Quote:
Originally Posted by CleverClothe
Is this lie still getting repeated?
WWI, WWII and the American Civil War were extremely bloody and had nothing to do with religion.
It seems to me the top causes of violence are something like this:
1) Greed
2) Racism/Xenophobia
3) Religion
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WWII: Hitler proudly proclaimed himself a proud Christian and often distorted Christian themes and ideals in his propaganda to unite and rally the German people (and churches) behind his war plans.
The American Civil War: Again, a great many leaders on both sides used religious justifications and "divine providence" to defend (and oppose) slavery, secession, and to prolong the war and the ensuing carnage. The era was a time of strong religious fervor and that got thrown into the recipe for the war.
Let's not even get into George W. Bush's seeing the war he started in the Middle East as part of End Times religious prophesy and destiny.
I am NOT saying that religion causes wars.
Rather, shallow, selfish men often wrap themselves in the flag and wave a Bible or other religious artifact as a means to motivate the masses to participate in their madness...while serving as a convenient way to silence or censor any opposing voices. Religion per se is seldom the cause of war...but it is often grease that enables the gears of war to begin turning. It has happened for hundreds of years...it could happen again if we are not vigilant.
As for the main issue, censorship, I can appreciate Amazon being in an uncomfortable position...but I cannot conceive of how Amazon is justifying removing books from archives when the books are not in any way illegal. I think they are playing with fire for removing the books and not offering full credits and refunds immediately.
Icky to some peoples' tastes, naturally...but that is a matter of taste. I personally find books featuring extremely graphic violence very offensive but I don't suggest that they should be banned because they make me uncomfortable.
I also think that the authors have good reason to be angered, especially since not all books dealing with the subject matter have been banned. It appears to be a case of "some animals being more equal than others," to quote Mr. Orwell.
But let's not forget, Amazon is a publicly traded company...ultimately it answers not to its customers but its shareholders and so it is playing "hot potato" on this or any other controversial subject.
I see a marketing angle: "Amazon might take away your books, but WE don't." A private company could easily position itself as the "true free choice, unlike those evil censors at Amazon."