Microsoft hits new ethical low point?

[smith at missioncriticallinux.com (Jeffry Smith)]

Paul Lussier said:
> One thing I find interesting is that though the Consitution guarantees the 
> right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, these companies seem to 
> think that somewhere in there is also the guarantee to make money.
> However, it doesn't stop there either.  Not only do they believe that they are 
> owed the *right* to make money, but that they are guaranteed this right
> for all of eternity.

Even better, the constitution doesn't even guarantee the above 3 - they're 
from the Declaration of Independence.  The Constitution (most specifically the 
bill of rights) guarantees a lot of things the gov't won't do, and states a 
few things that it will do.  It talks about companies not at all (closest is 
freedom of association).

> 
> No one ever promised anyone that they would be able to make money here, no did 
> they guarantee that if you do, that it will last !  Tell that to MS, though!

Yep.  Same thing with the RIAA and MPAA.  Anyone read Heinlein's first short 
story "Lifeline?"  In it, the protagonist develops a machine that will tell 
someone how long they will live (to the minute).  The insurance companies take 
him to court.  The judge in the case says "There's a perception that has 
developed that, because someone has been making money from an industry for a 
period of time, they are entitled to that.  I can find nothing in the 
constitution, statute, or case law to justify that belief.  Case dismissed."

Now if we could get some real judges (and politicians) to see the same thing.

jeff


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeffry Smith      Technical Sales Consultant     Mission Critical Linux
smith at missioncriticallinux.com   phone:603.930.9739 fax:978.446.9470
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Thought for today:  CHOP /chop/ n. 

 [IRC] See channel op.




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