FTC Drops Investigation of Google Less Than a Week After Company Exec Hosts Obama Fundraiser
by Ken BoehmYesterday, the White House blog asked “as special interest billionaires continued to pour secret donations of millions of dollars each into front groups supporting Republicans, we asked the obvious question: “What do they expect in return?“” They added, “Congressional Republicans have made clear that lobbyists have a seat at the table even when they are formulating their party’s broader strategy and governing vision.”
People in glass White Houses shouldn’t throw stones.
- “Google’s Marissa Mayer is hosting President Obama for a Democratic party fundraiser tonight. Tickets are $30,000-a-head….” – San Francisco Chronicle, October 21, 2010
- “After analyzing the unencrypted WiFi payload data captured by its Street View cars, Google now admits that the system captured entire e-mails, URLs and even user passwords.” - ZDNet, October 23, 2010
- “The Federal Trade Commission [has] closed its investigation into Google’s collection of consumer data through its Street View cars….” San Francisco Chronicle, October 27, 2010
The FTC decision is a classic DC whitewash, but it a pattern for this administration which has repeatedly given Google “get out of jail free” cards, no-bid contracts and undisclosed lobbying and business access to top administration officials. And when Big Government exposed the administration coordinating privately with Google, what happened?
Nothing.
That isn’t true everywhere.
- The Canadian Privacy Commissioner recently found that Google did indeed capture personal sensitive information as part of its Wi-Spying
- The British Government just re-opened their investigation into Google Wi-Spy over the weekend
- Over 35 States Attorneys General continue to investigate privacy violations related to WiSpy
But in the United States, where a top Google executive hosted a $1.8 million fundraiser in her home for President Obama last week?
Nothing.
Google’s Eric Schmidt recently said, “The average American doesn’t realize how much of the laws are written by lobbyists”. He was clearly speaking from experience.
Congress must hold hearings on this FTC whitewash to put the facts on the table and find the truth.
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87 Comments
Lobbyist are the bane of American society, and sorry Eric, we are hip to the horse$hit. K-Street need to be disassembled brick by brick!
And ya gotta believe that that measly 2.4% tax rate they pay in the US thanks to their john kerry inspired tax evasion provides them millions and millions that they can dump into lunatic-left d-crat socialist campaigns.
the corruption that is an integral part of this administration is bound to people behind bars once they are no longer in power. i cant wait
"The days of cronyism are over"
-Obamugabe
Well isn't that heart warming. One day, someone is going to tell the truth about Obama. I am ashamed of our government and intend to make every effort possible to facilitate the replacement of these thugs. Obama can have his private "spy on the people" company. How will ever know?
Obama is pissing down our back and telling us it's raining.
Please, like Republicans haven't been swayed by lobbyists and special interests? Get real.
I guess this just means google will have to do fundraisers in other countries and states as well.
SARC
I hope that the new congress has hearings about this and about googles paying such a low tax rate by taking money overseas….all companies actually.
If they would rein in these loopholes, then maybe the average citizens taxes would go down.
Could it be because Goggle is in league with our government and is spying on it's users without thier knowledge?
Information is power, and Google controls a lot of it. Obumble knows that.
Eric Schmidt is all about "Green" energy corporate welfare. Has a big stake in Green companies, and stands to make $billions if Cap and Tax becomes law. He probably already recieves huge Green tax credits. Schmidt's a big green piece of cr@#$p! Google is just a side interest.
New congress reopen the investigation!
Payoffs, back room deals, reciprocity, cronyism – even skirting the rule of law to do it. This administration's idea of reform is to crank it up and do these things blatantly rather than try to eliminate them. Tough on big corporations? Not as long as they come up with some BO love payola. It makes you question every get tough position BO takes. What did BP promise to BO to get a $20B limit to its liability for the oil spill – the full effects of which are still unknown?
We steal the change our backers were looking for. Support Barack Obama. He'll loot America for you!
Well that brilliant flash of the et tu quoque just excuses everything. If the Evil Rethuglicans do it too, I'm glad Google only pays 3% in taxes and spies on people! (sarcasm off)
Demented SOCIALISTS colluding, that is Google and Regime Obama. I can only pray less corrupt governments around the world take them down as the TEA PARTY DISMATLES REGIME OBAMA.
It is one thing to be corrupt…. but to be so boldly and transparently corrupt?
A week… really? They couldn't have even put a little effort into making it look like it was not a bribe by waiting like… a month?
Lazy corruption is what it is.
Throw the Republicans behind bars too
Was it a get out of jail free card or a shakedown?
Chicago politics at its finest.
These SOBs just keep giving us the finger, unbelievable.
when did i ever say republicans havent done the same thing? you should learn to read before you react. this type of BS is unacceptable for ANYONE in political office.. not just democrats. before you jump to start a fight and try to sound smart….. think a little bit.
Impeachments are on the way.
The Nation needs to hold on a little longer….. then the Adults will be in charge.
It’s all a chess match you know. A series of moves. Right now the White House is scrambling, and they don’t know enemies from friends anymore. The party is attempting to localize the damage so it doesn’t spread. Make it just about Chicago, and worst case, Obama – but not the party. And so you look back to Chicago, you look at the Justice Department, connect the dots. One investigation will potentially reveal the other.
And it’s all setting up to happen now if the November elections go down with a Republican landslide. Obama will be left without protection. His inner circle is scared to death. I mean truly frightened by the prospects of what could be coming at them in the coming months. They have enemies both in the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. President Obama is lost. Absolutely lost
If your answer was Obama-commie, have you considered how dumb was your question, and what it says about you?
Just start googling things like "Obama's broken promises", "obama campaign contributors", "obama speeches used as organic fertilizer", etc. Sometimes people don't listen to the message because of who delivers it–kind of like how if your mom says jumping in front of a bus is a bad idea, you might not listen. But if your friend says it's a bad idea, then you'll stay away from buses. If Google tells Obama that people think he's a joke, he might listen.
Corrupt to the Core. What a slap in the face to the Citizens of this Country, how the Hell do these guys sleep at night?
Yes, but you also might get paid a visit by the IRS because the "O" will be looking for retribution.
"…punish your enemies and reward your friends…" -king zero
Boy oh boy, a case of the pot calling the kettle black. DC and the progs sure are cheap nowadays. It only cost 1.8 million bucks to buy off Obama, the FTC, and Holder's brownshirts with monopoly money. If it only costs that amount to buy off the toddler in chief and his cronies, I wonder what it costs to buy off a senator, a representative, a federal judge or even a supreme court justice. Times must really be tough. Oh, that's right we're in a recession where millions of Americans are out of work, homes being repossessed, industry in the crapper, jobs going everywhere but into the US. Shame on me. Thanks dims for the rich harvest this year. I'm sure we will all have a happy Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas due to your largess. My gift to you is the wish that a thousand camel flies nest in your nether regions.
we should contact congress to hold hearings but wait; pelosi,reid,frank,waxman,dodd and boxer say no way. ok lets go to the attorney general about this holder; he says it's legal. let's go to the top obamasoros he says he can't get involved at this time he getting ready to visit India, and then to mecca to kiss some smelly ass.
There shouldn't be any surprise regarding the dropping of the investigation after Google ponied up the money via an Obama fundaiser. Chicago style politics are in play here…
It's just one more thing on a very long list. I can't wait for January to get here, we could get a deep look at what has really been going on in the last two years. We all have an idea what has been going on but I'm sure there are other thing that we don't even know about. With the White House asking for info about possible candidates from the Pentagon of all places don't think that google won't be handing over info about us. Might sound crazy but I still think google has become a CIA front operation.
I knew this was going to happen and yes, I still want to vomit. Obama and his rats are loathsome and this will only get worse in the next two years. I sill haven't heard on the news about the India trip with him booking around 800 rooms at $22,000 a night. Maybe they're actually waiting for it to happen, then they will report it.
Mr. Obama, you are done like toast and I hope Google gets burnt with you.
"Google’s Eric Schmidt recently said, “The average American doesn’t realize how much of the laws are written by lobbyists”. He was clearly speaking from experience."
Yes, we do you you sorry excuse for an elitist brickbat. That's one of the reasons we want to get rid of the idiots in congress who can't read, write, or speak without a teleprompter.
the bane of the U.S. government as it still remains somewhat operational. . .
…"bane" The Old English "bana" meant
literally "slayer" in the sense we now use "killer" or "murderer."
Early on, the English "bane" was also used in the more general sense
of "cause of death," and by the 14th century "bane" was used in the
specialized sense of "poison," a sense which lives on in the names of
various poisonous plants such as "henbane" and "wolfbane."
From this very literal "something that kills you" usage, "bane" by the
16th century had broadened into its modern meaning of "something that
makes life unpleasant, a curse."
Happy Halloween Google!!
The parties made themselves into buffers between the people and our government. They, together, created another buffer – between them and the people. These are called registered lobbyists.
The Constitution MUST be restored.
Touchstone of Transparency.
Many have been telling the truth. I think what you mean is that one day, more will listen.
Was this a surprise to anyone? It is easy to buy off Obama.
Amen!
Like a K Street prostitute.
Exactly what came to my mind, BusProf.
What is that saying?
No honor among thieves. It's actually happening, the distancing, the Dems turning on each other. Not sure who is friend or foe.
What was that other saying? About investments? Maybe it applies to politics.
When the average person decides they want in on something, soon there will be no more profit in it.
On a refreshing sign, now the work done in politics will be for country, imagine that.
Salute to all those who are running for election !
All Americans have the right to petition their government. Lazy corrupt ignorant politicians who permit themselves to be bought are more the problem than lobbyists.
I do nothing with Google. I vote with my dollars.
Jeez that picture says it all "A Slobbering Love Affair".
Of coarse they do. That’s not what’s happening on K-Street, whose institutional corruption runs deep. What do you think Trent Lott meant when he said, to paraphrase, “What are we going to do with a bunch of Jim Demint’s running around here?” I wonder what he meant. Remember good old Trent retired from the Senate in ’06 to lobby the institution he’d just retired from, he stayed in Washington, just moved too K-Street.
Funny how every Dem supporter I talk to always link Repubs with big business shenanigans.
Reinforces my belief in the two types of Dems: The liars and the lied to.
I would love to have the opportunity to pay under 3% for income tax. I wonder how many Google exec's get audited by the new Obammy IRS crew and what rate they pay? Oh the transparency and honesty.
Bulldoze K-street ASAP!
Is this the same GOOGLE that is only paying 2% in taxes in the carribean and 0% in the US?….I thought only republicans dealt with the no-good meanspirited big business? Just further proof that both parties are the same when it comes to money. And if GOOGLE is based outside of the country, isn't this considered foreigh lobbyism!?
Wow. It's amazing how cheaply purchased this Administration is. Check out this hilarious "political puppet theater" video on Blue Dogs, then let's vote them out! http://www.narf.tv/?p=1037
Didn't Nancy drain the swamp from all those parasites…
The more I read about Google, the more they just creep me out… Orwell tried to warn us!
I'm shocked! (not)
I find it ironic how the left is always harping about evil corporations and how the Republicans are in league with them. Too bad Michael Moore didn't do any real digging for his last documentary – he would have discovered that Wall Street's corrupt bankers and many Corporate CEO's are progressives, not Republicans, and contribute millions to progressive candidates and causes. Charles Gasparino's book "Bought and Paid For" details this if you're interested.
The only thing they have to hide is the "TRUTH", IT IS WHY THEY ARE SO RABID/INTENT ON GUARDING IT from others, they will bite anyone who comes near their proximity seeking to expose the truth!!!!! It's their bone, they buried it…LEAVE IT ALONE…or they'll attack you like a dog with rabies!!!!
This is the reason I stopped using anything related to Google about 6 months ago. I read back then they were in bed with Obama, and I decided not to support him through them. My business may not make much of a difference to them, but I think that if more people stopped using Google, that might. Or they'll be the next Washington Bailout. *eyeroll*
Unless Biden and Pelosi are also impeached, it won't matter.
Everyone knows this Obama administration is for sale. I bet the libs who voted for this empty headed train wreck are going crazy knowing how the big boys of the corporate world can buy their way out of trouble by slipping the Dems a check. And no amount of money will save them from Tuesday's stampede. Irony. The 'dude' is going down.
Ha,ha, kinda like the Justice Dept dropping the Black Panther intimidation of voters in Philly a couple years ago, JUST MOVE ALONG……………….NOTHING TO SEE HERE…………JUST KEEP MOVING ALONG !!!
Probably gave Obama some new golf clubs and 10 free rounds at the D.C. putt putt course.
I don't think Google's getting off easy in other countries. I think the Germans are pretty seriously looking into this. Look at what Google is admitting too. Can you imagine the totallity of all the private information they have? Bank account passwords, credit card numbers, etc, etc.?
Major violations of the law.
Lots of people need Impeached. The Republicans will have their work cut out for them.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!! INVASION OF PRIVACY IS THEIR COMMON GOAL!! One is the Law/Rule maker, the other is the beneficiary NOTE; This unity benefits both "AC and DC" (Anti Christ and District of Columbia)!!!! And Google too, of course,(!) they will be rewarded for their helpfulness!!!!
Oh, come on everyone, this is just a coincidence! (SARC)
I notice when searching for stories on the internet that might hurt the left results dont show up easily. I also found Bing was much better.
Google should watch it. Their political slant might hurt their reputation.
Didn't this exact same thing happen with Microsoft?
Not even close to the degree these weasels are. And even so, I want them gone too. The only people who seem to be genuinely grassroots and not acting on behalf of some shadowy cabal are those dreaded "teabaggers"
LIBTARDS and Google need DNA analysis"
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/weird/Scientists-...
Until we arrive at corrective medications, they need to be hospitalized so they don't infect others.
Hey, money talks, and Obama is all ears!
Something really needs to be done about lobbyists and we, the people, need to make sure that something is done. We are the ones to blame because we haven't demanded that our politicians fix this problem. Our responsibility doesn't stop after the vote.
I've stopped using Goggle… There are many other choices like Yahoo, Metacrawler, Dogpile, etc.
It doesn't look good. Double standards, hypocrisy and good old-fashioned corruption are proud traditions being upheld by Obama and the rest of the crooks in DC.
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how much spying are they doing for obummer now?
After we take congress there will be investigations into the slimeball tactics of the dems in general and obama specifically. We all know how he operates and there is not a hole big enough to bury all the traces they have left behind of bribery and corruption. Get ready to face the consequences socialist dems because we are coming for you after January!
Google is like every quasi business who seek govt sanctuary for political contributions. and come across with this
'holier than thou' attitude.
I'll believe Schmidt when he opens up the doors to organized labor….but don't bet on that by him or Gates or Jobs.
What is almost criminal is how the largest revenue generators and employers, gas, coal, and oil are being hammered and not allowed to grow…while the smug Mr. Schmidt proudly pays 3%….
ajbruno14@gmail.com
No backroom deals here. No quid pro quo,
, move along nothing here for you to see.
Google forgets how quickly a company can unravel and fall. We have the technology to replace Google overnight. We also have the ability to monitor Google's business ethics. Caveat emptor!
Didn't we just see a report that Google used tax loopholes and funneled money through other countries to avoid paying over 3.1 billion in taxes over the past 3 years? Isn't it funny how these elites help promote the liberal agenda to raise all of our taxes and at the same time try every trick there is to lower their own tax burden.
Sheer coincidence. This is the "most ethical administration," why, since the Clintons! Just ask Nancy Pelosi who singlehandedly "drained the swamp." What's that, you ask? Oh, that's just all the sludge on the bottom.
It's a darn good thing the Google Guys and Gals gave their bribe money to the Obamacrats – otherwise it would be just simple criminal bribery to facilitate tax evasion. And don't worry about the lost revenue that might have supported Obamaworld welfare – the working folks can make up the difference, well after paying for the WHouse parties, vacations and excursions like the circus heading for India. Why does this stuff make a person mad?
One reason I now use "Bing" for my searches…
The OhBummer Culture of Corruption rolls forward, like a juggernaut
Its really quite easy.
STOP using google.
Cancel Gmail accounts,
Use OTHER search engines,
Boycott ALL things google……
duh.
Aaaaaargh même problème que Shalima… Carrefour Market a remplacé mon Champion!!!
Va falloir que je fasse de l'oeil à Chaton mon chéri pour qu'il aille quérir le graal au supermarket champion de la ville où il bosse… mais je l'aurai!
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