Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : How high will Microsoft fly? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: RTev who wrote (25572)	7/6/1999 7:54:00 PM
From: johnd	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 74651

The DOJ suit should be side issues in investment decisions. It won't materialize anything. The key parameter is earnings growth. By the time the suit finishes, MSFT will have 80% market share on browsers. So does it matter?

To: RTev who wrote (25572)	7/6/1999 8:52:00 PM
From: t2	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 74651

RTev, That article was a bit of an eye opener for me. I had thought that it was just too late for political moves in relation to the current lawsuit. I guess if MSFT loses, they can keep this thing going for a long time. Then use the political influences as the article suggests. Obviously, they would be supporting candidates from the political 'right' this time even if they agree with the 'left' politicians on most issues. When it comes down to direct impact of political actions against the company (as many feel the current case is), you have to put your other political beliefs aside and become more like the NRA, tobacco etc. and pick your political friends. It follows that MSFT investors would feel the same way. What about the 20 or so (don't remember exactly) states attorney generals that are involved in the process? Could MSFT be pursueing the same types of strategies at that level? I remember Vacco in NY, one of MSFT's biggest critics, lost his position in the last election. However, the replacement is just as bad (from MSFT's point of view). Obviously, MSFT was not involved in that campaign. If they had supported the new AG, maybe NY would already have pulled out of the case. After all these political types are interested in winning above all as one would expect. MSFT is probably getting ready to move on certain future governership races as well. The political investments are probably worth more than some of their investments in internet companies. I think they will just get better at it. If the NRA can forge strong political ties, MSFT should not really have any problems getting strong allies in the political system. BTW--Is there some movement against Washington state companies going on. I understand Boeing is also under investigation. I bet a lot of people in your state must hate the current government (except for a few).