More on Google vs Sicko

Today, Turner posted a clarification, stating that her opinions of Moore's movie were her own, and not Google's, and reaffirming the use of advertising to "handle challenges," calling it "a very democratic and effective way to participate in a public dialogue." She went on to say that this view of advertising is the official Google policy, though reiterating that Google is silent on the questions raised by Moore's movie.

But the more important point, since I doubt that too many people care about my personal opinion, is that advertising is an effective medium for handling challenges that a company or industry might have. You could even argue that it's especially appropriate for a public policy issue like healthcare. Whether the healthcare industry wants to rebut charges in Mr. Moore's movie, or whether Mr. Moore wants to challenge the healthcare industry, advertising is a very democratic and effective way to participate in a public dialogue.