Microsoft CEO to Obama: Drop Tax Break Cuts or We'll Send Jobs Overseas

dailytech ^ | 6/5/09 | dailytech

[Flavius]

It takes an incredibly powerful company to threaten the U.S. government in hopes of impacting a significant decision, but that's precisely what Microsoft is doing. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made headlines when he publicly attacked President Barack Obama's plan to cut tax breaks on U.S. companies' foreign profits, a plan which is currently awaiting Congressional approval.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Microsoft stood up to Butch Reno DoJ because they didn’t contribute to the Xlintons so I’m hoping they’ll prevail again.

[Boucheau]

Good for Microsoft.

Atlas shruggin’, a little.

[Frantzie]

Hey Gates and Ballmer - you are part owner in MSNBC ie the MS of MSNBC.

Maybe if you did not have a bunch of leftist fawning over O and marxism. Microsoft appears to be clueless especially after tha abortion called Vista.

[marktwain]

This is no threat. It is a simple statement of economic fact.

[rbg81]

Good point. I have zero sympathy for Americans who supported Obama and then complain when his policies bite them in tha a$$.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Countdown to antitrust action...5...4...3...2...

[genghis]

Actually Balmer is just giving ZerO the best advice he is likely to get. Unfortuneately ZerO is not likely to take it.
which is why growth is not going to resume until he has been out of office for a number of years.

[max americana]

MS shuld reap what they sow. Ballmer contributed $100,000 to Obama’s campaign and Gates gave the same. F’ em.

[TYVets]

If Congress approves the 0bama Plan how many hundreds of other companies will quietly move jobs overseas?

No threats, no promises and very little publicity the jobs are gone.

It is Capitalism saying to hell with 0bama's socialism.

[nygoose]

It’s about time!!

[3catsanadog]

So what would this entail? Microsoft physically and legally changing the corporation from a US business to say a business incorporated in another country? And if so, what would prevent Obama from taxing their products to death when they sell them to US customers?

[Secret Agent Man]

Torn by this.

Glad to see someone standing up to Obama.

OTOH, we’ll end up with even crappier junk from Microsquish.

[eclectic]

You are clueless who owns MSNBC. Microsoft has divested from it long ago. They simply did not change the trademark.

[Nick Danger]

what would prevent Obama from taxing their products to death when they sell them to US customers?

What does Ballmer care what Obama charges you in taxes? You don't think Microsoft is going to pay it, do you? Where would they get the money, if not from customers? Customers are where all companies get their money. Raise taxes on companies, you raise taxes on customers. Your next computer goes up in price by $500 to cover the "Obama tax". What are you gonna do, buy a Mac?

[sionnsar]

MS shuld reap what they sow. Ballmer contributed $100,000 to Obama’s campaign and Gates gave the same. F’ em.

Living in Microsoft-land my experience is that MS employs many, many liberals (plus a few conservatives).

[McGavin999]

Awwww, what’s the matter Microsoft, not getting your money’s worth. You helped to elect him, are you changing your mind? Wasn’t that the change you can believe in?

[stainlessbanner]

The Seattle Tech Report first reported that Ballmer donated $50,000 --- the maximum --- and then published a fuller list with other Microsoft execs.

Here's the rundown on what Microsoft employees, former employees, and their wives have given:

• Bill Gates and his wife each donated $50,000.
• CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife each donated $50,000.
• Steven VanRoekel, senior director, Windows Server Solutions Group, donated $50,000.
• Brad Smith, Microsoft general counsel, donated $25,000.
• Craig Mundie, Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer, donated $25,000.
• Eric Limbs, global program manager, donated $250.

  Source:

[stainlessbanner]

oops....source: CW Blogs

[Mister Muggles]

“What are you gonna do, buy a Mac? “

Uh...sure!