Tim Cook Receives Bonus of $5 Million and Stock for Performance During Jobs' Absence

[ThunderSkunk]

The wise would apply the phrase "If you can't beat em, join em" to their life instead of ranting about it hoping for a change that will never happen.

If my goals were the same as your goals, then it might be wise. But in a world of choices, I cannot imagine blinding myself to everything I'd need to in order to have your goals.

If you think this current system is static, you're either very inexperienced or very ignorant or both.

Have a look into economics and history, and quit with the political propagandizing. You'll come to understand just how embarrassed you should be for making such a post.

Have fun on your journey. Or just pursue other peoples money.

 

[Mulyahnto]

Sadly, that's not really how things work. I've been in the 'big corporate' world for a while and and after 15 years of 'scripted' Annual General Meetings and generic deadbeat answers to questions like "Why are the bonuses so big", you know they won't change.

There's one airline in Canada that in a speech to our group stated that their philosophy is the top guy should/will not get paid more than 10 times the lowest paid. i.e. $35,000 -> $350,000. It's a start. In our company it's like $35,000 -> $10,000,000.

Even after the recession and banks / car manufacturers giving out obscene bonuses... things may NEVER change.

The rich get richer. That's America.

(Man I should get therapy cuz I feel so negative today! ;-))

Putting restrictions on compensation is very shortsighted. Companies don't exist to lose money, they exist to make as much money as possible. For a successful company as Apple, if it requires this much money to retain talent, I am willing to trust them that the benefit outweigh the costs. And not like I don't have anything riding on Apple, half my IRA is in Apple stock, and I am glad it is.

Having said that, in a country like the USA, there is no-one in this country that should make millions of dollars until everyone in this country can afford to have dinner every night, afford to go to the doctor if needed and afford to get an education.

 

[marklight]

Um, this is exactly how bonuses should work. Do a great job, get a great bonus. Shareholders made tons of money during that time too.

This is totally the opposite of the bankers who continue to receive huge bonuses while losing the shareholders huge amounts of value while basically breaking the entire world economy at the same time.

-kap

The problem with your last statement is that a lot of banks are being forced to make bad business decisions.

 

[3282868]

Well, taking care of the very basic infrastructure of society...?

Nice thread this one. However, one thing that makes me kind of laugh and cry simultaneosly, is that quite many of you in the US seem to think that universal healthcare (or some variety of it that Obama is proposing) would make your country a socialist or even communist totalitarian state. Have you not ever heard of Scandinavia?

In Finland we have a universal health-care system available for all (really, all, not depending on their income). Our current right-wing government would be a little surprised to hear that they are running a socialist country

Of course, compared to the laissez-faire capitalism that some people in this thread have been defending, everything that is giving people not only negative rights ('freedom' as absence of coercion) but also positive, substantial rights ('freedom' as social and economic possibilities to really exercise their rights) can be labelled "socialist", and thus, as they think, "evil"... Yet I do not find that very convincing as an argument.

Back to the main subject, large bonuses: As a general idea, huge bonuses for some and nothing for gound-level workers is not good for the balance of societies. In Finland, the income gaps have been widening since the 1990s, yet they are still quite small compared to the US. This makes our country quite a peaceful place to live.

Sadly, many U.S. politicians are in the back pockets of lobbyists and big business. There is (or was until healthcare "reform" became no bid contracts for insurance companies) a lot of money at stake as the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are multi-billion dollar markets. It is easy for the U.S. to spin anything into communism or socialism as there is a sad amount of uneducated and xenophobic American's that do not know any better. Fear mongering is a major political tactic, get the people afraid, keep them unhealthy and under educated, keep them polarized. After all, a divided nation is a conquered one. If this keeps up, I'm out of here, this country is sinking FAST.

 

[MorphingDragon]

But when Americas economy hits a pothole, you claim it is responsible to the rest of the world.

Because guess who has the biggest and most influential stock market in the world.

You dont think this healthcare policy will have economic impact? Naivete at its peak.

I never said it wouldn't. But if a small country 1/16th your size with only 70c to $USD can have Universal Health Care and still provide a better service than America. It makes you wonder.

The government is at best an inefficient administrator. Most times when the government interferes with an industry (banking, housing, healthcare) they cause more trouble than they fix. What DOES the government do that is efficient and reliable? Not much.

Statements like that show how little leadership experience you really have, and how traveled you are. There are European countries where the Government can almost be called perfect!

 

[3282868]

Statements like that show how little leadership experience you really have, and how traveled you are. There are European countries where the Governemnt can almost be called perfect!

Yet those countries have had a working system for a long time. Instead of dismissing them, perhaps the U.S. could learn from them and become near "perfect". I find it sadly amusing that people in the U.S. are quick to defend a system that takes advantage of the consumer, instead of admitting there are issues that need to be addressed. Pride? Perhaps. Insecurity? Maybe. Ignorance? Certainly. Nothing is a sure thing, but it's frustrating that so many are ignoring what has happened with the economy, environment and government with regards to the class system, global climate change and lobbyists all resulting from an unchecked system running with an unchecked government.

If people simply educated themselves and strived to work together and not against one another, progress would be a reality by the people, for the people. Instead, we have become over worked, under paid, unhealthy, exhausted and playing right into our politicians' hands to fight one another. A divided nation is a conquered nation. Perhaps it isn't international terrorism that we should fear, but our own governments and the corporations that have them in their back pockets.

An aside, I find it amusing that individuals who defend the system by claiming our government is too corrupt and they demand less government, are usually the same ones who defend our government with regards to terrorism by dismissing those who claim our government may have been involved in 9/11. Which is it? Our government is too corrupt to regulate corporate America or is too perfect to be involved in a possible "Pearl Harbor" type scenario with regards to 9/11? You can't have it both ways.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Yet those countries have had a working system for a long time. Instead of dismissing them, perhaps the U.S. could learn from them and become near "perfect". I find it sadly amusing that people in the U.S. are quick to defend a system that takes advantage of the consumer, instead of admitting there are issues that need to be addressed. Pride? Perhaps. Insecurity? Maybe. Ignorance? Certainly. Nothing is a sure thing, but it's frustrating that so many are ignoring what has happened with the economy, environment and government with regards to the class system, global climate change and lobbyists all resulting from an unchecked system running with an unchecked government.

If people simply educated themselves and strived to work together and not against one another, progress would be a reality by the people, for the people. Instead, we have become over worked, under paid, unhealthy, exhausted and playing right into our politicians' hands to fight one another. A divided nation is a conquered nation. Perhaps it isn't international terrorism that we should fear, but our own governments and the corporations that have them in their back pockets.

An aside, I find it amusing that individuals who defend the system by claiming our government is too corrupt and they demand less government, are usually the same ones who defend our government with regards to terrorism by dismissing those who claim our government may have been involved in 9/11. Which is it? Our government is too corrupt to regulate corporate America or is too perfect to be involved in a possible "Pearl Harbor" type scenario with regards to 9/11? You can't have it both ways.

America is where England was couple hundred years ago in the Victorian Era.

 

[3282868]

America is where England was couple hundred years ago in the Victorian Era.

I'll agree with that

 

[MorphingDragon]

I'll agree with that

D you even know what the vicroian era was like?

 

[Junkie2]

If my goals were the same as your goals, then it might be wise. But in a world of choices, I cannot imagine blinding myself to everything I'd need to in order to have your goals.

If you think this current system is static, you're either very inexperienced or very ignorant or both.

Have a look into economics and history, and quit with the political propagandizing. You'll come to understand just how embarrassed you should be for making such a post.

Have fun on your journey. Or just pursue other peoples money.

While you continue to fantasize of change, I'll keep using capitalism to my advantage. Clearly there will be change, there always is. Unfortunately for you, i doubt we will be alive to see it. Even Rome was a dictatorship for almost 200 years before turning to Democracy. Who's to say our government will switch so something "better" by your standards overnight?

You sound like one of those guys who watched "Capitalism: A Love Story" and believed every word... like Micheal more didn't get rich off that movie.

I'll be working hard to improve. You can go to political rallies and complain about our government. Let's see who is more happy in 30 years.

 

[azurehi]

May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on.

kundalini yoga - farewell blessing

 

[3282868]

D you even know what the vicroian era was like?

Named after Queen Victoria's rule, roughly 1837 (depending on view) -1901, the commonly referred to Victorian Era was a time of prosperity for the U.K. riddled with colonial conflict towards the end. Your parallel to the American "empire", while there are some similarities with the industrial revolution and prosperity, especially given the post-modern American topography, is base at best. My agreeing with you was with regard to the foreign policy similarities between the Victorian Era and America, as both faced/are facing the negative ramifications of strong arming other civilizations into acquiescing for the greed and prosperity of another.

I could ramble on and talk circles around you, but your feigned pleasantries with the attempt in demonstrating your ego are boring and really have no place on the forum. Thanks for the fun though .

 

[Jus11]

While you continue to fantasize of change, I'll keep using capitalism to my advantage.
Let's see who is more happy in 30 years.

I recall a story of a man who sold his soul.

 

[3282868]

I recall a story of a man who sold his soul.

Agree. It's amusing when people simply decide on joining instead of fighting the system. Collectively we can make a difference. Otherwise, divided we are conquered. Simply placating others with "what can you do about it?" statements is not how America (and other nations) become strong enough to fight and win their independence. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Certainly things have changed since 1776, but the game is still the same. If the 13 colonies gave up then, where would we be today? Whether fighting corporations or the government, understanding that we all have the same common goals is the first step in winning our independence from tyranny, otherwise we simply fade away into the system.

 

[tonydickinson]

Uk/usa

Look at the response of the American public when it became widely known that the Bush administration had gone to WAR against a sovereign nation that had NO WMDs, NO part in the 9/11 attacks, and in fact had NEVER been tied to any terrorist acts against American interests - they re-elected Bush!

And NO, I don't think Obama or anyone else is the answer - that's the point. There is no difference. Nothing really changes.

Yes you are correct, but you are also not correct - things are changing - and that is the intention that we must hold in our minds.

I am British and I was horrified when the British went in feet first when there were no WMD, it was the old story as we British are bad colonialists, we were as evil in India as the nazi regime was in the 30's.

As British as we are geographically more vulnerable compared to the USA. Britain too is on the bones of its proverbial arse, with a failing currency, laws and a judicial system that protects the guilty. No real law and order. The politicians and expense scandal highlights the total failure of an archaic system. Very sad as members of my family were lost fighting for ideals that have now been long jettisoned. But we have to move on, and I am only sad we do not learn and continue to live in our "glorious" pasts.

I was amazed at the recent performance of Tony Blair at the Iraq Chilcot enquiry, he loved the "special relationship" with George Bush junior, the characterture of the British poodle lap dog. These people have so much to answer for.

I hope that the British will realise its 2010 and not 1910 and they need to ally with Europe as they can no longer go it alone. Time for the British to realise and ask that why has it taken 20 years to clear the mines in the falklands (Malvinas), when the reality is they can no longer maintain any credibility in the world, and have recruited soldiers (experts) from Zimbabwe to do what we couldnt...

Mr Obama has got guts - please give him a chance as he has not acknowledged any special relationships - just the mess which he is trying to sort out given the "auld" ways that still prevail although becoming weaker by the day.

NB. Nowt to do with Tim, but as human beings lets please come together which ever side of the Atlantic Ocean we call home and make the world better! Lets leave Afghanistan to sort itself out, lets leave Israel Palestine and Iran to sort themselves out, aiding with diplomacy or let them annihilate themselves if they so choose - we can never do it for them.

Being aggressors we hold no respect


And so it is.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Named after Queen Victoria's rule, roughly 1837 (depending on view) -1901, the commonly referred to Victorian Era was a time of prosperity for the U.K. riddled with colonial conflict towards the end. Your parallel to the American "empire", while there are some similarities with the industrial revolution and prosperity, especially given the post-modern American topography, is base at best. My agreeing with you was with regard to the foreign policy similarities between the Victorian Era and America, as both faced/are facing the negative ramifications of strong arming other civilizations into acquiescing for the greed and prosperity of another.

I could ramble on and talk circles around you, but your feigned pleasantries with the attempt in demonstrating your ego are boring and really have no place on the forum. Thanks for the fun though .

No, I asked that because more than half the people here can't even 'use' english properly, let alone accurately recall simple computing history.

I'm actually happy that I got the baseline facts right, I've never been particularily good at history.

 

[miniConvert]

I'm glad that Apple are investing heavily in the top talent that will take the company forward in years to come.

 

[AidenShaw]

No, I asked that becuase more than half the people here can't even 'use' english properly, let alone accurately recall history.

Base is good enough for someone that failed Social Sciences.

s/becuase/because/g

Do run the spell checker when you criticize someone for their
use of the language !

 

[MorphingDragon]

s/becuase/because/g

Do run the spell checker when you criticize someone for their
use of the language !

I did edit it.

Spell Check broke ever since 4.0.5. I think a Glims bug is responsible. Its been good practice for my Uni essay. XD

 

[Capitalist5000]

Yet those countries have had a working system for a long time. Instead of dismissing them, perhaps the U.S. could learn from them and become near "perfect". I find it sadly amusing that people in the U.S. are quick to defend a system that takes advantage of the consumer, instead of admitting there are issues that need to be addressed. Pride? Perhaps. Insecurity? Maybe. Ignorance? Certainly. Nothing is a sure thing, but it's frustrating that so many are ignoring what has happened with the economy, environment and government with regards to the class system, global climate change and lobbyists all resulting from an unchecked system running with an unchecked government.

If people simply educated themselves and strived to work together and not against one another, progress would be a reality by the people, for the people. Instead, we have become over worked, under paid, unhealthy, exhausted and playing right into our politicians' hands to fight one another. A divided nation is a conquered nation. Perhaps it isn't international terrorism that we should fear, but our own governments and the corporations that have them in their back pockets.

An aside, I find it amusing that individuals who defend the system by claiming our government is too corrupt and they demand less government, are usually the same ones who defend our government with regards to terrorism by dismissing those who claim our government may have been involved in 9/11. Which is it? Our government is too corrupt to regulate corporate America or is too perfect to be involved in a possible "Pearl Harbor" type scenario with regards to 9/11? You can't have it both ways.

Comparisons between the US and its counterparts in Europe tend to be inept considering the huge economic differences and that many are strongly tied to a single other economy (ours). Furthermore, within their supposedly superior systems lies huge unemployment, the likes of which the US has not seen since the great depression, which is a result of economic stagnation because of over-regulation.

The environment is somewhat of a moot argument considering that the science behind it is, shall we say, flaky at best (most of which was generated by venerated European institutions). Check back when someone has something concrete.

With regard to war-like behavior, let us not forget that Europeans started the majority of major conflicts in the 20th century - WWI, WW2, Vietnam, etc... Very near 'perfect' if you ask me.

The supposed contradiction that you point out among those of us who support defense initiatives over economic regulation oversimplifies a misconception by the left. In fact, the debate is more over the proper roll of government rather than its size. Furthermore, the same the same contradictions can be seen in your own writings: stating that we should fear our government and then later saying that it is foolish to do so.

 

[Jus11]

Comparisons between the US and its counterparts in Europe tend to be inept considering the huge economic differences and that many are strongly tied to a single other economy (ours). Furthermore, within their supposedly superior systems lies huge unemployment, the likes of which the US has not seen since the great depression, which is a result of economic stagnation because of over-regulation.

Some statistics on unemployment rates in the US and in the EU, instead of ideological beliefs:
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/62/37/43707050.pdf
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/Unemployment-Rate.aspx?Symbol=USD
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...1DJK_x&sig=AHIEtbSobsRrtAWhJn8UPPQnt7iaGpoFSA

Furthermore, as many EU countries have universal public healthcare, free public schools, free universities (Finland, for instance), free or almost free childcare for working parents, public support for costs of living for the poor, etc., people with minimum wages do not have to take two jobs to have a future.

That is what you are calling "over-regulation".

Socialist , or what?

 

[3282868]

Comparisons between the US and its counterparts in Europe tend to be inept considering the huge economic differences and that many are strongly tied to a single other economy (ours). Furthermore, within their supposedly superior systems lies huge unemployment, the likes of which the US has not seen since the great depression, which is a result of economic stagnation because of over-regulation.

The environment is somewhat of a moot argument considering that the science behind it is, shall we say, flaky at best (most of which was generated by venerated European institutions). Check back when someone has something concrete.

With regard to war-like behavior, let us not forget that Europeans started the majority of major conflicts in the 20th century - WWI, WW2, Vietnam, etc... Very near 'perfect' if you ask me.

The supposed contradiction that you point out among those of us who support defense initiatives over economic regulation oversimplifies a misconception by the left. In fact, the debate is more over the proper roll of government rather than its size. Furthermore, the same the same contradictions can be seen in your own writings: stating that we should fear our government and then later saying that it is foolish to do so.

Lord, this is getting old. First, Vietnam started by the E.U.? Discuss.

Second, vast amounts of unemployment in Europe and other near "perfect" countries? Discuss (examples and cites please)

Lastly, the "left's" gross contradictions? The [generally] right wing in the U.S. contradicts itself (Tea Parties anyone?) with regards to claiming the government is unable to properly regulate corporate America due to its innate corruption while in the same breath will chastise others for accusing the government for being corrupt with regards to terrorism, that's hypocrisy. Sorry, I, and many poly-sci experts, will stand by the obvious convenient hypocrisy demonstrated by those individuals. You can't have it both ways, either government is "bad" or "good", it's not both.

EDIT: Seems Jus11 beat me to it. Upon googling just the unemployment issue, the U.S. has topped the U.E. since last April with 10%+ unemployment. Further, only a handful of European countries have unemployment rates of 7%+, such as France.

Unemployment Skyrockets: “U.S. now beating European unemployment rates”

written Nov '09

Unemployment is at 10 percent in France, which refused to adopt a U.S.-style stimulus package, and only 7.6 percent in Germany, which adopted a stimulus package that was smaller relative to its economy than ours was. (Countries that refused to adopt big stimulus packages have fared better than those that imitated President Obama. And the biggest-spending countries have suffered worst in the recession.)

Oh, and as for your ignorant claims re: the environment, try a little experiment. Lock yourself in your garage with the car running. A closed space, much like the world, only tolerates so much pollution before life is choked away. While more and more natural resources are being consumed to support a "free market", other natural resources such as plant life that are necessary in recycling the pollution humanity produces in consumerism are being destroyed. With countries such as China becoming major contenders in the financial and industrial markets, these nations are rapidly surmounting the U.S. (if they haven't already) with regards to the pollution produced per square mile. As vehicles become more common in these nations, more families are running on fossil fuels with less government regulation in pollution. Soon post-modern Los Angeles will become not only the nightmare of sociologists and scientists world wide, but a reality.

Breath in those car fumes for a few hours, and report back to us - oh, wait...