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It worries me that we seem to equate Amazon with society.
by CodeMage 8y ago
It worries me that we seem to equate Amazon with society.
- nickysielicki 8y agoWhy is this such a pain point whenever an internet discussion of freedom comes up? Free speech and freedom are principles. These principles inspired the guarantees the Constitution claimed to make. But that does not mean that the government is the sole arbiter of freedom. The fact that Amazon bans a book means that Amazon does not appreciate the value of freedom and free speech, in the same sense that when the government limits speech, it means they do not value free speech and freedom. Freedom isn't just with respect to government. When Amazon filters books you can buy, that does mean we have less freedom, especially when Amazon is a filter through which we are able to purchase most goods. No, your first amendment rights haven't been violated. But yes, we have less freedom.
- raquo 8y agoSeems like you just want your freedoms to trample over Amazon's freedoms. Why? Because they're big? You put your personal interpretation of the general principle of freedom of speech above actual rights and freedoms. Nothing noble about that.
- nickysielicki 8y agoWhere have I said that the government should step in and change Amazon and make them host these books? I haven't said that. All I've said is that Amazon should take a principled stance.
- raquo 8y agoProblem is, your interpretation of freedom of speech principles is very disagreeable.
- CodeMage 8y agoThat's not what my pain point is. My pain point is that Amazon has grown to the point where this is the same kind of concern as if the government did the same thing. See my other comment: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19393433 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19393433
- nickysielicki 8y agoSorry, I jumped ahead on that one and thought you were saying something that you weren't.