Is Ubuntu going to adapt Ice Weasel?

[Jerry Haltom]

So, if *I* fork Ubuntu and add some patches to Firefox, I have to go
through a huge process to get certified? Or get approval? Or I have to
do the work of renaming all the packages, removing logos, changing text
strings, in many translated languages.

This is why Debian said no. It violates the DFSG. Users should be free
to use the work distributed without prejudice.

This is the same situation we are seeing today with patents and it
invokes one very real point that needs to be asked:

"What are our core values? Are we here to provide an OS that is feature
complete, willing to license the components required from third parties,
making agreements to use graphics, artwork and code. Or are we here to
convey a certain freedom to our users, while providing the best OS we
can with these, most certainly ideological, restraints?"

I'm here for the ideology. The only way this OS has happened is the
unwillingness of those who came before us: Debian, the FSF, to make
concessions. The unwillingness to cater to third parties that
compromised their core goals.

I will quote http://www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/philosophy:

     1. Every computer user should have the freedom to run, copy,
        distribute, study, share, change and improve their software for
        any purpose, without paying licensing fees. 

And further down:

      * The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
      * The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your
        needs.
      * The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others.
      * The freedom to improve the program, and release your
        improvements to the public, so that everyone benefits.

The question then is what has to be agreed upon with Mozilla in order to
satisfy those requirements?

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