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Date:      Tue, 23 May 2000 18:04:36 -0600
From:      Brett Glass <brett@lariat.org>
To:        Doug Barton <Doug@gorean.org>
Cc:        chat@FreeBSD.ORG, Arun Sharma <adsharma@sharmas.dhs.org>, Rahul Siddharthan <rsidd@physics.iisc.ernet.in>
Subject:   Re: The Ethics of Free Software
Message-ID:  <4.3.1.2.20000523175904.0443caa0@localhost>
In-Reply-To: <Pine.BSF.4.21.0005231631130.49900-100000@dt051n0b.san.rr.c om>
References:  <4.3.1.2.20000523115749.04536980@localhost>

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At 05:42 PM 5/23/2000, Doug Barton wrote:

> > Unfortunately, there is a flaw in THIS argument, too: it goes
> > to the other extreme. While the pie can be enlarged, it is not
> > infinitely expandable.
>
>         Many brilliant economists would vehemently disagree with
>you. Chief among them is Arthur Laffer. 

Sorry, but the more famous an economist is, the more likely it
is that he represents a "religion" rather than realistic, proven
theory. All systems have limits, and any statement to the contrary
is absurd.

> > There is a definite limit to the rate at which the pie can grow,
>
>         This is actually true, and Alan Greenspan has done a good job of
>keeping the rate of growth level. 

Not so. He hasn't stopped the foaming of the "Inernet souffle'" which
is now about to fall rather hard and ungracefully. (Like a souffle', 
it's full of froth but has little substance.)

> > especially
> > with the GPL actively eliminating opportunities for new ventures.
>
>         You're flattering yourself if you think that the GPL is having
>_that_ significant an impact right now. 

Flattering "yourself?" How so? 

The fact is, alas, that the GPL is already killing many promising new
markets for software. It used to be that VCs asked, "What will you do
about Microsoft?" They're now asking, "What will you do about Stallman?"

--Brett



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