For those who have been staying on top of things to do with multiculturism, we know it does not work and will be the downfall of Europe.  Why would we follow Europe off the cliff.  Right now there are countries that are no longer embracing the concept, because it allows other cultures not to accept the culture of the country they move to.  DA, why would we keep moving our train into the train wreck????  This trip is an outrage at a a time when our city is in deep financial trouble and shame on the library to exempt themselves from moderation in spending.

Submitted by Phil Fretz on August 8, 2010 - 11:33pm

These are tough times, folks.

With city revenues dwindling amid a steep recession, we're being asked not to be so "piggy."

Accept rapidly escalating fees and tax rates, we're told; City Hall needs our money more than we do. And accept cuts in popular services. For example, hours have been reduced at five branch libraries.

You see, marginal services must be cut so the city can provide essential services.

Like sending the library director to Sweden at taxpayer expense.

That's right.

Barbara Gubbin is there right now, assuming she followed her schedule.

She was to arrive in Malmo on Saturday for a preconference conference.

Then, on Tuesday, she'll trek on over to the Scandic Hotel Opelan in Gothenburg for the 76th General Conference and Assembly of the World Library and Information Congress.

She plans to leave on Sunday morning, a few hours before the conference ends.

Gubbin will be busy, no doubt. She'll listen intently, picking up valuable insights on how to present multiculturalism, genealogy and local history at the libraries, for example, according to her spokeswoman.

Wow.

That sounds nice, but it reflects ... uh ... odd budetary priorities.

I have a great idea: The next time any city employee wants to go overseas and learn how to do her job better, she should get the name of some other American who plans to attend the conference.

Then call that person, when it's over, and ask for a report.

Same value, less cost.

Not a business

Incidentally, the group's website describes six tours for conferees - a "picturesque island," a castle "beautifully situated on the coast" and a Viking theme park with costumed characters, for example.

Look, I won't blame Gubbin if she goes on some of those charming little excursions.

If it were me, I would go.

Except that if it were me, I wouldn't be sent. You see, I work in the private sector.

Right now, The Times-Union wouldn't send me anywhere for a conference - not even Yulee.

The private sector does not have the power to tax. So, it must make hard decisions during tough economic times.

But the good times continue to roll in the public sector.

City Hall budgeted about $900,000 for travel this year alone, the Mayor's Office says.

Mayor John Peyton recently indicated that he had given up trying to run the city like a business.

That's pretty obvious.

read the article here:  http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/401026/phil-fretz/2010-08-08/f...