Two possibilities: First, Microsoft does not hire the smartest or most knowledgeable, possibly a symptom of a Ballmer decline; or Two, Microsoft is intentionally making incredibly stupid misstatements to detract attention from this bizarre policy change.

In an age where brick and mortar bookstores are no longer the most economic method to deliver printed matter, and where the needs and desires of consumers can be far more fully met online, needlessly exposing yourself to ridicule and consumer anger is not a good business strategy.

In the United States of America, government watchdog watches you!

/.is really trolling today. I've seen multiple stories on the 1940 census records release, and zero mentioned this discredited economic theory.

The US government is currently funneling funds to NIF. Ananyo, the uber-parent poster, suggests the DoE backs multiple projects, instead of "sacrificing some to support others." It is unclear how the US government is supposed to pick the right technology worked on by the right people at the right time, or how unlimited funds will be available to fund various projects to prevent sacrifices when the CBO projects the entire US economy will "shut down" in 2027 based on current trends.

There's evidence either way, and it points to forgery. The most incisive and in-depth analysis I've seen comes from Megan McArdle of The Atlantic, herself a supporter of AGW. 16 Feb 2012, Leaked Docs From Heartland Institute Cause a Stir—but Is One a Fake?. http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/02/leaked-docs-from-heartland-institute-cause-a-stir-but-is-one-a-fake/253165/. 17 Feb 2012, Heartland Memo Looking Faker by the Minute. http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/02/heartland-memo-looking-faker-by-the-minute/253276/. 21 Feb 2012, Peter Gleick Confesses to Obtaining Heartland Documents Under False Pretenses. http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/02/peter-gleick-confesses-to-obtaining-heartland-documents-under-false-pretenses/253395/.

If the government was not interfering with the market, pharma companies would have no incentive and indeed be unable to produce more of the expensive versions and less of the less expensive versions in relation to demand; competition would force a larger supply of the less expensive versions relative to the expensive versions. If supply is constrained in relation to demand, prices will always go up. We've seen this most recently with hard drives and the Thailand floods; that was an act of god. The Adderall shortage is an act of government, and can be easily remedied.

Utterly wrong. Life can be patented. Plant Patent Act of 1930; Diamond v. Chakrabarty, 447 U.S. 303 (1980).