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Path: utzoo!linus!wivax!mckeeman
From: mckeeman@wivax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: piracy
Message-ID: <19422@wivax.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 20-Apr-84 17:39:52 EST
Article-I.D.: wivax.19422
Posted: Fri Apr 20 17:39:52 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 21-Apr-84 03:23:52 EST
Sender: mckeeman@wivax.UUCP
Organization: Wang Institute, Tyngsboro, Ma.  01879
Lines: 25

The contention that the value of an object (software) is
what someone will pay for it, is right out of Marx.  He
considered them fighting words.

The problem with moralizing on this topic is that,
historically, when the powers-that-be have been used to
enforce an economic policy that was felt unfair by the body
politic, there have been rebellions.  It is wrong to steal.
Yep!  And it is wrong to exploit one's power.  Often enough
the "people" have risen against property rights when they
have felt them abusively applied.  What is stealing today
becomes military heroism tomorrow.  In the end the law
bends to the people when its enforcement is seen to benefit
the few at the expense of the many.  The Robin Hood
reaction to the 414 Hackers and your local friendly
software thief is built on such a political base.

Only so much can be accomplished by preaching against the
evils of theft and calling for better enforcement.  One is
also advised to notice a rebellion developing and making an
adjustment in the state of affairs (extortionate prices)
before it gets out of hand.

/s/ Bill McKeeman   ...decvax!wivax!mckeeman
(please abuse me privately -- I buy my software)