Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

The difference is that RMS sticks absolutely to the morals he advocates. Too many people confuse "moral relativism" with violating one's own moral code, and the presence of someone who makes a point of not doing so makes them feel like a hypocrite. Likewise, most people can't tell the difference between explaining and supporting one's own moral standards and passing judgement on those of others.

That, I suspect, is the source of most people's anger and defensiveness in reacting to RMS and his statements. It's the collective outrage of "good people" being made to feel a little less so by their own consciences.