WOID XX-37
Guns don't kill people; oh really
- Paul Werner
[12/14/2012; revised 7/16/2013]
[To: any number of major not-for-profits whose mission is to stand up to the NRA; at least those that have a contact, as opposed to those that merely ask you to donate, or to "like":]
Dear Friends:
I'm forwarding an e-mail I just received from zazzle.com.
As you may know, Zazzle is one of several major organizations that distribute original designs for their creators and license owners. As you can see, Zazzle has removed one of my design under pressure from the NRA.
Please note:
1) The text of the design is an obvious and explicit parody of the NRA's slogan "Guns don't kill people, people kill people." As such it is protected by the First Amendment.
2) There are numerous designs on Zazzle and elsewhere using the expression "Guns don't kill people...." As far as I know, there has been no pressure from the NRA to remove them, nor have they been removed by Zazzle.
At present, I'd be interested in working with any association that might benefit from defending my case, and in order to advance the cause of free expression—call it free expression uninhibited by people wielding guns. I would appreciate your input.
Cordially,
Paul Werner, PhD
New York and Vienna
>Thank you for being a Seller at Zazzle.com!
>We would love to offer every design that our users submit, however we must abide by all applicable laws and standards as well as our own content guidelines and copyright policies.
>Unfortunately, it appears that your product did not meet Zazzles Acceptable Content Guidelines. Specifically, your product contained content which infringes upon the intellectual property rights of the National Rifle Association.
> We have been contacted by legal representatives of the National Rifle Association, and at their request, to remove products which infringe upon their rights from the Zazzle Marketplace.
> We are sorry for any disappointment, but hope you will understand our position in this regard, etc.
[From: any number of major not-for-profits:]
[crickets...]
