Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Its not personal, its business..

Three headlines recently caught my attention......

 "Netflix drops satire episode critical of Saudi Arabia"
"Airbnb removes Israeli West Bank settlements listings"   
"Vatican signs historic deal with China, critics 
denounce sellout" 

What could they possibly have in common?

To begin,
"Netflix confirmed Tuesday it removed an episode of a satirical 
comedy show that criticizes Saudi Arabia, after officials in the 
kingdom complained." 
The full story can be found on this link, https://yhoo.it/2F0jYGW

As I read this I thought of the double standard often used by 
businesses, based on how far they will go to ensure they have 
access to markets around the world. And since we have been 
conditioned to this behavior I do not expect Netflix to be criticized 
for dropping any degree of "artistic integrity", to continue to be 
allowed access to the Saudi market.

Conversely "Airbnb" a vacation rental company, refuses to do
business in Israel, citing its disagreement with settlements being built, https://cnn.it/2TqDkJv

This is the upside down world where two different standardseach
based on what can best be described as a 'totalitarian' litmus test, 
exist.

Companies that have accepted China's strong arm tactics in order 
to sell products, are the same ones that fight against, even minor 
suggestions, made by our own government, to protect personal 
privacy and even national security!

Companies understand an unwritten "two standard" system found
in nations in the Middle East and Asia, that have a stranglehold 
on its people, different than found here in the United States and 
other Western democracies. 

We have seen time and again American companies give up whatever 

it takes to ensure they have access to markets around the world,
with the exception being in our country where most quickly 'defend' 
their resistance to even the simplest requests no matter the reason, 
using supposed rights protected in our Constitution.

Lastly, companies are not alone in such behavior. Even the Vatican
can be seen submitting to national requests as it did recently with
its recent "agreement" with China over appointment of bishops, by
allowing the government to have final say, something that would not
happen here.   Full story, https://bit.ly/2OMfkOP


These are the times we live in, call it globalism run a muck! 

Replies always welcome.












Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/

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