I don't see dependencies on Java being any more negative than dependencies on Mono or some other next-generation (in terms of the Linux desktop) platforms (in fact, I see it as a move in the right direction). Java is undergoing a migration path to become GPL free. My belief is that Sun is doing its part to unravel the platform from its less-than-opensource roots. I feel we should be patient because the Java development platform espouses one of the important goals of Linux, compatibility. I think "write once, run anywhere" is a stretch, but at least the software can be compiled on any machine that has a JDK. What we need to do, as a community, is not to try to tear programs like OpenOffice.org away from Java, but continue to hold (pressure) Sun to their promise of GPL'ing Java...ALL of Java. »