There are a few funny things here. First, John and others are suggesting
breaking an alleged monopoly (Gates' businesses) with a real monopoly
(government). In other words, to keep some people from getting too
much power, they want to give other people even more power. That
strikes me as odd.
Second, what about the Gateses of the past? Microsoft is not the
first startup to sweep through an industry and leave the old elite
and others panting. Ford nealy had a monopoly on cars. Have
you driven a Ford lately? Most people don't today. Was it the
government that worked some magic to make other car companies
compete? No. In fact, tariffs and import quotas help to keep Ford's
competitors out, but yet it moves. Honda, Toyota, Chrysler, etc.
all make cars and compete with Ford.
Third, the personal computer software market is relatively new. As it
matures, not only do I think more competitors will break into it, but
consumers will demand more of an OS. Maybe this will be more
than Gates and Microsoft can deliver. If so, competitors will eat
his company alive. If not, then perhaps it is because he is giving
the people what they want.
Vivamus!
Daniel Ust