On Thu, Aug 21, 2003 at 04:28:07PM +0100, Scott James Remnant wrote: > On Thu, 2003-08-21 at 11:18, Jérôme Marant wrote: > > We musn't let the bigots decide for us! ;-) > > > <http://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint-discuss/2000/debian-newmaint-discuss-200009/msg00086.html> > > "Jerome demonstrated a clear understanding of the Social > Contract and the Debian Free Software Guidelines." > > Perhaps you would care to re-read the Social Contract and DFSG? Your > understanding seems to have wavered.
Easy, captain. I share Miles Bader's reading of the tone of your message, and I share his concern. Ideologies exist to serve people, not the other way around. The utility of an ideology is that it reinforces purposeful and goal-oriented behavior. It is contrary to my understanding of the Debian Project for us to attempt to enforce an orthodoxy, or punish heresy, with respect to the *opinions* that our Developers share with each other. What we *do* expect is an adherence to a consensus-based understanding of the Social Contract and Debian Free Software Guidelines when it comes to our work products, such as the Debian GNU/Linux operating system. Thus, while I would expect some form of disciplinary action to be taken against a developer who deliberately inserted non-free software into main repeatedly, I do not think it is wise for us to attempt to suppress the expression of mere *opinions*, even those that may be wildly divergent from the ideals of the Social Contract and DFSG. It is only through a free, unfettered discussion process that we will be able to ensure that our statements of principle remain living, relevant documents. Per our Constitution, we do have a process for amending them[1], so organizationally we need not fear losing the ability to adapt to our environment. In short, argue with Jérôme all you want, but please don't accuse him of thought crimes. [1] certain assertions on debian-vote a couple of years ago aside -- G. Branden Robinson | If you're handsome, it's flirting. Debian GNU/Linux | If you're a troll, it's sexual [EMAIL PROTECTED] | harassment. http://people.debian.org/~branden/ | -- George Carlin
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