Today, we saw a lesson in social media. This morning if you searched “California Republicans” on Google, you saw a summary screenshot of “ideologies” for the California Republican Party with the first listed as “Nazism.”
While officially Google refers you to their “Feedback” button to report a concern, the reality is this was only changed due to pressure from right-of-center social media groups and Republican leaders such as House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy:
RNLA Vice President for Communications and RNC Committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon flagged this on her Facebook page and RNLA helped let the “movement” know about this problem early this morning. It spread fast and Google removed the offensive section and instead tried to cast the blame on Wikipedia.
The fact of the matter is that although--subject to pressure--Google “fixed” the problem as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern, “California Democrats” have an ideology listing while “California Republicans” do not.
What makes this all more troubling is the proximity to the California primary. Coupled with Facebook’s refusal to verify Republican candidates such as California Secretary of State candidate Mark Meuser, the bias of the Silicon Valley social media giants remains concerning. As we saw today, the solution is, at least in part, to fight back.
Tomorrow, the RNLA will present John Ryder with the 2016 Republican Lawyer of the Year Award at a reception in Washington, DC:
John Ryder has been named the 2016 Republican Lawyer of the Year by
the Board of Governors of the Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA). Mr. Ryder
was selected as the 2016 Republican Lawyer of the Year in recognition of his outstanding
professional accomplishments and years of service to the Republican Party and its ideals. He
will be honored at a reception tonight at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C.
RNLA Chair Randy Evans stated: “John’s leadership was key in guiding the Party through a
successful Republican convention and RNC meetings leading up to the convention. John’s
fairness and integrity were key to a successful process. This is just the latest contribution to the
Party of a great Republican lawyer.”
RNLA President Larry Levy stated: “The RNLA is privileged to count John Ryder among its
ranks and indebted to him for his leadership, in particular with regard to redistricting, where he
has long been one of the foremost leaders. Most importantly, John is, and always has been, a
man of honor, as well as an outstanding lawyer. He is most deserving of the 2016 Award.”
There is still time to RSVP to attend the reception in honor of Mr. Ryder. Thank you, Mr. Ryder, for all you have done and all you will do in the service of the Republican Party and our country.
