US IT jobs going overseas creating 'IT Rust Belt'.

[JD Runyan]

Though maybe this was for the list, but it may have been just a flame for my 
entertainment alone.  I personally have no problem thinking for myself, and 
could fill pages with counter arguments to many of the beliefs expoused in 
many of the postings that are politically related.  I try to choose not to, 
because the noise makes it hard for those who really want to see Linux 
related information to get to it.  Why not create a second list to post to 
for topics that have diverged too far, or add a tag to the subject line that 
indicates the messages as such.  This would allow people to filter the extra 
crap they don't want to the junk pile, and still read what they want.  As far 
as having like minded views, I seriously doubt that just because we all are 
interested in Linux, we share a plethera of common social and political 
views.

On Monday 12 May 2003 13:38, Jason Clinton wrote:
> I'm pissed. If you don't want to read a huge flame, skip the rest of
> this message.
>
> I hate this trend in society. The one that says it's no longer okay to
> have an opinion; to express your viewpoint with your colleagues. The
> people on this list are our compatriots and for the most part, we have
> like-minded views of the world in which we live.
>
> This is a mailing list for people who use Linux. Not a mailing list for
> Linux. Would you chastize someone in the same way you just did above for
> talking about politics at a LUG meeting?
>
> I do not aggree with the parent poster's assesment of history, but I'm
> glad he's expressing his dissent. Sometimes I feel as though I'm
> shouting at the wind; I'm crying fire to people in a burning house that
> don't believe the house is on fire. I'm glad that I still know a handful
> of people who can stomach the disdain we get for pointing out everything
> that is fucked up in this world.
>
> If you don't want to share the human experience with the rest of us, I
> suggest you stop thinking for yourself. The simple truth of the matter
> is, there is no way to construct a 'sanctioned' place for discussion of
> democracy. In such an environment, we cannot find people who share are
> unique identities with which to relate. We must discuss such things with
> the people we understand.
>
> Politics, economics and governement policy affect us all - even Linux
> users. This parent topic is about jobs in the IT industry and how the
> aforementioned PEG's affect it. It's certainly on topic and certainly
> our duty as the citizens affected by these policies to say something
> about it. If you have someone contructive to add to the coversation, I
> suggest you simply add it. If you don't, or don't care for the
> conversation, stop reading the thread.
>
> Discussion, dissent and debate are the democracy our population is fast
> losing its grasp on.

-- 
Jason D. Runyan
USDA NITC KC
Mid-Range Systems