The Great Dairy Compromise: Facebook No Longer Lactose-Intolerant
Olsen Ebright // NBC New YorkDecember 11, 2009
Raise your milkshakes, dairy lovers -- a Facebook ban on dairy promotions has been partially lifted.
The social-networking giant had banned certain items from promotions: gambling, tobacco, firearms, prescription drugs, gasoline and dairy.
One of those things is not like the other, said Center for Consumer Freedom research director David Martosko.
"It's dumbfounding, and just plain dumb," said Martosko. "Why would anyone lump milk with cigarettes and prescription painkillers? Does Facebook believe cottage cheese and yogurt should be controlled substances?"
"Ice cream isn't combustible, flammable, or addictive, and it doesn't shoot projectiles," Martosko said.
On Friday, Facebook responded to CCF, saying the promotions guidelines will be updated.
"We're all big fans of strong bones at Facebook and we will soon revise our promotions guidelines to lift the complete ban on dairy and simply prohibit giving dairy away as a prize," said Andrew Noyes of Facebook.
The ban on dairy promotions was due to "individual state laws that impose penalties for distributing dairy at a discounted rate. We're sorry for the confusion," said Noyes.
The CCF thanked Facebook for the update, and planned to send them a basket of cheese on Monday.
"It would be nice if Facebook were universally dairy-friendly. But still, this is a step in the right direction," according to a CCF statement.
Richard Berman has been a regular front man for business and industry in campaigns against consumer safety and environmental groups. Through his public affairs firm, Berman and Company, Berman has fought unions, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, PETA and other watchdog groups in their efforts to raise awareness about obesity, the minimum wage, the dangers of smoking, mad cow disease, drunk driving, and other causes. Berman runs at least 15 industry-funded front groups and projects, such as the Center for Union Facts and holds 16 "positions" in those organizations.
Each year, Berman, using his front groups to spread misinformation, spends millions of dollars distracting the public with misleading ads.
As a result of his largesse, in 2006, Richard Berman used $2,000,000 in cash to buy this $3.3 million house.
