[CLUG] Re-education of the politicians

[Ruairi Newman]

Hi all,

Now that the software patents debacle is at an end, for the moment at least, I 
was thinking it might a good idea to try to meet the TDs and MEPs around Cork 
and help them to understand what Open Source is, how it benefits the Irish IT 
industry and society as a whole, and how many businesses in their local 
constituencies are using or developing Open Source software.

I'd like to counteract the propoganda put out by Microsoft and their ilk that 
depicts Open Source advocates as rabid anti-globalisation nuts, and try to 
bring some sort of legitimacy to the concept in their minds.

I think a series of scheduled meetings with the public representatives, for an 
open discussion would help very much in this regard.  By open discussion, I 
mean that however unpalatable they may be, we should also listen to the 
politicians views, before trying to counteract them.

If anybody is interested at all, please let me know ASAP.

Btw, I have no intention of letting this become partisan.  This not about 
confrontation, and comparing party political policy.  This, I believe, should 
be about ensuring that individual public representatives understand and 
hopefully sympathise with the FOSS community.

Regards,


Ruairí


-- 
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.