This is an outdated article from Nov 28th 2006. Also I don't get the hn title. This article doesn't mention "spyware" at all.
The root cause of the problem here is that users should never assume that their distribution is going to protect them. Other systems have remained closed or become like Ubuntu because that's how they thought they could deliver the best product to their users. The reason the FSF believes that free software protects users is that users have the right to view, modify and redistribute the source code. You also have a responsibility. Don't assume that because your distribution is on a list that it won't include spyware - look at the packages, see what they're doing. Be vocal as soon as you see a trend you don't like. Ubuntu's been headed in this direction for years. Nobody has time to view the entire distribution, but seriously - put more effort in than this.
Very funny. Vanilla Ubuntu is #1 on the list.
here's the best one which respects the user, works well and is extremely stable: debian.