Apple vs. Obama

A comrade posted this on Facebook:

I'm for Apple, of course, in its fight with Obama.

I just wish Apple's lawyers were a bit more sophisticated, and more conscious of history. They raise all kind of examples of why Apple should not be forced to take action, but they leave out the greatest example of all:

Dred Scott.

In 1857, the US Supreme Court ruled that every person in the US was obligated, on pain of imprisonment, to chase down runaway slaves. (The decision also ruled that no black person could ever be a citizen with rights.)

So if you farmed in Ohio, and some slaveowner claimed ownership of your neighbor -- no evidence needed -- you better help out in the capture, or go to jail. Fortunately, some people said no.  #OberlinRaid