- The Guardian
- Issue #2208
Let’s not celebrate Dolly too much
Dolly Parton supported the George W Bush “War on Terror” which led to the massacre of innocent Iraqis, destabilisation of independent governments and Arab disenfranchisement. She dressed up like a feminine Uncle Sam, during 2005’s ‘Grand Ole Opry’ broadcast, sponsored by and partnered with the USA Department of Defence, and streamed to US troops stationed in Baghdad.
Parton did some progressive things, but just because someone comes from a working class background or even remains working class, it doesn’t make them a progressive revolutionary hero.
If we are going to languish in celebrity culture, let me quote Michael Jackson when it comes to celebrities: “All I wanna say is that, They don’t really care about us.”
Che Janz
Queensland
Meta’s US$18bn tax write off
The share price of Meta, the parent company of Facebook rose in August after its recent US$18 billion settlement. The price increased because the settlement has minimal effect on Meta’s long-term competitiveness. Of course the company denied any wrongdoing.
In the United States, Meta’s legal costs and lawsuit-related payments can be tax deductible, greatly reducing any financial burden.
By paying settlements to states, Meta removed any potentially larger legal threat than if the cases proceeded individually. The New Mexico judgement against Meta of US$942 million consists of a US$375 million civil penalty and a US$567 million fund to address harm done to young people. The Los Angeles case involves a US$6 million award.
A crucial distinction is between legal fees and the settlement judgement itself.
Meta is not off completely scot-free. The biggest development is the change in Meta’s underlying legal and political business model, changing how it operates Facebook and Instagram. The corporation has agreed to stronger age verification, night-time restrictions, restrictions on how the platforms operate with young users, greater parental controls, and an independent monitoring of compliance.
A big fear remains for Meta is that the settlement could encourage further lawsuits and increased regulation in other countries, such as Australia.
Graham Holton
