Melancholic ramble
So, another week comes to an end. The US economy is not in a healthy state, not matter where you look. Even the mighty Google has just sacked 300 skilled people. See
the following new article about the situation as a whole.
The Great Depression: The sequel
A record number of Americans receiving food stamps. Gas prices at an all-time high, and staples such as milk, eggs and bread costing a prettier penny every week. The average number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits reached its highest level in two years last week, while just this week, construction spending fell for the fifth straight month and manufacturing activity shrank to its lowest level in five years. Real estate values are even plummeting in the Hamptons, and hedge funds started off 2008 with their worst quarter ever.
From "recession", to "deflation", to "depression". At times like these it's reassuring to know that companies like Red Hat are thriving. Microsoft just keeps up appearance, but the reality for Microsoft is actually
rather grim, with rampant copyrights infringement seen as a must and versions of Windows XP being dumped at the Eee PC for almost no charge. The Eee PC is no exception because the same strategy, based on distribution rules, now applies to similar competing units that are too disruptive to Microsoft's wishful software tariff.
Microsoft is very desperate to destroy GNU/Linux and cause great harm to the GPL. Without competition, Microsoft can then name any price that markets will bear. It can then also crack down on copyrights infringement without fearing mass defection ("where
else would those 'thieves'/'pirates'/'criminals' go?"). Microsoft burns up a huge amount of resources on FUD, which it sometimes
spreads through what used to be called "Munchkins" back in the OS/2 era.
Be alert but do not be afraid. GNU/Linux is gaining and it is certainly winning. This Web site has seen a sharp rise in traffic since the beginning of this month, with about 8,000 visits a day, according to Webalizer. Let's keep up the good fight for freedom in software. Every economic downturn can bring great revolutions by knocking down abusive and suppressive empires. Brighter days are ahead.
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