MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-02-11 |
| FROM | Dave Williams
|
| SUBJECT | Re: [hangout] Re: eGovOS conference in D.C.
|
I previously observed that the use of the word "related" in the term
"related fields" gives Mr. Stanco, Esq. carte blanche to include
Microsoft. After all, Shared Source is a product they offer to
government institutions, vaguely related to the concept of making source
code available.
By the same logic, Hershey's Foods could give a speech on "Making the
kind of Chocolate Milk the Oval Office just loves." They publish the
main ingredients on the side of each little plastic bottle. Kentucky
Fried Chicken may not be eligible, though, what with those secret herbs
and spices and all.
Does the inclusion of Matusow blemish the conference? Yes, and you seem
to agree because you ask if it blemishes the conference "badly enough".
Part of the creation of the Free Software and Open Source movements is a
belief in principles which should not be compromised. Not even a teeny
tiny little bit. A similar thing happened with the creation of the
United States of America -- not a perfect analogy, but a general one.
And yes, blemishes happen all the time and continue to happen. We must
be ever vigilant in the defense of our principles!
I only wish Mr. Perens had something to say on the subject. I know he's
on vacation, but the question is simple enough. Does he really have to
pawn it off on Mr. Stanco, Esq.?
- Dave
On Tue, 2003-02-11 at 09:07, Stanley A. Klein wrote:
> I have copied from their web page the goals of the conference and the list
> of speakers (not yet organized into sessions). After reviewing the
> material, do you really think that the presence of one speaker from
> Microsoft and another a known Microsoft shill (who, IIRC appeared in a
> panel session debate at the last conference) blemishes the conference badly
> enough to turn it from real advocacy to weak advocacy?
>
>
> Stan Klein
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
> Here are the goals of the conference (from their web page):
>
> The conference will draw participants from local and national organizations
> from both the public and private sector.
>
> The goals of the conference include:
>
> * the presentation of best practices
> * raising awareness
> * sharing of experiences among policy makers, donors, users/consumers,
> universities, and industry specialists in Open Source, e-Government and
> related fields.
____________________________
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