From the Dark Side--Gates to testify on Boosting America's Competitiveness

Ah yes, the founder, Chairman of the Board and then CEO of the firm found guilty of illegal monopolistic activities will tell our Congress this week how to increase America's competitiveness. His main suggestion will be to increase the number of temporary H1-b visas that allow non-citizens to come to the U.S. to work in American businesses. He claims this is necessary because the U.S. does not produce enough scientists and engineers. Well, Mr. Gates, have you heard of the theory of supply and demand? How about raising the salaries of scientists and engineers to create more demand among U.S. students to go into the field? But we really wonder if his suggestions will also include repeal of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act that Microsoft keeps running afoul of while trying to stay competitive. [Dana Baggett and Bill Fox]