[A2k] Re: [Upd-discuss] Free us from the Swindle

[Richard M Stallman]

I sympathize with the feeling behind these protests, but they are
directed at the wrong target.

The protestors rightly condemn the Authors Guild for demanding
the removal of the screen reader feature, but the way they are
doing it makes Amazon look like a victim.  Actually it is the
main perpetrator.

The reason that Amazon can turn off the screen reader capability is
that the machines use non-free software, controlled by Amazon rather
than by the user.  If Amazon can turn this off retroactively (does
anyone know for certain if they did?), it implies the product has a
dangerous back door.

In addition, the Amazon Swindle is designed with Digital Restrictions
Management to stop people from sharing.  It is a nasty product with an
evil goal.

I hope there will be protests against Amazon's role in these events.