[AAACE-NLA] ]RE: adult literacy & the U.S.political tradition & etc.

[Anne murr]

 Bonnie Odiorne said
"how can we expect legislators 
 to value already undervalued adult basic literacy? Only by telling of the 
 perseverance of those who struggle to obtain it, just as we struggle to 
 perpetuate our freedoms in the face of those who would limit them. And, to 
 widen the debate just a bit, those who tell immigrants they need to "learn 
 English" aren't aware of the struggle and sacrifice involved in that 
 seemingly simple mandate. Might we not extend the right to read to the 
 right to communicate in order to function in a changing world, and meet 
 goals in the "pursuit of happiness?" 

Well stated, Bonnie. Only those of us involved in adult literacy understand the perserverance required to acquire literacy as an adult.  We--consumers and providers--must speak to the need for investment in adult literacy as investment in human capital, and thus in economic developement, as well as the investment in democracy.

 Catherine King said
>The point is that the rights of citizens to read in a democracy
>go behind the history of applications to its motivations and
>general principles--toward providing basic freedoms
 of our citizens.  Such rights are
>"written in" to the basic idea of democracy as power-in-the-
>people (Of-For-By The People)
 
Literacy IS basic personal power, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  I see capable, productive adults who feel less than whole persons because they struggle to read a simple newspaper article or write a note to a loved one.  They are angry and feel cheated.  I guess that brings me back to my original statement (but with one change) that every child and adult deserves the right to be taught to read.  We must become more vocal in advocating for this right.
Anne Murr