RE: [PATCH 2.5.5] do export vmalloc_to_page to modules...

David Schwartz (davids@webmaster.com)
Fri, 5 Apr 2002 10:46:39 -0800


> > Do you really want to argue that someone can add a digital
> > rights management
> > system into a GPL'd product, distribute it, and nobody else can
> > modify that
> > digital rights management system?

> Thats not what I said.

It is precisely the principle you are defending.

> The GPL protects your right to do certain things to a work. A
> digital rights
> mechanism that does not prevent anything the GPL permits doesn't
> clash with
> the GPL. In other words it can enforce the GPL, it cannot enforce anything
> further.

The GPL permits you to modify and use GPL'd code however you wish provided
you don't distribute it. The GPL permits you to modify, use, and distribute
GPL'd code however you like provided you make the source available.

> > =09You're out of your mind on this one. The GPL gives you the right=
> > to modify

> No you just aren't thinking about the larger picture

You are not thinking in principles. A GPL'd package with a digital rights
management scheme you are prohibited from modifying is an abomination to the
principles the GPL was supposed to stand for. This is not free as in
freedom.

If the free software people will sacrifice freedom in exchange for coerced
openness, then someone else will have to stand for freedom.

DS

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