To the editor:

I would like to thank Josh Bickford and the Barrington Times for doing something that used to be second nature in journalism, but rarely exists today. He and they are willing to look at issues from both sides and more importantly, question those in power about their actions.

The historical duty of the press has been to keep governments, no matter what party was in charge, honest. Sadly, our democracy is now in danger. A strong democracy depends on a free and unbiased press. But the message we receive is now controlled by platforms that have made themselves the arbiters of truth. They censor what people can and can not read under the guise that it is their “duty” to protect us from views they do not agree with. That is as chilling and UnAmerican as it gets.

Thank you to Mr. Fletcher, for reminding us that while we may not all agree on issues, it is imperative that we be allowed to digest all points of view and decide for ourselves what we choose to believe. An organized Shadow Campaign (see Time.com) proudly bragged this past week that it organized businesses, labor unions, big tech and media to work behind the scenes in 2020 changing procedures for voting, and guaranteeing that only certain information got out because they did not trust the American people to figure out for ourselves what information was valid. That should enrage every American. Any wonder why so many people don’t trust the results of the 2020 election?

And on that note, thank you to Mr. Zanoni for stating the obvious, any fraud is too much fraud. We have to have faith in our institutions, but we can only do that if they have faith in us to be responsible citizens. Recently they have not.

Thank you to Mary Alyce Gasbarro, former esteemed Councilwoman, for schooling those in power about the laws of our town. There is a sign ordinance. She explained it quite clearly. The question is why aren’t our town officials enforcing their own laws rather than trying to write new policies and ordinances? Maybe that is protected by government speech as well? It seems to be an umbrella that allows towns and municipalities to do whatever they darn well please. We can all have our own opinions about anything, but nobody likes them shoved in your face no matter how noble the message is. What is good for me might be bad for you and we would be better neighbors if we focused on what unites us rather than what divides us.

Which brings me to my final point, why the banners? It is certainly not an exercise in free speech. To have a banner raised, you need to make a proposal and have the town make a judgment about whether it is worthy of raising. If the town insists on this road you are going down, there are fairer ways to promote free speech. Let everyone put their banners on the front lawn of the Town Hall. That is the fairest way. But that would so not fit in with the village look of our town would it?

Barrington is focused on “values”, Mr. Brier says? Here’s a value. You people are leaders so come out of isolation and have your meetings in public again. Look people in the eye when you make these decisions. It is easily done. I have been teaching school in person since last August and I attend daily mass at St. Luke’s every morning at 7 am. You can gather safely. Find a way.

There are many issues in town that need attention…. living within municipal budgets,, small business assistance, lowering taxes, fixing roads, ensuring our electric grid system is stable and many more that should keep you busy for a long time. And if you have any extra time, look for things that unite us rather than divide us. Every one of these banners can be divisive.

But the American flag represents all the things that unite us, as diverse as we all are ...liberty, freedom, equality, the chance to achieve the American dream with hard work. These are the common ideals that our country was built on and that still draw people here from all over the earth. Let’s unite around those values and as we do we will have the strength to fix any injustices we find along the way.

Mary Teixeira

Barrington