Thiel, an avowed Libertarian, supporter & funder of republican DTrump campaign, also funded the original campaign of Justice Democrat Ro Khanna.
It was said that Thiel donated $1+million to Trump's campaign to influence a Supreme Court pick.
The SC was already being bought before Trump was elected.
Thiel isn't concerned with who he funds as long as it fit his agenda of, "company is a company".
In the case of Gawker, Thiel's million $$ funding of Hogan against Gawker was about taking down his competition. Gawker.
There is so much contrversy in Thiel's business dealings & who he donates to that he crosses the lines against POColor, as well as anyone that makes a move that threatens his business, from paypal to FB.
Thiel would allow RU bots to run amok regardless of the damage done to US Democracy, if it meant keeping business competitors at bay.
Pete Thiel is the epitome of the line in your OP.
"..a company is a company. It is here to make money. That isnt a sin. But it is often a hindrance to any supposed mission to liberate humanity, too."
Thank you for the post.
This should open a whole new discussion here on DU as to Freedom of Speech & Freedom of the press.