On Monday 20 Oct 2008, CK Raju wrote:
On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:24 AM, Raj Mathur raju@linux-delhi.org
wrote:
I'd rather not have communist-indoctrined ideology spouted on this list. I'd rather not have capitalist-centric intolerant ideology spouted either. Let's talk about Free Software, or not at all.
Free Software has no existence of its own - its not an autonomous discipline - its principles are intricably linked to principles of many other disciplines and philosophies. For someone to move with least errors, there has to be a fair amount of exposure of some of the basic principles of other disciplines.
What are ``least errors''? Who defines ``fair amount of exposure''? What other ``disciplines'' must we familiarise ourselves with? Am I not a good member of the Free Software community just because I don't have a ``fair amount of exposure'' to these disciplines? Is there a political test that people have to give before they start promoting, using or developing free software? What is Linus' political ideology? What is RMS' political ideology? What is the official stance of the FSF on capitalism vs communism? Do they even HAVE an official stance? Do they advise all comers to their web sites to read Das Kapital (or alternatively, Wealth of Nations) before they (the users) understand what Free Software is all about and start using it?
If you believe that Free Software is purely a communist (or capitalist) ideology, please state so clearly so we can discuss that (that IS related to free software, so I don't have compunctions about discussing it here). Playing with words and vague generalities, on the other hand, is meaningless just makes one appear pompous and ill-equipped to carry on a debate.
Regards,
-- Raju