everyone I know constantly complains about Microsoft and Bill Gates' riches. In all fairness to Bill, he spends more money on philanthropy than probably anyone else in the world. It pains me to say that--I grew up a Mac fan. Of course, when you have more money than God, it's easier to spread it around.

Interesting part of that list is this: I'd change your "Microsoft" to "Philip Morris" and then I'd point out the following. People complain about the cost of "needs" -- gas, their water bill, the electric bill, etc. Notice how they never complain about their "wants" -- cigarettes, soft drinks, and beer. That's probably a key difference. Another is you buy MS Office once, complain about the price, and then you don't buy it again for 3-5 years. You go to the pump every week. More opportunities for complaint! Finally, if you don't have the money for a Coke, no problem, you get a glass of water. If you don't have money for gas, you can't get to work--big problem!

I'm sorry you work for a "need" rather than a "want".

Bryan