MacDailyNews Note: Related articles:
• Will Steve Jobs’ blast against teacher unions hurt Apple? – February 26, 2007
• Teachers union demands apology from Apple CEO Steve Jobs – February 23, 2007
• A clearer picture of Steve Jobs’ thoughts on public education and teacher unions – February 21, 2007
• Steve Jobs & Rush Limbaugh agree: U.S. public schools are ‘unionized in the worst possible way’ – February 20, 2007
• Apple CEO blasts teacher unions, says US schools are ‘unionized in the worst possible way’ – February 16, 2007
Kang continues, “Earlier, Gibbs told reporters traveling on Air Force One from Seattle to San Francisco that it was ‘a meeting the president was interested in having.’ The last time they met was during Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008. Apple, despite its size and growing reach into new businesses — mobile phone software and devices, television and music — has a decidedly small lobbying and policy operation in Washington. The company spent $340,000 in lobbying in the last quarter, a fraction of the amount that competitor Microsoft and telecom giant AT&T spend.”
“With $51 billion in cash and a drive to make acquisitions, observers said Apple will face increased interest by lawmakers and regulators. Apple’s stock is approaching the value of Exxon Mobile as the most valued U.S. public company,” Kang reports. “The company, like many Silicon Valley firms before it, has kept a skeptical eye on Washington policy and legislation except for issues directly related to its products such as patent law reform, taxes and trade. But analysts say the company may not be able to keep its distance for too long.”
Read more in the full article here.
They just can’t stand to see that big pile of cash just sitting there.
They just can’t stand to see that big pile of cash just sitting there.
Sad that lobbying the government is been necessary.
Sad that lobbying the government is been necessary.
This idiot should not even be in the same room with Steve Jobs. Jobs = Capitalist
Obama = Socialist/Communist
This idiot should not even be in the same room with Steve Jobs. Jobs = Capitalist
Obama = Socialist/Communist
The visionary and the clueless.
The unions own Obama. All of his “change” is predicated on protecting union interests.
The visionary and the clueless.
The unions own Obama. All of his “change” is predicated on protecting union interests.
Give Obama credit for the acknowledgment.
At least he didn’t appoint a panel to further study the validity of education.
Give Obama credit for the acknowledgment.
At least he didn’t appoint a panel to further study the validity of education.
When did this become a hack political blog?
When did this become a hack political blog?
Obama could smell Apple’s $51 billion cash pile from Washington D.C.
Obama could smell Apple’s $51 billion cash pile from Washington D.C.
I hope Apple does keep the distance. May be with $51b Apple can buy an island in international water and move the headquarter.
I hope Apple does keep the distance. May be with $51b Apple can buy an island in international water and move the headquarter.
Potential buyout talks? Apple to buy US government or perhaps just California.
Potential buyout talks? Apple to buy US government or perhaps just California.
How about some more do-nothing, waste of time and money, fully-staffed “czars,” Captain Commie?
How about some more do-nothing, waste of time and money, fully-staffed “czars,” Captain Commie?
First 2010, Then 2012:
That’s so painfully true it hurts.
First 2010, Then 2012:
That’s so painfully true it hurts.
@Mac4lfe
If you really think President Obama is a communist then you don’t know the first damned thing about living under communist rule. See the film The Lives of Others for a grounding in reality.
@Mac4lfe
If you really think President Obama is a communist then you don’t know the first damned thing about living under communist rule. See the film The Lives of Others for a grounding in reality.
@Berrylium,
You beat me to it!
@Mac4lfe, dint you know Ronald Reagan was a commie-pinko, along with W. and H.W.? Look it up!
@Berrylium,
You beat me to it!
@Mac4lfe, dint you know Ronald Reagan was a commie-pinko, along with W. and H.W.? Look it up!
all old people should read joy of tech today. it is one of the best ever!
all old people should read joy of tech today. it is one of the best ever!
@Jd
The political postings began increasing a few years ago. Now, not a day goes by without a few sound bites from the political extremes, mostly the right. MDN has actually contributed to this trend by posting political fodder that has only a tenuous connection to Apple, at best. This particular article, however, is clearly valid – Jobs hands down wisdom to the U.S. Government.
It seems that everyone has an opinion, but few of them are based on substance and rigorous reasoning. And virtually none of the people that are complaining about the government and the economy offer solutions of any type, much less feasible and valid ones. “Less government” or “smaller government” or “cut taxes” or “create jobs” are not solutions, they are hopes and pleas. Solutions include detailed implementations and an understanding of the associated consequences. What (and how much) are *you* willing to personally sacrifice to effect the necessary changes?
One thing is certain – our ancestors understood the need for sacrifice and risk. Modern society fervently avoids these concepts.
@Jd
The political postings began increasing a few years ago. Now, not a day goes by without a few sound bites from the political extremes, mostly the right. MDN has actually contributed to this trend by posting political fodder that has only a tenuous connection to Apple, at best. This particular article, however, is clearly valid – Jobs hands down wisdom to the U.S. Government.
It seems that everyone has an opinion, but few of them are based on substance and rigorous reasoning. And virtually none of the people that are complaining about the government and the economy offer solutions of any type, much less feasible and valid ones. “Less government” or “smaller government” or “cut taxes” or “create jobs” are not solutions, they are hopes and pleas. Solutions include detailed implementations and an understanding of the associated consequences. What (and how much) are *you* willing to personally sacrifice to effect the necessary changes?
One thing is certain – our ancestors understood the need for sacrifice and risk. Modern society fervently avoids these concepts.
When you have the Worlds top tech company on your doorstep.
When you have the second most valuable company in the World on your doorstep.
When you have the most innovative company in the World on your doorstep.
When you have the Worlds most successful commercial company in the World making profits in a recession whilst others make losses.
When you have the Worlds most influential CEO & company on your doorstep.
When you have the Worlds most admired CEO of whom every other CEO wants to emulate.
You would be a clueless fool of a head of state not to want to tap into that companies zeitgeist!!!
You would be a fool of a head of state not to emulate publications that have realized that any mention of Apple inc. in an article generates hits & adverts therefor the head of state would generate favourable headlines in this midterm election cycle.
When you have the Worlds top tech company on your doorstep.
When you have the second most valuable company in the World on your doorstep.
When you have the most innovative company in the World on your doorstep.
When you have the Worlds most successful commercial company in the World making profits in a recession whilst others make losses.
When you have the Worlds most influential CEO & company on your doorstep.
When you have the Worlds most admired CEO of whom every other CEO wants to emulate.
You would be a clueless fool of a head of state not to want to tap into that companies zeitgeist!!!
You would be a fool of a head of state not to emulate publications that have realized that any mention of Apple inc. in an article generates hits & adverts therefor the head of state would generate favourable headlines in this midterm election cycle.
Americans and their politics….
Ignoring the subject of the article (meeting between a president and a CEO), I’ll refer to what article really focuses on; Apple’s lobbying presence in Washington.
American lawmakers are among the greediest in the world, and this is saying a lot. Mostly because, unlike in most other truly democratic countries, in America, corruption is legal. You can give your senator/congressman money, and he will vote the way you wish. This is not allowed in the rest of the ‘free’ world.
Because corruption is legal, running for public office is so attractive to Americans. And those that are successful at getting elected will of course expect to receive all the bribes they are entitled to, depending on their power level. There are several powerful committees in Washington, where congresmen are showered with money from lobbies and/or powerful companies. These lawmakers are getting increasingly frustrated by Apple for refusing to play in the game and pay their share of the racket.
As Apple becomes the most valuable company in the world (sometime next year), powerful lawmakers will, no doubt, use their back channels to send a very clear message to Cupertino that unless they choose to dance to the Washington tune, there will be consequences. There is nothing like a major federal investigation that could syphon your energy, creativity and resources away from your core purpose.
Americans and their politics….
Ignoring the subject of the article (meeting between a president and a CEO), I’ll refer to what article really focuses on; Apple’s lobbying presence in Washington.
American lawmakers are among the greediest in the world, and this is saying a lot. Mostly because, unlike in most other truly democratic countries, in America, corruption is legal. You can give your senator/congressman money, and he will vote the way you wish. This is not allowed in the rest of the ‘free’ world.
Because corruption is legal, running for public office is so attractive to Americans. And those that are successful at getting elected will of course expect to receive all the bribes they are entitled to, depending on their power level. There are several powerful committees in Washington, where congresmen are showered with money from lobbies and/or powerful companies. These lawmakers are getting increasingly frustrated by Apple for refusing to play in the game and pay their share of the racket.
As Apple becomes the most valuable company in the world (sometime next year), powerful lawmakers will, no doubt, use their back channels to send a very clear message to Cupertino that unless they choose to dance to the Washington tune, there will be consequences. There is nothing like a major federal investigation that could syphon your energy, creativity and resources away from your core purpose.
Face it, Obama voters, you suckers really fscked up.
It’s okay to admit it.
Face it, Obama voters, you suckers really fscked up.
It’s okay to admit it.
Predrag:
Ain’t that the truth…?
Predrag:
Ain’t that the truth…?
You would be a moron of a head of state not to realize that the state is a business, that the success of the state depends on the CEO learning from and implementing successful strategies, management structures, supply lines, ethos, research & development from CEO’s driving the Worlds most successful companies. Ps business that copy, buy, steal their rivals products are not included in this analysis of successful business. We do not admire pirates, we admire innovators.
You would be a moron of a head of state not to realize that the state is a business, that the success of the state depends on the CEO learning from and implementing successful strategies, management structures, supply lines, ethos, research & development from CEO’s driving the Worlds most successful companies. Ps business that copy, buy, steal their rivals products are not included in this analysis of successful business. We do not admire pirates, we admire innovators.
Win/Dose… 89% of the market?…
Win/Dose… 89% of the market?…
@Mac4lfe
You are clueless without the vaguest notion of what either socialism or communism are.
@Mac4lfe
You are clueless without the vaguest notion of what either socialism or communism are.
@KingMel,
“One thing is certain – our ancestors understood the need for sacrifice and risk. Modern society fervently avoids these concepts.”
Add hard work to that list.
@KingMel,
“One thing is certain – our ancestors understood the need for sacrifice and risk. Modern society fervently avoids these concepts.”
Add hard work to that list.
@One of 59,948,240 smart voters
Based on the quality of the comments, it is time to recalculate:
59,948,240 – [One of 59,948,240 smart voters] – [First 2010, Then 2012] – [Jen] – [Obama Woefully Unprepared] – [Superior Being] – [Rabbit] – [Mac4lfe] = 59,948,233
…and the total will continue to drop I am sure.
@One of 59,948,240 smart voters
Based on the quality of the comments, it is time to recalculate:
59,948,240 – [One of 59,948,240 smart voters] – [First 2010, Then 2012] – [Jen] – [Obama Woefully Unprepared] – [Superior Being] – [Rabbit] – [Mac4lfe] = 59,948,233
…and the total will continue to drop I am sure.
@ Cubert
Amend that to “Hard work for a living wage”.
@ Cubert
Amend that to “Hard work for a living wage”.
Definition of Socialism = Exactly what Obama wants to do with this country. As in see France today.
Definition of Socialism = Exactly what Obama wants to do with this country. As in see France today.
@One of 59,948,240 smart voters
Problem is you only think of yourselves vs. a lot more smarter voters.
@One of 59,948,240 smart voters
Problem is you only think of yourselves vs. a lot more smarter voters.
That’s it…I have it figured out. Apple is saving up to take over the federal government!
That’s it…I have it figured out. Apple is saving up to take over the federal government!
Mac4life:
Ignorance is bliss
Mac4life:
Ignorance is bliss
It would take Obama 5 business days to spend Apple’s $51 billion and they would lose 30,000 jobs in the process. You would think Steve Jobs would steer clear of cancer by now.
It would take Obama 5 business days to spend Apple’s $51 billion and they would lose 30,000 jobs in the process. You would think Steve Jobs would steer clear of cancer by now.
Tell the unapologetic, anti-capatalist, tax-crazy socialist to apologize to America and resign!! One minute meeting tops!
Tell the unapologetic, anti-capatalist, tax-crazy socialist to apologize to America and resign!! One minute meeting tops!
“Ignorance is bliss” because he is making this country worse everyday with tons of proof all around.
“Ignorance is bliss” because he is making this country worse everyday with tons of proof all around.
I am grateful for the truly humorous comments (eg, NCMacMan) as opposed to the laughable ones that appear in abundance.
I am grateful for the truly humorous comments (eg, NCMacMan) as opposed to the laughable ones that appear in abundance.
Would you rather Obama have a direct meeting with Steve Balmer to discuss energy independence and ways to increase job creation, American competitiveness and education, especially reforms?
Give Obama credit for doing the right thing.
Would you rather Obama have a direct meeting with Steve Balmer to discuss energy independence and ways to increase job creation, American competitiveness and education, especially reforms?
Give Obama credit for doing the right thing.
is it only me or is this retarded obama = socialist bs of the right wing idiots here on mdn increasingly hard to swallow?
i understand that people from flycountry that never left their village think that france or sweden are “socialist”. what i don’t understand is why are they here, on a mac board? i always thought mac users are reasonable people. my mistake, i guess.
is it only me or is this retarded obama = socialist bs of the right wing idiots here on mdn increasingly hard to swallow?
i understand that people from flycountry that never left their village think that france or sweden are “socialist”. what i don’t understand is why are they here, on a mac board? i always thought mac users are reasonable people. my mistake, i guess.
I had mentioned this earlier that it is smart of ANY president to talk with top industry leaders whether it is Gates or Jobs or whomever….
America really is two solitudes with extremists taking the day….sad.
I cannot believe that you people call your own president, whether it is Obama or Reagan or whomever…a commie. The lack of intelligence is stunning.
Only the most intellectually lazy (or stupid) people use extreme comments. NOBODY is that extreme in EITHER party.
Get it? Good.
I had mentioned this earlier that it is smart of ANY president to talk with top industry leaders whether it is Gates or Jobs or whomever….
America really is two solitudes with extremists taking the day….sad.
I cannot believe that you people call your own president, whether it is Obama or Reagan or whomever…a commie. The lack of intelligence is stunning.
Only the most intellectually lazy (or stupid) people use extreme comments. NOBODY is that extreme in EITHER party.
Get it? Good.
Obama politely asked Steve to buy RIM so that he could finally switch to an iPhone.
Obama politely asked Steve to buy RIM so that he could finally switch to an iPhone.
Y’all slag on Socialism likes it’s a bad thing.. If you want real change, try good ol’ fashioned Anarchy. We’re nearly there now!
Peace.
Y’all slag on Socialism likes it’s a bad thing.. If you want real change, try good ol’ fashioned Anarchy. We’re nearly there now!
Peace.
“But analysts say the company may not be able to keep its distance for too long”
Decades if they are still around.
“But analysts say the company may not be able to keep its distance for too long”
Decades if they are still around.
RE: @Jd…
It’s only a “hack political blog” if you don’t see Obama for what he truly is…
The posts that irritate you are just trying to educate those who were so easily swooned by a “in the pocket of the left” media to elect an unqualified, inept politician with no business experience let alone executive experience to run the entire nation based on a worthless slogan.
RE: @Jd…
It’s only a “hack political blog” if you don’t see Obama for what he truly is…
The posts that irritate you are just trying to educate those who were so easily swooned by a “in the pocket of the left” media to elect an unqualified, inept politician with no business experience let alone executive experience to run the entire nation based on a worthless slogan.
I do hope it’s soon!… Then I guess we’ll be partying like it’s 1776!
Woo-Hoo… that did bring on a good thing…
The United States of America!
What? Didn’t know that?? Were you educated by a union protected, liberal indoctrinating, America is bad teacher of a government run school?
I do hope it’s soon!… Then I guess we’ll be partying like it’s 1776!
Woo-Hoo… that did bring on a good thing…
The United States of America!
What? Didn’t know that?? Were you educated by a union protected, liberal indoctrinating, America is bad teacher of a government run school?
Obama-Biden ’08
A dream for some.
A nightmare for most.
Obama-Biden ’08
A dream for some.
A nightmare for most.
@ good ol’ fashioned Anarchy,
Yes, indeed! This great land of ours (America) was borne from anarchy in 1776.
Glad some folks remember their history..
.:.
@ good ol’ fashioned Anarchy,
Yes, indeed! This great land of ours (America) was borne from anarchy in 1776.
Glad some folks remember their history..
.:.
The next civil war will be the blue states against the red states.
The only way to avoid it is to find a purple state and move there ASAP.
The next civil war will be the blue states against the red states.
The only way to avoid it is to find a purple state and move there ASAP.
I hate capitalism, private property, the constitution, and Tea Partiers…..
I hate capitalism, private property, the constitution, and Tea Partiers…..
Kingsmell=Commie, Maobama Lover
Kingsmell=Commie, Maobama Lover
@ Imam Barack Obamaminajad & Jenny
I hope you have the boxes your computer originally came in, because you need to repack it and send it back. You’ve not advanced sufficiently enough from the primordial ooze to warrant operating one, especially a Mac.
@ Imam Barack Obamaminajad & Jenny
I hope you have the boxes your computer originally came in, because you need to repack it and send it back. You’ve not advanced sufficiently enough from the primordial ooze to warrant operating one, especially a Mac.
Predrag:
Thanks for your thoughtful comments here (unlike the rest of the bleating from goober nation in this and too many threads), but I think you have gotten the balance of political power wrong. In a post Citizens United world lawmakers do not have the leverage over corporations they may (or may not) have had. Forget lobbying, corporations or their executives can now spend UNLIMITED money to directly put their favored candidate in office. Or take out whomever they choose if that lawmaker threatens the company’s interests. It is actually the lawmakers themselves who must now be careful not to attract the attention of big corporate special interests (domestic and foreign).
Obama no doubt met with Jobs to keep the administration friendly with AAPL’s interests and concerns so that they will not be the target of AAPL cash. Obama followed the same approach to pass his healthcare plan where he cut deals with the insurance and pharma industries in exchange for them to NOT SPEND (as much) money against the bill.
You are 100% correct that this kind of corruption is illegal elsewhere, and will only change with public financing and reform of elections.
Predrag:
Thanks for your thoughtful comments here (unlike the rest of the bleating from goober nation in this and too many threads), but I think you have gotten the balance of political power wrong. In a post Citizens United world lawmakers do not have the leverage over corporations they may (or may not) have had. Forget lobbying, corporations or their executives can now spend UNLIMITED money to directly put their favored candidate in office. Or take out whomever they choose if that lawmaker threatens the company’s interests. It is actually the lawmakers themselves who must now be careful not to attract the attention of big corporate special interests (domestic and foreign).
Obama no doubt met with Jobs to keep the administration friendly with AAPL’s interests and concerns so that they will not be the target of AAPL cash. Obama followed the same approach to pass his healthcare plan where he cut deals with the insurance and pharma industries in exchange for them to NOT SPEND (as much) money against the bill.
You are 100% correct that this kind of corruption is illegal elsewhere, and will only change with public financing and reform of elections.
Yes, I voted for Obama, and if I had to do it again, I still would. I never bought the hype about him, but only an utter fool would let Sarah Palin be anywhere near the White House.
Personally, I think Obama sucks as a President, and I wish I could have someone to vote for that has more going for them than that they’re not Sarah Palin.
Why do you people who call him a communist let others do your thinking for you? If you had the slightest clue you’d hide in a corner in shame for mouthing such stupidity. Rush Limbaugh is not enlightening you, neither is Glenn Beck, or Bill O’Reilly. Shamefully, about the only well-known talking head who IS informative is Jon Stewart.
Have some skepticism about what you hear on TV or the Radio, folks. And not just from Fox news, NBC, ABC, CBS and even PBS have conflicts of interest and political flacks who cover up their lies by calling it spin.
I hope Obama came away from this meeting with something useful and insightful, and acts upon it. Now, back to my mantra, at least Obama is not Sarah Palin…
Yes, I voted for Obama, and if I had to do it again, I still would. I never bought the hype about him, but only an utter fool would let Sarah Palin be anywhere near the White House.
Personally, I think Obama sucks as a President, and I wish I could have someone to vote for that has more going for them than that they’re not Sarah Palin.
Why do you people who call him a communist let others do your thinking for you? If you had the slightest clue you’d hide in a corner in shame for mouthing such stupidity. Rush Limbaugh is not enlightening you, neither is Glenn Beck, or Bill O’Reilly. Shamefully, about the only well-known talking head who IS informative is Jon Stewart.
Have some skepticism about what you hear on TV or the Radio, folks. And not just from Fox news, NBC, ABC, CBS and even PBS have conflicts of interest and political flacks who cover up their lies by calling it spin.
I hope Obama came away from this meeting with something useful and insightful, and acts upon it. Now, back to my mantra, at least Obama is not Sarah Palin…
No you are the brain dead idiot Obama lover. How anyone sane person could condone what he and fellow Marxists are doing to this country is beyond fathomable.
No you are the brain dead idiot Obama lover. How anyone sane person could condone what he and fellow Marxists are doing to this country is beyond fathomable.
Anything Rush, Mark Levin, etc. say is easily verifiable. If you are paying attention you would know this. There is video all over the internet of this nut case contradicting himself, 57 states, hanging out with terrorists, Reverend Wrong, making racist statements in his book about typical white people, bashing the tea party, etc., etc., etc. Rush and friends have hit the nail on the head since before this anti-american Marxist ever got elected.
What is problem with Sarah Palin???? She is an entire universe better than that zero business experience liar in the white house. Why does he hide his college records and real birth certificate? There must be a good reason. And no, that computer print out copy does not settle anything.
Anything Rush, Mark Levin, etc. say is easily verifiable. If you are paying attention you would know this. There is video all over the internet of this nut case contradicting himself, 57 states, hanging out with terrorists, Reverend Wrong, making racist statements in his book about typical white people, bashing the tea party, etc., etc., etc. Rush and friends have hit the nail on the head since before this anti-american Marxist ever got elected.
What is problem with Sarah Palin???? She is an entire universe better than that zero business experience liar in the white house. Why does he hide his college records and real birth certificate? There must be a good reason. And no, that computer print out copy does not settle anything.
Obama and Jobs like each other. Obama came to Jobs to get advice. That is all.
Obama and Jobs like each other. Obama came to Jobs to get advice. That is all.
I hear that Obama asked Steve to develop a cloud service for politicians who want to stay in office:
IncumbentMe.
I hear that Obama asked Steve to develop a cloud service for politicians who want to stay in office:
IncumbentMe.
@ KellyNYC
Go back and read Ron Robertson’s comments, then read TxDoc’s and Predrag’s. After you do that, step away from your keyboard. Do a little research that involves reading, not listening to either Beck or Olbermann. Look at what’s happening with the election and the unlimited/unregulated money. Look at how one person in Manhattan has created a PAC to dump $150,000 on an election in a rural district in Oregon because he doesn’t like the current representative as that rep wants some fetters on Wall Street. That Manhattanite is supporting a person who favors “sprinkling nuclear waste” over the country and oceans because “low level radiation is good for you.” Then come back and post something cogent.
@ KellyNYC
Go back and read Ron Robertson’s comments, then read TxDoc’s and Predrag’s. After you do that, step away from your keyboard. Do a little research that involves reading, not listening to either Beck or Olbermann. Look at what’s happening with the election and the unlimited/unregulated money. Look at how one person in Manhattan has created a PAC to dump $150,000 on an election in a rural district in Oregon because he doesn’t like the current representative as that rep wants some fetters on Wall Street. That Manhattanite is supporting a person who favors “sprinkling nuclear waste” over the country and oceans because “low level radiation is good for you.” Then come back and post something cogent.
I had no idea MacDailyNews was so loaded with idiots for readers. It really makes me rethink coming here. Thank heavens for the few grown-ups, and the staff.
I had no idea MacDailyNews was so loaded with idiots for readers. It really makes me rethink coming here. Thank heavens for the few grown-ups, and the staff.
@@Hmm
Did you take Sociology in college?!? Do you even know what college is? Marx loved the free market. Marx did not envision Communism to be like it is in China and Russia.
You are an un-educated tool.
@@Hmm
Did you take Sociology in college?!? Do you even know what college is? Marx loved the free market. Marx did not envision Communism to be like it is in China and Russia.
You are an un-educated tool.
@ABQ Peter
Thanks, I don’t read Joy of Tech anymore, but that one on the CD wasn’t bad.
@ABQ Peter
Thanks, I don’t read Joy of Tech anymore, but that one on the CD wasn’t bad.
@Mac4life
Are you one of these silly ignorant creationist ready to believe in Sarah’s twisted vision of the reality? Are you also believing that America should become as religiously as fanatic as Iran?
Study sociology first, before just repeating the fascist lies you been hammered in your head since your childhood.
@Mac4life
Are you one of these silly ignorant creationist ready to believe in Sarah’s twisted vision of the reality? Are you also believing that America should become as religiously as fanatic as Iran?
Study sociology first, before just repeating the fascist lies you been hammered in your head since your childhood.