Do we really need to actuall include the GPL in every .deb containing GPL code? Just because there's a server where the .debs can be downloaded by themselves? Does this also extend to a server with source tree - e.g. since I can make a copy of a single .h file, must it include the GPL too? Same thing, isn't it?
I believe RMS is being a bit disingenous here. Debian is a very political distribution, but it also has in its statutes a clause about being as useful as possible. Let's not forget this! (Goes for the non-free discussion as well) As it is now, GPL is (IIRC) part of the base-files package. Perhaps it could be its own package, and all packages including GPL code could dependend on it? Although I'm not sure it is possible to have a Debian system without base-files, .debs might be installed on non-debian or customized systems. With an explicit dependency tools like apt-get, dselect and alien would complain loudly if I install it without the license. You can still download the .deb and dpkg --force or whatever, but at least you have to go out of your way to do it. If you include the GPL with every package, chances are that people will simply delete all instances - it is certainly simpler than jumping through hoops to avoid installing the license package. Just my $0.02 -kzm -- If I haven't seen further, it is by standing in the footprints of giants