EU's Protectionist Tendencies and the Democratization of Information

The European Union's (EU) intention to foster free trade among its member states and the world has often been overshadowed by its protectionist policies. One such case is the EU's antitrust action against Microsoft, which relies on flawed assumptions about competition. Conversely, Google's digitization of entire book collections from major libraries is a testament to the benefits of a free and competitive marketplace in democratizing information.

Key Takeaways:

• The EU's antitrust action against Microsoft was based on allegations of harming consumers due to bundling Media Player with Windows, but the real competitor to Media Player is Real-Networks' RealPlayer.
• Microsoft has been fined $610 million, a fine based on global sales, including the significant US market, where the company's actions have been deemed legal.
• The case highlights the concept of "Eurosclerosis," a phenomenon where the EU becomes fearful of economic competition, hard work, and change.
• Google's digitization of books is an example of a private company's ability to bring significant benefits to humanity, despite potential mixed motives for doing so.
• The free market's capacity to confer benefits on millions is evident in Google's online library, which can draw in millions more readers and advertising dollars.
• The battle of euphemisms is a struggle for linguistic control in the political arena, with Lakoff's book, "Don't Think of an Elephant," offering insight into the creation of resonant phrases for framing issues.
• Suggestions for reframing Democratic policies include using "tax cut supplementation" instead of "tax increases" and "poverty reduction program" instead of "welfare increase."
• Lakoff's assertion that winning is about marketing policies effectively, rather than the policies themselves, has sparked debate among the left about the importance of framing issues in a more persuasive manner.

Statistics:

• $610 million: The fining imposed on Microsoft for alleged antitrust violations by the EU.
• Millions: The estimated number of readers and advertising dollars that Google's online library may attract.
• 1: The number of major competitor to Media Player in the field of playing, recording, and copying media on a computer (Real-Networks).

Sources:

• eWeek (Dec. 22)
• Cato Institute, Robert Levy
• Forbes.com
• George Lakoff's book, "Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate."
• Google's digitization of book project
• Microsoft's actions in the US market, as settled in court.