More on Google's Compromised Principles

As seen on Yahoo! News (surprise, it wasn't one of the main Google News stories).
Brin Says Google Comprimised Principles.

Brin said Google had agreed to the censorship demands only after Chinese authorities blocked its service in that country. Google's rivals accommodated the same demands — which Brin described as "a set of rules that we weren't comfortable with" — without international criticism, he said.

Brin is correct. Others have bent to the Chinese regime without much fuss or notice. How many others blantantly flaunt a "Do No Evil" type of motto. Um, none. When selecting a company motto, mantra, or slogan make sure it is 1) feasible 2) not too cocky 3) business minded. Google's poor cocky founders forgot that rule of thumb.

Sure a "Do No Evil" motto pulls in mass press coverage, flocks of onlookers, users, bloggers and businesses. But there's fine print overlooked here. MOST people scrapping so diligently with a fine tooth comb through masses of Google press are looking for a gem to throw back. This gem is the size of a Wile E Coyote boulder.

Then he threw a surveillance curveball:

"I think it's interesting that the expectations of people with respect to what happens to their data seems to be different than what is actually happening," he said.

Where's he going with this? Pointing fingers elsewhere or simply bringing a fact to the forefront?

Back to the china question:

"It's perfectly reasonable to do something different, to say, 'Look, we're going to stand by the principle against censorship and we won't actually operate there.' That's an alternate path," Brin said. "It's not where we chose to go right now, but I can sort of see how people came to different conclusions about doing the right thing."

In my opinion, Google will not pull out of China for any reason. Maintaining principles, personal feelings toward the situation, human rights' outrage. Google will stay, play the press for a little while, then everything will blow over and no one will focus on Google.cn anymore. It's the American way. We'll find something else to be disappointed with and go on to rally around that cause for a few days, weeks, or possibly months, then onto the next situation.

Google will come out on top with this. Regardless of human rights issues, free speech (which is an American idea, remember?), or availability of imformation for the broadest coverage Google will continue its censorship programs with China just as others will.

If Yahoo!, MSN and others continue to work, play, and most importantly, have access to billions with whom to focus ads, merchandise, and services, Google will be there probably on top.

Business is business. Rights are not universal. Google will not step down.