Yahoo!’s
China dealings hurt democracy
The
principles of democracy are one of the
few commonly shared values appreciated
by nearly every American. Regardless
of party affiliation, most Americans
recognize the importance of allowing
the people to have a say in government
and view public participation in government
as a basic right and privilege of the
people.
But recently, this right has come under attack by one of America’s most
debatable values — free enterprise, and the Chinese people are suffering
the repercussions as Yahoo!, the former top dog in Internet search directories,
helps the Chinese government catch civilians seeking democracy.
The popular Web site has been accused of aiding the Chinese government in finding
condemning evidence against Li Zhi, a former public employee who posted information
on the Internet revealing corruption within the government. Zhi was sentenced
to eight years in prison for “inciting subversion.”
This is not the only incident where Yahoo! aided the Chinese government in
identifying, and ultimately capturing, a dissenting citizen. Shi Tao, a Chinese
journalist, was persecuted for his political ideals in 2003.
When confronted by Reporters Without Borders and major U.S. newspapers about
the questionable activities abroad, Yahoo!’s pitiful defense was that
the company is only complying with the laws of the country where their service
is offered. The obvious response would be to not provide service to countries
where freedom of expression is not considered a basic right and the government
silences nonconformist citizens.
Yahoo!’s struggle to regain its once predominant position as the world’s
foremost Internet search directory is no secret. But, should its caddy competition
with up-and-coming Google go so far as to aid foreign governments in capturing
the citizens bold enough to seek out international vindication for democracy?
No.
Although the current administration refuses to interfere with the functioning
of the market, there need to be limits as to where and how businesses provide
their services. Most large corporations, like Yahoo!, are simply seeking a
profit and do not consider the well-being of the people when they conduct business.
It is the role of our government to ensure that not only are the people in
the United States safe, but that our business interests abroad do not conflict
with the well being of people in other countries.
Dissention is the genesis of nearly all social and intellectual movements and
shifts in the political sphere. If our country, when it had barely begun to
question the existing laws and practices of colonial times, had been devoid
of intellectual dissenters we might not have the rosy lifestyle Americans have
become accustomed to.
The reduction of social barriers for minorities, the improved conditions for
blue-collar workers and even the initial spark that ignited the desire for
independence in America’s forefathers all had their roots in dissention.
Depriving a nation in dire need of social justice like China of revolutionary
thinkers is morally deplorable and should be condemned by our leaders in government.
Since our current government officials often turn a blind eye to the wrongdoings
of corporate America, it is us, the consumers, who are left with the obligation
of getting the attention of these corporations and keeping them informed about
public opinion regarding their humanitarian shortcomings. It is our moral obligation
as compassionate, caring citizens of this world.
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