OK, I will admit it.  I am a flaming liberal and there is precious little chance of me liking ANYTHING that Newt Gingrich has to say.  But WHO could approve of getting rid of  child labor laws?  Apparently, Candidate Gingrich can.

Newt Gingrich: Poor kids don’t work “unless it’s illegal” 

Among his ideas: Have poor kids work as janitors in the schools (you can save a lot instead of paying those unionized workers), or “What if you paid them to work as the assistant librarian? “

Well Mr GingGrinch…

I just could not stop myself.  I sent you the following email:

Dear Mr. Gingrich,

I hope you are not really serious with your stance against child labor laws.  Let the poor children work?  Now there’s an idea for you! Brings to mind the world of Charles Dickens.  “Please sir, can I have some more?”  Or maybe you were thinking of “The Little Match Girl”…that sweet story of the  child with no coat and gloves, pressing her nose to the window, watching pampered rich children enjoy the bounty of Christmas, while she freezes to death.  No problem, just ditch those pesky child labor laws!  Poor children don’t need an education.  Just fire the janitors, and give the jobs to the little ragamuffins!  Great idea, Mr.Gingrich!

And I’m sure a bunch of poorly educated children could run a school library just fine.  No matter that they don’t have a teaching degree, or a masters degree in library information studies.  There really is no reason for children to learn how to evaluate the information they read, or to do research effectively.  But wait a minute….the RICH kids WILL need to do that.  RICH parents can’t have their children being taught by ignorant POOR children!!  Maybe you’d better rethink?…. Maybe you should just try actually thinking before you speak!

I am a school librarian. I have a teaching certificate, a BA in English and a MLS.  I am a School Library Media Specialist, and we are experts in literature and research in all media…print, broadcast and digital.  Perhaps I can help you learn critical thinking.  I’ve mananged to teach students from kindergarten through high school … rich and poor alike.  Call me if you want some lessons.

Jacquie Henry

Well…THAT made me feel better!

In the words of a librarian friend of mine “I believe inmates are now in charge of the asylum.”