To the Editor:

Everyone is entitled to his or her own values and opinions. No one else can tell me what to think or do. And it’s up to parents to offer guidance to their children, supporting their growth and intellectual development based on their family values.

The idea that one person has the right to “protect” others with something they don’t agree with by demanding that it be taken out of the public domain, provided it isn’t something that is physically harmful or illegal, is an affront to our individual liberties.

A group of educators, who have devoted their lives to the well-being of children and adolescents recently convened in Newtown to discuss 2 books which some people found offensive and wanted “banned.”

The educators determined that these books were not being forced on anyone, they were not part of a school curriculum, but were there to offer a different perspective which may not coincide with mainstream thoughts/behaviors. That does not make them “wrong” or” immoral.”

The group concluded that based on their discussions the books should remain available to those who choose to read them. Parents who don’t like the content are welcome to have family discussions, just as I would hope parents have a say in what kids watch on TV, the internet, on movie channels, etc.

To those who want these books banned, I offer a suggestion — move to Florida!

Beth Holland

Newtown