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Micro$oft Monitor

IN THIS ISSUE:

Call Congress Action Alert

(Circulate until June 27, 1997)

The Justice Department's failure to stop two megamergers between Baby Bell regional phone companies has created an opportunity for cyberspace consumers concerned about the department's lax enforcement of antitrust laws against Microsoft Corporation. Senator Ernest Hollings, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, has placed a hold on the Senate's confirmation of Joel Klein as head of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division because Klein wasn't tough enough in dealing with either the Bell Atlantic-Nynex merger or the SBC-Pacific Telesis merger.

But the Justice Department has also been soft on Microsoft! And with a hold on Klein's confirmation, the time is right to let Congress know that consumers don't want a Microsoft monopoly.

Klein is serving as acting chief of the Antitrust Division, but the appointment won't be final until confirmed by the full Senate. Senator Hollings could lift his hold at any time, paving the way for a vote by the full Senate. That's why it's important that concerned Internet users contact your Senators today!

Here is what you can do to help:

• First, Senator Hollings needs to know that cyberspace consumers are concerned about Justice's weak enforcement of antitrust laws against Microsoft. Contact Senator Hollings today, and urge him to keep Klein's confirmation on hold until Justice gets tough on Microsoft. Note: ask to speak to David Rudd or Kevin Joseph in Senator Hollings' office.

• Next, call the two Senators who represent your state. If you're not sure who your Senators are, check the online Congressional directory, at: http://www.congress.org/

• Tell your Senators that the Justice Department is soft on Microsoft, and ask them to insist on tough enforcement of antitrust laws against Microsoft before Klein is confirmed.

All Senators can be reached through the Congressional switchboard: Phone: 202-224-3121

Direct phone and fax numbers are listed below for the key Senators who need to be contacted.

Please let NetAction know that you've contacted your Senators, by sending a brief message to: .

A special note to Alaska and Utah residents:

Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) has already raised questions about Klein's views on a number of pending antitrust investigations, including the Microsoft investigation. If you're a resident of Alaska, please contact Senator Stevens, thank him for his interest in this issue, and urge him to keep the pressure on the Justice Department.

Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK)

Phone: (202) 224-3004

Fax: (202) 224-2354

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has already approved Klein's appointment. Nevertheless, Senator Hatch needs to know about the Justice Department's lax enforcement of antitrust laws against Microsoft. If you are a resident of Utah, contact Senator Hatch and let him know that you support tougher enforcement of antitrust laws against Microsoft.

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

Phone: (202) 224-5251

Fax: (202) 224-6331

Sample phone or fax statement:

As an Internet user and a resident of (name your state), I'm deeply concerned about Microsoft's attempt to monopolize the Internet market. Microsoft already controls the market for operating system software, and if left unchecked, will gain control of the Internet.

I urge you to ensure vigorous enforcement of antitrust laws, by making it a condition of Joel Klein's confirmation as chief of the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department. Don't let Justice be soft on Microsoft!

Other ways to help:

Distribute this alert as widely as possible until June 27. Print copies to share with those who cannot be contacted by E-mail.

About The Micro$oft Monitor

The Micro$oft Monitor is a free electronic newsletter, published as part of the Consumer Choice Campaign http://www.netaction.org/msoft/ccc.html. NetAction is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public, policy makers, and the media about technology-based social and political issues, and to teaching activists how to use the Internet for organizing, outreach, and advocacy.

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Copyright 1997 by The Tides Center/NetAction. All rights reserved. Material may be reposted or reproduced for non-commercial use provided NetAction is cited as the source. NetAction is a project of The Tides Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.