I presume that open source software is good for society -- better than
closed source software.  If I'm right, then software patents are bad
for society, because it's easier to find patent infringements when the
source code is available.

I didn't think that was a particularly profound observation, but
someone whose knowledge and background I respect told me that he'd
never heard it said before.  So, I'm saying it.

-- 
-russ nelson <nelson@crynwr.com>  http://russnelson.com
Crynwr sells support for free software  | PGPok | Government schools are so
521 Pleasant Valley Rd. | +1 315 268 1925 voice | bad that any rank amateur
Potsdam, NY 13676-3213  | +1 315 268 9201 FAX   | can outdo them. Homeschool!