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Much of the left-of-center mainstream media has reported on the “heartbreaking” story of Chelsea Banning, an Ohio librarian who just published her debut fantasy novel. The “heartwarming” aspect of the story comes after Bunn tweeted that only two people showed up to her first book signing, and that she received tweets of support from best-selling authors Stephen King and Margaret Atwood it has been.
These were certainly kind and classy tweets from King and Atwood. The question I have is whether they or other liberals who have supported Banning will offer words of encouragement and support to the conservative or faith-based author at his grief.
STATE LIBRARIES TO KIRK CAMERON HAS A STORY-HOUR FOR HIS NEW FAITH-BASED CHILDREN’S BOOK.
As a timely example, let’s offer actor-writer-producer Kirk Cameron and his new children’s book, As You Grow, published by Brave Books. Cameron’s book celebrates family, faith, and biblical wisdom. Apparently, it’s being censored by a number of public—like taxpayer-supported but almost entirely liberal—libraries across the country.
Why?
Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, teacher, environmental activist and inventor Margaret Atwood, Alba, Cuneo, Italy, October 2021.
(Leonardo Sendamo/Getty Images)
Now, if well-known, left-of-center authors Stephen King and Margaret Atwood were to help a librarian-turned-author, would they be willing to help Cameron, too? Do they simultaneously condemn the censorship of taxpayer-funded libraries?
Furthermore, since those on the left often cite their “hatred of discrimination” as a key driver of their activism, King and Atwood also want to challenge discrimination against conservative and faith-based authors by major publishers. in our country? Will they be willing to denounce the efforts of the liberal employees who make up the majority of the employees of these publishing giants to “cancel” the conservatives?
Do King, Atwood, and other ostensibly liberal or even far-left authors really believe in free speech? Do they believe that readers should choose which books to read and then allow readers to draw their own conclusions based on their own judgment?
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Although King didn’t want to hear it, as a young man trying to escape poverty, I dreamed of becoming a writer. After reading his 1978 book, The Stand, I wrote him a handwritten letter telling him how much I was inspired by his difficult history and incredible talent.
Although he might put a Bic lighter on a letter now, it doesn’t change the fact that I believe he’s a good person and a very talented storyteller who inspired me to keep writing despite industry rejection. King’s political or ideological views never mattered to me, nor do they now. I strongly support his right to hold any political viewpoint, and I will defend just as strongly if anyone on the right tries to censor him or his words.
The question is, does King feel the same way about conservative or faith-based authors being discriminated against or censored? He needs it.
King is to be applauded for actually stepping up to offer words of encouragement to the librarian-turned-author. As a very influential voice in the publishing world – I believe he is still against free speech and discrimination – will he now support Kirk Cameron and speak out against the discrimination directed at him by many liberal-run libraries?
Failure to do so is a “horror” story that denies free speech and has real negative consequences.
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