[spamizbad]

Considering the variable produced by code in question is never used, as shown by two comments in this thread, indicates to me that ESR is wrong.

Which is odd, because ESR is an expert programmer, so one would assume he'd check to see if this was a case of dead code. He does not do this, and instead prattles off wingnut talking points on climate gate.

[zppx]

ESR a programmer? Do you ever read the mailing list of the major FLOSS projects out there? Read them and search for his name. It was even the theme of a webcomic in the past: http://geekz.co.uk/lovesraymond/archive/show-them-the-code

[jimbokun]

The fact that the variable is never used is relevant to whether or not ESR's claims are valid.

His general political view points are not.

[dk]

If the variable is never used, why does it exist nonetheless? It's a valid question.