OSNews

Don't make an opinion because you think it will "benefit mankind." The public, the common good, the "people", is a false idea.

That's an idelogical position, not based on any scientific theory itself but on a philosophical belief. As such, it is entirely valid to hold the opposite position, that there is such a thing as a common good, the "people" and the public. In fact, all of our societies are based on that very belief, even the good ole' U. S. of A. (who has quite an interventionist economic policy, by the way, through the Pentagon and through agricultural subsidies, including billions to the already-rich sugar industry).

Fundamentalists of free market theory arguing on these forums should remember that, without the notion of "common good", the Internet wouldn't exist - nor would civilization as we know it. Fortunately, the vast majority of people understand that, under the most hypocritical of populist banners, such right-wing ideologues only serve the interest of a privileged elite. This is why democracy is a good thing, for the will of the people is the only legitimate sovereign.

Software patents are legally and financially out-of-reach of SMBs and individual coders. They are in fact only available to large corporations, and serve not to foster innovation but as corporate defensive weapons. That is the reality. Now, perhaps they can be reformed so that they do not put SMBs or individuals at a disadvantage, but that would require some major overhaul.

It seems that pleas in favor of software patents almost invariably stand for the supremacy of the large corporation over the small entrepreneur, whether they admit it or not...