membership

[Bernhard Reiter]

On Fri, Jul 27, 2001 at 09:42:46AM +0200, Josef Dalcolmo wrote:
> I do have a problem with the current closed constitution of the FSFE.
> 
> This is not a democratic system, but a system set up by a few self-nominated 
> individuals. 

This has been addressed before.
The system itself is democratic. RMS approved people.

> there exists no political mandate.

The aim of the FSFE is not to obtain a political mandate in
the way you describe it. We do not want to represent the Free
Software Movement in total numbers.

> I fear that many others, who would be supportive of the Free Software 
> movement, hold back, because they do not really feel represented.

If our actions do not represent you, please tell us.
Listen to a large group of people is not much easier when they are
official members of an organisation. We want to listen.

> Why is it then however, that anyone can become a member of the FSF 
> (in the USA)? 

This is news to me. 
AFAIK only the necessary number of people is actually a member of the FSF.

> how are you going to be respected by the democratically elected 
> members of the governments you are talking to?

Our arguments will have to stand on their own.

	Bernhard
-- 
Professional Service around Free Software                (intevation.net)  
The FreeGIS Project                                         (freegis.org)
Association for a Free Informational Infrastructure            (ffii.org)
FSF Europe                                            	  (fsfeurope.org)
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