On Tue, Jan 19, 2010 at 9:40 PM, Mahesh Murthy <[email protected]> wrote:
> Shiv, > > Please use maps.google.co.in and search for 'Arunachal Pradesh'. > > And then use maps.google.cn and do the same - yes, Chinese interface I > know, but type it into the search box nevertheless in English. Examine the > result. > > And then do the same with maps.google.com. Examine the result. > > Now go type 'google' in your browser and see if it directs you to the . > co.in or the .com domain. Click on 'maps' at the top. See where it goes. > > Then understand the consequences of what you've just witnessed for > yourself. > > And at least in matters somewhat technical, though it might not be so for > some of us, do restrain from passing judgement till you actually understand > the issue. > > Now, recall that I spoke of Google Maps and not Google Earth. They're > completely different things. > I saw the interview and thought that a very important issue was raised, but was rushed and not duly analysed. China may dispute AP's status. But it is a fact that governance in AP is in Indian hands. Elected representatives are sent to Indian Parliament. Taxes are paid by persons in AP to the state govt (which is a part of the State in India) or to the Central Govt of India, depending on the nature of the tax. The manifestation of state in AP is Indian. Not Chinese. My point is while China may dispute the territory, they do not actually have control over it. Their objective behind raising a dispute is to acquire physical control in the future. A fortiori this would imply that they acknowledge that they do not have control. Given this state of affairs, why wouldn't Google show AP to be Indian from anywhere outside of India, except for China? I think the point the MP from AP who debated with you on TV was making was about "hurt sentiments". While this may seem a trivial argument on its face, I think it essentially implies an indignation at the fact that Google is more fearful of China than it is of India. May be that's a business decision for them because they want to appease China more. But it should not stand in the way of the Indian govt taking its own action against Google. And to that extent there is no parallel to PoK/Azad Kashmir, which is in Pak control. Even if they showed it as Pak territory I would not have a problem, because that is merely reflective of facts on the ground. I was also extremely concerned by your defense that maps are not facts, they are tools of propaganda. If I accept this, then the bigger and scarier question is: Why is Google peddling pro-China propaganda?
