> If you didn't know it already, think tanks are a euphemism for propaganda machine.
Surely the proper response would be to pay less attention to think tanks / propaganda machines. Google's action here may even be morally neutral; while it is unfortunate that this fellow and his coworkers lost their jobs, (our part of) the world has been given a timely reminder of the true nature of think tanks.
May I suggest a thought experiment? Imagine you cannot use a smartphone for a period of 12 months; certainly, you would expend a not insignificant effort in finding a very capable flip-phone, or other mobile option, combined with perhaps two or three other devices (GPS, MP3 player) which would adequately replicate these smartphone features.
Now apply that mental effort to seeking a suitably differentiated mobile phone and I am sure you will find success.
Surely the proper response would be to pay less attention to think tanks / propaganda machines. Google's action here may even be morally neutral; while it is unfortunate that this fellow and his coworkers lost their jobs, (our part of) the world has been given a timely reminder of the true nature of think tanks.