Stop Microsoft

Miscellaneous => The Lounge => Topic started by: DavidB on 15 August 2005, 04:56

Title: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: DavidB on 15 August 2005, 04:56
I've long maintained that Bill Gates is a de facto criminal. In fact, his crimes are too numerous to conveniently list.

Right-wingers often ask me if he's ever been CONVICTED, claiming that no one's a criminal unless they've been legally convicted of a crime. I counter that Adolph Hitler was never convicted, and George W. Bush hasn't been convicted (at least, not since he stole the White House).

Still, it would be interesting to know if Bill Gates has ever been convicted of a crime. Most of the lawsuits we read about are directed at Microsoft, which, of course, is merely an extension of Bill Gate's wormy body. But, technically, Microsoft convictions don't count as Bill Gates convictions.

Bill Gates did pay an enormous personal fine for making an illegal investment, or something of that nature. Microsoft whores claim this wasn't a conviction; it was a "civil trial," or whatever term they use. I say they're playing semantics. In my book, people don't play fines unless they're guilty, which means about the same thing as "convicted," in a general sense.

There's a famous photo of a young Bill Gates supposedly posing for a mugshot after he was arrested for a traffic violation. I suppose this would qualify as a conviction, but I'm not even sure if it's true or just an Internet hoax or rumor.

Does anyone here know if that asshole has even been legally convicted of a crime, in every sense of the word?
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: DBX_5 on 15 August 2005, 05:17
Quote from: DavidB
In my book, people don't play fines unless they're guilty, which means about the same thing as "convicted," in a general sense.

You have a book?

Quote from: DavidB
There's a famous photo of a young Bill Gates supposedly posing for a mugshot after he was arrested for a traffic violation. I suppose this would qualify as a conviction, but I'm not even sure if it's true or just an Internet hoax or rumor.

It wasnt a rumour when Gordon Campbell got his mugshot for a DUI. Have a peep!
(http://mike.dewolfe.bc.ca/campbell_gordon_policemug_full6.jpg)

and this one also, shows some 'alternate angles'
(http://mindprod.com/images/campbellmug.jpg)
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 15 August 2005, 05:23
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/04/24/criminal_billg_etymology_of_itanic/

That has some interesting information, including some interesting comments on why Bill Gates is not a criminal.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: DBX_5 on 15 August 2005, 05:29
if you're rich and powerfull (really rich and powerful like Bill) you get a
'get out of anything free card'
even if it means being super evil. at least he doesnt kill people, just other peoples money they had saved up.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: adiment on 15 August 2005, 09:26
What did Bill Gates do to get arrested?
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 15 August 2005, 18:49
Traffic violation im pretty sure.

Maybe he was selling smack before he hit the big time, who knows, who cares.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: MarathoN on 15 August 2005, 18:59
Yeah, I didn't think much of it when I saw it, he never got convicted, so why bother talking about it? :)
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 15 August 2005, 19:05
I think some people should just shut up, considering I can bet nobody on this forum has donated even 1% of what he has to charity, he isn't that bad. Its the company, not just one man. Stop fucking obsessing about a small problem and something might get done. However keep in mind some of the money he gives away goes towards anti open source FUD.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Pathos on 17 August 2005, 13:55
Its very easy to give away money that not even your grandchildren will need to spend.

Mr Gates is probably just a computer nerd like half the people on this forum (including me) not saying hes perfectly innocent but hes not responsible for all microsofts shit.

Once a company is on the share market ethics go out the window and only profit matters. Anyway, 99% of companies would have taken the path as MS if in the same position once shareholders were in charge. Amd is accusing intel of slightly similar tactics. Monopoly=Mean but Monopoly=Money.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 17 August 2005, 17:28
Business is mean, thats life. All desire for wealth ends in suffering. I think we should kill ALL the rich people, not just Bill Gates.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: MarathoN on 17 August 2005, 18:19
But wouldn't that just slump the world into major poverty? :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 17 August 2005, 18:21
How would it do that? If we got rid of the people holding all of us and our resources to their power ransom, we could GET THE WORLD OUT OF POVERTY. Wrap your head around that one.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Pathos on 18 August 2005, 03:30
(http://www.stud.ntnu.no/%7Eshane/stasj/pics/humor/div/gatesmug.jpg)(http://www.stud.ntnu.no/%7Eshane/stasj/pics/humor/div/icare.jpg)

I had to add the last one :)
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: xyle_one on 18 August 2005, 03:58
As the figurehead of Microsoft, doesn't it make sense that he takes the brunt of the hate? Like everyone bashing Bush, when the government is a lot more than just the president.

Has Gates been convicted? I don't know, and really don't care. I don't like his empire, and choose not to support it. My situation at work is a different story, as that is mostly out of my control. Politics and business relationships keep us knee deep in Microsoft software.

Quote from: DBX_5
You have a book?

There are not enough pixels in the world to form the rolleyes that would express what I am feeling right now.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 18 August 2005, 15:47
Bahahahahahahaha
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: MarathoN on 18 August 2005, 16:25
Quote from: kintaro
How would it do that? If we got rid of the people holding all of us and our resources to their power ransom, we could GET THE WORLD OUT OF POVERTY. Wrap your head around that one.

I am stumped, you are right. (again) :D
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 18 August 2005, 17:16
Exactly, now less posting and more stabbing.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: MarathoN on 18 August 2005, 17:22
You can try, but you're guaranteed to miss. :D
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 18 August 2005, 17:29
I turn 18 on Sep 4.

I can buy a gun.

I can live my dream.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Orethrius on 18 August 2005, 19:28
Quote from: kintaro
I turn 18 on Sep 4.

I can buy a gun.

I can live my dream.

You will have three years unless they try you as an adult right off the bat.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 18 August 2005, 19:29
Actually, where I live you are criminally charged as an adult at 17.

THEY WILL NEVER CATCH ME.
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: MarathoN on 18 August 2005, 19:50
Quote from: kintaro
Actually, where I live you are criminally charged as an adult at 17.

THEY WILL NEVER CATCH ME.

Haha, that's what they all say... :rolleyes:

P.S. The same applies to this post. :D
Title: Re: Has Bill Gates ever been convicted?
Post by: Kintaro on 18 August 2005, 22:25
they will never catch me alive