Great Google's Abysmal Ad Policy

It's being widely reported that Google has dropped ads purchased by Oceana. The ad in question:

Google rejected the ad because they don't accept ads with "language that advocates against Royal Caribbean." Hmm... when you find the "language that advocates against Royal Caribbean" in that ad, please let me know becuase I'm at a loss.

Aaron Swartz points out that Google's policy stifles free speech in a medium that could otherwise be a very effective means for debate. I'll be the among the first to defend Google's right to do so (their AdWords service is their own private business and may be run however they please), and I'll also be among the first to advocate that you vote with your dollars: according to the good news blog,

Oceana's ad probably would be accepted by Yahoo!, which operates a similar online marketing program through its Overture subsidiary. Overture accepts critical ads, as long as they aren't obscene or libelous, said company spokeswoman Jennifer Stephens. "We see it as a freedom of speech issue," she said.