Re: Fields of Endeavor (was Re: [Fwd: Intent to package: pm3])

[bruce@perens.com]

From: Mike Goldman <whig@by.net>
> Cannot the DFSG be considered in similar terms - that an arbitrary
> restriction upon liberty of use must be disqualifying, yet a restriction
> for the purpose of ensuring respect for life and property may be not
> only allowed but in certain cases even encouraged?

No. The reason is simple. We are having enough trouble interpeting licenses.
If we were also to be arbiters of what is social good, our job would be much
harder. We would, for example, have to set a policy on whether or not abortion
was murder. It still might be worthwhile to be arbiters of social good if it
_made_a_difference_, but since the kind of license restriction you are talking
about is supersceded by criminal law, and would not be the slightest bit
effective in cases where it is _not_ supersceded by criminal law, we would be
complicating our job to support an ineffective feel-good sham.

	Thanks

	Bruce