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Block a FOSS release because being free interferes with commercial interests?

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40hz:
A government's primary function is to provide necessary services it doesn't make economic sense (as in 'not profitable') for a business to provide. These services include things such as public safety, assistance to the needy and aged, and public education.

This is one of the reasons the endless mantra about "privatization" is so misguided. As is the argument that government should be run "just like a business." Because there are many necessary things that need to be done, or made available, if you want to live in a largely benevolent and just society. The only problem is, there's no money to be made providing them.

That's where government comes in. It's our publicly supported "loss leader." And hardly anybody who thinks responsibly would want it any other way.

Otherwise you run into such perversions as cable companies and telcos bringing municipalities to court for providing broadband and wireless services that these very same companies (most of which were granted effective monopolies and are receiving ongoing favorable tax treatments) are simply unwilling to provide to their markets. And this despite all the promises made by the industry in exchange for being allowed to do it "their way" with minimal governmental regulation and oversight.

And guess what? It doesn't work! It's a FAIL.

Check out this blog for some related stories.

 :)

40hz:
Can't wait to see how this one plays out. Wonder if it's too early to put a bet down? :P
-40hz (August 02, 2011, 09:30 PM)
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I bet 5 DC credits that complete insanity will prevail~! :P ;D
-Renegade (August 02, 2011, 10:21 PM)
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That's what I call a "smart money" bet. :Thmbsup: 8)

Eóin:
What is being suggested by Eóin (not saying you support the idea) is catastrophic if it holds up.
-rgdot (August 02, 2011, 11:45 PM)
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Indeed I don't support it, I'm socialist at heart :) Also, in this case it's the source code the gov want to release, couldn't anyone just put in a freedom of information claim for it anyway? Though that wouldn't sort the GPLv3 bit.

40hz:
I'm socialist at heart
-Eóin (August 03, 2011, 10:28 AM)
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No shame in that. Most people with a strong sense of personal morality and social responsibility are.  :) :Thmbsup:

The only problem with socialism is the same one that plagues every other sociopolitical theory: the vast difference between theory and its implementation once the opportunistic politicos get hold of it.

"Schade!" as Goethe used to say.  ;D

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