FIY NP

[Eric D. Dixon]

calbert at tiac.net wrote:
>> >> to let them know why. Karin McQuillan PS please forward this
>> >> letter to everyone on your email list. It is vitally important
>> >> that Amazon realize that the American public will not support
>> >> pandering to neo-Nazis for profit.

This is a myth -- no truth to it at all.  Here's a note from Amazon's web
site:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1585090158

     As some readers may be aware, a hoax e-mail has been circulating 
     widely that falsely claims Amazon.com has favorably reviewed this 
     book. This allegation is, of course, absolutely untrue. 
     Nevertheless, this rumor has become so widespread on the Internet 
     that it's already a recognized "urban legend," just like 
     alligators living in the sewers. Amazon.com obviously does not 
     endorse The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion. This book is 
     one of the most infamous, and tragically influential, examples of 
     racist propaganda ever written. It may be useful to some as a tool 
     in the teaching of the history of anti-Semitism, but it's 
     unquestionably propaganda.

     Does Amazon.com sell this book? Of course we do, along with 
     millions of other titles. The Protocols of the Learned Elders of 
     Zion is classified under "controversial knowledge" in our store,
     along with books about UFOs, demonic possession, and all manner of 
     conspiracy theories. You can also find books in other sections of 
     Amazon.com's online bookstore that analyze The Protocols' 
     fraudulent origins and its tragic historical role in promoting 
     anti-Semitism and Jewish persecution, including A Lie and a Libel: 
     The History of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. 

     Should Amazon.com sell The Protocols and other controversial 
     works? As a bookseller, Amazon.com strongly believes that 
     providing open access to written speech, no matter how hateful
     or ugly, is one of the most important things we do. It's a service 
     that the United States Constitution protects, and one that follows 
     a long tradition of booksellers serving as guardians of free 
     expression in our society.

     Not all countries view these issues the same way. And one of our 
     greatest challenges is to work cooperatively with other 
     governments to respect their laws without compromising our core 
     values of free expression and free exchange of information--values 
     that the Internet embodies on a global scale.

     Nevertheless, Amazon.com believes it is censorship not to sell 
     certain books because we believe their message repugnant, and we 
     would be rightly criticized if we did so. Therefore, we will 
     continue to make this book and other controversial works available 
     in the United States and everywhere else, except where they are 
     prohibited by law.

     Furthermore, because we strongly believe that the appropriate 
     response to repugnant speech is not censorship, but more speech, 
     we will continue to allow readers, authors, and publishers to 
     express their views about the books and other products we offer on 
     our Web site. We hope we have eliminated any confusion surrounding 
     this book. If you happened to be one of the many who received the 
     infamous e-mail, we would appreciate it if you would pass this 
     along to your friends. It is very hurtful to everyone at 
     Amazon.com to be accused of racism.

     Thank you for your consideration.

It's always a good idea to check out rumors before passing them on, and to
remember that censorship isn't the answer to speech you don't like; the
real answer is more, true, speech.

Eric D. Dixon

"The attitude that life owes us something, if not everything,
encourages life to thwart our endeavours. This life may not
provide justice, but it is fairer than we might like it to be.
When we act as we like, we get what we want; but not what we
need." -- Robert Fripp