This is a loaded question. If someone were to answer "yes", it would open them up to (intended) ridicule.
OK - that was beyond my conception. Intel lives within 3 miles of me and I consider them, by their tax breaks, taxes paid, and all other factors, to be giving back as least as much as it takes from our state, New Mexico.
Ridicule away - but seriously, I was shooting more for an even analytical response than as flame-bait, and would have been just as satisfied with a yes answer, or if nothing else, some compelling information that I was missing.
I did NOT know if the OP was a Washington resident in first place (so I asked that), and did not know if my factors had been considered (so I asked that next), and if he was a resident, and if he had considered those options, what the answer would be to: is Microsoft a good corporate neighbor?
Unlike you, I think questions are often just questions.
I didn't say that Microsoft was responsible for everything - and I'm not going to defend against things inferred that I did not imply.
Financial models are non-trivial, but in the end, an economy is simple.
My question was honest - kindly quote it in its full context:
You live in Washington, have considered these factors, and still believe that Microsoft is a good corporate neighbor?
If you want to attack me, why not attack me for the ignorance I was guilty of - that Washington residents don't pay state income taxes - THAT was the (erroneous) basis of my question, and that's what the OP has held me accountable for.
Had I known that, I *still* might have asked a similar question. Or - I might not. Personally, I don't know what I might have done in the past.