Microsoft software in schools is a pitiful, ignorant waste of my tax money.
If the function of schools is to prepare students to survive in today's world, and Windows/MS software area part of that world, shouldn't schools be teaching kids to use such software.
I understand that there are indeed free alternatives available, but as similar as they might be, they are not the same. Open Office is nothing like Office 2007 for example. Sure, the basic functionality might be the same, but if all you are going for is a something that can take text input, why not just use Notepad?
Anyone who has seriously compared Office to Open Office knows that there really isn't a comparison. Office is substantially better piece of software. What you are really trying to advocate is using schools to force your standards upon youth. Get 'em while they're young you might say.
Well, sir, I personally don't believe schools should be used as a place to advocate social change. But if you want to disagree fine. I am sure there a great number of dictators throughout history who would take your side.
Only through hard work and perseverance can one truly suffer.