FLOSS/Linux Political Party
Sid Dabster
sid_dabster at yahoo.ca
Thu Mar 3 00:36:26 UTC 2005
*** Proposal for a FLOSS/Linux Political Party ***
I suggest a Linux Party is formed to promote the idea
of free software (and possibly related ideas). The
last European Election with the patent issue showed
the relevance of politics to the free software
movement. Voting purely on patents lead to some
undesirable alliance partners. While as LUG Radio
noted, the patent issue did not brake through into the
mainstream media. If free software is to gain mass
use, we need decision makers and media to be more
aware. A Linux party with a free post drop and media
time will do this just as other single issue parties
have.
Q. What would be involved
A. For a reasonable campaign per constituency
i. 12 signatures and a 500 pound deposit
ii. A leaflet designed on a personal computer
iii.50,000 copies would be duplicated (these
can contain adverts) about 250 pounds
iv. Turning up to 2 husting (optional), just
repeat the same answer to each question.
v. 5 minutes radio interview.
"Manifesto" Could include
*Use of FLOSS, Linux*
no to DRM
no software and look & feel patents
open hardware
standards (end vendor lock-in)
free books
end of EULAs
no coding obfuscation
DeCSS, freedom to watch DVDs
Write what code you want
End security paranoia
freedom to listen to CDs
stop criminalising end users
Anti-Microsoft
etc.
etc.
Remember IP and computers are more important than
ever, several billion may be saved by using FLOSS.
Want more hospitals, tax cuts etc.
PS. As an FLOSS idea, I welcome copying and improving
(anti-SPAM and virus policy) the document. Perhaps the
party could have an honorary President like RMS, Linus
or Alan Cox. I forgot to mention setting up a party
involves 3 people signing some forms and a start up
fee of 150 pounds. I can imagine Tux or GNU on the
ballot paper now.
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