Comment 546 for bug 1

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. ^^-^^