Dear Friends,

The Library, not unlike a museum, is a place full of history.

As we enter into such institutions we re-author our history with each visit. Everyone contributes to the interpretation of our culture whether it comes from a document, book, or painting. The discourse with history enables us to prevent its repetition.

Unfortunately many stories fall by the wayside. The mere fact of ignoring or forgetting past events is an invitation for them to rear their ugly heads again.

We have entered into such a phase again where past lessons could have prevented recent problems. In particular we are living in a time governed by fear. Fifty years ago we felt the same way. Bomb shelters were built books were burned and people were convicted for thinking differently. Presently we have all conformed to the new worries, with terrorism and loss of security being the protagonist. We patienty wait in line for our next security check. We offer no resistance as our lines of communication are being tapped. We resign to this state of paranoia as a coping mechanism to the daily dose of fear shoved into our life.

The Joe McCarthy Memorial Library is not a tribute to a celebrated life. It is a subtle reminder of the fears he sold and how we have fallen victim to them again. Explore the Library and its glow in the dark archives in person in Duesseldorf on April 21st at 8PM or on the World Wide Web @ www.e-sinom.com/mccarthy/mccarthy.htm

Thanks

James Renier