Amazon Stops Selling Offensive Pedophilia Book, Author Unrepentant, Says "I don't think it is always that bad for the child..."

Guest Editorial

From Crime Report USA

With comments flooding in by the many thousands (and 3010 negative reviews on Amazon’s own page) — plus a threatened boycott and many reports to the FBI — Amazon quickly pulled down the controversial book on Pedophilia, that ranked in the top 100 in some of its categories for sales.

According to Tom’s Civil Liberties Blog, Amazon “Several books that advocate or defend pedophilia are still for sale on Amazon.com, but they’re not instruction manuals.” There are also many books warning against the dangers of Pedophilia. A search on the term on Amazon results in many hits.

Perhaps the saddest aspect of this case, reported by Crime Report USA and Films and Books (our sister publication) yesterday, is the very distressing fact that a substantial number of these ebooks were sold, although the author claims only one was sold. No doubt, the next big controversy will be a probable move by the FBI to try to secure the list of purchasers of this book that purported to “make pedophile situations safer.”

Author Comments Should Provoke

In a somewhat shocking public statement — although it should be no surprise considering the source — the author said:

“To tell you the truth, I don’t think it is always that bad for the child, but I do think it is always confining for the adult. If it is something the child didn’t have any problems with then maybe a fine of some sort, but if it was actual physical harm or mental trauma… oh a few years in jail perhaps.”

Amid scathing comments such as “The most despicable thing I have ever seen!!” (one of the politer comments from Amazon users) and “Goodbye guide to saying F-You to Amazon… I’ll be closing my account…”, Amazon originally stood firm on the first amendment and free speech. Since Pedophilia is a crime, and Amazon’s retail contract with ebook publishers allows discretion, this shouldn’t have ever become headlines around the world.

News Broke on the Internet

Typically, viral news bursts through publications such as Crime Report USA, and socially engaged bloggers spread the word. Almost immediately, boycotts were organized on Facebook (over 600 signed on November 10) against Amazon. Lost in all this was the author. Most criticism (if not all) targeted Amazon, not the dubious author.

Even their obviously carefully worded reply made it clear they did not originally intend to consider removing the title: “Amazon believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable. Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions.”

Late yesterday, after the story exploded online, mainstream media picked up the story, sometimes as pickups from high profile blogs. And, shortly thereafter, down came the offending book, subtitled “A Child-Lover’s Code of Conduct.”

The Big Question

As a business, the big question for Amazon has to be “What were you thinking?” Or, do they not monitor content at all? Yes, freedom of speech is a principle both media and all citizens should care about, but any sensible business or person would draw a line at either books promoting crime and victimization of children, or hate. Would Amazon have also published hate literature under the guise of free speech? Television and media have a long history of censorship, sometimes spotty, but always with good intentions.

Amazon’s terms of service prohibit “titles which may lead to illegal activity.” They are in no way obligated to sell a book, even where they act as the publisher via Kindle.

How much damage was done to Amazon is an open question. They did lose substantial numbers of accounts, and the threatened boycott and media coverage must not be a good thing this close to Christmas. But there’s no doubt Amazon did the right thing in the end pulling down this offensive book. Hopefully, they’ll also cooperate with the authorities in investigating the so-called author.

Did Amazon’s Decision Breach the Spirit of the First Ammendment

No. The First Amendment protection of free speech does not apply to private citizens or corporations and only speaks to abuse by Government or agencies of the Government. Yes, they censored, but it is their right to do so as a seller of material they (and their customers) deem to be offensive.