On Wed, 20 Aug 1997 14:28:10 -0400, Eloy A. Paris wrote: > The purpose behind the official incorporation for Debian is still beyand me, > and the more I think about it I don't like it. The project (like linux) has > > always been for freeholders all over the world. Why the US government > suddenly has to get involded, I have no idea. Why does Debian need to be an > artificial US government privedged entiy? It's our OS. We collectivly own it. > Why do we suddenly need permission from someone to exists I'm sure some of > the other anarchists here are also wondering about these things....
I had nothing to do with the decision or the incorporation, or any discussions, but as an attorney I'll stick my head in: 1) as someone already mentioned, it makes a difference for donations. 2) It has nothing to do with the US government. States grant corporate charters, not the feds (Although there are a handful of federally chartered corporations: Postal Service, Sallie Mae, etc.). 3) Liability. The corporation is legally a person. If someone got the bright idea to sue Debian (for whatever reason, including frivolous), individuals would be liable without incorporation. Incorporated, individual liability extends only to acts of that individual. rick -- TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS MAILING LIST: e-mail the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Trouble? e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] .
