Edible Apple

Apple products have been responsible for killing many a tech product. From the Zune to the Dell DJ, and more recently, even the job of the former Acer CEO. But now an Apple’s product, the iPad to be clear, is being called out by none other than Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. who claims that Apple’s tablet is eliminating jobs for Americans.

Yet oddly enough, it was just over a month ago that Jackson steadfastly remained supportive of his own proposal wherein the Federal Government would provide an iPad to every student in the country.

“Let me be clear about a few things,” Jackson said while simultaneously showcasing an iPad and a Kindle. “These devices are revolutionizing our country — and they will fundamentally alter how we will educate our children.”

The Hill reported at the time:

Jackson is promoting his idea to amend the Constitution so that it guarantees every American the right to an equal education. Under that amendment Congress would be given discretion to implement the educational reforms which, Jackson said, may lead to an iPad, Kindle, or Nook for every schoolchild.

Jackson launched a lengthy defense of his proposal on the House floor, arguing that technology is a product of the First Amendment, and also necessary to help maintain First Amendment rights.

Well, Jackson’s call for universal iPads, not to mention some of his other suggestions, were all lambasted by the media. So in an about face, Jackson has now changed his tune but remains intent on focusing on Apple’s iPad for some reason.

This past Friday on the House floor, Jackson called out the iPad for affecting jobs in the US while going off on some rant attempting to equate the iPad with the First Amendment.

“A few short weeks ago I came to the House floor after having purchased an iPad and said that I happened to believe, Mr. Speaker, that at some point in time this new device, which is now probably responsible for eliminating thousands of American jobs. Now Borders is closing stores because, why do you need to go to Borders anymore? Why do you need to go to Barnes & Noble? Buy an iPad and download your newspaper, download your book, download your magazine.”

“Chicago State University, in my congressional district, in freshman class , they’re not being given textbooks any longer. They’re all being given iPads as they enter school. President Wayne Watson hopes to have a textbook-less campus within 4 years where at this State University they no longer have textbooks. Well what becomes of publishing companies and publishing company jobs? What becomes of bookstores and librarians and all of the jobs associated with paper? Well, in the not too distant fitter, such jobs will simply not exist. Steve jobs is doing pretty well. He’s created the iPad. Certainly it’s made life more efficient for Americans, but the iPad is produced in China! It’s not produced here in the United States. So the Chinese get to take advantage of our first amendment value. That is, to provide freedom of speech through the iPad to the American people, but there is no protection for jobs here in America…”

Freedom of speech through the iPad? Wow. We couldn’t make this up if we tried.

via Real Clear Politics