A Symbolic Gesture -- But Is It Art? And Why Is eBay Censoring Free Speech?

In a bizarre publicity stunt turned online censorship debate, eBay on Wednesday morning took down conservative commentator Glenn Beck’s auction of a Barack Obama bobblehead doused in beer serving as a stand-in for Beck’s own urine. _Mashable

If the amber liquid in which the US President is doused, happens to be beer -- then perhaps eBay is worried that it might fall into the hands of under-age drinkers? Would a 14 year old high school kid truly pay $11,000 for a jar full of cheap beer?

After Beck made “Obama in Pee Pee” on his program, he announced he would sell it online along with other original Beck artwork to raise money for charity. It was listed on eBay, where it reached a price of $11,000 in less than an hour. The item, however, was quickly removed. In an email sent by eBay to Beck, eBay said it does “not allow the sale of bodily waste,” despite Beck’s claim that the “urine” in the jar is actually beer. Beck was refunded his listing fee and told not to re-list the item. _Piss Poor Obama

It sounds as if eBay may have been co-opted by the PC Police, if they are willing to be so dishonestly disingenuous. This is likely to be merely the opening bell to the first round of a many-rounds fight -- which may well land in the US courts before it is finished.

eBay has just given Glenn Beck a very rich and powerful Christmas present.