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

To: Jill who wrote (28412)	8/20/1999 8:52:00 AM
From: Frederick Smart	Respond to of 74651

To: ToySoldier (27798 ) From: Frederick Smart Friday, Aug 20 1999 8:46AM ET Reply # of 27806 MSFT.... >>Now I apologize to GM for using them as a guinea pig, but we all know that so many fundamentals had to change in order for GM to become the evil ogre that this example potrayed them to be. They arnt because your example is not anaccurate example of the MSFT/DOJ situation. BUT, change the players from: GM to MSFT, small upstart to NSCP, WYDCD to Browser, and cars/trucks to Windows/WIN9x, NT. Now Scott, the fictional example I have given you has become a real example of MSFT. Sorry, but I hate when people use that example as logic. Its completely not valid.>> Toy: I'd have to agree with you, but I also understand where Scott is coming from. Microsoft trumped IBM. They came from nowhere, focused on ONE core vision - a PC in every home and on every business desk - and they delivered. They Trojaned Horsed the entire Old Business model mainframe computer industry. I think Scott understands your point, but has taken the stand that even in todays marketplace these same Old Business models will bring ALL companies down to earth, even Microsoft - IF they don't change. So while Scott may be giving Gates his due, I think his true spirit still is "out there" in that FREEDOM field where the energy of all of us really determines the final outcomes. Microsoft has blatantly stolen many innovative ideas and has successfully killed off a ton technology development within the PC domain using it's monopolistic power to secure and advance their Windows platform and position in the industry. They've successfully taken out a major new competitor - Netscape - in their first circle inside the "new space" of the Internet game. Now they are working to expand their circle to co-opt the distributed device market which they want to become an extension to Windows. With each attempt to expand their circle of monopolistic control, Microsoft loses more of the key ingredient that made them great to begin with: FOCUS. I really think Bill and Steve believe their CONTROL model is sound. So they're getting better and better at wearing the sheeps clothing of OPENNESS as they attempt to apply their traditional locks in new domains. Enter the "space", throw your money around, threaten exclusion, secure your partnerships and start pounding nails in more new coffins. And by all means, keep expanding the money stream to Washington. The Republicans are gaga over Gates right now for the Microsoft BIG money tree has been planted firmly in DC. Democrats already are benefitting. Someone should inquire into all the money Microsoft has been spending on this National Computer Security System Clinton's been working on behind the scenes with local police depts, the FBI and other Federal agencies over the past year or more. Someone should dig deeper into the Windows '98 Watermark issue. This whole development has been conducted BEFORE Congress has had any say into the matter because the much of the money is coming from somewhere: Redmond. Gates can afford to pay thousands of consultants to work with state, local and federal police/security depts. All in the name of "business". But there's one problem when ONE company crosses this line. This "business" is OUR business. If Microsoft has spent ONE dollar on one state, local or Federal police/security operation that dollar needs to be documented, highlighted and shown to the light of day for all the world to see. When monopolistic power and money gets too arrogant it, too often, shamelessly crosses these lines. We're talking ethics, morality, truth. I don't care how much money Microsoft has. They should not be using it to support public security initiatives. This is same game Clinton played with the Chinese. Got them to finance his re-election and then AFTER the fact roped and doped his way in, out and around the truth with Mother Janet Reno Justice playing along. When public power and private power collude in any way, there is only one result: CORRUPTION. For on the back side of these deals there is some quid pro quo which, however hard it may be to document, is expected. THIS is where I part company with those who try to defend Microsoft. You can jump up and down all you want about all the good change they brought to the world by leading the PC revolution, but their actions have been destructive. Forget about what they say. Just look at their ACTIONS. I'm sorry, but I don't want Microsoft subsidizing the US Governement's attempt at moving the world back to 1984. If money has been spent, I want to know about it. How many consultants has MS paid for behind the scenes while this DOJ charade has been marching along. What a perfect smoke and mirrors act. Amazing to watch. Triangulation taken to a much higher level. It's a win for DOJ, win for Netscape, win for Clinton, win for the Democrats, win for the Repulicans, win for Microsoft. Remember what drives everything: DATA and access to DATA. If DATA gets controlled by the wrong hands we ALL will suffer. This is what I believe is happening right under our nose, right now. Talk FREEDOM and OPENNESS all your want, but there are forces that want to stop this train for it threatens to take power and control away from these Old dams that have been using our TIME and TRUST to advance THEIR goals. I'm just one little individual, but this is what I "see". Anyone else waking up out there?? I hope Scott can find some fresh air to add to this debate when he returns. Peace. GO!!