Microsoft + Christian Coalition = WTF?
Okay, something we need to know today: Why was Ralph Reed, the former head of the Christian Coalition, on Microsoft's payroll for several years earning $20K a month? (Not a bad haul, not by a long shot.) And what, if anything, does Reed's work for Microsoft have to do with the company deciding not to come out in support of proposed legislation in Washington state that would ban discrimination against gays and lesbians?
What on earth has Reed been doing for Microsoft, one of the world's most powerful companies - a company with vast resources and great talent? The software giant's antitrust imbroglio is over except for ongoing suits in various states. The company is openly supportive of gay causes, committed to diversity, and has been proactive in creating internal policies that support gay rights. Does it seem just a wee bit incongruous to anyone else?
In fact, Microsoft is often cited as one of the more progressive places to work with family-friendly policies for all employees. Its benefits packages are among the best anywhere. From what we know, the company goes out of its way to support all kinds of families. So what gives?
The Reed affiliation came out as Microsoft catches heat from its own employees and gay rights advocates for not taking a position on the proposed legislation. The gay rights bill failed by just one vote in the state's senate last week. Microsoft remained neutral on the legislation, raising the ire of many gay advocates. The company has come out in support of such legislation in the past.
Today, published reports indicate that because of mounting internal and public pressure, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says the company may rethink its decision to stay neutral on the issue. Microsoft needs to know that when it speaks, the world often listens. Perhaps it better put its money where its beliefs lie.
What on earth has Reed been doing for Microsoft, one of the world's most powerful companies - a company with vast resources and great talent? The software giant's antitrust imbroglio is over except for ongoing suits in various states. The company is openly supportive of gay causes, committed to diversity, and has been proactive in creating internal policies that support gay rights. Does it seem just a wee bit incongruous to anyone else?
In fact, Microsoft is often cited as one of the more progressive places to work with family-friendly policies for all employees. Its benefits packages are among the best anywhere. From what we know, the company goes out of its way to support all kinds of families. So what gives?
The Reed affiliation came out as Microsoft catches heat from its own employees and gay rights advocates for not taking a position on the proposed legislation. The gay rights bill failed by just one vote in the state's senate last week. Microsoft remained neutral on the legislation, raising the ire of many gay advocates. The company has come out in support of such legislation in the past.
Today, published reports indicate that because of mounting internal and public pressure, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says the company may rethink its decision to stay neutral on the issue. Microsoft needs to know that when it speaks, the world often listens. Perhaps it better put its money where its beliefs lie.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 2:33 PM.
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