Microsoft

I agree with Professor Silver’s view that Microsoft should not be involved in social issues unless the benefit is for the company. There were two interesting points that Professor Sliver made in this case:
1. It is the duty of citizens to organize themselves to protect values.
2. The interests of those shareholders and other stakeholders who disagree with Microsoft’s position must be considered.

To elaborate on the first point, I agree that the citizens of Washington State should rally behind legislation they believe in to ensure that it is passed. We cannot always rely on the corporation to do everything for us. There are many times when the corporations’ interests are held above our own. Why would we want to give them more power? I commend Microsoft for making a stand on an important topic like gay rights but I do not believe it is their place to get involved in the legislative process.

The second point regarding the shareholders is something to be considered. Maybe the stockholders do not agree with this policy and would prefer money not spent towards this legislation. This case is against Friedman’s view of stockholder theory. He would not approve of this measure because it does not provide a financial benefit for the company.