[svlug] Re: A little on Open Source Philosophy...

[Todd Martin]

> excuse me for being slightly off topic, but socialism and comunism do not
> have to end up carrying with them scare tactics and a totalitarian
> government (which is actually the opposite from what comunism is trying to
> achieve, a utopic ultra-democracy). please use "Soviet socialism" if you
> are going to use the term like that.

Well now we are getting into a subjective topic. Debating whether or not
communism or socialism, or "Soviet socialism" is a bad thing.

My opinion is they are all bad. That's my right to say so. Its also your right
to say otherwise, but where do you get off saying I have to change my opinion on
the matter?

I'll use "Soviet socialism" when I think it is fitting, not until then. That's
my first amendment, can you say the same?


>
> as for comparing Linux with politics: take the Meta view. some people see
> it as a goal, some people see it as a tool for work, some see it as a
> protest against Microsoft and some people see it as a protest against all
> Closed software (not only source, but standard-INcomplience too).
>
> I see linux as a work tool when I come to work to do my dailty chores as a
> sysadmin, I see it as a fight against closed software when I go to SVLUG
> meetings, I see it as a fight against microsoft when I go to an
> installfest, and I see it as a protest against closed software when I
> evangalize about it to my fellow unix geeks who prefer Sloaris.
>

I suppose there are some relevant points here. Linux is code, that's all it is.
If you want to make a political debate over it then really you/we are going in a
tail chasing circle, and making damn fools of our selves.

Why would someone even want to compare Linux to socialism if not to hurt its
reputation? If you want to compare it to anything political why not democracy?

I mean we all discuss and vote the future of Linux everyday, we are doing this
now. If we want change in the OS we go out and do it, that's democratic. Can you
do that in socialism? No you can't.

I'm not going to pussy foot around here, scarred to step on anyone's toes. If
your wrong I'm going to tell you about it, if your feelings get hurt so be it. I
would expect no less from you or anyone else, that's what the freedom of speech
is all about.

Care to continue the conversation further? I really don't, I've said my peace,
but I'll be excited to hear what others have to say.



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