Re: Bug#181028: cdrecord: promotes non-free software
On Sat, Feb 22, 2003 at 06:42:01PM -0600, Billy Biggs wrote:
> Ben Collins (bcollins@debian.org):
> > If some piece of software output a line that said "Debian sucks, use
> > Mandrake", we'd probably comment out that line in the code for Debian
> > packaging.
>
> I find it amazing that a distribution about freedom has members which
> can so quickly embrace censorship. I see a big difference between
> denying a package or applying a bugfixing patch and political editing.
Censorship is a tool applied by governments to prevent people from
expressing their opinion. There is a not-very-subtle difference between
censorship and choosing not to publish something. Debian would be
exercising its right to choose not to publish - which, as the publisher,
it clearly has - not applying censorship, and we would not be repressing
the right of cdrecord's author to express his opinion. We are not
censors for failing to repeat what somebody else says.
(I can see both sides of this particular debate, and don't really care
that much either way, but I really am fed up to the back teeth of people
reinterpreting editing by the publisher as censorship. It's just
inviting the invocation of Godwin's Law.)
Cheers,
--
Colin Watson [cjwatson@flatline.org.uk]
Reply to: