I have recently become a convert to the fruity computer. I have an iMac and Macbook and could kick myself for not switching sooner. But this diary is NOT about starting a Mac vs. Windows pie fight. It is about the fact that Apple needs to be called out for supporting Glenn Beck.
Anyone who has ever read any of my comments knows that I am a socialist. A real one. I therefore have a huge distrust and dislike of corporations. I truly believe we are witnessing the emergence of fascism in the US.
Fascism is defined as "a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism." (dictionary.com). This is a pedestrian definition. Political scientists often define fascism as corporate control over the levers of government and the radicalization of civil society using overly nationalist and racist language.
We can, however, use capitalism against itself and beat fascism at the same time. Consumer boycott movements are perhaps the most effective way of forcing corporate change. I have recently begun writing letter after letter to express my dismay and disgust about Glenn Beck.
This is where Apple comes in.
I don't usually get all warm and gooey over corporations and the crap they peddle but I really like my iMac and Macbook. I would, for once, like to think that a corporation would do the right thing. Therefore, I penned the following letter to Apple:
Sir / Madam,
I love Apple. I love my iMac. I love my Macbook. I adore Mac OS X and can't wait for Snow Leopard.
Why are you advertising on Glenn Beck's show? He has:
(1) had guests on his show who advocated that Osama bin Laden should detonate a bomb in the US. Beck nodded in approval.
(2) joked about poisoning Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
(3) has peddled numerous flasehoods, distortions, and outright lies, including calling the President of the United States a racist.
These are not my "opinions" and they are not "distortions" as Beck claims. There is actual footage of each of these events that your media department could review and make your own corporate decisions about.
I recently switched from Windows, not because of their corporate sponsorship of liberal or conservative programs, but because they make really awful software.
My Mac/Apple experience has been WONDERFUL. I love everything about my iMac and Macbook. I am nearly ready to buy an iPod Touch (when the new ones come out).
Please don't taint my Apple experience with the stench of Glenn Beck. I'm not asking you to support liberal talk shows or talk radio. I am asking you not to support hatred, lies, and threats from the likes of Glenn Beck.
To the address media.help@apple.com.
By using the power of the consumer, we can change things, as many diarists here have shown.
The second way I am undermining Glenn Beck from within is by using his very helpful list of remaining sponsors as a central place to get all their e-mail addresses. Don't actually read anything on this page, just go to the e-mail link and fire off a reasoned, sound letter.
And when writing Apple, please don't start a Mac vs. Windows war ;)
Oh and yes, please no Mac vs. Windows pie fights in the comments, PAH-LEASE. This is about moving a company to do the right thing. We all know Mac is better anyway. (oops)