Why are cruel parenting sites legal?

[Blu]

I have heard of Gary Ezzo before, and today discovered the horrific Michael Pearl. Pearl and his wife actually advocate beating children under the age of one with 'switches' from a tree, and describe horrendous incidences where they have beaten other peopel's children. He instructs parents to beat children relentlessly.

Since incitement to other kinds of violence is banned, and the beahviour this man admits to is presumably legally child abuse, why is it permissable that he openly encourages people to beat children. To beat babies? (he proudly describes beating an 11 month old on his bare leg with a stick).

I really, really want him arrested.

mt, honestly, I think he really really believes in god, and uses that fact that his followers do too to urge them on.

Sadly, I think Harpsi's observation below is probably very real, and the reviews on Amazon purport to suport the Christian evidence for this man.

Actually, the 'you might also like' list on Amazon lists a good few more books in the same vein, and if possible, even more crule sounding (from the reviews). The one by REb someone. (can't bring myself to go back and look).

NOT saying that this is typically Christian, of course.

Yes, alexmum - I can see why you felt so sick.

People do horrible horrible stuff.

What makes this so much more unbelievable is that this is apparantly legal, 'respectable' and commercially a go-er for Amazon.

this has made me feel physically sick.
I am so shocked.
I too shall be contacted Amazon.

I've done a review and reported the book to the product compliance team on the basis that it "is unsafe or has a defect that could cause injury or death" (wording on the website)

I've put a review saying that I'm going to boycott Amazon until this book and others like it are removed.

I've added a review as well....hope it gets submitted by Amazon. Ive just also cancelled my DVD rental with them too.

The plus side is Amazon have no copies available... I'm awaiting an email from them.

It astounds me that whilst child porn is illegal, child abuse instructions are allowed ! It's vile.

\link{http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/1892112019.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg\front cover}

The totally deceiving picture on the book too !!!!
A father and daughter having fun....! Yeah right...kids love being beaten

There's a section on his website about how to avoid child protection workers/win them round. I'm afraid I think bible bashing as a style of religion is so much part of mainstream culture that even clear child abuse like this is seen as a parenting style in some states. I suppose it's on a continuum with approving of the death penalty and thinking gay people are the devil incarnate really. Same sort of eye for an eye, men shall shag women (or whatever it says) spare not the rod crap, innit? Poor kids,though.

\link{http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1892112000/103-7249335-2872644?v=glance&n=283155\this is the other front cover / book - and the page that says Amazon are ordering more}

Even if Amazon stop selling it, he will distribute amongst his horrible followers, I suppose. I'm still boycotting Amazon, though. Are there any other campaigning organisations to e mail? In this country, NSPCC and STOP (?) I suppose?

Sorry, MNHQ - another of your high profile advertisers.

How the hell does he sleep at night?

How would he like someone 4 times bigger than him to set about him with a switch

1. Is it legal to beat children with an instrument in this country (I think it IS legal, as long as there isn't a mark left)

1. As above in the US. I'm sure it is legal there.

Therefore there are no laws being broken as far as I can see, in this or the US, if this kind of parenting is followed.

"The rod" is often quoted by extreme christian groups as in "Spare the Rod and spoil the child" - from Proverbs.

morningpaper - but surely that's not the only definition of abuse? yes, it may well be legal to hit your child with an implement, but in a sustained and relentless way like this, and when the baby is so small?

But, I suspect you and Harpsi are right, and it is so deeply ingrained (for now) in people who believe that it is 'right' that there isn't legal or political capital in it, atm. And that will remain the same while companies like Amazon continue to sellthe stuff that advocates it. people are very 'respectful' of anything that is in books.

awful awful awful book

'kinell. I don't often recoil in horror and refuse to read something but that is awful.

I'm going to get my children now.

Gawd, I was steeling myself for another GF debate when I clicked on this thread, I had no idea that this kind of thing is available mainstream. It's absolutely vile and despicable. I can't stop thinking about those poor little toddlers. The problem is, I don't think anyone over here has enough clout to deal with creatures like this man who cliam to have God on their side. Now if someone like Oprah got involved....any ideas, anyone? Is there anyone high profile enough in the US who might be passionate enough to take this on? Angelina, perhaps?

I mailed Amazon and I did also give MNHQ the heads-up about the discussion here, no doubt they will find the contents of Michael Pearl's "books" as upsetting as we all have, and might have a view about Amazon selling it here.
I think Amazon's answer to us all is going to be along the lines of "but we aren't actively promoting it" or something similar :(
I'd heard of the appalling Ezzo before but was not familiar with Pearl. Shocking stuff :(

Actaully, probably not Angelina, since the religious fanatics are probably convinced she is the spawn of Satan anyway.....I think she's fab...

Hi all,
We agree with you all that this absolutely vile and indeed shocking that Amazon is stocks these titles. We'll remove our affiliate buttons asap and contact them to let them know why.
Thanks so much for bringing it to our attention.
MNHQ

Yay for Mumsnet!

too bloody terrible for words. Can't believe Amazon are actually selling this stuff.