Time to Play Nice, Microsoft

I guess I should be more worried about Microsoft(MSFT). Maybe because my mind is already in London's Legoland, first stop with our girls, maybe because it was such a good week, or maybe, just maybe, because I know that the U.S. court system hasn't been able to hurt many companies in the long run (except asbestos, tobacco and silicon), I'm not fretting. I told Jeff Berkowitz that I would be a buyer at 85. I don't even know if it got there. Mister Softee has been a real bow-wow in this fabulous Nasdaq ramp, so even though it has a huge market cap and a high P/E, I don't fear the downside that much.

Microsoft Decision: Join the discussion on TSC Message Boards.

To me the ball is in Microsoft's court. This ruling says they acted badly, not that they are bad actors. They have now been given a chance to change their ways. I would only be worried if they thumbed their noses at Joel Klein & Co. some more. And I don't think they're that stupid. At least Ballmer wasn't that stupid when I knew him in college. He has some respect for authority.

I have a novel solution for the Redmond gang. Within their rolls they have the smartest person I've ever met, and it ain't Gates or Ballmer. It's Michael Kinsley, the editor from the Web-zine Slate, and a lawyer himself, although he never practiced. They should sit down with him for two hours. And when they emerge they should do whatever he says. And this would all go away.

There Steve, I settled all of your problems for you.

Random musings: Great show this morning. John Neff knows the game. He's seen it all. I criticized this guy a couple of years ago for being out of touch with the new economy. He still is. But he can make money anyway, which is still what matters.

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