Gnu patent paradoxymoron (new word!)

I invite the open source software guy to discuss his views with me. He says:

“Given your decided lack of response to the matter of software patents and the damage to scientific inquiry that causes, I don’t think there is much else for us to discuss. Have a nice day.”

I reply:

“I am sorry to hear that. To be honest I didn’t understand your questions or statements and had to do some research to get the relevant background information.

Finally at gnu.org I found their description of why free software is important to them. Personally for me I get the greatest sense of freedom when I don’t use software (free or paid) at all – my ideal life would be sans any LCD screen.

Since you have all that free software can you explain what is the problem? Are there specific organizations trying to assert patent rights against the gnu developers?

Or is the issue with patents more philosophical?

On a practical note I would have thought that it’s very hard for patent owners to pursue any on-line open source organization – they can’t even shut down pirate bay. So my guess is you guys should be quite happy to just ignore patent rights. I would if I was you.

If the unwashed masses are uneducated and don’t seem to mind being controlled by patent owners then so what? It’s their problem.

cheers
Ian”

I really do find people odd.