Hello Carry,
In retrospect, it seems that I didn't understand what you were referring to....you are referring to this entire thread as a whole, aren't you, not the post I just made, which is what I originally thought?
If it's the entire thread, or at least JohnA's commentary, I should gently remind that I introduced JohnA and stated his affiliation with Global Emergency Response immediately after I became aware that he was participating in the thread.
Since the purchase and/or leasing of multimillion-dollar firefighting aircraft is an activity that, under normal circumstances, only Governments or Government entities can involve themselves with, I am having difficulty seeing a "promotional" conflict in a web medium that is designed for the lay public, not for Government aircraft buyers. JohnA merely has been offering his considerable expertise to people who are interested in learning more about air tankers and the politics surrounding their use in our modern world; a highly specialized form of knowledge that I believe many people would be happy to receive.
No effort at sales, underhandedness, misrepresentation or skullduggery has been made here. Everyone who has read through the thread knows where JohnA is coming from, and they can take his opinions and information for what they are.
One can say that the entire enterprise of Free Republic is one of 'promotion'...the promotion of the conservative viewpoint and it's numerous ancillary facets, which I am a big supporter of. The mismanagement of the U.S. Forest Service is an example of the negative consequences of Socialism...a massive Government entity out of control and endangering life.
Air tankers such as the Ilyushin IL-76 are one of many possible solutions to that problem, and we have certainly not prevented others from advancing their solutions as well. If someone representing a different air tanker were to join the thread and offer his or her expertise, I would certainly not object...I would welcome it because I am interested in finding the BEST solution to the wildfire management problem.
I agree with you that promotions should be kept out of Free Republic, but I'm wondering how else we can have an expert on a complex piece of hardware such as an air tanker contribute to this thread without it being someone who is somehow involved with the aircraft in some capacity?
It wasn't the whole thread or even the subject; it was where it was going. It was looking like it might turn into a promo for Global Emergency Response. It might appear as if FReepers were to clamor to Congress to buy a particular airplane with those with a profit interest running the discussion. It was just a caution.
I have nothing against any company, American or Russian investing in and promoting better firefighting aircraft. I have nothing against citing their information sources. Running an ongoing discussion with two of their promoters present advocating immediate political action without consideration of all the options (if there are any) is a bit much. FR is not a lobbying organization for corporate interests.