This is why I love Apple (and incidentally, probably why a lot of LGBT folk think Apple is the best computer company in the world):
Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees' same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person's fundamental rights -- including the right to marry -- should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.
I applaud Apple for their leadership, but I think with over $20 billion in the bank, $100K is a little cheap.
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11 Comments
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I have to admit, when I heard this the first thing I thought was, "Only $100k?" I completely thought they would have given $500k or more with all the money they have in the bank. $100k seems to be the standard donation amount from businesses and celebrities lately.
Bil Browning | October 24, 2008 3:03 PM
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Is there a limit to how much they can give?
Secondly, I think you're looking a gift horse in the mouth. They didn't have to take a stand or donate anything at all. Most companies didn't.
Scott Kaiser | October 24, 2008 6:15 PM
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Didn't your mother ever teach you that a gift is a gift and you should be respectful and gracious that you got anything at all?
100k is a lot of money no matter who donates, and no one should question the size of any donation in my eyes.
Matt W. | October 24, 2008 3:31 PM
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I did applaud their donation and it is appreciated. But we're down to the crunch here and Apple has very deep pockets. Indeed, Apple has more money than just about any other donor to No on 8.
And considering I have contributed a measurable amount toward that $100,000 to Apple in purchases over the past 3 or 4 years, I think I've got a bit of leeway to say they can afford more.
Further considering the number of Mac and iPhone visitors we get to this site on a monthly basis, I think the readers of this site alone have contributed more than $100,000 to Apple's bottom line.
They can handle a little criticism, I think.
Jerame Davis | October 24, 2008 3:40 PM
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Keep in mind that they didn't have to give anything at all. Personally I think your criticism of the amount is just plain petty. They give, and they get criticized by the people whose cause they gave to. I'm sorry but that really disgusts me. How much do you think that really makes them want to give next time to us?
Also, this is one ballot initiative in only one state. What about Florida? What about Arizona?
The point I'm trying to make is that while it may not be as large as you like, had they given more then they'd probably be criticized for not giving to those other states.
Lastly, we are on an economic downturn folks. Apple realizes that and is stockpiling to whether that downturn. Jobs even said last week that during economic downturns they tend to pour more money into R&D. There are also strong rumors that Apple will finally buy Adobe. You have no idea what Apple may be planning to do with their money and why they may need it.
How about all those companies that gave nothing at all for fear taking a side would hurt their business? Apple was courageous in taking a stand, and I applaud them for that.
How much did Google give? They have even more cash than Apple.
Scott Kaiser | October 24, 2008 6:23 PM
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Oops... I meant weather, not whether. I do know the difference.
Scott Kaiser | October 24, 2008 6:26 PM
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Actually, Google doesn't have more cash than Apple. Apple is one of the richest companies in the nation. They have zero debt and over $20 billion in cash, let alone assets. Google has debt and doesn't have nearly that much cash on hand.
Besides, I think everyone is overreacting to an offhand remark. Maybe it was a little crass to judge their gift, but I don't think it's worth this much handwringing.
But since you've started the discussion, where is the line? It was OK to criticize individuals (like the "A Gays" like Ellen) for doing nothing, but it's not OK to criticize a mega-corporation like Apple for doing less than they can?
Jerame Davis | October 24, 2008 7:33 PM
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Any support is always appreciated, for us to judge the paucity or generosity of the gift considering their years of support for us makes me wonder where we're going as a culture in general.
We don't have enough giving in this world. I'm grateful to Apple for taking a long-term stand and contributing at all. They could, like others far more powerful, sit back and let the chips fall.
Instead, they choose to act. I salute them.
symbiote | October 24, 2008 4:07 PM
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I think you will see a lot of other Silicon Valley companies start to cough up some cash with Apple showing leadership.
Well, they may cough up cash unless they are coughing up blood.
Storm Bear | October 24, 2008 6:31 PM
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Great!
Now, will Acer chip in too? j/k!
Alex Blaze | October 24, 2008 8:30 PM
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And you know Michael Dell can't wait to cut a check!
Oh wait, that is TEXAS!
Storm Bear | October 24, 2008 9:40 PM
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