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Chris Engel: "recourse in the legal system over patents is actually not that common" I completely agree. But that doesn't mean that the patent system isn't serving a valuable purpose, just as the lack of squabbling between neighbors doesn't prove that fences are a bad idea. Silicon Valley is indeed driven by innovation -- that is what makes SV the engine of growth and change that is has been for the past few decades. But innovation generally requires capital, and capital hates risk. A system that protects innovators reduces risk for investors, thereby increasing innovation. Anyway, this is all completely OT. Dean's main point -- that the focus on Teh Debt among the VSPs is misplaced, and that growing wealth disparities are doing vast damage -- is what we ought to be amplifying. I just wanted to say that the patent system isn't the droid he's looking for. - Blue Meme