[ale] [OT] why political posts on ALE blow up into garbage

[Robert Reese]

Hello Larry,

Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 10:39:06 AM, you wrote:


> Metaphorically I'd place Microsoft as mainstream conservatisim, Linux as
> Liberalism (in the American sense of the term) the Libertarian right
> represented by Apple, and the left fringes occupied by Minix 3, the Hurd,
> etc.

Very cool analysis and interesting analogy.  I agree with you except I'd put Linux with the Libertarians and Mac with the Liberals - switching them essentially.

Here's why:
Many liberal artists I've met told me they use Macs because they have been told that Macs are superior for audio and video creativity and using one is anti-establishmentarian. The philosophy of removing choice to better 'free' the user is a mindset cherished by both Apple and more than a few socialists; even Wal-Mart is adopting that idea, oddly enough.  Further, it is the liberal audio and video production houses that have caused such problems as our current patent and copyright nightmares and sources of unconstitutional laws such as the DMCA.  Despite Steve Jobs' denouncement of DRM music, you can't find a company more defensive and offensive with regards to 'intellectual property' protection as is Apple.  Very soviet-like, that company and its boss...


Linux users value freedom in all its contexts as well as the power of the individual user.  Linux users can change whatever they want whenever they want to suit their personal needs and wants.  Like Libertarians, it is difficult to get a consensus of what the community wants or needs since everyone's needs and wants are spread all over the map. Hence, however, the plethora of different softwares from which to choose to install, software encompassing every conceivable area and use.  People can get involved with projects that suit their needs and their interests.  In both Linux and the Libertarian party, these are reasons for the slow and sometimes declining adoption rates because a great deal of each person's wants and needs don't polarize along a main consensus.



Please don't confuse real Libertarians with vocal social conservatives or the hijacked Tea Party which was started by conservative libertarians and quickly overtaken by social conservatives. [Note: Neal Boortz is a fiscal conservative, not a social conservative]. Yes, the 'conservative' Libertarians are the most vocal.  But unlike Republicrats' generally linear leanings, Libertarians are can be diametrically opposite in many regards and yet still value the right of the individual to do or believe what they want without government or social interference as long as the activity does not force or coerce someone else, or harm without consent.Visually, think of conservatives and liberals being a more elongated line and libertarianism being more of a circular or spherical thing.  Like Linux, it is hard to define the further out you get, but at its core are some very specific and strongly guarded values.


This diametric opposition yet common central belief is precisely why the this list has some furious debates on many topics, particularly WRT politics.  Yet we still believe in the FOSS model and in Linux, and in the philosophy of helping others.


IMHO, there is more Libertarianism in Linux than Liberalism. :cD  And ironically, I would find that Apple as a company is more authoritarian and yet plays to the socialist... go figure.  And yeah, you can call the Republicans "Right Winders".

Peace,
Robert~