Trying to understand this sentiment. Why does it matter? What do the authors’ politics have to do with using the software or not? Do you generally avoid any company that does any political speech?
I formulate opinions of people when I hear their political leanings; usually negative ones. I have no reason for this, and frankly, I don't want to do it. It just happens.
And yes, I do avoid companies with outspoken political views that I disagree with, especially if their actions tangibly harm other people.
The breaking point for me was back when I updated my beloved Notepad++ and it started typing something ominous into a text file. I couldn't stop it so I unplugged the network in panic because I thought I was being hacked by a script kiddie. Then I actually read what was written, and it was a current political message. I would really like my tools to not give me a jumpscare.
People disagree very easily in political matters. And when I am trying to focus on work or my personal projects I don't need to be roped into some pointless ideological discussion or metal state. For that we can go to HN
It works like advertisement for ideology
Imagine you are installing Chrome and the installer shows a banner saying: we support Trump, Biden, Ukraine, Russia, China, invading Iraq... You might then feel uncomfortable using/contributing to software that has nothing to do with politics, because of a developer founded/random/misguided opinion
For me, I try to avoid politics in general since I’m (along with everyone else) so inundated with it on a daily basis. It’s so wonderful and refreshing to find places where it doesn’t exist and isn’t mentioned. No matter how much bad is going on in the world we all need to be able to mentally escape it. It’s just one of those vital things.
So when you go to download the newest version of one of your fav text editors and you’re faced with messages like “you guys support who I support in the war right?! You should because the other guy is crazy! I stand with this side, I’m literally changing the world!” and I just gotta sigh and roll my eyes. Sir this is an Arby’s.
