Google
Refuses To Run
Impeachment Ad
By Ralph Lopez
20 November, 2007
Countercurrents.org
Google has refused to run the
following sponsored ad and link paid for by the Northeast Impeachment
Coalition and YaliesForImpeachment.org:
Help Impeach Cheney NOW
Nonpartisan, the time is here.
House JC 202-225-3951 Demand ACTION
YaliesForImpeachment.org
Google's explanation is the
following:
"At this time, Google
policy does not permit ad text that advocates against an individual,
group, or organization. In addition, this policy doe not permit the
advertisement of websites that advocate against a group protected by
law."
Protected by law? Since when
is the Vice President of the United States protected from free speech?
Political speech is protected speech. Cheney is a public figure. Google
does run ads "against" the tobacco industry. We believe this
is settled law in the print and TV worlds. Any legal beagles out there
please weigh in. We'll be forwarding this to the ACLU and the general
media Monday morning. Following is the full text of the email Google
sent to our coordinator. An example of political speech Google DOES
allow: if you type in keywords "support the president" the
following ad comes up:
Elect More Republicans
The Party of Lincoln, Reagan and You. Support the RNC today.
www.gop.com
Also included is a list of
impeachment-related advertising which Google allows. What's the difference
between "Impeach Bush" and "Help Impeach Cheney Now?"
Our feeling is the line is drawn at political advertising which might
actually wake people up, is too effective. Please circulate widely,
and in the meantime, use Yahoo for your search engine.
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