Why Should They Help?

"In the lawsuit filed Friday [late 2004 -RT], Novell claims (PDF form) that Microsoft withheld certain critical technical information about Windows from Novell, thereby impairing its ability to develop new versions of WordPerfect and other Novell office productivity applications." Microsoft Word belongs to Microsoft. Where is it written that they should be required to give Novell private information that will allow them to create a product that mirrors Microsoft's product, and therefore cut into their market? I think it's Novell's responsibility to come up with the information they need. It's not Microsoft's responsibility to help them. The feds sued Microsoft because Gates would not give them money. He had no lobbyists in Washington to "wine and dine" politicians and bureaucrats; he did not "spread money around Washington." He just did not give a damn what politicians think. That was his mistake. Politicians have this massive power they like to "throw around" to get the money Gates refused to give them. Yes, they won the suit, because there were enough liberals (looters) on the court who thought Gates should help Novel steal their market. Now Gates has promised to give away all but 5% of his fortune (which liberals are quick to point out is still a lot of money left) before he dies. That's just stupidity. But he's learned his lesson. Don't "refuse to play the game" the liberals (looters) run. (E-Week)