Apple's Steve Jobs needs to explain his absence

Here we go again. The impresario of the world's most valuable tech firm is taking sick leave - for the third time in a decade. And once again, Steve Jobs will say next to nothing about his condition or prospects of returning.

It's a hard moment to be too demanding, since Jobs is clearly ailing and has looked emaciated in recent public appearances. He's survived two past serious health challenges and here's hoping he wins this one too.

But as one of the country's most innovative minds and the guiding vision behind a mammoth firm, he owes shareholders, employees and the wide circle of Apple users and admirers a fuller explanation. It's time for openness and clarity, not the famed secrecy the firm gives its next product launch.

Apple has a string of product upgrades and new features expected to roll out this year. The company has a deep bench of seasoned executives. The pieces are in place for the immediate future.

But without Jobs, the firm might not have the mojo or momentum to dream up breakthrough products like the iPod, iPhone and iPad. Jobs equates to Apple in the long run. That's why its shares have tumbled in overseas markets and might do the same here when trading opens Tuesday.

Jobs should reconsider his silence. The mystery around his illness and the implications for a tech idea-factory are too serious to ignore.

This article appeared on page A - 11 of the San Francisco Chronicle