There's a song I really enjoy[*] with a line that always hits me as
being both beautiful and wise:
"You talk far too much for someone so unkind."
I first heard of the GNU Project and the Free Software Foundation in
1995. For twenty-six years I've supported the FSF and FSFE in a variety
of different ways. For these twenty-six years, Richard Stallman has
been at the forefront of the FSF. In all that time I have trouble
remembering when I have ever seen him be kind.
My direct experiences with him have all been frustrating. I know many
hackers whose direct experiences have been harrowing. I do not know a
single hacker whose direct experiences have been marked by kindness.
Last year when the FSF removed him from the Board of Directors, I
welcomed the news. I hoped the FSF would appoint better leaders. They
did not: instead, they've reappointed him to the board.
None of us have to tolerate toxic leadership. We can always leave. For
that reason, I'm stepping down as the FAQ maintainer. It was never a
particularly big job, but I tried to do it responsibly. I will also be
ending my financial support of the FSF, FSFE, and affiliated groups for
so long as Richard Stallman has influence in these organizations.
I'm not leaving the mailing list. I'm not leaving the community.
You'll continue to see me around. And, should Richard Stallman resign
or be removed from positions of influence in the FSF and FSFE, I will be
happy to pick up the FAQ maintainer role again.
Thank you, Werner, for the chance to contribute to GnuPG (in my
admittedly small way). It's been a true pleasure doing this.
Be kind. Expect kindness. Especially demand kindness from your leaders.
[*] "Leave a Trace" by Churches.
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