An opinion is an interpretation, synthesis, and extrapolation based on information believed by an opiner to be true.  Without a factual basis positions taken have no clear meaning or validity.  The author's piece on programming asserts facts not in evidence while at the same time demonstrating factual error in equating what was done in the early 1940's with what is done now in computer programming.  Yes, in a land of freedom of speech he can say anything he likes.  I don't speak to him.  I speak to the readers of this piece to alert them that his underlying facts are in question.