Unwanted Google Cookies being set on Safari web browser.

When I set Safari 4.0.2 to reject all cookies, it rejects them EXCEPT for a Google cookie that keeps popping up! When I get rid of that cookie, it remains free of cookies for a while but then, a little later on, another Google cookie shows up. even though Safari's preferences still are set on "never accept cookies"! Why does this happen? Why do I have to continually get rid of this Google cookie? I realize that a member of Google's board of directors also is on Apple's board of directors. Does this mean Apple allows Google to put cookies on our computers even though we do not want them to? This does not happen when I use the Firefox 3.5.1 web browser. Must I forgo the use of Safari and use another web browser to keep my computer free of cookies? Google (or is it Apple?) seems to be acting like some sort of third-party malware producer under these circumstances! Is there any legal way I can actually prevent Google from putting cookies on my computer and still use Safari? Is it some kind of bug? Or is Apple in cahoots with Google on this particular point?

Would really appreciate an answer. Does anybody else have this problem?

Thank you!