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Examiner: Questions raised after Facebook yanks popular 'Uncle Sam's Misguided Children'
http://www.examiner.com/article/questions-raised-after-facebook-yanks-popular-uncle-sam-s-misguided-childrenEarlier this week, Facebook yanked the very active and popular "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children," the fan page for a blog of the same name that boasts over 600,000 likes. After numerous appeals, the page was restored but was unpublished again after about 24 hours without explanation. Facebook spokesman Fred Wolens told Examiner Thursday the page was removed due to content issues including hate speech and nudity, but page administrator Rick Ferran disputed that, calling the allegations "ludicrous."
Moreover, we inspected the page and found nothing matching the allegations that were made, and requested photos or screenshots to corroborate the claim. Wolens said he could not provide a screenshot of the allegedly offensive material since it was removed and deleted per Facebook policy. Ferran, however, told Examiner that except for two photos -- one using the word "cracker," and one showing a swastika -- nothing was removed.
Ironically, he said, one of the administrators goes by the nickname "Cracker," and has done so since he was a child.
Ferran, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps who emigrated from Cuba at age 13, admitted the site sometimes uses salty language to make a point and spur discussion, but draws the line at anything racist, threatening or pornographic, telling Examiner he removes users who engage in that type of behavior.
Moreover, we inspected the page and found nothing matching the allegations that were made, and requested photos or screenshots to corroborate the claim. Wolens said he could not provide a screenshot of the allegedly offensive material since it was removed and deleted per Facebook policy. Ferran, however, told Examiner that except for two photos -- one using the word "cracker," and one showing a swastika -- nothing was removed.
Ironically, he said, one of the administrators goes by the nickname "Cracker," and has done so since he was a child.
Ferran, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps who emigrated from Cuba at age 13, admitted the site sometimes uses salty language to make a point and spur discussion, but draws the line at anything racist, threatening or pornographic, telling Examiner he removes users who engage in that type of behavior.
This site was a source of a substantial portion of wingnut graphics that I posted over in "Propaganda Debunking." On one hand - good riddance! On the other hand - free speech?!
