--- Andrew Suffield <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On Sun, Jul 20, 2003 at 09:18:32AM +0100, J.D. Hood wrote: > > That is not surprising, given that Debian, unlike the FSF, is not a > > monarchy. > > ITYM "autocracy". > > A monarchy is an autocracy where (under normal circumstances) the > monarch inherits their role, usually by blood relation or marriage.
The word 'monarchy' does not have to connote hereditary power. The Concise Oxford defines the word as meaning 'a supreme ruler'. It derives from Greek words meaning 'to rule' and 'alone'. Historically, not all monarchies were hereditary; some were even elected. RMS is the philosopher king of the Free Software Foundation. Whether he is also autocratic, that is, "a dictatorial ruler", I don't know because I am not a member of the FSF. Cheers -- Thomas ________________________________________________________________________ Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo! Messenger http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com/
