Dodd calls on Google to defy the Chinese government and stop censoring information in Web searches there



"What better way to affirm Google's commitment to democracy and the free flow of information as a human right than to send this message to the country with the largest population in the world?" Dodd asked a crowd of about 100 Google employees. "When Google acts, others follow." Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic in the 1960's.

Dodd calls on Google to defy the Chinese government and stop censoring information in Web searches there

Sen. Dodd takes his turn campaigning at Google

The Democratic presidential candidate follows in the footsteps of seven of his opponents, but he brings a different message: Protect free expression on the Web globally.

By Richard Paddock and Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

December 11, 2007

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. -- Like seven candidates before him, Sen. Christopher J. Dodd made the pilgrimage to Google on Monday in what has become a rite of passage in this presidential campaign.

[Excerpt]

But the longtime Connecticut senator and long-shot presidential candidate brought something a little different: a challenge to the powerful Internet company to protect free expression around the globe.

Dodd, who has struggled to stand out in the crowded Democratic field, called on Google to defy the Chinese government and stop censoring information in Web searches there.

"What better way to affirm Google's commitment to democracy and the free flow of information as a human right than to send this message to the country with the largest population in the world?" Dodd asked a crowd of about 100 Google employees. "When Google acts, others follow."

Dodd is one of several presidential candidates visiting California in a flurry of public appearances and fundraising events before the final weeks of campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire. Voting in those states will start shortly after New Year's; California's presidential primary will be held Feb. 5.

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Headlines: December, 2007; RPCV Chris Dodd (Dominican Republic); Figures; Peace Corps Dominican Republic; Directory of Dominican Republic RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Dominican Republic RPCVs; Politics; Congress; Election2008 - Dodd; Internet; Business; Peace Corps China; Directory of China RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for China RPCVs; Connecticut

When this story was posted in December 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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