Should Microsoft receive harsher penalties?

"It seems to me that Microsoft has indulged in not only anti-trust violations but racketeering as well. Is this a possible avenue of approaching their abuses?"

As you can see, my position well exceeds current prosecution parameters. Even if you don't agree with my extreme position, but desire more vigorous prosecution, I urge you to write to the Attorneys General to inform them of your support. You don't have to reside in these states to write them. Write to all of them if you wish. The Attorneys General exist to provide services to their constituency. I believe that for the most part they take this responsibility very seriously. They want to get the bad guys. It is my opinion that Microsoft, Gates, Ballmer, et al, are the bad guys.

Below are the email addresses of the nine states Attorneys General dedicated to continuing with more stringent anti-trust prosecution. Included is USDOJ address to express your displeasure to the Feds. For international readers I have included a link to a USDOJ website listing other countries who are undertaking anti-trust action.

Please include your name and address. This contributes to your authenticity. They may want to send you a snail mail confirmation. Please put it in your own words.

A formulation was made years ago by various entities like newspapers, magazines, politicians, and such. They figured that for every person who bothered to write to them represented X amount of people who didn't take the time and effort to write but shared similar opinions. X can equal anywhere from one thousand to ten thousand depending the specific circumstances of the recipient. So, as you can see, the simple act of writing can have a multiplier effect. That's why your single contribution is so important.

If you agree that Microsoft has gotten off too lightly, I plead with you to take a few minutes, write to the Attorneys General and make your opinions known. When we're all using Microsoft Windows at least you'll be able to console yourself by knowing that you at least tried to resist Microsoft hegemony.

This is the time to strike. They believe that they have hornswoggled a sweet deal. Their guard is down, if just a bit. This is far from over.

California: microsoftcomments@doj.ca.gov

Connecticut: attorney.general@po.state.ct.us

Florida: ag@oag.state.fl.us

Iowa: webteam@ag.state.ia.us

Kansas: GENERAL@ksag.org

Massachusetts: tom.reilly@ago.state.ma.us

Minnesota: attorney.general@state.mn.us

Utah: uag@att.state.ut.us

West Virginia: consumer@mail.wvnet.edu

US Dept of Justice-Microsoft anti-trust comments:
Microsoft.atr@usdoj.gov

US Dept of Justice-other sites worldwide:
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/contact/otheratr.htm

This is a real opportunity for those of us who want more stringent prosecution. Before, Microsoft had only to have one team of lawyers to deal with the Feds. Now, their efforts will be diluted by virtue of having to confront nine different government entities. The time to express your opinion is now. Together we can have a positive impact on the future of computing if only we take the time to express our opinions to those who hold the public trust.

Best regards,

Christian Loweth
New Port Richey FL