From Daniel, a volunteer with Refuse Fascism NYC

A coalition of eight progressive bookstores sent a call to action in the form of a letter to the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and the American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE). Specifically, the letter sounded the alarm on the threat that National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7) poses to bookstores that carry progressive material nationwide. In a moment when this regime is attempting to prosecute and dehumanize any and all opposition, this coalition’s brave decision to publicly deliver this bold message should be commended. The letter begins by providing context on NSPM-7:

“The memo tasks federal agencies with dismantling anti-fascist networks, which it defines using a sweeping list of beliefs, including progressive positions “on migration, race, and gender” and the rejection of “traditional American views on family, religion, and morality.”

The letter also emphasized the potential criminal risk booksellers providing access to progressive reading material under this regime. Just as the convicted Prairieland, TX activists were falsely charged as antifa domestic terrorists, that same principle could be easily applied to left-wing booksellers.

“The directives in NSPM-7 combined with the precedent set by the prosecution of individuals in Texas for producing and distributing dissenting literature is a grave threat to our rights as booksellers. We believe that, if unchecked, this administration could bring similar charges against ABA members under NSPM-7’s stunningly broad definition of “antifa extremism.”

I want to end with one final powerful line from the letter:

“Bullies thrive in an environment of silence and isolation, but bookstores like ours will be strengthened by the knowledge that we do not face this threat alone.”

You can read the full letter here.