🚀 go-pugleaf

charlie@umnstat.stat.umn.edu (Charles Geyer) writes:

>In article <haney.688698086@moonshine>, haney@moonshine.llnl.gov
>(Scott W. Haney) writes:

>>  As for your last point regarding the need for citizen action.  I totally
>> agree.  Working to modify laws that one views as immoral or incorrect is a 
>> good way to effect change in a positive manner (much more so than the request 
>> for "embarrassing questions, etc" that started this thread).

>Why just action to modify laws?  History shows that trying directly to get
>legislation is the worst way to accomplish goals like this.  Let's see, 
>first we start a PAC, and then find a way to get umpty ump million dollars
>to contribute to politicians.  Do you see any problems with this scenario
>so far?  It doesn't work.

>On the other hand, if public opinion is changed, the politicians will
>eventually follow.  If you want to start an environmental movement, write
>"Silent Spring", don't bother with the politicians at first.

I'm afraid that the issues of look-and-feel and software patents are just
above elimination of pocket lint on most American's lists of society's ills.
So changing general public opinion on this is a waste of time since the
public doesn't care one way or the other.  I think you may be fooling
yourself if you think this issue has the same dynamics as environmentalism.

>I will concede that "terrorist" is perhaps not the best slogan to use to
>attack Apple.  Just thought I try it out to see how it sounded.

  Wow! A concession from a GNUster.  I think I'll frame this :-).  Seriously,
there is a difference between arguing forcefully and foaming at the mouth.
Do you think Apple employees, having been labeled as terrorist scum, are
going to help your cause?  Wouldn't that be an important source of
popular support? Too late now. Do you think the rhetoric we've seen improves
GNU credibility? Afraid not.  On an issue like this, where many people don't
feel as passionately as you, civil discussion would seem to be more
appropriate, and perhaps more effective, than name calling. 
  
>-- 
>Charles Geyer
>School of Statistics
>University of Minnesota
>charlie@umnstat.stat.umn.edu
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