Re: Microsoft's vision of empowering

["Lewis A. Mettler" <lmettler@lamlaw.com>]

Gene,

Gene Gaines wrote:
> 
> My apologies to the list.  I am aware that I am bringing up old subjects,
> discussed by Norm, Paul and others.  But I think we could use some refocus
> to these larger issues.
> 
> And Lewis, good thoughts, but in one sense I think you are wrong.
> 
> Below you say
> 
>   I do not think it is as much as desire to control everything as it is a
>   policy to ignore the rights of everyone else (competitors and consumers)
>   and ignore any and all laws that might otherwise limit the application
>   of their power.
> 
> Lewis, you can't ignore rights and ignore laws UNLESS you control.

I would only disagree in one respect.  Microsoft may just think it will
be better off pushing the line as far as possible hoping to back off at
the last minute.  Or, simply figure that having the company broken up 3
years from now is better than losing monopoly power today.

Either way, it is very clear they care less about anyone but themselves.

And it is very clear they are not going to "reform" no matter what.

> 
> It is apparent that Microsoft actions ignore rights and ignore laws
> FOR THE PURPOSE OF GAINING CONTROL.

Its your money they want.  And it is your money they can force you to
pay.

> 
> Being under the control of any entity that is willing to take such
> actions is not freedom.
> 
> I repeat my thought.
> 
> Am I wrong?  Or do we stand by and watch "Freedom to innovate" become
> "Freedom to control commerce" and then "Freedom to control freedom."

The legal system does take time.  But, in the end can solve the problem.

And by solving the problem I do not mean making up rules that honest
companies might abide by.  Microsoft has already proven it will not do
that regardless of what those rules are.  They do not even abide by
their own agreements.

The only solution is to completely remove the monopoly power from the
Microsoft management.

And, I mean "completely".  Otherwise, you are wasting your time and
surrendering your basic rights.

-- 
Lewis A. Mettler, Esq.(Attorney and Software Developer)
lmettler@LAMLaw.com
http://www.lamlaw.com/ (detailed review of the Microsoft antitrust
trial)