[Linux4christians] The Moral Foundation of Free Software

[Mike Martin]

Samuel Clough wrote:
> I think there is a happy medium between the two
> arguments here.  

Samuel,

Very good post.

I will agree 100% with you on the competition issue. But people do not 
perceive there is a legitimate problem. It is common sense to allow 
anyone (Including Microsoft) to be themselves and create product and to 
sell it for profit. It is also the corporate wishes of our nation that 
others be allowed to have the same liberty, and to rise or fall on the 
merits of their efforts. So, if MS is indeed doing things (and they 
have) that robs someone of their liberty, then they should be made to 
stop. Coding Windows and selling it isn't against the law. The draconian 
MS licensing can be. That is the part that must be rejected by people in 
order to see change. It's called a "backbone." If one doesn't like the 
terms, then don't buy the product. I do it every day, every month, every 
year. MS doesn't earn a profit from me as I don't license very many of 
their products. I'm constantly building servers, workstations, etc., and 
have only purchased two copies of Windows in three years.

Again, the few who do read the license, DON'T CARE! I do care, therefore 
I don't run Windows on my primary workstation. Simple. It really is that 
simple. I do run Windows on this one I using now because 1) It came with 
an OEM version of Windows and 2) I run a lot of Bible software. So I 
live in the "happy medium." It is worth having this one Windows desktop 
because I LOVE my Bible software. This one copy of Windows has helped me 
support coders at Logos and Biblesoft and Parsons by purchasing their 
products. So, in reality, the small inconvenience of running Windows has 
in reality become something positive in many other ways.

What I wouldn't give if they would create version that would run under 
Linux or FreeBSD!!!!!!!! Oh well. :) What I've got works for me.

Praise Christ for only He is the author of liberty! No make takes us out 
of His hand!

I pray our nation will choose Liberty over equality!

I pray virus of Socialism dies a very painful and horrible Death as soon 
as possible!

Regards,

-PM <><

--
Pastor Michael E. Martin
mem0tech <<at>> cableone.net