OSS == "anti-american"

[Scholz Matthew]

There isn't really any sort of argument, since they
are making an assertion, which is not backed up by any
facts.  It might resonate because it SEEMS true (it
makes more sense that people want to be paid for their
work, than to donate it for no reward), but there is a
notable lack of 'research', 'logic' or real value to
the statement.  

Truth be told, I think it can be a VERY capitalist
idea.  The only problem is that it levels the playing
field somewhat.  

As to Capitalist == American, I too would most likely
have been sent before a McCarthist panel had I lived
back in the 50s, so I am obviously poorly suited to
argue.

--- Cliff <cliffo at u.washington.edu> wrote:
> I don't know if I want to get into a huge
> philosophical debate but...
> 
> One of the newest attacks on open source IMO is the
> idea that Open 
> Source is anti-capitalism and thus "anti american"
> or against the 
> "american way".  This line of attack was taken
> recently by Bill Gates in 
> the antitrust trials I think...
> 
> Now, I suspect this has struck a chord with some in
> government as I read 
> the /. article about the U.S. State Department
> arguing with foreign 
> countries over their support for Open Source
> Software.
> 
>
http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/03/01/27/2045236.shtml?tid=117&tid=103
> 
> I don't know what will become of all this.  How
> would you fight this 
> argument?  It seems you would have to persuade
> "hard-liners" that 
> anti-capitalism is not a necessarily a threat to
> "the american way of life".
> 
> This attack is scary stuff to me...
> 
> Cliff
> 


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