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<p>I hope that the Intellectual Freedom Committee decides to get more involved in opposing the Oregon Shakeseare Festival's boycott of a small bookstore in Ashland for its Banned Book Display than just supporting the local library. OSF is an organization of
influence well beyond Ashland, and its actions call for a statewide response.</p>
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<p>I have attended plays in Ashland for the last 10 years, and enjoyed them very much. However, I have sent a letter to Bill Rauch of Cynthia Rider of OSF, letting them know that I will not attend in the future if they do not recognize that they behaved poorly.
Of what value are principals if you don't exercise them when they are not inconvenient.</p>
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<p>Here is the letter I sent today:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bill Rauch<br>
Cynthia Rider</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oregon Shakespeare Festival</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">15 S. Pioneer St</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ashland OR 97520</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was distressed to learn of Ms. Rider’s recent efforts to impose a boycott of “Shakespeare Books and Antiques” , and Mr. Rauch’s apparent support for this action. What an ironic response you have chosen to make to a banned books display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span>Instead of championing free speech, you have chosen to attack it, and use the clout of the festival to try to silence a diverse voice.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">
</span>Diversity isn’t just skin color…it is thinking differently, acting differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span>The bookstore chose to point out that powerful groups try to silence those they disagree with. Now the OSF has joined those that are afraid other’s voices.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have been part of a group that has traveled every summer to Ashland for the past 10 years, spending a weekend at the Columbia Hotel, and attending many plays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span>It is something I have enjoyed and looked forward to since our first trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span>However, your actions have put me in a situation that of having to abandon that trip.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">
</span>I am opposed to censorship, and dislike bullies. If I were to continue to attend the festival and purchase tickets, then I would be saying “it’s okay for OSF to throw its considerable weight around to silence those who make it uncomfortable.”
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please reconsider your actions.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">
</span>Sometimes good intentions have bad consequences, and this is one of those times.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For now, shame on you.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Tony Greiner</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Cc: Columbia Hotel, Ashland; Shakespeare Books</p>
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<div id="Signature">
<div>Primo and Alma: Making WorldCat Local Look Good</div>
**tony_greiner@hotmail.com** </div>
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