Gates’ Software Gift

“Microsoft to Make $1.1 Million Gift to L.A. Libraries, Schools” (Nov. 27) states, “The bulk of Microsoft’s philanthropy comes in the form of software, which costs the company considerably less than the retail price at which it is valued.” It is bad manners for a recipient to ponder what the giver has paid for a gift!

ROBERT SCHOENBURG

Teacher, James Monroe

High School, West Hills

* “Helping Close the Computer Gap” (editorial, Nov. 28) stated, “Teachers don’t get the training they need to teach their students.” I most certainly agree; however, I am frustrated with the blame being placed on society and/or the educational system.

In the issue of training, why can’t our teachers set an example and use alternative training, whether it be at home, computer-based or through distance learning? Why do we have to place all responsibility on our employers? We are not setting an example for our young people by shifting the blame to someone else. If we wait for training to come to us in this “information age” it will be our loss.

DENISE MARQUEZ

Montebello

* Software, once developed, costs nothing to reproduce. If Microsoft gives existing software to people or entities who cannot afford and do not intend to buy the software, then no future sales are lost. Therefore, the $1.1-million donation by Bill Gates is a good business transaction: He will donate software at no cost and at no loss of sales and he will claim a tax deduction of about $440,000 (at a rate of 30% for federal and 10% for state income taxes). At the end, the rest of the taxpayers are picking up the bill for his donation/tax deduction. Since his donation includes only $100,000 in cash, I believe he will make at least $340,000 on the deal.

Ebenezer simply refused to give to the poor, because he was not smart enough to figure out this type of transaction. Philanthropy has come a long way, baby! I will applaud when Gates offers to the school districts the annual services of 11 software experts, at no cost.

D. A. PAPANASTASSIOU