I care more about functionality than superficial design. I take a similar position in media (TV & film). For example, I love Babylon 5 even though the special effects are admittedly primitive compared to modern science fiction programs. The WRITING and DIRECTION in Babylon 5 is brilliant. I can forgive something superficial if there is substance to it

The fact MATE exists is proof I am far from alone in my views. Indeed, this is one of the benefits of FLOS software. Noone is ALLOWED, for example, to create a fork of Windows XP if they want to. Microsoft would quickly stamp down and take to court any attempt to do so. But you and I can both be Linux users who prefer different GUIs. Some of this simply comes down to preference - I prefer GNOME as it was before it was ruined and that is what MATE offers me 😄

Gnome 3 got rid of desktop icons and the menu of Gnome 2, it was also a resource hog. Mate offers what I liked about Gnome 2. Sue me.

The next laptop I bought came preinstalled with Windows Vista (AKA Windows Millenium version 2). It was so frustrating I decided to investigate alternatives. I even considered going Macintosh. But I was at a bookstore and saw one of those Linux magazines with a free disc from which I could install Linux. I think it was Ubuntu on the disc (before Unity). I was hooked. I use Trisquel now.

I know this is a joke, but before I discovered GNU-Linux I used XP and didn’t hate it. I was usable. Microsoft hadn’t yet completely stripped away user autonomy.

I like the ones that are forks of pre-ruined Gnome. MATE is my favorite of that type.

I am curious, who is “them” in your statement and how does opposing all three of those things inherently cause me to give up my bargaining power?

Interesting phrasing. A phrasing that assumes assumptions on my part. So … what social credit system DOES exist.

It is possible to oppose all three things. It is possible to simultaneously oppose the Social Credit System in China, the Credit Score system in the United States, and the elites connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

I was talking about Pam Bondi, not Melania

Designed is different from made.

He is describing Donald Trump, actually.

Edit: except he does have real estate. But he still shouldn’t be in charge.

I have been happy as a Linux user for more than ten years now. Never looked back. I use Trisquel.

I look forward to LibrePhone coming online. I hope it comes soon …

“Librephone — Free Software Foundation — Working together for free software” https://www.fsf.org/campaigns/librephone

I have F-Droid on my Android phone. Iike having a marketplace where I can download floss apps.

Another good reason to switch to a FLOS operating system like GNU-Linux. Why give your money to Microsoft if there is a good alternative?

Do you believe in free association? Do you think people should be forced to associate with people they do not want to? Suppose someone got off legally due to a technicality but anyone paying attention with common sense knew that person was guilty? Should I be forced to associate with such a person? Suppose one of those people applies for a job as science teacher for a middle school; should that middle school be forced to hire such a person?

Unfortunately that is true. This is why it is even MORE important for private individuals and organizations to do what they can with the limited nongovernmental power they have.

Judges and juries are for dolling out legal punishment, such as prison time. Private organizations run by ethcal adults can judge for themselves the very obvious connections and guilt or innocence of people they choose to hire or associate with (or not associate with).

If the communication was prior to Epstein’s conviction I might be inclined to provide some leeway – all else being equal. If the communication was after Epstein’s conviction they should be very firm.