Dear Mark and Conrad, On Thu, 20 Dec 2007, Mark Shuttleworth wrote:
> The underlying idea is that Ubuntu should express the best of free > software, but that it should also be useful to EVERYONE and a platform > on top of which people can build even if they don't have entirely the > same set of values. We are not trying to beat freedom into the skulls of > those who do not want it, we are showing them what is possible and > leading them towards that freedom one step at a time. > As some of you all may be aware, I admire the free software movement from the supine position of an acolyte, thought I would wish to posses the skills and think the thoughts necessary to be an author, a writer of good software. I believe that what Ubuntu and the open source movement is about is the recognition and celebration of those touched by the muse of software, who follow the endless cycle; edit, save, compile, debug, edit... The image that I wish to include as part of my understanding of the Dell issue is the Grand Canyon, also in the United States: http://www.oursaviorchurch.org/school/faculty/gthorp/wp- content/uploads/2007/05/tour_grand_canyon_1.jpg Look at this image and it becomes very clear that there are layers of stone set one on top of another. This dovetails with my vision of the software world. This vision is quite beautiful, yet for many, barren. The open source movement represents a force moving through these layers. this force of software freedom is not irresistible in its effectiveness, yet it is immutable. Sometimes it goes around an intransigent sedimentary layer, sometimes under, maybe over, but always in the end this elemental force cuts through. It wins out. Several days ago I celebrated my birthday, the years I have lived now far exceed a half of a century. In my life I have seen damn few miracles. The water of the Colorado River that cut the Grand Canyon may be one, but the Open Source Software movement exceeds even this wonder. I urge you all to continue to squabble, connive and complain, continue to argue, debate, shout and above all, continue to edit, save, compile, debug, edit... Let the water do its work. Kindest Regards, Paul Flint /************************************ Based upon email reliability concerns, please send an acknowledgement in response to this note. Paul Flint Barre Open Systems Institute 17 Averill Street Barre, VT 05641 http://www.bosivt.org http://www.flint.com/home skype: flintinfotech Work: (202) 537-0480 Fax: (703) 852-7089 Free advice .~. is worth /V\ exactly what /( )\ you pay for it. ^^-^^ -- Microsoft has a majority market share https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1 You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is the bug contact for Ubuntu. -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
