Let me explain how you are wrong. You say things like:
> Calling the system "Linux" denies the GNU Project
> credit for the GNU operating system.
This is wrong. The use of a proper name does not commit
the user to any particular characterization of what bears
that name. I can use the name 'Linux' without in any way
committing myself to a denial of the role of GNU in Linux.
When I use the name 'Linux', I (usually) denote that
collection of software consisting of GNU's tools, Linus's
kernel, Ximian's MUA, etc. I do this without contradicting
myself in the least. In philosophical jargon, proper names
do not have connotations.
To see, this, suppose I decide to start calling you "Mr. X".
This may not be very polite of me, but it is not incorrect,
so long as everyone understands whom I am referring to.
So when you say that 'GNU/Linux' is a "just" name and
'Linux' is not, you are wrong. There is no such standard
of justice.
In your view, Linux is "the GNU system" with a Linux kernel
added on. Fine. But it is wrong of you to imply that this
is the only way to regard what you call 'GNU/Linux'.
It is equally legitimate to regard it as Linux with GNU
utilities added on. There is no objective standard for
what constitutes a "system" or "the same system" in this
context. You are wrong to imply that there is one.
I am willing to entertain the proposition that the GNU
project deserves greater recognition in Linux circles than
it has received. But I want to warn you that quibbling over
a name is a bad way to try to improve the situation. Doing
so on the basis of bad arguments is doubly bad.
Apart from that ... carry on the good work!
-- Thomas Hood <jdthood@yahoo.co.uk>- To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in the body of a message to majordomo@vger.kernel.org More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/