csappenfield at kc dot rr dot com wrote:

While it might be comforting (especially after the trouncing in the recent elections) to think of conservatives in general as jackbooted nitwits who love "hierarchy and authority", it probably just isn't true. For example, conservatives worship free markets, which are nothing if not "anarchy, lawlessness, [and] chaos".

Conservatives also like property rights. Free software comes with enormous property rights, in exchange for which we give up some methods to profit from those rights. Free software allows cooperation, but doesn't force it- installing Linux on your computer doesn't make you a member of some commune, regardless of what Forbes would have you believe.

Business conservatism, rather than political conservatism, is what really opposes Free software.

Let's set the record straight. Here are the core canon's of the ideological ax grinding conservative, from the man (Russell Kirk) who coined the term in the first place:

http://www.kirkcenter.org/kirk/thought.html

Ten Conservative Principles (1993)

First, the conservative believes that there exists an enduring moral order.

Second, the conservative adheres to custom, convention, and continuity.

Third, conservatives believe in what may be called the principle of prescription.

Fourth, conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence.

Fifth, conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety.

Sixth, conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability.

Seventh, conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property are closely linked.

Eighth, conservatives uphold voluntary community, quite as they oppose involuntary collectivism.

Ninth, the conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints upon power and upon human passions.

Tenth, the thinking conservative understands that permanence and change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society.

-- Garrett Goebel IS Development Specialist

ScriptPro Direct: 913.403.5261 5828 Reeds Road Main: 913.384.1008 Mission, KS 66202 Fax: 913.384.2180 www.scriptpro.com garrett at scriptpro dot com