Here we go again... [LWN.net]

Here we go again...

Posted Oct 13, 2007 15:39 UTC (Sat) by gravious (guest, #7662)
In reply to: Here we go again... by boudewijn
Parent article: Patent Infringement Lawsuit Filed Against Red Hat and Novell - Just Like Ballmer Predicted (Groklaw)

Is that a joke :) ? I'll bite anyway! From Wikipedia (not in any way definitive but you know...):

According to Gibbon, the Roman Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions because of a loss of civic virtue among its citizens.[3] They had become lazy and soft, outsourcing their duties to defend their Empire to barbarian mercenaries, who then became so numerous and ingrained that they were able to take over the Empire. Romans, he believed, had become effeminate, unwilling to live a tougher, "manly" military lifestyle.
In addition Gibbon pointed to Christianity. Christianity, he says, created a belief that a better life existed after death. This fostered indifference to the present among Roman citizens, thus sapping their desire to sacrifice for the Empire. He also believed its comparative pacifism tended to sap the traditional Roman martial spirit.

Blackwater *cough* fundamental Evangelicals *cough* *cough*

More on topic: I believe the patent and copyright mess is symptomatic of the Friedman-esque rampant corporatism of G7 governance and until the mess very measurably becomes a drag on productivity or GNP growth the suits won't do a thing. I am aware that is all quite abstract and sound-bitey. With reference to the lawsuit, I believe it will come as a surprise to IP Innovation (oh the irony) that litigating a part of our community incurs the wrath of all.

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