Richard Stallman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > I have only criticized Debian for one thing, and that is the practice > of distributing non-free software (programs). This is something > Debian has done for many years, not something I imagine it might do.
I don't think you understand the distinction between "what Debian distributes" and "the Debian distribution". The latter is a subset of the former. Indeed, Debian is undertaking the steps that might well lead to an end to the non-free section entirely: which would, in my opinion, make it impossible to have DFSG documents distributed by Debian at all. I find it curious that you are now arguing for this possibility. > I expressed some surprise at the idea that Debian might remove > removable but non-modifiable essays from our manuals. That is not > really criticism. In any case, this possibility was raised by Debian > developers including you; I did not imagine it, and would not have > imagined it. You misunderstood the posts in question, in part because you don't really grok that when a Debian developer says "DFSG-free" that means modifiable and removable. Some have indeed said that removable but non-modifiable essays would be removed: but precisely because they are not DFSG-free. For exactly the same reason that non-free software also is not part of Debian! Making the essay removable doesn't solve the problem in those people's minds, because a removable but non-modifiable essay is just as non-free as a non-removable one. But it is a problem that could be fixed--by removing. If the essay were removable and modifiable, Debian would happily distribute it just as it is. > I don't like being unjustly accused, and that is part of the reason I > decided to terminate my participation in the discussion of license > matters. I will not try to convince Debian any further. You have, in my opinion, lobbed a lot of accusations. But perhaps the solution is to find people who can carry the discussion forward who are not going to be prickly, but who have a thick skin and can deal with an unfair accusation by doing something other than saying "I'm taking my marbles and going home." Thomas
