Re: Re: [governmentforge] Shocking news about Microsoft's ability to kill Open Source

All -

I appreciate the coaching on BU, however, my intent was not to go after 
Boston University. I don't consider that a very productive approach and 
it does not empower Open Source or the Desktop Linux event.

The point one may be missing has to do with how Microsoft operates and 
the fact that we have little recourse at law.

In an article I wrote called "Linux Access in State and Local 
Government", I pointed out the organizations that showed up to lobby 
against the Open Source legislative efforts in Oregon and Texas. 
Microsoft, though present at the hearings, didn't say a word. They had a 
number of orgainzations do their talking against Open Source.

Alber Einstein pointed out that 'The problems that exist in the world 
cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.'

Let us not forget that one time IBM was the worst enemy of the industry. 
When they had 98% of the market for hardware, a little firm called 
"Apple Computer" altered their paradigm and brought the old and might 
IBM into a new era.

We need a new paradigm and some creative thinking to solve the problems 
open source faces against a large and persistent enemy.

I thought the comment about getting others to sponsor open source events 
to obtain marketing funds was the product of a creative mind. It took a 
disapportment and used an empowering interpretation to present a fresh 
idea. It changed the context of the content and though humorous, had 
some very sound thinking behind it. We don't want to encourage people to 
hold events to get money from Microsoft, but we want to certainly create 
events and find allies.

I'm looking for ways to use our strengths to bring a level of freedom to 
people in the age of technology. When I couldn't afford to take any more 
UNIX admin classes or buy a box, Linux opened up job opportunities for 
me. I ran a low powered 486 computer I bought at an auction with Linux 
and learned UNIX administration, scripts and some "C" programming.

That's because so many people gave of themselves to benefit others. 
That's an idea whose time has come.

I appeal to everyone to let this specific event lie and let the 
organizers of the Desktop Linux event go forward. Also, please let Bruce 
Perens handle the situation. Bruce certainly won't try to solve the 
problem with the same thinking that created it.

Thanks for the encouragement of strong support. People with heart, 
courage and inner fortitude make up this community with which I have the 
good grace to know. I am deeply touched and grateful.

Tom Adelstein