Posted: 8/10/2007 8:31:53 AM EDT
In light of Ebay's new updated ant-gun policy I encourage anyone with an account still open to close it immediately. We should also give them the reason why we are closing it as " Your anti-gun policy is  post script: Ebay emailed a questionnaire as to why I wished to close my account. |
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IMO, it is un-American to try to force a company to deal in items just to suit YOUR preference, unless you have stock in that company. Freedom to choose is a HUGE part of being an American. There are plenty of venues for the online sale of gun stuff. How does Ebay's policy violate your rights? There are a private company and NOT the government. They have a right to do business how they please, within the law. 
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No rights are being violated. But everyone here has the right not to do business with Ebay (or anyone else) if they disagree with a company policy. And have the right to let the company know why. How in the world is freedom of speech un-American? |
No, the OP alleged that Ebay not allowing the sale of gun stuff is is un-American. I say that is a crock. If he had just said that he won't deal with Ebay 'cause their policies bug him, I'd be fine with that. But to call them un-American because of it is just silly. I am disappointed because you usually have better comprehension skills. 
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I think you're making assumptions about the stated argument that are unjustified. Your reply implies that his accusations against ebay are solely becuase ebay refuses to act in manner satisfactory to his personal taste, and thus violate the natural law of Pursuit of Happiness, which is largely a matter of taste. However, I also believe that their policies are un-American and contrary to our American historical tradition of arms (refusing to sell implies to an observer that there is something wrong with arms), and an American sense of justice (That is to say, a proper sense of justice. First, that arms themselves are not the cause of evil, and second, that bending to the threat of unjust lawsuits spawned from that thinking may be businnesslike, but is certainly isn't principled). Secondly, I think it is quite American that I, as a citizen, should wish a company like Ebay to sell what I want. It is more convenient for me to buy from them. It profits me money to sell with them. All of these reasons are quite American and hardly hypocritical. The methods stated are also quite American. Simply, the argument wants to show ebay that selling guns is quite worth their attention both in a philosophical and tangible way. It doesn't advocate any governmental coercion which would hypocritical as you say. |
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If any of you are REALLY worked up over this subject - you may want to take some time and do the reasearch on WHY Ebay decided no to allow the sale of guns/parts on their auction site. Ebay is a for-profit firm. Their primary motive is to maximize profits and to protect the firm from tangible risks that could threaten profitability. Ebay recognized that that there are a HUGE number of laws that strictly regulate firearms and some firearms parts. They vary from state to state and federal laws apply as well. Since Ebay is a very international firm - other nation's laws apply as well. These laws are complex and change with time. There are harsh penalties and fines for violating these laws - as you know. If a firearm, regulated firearm part etc were sold through their website and ultimately a crime occurred or an injury resulted (kaboom, negligent discharge etc etc etc) - don't think for a moment that anyone and everyone involved that finds out that a firearm or part thereof that was sold through Ebay wouldn't be piling onto the lawsuits against the deepest pockets involved - Ebay. Sue Joe Snuffy who makes $25,000 a year - or sue Ebay? Hmmmmm.... which should I do? Ebay saw the risk and protected itself to protect the firm and its stockholders. They have a fiduciary duty to do so when they assess the risk being greater than the reward. Its simply a matter of dollars and sense. Ebay isn't a Second Amendment Rights legislative organization - they are an auction site that tens of millions of people use every day. Its not their mission to help you sell your guns across state lines. Would I like to be able to buy high capacity magazines through Ebay? Sure! Would it make my life easier? Sure! Do I think it is their moral responsibility to permit that? Hell no! I cannot fathom why people ASSUME that it is the "responsibility" of ANY for profit commercial business to do whatever it is that you think they should do. |
So what happens when some batteries on their website melt down and destroy some electronics/start a fire. Or when someone who bought ski's on their website hurts them selves? You see where this is going? If thats the logic their going to follow the only thing being sold on EBAY would be....nothing. Oh, and no I'm not worked up about it...actually I could give a fuck less. |
It would also be convenient to walk into the 7-11 and buy gun parts. Are they Un-American too, since they don't sell gun parts?  And refusal to sell does not imply that they believe there is something wrong with arms. It is a nice argument, but fails in the face of reason and logic. |
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