The mails I had posted in response to the statement by the FSF-I Board on the FSF-friends and FSUG-Bangalore mailing lists have been vandalised. See http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002447.html http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2008-November/005788.html
I am CC'ing all the currently listed list admins and RMS. To whoever did this: You cannot silence our voices by simply deleting mail content. I am resending my response.
Greetings,
<quote> * *
*9. Are the members of the Director Board of FSF India elected? *
<snip> As mentioned in the answer to an earlier question, FSF India is not a mass movement and is not a democratic organisation. The purpose of FSF India, as of FSF, is to provide guidance to the Free Software movement. This purpose could be easily defeated if it is made into an elected body.
</quote> India is considered one of the biggest democracies in the world and the Free Software Movement is for the democratisation of technology and knowledge. However, the namesake of FSF in India ie., FSF-India, whose role is to lead the Free Software Movement has clearly defined itself as undemocratic.
Let us take things objectively to analyse, debate and come to some sort of an understanding.
Democracy, transparency and openness are considered the pillars of the free software movement. We talk about free(or open) standards, free knowledge, etc.. and then we hear "Democracy? That is only for theory." How can one ensure democratisation of knowledge if one is undemocratic?
The Board of FSF-I may have to (re)read the works of Eben Moglen and actually implement it in their functioning. I think the following quote of Eben Moglen is important in this context. From http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Transcript_of_The_System_Of_Ownership_Of_Ideas
"Haven't you heard," we say, "The era of presidents for life is over. We are holding elections, here. Here, we made this, its called democracy. Would you like some? Take it, its free."
In solidarity with the Free Software Movement, Vikram Vincent
There are some more instances. See http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002177.html http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2008-November/005675.html and compare with the actual text here. Anybody can independently verify.
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Vikram Vincent vincentvikram@gmail.com Date: 2008/11/18 Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] a clarification needed To: Principal Support List of FSF-India fsf-friends@mm.gnu.org.in Cc: Free Software Users Group - Bangalore fsug-bangalore@mm.gnu.org.in
2008/11/18 Arun M arun@gnu.org.in
<snip>FSF India was not part of the conference though some board members participated in the event. Our participation is no way an endorsement to the conference. FSF India do have its own stand on the conference. Please note that this has nothing to do with what happened.
Why is it that FSF-I has no public opinion about anything important? Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore... We want to know the reason for FSF-I not being a part of the conference.
From the Vision of FSF-I http://www.gnu.org.in/why-we-exist the only work of
FSF-I is to be a not-for-profit company with certain goals which are not mass movement oriented. This is not useful to the Free Software Movement which is a mass movement. Is FSF-I democratic in its constitution? Meaning, are the members elected or do company policies apply? If FSF-I continues in this manner then why do we need any FSF-I? We need an organisation which can guide this Movement and not simply to give verdict/blessings that "this/you is/are right", "that/you is/are wrong",... We want to know how FSF-I intends to proceed in the future. Does it plan to be a participant in the Movement? We want it to be democratic and representative of the Movement in all senses and not simply through talk.
States must be controlled by the public because they have power over the public. Governments represent the public, so they must give the public a way to decide what they should do. None of that applies to FSF India, since it does not exercise power and does not represent a population.
The purpose of FSF India is to advocate the firm ethical position that software must be free. Most of the people who like using free software reject this position, and want to make compromises we consider unacceptable. To give an FSF a democratic structure would enable the majority with their "open source" views to take control of it and change its goals and direction. The structure of FSF India is a necessary precaution to prevent that from happening. To change it is out of the question.
The FSF India's resources consist of the time and money that people choose to give to it. Those with different views are free to establish organizations to promote their views. Whatever you wish to advocate, you can do so, and the existence of FSF India is no obstacle. However, if you wish to support an organization that will continue to uphold the principles of free software, you may be glad that FSF India is one.
Dear RMS, I respect your views expressed in the mail and thank you for the reply. My views are the same as of FSF/FSF-I - to promote free(as in freedom) software. Our Karnataka team(yet to be baptised) follows the mass movement approach and links free software with other important issues such as caste oppression, dalit rights, education and research etc... My outbursts on the mailing lists were sparked by the series of destructive developments that had taken place on certain fora as they were not in the best interest of the free software movement. However, your clarification is appropriate. I am eagerly looking forward to your address at my institution - Christ University, Bangalore where I have been working with the Management, staff and students of all streams and departments to develop Christ University as a Centre for Free Software in Karnataka. With respects, Vikram Vincent
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Richard M Stallman -
Vikram Vincent