When Animal Lovers Attack

One of the most revealing words in the U.S. language is 'but.' As in, "I believe strongly in free speech, but..."

When you hear that word, used in that context, it's a pretty good sign you're dealing with a seriously censorious individual who's either too chickenshit or too deluded to admit that the Bill of Rights is but toilet paper to him.

Case in point:

"No one respects free speech more than we do, but inciting criminal cockfighting is not protected speech, and cannot be tolerated," Jonathan Lovvorn, the Humane Society's vice president of animal protection litigation.

You hear that? No one respects free speech more than Mr. Lovvorn and his colleagues do. He would no doubt appreciate copious brownie points for that bravely held conviction, but alas — there is the little fact that he and his organization are suing Amazon. That's because the online retailer dares to sell cockfighting magazines that the Humane Society deems undesirable — the Gamecock and the Feathered Warrior.

Amazon isn't backing down. "We're going to continue to make these titles available," said a spokeswoman for the company. "It's up to the customer to determine what they feel is appropriate for them to purchase." What a concept.

For a government-backed ban on certain niche magazines — such as Casino Player ands Strictly Slots — see here.

Comments

[colson]

Reminds me of PJ O'Rourke:

"Cockfighting has always been my idea of a great sport - two armed entrées battling to see who'll be dinner."

[GreginOz]

Colson, who said "Democracy is two wolves and a sheep sitting down to discuss what to have for dinner" ??!

[Amsterdamsky]

""I believe strongly in free speech"

Kind of like saying "Israel has the right to defend itself" before justifying some continued act of agression.

[Martin Owens]

The quote comes from Benjamin Franklin:

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!"

[GreginOz]

Ah Martin, you leg-end:-)

[Martin Owens]

Sorry , don't speak strine.
Wot's a leg-end, then?