Re: Building An Apple ][ Software Archive

[Roy and/or Janet Miller <millers@inetnebr.com>]

Paul Schlyter wrote:

>
> > Hi. I guess I've been accused of being a vogon from time to time. But if
> > someone compelled me to sign a license that has been declared to be an
> > illegal infringement on my rights, I personally wouldn't feel compelled.
> > Please keep in mind, that my personal standard is that if you make a
> > promise, even if it causes financial loss you should keep that promise (Ps
> > 15, and elsewhere), but an illicit promise compelled would be a different
> > story I would think.
>
> I'm sorry, but promises cannot override the law.  If someone wants
> you to make a promise which would be an illegal infringement on your
> rights, you could make that promise and that person would still be
> unable to legally enforce your promise.

But that is the point Paul. Many times people weasel out of contracts through
loopholes, the motive being to avoid financial or other loss. But what good is
their word then? I live in a part of America where I've met MANY older people
who have told me how when they made deals, it was all on a handshake, and people
kept their word, even if later on, due to changing conditions they might take a
loss on it. I wasn't saying that promises overrode the law, I was saying that a
promise is a promise, even if you can legally void the promise, and that a
persons' word should be their bond. However, when that word is compelled from
them, and that very compelling was illegal, well, I can't hardly see such a
promise as binding.

> An extreme example: if I
> promised you, in writing and in front of witnesses, that you could kill
> me anytime you wanted to, you would still be unable to do it legally.

Yes, but now you have a case that is the opposite of the above, where a promise
is made to do something that is it self illegal.

Roy

>
>
> --
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Paul Schlyter,  Swedish Amateur Astronomer's Society (SAAF)
> Grev Turegatan 40,  S-114 38 Stockholm,  SWEDEN
> e-mail:  pausch at saaf dot se   or    paul.schlyter at ausys dot se
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