Announcement from www.kubuntu.de

[Daniel Carrera]

Michael T. Richter wrote:
>>Strikes are not extortion or blackmail.
> 
> They are extortion.  They are not blackmail.

Strikes are not extortion. Extortion is illegal.

>> Not all types of "pressure" are wrong. 
> 
> Not all extortion is wrong.  "Drop the gun, release the hostages or 
> we'll blow your brains out" is extortion and it is justifiable.  So are 
> many (not all!) strikes.

That is not extortion either. Extortion does not mean "pressure". 
Extortion is (I quote) "Illegal use of one's official position or powers 
to obtain property, funds, or patronage."

Strikes are not extortion because they are legal. The police saying 
"drop the gun" is not extortion because it's legal and they are not 
getting property, funds or patronage.

>>Extortion is illegal, strikes are legal.
> 
> So.... wildcat strikes are legal?

This Kubuntu.de strike is legal. You also have a legal right to strike. 
I don't know what a "wildcat" strike is.

> All strikes are extortion, however.

No they aren't. An illegal strike might be, but I can't remember the 
last time I saw an illegal strike (including Kubuntu.de - that one is 
legal too).

> "Do what we want or we'll hurt your business" is pure extortion.

So, when a customer says "support Linux or I'll shop somewhere else" 
that's extortion? It isn't. It's legal, and it's not even about getting 
money or property.

Daniel.
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