To the editor:

Barrington Books is in business to sell books and to make a profit. They have the freedom to invite in any authors whose book sales might help them to achieve that goal. Inviting an author for a book signing does not mean that Barrington Books is endorsing that person and their values, nor should it mean that. As a matter of fact the best business model for a book store would be to provide authors of various interests and philosophies since customers who purchase books have varied interests and philosophies.

I applaud Barrington Books for inviting Sean Spicer to visit and for not falling prey to the hysteria that has afflicted many in our country since the election of our 45th President on November 8, 2016. We may not all agree with elected officials and we may not all agree with policies, but unless I have missed something, America still allows all of us to have an opinion and to express those opinions without fear of name calling, harm, or financial intimidation caused by boycotts and censoring. As a matter of fact, the right to express your opinion without fear of retribution is so important to Americans that it is incorporated into the Constitution, that amazing document that continues to stand the test of time and has guided us from our country's inception.

So, Mr. Mandelson, if you don't begrudge anyone the right to make a living, don't ask a bookstore not to invite an author just because you disagree with him. If you are going to state, "Barrington Books represents open mindedness, exchange of views, and free speech", then don't ask them to betray all of those values by not inviting an author you disagree with. If they did what you suggested, then Barrington Books would not be open minded, they would not be encouraging people to exchange views, and they would certainly not be promoting free speech.

In America we can disagree heartily without calling those we disagree with names, like Nazis. I voted for President Trump and I am a Catholic Christian, an educator and by no means a racist, fascist or Nazi. My faith wouldn't allow it.

It is time for the hysteria to stop. The world is not coming to an end. We can have different opinions without hating each other. That is what makes our country great. Congratulations Barrington Books for indeed being open minded and encouraging people to exchange ideas and to listen to each other. Well done.

Mary Teixeira

Barrington