Is it better to be safe or free?

Kelly McNeill of OSOpinion writes: “We’ve all read vitriolic screeds — here and elsewhere — written by open source advocates who declare their willingness to fight the good fight and defend to the last breath the principles of open source. It’s all very fiery and very stirring. And yet… when the heat really comes on, most of these speechifiers fold like a cheap suit. When the lawyers come calling, when the threatening letter or e-mail is received, when the threat of fines or imprisonment looms, brave words are forgotten and only the frightening specter of *consequence* remains.”