The free software movement has the capacity to create a level playing field where anybody can compete to provide services and make profits and create a strong economy. The characteristic of a strong economy is when jobs are created. More jobs means more people have money to spend. Meaning they can buy things. Meaning companies can survive. Free Software also has the capacity to ensure that companies follow ethics, relative as it may be.
huh? I thought free software was something to do with the most efficient way of writing software - never knew it's job was to reform capitalism.
Free software has a lot of potential. Application of that potential to unique problem statements depends on how good a "hacker" one is.