. But then I think about how I would view the current presidential race if I were in another line of work: small business owner, stay-at-home dad, biologist, high school teacher, farmer... the issues that seized my attention, those that could potentially effect my lifestyle, would be very different. That said, I think it's important to consider how different administrations might interact with the issues that concern librarians the most (not necessarily as justification to vote either way but for the sake of being aware). I'd like to see more conversations re: this in the library blogosphere but, understandably, bloggers do not want to alienate their readers. I, however, have few or no readers so... posting, away!

Themes from Obama 2005 speech at ALA:

1. Libraries not only provide information, but authority. "And at a time when truth and science are constantly being challenged by political agendas and ideologies; a time where so many refuse to teach evolution in our schools, where fake science is used to beat back attempts to curb global warming or fund life-saving research; libraries remind us that truth isn't about who yells the loudest, but who has the right information."

2. Libraries should protect the freedom of access. "I also want to work with you to insure that libraries continue to be sanctuaries for learning, where we are free to read and consider what we please, without the fear of Big Brother peering menacingly over our shoulders."

3. Libraries were the first to say "yes we can" in the fight for privacy and freedom. "What many people don't remember is that for years, librarians are the ones who've been on the frontlines of this fight for privacy and freedom. There have always been dark times in our history where America has strayed from the ideals that make us a great nation. But the question has always been, can we overcome? And you have always been a group of Americans who have answered a resounding "yes" to that question."

4. Reading is the gateway to future possibilities and success. "Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible, from complex word problems and the meaning of our history to scientific discovery and technological proficiency. In a knowledge economy where this kind of learning is necessary for survival, how can we send our kids out into the world if they're only reading at a fourth grade level?"

5. Libraries are more than just a building: they are a space for ideas. "It is a pleasure to address you today because of what libraries represent. More than a building that houses books and data, the library has always been a window to a larger world - a place where we've always come to discover big ideas and profound concepts that help move the American story forward." (though, I'm not sure whether Obama means to say that this space contains merely the history of ideas or whether is becomes a playground for new ideas)

The speech quickly moves from freedom of information to childhood education and the theme seems to revolve around issues especially related to public libraries until its finale. Thoughts?