Microsoft Makes It Official - Reed Is Out

Microsoft has made an official announcement confirming what was posted here yesterday. Ralph Reed former head of the Christian Coaliton and all around right-wing Christian fundamentalist, is no longer on retainer as a political consultant. The Associated Press reports: "Ralph Reed is no longer on retainer with Microsoft," company spokeswoman Ginny Terzano told The Associated Press. Reed is now running for lieutenant-governor in Georgia. Of course Microsoft claimed he didn't influence them in any way on social issues but I would hardly expect them to admit to that considering all the bad publicity they received for not backing a homosexual rights initiative in Olympia Washington that would have made it illegal to discriminate against gays in housing, employment and insurance. This resulted in human rights activists accusing the company of caving to a boycott threat from an Evangelical minister. Even though Microsoft claims this was not the reason for cutting its' ties with Reed, I find it more than coincidental that the break came right on the heels of Equal Rights Washington, a Seattle-based group that had lobbied for the gay rights bill, calling on Microsoft to fire Reed. Congratulations Mr. Gates, now how about reversing your decision and putting your corporate weight behind the initiative you abandoned in Olympia.