1. Would you like to express your thoughts on the Whistler Public Library, which has warmly welcomed you during this period of time when you have been laboring on your case?
Answer: I have immense gratitude for the Whistler Public Library and its staff, all of whom have gone out of their way to support my efforts. Libraries are really a repository of the freedom of expression, the freedom of ideas, and the advocacy for the foundational rights of the public as a whole over the long term. I have been moved by the kind reception I have received in this safe space.
2. What does a thriving public library such as Whistler's mean to the community?
Answer: Well, more than its meaning within the community, I think it carries meaning for the whole of Canada, and, since I am visiting, for Canada's respectful neighbors in the United States as well. The import of a thriving public library is transformative, because it stakes a claim for the primacy of free access to intellectual, academic, educational, scientific and artistic realms which typically remain concealed or unavailable within totalitarian societies.
3. Much has been written about the pressure that librarians have experienced all over the world to limit access to certain books. Can you comment on your view regarding this concern?
Answer: We are commencing a period of human history that will ultimately reflect tremendous transitions. So, there are going to be momentous pressures surrounding the freedom of information. Over the long term, however, it will benefit human society immensely if we can de-politicize the act of reading.
4. How do we manage to de-politicize the act of reading controversial books?
Answer: It will be helpful for public figures to demonstrate to the public that they are reading outside of strict boundaries in order to engage in the world of ideas.
5. What are you yourself reading at the moment?
Answer: Plato's Republic.
6. May I ask your impressions?
Answer: This is a book everyone should contemplate at some point. Plato depicts Socrates asking the foundational questions of what makes a perfect "State" and what constitutes a perfect citizen. And his answers are often profoundly wise and insightful.
7. Often, but not always?
Answer: Socrates envisioned some unique elements of the "perfect" State that included collective raising of children, without traditional families. And, knowing something about child development, most of us would reject a model that removed children from the nuclear family. That's not the way to build a loving, thoughtful, motivated, insightful, engaged human being.
But, as I said, many of his ideas are rather brilliant and timeless, including his thought that the ideal leader possessed wisdom, courage, temperance and justice in abundance.
8. You could easily read Plato's Republic as an e-book, presumably. Why are you reading the physical book and why are physical libraries still important in the digital age?
Answer: If there are some countries which currently experience censorship of online content -- and there are -- then we can immediately see why physical books are important. They represent a tangible testament to the author's intended communication. And physical libraries are a rather sacred repository of books which have not been altered, redacted, or diminished. They represent a meeting place for those who believe in the sanctity of the life of the mind within a society that values individual sovereignty.
9. Would you ever consider writing a book about your experiences regarding your case?
Answer: We'll see. I'm sure the FBI has thoughts regarding that subject, and I hope the agency will express them through an attorney.
10. What is the one word with which you would describe the Whistler Public Library, which you clearly view with deep gratitude?
Answer: A haven. A warm and resonant and welcoming and thoughtful haven. This is what this remarkable institution has extended to me, and, I'm sure, many others.
11. Thank you for speaking with us this afternoon.
Answer: You are quite welcome.
Lane MacWilliams
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