It follows, doesn't it, that Jim Bidzos would be forced to apply similar legal pressure to the Cypherpunks leadership to get them to remove PGP from their site, a site which may be one of the leaders worldwide in distributing PGP.

Now we see Tim suggesting (in the spirit of "pancritical rationalism"? I'm not so sure...) that we move away from PGP, and Eric offering arguments showing why Bidzos has to do what he is doing.

Is there a connection? Are Tim and Eric under pressure from Bidzos to get PGP off their site? I don't know, but they would certainly be likely targets for Bidzos' efforts, and so it is understandable that they may be feeling personal discomfort. But I'd like to hear more about the relationship with Bidzos.

Hal

I think you are being a little paranoid. I clearly see the points that Eric and Tim are making. RSA is not going to "roll over" for us. If they did, it could mean the end of their company. Jim out of detante, might not be sending us (the Regents of UC to be exact) a letter because of the potential ramafications (both legal, and publicity wise) It would not be a good move for RSA or for cypherpunks, but if this issue heats up, he may be forced into this stance, which is one I'm convinced by meeting the man, that he personally would not like to take, but WOULD take if it came down to us or the companies patents being made null and void from failure to enforce them. I think he is passing over us for the time being, unless media attention causes him to do otherwise, remember he would sent "the letter" to the regents of UC Berkeley they are the one's who own soda, not the cypherpunks. I think we have to decide whether we are promoting PGP or an individuals right "to affordable secure cryptography" I for one will continue to use PGP until something better comes along. I'd be willing to give RSA $50 - $100 for the right to use the software, in this case BECAUSE THE ISSUE OF PRIVACY IS MORE IMPORTANT TO TO ME THAN THE ISSUES OF WHETHER SOFTWARE IS PATENTABLE. Now this does not mean that I don't believe in free software but if we don't stop the stuff that the feds are doing right now, the other issues won't make any difference. What founding father said "If we all don't hang together we will surely hang seperately" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEXUS SYSTEMS/CYBERTRIBE-5 : Voice:(415)965-2384 Fax: (415)327-6416 Editor/Instigator/Catalyst : Geoff White <geoffw@nexsys.net> Production Crew : Universal Movement Trinity <umt@nexsys.net> "They might stop the party, but they can't stop the future" --PGP Public key available upon request-- AT&T:Phones with Big Brother Inside, Just say "NO" to the Clipper wiretap chip! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------