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.
CNN.com managed to interview the Pueblo, Colorado author, Phillip R. Greaves II. The author said he wrote the book to change the public perception of pedophiles, though he admits that parts of the book function as a how-to guide.
"True pedophiles love children and would never hurt them," Greaves II told CNN. "Penetration is out. You can't do that with a child, but kissing and fondling I don't think is that big of a problem."
Greaves II also told CNN the he hadn't had sexual contact with a child since he was a teenager and that he was introduced to oral sex when he was 7 by an older woman.
While the internet may be a noman's land where anyone can post objectionable content in the name of free speech, Amazon.com is an American company that reserves the right to prohibit the sale of any title, including pornography, offensive content, or "titles which may lead to... illegal activity."
Some conspiracy theorists believe this book is merely an attempt by law enforcement to track down pedophiles. If so, the police will be led to many reports and online child safety advocates who downloaded this book in order to denounce it.
The book is technically protected under the first amendment because it does not include illustrations. Regardless of the moral implications, it was undoubtedly another poor decision by Amazon to attempt to profit off of such an offensive book. This isn't the first time the company has come under fire for selling such material. In 2002, a conservative group threatened to sue Amazon for offering Understanding Loved Boys and Boylovers. This book is still available on Amazon, though it seems to be more of an amateur attempt to justify the feelings pedophiles must cope with as opposed to instructing them on how to act on their desires.
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