I love America, I love being an American and I love the notion introduced hundreds of years ago describing this great nation as the shining city upon a hill. Whining, complaining and hypocrisy - I most certainly am not a fan. Tues., Nov. 8, was a pivotal day for this great nation. The expected victor was most surprisingly defeated in one of our country’s most divisive elections to date, and a reality TV star – for all intents and purposes – was chosen to move this country forward.
While, I didn’t vote for Barrack Obama, and mocked his policies from time-to-time, nonetheless he was / is President of this great nation. In a couple short months, Donald Trump will be sworn into office, a new day in American politics will begin, and some tech firms are quite curious about what this means – most notably, Apple.
Most of us are on Facebook (News - Alert), Twitter, Instagram or some form of social media. Many of us have cut ties with people as a result of this vicious election cycle, and the many words and many lines drawn in the sand during that time. Back in June, Apple (News - Alert) drew a line of its own by refusing to support the 2016 Republican National Convention (as a result of Trump calling for a boycott of Apple products back in February), and yesterday, Tim Cook went out of his way to assure Apple employees it is business as usual moving forward.
As he references in his memo, this highly contested election left many with “strong feelings,” but as Cook clearly illustrates -Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed” and the only way to change the world is to move forward. Similar to the standard peaceful transition of power, Cook shared a message of hope and unity – exactly what Trump did Tuesday evening.
While I’m not sure if Cook is more focused on Apple’s bottom line, his employees’ well-being or America, he did what a responsible executive should do. I’m not one to parade around singing the high praises of Apple (full disclosure, I’m definitely not an Apple person), but in this instance, instead of my typical criticisms of Cook’s lack of innovation, all I can do is applaud his efforts. Many Americans are upset – to say the least – as droves of young and old go to the streets to display displeasure. But the fact of the matter is this: That won’t change Tuesday’s election results.
The nation can move forward together or continue on its torrid path of division. Don’t be fooled, I’m not pro-Trump, I’m pro-America. And, lest we forget, if he fails, we ALL fail. It’s time to put down the signs, stop the chants of four-letter and foul words; it’s time to put the pieces back together. Don’t allow partisanship to overpower reason, if you’re angry at the results do something to enact change four years from now, don’t stand in the way of today’s progress – blame the system, blame those that didn’t vote, blame ignorance in the American electorate, but don’t propagate fear and uncertainty in the meantime.
Tim Cook’s complete memo is below:
Team,
I’ve heard from many of you today about the presidential election. In a political contest where the candidates were so different and each received a similar number of popular votes, it’s inevitable that the aftermath leaves many of you with strong feelings.
We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates. Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.
While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed. Our products connect people everywhere, and they provide the tools for our customers to do great things to improve their lives and the world at large. Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.
I’ve always looked at Apple as one big family and I encourage you to reach out to your co-workers if they are feeling anxious.
Let’s move forward — together!
Best,
Tim