Apple Has Spent Record $2.2 Million Lobbying Trump Administration Over Past Three Months

[Gasu E.]

So, you are aware of what Lobbying is taking place? Who is being lobbied, where the money is going, what is the end game for Apple? To think it's all 'Cookies and Cream' simply because it's Apple is dangerous.

It says exactly in the Disclosure what issues Apple is lobbying on; what bodies of government are being lobbied; who the lobbyists are; and how much Apple is spending on lobbying. You can find this out through the magic of clicking on the link in the article and reading the document! It's amazing!
[doublepost=1500687720][/doublepost]

Does Apple disclose the specific issues they are lobbying for?

YES! Click on the link in the article and READ the Disclosure document!
[doublepost=1500687837][/doublepost]

So let me get this straight... Apple is using every trick in the book to minimize their tax contribution, to then only turn around and give it to the same people in backroom deals?

Um, what? Maybe you are missing the point of what a "disclosure" is.

And, maybe, you might learn something from reading the one linked to in the MR article. Or, not.
[doublepost=1500687943][/doublepost]

Apple has BILLIONS in foreign earnings they don't want to pay the current corporate tax rate on. THAT is what this lobbying is almost entirely about.

The Disclosure linked to in the article indicates you are wrong.

 

[blacktape242]

Not sure lower taxes and cheaper better health care are a good matchup these days but yeah apple is doing what it thinks is right and we're probably paying a little extra taxes because it thinks it should not pay the domestic corporate rate. not sure what I think about that tbh since i don't want companies to decide it's not worth existing for what they net. otoh that's far from where these behemoths are operating from. so imo apple should bring some light assembly home and eat part of the wage hike it would face on that -- or something similar, make an apprenticeship design program, whatever-- - - in other words "give back" in a way that benefits all of us via an improved workforce, if not going to pay full freight and we as citizens do pay our full taxes.

Interested in why you think lower taxes for people and better health care is not a good matchup? When 40% of my personal income is being paid to taxes, I certainly think that needs to be addressed. Same with health care

 

[Dj64Mk7]

Interested in why you think lower taxes for people and better health care is not a good matchup? When 40% of my personal income is being paid to taxes, I certainly think that needs to be addressed. Same with health care

I don't mean to get into a debate, but wouldn't better health care be possible only because of higher taxes?

 

[magicschoolbus]

You're right, there is a difference. Let me ask your opinion of which is worse.
1. A multinational corporation headquartered in the US being accused of underpaying foreign taxes

2. A sitting US president and "claimed" billionaire using one of his previous bankruptcies to skirt paying taxes. We think. Since, you know, we don't actually know his tax situation.

I could care less if he's dirt poor and bankrupt or a Russian millionaire. The economy is on fire, regulations are being cut, illegal immigration is down, and there is a cease fire in Syria after the complete destabilization of the Middle East and radical Islam flowing into Europe. So yeah, I could give two fu*** if he pays taxes or not. Now If only the liberals would leave the Republican Party so we could repeal Obamacare and build the wall I would be even more thrilled than I am now.

 

[69Mustang]

I couldn't care less if he's dirt poor and bankrupt or a Russian millionaire. The economy is on fire, regulations are being cut, illegal immigration is down, and there is a cease fire in Syria after the complete destabilization of the Middle East and radical Islam flowing into Europe. So yeah, I could give two fu*** if he pays taxes or not. Now If only the liberals would leave the Republican Party so we could repeal Obamacare and build the wall I would be even more thrilled than I am now.

I'm pretty happy for you that things, as you presented them, seem to be going your way. Though I did find it a bit difficult to find your answer to the question I asked. To be fair, you may have overlooked it in your zeal to let me know how well Trump is doing.

 

[TonyC28]

It says exactly in the Disclosure what issues Apple is lobbying on; what bodies of government are being lobbied; who the lobbyists are; and how much Apple is spending on lobbying. You can find this out through the magic of clicking on the link in the article and reading the document! It's amazing!
[doublepost=1500687720][/doublepost]


YES! Click on the link in the article and READ the Disclosure document!
[doublepost=1500687837][/doublepost]

Um, what? Maybe you are missing the point of what a "disclosure" is.

And, maybe, you might learn something from reading the one linked to in the MR article. Or, not.
[doublepost=1500687943][/doublepost]

The Disclosure linked to in the article indicates you are wrong.

You must be a blast at parties. Thanks for being a keyboard tough guy.

 

[GoldenJoe]

Capitalism my friend. If Billy Joe wants a position at $50K annually and John Doe from XXX country has the same qualifications as Billy Joe @$40K annually, guess who's going to get picked? Yet another reason why trickle down doesn't work.

Curious to know how you feel about the minimum wage.

 

[Unami]

well, if he can be bought, then buy him. seems like the trump administration has raised the prices for corruption, though.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

I could care less if he's dirt poor and bankrupt or a Russian millionaire. The economy is on fire, regulations are being cut, illegal immigration is down, and there is a cease fire in Syria after the complete destabilization of the Middle East and radical Islam flowing into Europe. So yeah, I could give two fu*** if he pays taxes or not. Now If only the liberals would leave the Republican Party so we could repeal Obamacare and build the wall I would be even more thrilled than I am now.

Oh yes the Trump Kool-Aid where every Trumpeteer believes the economy is better just because the stock market is up. Stock doing good and never having a down time sounds like Trump is doing a Bernie Madoff scheme.

 

[alexgowers]

I dislike lobbying especially the huge amounts of money spent here are going into essentially corrupt pockets to fund even more corruption.

Apple might have better ideas than big oil or insert any other business but that doesn't make lobbying any less corrupt. I dislike trump not because I disagree with his policy but because he's clearly installed corruption on a massive scale. A billionaire elite that will only take action on money.

The solution is to remove contributions and lobbying. Instead just pay politicians a decent wage in the first place. Unfortunately you'd need self sacrificing people in government to achieve this, the very people who have been ejected.

 

[hagar]

2.2 million. Luckily this is Apple, but what about oil companies, the gun lobby, climate change deniers, ...

While I applaud the US for this transparency (it happens all over the world but mostly in the dark) it's ashame politics became an extension of big companies.

Politicians should rely on facts, science and advisors who are experts in their fields. Unfortunately with this administration we couldn't be further off.

Maybe the US should have some admission test one needs to pass before being able to run for office ;-) Because we have to act now before knowledge and science become dirty words.

 

[Sy7ygy]

Translation:

"I hate lobbying unless it supports my own personal interests."

Pretty much sums up Liberalism in a nutshell.

 

[TallManNY]

I could care less if he's dirt poor and bankrupt or a Russian millionaire. The economy is on fire, regulations are being cut, illegal immigration is down, and there is a cease fire in Syria after the complete destabilization of the Middle East and radical Islam flowing into Europe. So yeah, I could give two fu*** if he pays taxes or not. Now If only the liberals would leave the Republican Party so we could repeal Obamacare and build the wall I would be even more thrilled than I am now.

Well we know he doesn't pay that much in taxes. But that is because there are many tax breaks available to real estate developers and he has a spotty record with several bankruptcies (so he has carried losses). I'm sure his accountants help him pay as little in taxes as possible and that is absolutely fine. If Americans want tax loopholes closed for the rich, they simply have to elect people with a mandate to do that.

But I'm really curious why you want him to build the wall? Is it a symbolic thing? Or do you think a large wall spanning the U.S. and Mexico border would accomplish something practical?

 

[marty1980]

Disgusting... our politicians need to be bribed...sorry lobbied... to reach decisions. Cause ya know... common sense, ethics and morals have nothing to do with politics....

 

[litmag01]

My street which was made over 15 years ago still doesn’t show up on Maps.

Report the issue. Totally had the same problem and was updated within 5 weeks of reporting. Ultimately a lot of this relies on user input and localities maintaining proper and updated records. Same for when going somewhere and the map location is incorrect try to report the error. Businesses also have their own site where they can report to Apple.

 

[FriednTested]

Lobbying is official and legal bribery imo.

 

[blacktape242]

I don't mean to get into a debate, but wouldn't better health care be possible only because of higher taxes?

I guess my question would be why does the govt need to be in the business OF health care. That’s between my provider and my dr.

 

[DaveP]

2.2 million. Luckily this is Apple, but what about oil companies, the gun lobby, climate change deniers, ...

While I applaud the US for this transparency (it happens all over the world but mostly in the dark) it's ashame politics became an extension of big companies.

Politicians should rely on facts, science and advisors who are experts in their fields. Unfortunately with this administration we couldn't be further off.

Maybe the US should have some admission test one needs to pass before being able to run for office ;-) Because we have to act now before knowledge and science become dirty words.

You are correct that the US system is better in some respects that lobbying will occur anywhere politicians have power and at least the US has some transparency. The only way to curb lobbying is to curb the politicians ability to control/influence things and unfortunately after rounding up, that has a 0% chance of occurring.

Like it or not, the the election is the admissions test, though not necessarily testing the best things. Keep in mind that if Obama or Hilary were not powerful politicians they would either absolutely not be able to get a security clearance (Hilary) or have a hard time (Obama).
[doublepost=1500737996][/doublepost]

I dislike lobbying especially the huge amounts of money spent here are going into essentially corrupt pockets to fund even more corruption.

Apple might have better ideas than big oil or insert any other business but that doesn't make lobbying any less corrupt. I dislike trump not because I disagree with his policy but because he's clearly installed corruption on a massive scale. A billionaire elite that will only take action on money.

The solution is to remove contributions and lobbying. Instead just pay politicians a decent wage in the first place. Unfortunately you'd need self sacrificing people in government to achieve this, the very people who have been ejected.

I've got my issues with Trump, but how has he "clearly installed corruption on a massive scale"?

And I'm not sure how you define a "decent wage", but congressmen and senators make about $175K plus good benefits. Not to mention they can legally do insider trading. Pretty much by definition, greedy egotists will be elected because they are the best at winning elections.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I rather not have a tech company telling me how to live my life politically speaking. I'm not about these social\political contributions Apple has been making recently. They wanna help, jump start the Space Race

Oh yeah lets run from the problems we've created hear on Earth and let's restart the cycle elsewhere like a virus

Honestly I'm all for Space and discovering new frontiers: minerals/ores, sciences (physics/biology/cybernetics/prostesthis), propulsion etc. YET ... travelling into space for the sake of discovering, we're going about it ALL the wrong way!

1. Propulsion
- we need to research and look for better efficient propulsion system/engines - no more burning liquid or solid fuels that further damage our atmosphere (ionic layer).
2. Robotics
- We need to have assisted cybernetics or prosthesis suits. Amplify our limbs and strength to handle heavier payloads and construction or escavation for when we DO get a place to colonize as well as way stations for loading/off-loading along the way.
3. Biology/psychology
- we need to augment physical body's in an exponential way! Start with Growth Hormone, Steroids, etc that we see at the pinnacle of body building BUT done at the cellular level as a fetus. Think Halo's Spartans2 on a next level. Then think of drastically expanding life expectancy. Next Psychology - don't want insane barbarians running around in charge of things or at all. Next really look into hibernation.
- can we rid people of thinking $$ is the end goal to a means?
- can we rid notion that "needs of me, outweighs the needs of you/many"?!
- indoctrination of true collaboration for species survival is both attainable, rewarding, and the primary focus?! With this nothing else is worth it.
4. Physics
- not just for orbits and planning rotations for articifical gravity and such that we see in science fiction ... but for the aircrafts that will pilot humans to a world that could be terraformed, colonized and settled upon.
5. Military
- defence since hey too many competing factions have different ajendas and thus one will clash with another.

 

[Dj64Mk7]

I guess my question would be why does the govt need to be in the business OF health care. That’s between my provider and my dr.

Just guessing here… maybe government feels it is responsible for subsidizing external health care so that in theory more Americans are covered. Just a guess. I hope it makes sense.

 

[Defthand]

Tim is trying to get Trump to switch his Android twitter phone to iPhone.

More likely the opposite. Who wants their brand endorsed by, or associated with, someone as controversial as Trump? Best to distance yourself.
[doublepost=1500745796][/doublepost]

Don't bother. Trump haters will never stop assuming that all conservatives are anti-technology and are solely comprised of old white men who want kids to get off their lawn.

True. The educated, well-paid, white collar professionals I know don’t respect Trump. Meanwhile, while traveling through Virginia’s backcountry recently, I saw large, handmade Trump! banners in the yards and lots of humble homes and small businesses. Morally, these rural communities are conservative. Philosophically, these people are socialists. As for technology, they can survive without it.

 

[Phil in ocala]

Tim looks absolutely thrilled to be so close to the Gropper-in-Chief.

________________ Trump wants to follow his mentor....Herbert Hoover who put an import tax on products known as the Smoot Halley Bill..and it created a trade war and ultimately the Great Depression...

 

[Admiral]

So you prefer teaching our youth that it's okay to let a foreign worker come into the country and take an opportunity away from an American family struggling put food on the table that's activily pursing a job thats available to them in their own country?

Quite patriotic of you.

The best part of this idiotic posturing is that the struggling American family tends to be black. The Democrats are doing profound economic violence to black America with illegal immigration, and have conned the blacks into mindless lockstep support of the very policy that's hurt them the most. After the War on Drugs and Federal mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, that is.

Hell, even that moron Richard Spencer, the racist, says — correctly — he believes Americans owe black citizens preference over illegal aliens in employment rights.
[doublepost=1500769435][/doublepost]

I don't mean to get into a debate, but wouldn't better health care be possible only because of higher taxes?

He says he pays 40% of his income in taxes. I pay a similar rate. How much more of our money will finally, once and for all satisfy you? I'd like to know so I can decide whether to stick around.

 

[MrX8503]

Disgusting... our politicians need to be bribed...sorry lobbied... to reach decisions. Cause ya know... common sense, ethics and morals have nothing to do with politics....

Follow the money.

Why are 22M Americans being kicked off healthcare? Money.

When money is involved, common sense is not part of the decision making. Even if thousands of Americans has to die for it.

 

[hagar]

I could care less if he's dirt poor and bankrupt or a Russian millionaire. The economy is on fire, regulations are being cut, illegal immigration is down, and there is a cease fire in Syria after the complete destabilization of the Middle East and radical Islam flowing into Europe. So yeah, I could give two fu*** if he pays taxes or not. Now If only the liberals would leave the Republican Party so we could repeal Obamacare and build the wall I would be even more thrilled than I am now.

You're right: Nothing beats a good round of deregulation to boost the economy short term: allow cancerous pollutants, defund national parks, drill in the artic seas, allow banks to sell fraudulent products, ... the liberals will pick up the tap in a few years and fix the economy and while at it, the environment, when it goes down the drain.

But in the end, what you do in your country is up to you. If you don't want universal health care like the rest of the civilised world that's up to you. Meanwhile I enjoy my free visits to the doctor and the hospital when I'm ill.

Just stop polluting the atmosphere. If you think it's a good idea to have a president who doesn't understand (or ignores) the basic facts about climate change, the world has a problem. Luckily there are some forward thinking US states and liberal companies like Apple that happily ignore this federal joke.

(And if you think for one minute Trump has anything to do with "fixing" the Middle East, you're delusional)