I think you are making a mistake in painting this issue as a Democrat VS Republican one. Reps such as Hatch, Bork, and even old Bob Dole have come down hard on MSFT (for varying reasons, none principled). And a number of Dems have voiced their support for the companies position (especially those from Washington State, for obvious reasons, again pragmatic).
The DOJ, Judge Jackson, and those who support them on this are not socialists. They are fascists, whether knowing or unknowing (advocates of "free enterprise" under strong government control, a delicious oxymoron). And attacking MSFT is just a proxy for their ultimate goal, regulating, controlling and eventually destroying capitalism. The fact that the populace seems to be letting them get away with this, in the face of what the unregulated explosion in information technology has done for our economy and stock market, simply amazes me.
Much as I detest the little fascists in the DOJ, and the blood sucking leeches, otherwise known as class action lawyers, waiting for a big feed, the lowest rung in hell should be reserved for McNealy, Ellison, Barksdale and all the other whining, crybaby, billionaire competitors of MSFT who are jumping up and down, applauding the government for doing what they couldn't do in the free market, beat MSFT. I can already hear their howls of complaint when the chickens come home to roost for their companies as the stifling blankets of governmental controls descend on the entire industry.
If Governor Bush makes a statement supporting MSFT and free enterprise on principles, I will support him in the election. If not, I will vote Libertarian. If Ayn Rand were still alive, she'd put the worms back under a rock in a much more eloquent fashion than anyone else I'm aware of.
Microsoft needs to fight this vigorously, publicly, on principle, all the way to the end. If they capitulate, it's not just MSFT who loses, it's all of us who value freedom and a bright future who will lose.
JB |
