When Is a Standard Truly Open? - When It's Universal, Reflections on Massachusetts and Microsoft's XML [LWN.net]

When Is a Standard Truly Open? - When It's Universal, Reflections on Massachusetts and Microsoft's XML

Posted Dec 1, 2005 15:57 UTC (Thu) by N0NB (guest, #3407)
Parent article: When Is a Standard Truly Open? - When It's Universal, Reflections on Massachusetts and Microsoft's XML

Beware the Vapor!

Based on some of the pronouncements comin out of MA during the past week it appears the vapors are having their intoxicating effects. MS is now "welcomed" and "thanked" by high government officials. Meanwhile, those that have championed true competition in MA are now suddenly subjected to audits and other investigations.

Politics has always been a dirty vocation, but there is no question that American politics has become especially nasty over the past quarter century. There is no doubt that MS sees not only much money but much perceived prestige on the line in MA and they are fighting like a junkyard dog--to the death if need be. They know that they cannot allow MA to mandate ODF as it seals their doom.

We are fighting MS with logic and reason which is often no match for the nuclear weapon MS wields--money--lots of money. Money is being funneled into the appropriate accounts, back pockets, and palms of politicians and IT pundits. This is a full-on frontal assault. MS is playing for keeps. Are we?

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EU vs US

Posted Dec 2, 2005 10:10 UTC (Fri) by kleptog (subscriber, #1183) [Link]

This reminds me of a news segment on here on Dutch TV where they were talking about EU lobbyists and what they should and shouldn't do and whether they should be registered. They were interviewing one of the firms that did lobbying and he was asked "What's the difference between lobbying in US vs in the EU?".

His answer was along the lines of: Well, the annoying thing is that you don't get anywhere near as far with money because the whole campaign financing angle simply doesn't exist".

The presenter asked surprised: How so, annoying?

He said: Well, you know, you have to put more work in to get the same result. You have to convince them with arguments.

To which my only thought was: Good! You should work for your money.

Pity I can't find the reference anywhere or his name, but I'll remember the conversation for a long time.