Andy sorry to address this post to you, I was too lazy after the writing to post to myself.
The United States as county competes with other countries as though we are still a fledgling property of our European origin, much like Microsoft, an important reason both have been so successful. Should we continue to cripple our prime companies the United States shall decline the way of all the previous global leaders faster. The U.S. will resign its World leadership role eventually, as will industry leaders in our present economy, this is not a prediction, it is a fact. To some countries the United States decline cannot happen fast enough, sometimes we have to go to war. As to foreign competing companies with Microsoft, our current DOJ actions should serve them well and hasten Microsoft decline from a global premier United States company.
In sports, business, nature, and love there is always going to be losers to some degree, ...always, and unsuccessful competitors are sometimes bitter, revengeful and regrettably the ego driven will not/can not face facts. The fact they were in some way incapable of besting their adversary. I have zero compassion for multi-billionaires crying wolf, running to seek relief from any sector. The DOJ, State Vs Microsoft looks like, smells like, walks like political company preservation, not Anti ?Trust violation (consumers). Companies know the business rules prior to playing the game. That's how they acquired all that silver and gold. Does anyone really think any successful company?s paths are not littered with the trampling of lessor competitive companies? I despise those companies unable to accept the fact that they are not superior or equal to the competition and resort to outside assistance to come to their aid in hope for a political/governmental resolution to their ineptness. Just as I despise those countries whom choose war as a faster end to garner success. I applaud and respect companies which success has not come easily and continue to compete or choose another venue more suitable to their skills/products. I view with contempt, pity, and disgust those who cannot be honest within themselves to accept a lessor market percentage worthy of their products and marketing expertise without shifting the blame for their perceived failure. They plead for sympathy and compassion of the unfairness, they cry.... "They have too many resources, too much money, too many products, too many employees, they pressured me to sign a contract, etc." To them I say ?this is real life boys and girls, deal with it?.
Watching the DOJs feeble attempt to sell the nation of their great deed on national TV, Jackson?s decision which Microsoft was a declared a monopoly, I felt a sense of disgust. I was sincerely disappointed with their behavior, back slapping, high fives, ?great job all around guys? I could have told them the same precise information for years and cost them nothing, and so could half of our population over 15 years of age. How much did that #$@!cost us tax payers, I am ashamed to look at the final figures. Great job guys..Your selling the world on what evil bastard companies we raise in the US. Hope you are still very proud of your accomplishment as the general population in the US certainly does not share your glee.
Is our government trying to make business a sporting event? Businesses now shall be held accountable retroactively in regard to present interpretation of the law without notice? Come on. And those businesses that have achieved a certain % of market share cannot compete with smaller business in an open market in the same manner when they only had 68% market share? Does it go like this?..What is your market share for OS? 87%! Ok, 87% market share = 19 strokes! That means you have to break up your company and the chairman of your company can?t play with the same team. Well, we should at least tell them prior at what percentage of market share they have to change their business practices. And if they begin to be even more successful after altering there business practices per the DOJ..then what.?Level the Playing Field? Right sure they will for eternity. When, not if, the DOJ screws this up, they are going to be leveling fields in every business sector which has a dominate company...at least if the company resides in the United States of America...DUMB really DUMB. Ok, all you other countries here is your chance to be David and slay the Nasty United States of America.
Why in the hell did Elian get months worth of personal attention from Janet Reno during the mediation between the DOJ, States and Microsoft? The United States (consumers) have billions of dollars at stake and effects us all. Where was the charted jet trip to Redmond? I am sure Bill would have paid for the trip and saved us taxpayers a couple 100k. Janet could have invited Bill to spend a week or so at a secluded Military base and charge him rent, and paid for some of our DOJ bill while they worked out the details.
Did Elian pay more taxes or did he have the secret program to another MSFT Os killer smuggled out of Cuba? Give my tax dollar a BREAK.
Does Elian deserve the Attorney General of the United States of America attending to his personal affairs while a landmark decision regarding the future of our high tech industries awaits Janet to finish her politically staged appearance of being a kinder, gentler killer of Texas, kids and Mothers.
Damn if I hear about the US tracking down software pirates in the Far East. No...They are busy dismantling the origin.
I?m not mad. I?m mad as hell...I think most of us could agree on four points: 1) Microsoft has paid our government big taxes for many years; 2) Microsoft has assisted in furthering the development of the PC; 3) Microsoft has given employment and business opportunity to thousands; and 4) Microsoft should be extended the same courtesy and attention from the Attorney General of the United State as a refugee from Cuba, plain and simple.
Finally: Regrettably the DOJ, STATE Vs Microsoft is as much about politics and companies failures to recognize opportunities and braindead management trying to save alittle skin in front of their share holders as it is about Anti-Trust Law violation.
Sorry for the length of this post, now I will jump into my flame-retardant suit and resume my acknowledged lurker position for the remainder of the year...I promise.
Cheers
~Norm |
