Re: [gNewSense-users] more x-org stuff

[Justin Baugh]

> I think the license of xserver-xorg-driver-nsc isn't free because the
> section containing: "Under CURRENT (2001) U.S. export regulations this
> software is eligible for export from the U.S. and can be downloaded by
> or otherwise exported or reexported worldwide EXCEPT to U.S. embargoed
> destinations which include Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran,
> Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan and any other country to which the U.S. has
> embargoed goods and services." may not suit freedom 2: The freedom to
> redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor. So i disagree with
> bbrian regarding this point.
>
>
> This one is most likely freedom-limiting.

This discussion strikes me as being kind of silly. The reason why it 
can't be exported is likely because it contains cryptographic elements, 
which the US (and a lot of other countries) count as munitions and/or 
items which are restricted for export (see EAR/ITAR in the US).

This argument can be drawn out to the point of absurdity: According to 
the ASF, most Apache projects contain elements which are export 
restricted. Would you remove them from gNewSense as well?

In addition: The software license is not what restricts the 
distribution,  but the *law* of the country you are residing. That is an 
important point to remember. All this paragraph says is: "If you export 
this, you may wish to follow the laws of the country in which you reside."

-Justin

--
Justin Baugh (baughj at gnu dot org)
Senior Systems Administrator
Free Software Foundation