[response to arguments against the importance of free software for our society]

one obvious (and often-stated) objection goes something like that

     "What, we don't have freedom? Just look at the people at
     <some-other-country-with-less-freedom>. They can't even do <this>
     or <that>! So don't go whine about not being able to copy software."

This is obviously true, but like Stallman says: when you consider freedom
important, and your best (and perhaps only) skill is programming, the best
(and perhaps only) thing you could do for humanity is to apply those skills
for "the cause". I.e., write free software. On the other hand, if you're a
good politician, a charismatic leader, then indeed you might do the country
more good by doing something about more fundumental issues of freedom (civil
rights, etc.).

Another common objection, especially in the US in last two years, is

     "If we had any more freedom, the terrorists will get us!"

But anybody with a little sense in his or her head can figure out that
terrorists are NOT in the business of copying software, or even downloading
mp3 music from the net.

-- 
Nadav Har'El                        |     Saturday, Jan 11 2003, 8 Shevat 5763