Ubuntu Distro Discussions (Re: [ale] linux recommendations)

[jimmyc at speedfactory.net (Jim Philips)]

On Thursday 23 December 2004 11:26 pm, aaron wrote:
> Dear Ubuntu Linux:
>
> I am an active member of a well recognized Linux user group in Atlanta,
> Georgia, USA. Several weeks ago I discovered and, based on your site
> information, recommended your Linux distro offerings in response to
> discussions of Linux "accessibility" features on the group's mailing list
> [archives and subscription available at <http://www.ale.org>].
>
> Recently, on the same list, your distro was recommended by others as a
> good, user friendly desktop solution for new Linux users [full email
> below]. The "linux recommendations" thread renewed my curiosity, and I have
> downloaded the current Ubuntu distro with plans of doing some test
> installations soon.
>
> Unfortunately, the author of one of those recent recommendations also felt
> it necessary to accompany his positive technical review with unwarranted,
> politically motivated vilifications of your organization. In interests of
> open discourse and fairness, I am calling these comments to your attention,
> should you care to respond:
>
> " The organization that sponsors Ubuntu is a pack of raging America
> hating liberals.  If that doesn't put you off I would recommend it.  I
> personally like my Linux ideology free. "
>
> I'm afraid this kind of hate mongering, brown shirt language is tragically
> and pathetically common to the fascist, neo-conservative, Pan-American
> movements currently being suffered in our formerly respectable country. The
> formulaic "liberal" bashing construct is  typical of the frequent,
> pre-packaged, exclusively partisan rants issued through supporters of the
> international terrorists who presently retain illegal control of our
> national government. On behalf of the globally respectful majority of
> American patriots (in whole) and the sane majority of Open Source community
> members in the Atlanta Linux Enthusiast group (in specific), I would like
> to offer our sincere apologies.

Here we go again! Once the word "fascist" is pulled out, all rational debate 
stops. If you're wondering why this upsets the list, Aaron, it's because 
political rants have a way of driving out on-topic discussions. This is what 
has nearly ruined USENET. Nobody wants that kind of rot to set in here.