…..“We may have all come on different ships. But we are in the same boat now”

As I read the memo from Apple’s leader this weekend, I was encouraged that our leaders across the country are now speaking out and getting involved in the political issues which affect our American people versus only being involved in issues affecting the bottom line.

America was founded as the “melting pot”.  This has helped lead us to greatness.  I am not taking a side here, I just believe we need to “seek to understand” and make policy decisions which protect our country as well as respect the people who live here.  We need open debate and discussion – then we craft policies which affect us all.  If we take the quote from Dr. Martin Luther King which I began the text to this blog to another level, then let’s apply this to the current political environment in the United States.  To paraphrase, “we may have all voted with or represent different political parties, but we are all in the same country now”.  We need to remember our great nation was built on being “united”.  Lately, we seem to have lost that important piece of information in much of our discourse.  This applies at home, at work, and out with your friends.  I wanted to share Tim Cook’s note below for those who have not seen it:
_____

Team,
In my conversations with officials here in Washington this week, I’ve made it clear that Apple believes deeply in the importance of immigration — both to our company and to our nation’s future. Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do.
I’ve heard from many of you who are deeply concerned about the executive order issued yesterday restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. I share your concerns. It is not a policy we support.

There are employees at Apple who are directly affected by yesterday’s immigration order. Our HR, Legal and Security teams are in contact with them, and Apple will do everything we can to support them. We’re providing resources on AppleWeb for anyone with questions or concerns about immigration policies. And we have reached out to the White House to explain the negative effect on our coworkers and our company.

As I’ve said many times, diversity makes our team stronger. And if there’s one thing I know about the people at Apple, it’s the depth of our empathy and support for one another. It’s as important now as it’s ever been, and it will not weaken one bit. I know I can count on all of you to make sure everyone at Apple feels welcome, respected and valued.

Apple is open. Open to everyone, no matter where they come from, which language they speak, who they love or how they worship. Our employees represent the finest talent in the world, and our team hails from every corner of the globe.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.”
Tim
_____

Together. We. Win.

Dave Harmon
People Division
“Kindness is Currency”

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidharmonhr

Follow Dave and other USA TODAY NETWORK highlights at: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram,  Facebook, The Muse and Gannett Careers