The JCP (Java Community Process) provides some degree of community control over Java itself.Java has no patents encumbering it.Although Sun's JVM is not Free, it is open source.With Java, you have choice in where you get your VM: Sun's JVM, IBM's JVM, Jikes, GCJ, Kaffe, etc.Sun's benevolent dictatorship of Java means that Java is a standard -- he is what the Microsoft settlement is all about: keep