Microsoft

I have to say that I have been a great supporter of Microsoft and their products. Even though they have had troubles over anti-trust claims by other software "houses", I still believe that Microsoft makes some terrific products, and if that Means Bill makes a bundle... so be it.

But this decision by Microsoft to withdraw support for anti-discrimination legislation in Washington State has left me with a very bad taste in my mouth for them. The legislation failed to pass by 1 vote. If Microsoft had supported it openly, there wouldn't be but a handfull of politicos in Olympia that wouldn't have supported it too. And to make matters worse, it seems that the big boys at Microsoft caved under pressure from one right-wing(nut) "pastor" who said that Microsoft would have to pay the consequences for their support. (See this article in the Washington Post)

But Microsoft's decision to withdraw its support for state legislation that would have banned discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment and insurance drew sharp criticism yesterday from those who say the company missed an opportunity to make an important public statement. Instead, they say, Microsoft caved in to pressure from religious conservatives who opposed the bill, which failed by one vote last week.

It is disgraceful. Do not their Gay and Lesbian employees deserve the same respect in housing, employment, etc. that their straight employees have? Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer ought to be ashamed of themselves. How can they look their Gay and Lesbian employees in the face?