Gates warns of U.S. tech folly

Microsoft founder Bill Gates made a trip to Washington, D.C., last week, his last visit to the nation's capital representing the company. He testified on Capitol Hill and made a speech to Virginia's technology leaders, warning that other countries are beginning to copy the policies that have made the United States the world's top innovator. He said members of Congress are making tradeoffs to keep constituencies happy for the short term at the expense of U.S. competition in the future. "Compared to a taxpayer rebate, putting money into research and development has a multiplier benefit, but it happens over a 10-year time frame," Gates said.

For more on Gates and his point of view:
- see this eWeek.com article

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