04/25/2005
Bill Gates hires extra bodyguards because of "threats on his life" following the withdrawal of Microsoft's support for gay rights bill. (via americablog)
Posted 1:29 PM EST by Andy Towle in Elsewhere | Permalink
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I'm still dumbfounded as to why so many people are holding Microsoft responsible for the failure of this bill. Microsoft didn't have a vote, only the Congressmen/Sentators did...and I'm not sure I want corporations expressing opinions on emotional, personal issues.
I was angry when I first heard this story, but after stepping into their shoes, and discussing the issue with the COO and EVP of HR at my company, I have a better understanding and, dare I say it, some empathy for the mess that Microsoft has found themselves in. A corporation is not a person, a living being or a single brain with an opinion and feelings. It's a business...and as such, they don't want to isolate anyone who has potential to make them money. While I agree with the components of this bill, I'm not sure everyone at Microsoft would agree with it's agenda.
I feel sorry for the Gate's family if they have really had to hire security because of this issue.
Posted by: Wayne | Apr 25, 2005 2:22:16 PM
Wayne, wake up! This was evidently not an internal policy change on the part of Micrsoft execs. regarding their involvement with legislative issues of a social nature. They were threatened by christian right terrorists who on a daily basis defame gay americans and seek to cutail our civil rights. Microsoft's own corporate culture and values lead to their support of this bill in years past, and it appears that the threats of those who want me to be cut from full inclusion in american society lead to their reversal.
Posted by: Timothy Eckert | Apr 25, 2005 3:16:12 PM
does the Gates family really think the gays are gonna off them? give me a break.
Posted by: kelly | Apr 25, 2005 3:37:44 PM
Corporations are in fact recognized as individuals under the law - they have all the same legal rights as a human being, so...why shouldn't they have emotions as well? :-)
Besides, this is hardly a "personal" issue, Micro$oft has numerous GLBT employees who will be impacted by the passage of this bill, *after* MS decided to butt out of what they butted into in the first place.
Personal? More like personnel
I mean really, what are my fellow fags gonna do? Lace his hairgel with ricin? :-p
Posted by: WM | Apr 25, 2005 4:22:53 PM
this is just page six. they can't even get the name of his wife rite, so what makes you think the rest of the article is truthful and fact-checked?
Posted by: tallglass | Apr 25, 2005 5:24:38 PM
Why is it when things turn to shit people resort to death threats? Seriously how f-up do you need to be to send one of these?
Posted by: Craniac | Apr 25, 2005 6:14:11 PM
Please! Bill Gates is at risk of getting restyled, that's about the extent of it.
Posted by: John | Apr 25, 2005 8:14:47 PM
If Microsoft has decided not to get involved in personal issues any more, will they be closing out their Foundation? What about their donations to schools or for AIDS, are these personal issues? No, their donations in these areas are for the betterment of society at large, in the long run. So is equality for everyone. MS says it is not personal, but they made it personal by bending over for the fanatics who seek to stop the advancement of equality yet again. Black Americans, Women, Latinos, Native Americans, Gays... The religious right has stood in opposition to every advancement, by every group, that rocks their status quo. MS has spoken about who they really are and who runs them.
Posted by: Clark | Apr 26, 2005 12:00:48 AM
This from the paper with the front page "Exclusive" cover story that Kerry had picked Gephardt to be VP. On the "gossip" page, no less. I get physically ill when I see people reading this crap on the subway in the morning. Even if everything in it were true, the vulgar presentation and overtly editorialized headlines would be enough to discourage my business.
I read the Microsoft exec's statement, something about feeling a need to be sensitive to employees, customers and shareholders who have differing views on this subject. Excuse me, since WHEN have we considered it acceptable to move to protect the feelings of bigots trying to turn discrimination into law?
Posted by: Andy | Apr 26, 2005 7:00:02 AM
You guys are taking this WAY too personally! And putting all of the blame on Microsoft is just plain ignorant!
Microsoft is a company, not a Senator, not a Congressman, but a corporation. They have won awards for their work with the gay community, but because they don't do EXACTLY as "our" community demands they suddenly become targets for all of your hate and bitterness.
There are those that are NOT gay (a majority I might add), and they are entitled to their opinions and feelings regardless of whether you like it or not. Microsoft doesn't make law, your State Legislatures do. Your anger just seems misdirected.
I live in Texas, and understand what discrimination is all about. Our state has recently attempted to outlaw gay foster parents and will pass a constitutional amendment this week to make gay marriage AND civil unions illegal! My partner of 5 years was beaten by a group of 5 men last year, was in the hospital for a week, so please don't tell me that I don't understand or that I need to wake up. I understand what it feels like to be discriminated against, and this isn't it...at least not by Microsoft.
If you want a bill to pass, or not pass, get off your collective asses and do something about it! Don't just sit around bitching that Microsoft is the enemy...they're not. I travelled to our state Capitol last week and spoke in front of our House and Senate in opposition to the ban on gay foster parents...along with about 1000 of my closest friends. Guess what, we woke up Friday morning to the news that the bill was being dropped!
You can make a difference, but not by sitting around bitching and whining...get off your ass and do something!
Posted by: Wayne | Apr 26, 2005 11:35:51 AM