Actually it is more like perl is Re-Public (even though it wasn't ever not public). What other language gives so much power to it's programmers. They can add to the whole groups ability by creating moudules for CPAN. And the programmers can give there input to the developers of the language and actually be heard.
Perl also gives us the ability to break from the Microsoft Standard System...
Learn patience, you must.
Young PerlMonk, craves Not these things.
Use the source Luke.