the fact is that interpol and other european policing agencies had done exactly what you describe. the 'scumbags' that had offered the material for sale had been busted. phase two of the kiddie porn sweep involved busting the site's customers. many of the sites members were nailed in this sting.

I'm glad this has taken place. I have not been following this story. I first heard about it here and have only picked up bits and pieces.

this is not a personal attack, doc, but i think your take on the issue is frighteningly nearsighted. purchasing child pornography is not a victimless crime. the buyer does not take the photos, he pays someone else to do it for him.

I stated that it is wrong to purchase this material. This is also where we should question Mr. Townsend's judgement and intent. His claim, as I understand it, is that he was doing "research" but I would say even if he's being honest about this he should have known better than to put money in the hands of child pornographers.  I know this is an emotionally charged issue and I do not take what you have to say as a personal attack. I'm glad you are commenting on this, that was my intent, to stimulate discussion.  

does a guy that hires a hit man to kill his wife deserve a lesser penalty (slap on the wrist, fine) than the shooter ? or are thay both to be punished ?

While I do see your point here I don't think we're in the same ballpark with these two crimes.  The man that's killing his wife through a hitman has clear intent to commit murder.  I'm not sure you could state that Mr. Townsend had clear intent to harm a child.

i'd be damned before i started supporting thoughtcrime legislation, but i draw a line at perpeuating a demand for the pictoral record of the actual rape of real children. stories, drawings, computer generated cartoons - whatever floats your boat - but not real kids.

It is clearly deviant behavior but I do not know Mr. Townsend and will not extrapolate his reasoning or decision making process.  I suppose it will all come out in the wash and remember whichever way it turns he has already been stoned in the court of public opinion.

i hope pete is not guilty - i really do - but if he is, i hope he fucking rots in prison.  

The question here I guess is what crime would you find "rotting in prison" the proper punishment for?

                                                          Doc