Re: the MSFT ruling
'At the same time, this is a scary reminder that if you make it to the top, someone will try to pull you down,' Zachary said. 'It's also a reminder that the government is more involved in technology and the notion of a free market is not entirely free.'
I really take exception to what this person said. Microsoft isn't 'being taken down' simply because it is "at the top." It is being scrutinized for legitimate anti-trust concerns. That's the reason. Period.
Government "more involved in technology"...? I don't think so. At least not the way this person means. Microsoft just happens to be a technology company, that's all. And his statement, the way he means it in his context, that "a free market is not entirely free" is not a well-thought-out opinion, to my mind. This suit and action (and those to hopefully come) are specifically geared toward guaranteeing a free market. Free of Microsoft's bullying tactics in their attempts - usually successful - to squash competition. And competition is essential to a free market.
I had an interesting discussion with one of my brothers this morning - who is a Microsoft shareholder. He was concerned what effect this ruling would have on the stock. I told him (a bit ruefully) that most would probably view it as a buying opp. Interestingly, he mentioned the huge amount of cash - around $17 billion - that Microsoft has. As a shareholder, he wants to see them invest it wisely, which, in spite of myself, I think they do. The accompanying 'condition' of such investment however, whether actually real or merely implied, that assures the recipient company will deal solely or mostly with Microsoft exemplifies MSFT's bullying tactics and hindrance of free enterprise.
I consider Gates to be extremely savvy but extremely ruthless. And disingenuous at best to portray his company as less than culpable. Gates, give me a break!!
This part of that article - What's more, Red Hat's Young said the Justice Department's investigation of Microsoft allowed it to sign deals with Dell Computer Corp (Nasdaq:DELL - news)., IBM and others that it might not have been able to before because of fears of potential Microsoft reprisals. - says it all.
It still gets my goat that Gates has all this money and power - and he didn't even create DOS himself.
Okay, jumping off my soapbox now...:-) |
