Google shouldn't commemorate scientific breakthroughs that weren't achieved by good-old apple pie eating American scientists. Especially Google's commemoration of the launch of the first satellite (the Sputnik) by the Soviet Union 50 years ago is a slap in the face of… well, of who exactly?

Conservative bloggers are offended by Google's endorsement of the Soviet scientific breakthrough. The Soviets are the enemy, socialism is evil. And – as the general undertone goes – the Sputnik is not American.

09 Oct 2007

Just like their extreme liberal counterparts, extreme conservatives have plenty to get upset about. Google's employees are predominantly democrats. Google also sponsors initiatives such as global health and the study of climate change, both of which are obvious liberal conspiracies to end the American way of life by preventing the melting of the polar ice caps and making people in Africa live longer.

Google also is assisting the communist regime of China in censoring the internet. Because how dare the company withhold information from its users – except of course when that information commemorates a world event that makes the US look bad - like the launch of the Sputnik.

Instead Google should commemorate the fallen US soldiers and veterans. I'm all for honoring the servicemen who protect our freedom. And then of course we shouldn't discriminate against individuals who fought illegal wars - the ones where the US invaded sovereign nations and toppled regimes without provocation. But if we stick to that rule, will the armchair pundits also sit back respectfully when Google honors Russia's Victory Day on 9 May, and April 30, the day that Vietnam celebrates it victory over the US?

Perhaps now you understand why Google is staying out of these potentially prickly situations and focuses on commemorating non-political events. It is impossible to navigate the world with blinkers on. But if Google wants, we happily submit the logo on the right for national hypocrisy day.