Microsoft Ruling
Re “Microsoft Violated Federal Antitrust Laws, Judge Rules,” April 4: As a consumer allegedly wronged by the monopolistic practices of Microsoft, I am confused. Naive me, I’ve watched in amazement as innovation after innovation hits the computer market and the prices keep falling, without realizing that I was being taken advantage of. Now the Justice Department has expressed its pleasure over the judge’s findings. Given the recent history of this department, namely, Elian Gonzalez, Waco, the campaign finance abuses of the present administration, etc., I can’t help but think the judge was very, very wrong.
RICK CLEMENTS
Claremont
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Once again, Robert Scheer (who is often wise) misses the point when it comes to Microsoft’s transgressions (Commentary, April 4). You don’t have to chose AOL to surf the net, Mr. Scheer, but the average PC user is going to have to use Windows to get to the point of choice and then will use Internet Explorer to choose. He who controls the bridge controls the tolls--and many other things. A situation that has worked out very well for the richest company and man in the world (low prices, you bet).
SANDRA SUTHERLAND
Encinitas
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Thanks, Janet Reno, now we know who the real menace to consumers is--Bill Gates. All along, I thought it was Alan Greenspan.
MARIANNE TRUITT
Marina del Rey
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Bill G. may be the world’s richest man. Bill C. may be the world’s most powerful man. Bill G. has spent 25 years leading the technology explosion and ushering in the Information Age. Bill C. has been an attorney and a politician.
Both Bills have super egos that eventually damaged them. Bill G. placed an oppressive thumb on the scale of competitive fortune. Bill C. used an oppressive club of hundreds of attorneys to slow down Bill G. Bill G. has helped millions of people to accumulate retirement funds over many years. Bill C. had the power to make 14% of those investments disappear in one day.
Both Bills probably lied under oath. We have no DNA proof against Bill G.
THERON COLLIER
La Habra
