---------------------------------------- compassion is important September 18th, 2019 ---------------------------------------- I started this phost intending to say something about RMS [0] and the various responses I see coming out on the web and in gopherspace. (HTM) [0] Richard Stallman and the Fall of the Clueless Nerd The thing is, nobody really cares about "yet another opinion". It's just another example of how comments are useless [1]. (HTM) [1] "Comments" on Labs blog Instead I think I'll say something about compassion. Right now people are suffering. Richard Stallman is watching in shock, outrage, and yes, in pain, as the world he built around himself falls apart. He is suffering. Also, the dozens of individuals he has interacted with over the years who have been the targets of his well-meaning pedantry, of his priviliged musings, and of his "hot takes", are feeling the painful effects of those encounters. They feel demeaned, less-than, or ignored. They feel injured, helpless, outraged, and yes, in pain. They are suffering. Epstein's victims have suffered horrendously and suffer still as the government closes their options for compensation in the wake of his suicide. In short, there's a whole lot of pain going around and we'd all be a little bit better people if we took a moment to consider it before we launch into our next diatribe. That's not to say you should shut up. Just try not to forget there's humans on the other side of your outrage.