Only Twitter Says It Would Refuse to Help Build Muslim Registry

Microsoft's statement says "it will remain important for those in government and the tech sector to continue to work together to strike a balance that protects privacy and public safety in what remains a dangerous time." That to me comes off as quite chilling. Why couldn't they just say no, they wouldn't help? Why the double-speak?

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    Organizations and Conferences

    Insist on doing everything through “channels.” Never permit short-cuts to be taken in order to expedite decisions.
    Make “speeches.” Talk as frequently as possible and at great length. Illustrate your “points” by long anecdotes and accounts of personal experiences.
    When possible, refer all matters to committees, for “further study and consideration.” Attempt to make the committee as large as possible — never less than five.
    Bring up irrelevant issues as frequently as possible.
    Haggle over precise wordings of communications, minutes, resolutions.
    Refer back to matters decided upon at the last meeting and attempt to re-open the question of the advisability of that decision.
    Advocate “caution.” Be “reasonable” and urge your fellow-conferees to be “reasonable” and avoid haste which might result in embarrassments or difficulties later on.

    Managers

    In making work assignments, always sign out the unimportant jobs first. See that important jobs are assigned to inefficient workers.
    Insist on perfect work in relatively unimportant products; send back for refinishing those which have the least flaw.
    To lower morale and with it, production, be pleasant to inefficient workers; give them undeserved promotions.
    Hold conferences when there is more critical work to be done.
    Multiply the procedures and clearances involved in issuing instructions, pay checks, and so on. See that three people have to approve everything where one would do.

    Employees

    Work slowly.
    Contrive as many interruptions to your work as you can.
    Do your work poorly and blame it on bad tools, machinery, or equipment. Complain that these things are preventing you from doing your job right.
    Never pass on your skill and experience to a new or less skillful worker.

>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

and nowhere in that text, or in case law subsequently, is it necessary that the "people" in question be citizens.