On Thu, 2009-03-19 at 09:06 +0530, Vikram Vincent wrote:
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Raj Mathur raju@linux-delhi.org Date: 2009/3/19 Subject: Re: [ilugd] CPI(M) manifesto calls for promotion of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) To: ilugd@lists.linux-delhi.org
I don't recall the BJP stating a position on patents in agriculture and pharmaceuticals yet. However, at the risk of being forever banned from this list, I believe that openness and transparency in those sectors is orders of magnitude more critical than some piddly little software patent and FOSS vs proprietary software debate that only affects a few of us elite types.
People dying because of lack of food, farmers unable to use the seeds of their crop for their next sowing, patients not receiving treatment since they cannot afford patent-encumbered medicines -- these are issues that make intellectual debates about software seem as relevant as a dispute in a kids games of marbles during all-out nuclear conflict. From that point of view, thank you CP/M for at least mentioning patents in agriculture on page 16.
Dear Raju,
I agree with Raju that there are matters that are much more important to people, especially in India, than software freedom. Food and health are two of the basic necessities of life and they are being threatened by proprietarisation of knowledge and control by multinational corporations. They are even trying to control the kind of food we eat. These are very important issues and some of us, Free Software activists, are involved in movements against these also, as you may know. Let us thank the CPI(M) for making it a point in their manifesto.
Having said that, let me say that I don't agree that the issue of software freedom is totally insignificant. It is important because the government is beginning computerise its work. And in that, transparency and security are important factors. There, the use of proprietary software could compromise various things that could affect not just some elites but everyone. Therefore, I believe, software freedom has a place, though not as high a place as food and health.
Best