The hypothetical one’s usually are. :)

it’s when they no longer seem odd that we need to worry. :p

Are you really that bored? My query was based on a hypothetical situation.
I never claimed … anything.

The ability of a corporation or consortium or trade group to influence government is a well-described and very obvious phenomenon seen throughout the world. Chiefly it’s seen in the actions of public sector unions who for all intents and purposes control our elected officials like a puppet master pulling the strings of his puppet. However we see it quite often with highly paid lobbyists high-fiving their old buddies in congress and then whispering instructions in those elected ears.

Seriously, if you want to see government pushed around and practically highjacked by non-government interests you merely need look at the battle being waged in Wisconsin by the big unions.

I’m trying to imagine the most popular company right now…  I assume it’s apple.   Let’s see… they decide to refuse to sell iPADS to China till the Chinese fix their human rights issues.    Nope… I don’t see them being able to “force” the country to do their will.    How about America?   Any company that could refuse to sell their product until the country changes it’s stance on abortion?  (either for or against)   Again, nope.   Not seeing it.

I think any country that wants a consumer product so badly that a corporation could force the country to do it’s bidding, would be so lacking in authority/validity that it’s not a country in the first place.  Not in agreement about your “fear and rhetoric out there about Corporatocracy”.

I’m trying to imagine the most popular company right now…  I assume it’s apple.   Let’s see… they decide to refuse to sell iPADS to China till the Chinese fix their human rights issues.    Nope… I don’t see them being able to “force” the country to do their will.    How about America?   Any company that could refuse to sell their product until the country changes it’s stance on abortion?  (either for or against)   Again, nope.   Not seeing it.

I think any country that wants a consumer product so badly that a corporation could force the country to do it’s bidding, would be so lacking in authority/validity that it’s not a country in the first place.  Not in agreement about your “fear and rhetoric out there about Corporatocracy”.

but in principle there is a problem with google offering things for free and making money on advertising coz it means any competitor who’s business model requires them to charge customers will be greatly disadvantaged.

but in principle there is a problem with google offering things for free and making money on advertising coz it means any competitor who’s business model requires them to charge customers will be greatly disadvantaged.

Do we really want a company (any company) to be able to force a country (any country) to do its bidding simply by being able to pull/bring back products and services at will?

There’s already a lot of fear and rhetoric out there about Corporatocracy, but wouldn’t that pretty much be the very definition of it?  (Used “legitimately” or not?)

Do we really want a company (any company) to be able to force a country (any country) to do its bidding simply by being able to pull/bring back products and services at will?

There’s already a lot of fear and rhetoric out there about Corporatocracy, but wouldn’t that pretty much be the very definition of it?  (Used “legitimately” or not?)

Either the court judgement will be reversed or the public will destroy Bottin through protest.

Either the court judgement will be reversed or the public will destroy Bottin through protest.