Screaming Penguin

Here is comes, fair warning, RANT MODE == 1; Traditionally Microsoft has been relatively uninvolved in the overly corrupt political system in the US. Credit where due, they have donated to many charities and showed an interest in community, but not generally in politics. That has all changed. Microsoft recently, within the last 4 years, has formed one of the most powerful lobbyist organizations in Washington. They now have a "Political Action Committee" and have made large donations to both major parties (4.3 Million this election alone.) Why the change of tune? Well the obvious yet denied reason is the DOJ case against Microsoft and the absolutely corrupt nature of the American political system. Have some influence and things just seem to go your way. Microsoft of course claims it is just to address "industry issues." This development illuminates two very sour facts.

FACT ONE: The business practices of Microsoft are unscrupulous and the company will employ any measure neccessary to remain a monopoly and wield unparalleled power in the industry.

FACT TWO The American political system is bought and sold every day and politicians decisions are unabashedly driven by greed and hubris. This issue is not the fault of Microsoft, the company did not devise this system, they just elected to participate in the fray. Just about every large corporation does, that says somethign else about business in general. This is not a party specific issue either, there is no difference between Republicans and Democrats. Occasionally they are bought by different companies or organizations, and often they are bought by the same companies wanting to "cover the bases." Its all the same either way, politicians and subsequent legislation are bought and paid for. The very fact that there is such an entity as a "lobbyist" or an organization of them is ludicrous and flagrantly corrupt. RANT MODE == 0; Sidenote: examples of the ridiculous nature of our political system were rampant at both recent conventions, that and the Microsoft move prompted this rant, but we need more than a rant. Both the Republicans and Democrats had lavish parties at each respective convention all week long thrown by "corporate sponsors" which were lobbyist groups for diverse types of companies such as Brown and Williamson, Merck, Intuit and many many more. Several of these companies were publicly sworn off by the parties, especially the tobacco companies, yet they were certainly still allowed to fund the multi million dollar get togethers and fill the crowds with lobbyists. Hmmm, who is being duped here, the politicians or the people. Remember, in this electronic age you can easily write your representatives in Congress and or the office of the President. Hit the Whitehouse.gov government branches site and find your senator or congressperson and let them know this sucks. Then let them know on all the issues you feel strongly about, they are accessible via the web. And most importantly, vote, make your voice heard, get involved.   Microsoft No Longer Political Wallflower: NPR