Admirable sentiment. However, problem is with the methods, which are in
the US governed by software patents. Don't get that confused with
copyright which governs distribution.
In the case of the software patents, it doesn't matter how the code is
made or even if the code is visisble, only what the resulting software
does or how it is used. e.g. encrypted harddrives, xml-serialization, web
shopping carts, breakpoints, verb conjugation, firewalls, etc.
The code could well originate completely independently, but if it *does*
something covered by software patents or is *used for* something covered
by software patents, then in the US and its subsidiaries you are SOL
unless you have a few million on hand and a few months of staff time to
spend in court.
If we're going to tease or feel smug, let's at least do so for the right
reasons. ;)
In this case, OpenBSD is actually no more or less vulnerable than any
other closed or open source software. That will be the case until the US
brings some sensible aspects back to patent law, such as Europe has for
the time being. Unfortunately, the current regime (I say junta) has been
piggybacking them to trade agreements.
Solution? Easier said than done: Stomp US-style patent laws.
regards,
-Lars
Lars NoodC)n ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
Swedish Native-Lang co-lead
http://sv.openoffice.org
