Microsoft Hit by Open Source and Lawmakers

...microsoft was ostensibly hit by lawmakers. When did that happen?

As near as I can tell, it still appears as though the redmond monopolist has purchased the us government, and has a free pass to do whatever they want, with no fear of any substantial consequences.

Just called return on investment. The United States Congress is comprised on honest, upstanding representation where they perform their duty as exhibited by their sedulous protection of special interests from the voters. Now that's hard work. Moreover, from the vested interests side, it is money well spent.

[Now if I could only get a cut. Shill for hire.]

YBT

Ah, now it all makes sense. As always, you got right to the point, and put the whole thing in a nutshell so to speak, so that even the common man can understand.

> Now that's hard work.

Yes, keeping track of exactly who has paid for what favors, and the exact weighting of those favors, all without leaving a paper trail, is extremely difficult.

> all without leaving a paper trail, is extremely difficult.

That's why politicians have staffs.

Before limiting this to the US, be sure to review the show, "Yes, Minister".

jd,

No, it's all too simple. A second set of books, has it kept safe within the family, which is nothing but discrete. Look they helped the FBI gain a reputation as the paramount Crime Fighters in the U.S. by killing off the independents. Thereby assuring the corporate crime at all levels proceeded unhindered by oversight and gaining obscene profits. [Particularly by the elite crime fighting units and the Feds at all levels. State and locals were bought off very easily. Concentrate on the victims was/is a popular method while collecting their fees.]

The same program has been adopted by going to War against everything. Look how the Drugs Wars are faring, with more centralized, more brutal Lords now at the pinnacle. Only those with hugh profits can suffer the losses and still thrive. It is their kind that helps to fund government corruption at all levels.

As someone that has never used recreational drugs and one that assiduously avoids the legal, corporate versions I can only assume those in charge of this War are either insane or keeping a second set of books.

YBT

Quoting:One statement should give software patent activists such as the Free Software Foundation pause: "Similarly, the absence of harmonized patent laws makes it more difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights." The FSFE has been warning at regular intervals that software patents could start making their way into Europe in the guise of "harmonization."

Harmonisation, as used by these sorts, invariably means the other countries need to make their "Intellectual monopoly rights" laws as draconian and innovation unfriendly as those of the US, never, never that the US should bring their "Intellectual monopoly rights" laws into line with countries that have more reasonable laws.

Leviathan grows.

Slow or fast, it grows.

They tried it over and over here in the EU - especially with lobbying from MS, but failed every time.

That's the problem hkwint. They only need to succeed once. We need to succeed every time. Until the US reforms it system that's not going to change. They're going to keep trying and we will need to succeed every time.

Well, I did hope that there would be some change of thinking in this area...one look at some of the Cabinet appointments fairly well assured me that this administration will be business as usual.

Give 'em vague promises, tell 'em you understand their problems and coin a couple three or four-letter catch phrases and an uninformed, robotic, uninterested, Dancing-With-The-Stars society will launch you into power every time.

Sander...I don't know what it is going to take, aside from bloody revolt. Besides, you are dealing with Americans here. As a whole, we are so disconnected from what is really important that it is laughable to think that a ground swell of any sort will take place.

Cancel the top two reality shows and you might make a stir...

This is what you are dealing with when you deal with American Political Awareness. Caution...Sit well back from the monitor when viewing this. 10 IQ points will drop for every 3 inches you are too close.

http://media.causes.com/519738

And If I hear one more person pronounce the word "food" as "fewwd", I am going to spot-weld their frigging mouth shut.

h

> one look at some of the Cabinet appointments fairly well assured me that this administration will be business as usual.

There are guys like Carl Shapiro, who has been very critical of the Microsoft settlement, and Joseph Farrell. It depends a lot on how influential they will be.