Re: [Fwd: [sword-devel] FACTS]

[David Landrith]

Just a few things to keep in mind while this is being debated (and I don't wish to imply that nobody has been keeping these things in mind):

1. Copyright and patent infringement does not constitute thievery. If it did, we wouldn't need copyright and patent laws.

2. Intellectual property is not real. It is a legal construct created to encourage creativity while fostering a fair marketplace for ideas.

3. Thus, when you infringe on a copyright or patent, you are not stealing. At worst, you are stifling creativity. Granted, our legal system can impose ridiculously large penalties for stifling creativity (ironically, often stiffer than even the most egregious theft), but that doesn't make it thievery.

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David King Landrith
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One useless man is a disgrace, two
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