These do not need initial values.  Let them live in the bss.
 -Erik
diff --git a/chown.c b/chown.c
index 9ff2872..0114033 100644
--- a/chown.c
+++ b/chown.c
@@ -33,8 +33,8 @@
 #define lchown	chown
 #endif
 
-static long uid = -1;
-static long gid = -1;
+static long uid;
+static long gid;
 
 static int fileAction(const char *fileName, struct stat *statbuf, void* junk)
 {