Climate Change
One of the nagging questions I have had in my mind about actions against Microsoft is: How can they be trusted to adhere to whatever restrictions are placed on them? They have a well documented history of flouting consent decrees, laws, and even contracts to further their plans for industry domination.
The DoJ has just indicted the corporation of Arthur Andersen on criminal charges. This is pretty harsh--especially considering that the prosecutor, Michael Chertoff, is reliably Republican and that this indictment is effectively a death sentence for Arthur Andersen.
I admit that this indictment was not in any way politically difficult for the administration to make because of the animosity surrounding the Enron collapse and the long history of Arthur Andersen's unrepentant behavior over the years. I also admit that this could be a case of throwing a straggler to the wolves to appease the public's demand for blood. But still. . .
Even discounting the applicability of a criminal indictment against Microsoft Corporation or that such an action against Microsoft might be perceived by the public as impolitic, does anybody else think that there may be a climate change regarding the understood inviolability of corporations in this country? Does the precedent of the Arthur Andersen indictment free the courts and the states to use weapons and tactics previously considered to be unthinkable against wrongdoers like Microsoft?
As a member of the tiny minority of conservatives who believe that Microsoft deserves harsh punishment, I know that asking these questions is probably nothing more than making a wish. Just the same, am I wrong to be hopeful about this?
