Amazon Defends Pedophile Book

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Pookeysgirl

I apologize, I didn't realize it was against the rules. I was upset. Won't happen again.

Not a problem, just wanted to point it out. There was a thread about spammers that got closed a few days ago for this reason.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by JLeighs

Yes. I'm not really sure why a self-described pedophile who writes a book teaching other pedophiles how to "properly" assault children should have any rights at all in our society.

The reason is because all citizens have equal rights under the constitution.

In addition there is no evidence that the author is actually a pedophile, but was a child "victim" of pedophilia from what I understand.

[tiniree]

Originally Posted by NetCat99

Hypocrisy
All men are pedophiles at the level of our instincts.
You believe our ancestors actually waited until they turn 20 before they start procrastinating?

We only pretend that we don't like girls younger than 20 because our society's ethical standards require us to behave that way.

If you feel this strongly about it, why don't we send all the registered child sex offenders over to bunk with you and you guys can have a nice long chat about the evolution of man!

[kennyc]

And that brings up another thing.....why is there a sex offender registry and no burglar registry?

Hmmm....

[JLeighs]

Originally Posted by kennyc

The reason is because all citizens have equal rights under the constitution.

Yes, kennyc, I do understand the technical reason why. I just don't happen to agree that someone who preys on children and/or teaches others how to do the same should have the same rights as law-abiding citizens.

In addition there is no evidence that the author is actually a pedophile, but was a child "victim" of pedophilia from what I understand.

Whether or not he was a victim of pedophilia has nothing to do with the discussion at hand. As for evidence, I would assume that his description of his sexual preferences is evidence enough. But, none of that matters either as far as I'm concerned. He wrote a book detailing the "best and safest" ways of using the innocent to satisfy sexual urges. That's all I need to know.

[Catlady]

I wasn't going to revisit this thread, but for all those who have expressed concern about the First Amendment, how about expressing your outrage over a REAL violation of the First Amendment: In California, a school official has ordered a student to remove an American flag he flies off the back of his bicycle, because some other students have complained about it. Here's the story.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by JLeighs

Yes, kennyc, I do understand the technical reason why. I just don't happen to agree that someone who preys on children and/or teaches others how to do the same should have the same rights as law-abiding citizens.

And this is EXACTLY where democracy and Rule of Law comes in. YOU do not get to decide, the law and will of the people does.

Originally Posted by JLeighs

Whether or not he was a victim of pedophilia has nothing to do with the discussion at hand. As for evidence, I would assume that his description of his sexual preferences is evidence enough. But, none of that matters either as far as I'm concerned. He wrote a book detailing the "best and safest" ways of using the innocent to satisfy sexual urges. That's all I need to know.

Of course it's relevant. And as I've said repeatedly in this discussion saying something is not the same as doing something. If the author were guilty and there was evidence then he would (and will) be arrested and charged with a crime.

Writing and publishing a book is not a crime, thank goodness.

[ProfCrash]

Originally Posted by JLeighs

Yes, kennyc, I do understand the technical reason why. I just don't happen to agree that someone who preys on children and/or teaches others how to do the same should have the same rights as law-abiding citizens.

And once someone is found guilty of a crime they find themselves deprived of many of those rights. When they are released from jail for a crime such as rape or pedophila then their rights continue to be restricted.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Catlady

I wasn't going to revisit this thread, but for all those who have expressed concern about the First Amendment, how about expressing your outrage over a REAL violation of the First Amendment: In California, a school official has ordered a student to remove an American flag he flies off the back of his bicycle, because some other students have complained about it. Here's the story.

This IS a real issue with the first amendment.

That flag deal seems to me the School is out of line, but there was a recent discussion here along similar lines where a couple was flying an American flag in their apartment window and had to remove it. ....

[jhempel24]

Originally Posted by NetCat99

Amazon's role is to protect the freedom of thought and publishing rights.

No, their role is to make money.

[tammycravit]

Originally Posted by kennyc

And this is EXACTLY where democracy and Rule of Law comes in. YOU do not get to decide, the law and will of the people does.

And, to agree with and extend your point, one of the functions of the law is to protect the rights of unpopular or disfavored minorities from "the tyranny of the majority". That is, part of the function of the law (and of a Constitution/Charter of Rights & Freedoms/etc.) is to ensure that mob rule cannot vitiate the rights of a member of a minority. And here, in this thread, we see exactly why the law is concerned with such things.

[recluse]

The Will of the People has spoken.
Child molestors and their advocates must be wiped out.

The Law must change.

That is the Will of the People.

[tiniree]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

And once someone is found guilty of a crime they find themselves deprived of many of those rights. When they are released from jail for a crime such as rape or pedophila then their rights continue to be restricted.

Right! And do you think that the recently reported thousands of "registered sex offenders" that the courts have "lost track of"
are "depriving themselves"? Nope!

They have moved, changed their names and are most likely committing the same crimes over again.

[Pookeysgirl]

Originally Posted by recluse

The Will of the People has spoken.
Child molestors and their advocates must be wiped out.

The Law must change.

That is the Will of the People.

[tammycravit]

Originally Posted by Catlady

In California, a school official has ordered a student to remove an American flag he flies off the back of his bicycle, because some other students have complained about it.

This is indeed odd, and of great concern.

(putting on paralegal hat)

On the one hand, the Supreme Court has held that the First Amendment right of minors, especially in the setting of a school, are subject to more restriction than are the First Amendment rights of adults. (See, for example, Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969)) On the other hand, the test proposed by Tinker requires that the conduct to be banned must "materially and substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school", which the media reports would suggest is a bar the school cannot meet here.

I'd be willing to bet that if this one gets enough media attention and/or the family files a lawsuit, the school will back down on this one.