Re: [Fsfe-uk] Re: Lobbying UK govt (MJ Ray)

[Richard Smedley]

Nick Hockings wrote:

> > I think this is something AFFS should at least endorse, but can you tell
> > us more about how this is going to be approached, please?
> 
> Basically I have some disposable income that I will use to pay food, travel
> costs etc...  for a friend who is taking a gap year in his comp sci degree.
> Being a long time regular of the FSFE-Discussion list his views are on record
> and close to the main stream of FSFE. He is technically competent, and capable
> of presenting to small groups and individuals. (Since he is based in 
> Manchester
> would you like me to arrange for him to meet with one of the AFFS exec in that
> area?)

That would be me (25 miles from Manc at weekends)
 
> I aim to get DemoLinux CDs and a series of letters to every member of UK
> parliment. Some will be generic letters based closely on AFFS, FSFE, and FSF
> documents, others will be targeted to the interests of individual MPs and the
> committees/departments in which they serve. The general message being:
> 1) the charitable & scientific nature of free software as per the Four 
> Freedoms
> & GPL, plus its compatibility with the original principles of copyright.
> 2) the techincal quality & utility of the available free software.
> 3) What MPs can do to help and to use free software wrt legislation and govt
> purchasing policy.

I'd be happy to help on the letters (and other docs)


> In addition to delivering these to MPs offices, my freind will reply to &/or
> visit every MP who responds. (There are about 660 MPs ie upto 2 per day to see
> them all in one year.)
> 
> To back this up I am recruiting a team of volunteers around the UK who are
> willing to install and maintain free software in their local MP's offices. The

How are you going about this? I think the LUGs and 
PM groups could be a useful resource here. Also a 
little publicity to attract further volunteers -
I'm sure such a project could get at least a small
news mention in both UK Linux mags.


> principle being that the surest convert is a user. It also has the advantage
> that MPs would become knowledgeable of the technical reality of changing over.
> That way there should not be any over ambitious, abortive roll-outs and they
> won't fall prey to prorietary FUD.

Of course there is a lot of room for things to go wrong
here, too, but let's not be negative.
This sounds a great project, Nick. I hope we can
all find constructive ways to help with it :-)

- Richard


-- 

Richard Smedley
Production Editor, Linux Format

Telephone +44 (0) 1225 442244 ext 5038
`The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is
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