(Update - Title formerly: "Death to the President - And make $$" which was more accurate, but troubling to folks)
This is a short diary, but just received a response from www.CafePress.com that they are reinstating "Pray for Obama - Psalm 109:8" products featured on their vendor sites.
As documented in yesterdays excellent but disturbing diary, Trawling for assassins vendors at Cafe Press are pushing a biblical passage that on it's own seams harmless, but when read calls for the death of Obama.
From the King James version at BibleGateway
8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
9Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
[Updating the Update: CafePress out Hoffmans Hoffman, Reversing Reversal (err I mean "Removes Products"). After the dust settles, if things hold true, return to showing them some love.]
[Update: Also raging over at bhlogger's Rec List Diary]
I'd be remiss in not pointing out that Zazzle did the right thing yesterday. If you're a CafePress vendor, maybe you should consider moving your products to Zazzle.com in light of today's developments. Or give CafePress another 24 hours to see if they realize the harm that they will cause.
Letter is also found here: http://mikeconwell.com/...
From: Cafepress.com Content Usage Team [cup@cafepress.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:30 PM
To: 99 recipient emails that submitted complaints. Very Professional CafePress.
Subject: RE: Contact Us Webform (LTK419085799243X)
Dear Michelle,
Thank you for contacting CafePress.com!
Cafepress looks at content on a case by case basis, and makes decisions about what content is permissible based on our content usage policy.
Anti-presidential gear has been a mainstay at Cafepress since we were founded in 1999 and has become a key component of political discourse. Our site has become a cultural barometer of public opinion and as such designs often come into question. In managing our content we are trying to protect self expression, while making sure we are not advocating violence.
We initially pulled the Psalm 109:8 content from our products today because broader media dialog indicated that these designs potentially suggested violence towards the president. Based on current public discourse and further review of the actual content, we have determined that it is fair political commentary and we are in the process of reinstating this merchandise. As with all of our content, these designs will continue to be reviewed and if at any time their meaning is construed as advocating violence we will revisit our decision.
Your ticket code is LTK419085799243X. Please use this code in any further communication.
Please use this link to rate the response you received in this email.
Best Regards,
Margene H.
Content Usage Associate
(650) 655-3104 (O)
(650) 240-0260 (F)
www.cafepress.com
Disclaimer: The information contained in this email is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. CafePress.com is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney. If you require legal advice, please consult an attorney who is authorized to practice law in your jurisdiction.