Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier to fix devices

Re:Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier... by kuhewa on Sunday April 30, 2023 @08:48AM (#35762066)

Yes, but making it illegal would mean well meaning groups also can't bend the ear of politicians when they need to. The heavily moneyed interests don't really need professional lobbyists so much when they can offer high six figure consulting salaries to politicians once they leave office, have former company people in govt positions, can communicate through campaign funding etc. Bigger broader problem. Meanwhile a right to repair advocate very much could benefit from hiring a guy that knows the office hours of the legislator and who the best staffers would be to float an idea with.

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Re:Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier... by hanselot on Sunday April 30, 2023 @09:43AM (#35762462)

So what you are saying is that we should allow people with bad intentions the ability to influence politicians monetarily (literally bribery), so the few morsels of good money that can buy any influence may have a chance to also be considered for inclusion?

Edit: I see your point wrt alternative bribery schemes existing, and isn't the solution perhaps for those schemes to also be shut down, instead of allowing it because some good might come of it?

Hmmmm, it's difficult not to assume you are yourself a lobbyist or politician if you take this position, given that the coffers of those with ill intent are vastly more lined than the alternative...

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Re:Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier... by kuhewa on Sunday April 30, 2023 @10:17AM (#35762781)

> Hmmmm, it's difficult not to assume you are yourself a lobbyist or politician

Well, it probably is difficult if one is not very good at thinking.

Regarding your edit, sure, but that's not the content of the post I replied to. That was about banning lobbying and I'm making the point that consequences of that could be counterproductive and make for an even less level playing field.

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Re:Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier... by tough on Sunday April 30, 2023 @10:02AM (#35762623)

Thanks for putting words on what was rubbing me wrong.

We need something better than this fake democracy we inherited.

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Re:Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier... by themitigating on Sunday April 30, 2023 @10:38AM (#35762957)

Nothing in the government should benefit those with more money.

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Re:Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier... by kuhewa on Sunday April 30, 2023 @10:45AM (#35762999)

That's a nice soundbyte. How are you doing to get us there though without worse unintended consequences than the status quo?

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Re:Microsoft quietly supported legislation to make it easier... by themitigating on Sunday April 30, 2023 @03:35PM (#35765886)

By banning lobbying and political donations

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