Slashdot Mirror
Californians Can Get Free MS-Settlement PCs
soliaus writes "Seeing as how Microsoft recently lost the anti-trust lawsuit in California, Lindows has taken charge and is offering people free Lindows-related goodies. Basically, Lindows files a claim on your behalf, they keep the money, and you can get a copy of Lindows; a Click-N-Run subscription; a free PC; or other Lindows goods. More information about filing a claim on your own can be found here." (Note that this only applies if you purchased a computer for use in California.) Other companies will probably come out with their own approach to trading settlement money for goods, too, so if Lindows isn't your choice, waiting is a good idea.
Well, I really have no interest in Lindows, but this is a great idea! RedHat should be doing this!
From the MSfreePC.com FAQ page:
Q: Is there a deadline for me to make my claim using MSfreePC.com?
A: Yes. The MSfreePC program is scheduled to end at the latest March 15, 2004. However, depending on demand levels, the ability to use MSfreePC.com to get an Instant Settlement* could end at ANY time [emphasis theirs], so you'll want to make your claim today! Also, keep in mind that the FREE PC offer is only valid for the first 10,000 claimants who acquire $100 worth of products through the MSfreePC program.
Depending on the robustness of the MSfreePC.com server, "depending on demand levels" may mean that "the ability to use MSfreePC.com" could end about 10 seconds after the story shows up on Slashdot...
If it does get Slashdotted, though, I've still got the FAQ in cache and would be happy to post it.
Stressed? Me? Of course not. Stress is what a rubber band feels before it breaks, silly.
Now *that's* some good creative thinking there. Who ever said that all marketing folk are good for nothen eh? ;-)
Seriously, I'm looking forward to seeing how this initiative pans out - getting it mentioned on Slashdot is a good step towards getting the viral marketing concept going though!
A little planning goes a long way...
That this 1.1 billion dollars won't even come close to bankrupting Microsoft.
But at least it's more the slap on the wrist that the Feds gave them.
Isn't this kind of a form of scare tactics? "Get it now, from us, or you may never be able to get it"
"Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door." - Emily Dickinson
These PCs... are they distributed under the GPL, or aren't they truly free?
I am getting a copy of Lindows, a two button mouse, and a 486DX33mhz!
i think i'd much rather have the money than a crippled copy of debian. Is there no provision to get cash back instead of an operating system you don't want?
And the best bit is, when they renege, they'll get another front page Slashdot appearance and even more free advertising. It's win-win!
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
Q: What benefits are available under the settlement?
A: You will receive vouchers redeemable for cash after the purchase of a wide variety of software and computer hardware products. The vouchers are worth: $16 for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS license claimed; $29 for each Microsoft Office license claimed; $5 for each Microsoft Word, Home Essentials or Works Suite license claimed; and $26 for each Microsoft Excel license claimed.
{Emphasis added}
You must act quickly before your state or whatever entity decides to use the settlement money to make up for shortfalls in their budget, i.e. Tennessee and the Tobacco settlement.
used the "Instant Settlement* Wizard" yet to see how much they can get?
This gave me a splendid idea!
California is only one state, right? So why don't the rest of the 49 states in the US sue Microsoft so they have to pay up to 52.8 billion dollars in settlement instead?
That should take care of 'em! Bwhahaahhahah!
What's so bad about being lazy? What if there was a war and nobody showed up?
According to research at an English university, the majority of normal people who buy PCs without Windows install copies of Windows borrowed from friends.
Whoever came up with that should be promoted. Just think, you can get someone else to screw over Microsoft on your behalf.
God Bless the USA!
R-
Hard loop..... huh?
Dynamic Designs
Note that participating in this involves signing over your claim to Lindows. This is probably a good thing. Lindows are a major pain in the ass for the boys from Redmond, and they deserve our general support for this.
It's hard to understand the hostility some people demonstrate towards Lindows, which is a good package, well-made and well-supported. It's not ideal for pioneer Linux users, but you do have a large choice of alternatives. What Lindows has done is to demonstrate the possibility of a migration path from Windows to Linux, and for we should be grateful.
Incidentally, to those who say Lindows is "crippleware" it's very hard to cripple Debian, which classically bootstraps from a diskette. You do need to know what a shell prompt is, and how to use apt-get, but that's about it.
Ceci n'est pas une signature
while i'm all about microsoft taking it in the shorts, who cares about a free copy of lindows? it's a proprietary piece of software (not that being proprietary is necessarily a bad thing), and, um, linux is free?
it's almost like buying fake dog shit when i've got a perfectly healthy dog producing the real thing every day before lunch...
well, it's nothing one behind the ear wouldn't cure
It's really an advantage to them, when it is supposed to punish them. In exchange for giving away some free CD's that cost them about 1.4 cents each to press, they get a huge foothold in the CA schools, which are a main cash-cow for Apple. Bureaucracy as it is, once you get the momentum going with free crap from MS, you become beholden to it in the long term. In a few years when the vouchers run out but the computers are still around, you better believe they will be shelling out cash for Windows XYZ or whatever pourous OS comes down the pike. Remember, this is a company sitting on a savings account of $100 billion! They could give the stuff away and still make money just by charging for upgrades...
(With homage to Please, we all understand that you can build a "Most Excellent" PC with glowing neon lights and water
From what I read, they don't require the proof that the settlement requires, so how are they going to get the money? And what's stopping you from filing claims with both MS and Lindows? I doubt MS is going to share it's data with Lindows.
666-607: 6th floor apartment of the beast
I'm sure that the lawyers are very happy with this case against Microsoft because for every dollar that Microsoft is fined the lawyers will get a dime. It's the case of the lesser of the two evils - whilst Microsoft may have a few questionable business practices, it's the lawyers that are bleeding this country dry.
And as you've pointed out, it's very hypocritical for Slashdot to cheer on this lawsuit whilst criticizing SCO.
a true victory for taxpayers.
...if someone sues IBM? Do we get a free copy of SCO?
[[ the only 15 letter word that is spelled without repeating a letter is uncopyrightable: it may soon be, however. ]]
Where can I get a PC for free? I guess I could go dumpster diving. Having said that I agree that this is a pretty sleazy offer.
Get a free copy of OS X Panther, iChat A/V, and an iSight for your settlement ^^
GPL Deconstructed
http://www.msfreepc.com/flash_main This is absolutely the most histerical thing I have seen in a while.
Allowing courts and governments to determine pricing is bad precedent.
Californian's wonder why businesses are leaving in droves will soon see other effects. You cannot have predatory governments and courts and expect your economy to thrive.
Right now the cost of doing business is not high enough to force everyone out, but inch by inch they leave. (iow, we know Ms will never leave, but there are smaller companies who other effects of the abuse of government and courts there)
Don't cheer crap like this.
* Winners compare their achievements to their goals, losers compare theirs to that of others.
I got all the way through the wizard and then they told me that these claims can be audited and that you could be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law. Well, damn.. when I read that you don't need receipts, I also think that I don't need any proof of purchase, including the software itself.
Damn.
You may have heard of Mohammed Abacha, but if you haven't, let me tell you that you should have. He and his family are the victims of "vindictive government officials" in nigeria. Basically, they have a lot of money in cash, ok, and they need a little more cash so that they move their current stockpile of cash to a safe place. It all sounds very reasonable to me, and it's a chance to make some money doing a good thing. I hope that everyone can chip in and help these people out.
I'm sending this email in representation of,
Barrister Bako Davis "Esq"
N,B,
Please, endeavour to make your correspondence to my confidential e-mail addresses below,
bako_davis2@land.ru
P.S. I'm not sure why the e-mail address is in Russia, but I don't think it really matters. Let's just send them some money.
Take it easy? I'll take it anyway I can get it . . .
This comment sits at +4 interesting, which mindlessly advocates bankrupting one of the most productive American companies there is.
Nobody can submit claims until two months from now, at which time Alvarado is expected to approve the exact wording of the public notification of the settlement.
So there will be a fairly short window of opportunity.
But this, to me, is much more interesting.
Two-thirds of the unclaimed money will go to California public schools in a mix of donated Microsoft software and cash grants. Although the maximum value of the settlement is $1.1 billion, Microsoft could end up paying as little as $367 million in cash, which is what it would owe to California public schools if no vouchers are claimed. If all vouchers are claimed, Microsoft would be required to pay the maximum, but schools would then get nothing.
Now I wonder how this part of the negotiations worked out. The more that is claimed by Californians, the more they are effectively taking away from the public schools.
So (in a fit of pure speculation and knowing bugger all about how these things work in that great state), is there a chance that educational organizations might start running radio advertisements encouraging people to voluntarily give up their claims so that the money can automatically go to the schools? And, if that were to happen, and be successful in any quantity, might it then be possible for Microsoft to turn around and say, "see, people really didn't care that much after all"?
Now, my initial reaction is to think there's no way this could happen. But then I stop to consider just how little reimbursement would actually be involved for most people, and the fact that they have to go through the whole rigmarole of filling out the paperwork and submitting it and so on (unless they take up Lindows on their offer), and it just might work out that a fair quantity of people decide it's not worth it for them and they'd just as soon have it go to the schools.
Stupid.
Avoid giving in to the temptation to just list things you haven't purchased. You are declaring, under penalty of perjury, that you really did buy them. And unless you're the president of the US, perjury is a serious offense.
I find it interesting you are unable to learn the details of their "instant settlement" plan until steps 7 and 8... after you provide your:
(1) email address;
(2) tell them the number of covered products you purchased, where you purchased them from, and when you purchased them;
(3) tell them what Lindows package you want (sorry no returns or refunds...);
(4) provide them your name, address, phonenumber, and LAST FOUR DIGITS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ; and then
(5) digitally sign a verification under penalty of perjury...
After giving them that information, then they will tell you the details of the "instant settlement" plan.... I hope someone files a class-action against this site soon....Or better yet, where is the California Attorney General on this one?
--Kobayashi--
You don't get a "free pc", you get an "ms-free pc", ie a lindows CD
I had an XT when we lived in California in 88 (I think) Do I still apply? :)
I agree.
This stinks of the ambulance chasers that go door to door looking to add names to their class action lawsuits when there's a fire in a nearby factory. They promise easy bucks, just sign here.
I'm no fan of encouraging people to abuse the legal system for profit.
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
Actually, as a monopolist, I don't believe they'd be allowed to.
Screwy, eh?
-Looking for a job as a materials chemist or multivariat
You'll pay more in shipping and handling than the "webstation" PC is worth.
And all the software is available free.
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
People will use Lindows for a few weeks, then sales of Windows XP will spike up as people decide to get work done instead of fighting their OS.
Disclaimer:
I am running Gentoo, RedHat, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003 in the room I am in. I belive they all have their uses. I just don't like Lindows.
well, if you read the settlement, this is not abuse of the legal system.
If you qualify, you can file on your own to recieve 'vouchers' for computer goods. all Lindows is doing is offering you there goods in exchange for the voucher that te courts said you are entitled to.
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on
Sure, without offering proof.
This is no different than a lawyer collecting those signatures from people who live miles away from the company being sued.
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
to learn more information, you need to click on a flash presentation, which requires a plugin. hmmm...
My problem? I was perfectly gruntled, until some numbnuts came by and dissed me.
Kick Microsoft out of the country, Redhat will move in and take their place.
There is no shortages of businesses, theres a short supply of big businesses but why do we care? Small businesses arent going to leave the state, local businesses wont leave, and new businesses just starting wont leave.
If you use Linux, please help development of Autopac
Why is that ironic? I'm writing this from Mozilla on Linux and their Flash presentation worked fine. Nothing Microsofty about it.
Michael Robertson is a genius, be glad hes on OUR side.
If you use Linux, please help development of Autopac
Part of this program allows you to get StarOffice 6.0 for either Microsoft Windows or LindowsOS which would cost $69 from Amazon.
You can immediately download a fully functioning digital copy. So even if you're not interested in LindowsOS (which it seems dumb not to at least check it out) there is something else of real value.
The whole tab is on Microsoft. This seems like a win-win.
I run LindowsOS and the Linux Flash plugin comes pre-installed and works beautifuly.
I found viewing the Flash Video about all this was an excellent way to quickly learn what this was all about.
http://www.msfreepc.com/flash_main
Roger
I'm still waiting for the other Distro's to do a lot of things that Lindows gets right...and I keep waiting, and waiting...
Lindows has it going on.
Samuel
Um, these suits have nothing in common. One is about illegal business practices, the other is *soon* to be about illegal business practices. Totally different.
ummmm
except this lawsuit has merit
SCOs doesn't
and...bitch all you want about lawyers...it's more work than it seems.
Amen. It seems that California is showing favoritism to one business over another. I wonder who Lindows had to bride to get this one. We should sue Lindows for unfair trade practices.
Just what I don't need, a WAL-MART PC. Things from there are not made to last out the year, by design.
SCAM-O-MATIC, not news,advertising, take the beer goggles off!
".it's more work than it seems."
I am sure that 5 months of work is worth $127million.
Plenty of us have worked 80-hours a week for less than $100,000/year. I doubt these leeches are working 1000x harder.
Californian's wonder why businesses are leaving in droves
You sound like a Schwartzenegger supporter with that rhetoric. Businesses will not just leave CA; there are just way too many customers here. We are the 7th largest economy in the world. Businesses that leave are just plain foolish. Hyping that job loss is due to a Microsoft settlement is ridiculous. Even if they pay the full $1.1B, they're getting a mere spanking as they continue to prey on other businesses.
Did Altria, or RJ Reynolds leave the United States after the tobacco settlements???
For every dollar of lease or loan for Wintel machine, they keep a dime. Even when a refund from the MS occurs, they still get to keep thier dime.
Who cares if the bankers provide a service. Who cares if the bankers have evey right to try to make a profit just like everyone else. Who cares if nothing large gets bought or sold without such services.
No, lets just complain that they are making profits while doing nothing. That is the mature, educated, and informed thing to do.
"She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
No big deal, as they are also cheaper and better at what they do than Microsoft is. The package delivers what the vast majority of home computer users say they want, and it does it for much less than Dell, Gateway and other M$ corrupted PC makers can. In the last few months, the vast majority of home computer users have been let down by Microsoft in one way or another. If Microsoft is the metric, Lindows will come out 1.0+.
The staying power of Lindows has surprised me. I thoght they would be washed out by now. That they are still here verifies their plan and it's implementation.
Friends don't help friends install M$ junk.
After the settlement, newsgroups saw a sharp increase in requests for XP Pro Corporate and ensuing license keys.
Microsoft replied with "No Comment" through a background of snickers, guffaws and peals of laughter.
Have you read the moderator guidelines? Well, have you, PUNK? (and I want a Karma: Gnarly option)
I wonder if this is only for PCs purchased in store in CA or what if I ordered a Dell FROM CA?
This guy is way out there
In norway, you've been able to deny to take a piece of program with a computer. At least you have on the paper.
The shops respond to it by saying that well, you have that right, but we don't have to do, because pc's come with windows installed, and by denying to take it, you are breaking the license agreement.
Maybe I am, but that won't help me! I just want to get rid of it!
I never thought of XP as an UPgrade
You'd be supporting a bigger monopoly than M$ anyway.
Dear Michael >ha>ha>ha Samuel ,
"I'm still waiting for the other Distro's to do a lot of things that Lindows gets right..."
Since all Lindows does is renaming other people software it would be interesting to know what you claim they did that the others did not do ?
When I tried to use that site, it claimed I "already had an account". This is impossible, because I created a new E-mail address for just that purpose, using one of my own domains. Then they sent me the "password" for "my account". Attempting to "log in" with that led to an endless login loop. After clearing all "can't store a cookie" site in Mozilla, the site tried to sign me up for a "free trial" at $14.95.
If by "well-supported" you mean "we're sorry, the application you are attempting to run/install will not run on this operating system", I would have to agree!
The truth is that Lindows would probably confuse the Linux-curious more so than another distro. running Gnome or KDE. At least they would KNOW they're using something different, as opposed to having an anuerism over trying to install Windows software on an OS/shell that closely imitates Windows.
"Ask not what your country can do for you." --John F. Kennedy
If you used a licensed MS product that qualifies you are eligible. I live in Oregon and I just provided proof of my employment and temporary residence address to prove my claim. If you ordered a PC from California you do not qualify or if you did not reside in California for more then 10 days. To boost tax revenues if you are in California for any business purpose you become a resident under California law on the 10th day of arrival and luckily I still have my California tax papers work from 1996 ;-) Although it is not required I'm sure those outside the state will get the most scurtiny, so documentation or a letter should help out.
...Redhat should be smart and aggressive?
I think I might still have my original cd's for 95, 98, and 2000. But the problem is I don't have ANY of the paperwork that came with them. I might have the cd's on a little slip of paper with them, but I never thought i'd get anything back for them so I never bothered to keep that stuff, plus it's been oh 8 years since I bought win95 and i'm not a pack-rat. Since they ask for the "original certificate of authenticity" can I just send them my original cd's? I'm sure they'd be able to tell that they are real and not "fake" whatever that means...
any ideas suggestions?
Ave Molech Setting
it's almost like buying fake dog shit when i've got a perfectly healthy dog producing the real thing
Wait, are you calling Linux real dog shit?
You may want to rethink your analogy...
Claiming vouchers and then NOT spending the money on microsoft goodies actually costs MS money AND erodes their hold on the market, which is what this settlement was supposed to do. If you want to help the public schools, donate some equipment. Or donate some time. Doesn't even have to be at the schools, it could be at a community center. All those things would do more good for your community than MS giving away another "free" XP license.
Damn, that hurt my eyes! You evil bastard!
Ceci n'est pas une signature
Am I a member of the class if I stole MS software from a location in California sometime during the period in question?
It doesn't say that you had to have paid for the license, you only need have 'acquired' it.
I worked for a company during that time that went on an upgrade binge for Win98; they visited used software outlets and picked up old copies of DOS and Windows for pennies on the dollar.
I guessing there might be a small rush on old licenses or media in the event that they require paper or media as proof of licensing.
(of course that's just my opinion: I could be wrong)
Sounds strange. Why schould you get another PC, you already have one and payed too much for the software, why don't you just get the money back? This ms-free-pc offer does not make any sense.
$50 says those free Lindows PCs wind up running bootlegged Win2k.
the settlement terms specify that you only get vouchers for computer hardware and software, nobody gets cash.
Oh, come on. We all have our hypocrasies. It's Microsoft getting the shaft, in the sweetest way possible!
I know. I mean, "X" and "U" are a long ways away from each other on my keyboard, so it wasn't a typo. I dunno how they could have thought THAT one up.
Maybe they're using a DVORAK layout.
The hell they don't have "anything in common". They are both clear abuses of the law for profit purpouses. Only the targets are different. They are both about illegal business practices - as you said. What kind of raving idiot...oh wait, you're an anonymous coward.
From the confirmation letter:
Free Bonus PC
If you qualified for the FREE PC offer, once the court-appointed settlement claims administrator has paid your claim, and the monies have been received by us and any checks have cleared, we will email you the details on how to receive your FREE PC. Claims are not scheduled to start being paid until June 13, 2004 at the earliest, so please be patient in waiting for this notification.
If you have any questions regarding this order or your My Lindows Account, please visit http://support.lindows.com.
Thank you for using MSfreePC.
I browse at +5 Flamebait- moderation for all or moderation for none.
I feel that Michael Robertson is the businessman that the Linux commercial trend need like catalyst.
He maybe is not a community representative member from the "star system" or stronger support for the Free Software or Open Source Movement but this guy know the Business weapons.
And business weapons is one of the best tools for propose one alternative to the weapon's emporium (Microsoft).
Michael Robertson is good example of the agile business person and this skill is needed for Linux enterprises. Lindows have to show if they found the rigth way to the profit but I see that make stronger steps to it.
Maybe, is not one ideal for me from the Open Source/Free Software perspective but I think that is a good reference for Linux's business to learn.
I bought a couple of computers when I was in California but sadly they were both Motorola 68xxx Multibus Unix Sys-V systems. I guess that doesn't count ;-}
Banjo - The more I know about Windoze, the more I love *nix
Most of these so called victims of Microsoft here are imaginary. Their use is to, a:inflate the payment to the legal firm who is the true beneficiary, or b:give money to California by means other than direct tax.
Sorry, but I doubt you can come up with more legitimate "victims" here than non legitimate. This is a simple "soak the deep pocket corporation" lawsuiit. These work wonders when there is benefit to the government.
Desktop usage of Linux variants in no way can justify the numbers that this lawsuit covers. Face it, it was not done for the consumers benefit.
Yes Microsoft is a damnable corporation at times, but these types of lawsuits are far worse than anything they have done. This type of suit closely mimics government taking of land for private developers. They are deciding through a court what you or a corporation is permitted to charge. If you do not understand that issue then I cannot help you.
* Winners compare their achievements to their goals, losers compare theirs to that of others.
Strangely the form at: http://www.microsoftcalsettlement.com/ only seems to work properly (generating a custom claim form) for those running a MS web browser.. How odd
I second this guys opinion. The /. world has been bitching & moaning about getting a windows desktop replacment based on linux for a long time. Now that Lindows has stepped up to the plate and created one people are still complaining. Look guys, just because it isn't perfect Linux and you have to pay (GASP!) for add ons and such doesn't make totally bad. Redhat & Mandrake, etc have the ability to do what Lindows has done but with thier versions which alot of you like. But they haven't. Gripe at them about it, not Lindows at least they have tried. What alot of you think is that any grandma should be able to do a Redhat install. Ain't gonna happen. Lindows kinda just works (most of the time) which is what Joe Consumer wants. I don't know anyone who wants to spend all day tring to get thier network card working to share with thier windows workgroup for files and printers which is what most home networks are about. I know I hated it. Lindows is also a BUSINESS. They have costs to cover so you really can't slam them for trying to make a buck by sell Lindows specific support & progs.
Stop shooting down everything that comes along. You guys ask for a Windows replacement. Ya got one. If ya don't like it let your wallet speak and go make your own solution.
But hopefully Lindows is a company that honors it's customers requests and does not file anything until you do agree...or is any company, whether it peddle Windows or Linux, just as fallable and evil as the next?
Well I'm glad to see that you guys aren't discriminating between Windows or Linux companies about sueing these days. I'd have figured the /. crowd would be dancing around a bonfire waiting for M$ heads to presented on a pike. Looks though like you guys just want ANY head on a pike :D
If you bought your California computer from Dell or another out of state vendor and, um, forgot to pay the use tax (aka sales tax) then you might want to skip this "offer" or else Sacramento might hit you up for the tax you owe.
I used their settlement wizard, results are below. I claimed purchase of 3 copies of Windows and 2 copies of excel, which I am sure I did over the years, plus or minus.
a ry.php.
n fo.php.
So they get the $100 from microsift, used to pay for downloadable copies of lindows 4.0 (some kind of windowized Linux) and star office (with license), and I get a place in line for one of the 10,000 free PCs, once the settlement is final (June 2004).
---
Dear
You have successfully completed your purchase at MSfreePC.com and everything has been paid for with your Instant Settlement. A copy of your invoice is attached below.
Start enjoying your new software right now!
If you purchased digital products, such as LindowsOS, LindowsOffice, StarOffice, and so on, you can download this software to start enjoying it immediately. To do so, simply visit http://my.lindows.com and log in to your "My Lindows Account." (New users, see the login information below.) Once you are logged in, to download the software you've purchased, go to the My Products section and then to My Downloads.
If you purchased LindowsPlus, which includes software from the Click-N-Run Warehouse, your My Lindows Account will also be credited with additional time on the expiration date of your Click-N-Run Membership. You can view your membership expiration date at http://shop.lindows.com/user/my_subscription_libr
Login Information
If you did not already have a My Lindows Account, one has been set up for you.
Your Login Email Address:
Your password:
Once logged in, you can change your password at anytime by visiting: https://shop.lindows.com/user/mylindows_passwordi
Free Bonus PC
If you qualified for the FREE PC offer, once the court-appointed settlement claims administrator has paid your claim, and the monies have been received by us and any checks have cleared, we will email you the details on how to receive your FREE PC. Claims are not scheduled to start being paid until June 13, 2004 at the earliest, so please be patient in waiting for this notification.
If you have any questions regarding this order or your My Lindows Account, please visit http://support.lindows.com.
Thank you for using MSfreePC.
Please let your friends know about MSfreePC.com so that they too can find out if they qualify to purchase computer products as part of the settlement. Click here to tell your friends about MSfreePC.com.
It's completely unfounded to suggest that people are using illegal copies of Windows borrowed from friends...
most people steal a copy from work
good luck (:
Why is this post rated as a troll? It's a very real possibility.
This is not part of my post. It's my signature. I bet you're disappointed.
Shall we start with Union Carbide in Bhopal? How about Shell in Nigeria? Let's add up all the deaths caused by preventable pollution from power plants that would rather profit more than install scrubbers. How about everyone poisoned by pesticides, sickened by E.Coli-tainted meat sold at a fast-food chain that lobbies against USDA funding, "disappeared" union organizers, and all those killed on the job for lack of proper safety mechanisms. Maybe not 140,000,000 last century, but then again corporations are still gaining power at the expense of governments (see WTO). I'll bet you a trillion dollars that corporations kill more people that governments in the 21st century. Are we on?
>Why is this post rated as a troll?
Because metamoderation ensures that anyone who disgrees with the majority (which is still "lunix r0x0rz!!!!") doesn't get to moderate. It's a wonderful system that appears to be democratic while ensuring that dissenting voices are effectively stifled.
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.