Slashdot Mirror
Keeping Microsoft Happy
Jeff writes "In Citizen Microsoft, I report on Microsoft's use of Nevada corporations to avoid approximately $327 million in Washington state taxes while telling voters they need to pay more to fund education. I also contrast Microsoft's attacks on the open source community with its in-state lobbying efforts and its recent promise to get more involved in local politics. The cover has Gates in a gorilla suit."
Why is it that the Shashdot crowd is always bashing Microsoft? I think that the answer lies in the root of the "American way", which happens to also be the topic Microsoft is criticized on so often. Money.
Once you get past the deep morality and social agenda behind it all, it comes down to a simple fact:
It is a heck of alot easier to become rich selling writing software that sells to Microsoft users, than it is to write software that sells on any other platform.
Yes, I know, money isn't everything, it can't buy happiness, and it is the root of all evil.
Nothing, however, can refute the fact that money buys you opportunities.
So, is it really such a bad thing that Bill Gates just happens to be a damn smart guy who found a way to, you guessed it, make a ton of money?
I haven't read any Shashdot articles lately applauding Bill Gates for donating hundreds of millions of dollars to charity, or how he is one of the leading authorities on curving world hunger.
Yes, Microsoft is "abusing the system", and, "taking advantage of loopholes". So what? Have you never tried to "beat the system"?
I got a $500 speeding ticket dismissed because the officer checked a wrong box. Are you going to write up an essay on how I am crushing society?