Political Nerds (Score 1)

I have e-mailed my Senator about my feelings, I urge you all to do the same whether you agree or not: Sen. John Ashcroft ***************************** Copy of message text follows: ***************************** Sir, While I do not support a Microsoft breakup I also think the government deserves to win. I feel that a 500 Billion dollar corporation disappearing would be bad for our economy, especially considering the uncertainty of going into the next millennium. I have two ideas either of which would bring about a positive way for all sides. Plan A ------ Microsoft is scaled down to the size of Apple Computer Inc. as of June 30, 1998 over a period of 5 years by removing exact percentages of sales, ventures, and other revenue. Then said percentages go to constituent aid and non-profit organizations. Complete Internet Explorer source code, all versions shipped with Windows 9x, be given to the public in a royalty free manner. Held patents over said software are separated into necessary for Microsoft's survival and unnecessary groups. Unnecessary are given to Netscape for its damages. Netscape may not sue for punitive damages afterwards. Plan B ------ All plaintiffs receive damages and all source code be released for DOS, shipping version of Windows OS, and Internet Explorer. All law suits brought thereafter become based on Stare Decisis. Consumers then receive refunds for all purchased software within the periods Microsoft had been found to discourage competition through a monopolistic strategy. Please consider these ideas and narrow them upon what you and your colleagues agree would be most beneficial. Thank you for your support in representing us, we all appreciate it. Jimmy Smith Waynesville, Missouri