Declaration of Independence Sold

raig Moffet, President of Sothebys-dot-com reported today that his on-line auction of one of 25 copies from the first printing of the Declaration of Independence was a great success. The price -- 8-million-140-thousand dollars.

Rumors are that the Declaration has been sold to a rich individual in the "Far West", but that they wished to remain anonymous. Informed sources report that the high bidder is, in fact, Bill Gates. There appears to be a plan afoot to use the Declaration to declare Redmond, Washington, where Microsoft's headquarters is located, an independent nation.

While some might consider this an extreme solution to Microsoft's legal troubles, it seems almost inevitable in retrospect. Reports of surplus ICBMs being moved into Redmond and tank treads clanking under cover of darkness, vast stocks of leftover Y2k food being trucked to an secret underground bunker, and the purchase of a surplus aircraft carrier have been watched closely as Mr. Gates circles the wagons at his compound.

Further reports as warranted by developments.
Sotheby's website is http://www.sothebys.com