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Rethinking the definition of Government

7/3/2018

1 Comment

 
You might not think of Apple Computer (now aka "Apple, Inc.") as "the government" but I do! It governs me just as much as any "official" government does. Why would I say that? Essentially because of how inescapable their control over my life is at this point.

Look, there are only two computer operating systems: Windows from Microsoft and Mac, from Apple. For phones and tablets, again there are only two: Google's Android and Apple's iOS. Theoretically, I have a choice. But in practice, there is not much choice.

A good analogy is the two party system, Republicans and Democrats.  I don't happen to like either of them because of their strong ties to big money interests.  But what choice do I have?  OK, I vote for Democrats usually, because they slightly better align with my interests.  But overall, they don't really represent most of what I would like.  Sure, I may be an outlier in many ways, but only two choices?  Give me a break!  This not democracy according to my opinion.

The same goes for Apple Computer.  Over the years since Steve Jobs passed away, the company has changed from a "high quality" product company into a "chasing the market" company.  So, do I have a choice?  It's a free market, right?  Well, it's not that simple.  To change over, I'd have to make a significant investment in equipment. I'd need to spend thousands of dollars I don't have at the moment.  But in addition, there would be the time to learn the ins and outs of entirely different software systems.  I can get around inside an Apple system in my sleep, practically.  When it comes to Windows, I'm all thumbs, confusion, and ignorance.  With the deep level I use technology, this "learning curve" would have a significant impact on my life.

So, I'm stuck.  If Apple doesn't have a feature or fix a bug, I'm stuck with it.  If Apple comes out with a new product and renders a previous one obsolete, I'm screwed, ... if I can't afford the new one.  Sure, I can write to them to ask for changes, fixes, etc., but that's just like writing to my congressional representative.  Apple doesn't reply, and my congressional representative sends a form letter that mentions topic I raised in the most general of terms.  Not much different, really. I'm just one of millions upon millions of people trying to have an impact on a centralized power.  Good luck to me!

I vote for Democrats (mostly) in elections in November.  I "vote" for Apple Computer each time I purchase a product from them or download the latest version of one of their systems (Mac OS or iOS).  You can rant all you want about Donald Trump threatening to create a totalitarian system.  In my opinion, I already live in one, almost, when it comes to my technology platform..
1 Comment
kodi.software link
11/13/2024 11:51:46 am

I wanted to express my gratitude for your insightful and engaging article. Your writing is clear and easy to follow, and I appreciated the way you presented your ideas in a thoughtful and organized manner. Your analysis was both thought-provoking and well-researched, and I enjoyed the real-life examples you used to illustrate your points. Your article has provided me with a fresh perspective on the subject matter and has inspired me to think more deeply about this topic.

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    Glenn Koenig is the manager of this and other web sites, an author, video producer, database designer, and volunteer.

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