this post was submitted on 11 Jun 2025
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Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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While I think it would be too hard for most people to be completely free of proprietary software, atleast he is practicing what he preaches. It is a nice goal to someday get there, but I don't think its realistic at the moment.
Kind in mind, though, he is 72 and I don't think he even codes anymore. His computer use probably only consists of mostly Emac (for all text based work) and a web browser (which I read he has a very particular method that involves something similar to wget, lynx, and konqueror). His computer use is very light (I imagine) compared to many Linux users.
While I aspire to and appreciate what the FSF advocates, I don't see a realistic path for myself as a Linux gamer. The proprietary firmware limitations alone would keep you on 2015 hardware.
Source: https://kottke.org/15/05/how-richard-stallman-does-his-computing
I’m not just talking about the free software stuff.
He’s on the record blaming victims of Epstein and chastising a developer for stepping back for the birth of his child, amongst a host of other crazy things.
Truly crazy stuff.
I knew about the Epstein thing and it is pretty offensive but unsurprising. What is surprising is what I just read about the developer in 2005 who mentioned taking time off for the birth of his daughter, essentially implying that contributing to Emacs was a more valuable contribution than having children. That is messed up.
Even worse, apparently there were also old blog posts where he discussed the legalization of sex with minors and child pornography, arguing that certain acts should be legal "as long as no one is coerced" and are only illegal due to "prejudice and narrow-mindedness."
He's not a great guy. I appreciate the work he has lead with free software, but he's said some pretty screwed up stuff.
Sources:
https://blog.codinghorror.com/spawning-a-new-process/
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/17/761718975/free-software-pioneer-quits-mit-over-his-comments-on-epstein-sex-trafficking-cas
I heard that before
Guys like this always go to bat for pedophiles, wonder what he says about queer people.