Abstract
We generalize to elliptical models an argument introduced by Gould, which connects the microlensing optical depth toward the Galactic bulge to the Galactic rotation curve. When applied to the latest value from the MACHO collaboration for the optical depth for microlensing of bulge sources, the argument implies that even a barred Galactic model cannot plausibly reconcile the measured values of the optical depth, the rotation curve, and the local mass density. Either there is a problem with the interpretation of the microlensing data or our line of sight to the Galactic center is highly atypical in that it passes through a massive structure with small solid angle as seen from the Galactic center.
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