Why Companies Are Not Countries, The Sequel
August 1, 2010
When I was in Spain doing a little project for the US government, I had a conversation in the foyer of the Cervantes Institute. The young person with whom I talked asked me, “Why do American companies act like they are like the Roman emperors before the decline?” I thought a moment and said, “American business is designed to reward those who have the ego of Julius Caesar and the money to get their own way. Just like the Hapsburgs.”
She laughed and replied, “Yes, American Caesars like Douglas McDonald.”
“No, not McDonald, MacArthur.”
“Ah, now I remember, but he was cut down to size, right? she asked.
“Yes, but now the government is influenced by lobbyists, so American companies see themselves as having more power than elected officials.”
“Ah, so sad,” she said. She walked off to get a piece of chicken.
Why is this conversation in a blog about search?
Navigate to “Google Says China Web Search Blocked.” Google continues to learn the difference between an American company and a country. American countries can hire lobbyists, cut deals, and use money to make life smooth as Chinese silk.
A country makes laws, has a police force, a secret service, and power, real power. Google tried to tell China what to do. China dipped into The Art of War and we learned:
Google Inc’s Web search and mobile services in China were blocked on Thursday, according to a message on the company’s website. It was unclear whether access had been blocked by the Chinese government or if it was a temporary service disruption. A Google spokesman said he did not have any immediate information on the change in service availability.
Can Google wiggle out of this set back? Maybe but Google is a company; China is a country. Guess who will blink first.
Stephen E Arnold, August 1, 2010
Freebie
Comments
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
