Under the radar of the American public, Google is expanding their clout among the powerful. While it is completely normal for high-rolling executives to have their share of yachts, planes and cars, how appropriate is it for a huge corporation to team up with the government?
In a New York Times article published Sept. 13, 2007 by Miguel Helft, it was revealed that Google is paying the US federal government $1.3 million a year for the use of NASA's Moffett Field, an airstrip seven miles from Google headquarters.
The reasoning behind Google's massive expenditure is under public scrutiny. Some people believe that Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google founders and presidents, are simply flashing their wallets to the world, whereas others swallow the claims that state the three planes will be used for research purposes.
Either way, it shouldn't matter to the public that Google is using a government agency, for the relationship benefits both sides: while Google has easy access to its Boeing 767 and two Gulfstream Vs, NASA gains the support for their airfield and more.
Of bigger concern should be whether or not Google is heading down the road of the monopoly - while NASA may be the first property with a red hotel on it, there may be others to follow. But is it all bad?
After all, Google is certainly no US Steel, Standard Oil or Microsoft - just about all of the services Google provides can be found elsewhere on the web.
The situation with Microsoft was far different; the company was able to identify rival products and then create a comparable program that would only run with other Microsoft systems, thus making it impossible for a consumer to buy a different brand.
Even if Google were able to achieve this feat, would consumers be displeased? Thus far, it seems like patrons are anything but dissatisfied with Google, and as long as the service remains free, the prospect of price gouging is out of the question. And would anyone really miss Yahoo! or Live Search anyways?
Buying into government and potential monopolies presents no threat for now. Be concerned if Google begins to give in to government pressure and sell the personal information given by users, but don't fear the monopoly.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
