Actually, your definition of 'freedom' would better suit the word 'power'. There _is_ a strong relationship between power and freedom so you are esentially correct. Just ask any dictator how much freedom they have...
Similarly, I would argue that your later claim that "the GPL is about power, not freedom" is invalid because it is impossible to separate the two words at all. Dealings with one implies dealings with the other.
In other words, the GPL grants some freedom (and power) to code you don't own. Conversely, The GPL does _not_ grant absolute power (total freedom) over code you don't own. Please note how fundamental the concept of ownership is to the GPL. That, I think, is where your objection to the GPL really lies.
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> Freedom is a lack of obligation; ...
Actually, your definition of 'freedom' would better suit the word 'power'. There _is_ a strong relationship between power and freedom so you are esentially correct. Just ask any dictator how much freedom they have...
Similarly, I would argue that your later claim that "the GPL is about power, not freedom" is invalid because it is impossible to separate the two words at all. Dealings with one implies dealings with the other.
In other words, the GPL grants some freedom (and power) to code you don't own. Conversely, The GPL does _not_ grant absolute power (total freedom) over code you don't own. Please note how fundamental the concept of ownership is to the GPL. That, I think, is where your objection to the GPL really lies.