Bug#283578: ITP: hot-babe -- erotic graphical system activity monitor

[John Goerzen <jgoerzen@complete.org>]

On Tue, Nov 30, 2004 at 10:32:37AM +0000, Tim Cutts wrote:
> >I would ask, for this reason, that the software not be included in
> >Debian main.
> 
> I think this is a strong argument.  But it probably also applies to 
> things like the bible.  There are countries in the world where 
> distributing the bible is illegal.  It is presumably therefore also 
> illegal to distribute Debian in those countries.
> 
> If there's going to be a policy of this sort it should be consistent.

We can't remove everything from Debian that is illegal some obscure
place for some obscure reason.  We can't even *know* what these things
are, and in this instance, you haven't cited a specific location where
the Bible might be banned.

In a more general sense, whether you are religious or not, there is no
denying that the people inspired (for good or ill) by the Bible have
left a remarkable impact on human history, influencing everything from
the ancient Roman empire to the recent American election and slavery
abolition movements in centuries past.  There is great historical and
literary value there.  Even if one doesn't believe the accounts there, it
provides context for a great many events in our history on this planet.
There is a, IMO legitimate, argument that banning this work would indeed
be banning something of value to scholars, researchers, and everyday
citizens.

Such could hardly be said for a stripping CPU monitor, which seems to
have no useful purpose at all.  "Appeals solely to the prurient interest" in
the words of some American laws.  In a few rural Southern counties, I
believe it is illegal even for adults to possess such material.  

FWIW, I think other Free historical documents of great interest would be
fine in Debian.  Other religious texts, documents relating to the
establishment of new forms of government, works of fiction that brought
about change in society, etc.

But OTOH, we have a release to prepare.  Lots not go packaging up
Project Gutenberg until Sarge is out the door, OK? :-)

-- John