Google apologizes for blog criticizing 'Sicko'
San Jose Mercury News
Associated Press
Article Launched: 07/06/2007 01:34:25 AM PDT

Search engine Google apologized after an employee criticized Michael Moore's new documentary "Sicko" in a corporate blog.

Google account planner Lauren Turner wrote on the company's health care advertising blog last week that Moore's expose` of the health care industry was one-sided and failed to note the industry has also contributed to philanthropy and raised awareness of patient care. Turner suggested that health care companies buy Google ads to counter the negative portrayal.

But after angry readers peppered Turner with complaints, she wrote another blog post explaining that her comments were her opinion - not Google's.

The Mountain View company followed up with an apology on its main corporate blog, saying the original blog posting did not reflect its official position.

"We blew it," said Missy Krasner, a Google product marketing manager. "In fact, Google does share many of the concerns that Mr. Moore expresses about the cost and availability of health care in America."

Google spokesman Steve Langdon said the company will still allow employees to share their thoughts with the public about a variety of topics on its more than 50 corporate blogs.

Original Text