Is Apple rotten at its core?

Apple is an outstanding company, not only does it provide valued products for its
customers  but serves its shareholders equally well, with excellent returns on their
investment. Apple is also is well known as an outstanding corporate citizen by its
many philanthropic endeavors.

At times Apple will use its corporate heft to influence decisions of governing bodies
as they did this past year in a legal battle with the FBI and most recently here in NC.

For several months Apple has been resistant to a request by the FBI to "unlock"
an Apple cell phone so the communication path used by terrorists could be traced.
Surprisingly, this "corporate citizen" balked, even capitalizing on the request using
the defense it was a violation of the First Amendment!

This week Apple weighed in on a decision in NC, that rescinded a local law which
allowed transgenders access to toilets of  "their choice". Apple was not alone as most
corporate lemmings criticized the state for what they call discrimination, which is not
unusual, they prefer to take the path of least resistance on social issues rather than
run the risk of seeing protesters at their corporate headquarters.

But, Apple is not like the others, it is a world wide behemoth that has been doing
business in China for decades, primarily in huge manufacturing plants employing
tens of thousands of employees.

China is well known for human rights violations and still refuses to allow United
Nations human rights monitors in to inspect facilities.

So for Apple to weigh in on a matter in NC and not demand China open its doors
to human rights monitors is more than curious, its hypocrisy of the highest order.

Apple seems concerned about what is going on in state capitals where they have
limited interests and no time in countries where they have vast investments.

If Apple CEO Tim Cook, who refuses to assist the FBI, wants to mount his
good corporate citizen high horse to criticize states, he should also "ride" in the
direction of China, issue an ultimatum, either China do more for its people, end
discrimination against the LGBT community or Apple will do its business elsewhere.

Would Apple have the corporate courage to take on China? Of course not.

Its a lot easier fighting a battle over who should be allowed in a toilet!


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