The Software Protection Racket
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``Protection'' is the euphemism lawyers and businessmen use as a dress for monopolies such as patents.  The word ``patent'' is itself a eupemism, invented by an English barrister 350 years ago to cover up the persistent granting of monopolies contrary to the requirements of the Statute of Monopolies.

Inventors have been American icons, so the word ``patent'' has acquired a positive connotation: it suggests a natural right which an inventor deserves.  This emotional response makes it hard for people to question the presumption that patents are just and good.

The word ``protection'' adds to this unconscious bias.  It suggests a kind of shield, a defensive weapon.  Actually, software patents are not shields; they are swords used by one business to destroy others.  A person who thinks in terms of the word ``protection'' may find it hard to recognize this truth, despite all the evidence.

When we use the euphemisms of the opposing side, we give implicit acquiescence to a complex of ideas which supports their position.  This is not a good way to convince people they are wrong.

Since lawyers regard ``protection'' as proper usage, you may feel pressed to use the word so as not to sound ignorant.  If you yield, you will give implicit support to the underpinnings of their position each time you use it.

Instead of adopting their word, take the opportunity when they use it to explain its bias, and thus their bias.  You can say that you will use instead a word that reflects your position the way ``protection'' reflects theirs: the word ``monopoly''.

Another useful thing you can say is that the kind of protection a programmer really needs is protection from patents.